Michael Devan
Radio Shack Damage Internet

Radio Shack damaged a piece of my musical equipment and will not compensate me for it.

I took a Yamaha DG-Stomp (orig. Retail $499) to Radio Shack (Winton Rd.) after calling them because my original power supply died. They told me to bring the unit so they could make sure the replacement was correct. Upon arrival a large man went to a wall rack, grabbed a box, unpackaged a power supply, plugged it into my unit; all the while blocking my view of what he had pulled.
My DG Stomp clearly has AC IN 12V 700ma marked on the back. The clerk then switched my unit on, it lit, then we turned it off. I paid and left.

Upon getting home I tested the unit and nothing happened. I discovered I was sold a DC12V, 1000mA power supply that when first plugged in, blew diodes in my DG Stomp. It was the (DC) power supply, not the voltage and amperage numbers that was the issue.

Upon spending hours calling several repair centers most every expert I spoke to said that the DC power supply fried my machine. I called the Radio Shack regional manager and she wanted to ship my unit to their repair center in FL.in the mean time I found the needed and correct power supply and it was able to light the machine up, but without any audio output. We sent the unit and all three power supplies to FL. The repair center in Florida used the new / correct power supply and assumed the unit worked (because it lit up), then returned it without (apparently) testing the output. They suggested to the regional mgr. That the unit worked and not to compensate me for any damage. I thought that shipping to Radio Shack repair could be a bit biased and dangerous after another RS store manager declined to have his stereo amplifier worked on by them (ask me for the details of THAT story).

So based on the inspection in FL, Radio Shack has declined to pay for the damage. Upon its return, I have taken the unit to an authorized Yamaha repair center and they have stated in writing, that the damage was indeed caused by the incorrect power supply provided by RS. Their regional mgr. Will only listen to what their guy in FL is saying. They wont even look at my documentation. Nice way to protect themselves...

A used unit on e-bay is running around $150. The repair is expected to be around $75-125 depending on parts costs. Parts are however on back order and may not be available.

I have now spent the hour equivalent of DAYS on this matter. It appears that large corporations have convenient options to cover their mistakes.

My equipment has since been repaired by an authorized Yamaha center ($59). A written statement for cause of damage was submitted and Radio Shack will not compensate me for the damage.

(shafted consumer)

Company: Michael Devan
Country: USA
Phone: 8174150479
Site: radioshack.com

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