June we purchased a highly advertised product known as the "Q" Barbeque. We put it away for a Christmas gift for our friend. Christmas, our friend was given his new gift, tried to see how it works, and it doesn't.
Initally, it fired up as expected, but immediately died down and has not worked since. It does not emit as mush flame as a Bic Lighter. Our Non working gift was embarrassing and disappointing.
In January, we thought we would contact the manufacturer and see if there were any suggestions as to how to make it work properly, or repaired or replaced.
The suggested phone number that was enclosed with the packaging for customer service was 800-689-2023, and is disconnected with no referral number. I searched the internet and found their web siteand it suggested another service number for my category, and that is 800-762-4427. After repeated tries witnin a full week, the recorded message said the winter storm prevented them from having enough staff to answer the phones.
The following weeks attempted calls recorded message said there would be at least a 30 minute wait to speak toa person as they were experiencing a high volume of calls.
The third week, I finally reached someone by the name of Judy. Having explained my problem, and that I would like to know how to get the "Q" repaired or replaced, I was asked when I purchased it, and was asked to hold. When Judy came back on the line, she again asked when I purchased the "Q" and told me the warranty was only good for six months.
Ironically, it was just six months from purchase date to Christmas. Hmm. I didn't even know there WAS a warranty.
Any fool could see the unit has NEVER been used.
This item was only $99.99, plus $8.52 tax, but it was intended as a gift. The receiving individual was absolutely thrilled when he thought he had a new Barbeque for his Pontoon Boat.
Everyone present on Christmas Eve was originally impressed, and then ultimately let down. I have made many long distance, futile phone calls, failed e mails, and failed faxes. I am enraged and feel as though some sort of fraud has occurred here.
I have sent letters to the Offices of the Attorney Generals of Oklahoma (state in which purchase was made), Bureau of Consumer Protection, Nevada, (where the Thane Corp. Warehouses), Dept of Business and Industry, Nevada, and Linens N' Things where the purchase originated.
I was willing to pay for the repair, if required. We simply wanted to do what was necessary to correct our fouled Christmas Gift.
I strongly feel THANE CORP. Is misleeding in their product and their high profile advertsing on Televisions Infomercials as well as on the web. I can't help wonder how many laws they are in violation of.
Thank you for your allowing me to vent my disgust and disappointment.
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