Hi
I had a locomotive serviced at one of the top ten lionel stores, and when I got it back it was missing a builders plate and had multiple chips in the paint. When I called the store up, they denied this and said that they have never had this problem. Any idea on what further action I should take?
Suggest: If it is a "Lionel" operated store, a letter to Lionel's Corporate Office or if it is an idividually owned and operated store, check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if there are any other such complaints. Perhaps there is a "Class action" pending.
I don't know the actual extent of the damage but sometimes it is probably best to just let it go and don't use them again. (At least the 'service' work was done OK) Life is too short to worry about material things. Enjoy the running!
traindaddy1 wrote: I don't know the actual extent of the damage but sometimes it is probably best to just let it go and don't use them again. (At least the 'service' work was done OK) Life is too short to worry about material things. Enjoy the running!
you didn't say if this is an expensive locomotive, but the fact it had a builders plate that could be lost suggests that it is. I wouldn't let it go. I'd talk to the owner about it. Especially if you are a repeat customer. There is no excuse for damage, and even less for taking care of it. You paid for their service. now it's time for them to own up to it. but whatever happenes, learn from this. Take multipl pictures of any item before taking anything else anywhere for service. Perhaps on the store's counter in front of them. This will keep all involved honest.
Dave
It's a TOY, A child's PLAYTHING!!! (Woody from Toy Story)
Forget the phone.....go to the store in person and show them. Be calm.....but also stand your ground. If the person you're speaking with doesn't offer to resolve the issue (or isn't empowered to do so), ask to speak to his/her boss....or the store manager.
The point that you need to drive home is when you took the locomotive into their store for service all parts were included. When you picked it up....parts were missing. Insist that they make it right.
Again....be calm. You're not going to get far...and certainly not going to get what you want by going in with guns blazing. The only thing this will do is get everyone on the defense and no one gets anything.
Jerry
This is one of the reasons I am hesitant to send off anything to a store for upgrades or modifications. Not only can the item get broken in transit, but you may not get the same item back or it may get damaged during repairs. Even more difficult is going to be figuring out WHO did the damage. Was it damaged on the way to the repair station, at the repair station, or one the way back to you? If you hand-carried it there, without "before" pictures that are dated, it's gonna be hard to prove the store did the damage. There are enough devious people around that the store has to protect themselves against scammer who will bring in something that is barely held together in the hopes the store will goof it up and then repair it for free. I'm NOT saying that's what you did or would do, just playing devil's advocate for the store's position. I would definitely "mark" anything I sent in in an inconspicuous location so that I could know for sure what I am getting back.
Dep
Virginian Railroad
LL675 and Jerry: Good points.
Dep: Great advice. I, too, "mark" and photo items before they go for service.
I would insist the store make it right with you.
"You catch more flies with honey than vinegar"
Wayray
Alex I hope its not your B&O Pacific!
PJ
Skullie wrote: Alex I hope its not your B&O Pacific! PJ
No, it's a PRR K-4
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