Collet Communicator, Where to buy????? Options

[joezr2]

Ok, there's a long story here and if shadetree doesn't redeem themselves I'll post it but....

I am looking for Collet communicators. I either want the Platinum 900 or the cricket. I ordered 5 platinum 900s for $145 each but they are out of stock. On the collet website they are $169 (+30 bucks shipping) and when you are buying five of them it adds up quick. I talked to them and they can't sell them at a dealers price otherwise they wouldn't have any dealers. I understand that. I would rather buy the crickets at around $120 which don't even show on the collet site.

The short story is shadetree is out of all of them (yes, the website says "in stock.") I can't find anywhere else that sells them! I tried dennis kirk, high performance, ODS, and I googled my fingers off for three days and only found a couple used units on ebay.


Help?!

[educated-swine]

we bought ours direct from collet even though shade tree was cheaper the advantage in buying direct is that collet will set the channels you want on the units and if you are buying 5 you can even get your own personal channel that way your group will not get interference from other users

[joezr2]

I did check into that and the club channel can be programmed after purchase from a dealer. I'll also need to get the free groomer beacons for our club's groomers direct from Collett......if i can ever buy the darn things....

[joezr2]

no one knows of another vendor for these things? please!?

[FreezerBurnt]

They are built here in Winnipeg

[joezr2]

and do you know where to buy them Jay?

[bobcatcharlieboy]

when you talked to collet they can't refer you to a dealer

[zman300]

I emailed them, this was there reply.

Online store http://www.collettcommunicators.com or call 1-800-665-7888

[joezr2]

The online store is significantly more expensive than shadetree. The rep I talked to stated that they can not honor their dealers' prices or they wouldn't have any dealers. (Made sense to me.) I plan on making another call to shadetree toninght and if I don't get anywhere I'll call collett back and ask for another dealer. I really should have asked last time I called but at the time I didn't realize there was a problem.

Again, if this doesn't work out I'll post a play-by-play description but do not wish to bad-mouth shadetree before they have a chance to make this right. I'm not usually a person to do that sort of thing but I'm really annoyed... You know what they say, with good service you tell 3 people. With bad service you tell 10.....

[joezr2]

Ok, now I’m even more annoyed…….

10/28/09 emailed advertisement expires for gift certificate offer $20 for every $100 spent (max $100 gift cert.) I couldn’t get my guys committed until Saturday so we missed that. Our fault although now I see it would not have mattered.

10/31/09 Website says “Special Pricing thru 10/31/09 is at $145.00 each. A GREAT DEAL!!!!” I agree and order 5 Collett Platinum 900s for a total of $728.99. Part number 97-501. They are shown as “in stock.”

11/1/09 Person A calls from shadetree asking me to call back before 4. I get the message at 5.

11/2/09 I call shadetree and talk to person B. I am told the Platinum 900s are out of stock and no more will be received. The order is cancelled. The person tries to sell me some Scala Rider brand alternative (not even close alternative.) I advise I will call back once discussed with my group.

11/2/09 I call back and talk to person C at Shadetree. I try to place order for 5 Collett Crickets as advertised on two emails I received and is at the top advertisement line showing “Special Pricing thru 11/30/09 is at $124.00 each. A GREAT DEAL!!!!” On 10/31/09 when the original order was placed the price of the Cricket was $114 each. Person C tells me that they have 115 of these Cricket units on backorder. They have ordered 300 from Collett. She told me she would not take my order because of the backorder. I mention the multiple advertisements and the website. She refuses. I mention the price difference since my original order. She repeats that she can not place my order ignoring the question. I ask to be notified if they get their shipment. I am advised they could send me an email. (They never did.)

11/2/09 I called the manufacturer Collett. I advise them of the situation. They can not sell me the units at the same price due to the dealer agreement. I understand. The Collett rep mentions that they have a shipment of Crickets boxed up and ready to ship to Shadetree.

11/2/09 I call Shadetree AGAIN and talk to person D. I give the rundown of the events so far. I tell person D that Collett has their order ready to go. Person D still refuses to take my order citing their system showing the unit as “phased out.” I ask how can they be “phased out” if they are receiving a shipment of 300 and they are being advertised on their website and in email flyers. I am given yet another curt answer repeating the words “phased out.” I ask again to get on a list again citing the “hurry, order now” pricing. I am told to call back later. I ask when I should call and am told later in the week. For the first time I let my frustration show on the phone and state “I have never had such a hard time spending money with someone! I want to give you 600 dollars!” Still no apology.

11/9/09 I wait exactly one week after exhausting all avenue to purchase these units somewhere else for a comparable price. I talk to person E. I give the synopsis yet again and am told there is no problem taking my order for the Crickets. I repeat what multiple reps told me- they can not place the order. She assures me there is no problem after checking with supervisor number 3. I am given no apology for the past week. I am not even asked to be put on hold. I thought she hung up on me at first. She takes my order refusing to give me the $114 price from the original order date. I state that the most recent email ad I received gives free shipping on all orders over $79 until November 11th. Since she will not honor the original price will she at least give me the free shipping? She curtly asks for the media code. 153555. “Your order is $623.99. Your order number is xxxxx.” She hangs up. I’m not sure if I’ll get a receipt but I have an order code. I quickly calculate the $124 X 5= $620……. She still charged me for the shipping……

Despite what my day job is (arguing) I am the type of guy who doesn’t send back the cold steak or complain to the manager. I have never spoke to so many reps at one company who were not only unfriendly but downright rude. You will say there are two side to every story and that is true but I am paid very well for my negotiation skills over the telephone and my ability to get people to do what I want them to do on million dollar accounts while thanking me at the end of the conversation. These people could not care less about my $6-700 order. I still can’t believe I spent $623.99 with a company that treated me so poorly…….

[zman300]

That really sucks.

Maybe you should become a dealer for Collett.

[joezr2]

Exatly why would I do that? I just tried like heck to buy an expensive product and was treated like dirt....over and over again. Coming from an organization that prides itself on customer service I was completely shocked. I would expect that from a fast food establishment, not someplace like Shadetree.....

I don't blame Collett. They were more than friendly and tried to be helpful on the phone and i understood exactly why they couldn't help me.

I only wrote my story because 1. I am angry. 2. hopefully someone else will not have to go through the same crap that I just did. 3. hopefully Collett would like to know how their dealer is treating their customers. (I plan on sending this to them and Shadetree (with the actual names of course) Though I doubt it would do any good.....

[zman300]

Eliminate Shadetree.
Deal direct with Collett.

[Kerry]

That's a real shame to go through all that.I echo zman300 and I'll explain why.I ordered my Platinum 900 last year for 169.99 Canadian.Certainly not a 145 but anyway on advice from a friend that has had collets for a number of years i also ordered an extra power cord for the headset,which is the point most affected from movement be it the wind or head or whatever.Anyway they sent three and charged only for one..bonus!!They are 10 bucks a pop. Also all I had to do was tell them which area is my home trail zone and they set the beacon warning on that channel.My order was phoned in and I received in less than a week.Definately worth dealing direct.
Kerry

[joezr2]

Boy when you guys are right, you're right...... December 6th and they still have not shipped them. I called on Friday and at least they didn't lose my order......