Garmin and their service

[Sully]

My Garmin story…….

Back in 1998 I bought a street pilot3 from Garmin to us on my Motorcycle
And In my truck and car to find customers homes for estimating jobs
About 6 years later about 2004 I found out about Garmin
Reconditioning policy.. For a price of about $ 200.00 they would go though
The Unit updated the software fix any worn or worn out buttons scratch screen ect….
So I thought..Hey I bought this unit for a little over $ 700.00
Why not drop $ 200.00 get it all tuned up and Im good for a while
Now mind you there was nothing really wrong with the unit
Except for about six years of normally ware and tear
Well it was gone and back in about 14 days except there was one thing different
Garmin had sent back a brand new unit, which I used for another 6 years
With no problems. I still have the unit but have bought also a new Garmin 255W
I also bought my wife and son a Garmin 250W which we have already gotten
Two free “Map” and Unit software updates form off the Web page for free
I have also owned a Garmin 176C Chart plotter, which I have had similar luck with
And always-great service and always a person on the phone when I had to call Garmin
Well to go on further with my praise of this in my opinion Great Company
I had also bought in 2003 a Garmin 2006C Chart plotter and sounder for $2000.00
I have had this unit for 7 years with know problems at all on my boat
I was working in my boat last week and saw it was a little weathered
And showing some wear on the buttons after 7 years
I called Garmin…Got a person on the phone right away
They gave me a repair number I gave the my credit card to charge $ 290.00 to
Go over my unit and refurbish it, as needed “It was working fine and no problems”
I just received it back yesterday “A new one” this as I said a $ 2000.00 unit new
All my waypoint routs and maps all up and running in a new shinny unit
I must say I know few if any companies that support their customers as well
Or respect the integrity of there products
I will be looking forward to being there customer for a while yet

Do not work for Garmin or know anyone that dos
Just a very happy and satisfied customer sharing
The good news of a Great company

Regards,
Paul

 

[R & R]

agree totally. Every time I've called, I come away knowing, I have the best product from the best company. They are truely great to do business with. They must treat their employees well as it shows in the care they , the employees, give to us.

 

[DougP]

Sully,

thank you for a positive post about an electronics company. seems like most post are rants about the poor customer service from any of the manufacturers these days.

glad you had a very positive experience with them.

kudos to you sir.

 

[Luv2fish]

I've had the exact same level of service. I have a small handheld unit. It really gets beat and last year took on a lot of moisture. I sent it away with $110 and got a brand new (or refurbished that looks new) unit in 7 days. I have a total of 6 Garmin GPS units across 2 boats, 4 cars, hunting and running. I have had GREAT luck with the units and the "out of warranty" repair plan is amazing.

I also don't work for Garmin but I think I do my fair part in keeping the business running!

 

[JTR]

Awesome!

 

[ryanc2]

Similar experience except for the "got a person on the phone right away" part. I've waited close to an hour on average - at least during the "season."

 

[vcimav]

I also sent out my unit 4120 on Monday overnight and had it back by the following Monday. Great service the unit was replaced under warranty and working fine. Good to know service is solid.

 

[Bryan 2530]

I have never sent anything back yet but I love their stuff.

Anyone have their cell phone?

I'm thinking of picking one up.

 

[CaptainJim]

I love garmin stuff, so easy to use. My favorite all-time device is the 2010c. Used it on the ferry boats I ran and on the head boat I owned. The person who purchased my boat is under strict agreement to give me first purchase at the 2010c should they every upgrade electronics.

I had a 178 monochrome, and I still think it was easier to use than my color northstar navman 6600.


I had a problem with my navman not locking on to sats in 2007, I and their cust service thought it was the antenna. I threw a 100$ antenna at it, still didnt lock on. it took them nearly 3 months turnaround time to fix it - they didn't even fix anything, just updated the software (Crap *I* coulda done THAT).

I would have never bought the unit, but it was a wedding present, and I lack the cash to purchase the 12" humminbird sidescan / plotter unit I really like. I wont be buying any northstar (who purchased navman) units ever, that's for sure.