FYI: Loomis Warranty

[bigfruits]

this is an outrage. they wont pay shipping on a rod not covered by warranty?

everyone send me your imx and glx rods (ill pay for shipping) and ill burn them all in the backyard. that should learn em.

ps-

dont ever buy a new car.

[Alpster]

this is an outrage. they wont pay shipping on a rod not covered by warranty?

This is the point that I think we are missing. Rods are very expensive to ship. You can ship a dozen reels for less than it costs for 1 rod. I don't know of any company that will pay for shipping on warranty work. I have had hard drives, broken camera parts, eye glasses, video player and motorcycle parts replaced under warranty, but I always had to pay to ship them back to the manufacturer. Although Roger got a personal beat down from a customer service rep that was out of line, I still think it's not reasonable to expect rod manufactures to bear the exorbitant costs of shipping rods. The loomis expediter service is just a simple way to replace the rod (good thing) without paying the high cost of shipping (necessary thing). I ship a lot of rods and I can tell you that loomis is not making any money on the expediter service. I like loomis rods and the expediter service. I have used it several times.

Ronnie

[senile1]

I see no problem with the Xpeditor service either.  It just seems to me that it would be good customer service, in Roger's case, for G.Loomis to tell him to send them 25 dollars (or whatever amount covers the original Xpeditor shipping costs) and they will provide that service.  He has already paid the first half of the shipping costs to send them the rod so he just needs to pay the other half.  He sent the rod in for warranty/replacement service and Loomis disagrees that it was a manufacturing defect.  That's fine.  People disagree.  Sending it in for warranty service should not negate the Xpeditor service, IMO.  It's possible that the Xpeditor location for sending replacement rods and receiving damaged rods is completely different from the warranty/repair center and this is why Loomis does this, but I still think it is not the best idea from a customer service standpoint. 

[tyrius.]

At least they are honest about it. I wouldn't trust a company that hides the price of cost in the price of the rod and spreads the cost between everybody who purchases the rod. If you never have to use the warranty, you're still carrying part of the load for someone who breaks it under questionable circumstances. I've heard those who support such a practice as "rod commies".

I hate commies and I hate rod commies even more.

Every single company that warrants their product includes the "cost" of the warranty in the price of their product.  It has nothing to do with "commies", it's just the way business is done.

[Al Wolbach]

Unless Loomis policy has changed you can get a new rod for $20, not just $50. If you ship your rod to them first and don't mind waiting a couple of weeks for the replacement they will replace it for $20. I sent about 3 feet of a 7 foot rod back(must include the handle with rod description ie;MBR844c GLX) with $20 about 5 years ago and received a new rod a couple of weeks later with no questions asked..............Al

[steezy]

Ive owned 3 Loomis rods (now own 2), all GLX's. I broke 1 of them, my fault snapped the tip off mishandling it. I didn't hesitate to use the Xpeditor service and pay $50 to get a new replacement GLX, after all it was a $350 rod. If it had snapped while fishing I might have a different opinion but even then I probably would have used the Xpeditor service and paid the $50 for a new rod since I would have had to pay $20 anyway to send the broken rod back to loomis, why gamble and risk losing the $20 when you can pay another $30 and guarantee to get a new rod. I understand that people are upset about the uncertain terms and conditions of the warranty but most companies will rule in their favor on a warranty issue. Its the age of the bean counter and accountants now rule most companies.

In my opinion, the G.Loomis GLX rod is one of the best off the shelf production rods made (if they offered a split grip, all my rods would be GLX's), I will probably buy more in the future.

[Alpster]

Unless Loomis policy has changed you can get a new rod for $20, not just $50. If you ship your rod to them first and don't mind waiting a couple of weeks for the replacement they will replace it for $20. I sent about 3 feet of a 7 foot rod back(must include the handle with rod description ie;MBR844c GLX) with $20 about 5 years ago and received a new rod a couple of weeks later with no questions asked..............Al

You had to send them $20 to cover shipping a new rod back to you and you had to pay to ship it to them. I can't see where you are saving a ton of money over the expediter service.

Ronnie

[RoLo]

I actually forgot this picture was in my camera (should've sent it to Shimano America).

At the very least, it rules out a boot step, the car door and high-sticking.

Unfortunately, it lacks the magnification to show the "hit mark" found by Shimano ;D

http://216.149.215.9/scans/Loomis-Failure-2.jpg

Roger

[Pantera61]

At least they are honest about it. I wouldn't trust a company that hides the price of cost in the price of the rod and spreads the cost between everybody who purchases the rod. If you never have to use the warranty, you're still carrying part of the load for someone who breaks it under questionable circumstances. I've heard those who support such a practice as "rod commies".

I hate commies and I hate rod commies even more.

Every single company that warrants their product includes the "cost" of the warranty in the price of their product. It has nothing to do with "commies", it's just the way business is done.

That's my point.  If someone wants a warranty, let them pay for it.

[SWMIBASSER]

I actually forgot this picture was in my camera (should've sent it to Shimano America).

At the very least, it rules out a boot step, the car door and high-sticking.

Unfortunately, it lacks the magnification to show the "hit mark" found by Shimano ;D

http://216.149.215.9/scans/Loomis-Failure-2.jpg

Roger

That's your rod. Tell them to send it back. I'll buy it from you.

[RoLo]

I've been reading through the replies to this thread, and need to put things in perspective.

The original intent of my message was to serve as an "FYI" regarding the Loomis Warranty.

To that extent, I feel this post was very successful, obviously many were unaware of the glitch.

As for me, I feel perfectly justified in forfeiting the Xpeditor Service.

The fact that they stuck me for a $26 shipping cost, further justifies my decision.

I declined their Xpeditor offer for four good reasons:

First and foremost, I did so out of principle, because I didn't feel that I was responsible for blank failure.

Secondly, I was looking for an education on a road less traveled (going with the flow is boring).

Thirdly, as the photo above clearly shows, the rod was not a GLX, and $50 is a high percentage of the original cost.

Finally, I was never thrilled with that particular rod, and I feel that the same $50

would be much better spent toward another Okuma or new Damiki.

Over and Out,

Roger

[flechero]

Roger,

So you would have been able to use the expediter?  I missed that in the other pages of replies.  I do understand your reasons for declining... although I would do it and then sell the new rod to front the purchase of your alternative but that's just me.

For as little as this will be worth to you, I have used both the expediter and the regular warranty... both were smooth and easy for me.  Just to say that they don't automatically deny regular warranty claims in hopes of "selling" a replacement through the expediter.

[senile1]

Roger,

So you would have been able to use the expediter? I missed that in the other pages of replies.

I would like clarification on that point as well.  I thought you were not allowed to use the Xpeditor service because you sent the rod in for the warranty service. 

[RoLo]

Roger,

So you would have been able to use the expediter? I missed that in the other pages of replies.

I would like clarification on that point as well. I thought you were not allowed to use the Xpeditor service because you sent the rod in for the warranty service.

You had it right, Ed.

The first words out of their mouth was the Xpeditor Service.

They pushed Xpeditor as hard as a refrigerator salesman would push a 5-year warranty.

I understand why they want the $50, but I trusted their integrity to honor my warranty instead.

I was wrong, because they found a "hit mark" that was not there.

Once declined, the Xpeditor Service is "no longer available" (the hot setup, eh?).

Shimano furthermore refused to defray the $26 cost of shipping

Their behavior only justifies my decision not to buy into their 'inexorable' Xpeditor Service.

Flechero,

Yes, in retrospect your approach would've been the most economical.

BTW, I respect your ability to do an about-face, that's a show of principle.

Roger

[Lucky Craft Man]

Roger,

So you would have been able to use the expediter? I missed that in the other pages of replies.

I would like clarification on that point as well. I thought you were not allowed to use the Xpeditor service because you sent the rod in for the warranty service.

You had it right, Ed.

The first words out of their mouth was the Xpeditor Service.

They pushed Xpeditor as hard as a refrigerator salesman would push a 5-year warranty.  I understand why they want the $50, but I trusted their integrity to honor my warranty instead.

I was wrong, because they found a "hit mark" that was not there.

Once declined, the Xpeditor Service is "no longer available" (the hot setup, eh?).

Shimano furthermore refused to defray the $26 cost of shipping

Their behavior only justifies my decision not to buy into their 'inexorable' Xpeditor Service.

Flechero,

Yes, in retrospect your approach would've been the most economical.

BTW, I respect your ability to do an about-face, that's a show of principle.

Roger

Well, that actually clears things up for me.  I was under the impression from what Bantam1 said, that once your warranty claim is denied, you are not eligible for the Xpeditor Service.  I'm still sorry to hear about your bad experience, but I'm happy to hear that the Xpeditor Service was still an option (and still an option if I ever get denied on a warranty claim).

[SPEEDBEAD.]

LCM, I think your initial assumption was correct.

From what I read in Roger's post, the Xpeditor program IS off the table once a warranty claim is denied.

My interpretation:

-I call Loomis about my broken rod.

-I am offered the Xpeditor and decline the offer, instead opting to send it in for warranty evaluation.

-My warranty claim is denied

-I am left with no recourse.

I think this is what went on.  I may very well be wrong, but that is what I got from it.

[RoLo]

Well, that actually clears things up for me. I was under the impression from what Bantam1 said, that once your warranty claim is denied, you are not eligible for the Xpeditor Service. I'm still sorry to hear about your bad experience, but I'm happy to hear that the Xpeditor Service was still an option (and still an option if I ever get denied on a warranty claim).

As Speedbead pointed out, your first take was correct, but your second take is incorrect.

My warranty claim was denied, and NOW I'm no longer eligible for their Xpeditor Service, and it cost me $26 to be denied.

Roger

[SWMIBASSER]

LCM, I think your initial assumption was correct.

From what I read in Roger's post, the Xpeditor program IS off the table once a warranty claim is denied.

My interpretation:

-I call Loomis about my broken rod.

-I am offered the Xpeditor and decline the offer, instead opting to send it in for warranty evaluation.

-My warranty claim is denied

-I am left with no recourse.

I think this is what went on. I may very well be wrong, but that is what I got from it.

It still doesn't change the fact that it's your fishing rod. Broken or not. They should send it back. Then have one of your buddies send it in with the Xpediter program.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Well, that actually clears things up for me. I was under the impression from what Bantam1 said, that once your warranty claim is denied, you are not eligible for the Xpeditor Service. I'm still sorry to hear about your bad experience, but I'm happy to hear that the Xpeditor Service was still an option (and still an option if I ever get denied on a warranty claim).

As Speedbead pointed out, your first take was correct, but your second take is incorrect.

My warranty claim was denied, and NOW I'm no longer eligible for their Xpeditor Service, and it cost me $26 to be denied.

Roger

Oh...I see now.  Before you even sent your rod in for a warranty claim, they were trying to steer you towards the Xpeditor Service, but once you so no and you wanted to go the warranty claim route, that made you ineligible for the Xpeditor Service.  Well, I am back to the opinion that they have developed to dumbest policy ever.  I just don't get that...

[SPEEDBEAD.]

LCM, I think your initial assumption was correct.

From what I read in Roger's post, the Xpeditor program IS off the table once a warranty claim is denied.

My interpretation:

-I call Loomis about my broken rod.

-I am offered the Xpeditor and decline the offer, instead opting to send it in for warranty evaluation.

-My warranty claim is denied

-I am left with no recourse.

I think this is what went on. I may very well be wrong, but that is what I got from it.

It still doesn't change the fact that it's your fishing rod. Broken or not. They should send it back. Then have one of your buddies send it in with the Xpediter program.

Just clarifying a point for LCM, not my position on the matter.

[Lucky Craft Man]

LCM, I think your initial assumption was correct.

From what I read in Roger's post, the Xpeditor program IS off the table once a warranty claim is denied.

My interpretation:

-I call Loomis about my broken rod.

-I am offered the Xpeditor and decline the offer, instead opting to send it in for warranty evaluation.

-My warranty claim is denied

-I am left with no recourse.

I think this is what went on. I may very well be wrong, but that is what I got from it.

It still doesn't change the fact that it's your fishing rod. Broken or not. They should send it back. Then have one of your buddies send it in with the Xpediter program.

Just clarifying a point for LCM, not my position on the matter.

And I appreciate the clarity.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

That's good.  Most of my clarifications come out looking like mud.   ;D

For the record, I think the policy is bunk.

I still like the one I own though.   

[SWMIBASSER]

I got the clarification too.....

I was just pointing out to the original poster, again, that he should get the rod back.

As someone pointed out, by the time you ship your rod there, and pay shipping to get one back, the Xpeditor program isn't much more expensive at all.

I'm happy with mine also.

[SirSnookalot]

Most often seen are the words "limited lifetime warranty", limited is there for a reason, it's their loophole, and it's for the benefit of the company. We as consumers allow all companies, and I'm not just singling this one out, to honor warranties as they see fit, a practice that needs to be changed. Singly they care less about your business but they do in volume such as 25,000 bass resource members not to mention other forums as well. It's time for a petition with 20 or 40 maybe 100,000 signatures vowing to switch brands if not amended. I wouldn't be surprised to see their policy altered. I'm not gifted enough to draft a proper petition, just tell me WHERE DO I SIGN !!

Most of the time warranties are honored in a proper way, but not always. I had a warranty denied for using an oil other than the manufacture's brand ( the oil was recommended by an authorized dealer too). Do auto companies void a warranty if jiffy lube did your oil change, or doing it yourself, instead of the dealer where you purchased?

[jc450r]

First and foremost, I did so out of principle, because I didn't feel that I was responsible for blank failure.

Secondly, I was looking for an education on a road less traveled (going with the flow is boring).

Roger

You are a God among men with that type of thinking. I wish more people had your mindset.