Dealing with Fisher

[scubadetector]

The powers that be told me I can post my story here with 1st Texas concerning my Fisher CZ-20's. It is long and I am sorry about that. But here goes.

I have 2 Fisher CZ-20's. I thought they were the greatest machine out there and I swore by them. Last year I started having trouble with one. It would beep whenever it wanted and it was my fault for not having the battery compartment closed once. The battery lead corroded and the machine would not work right.

The headphone cable on my backup was broke on the outside and I thought water might get into it. So I decided to try to fix it myself. I have a Fisher 1280X that died and so I have an extra headphone set.

A bit about me. I own a computer shop. I fix laptops and palm pilots and have been doing it for 17 years now. I know about electronics. So I opened it up and replaced the headphones. I could not get it to work right after that. I then opened up the one that had water in the battery compartment ONLY and tried to make one out of 2. That also failed.

I called Fisher and told them the problem. They told me I could ship them back without putting them back together and they would fix them. So I sent both of them off in one box in Sept of last year. I received a quote of 377.00 EACH to repair them. I told them to go ahead with one and I would have to wait on the other. They fixed the one and sent it back as a CZ-21.

I got married in October and this is MI so I had no chance to use it. In November one of my friends came over and we were discussing my toys. He has a Beach-Hunter I D. I told him about the ringing noise it makes when a large iron object is in front of it and went to show him. It wouldn't even beep. It wouldn't even beep when a silver dollar was rubbed against the coil.

I called 1st Texas back and had to return the unit. I then got a letter from them saying that I had to pay for the other one or pay 25.00 to have it returned. I asked them to return it with the one I just sent back and they did that. I got them both back sometime in January. The one they fixed seemed to work and I set it aside. Again no diving in Michigan yet!!

One night when my wife and I were going to take a bath in our whirlpool tub I decided to play with it to see if it was waterproof. So I put it in the tub and to my horror it would stop working as soon as the control box got wet. As soon as I took it out of the water it would work again. I was VERY frustrated but called 1st Texas on Monday and explained the situation. I had to send it back again. I got it back in February. I called Felix and asked for an extended warranty since I had to send it in 3 times and it came back dead. He said he couldn't do it and so I contacted the Vice President and he did it for me.

So it was March. Not only did I now have the 377.00 to fix the machine I thought it would be a good time to send the other one out considering I would get it back in April and have a 90 day warranty on it. I go to send it back and open the battery compartment to see if they left batteries in it. No batteries BUT the battery connector was blue and white. I have had this machine for around 5 years and mine was BLACK. Since it wasn't sealed I also opened the rest of it. It was RUSTED completely inside. Mine NEVER had a drop of water in it. This detector was a piece of TRASH.

I called Felix and told him it wasn't mine. I also told him that if they were going to fix it it really didn't matter. He agreed. I sent it out. Then the BOMBSHELL. He called and told me it was 535.00 to repair. He said the prices went up. I told him I wanted a detailed description of the parts and prices and he never sent it. I also emailed the Vice President and he never sent it.

I got a call from Felix yesterday telling me to accept the verbal quote or he would send the unit back. I still have never gotten a written quote and I can't believe I did that much damage trying to replace the headphones. I was willing to pay the 377.00 but now I feel victimized. I feel I am paying to have a piece of TRASH repaired that wasn't even mine. Felix would not even discuss it he said he was sending the unit back.

The Vice President did not answer ANY of my last THREE emails and I am being sent a detector that wasn't mine to begin with. I have no serial numbers as my machines were older so all I have is my wife to prove that mine NEVER had water in the control box.

So now as of yesterday they are sending me a machine that was once filled with water and a total piece of trash. I seem to have no option but to pay the 535.00 to fix it.

That is the truth and that is why I am completely FRUSTRATED and UPSET at 1st Texas.

 

[GoldenRoyBoy]

How sad. Fisher is and was a good company in my opinion as I've only had one of their products fail me and I've owned a number over the years. I purchased an F-75 from KellyCo last year. Almost immediately after receiving the unit, the coil began acting up. At least, I thought it was the coil. No matter, Tony Pasquale in Sales said send the Brother home and I did. He sent me a replacement which worked absolutely swell. And, I got it overnight!

I'm sorry for your woes there Scuba.
Sometimes, even if we know what we're doing, it's best to let the Maker have first chance at fixing a problem.
Can you blame them?

Thanks and good luck!
GRB

 

[vernt]

If your going to fix it for that amount, might consider just buying a new one.

 

[patch]

SCUBA,YOU HAVE MORE PATIENTS THAN I DO.IF IT WAS ME I WOULD DUMP EVERY FISHER PRODUCT I HAD AND GO TO ANOTHER COMPANY THAT STANDS BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS.I HUNT WITH THE CZ-5.SO FAR NO PROBLEMS,BUT IF IT HAPPENS,I'M SWITCHING OVER TO WHITES.I HAVE NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT THEIR SERVICE. I REALLY DO UNDERSTAND YOUR FRUSTRATION,AND WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK..

 

[konabikemike]

Totally feel for you .I have owned several Fisher and this is unacceptable .I fear this is only the beginning of thing to come from First Texasuke: .You will see all the current Fisher machines disappear with the exception of the water machines and will be replaced with the new B H stuffuke:.Fisher will cease to be the great company that they once where .
Michael

 

[scubadetector]

Well in MHO I think that the people that do not have lifetime warranties are paying a lot extra so 1st Texas does NOT loose out on the free warranty reapairs. I hope I am wrong but they kept a good machine and sent me a rusted out waterlogged one. Something is NOT RIGHT AT ALL.

I am going to put that machine on eBay for as long as I can with a buy it now price and take pictures and tell my story there also. I got robbed by a large company. Probably needed my circuit boards.

And YES I am completely BITTER.

 

[Mr.Bill]

Being a Fisher dealer, I was conserned about your complaints. So I spoke with Fisher about the validity of your claims.

Fisher being the manufacture they are, keeps very detailed records on their opperations. They sent me a copy of your service work order with them. After reading it I do feel it necessary to post it here so viewers can read both sides of the story. It certainly helps one when forming an oppinion when you have heard both sides.

---

Fisher Labs Service and Repair
Subject: FW: Robert Grattan


Customer history for Robert Grattan



Summary: Customer sent in 2 CZ20

 

[scubadetector]

OK Now at least you have their side of the TRUTH HOWEVER Here are the problems with it.

1st: The unit was changed to a CZ-21 the very first time not the second as they state here.

2nd:. When I got it back it was NOT BROKE. It just wouldn't work period. It didn't make a sound. They know that and I can PROVE it with the emails that were sent. I was ASTONISHED that they got it back in pieces and I had insured it. BUT they NEVER told me it was in pieces until I called them. I also have PROOF that it wasn't sent off that way as my friends who were at my house and my wife KNOW the ONLY thing wrong with it is it Wouldn't WORK AT ALL.

3rd: I called Felix BEFORE I sent it back letting him KNOW it wasn't my unit. That the WHOLE inside of the electronics unit was RUSTED out and the battery compartment had a BLUE and WHITE connector.

4th: YES I had opened them and they had NO warranty to begin with. So I KNOW mine had NO water damage in the electronics.

5th mistake. I NEVER called asking for a price reduction NEVER. I asked for a DETAILED breakdown as to why the price went from 377.00 to 539.00. This is the very FIRST time I saw it. They can give it to you but not me???? It is a COMPLETELY false that I received an email with the breakdown. I asked Felix by phone and John Griffin by email and it NEVER came.

6th: They didn't tell you my quote for the second one was the same as the first, only a few cents different. Actually they did. I just read it again. In my frustration I didn't see it. Sorry.

7th: So they send it back in December and now in March the cost went up 162.00. That is WHY I asked for an itemized list. I still have the first quote and since this isn't MY machine I wanted to see if I was being charged for parts that they were NOT going to replace the first time. Because THIS machine they sent me was NOT MINE.

8th: Since they had made my machine into a CZ-21 the FIRST time AND they gave me the same quote except for the few cents different it was AMAZING to me that the cost would go up that much.

9th: Yes I sent the emails and I am doing what I said. I gave them my work numbers to call back each time I left a message and Felix would only call me on my cell. First I have NO long distance on my cell at all and I hate the thing. I rarely have it with me. That is my fault. I have 83 messages on it I haven't listened to. But NO emails or calls at work.

10TH: I wrote this whole thing BECAUSE Felix told me on Tuesday that he was sending the machine back unrepaired the next day. I want MY machine back that wasn't water damaged and rusted out. And FELIX KNOWS I got the wrong machine. He refused to talk. He said I either pay the estimate or he was just going to send it back. When we hung up he said it would be shipped out the next day. Your response above says it is pending.


11th: I just compared the lists very fast but I did it. The top says defective pots 2 and in the itemized list it shows 3. Also I now need a Circuit board. I didn't need one before and they had made my other machine a CZ-21. WHY do I now need a circuit board. It probably is BECAUSE that machine was FULL of water. ALSO do NOT need a BATTERY HOLDER. I didn't send mine in and mine are FINE. Since I have NEVER seen this list this is the first time I could tell them that.

Well here are all the items I can think of right now. I am VERY angry and I will supply ANY and ALL emails that I sent and have received so you can pass your own judgement.

 

[oletimer]

What a mess, and I understand your feelings, but I must add, I have had my 1266x checked over and repaired, works A++
Talked with Felix, had no misunderstandings and am well pleased.
Also I have owned Fisher Detectors for more than 30 years, never had a bad one, and just found another 1266x on ebay that I could buy at the right price. This spare will also be checked over next winter, and will be done at First TX. because of the quality work I received.
And this is just my thoughts, never buy a product with no serial number, no way to trace it or know its history.
I wish you the best of luck
Oletimer

 

[scubadetector]

Mr. Bill,

Anything further to add? I wrote this because I recieved a call from Felix telling me that my machine was being sent out. He would NOT answer my question on why I didn't get a breakdown and said he would not discuss it. You got a LOT farther than I ever did and I really appriciated it. BUT still no word as to WHY I now need a circuit board or another pot or a battery holder, especially since my first machine was turned into a CZ-21 without those things.

As I said, They sent me back somebody elses machine that was full of water and it wasn't mine at all. Now they want me to pay for thier mistake. This is ALL wrong.

If you were trying to help me I do appriciate it. If you did it because you thought I was lying about the situation I wasn't. I am honest in all my dealings and I feel that what goes around comes around.

Felix said that the machine that wasn't mine was being shipped back to me last wend. I haven't seen it yet or heard another word from anybody.

 

[scubadetector]

I really want to add one more thing. Mr. Bill is a GREAT person to deal with and I want to thank him for getting me answers. He contacted another person at First Texas and I also was in contact with the president of the company. They are going to take care of the problem and I now know who to contact in case of another problem. I just want to personaly thank Mr. Bill and let everyone here know that if your considering a new Fisher or any other machine he sells, he will help you and is dependable. Thanks very much sir. Your a credit to First Texas and this forum.

Sincerely,

Robert Grattan

 

[Mr.Bill]

n/t

 

[manganos]

n/t

 

[jtram]

could you explain the differences in the F 75 and the new F70. I am sure there are bells and whistles but is the F 75 really worth an extra 350.00 bucks??

 

[scubadetector]

Just recieved an email yesterday. A Fisher CZ-21 is on its way back to me. I sure am glad that its over. If you read this Mike, Thanks much.

Robert

 

[SkiWhiz]

Wow, that was intersting reading. I have a F2 on the way although not expensive I hope First Texas will take care of any problems if ever needed. I have been spoiled by Tesoro's great support and service. Steve.

 

[scubadetector]

Well, I got it back today and I am a bit stumped. The letter that came with it states as follows.

Our corrective action to your problem is that we replaced the pinpoint switch, circuits, gaskets, bezel, screws, three POTS and switches, foam, coil and battery holder.

If one looks at the origional quote, I didn't need circuits, or 3 pots or coil. This should prove to everyone that I got the wrong machine back like I said. This one WAS full of water and completely ruined.

And yes I did get a new coil.

BUT it does look like it was fixed. I will try it tonight!!


Thanks again Mr. Bill and Mike.

 

[scubadetector]

Worked for 10 minutes today and it died. I have to send it back again. This really stinks.

 

[scubadetector]

Ok, I was angry when I posted my last post. It was working and after abouit 10 minutes it gave me a bell tone and wouldn't quit. I turned it off and back on. It was completely dead. No sound no anything. I contacted Felix and he sent me a FedX overnight lable. They will have my machine tomorrow. He said to give him a week with it. OK that is as good as they can be, because I know after it gets repaired again it will have to be water tested.

I really think they are trying. But after the 180 day on one and the 90 day warranty on the other runs out and they die, I am afraid they are going in the trash. I can't spend that much to fix them.

 

[SkiWhiz]

Ok, I was angry when I posted my last post. It was working and after abouit 10 minutes it gave me a bell tone and wouldn't quit. I turned it off and back on. It was completely dead. No sound no anything. I contacted Felix and he sent me a FedX overnight lable. They will have my machine tomorrow. He said to give him a week with it. OK that is as good as they can be, because I know after it gets repaired again it will have to be water tested.

I really think they are trying. But after the 180 day on one and the 90 day warranty on the other runs out and they die, I am afraid they are going in the trash. I can't spend that much to fix them.

In my opinion I think they are trying isn't good enough. The detector should of came back to you in perfect working order, these techs. are paid very good money and should be able to fix it right the first time. While I am typing I want to add that I think it is wrong of F.T. not to honor the lifetime warranty that many of the Fisher detectors came with. I guess it is the American way - give it to you in one hand and take it away with the other hand. It is posts like yours that make me happy that my main detectors are made by the T company in Arizona. Steve.