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Warranty claims, my dealer has no idea what I'm talking about.

My fire ring cracked and I called the dealer to file a claim. I can't believe what kind of buck passing went on. First, the original saleslady said she had no idea about a lifetime warranty on ceramics, she almost got argumentative that I only had a one year warranty. She tired of my persistence, and I was transferred to the "warranty lady". She also had no idea of warranty particulars, has never dealt with a claim before, and did not know the procedure, has to do research, and will get back to me. This is a large appliance dealership, I am surprised at their lack of knowledge regarding BGE process, maybe they have been extremely lucky that none of their other customers have had issues. My bottom line question to you all is, should I have just called BGE direct initially? What has been your experiences?
 Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
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Comments

  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    lkapigian said:
    Sir, I have read that 5 times over and am adhering to #10, I qualify and have done everything in accordance with their requirements, am I missing something? Please point it out. I would appreciate it.
     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,660
    the last time i needed the dome replaced the dealer didnt know what to do until he called the local distributor, they had a form to fill out and i needed to get the dealer digital pics of the broken part to get the replacement approved. before that, my first egg, bge sent me an email to give to the dealer and they straightened it out on the spot. bge likes you to go through the dealer and distributer now
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
  • BYS1981
    BYS1981 Posts: 2,533
    I called bge instead of the local dealer. Is it the egg dealer in berkeley?
  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    BYS1981,
    it is called Standards of Excellence Appliances in San Jose, so far, I am laughing at their name. You in the Bay Area?
     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,137
    Although you should be able to get help from the dealer who sold you your Egg, it can be handled by any BGE dealer in your area. Knowledge and willingness to help can vary greatly at each dealer. Some will just swap out on the spot, some will ask you to bring/submit photo, some will charge you shipping. It's a crap shoot at times. Be nice and try to be patient. It will get worked out.
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    Photo Egg
    I figured going to a different dealer might be in bad form, I figured, why would someone who did not sell me the egg want to deal with all that? I'll let them do their due dilligence, I guess I am dismayed at how not easy the process has been for me, I am glad many of you have not had issues, we will see how this plays out.

     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • Photo Egg
    Photo Egg Posts: 12,137
    anton said:
    Photo Egg
    I figured going to a different dealer might be in bad form, I figured, why would someone who did not sell me the egg want to deal with all that? I'll let them do their due dilligence, I guess I am dismayed at how not easy the process has been for me, I am glad many of you have not had issues, we will see how this plays out.

    I understand. But a different dealer, with great customer service, like SMITTYtheSMOKER, will help you out for future business and word of mouth advertising…We wish they were all like Smitty.
    I'm lucky to have a good dealer in my area as well.
    Thank you,
    Darian

    Galveston Texas
  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    SMITTYtheSMOKER
    It's a medium, thanks dude, you would have been my next call, I will give them a chance to rectify things, if not , I will contact you, thank you again.
    :-bd
     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    When I had a claim on the fire ring and fire box I only had to show them photos and then forwarded them the pics in an e-mail. They had a couple there and away I went. I'm sure it would take a week or so if they didn't have them there. But, no hassle and they were very helpful and knowledgeable.
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    NPHuskerFL
    Yep, emails sent, detailed pics, pics of serial #, scan of original reciept, with cc receipt as well, warranty is registered in my name, gift from my dad, all properly documented.
     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • Shiff
    Shiff Posts: 1,835
    anton said:
    lkapigian said:
    Sir, I have read that 5 times over and am adhering to #10, I qualify and have done everything in accordance with their requirements, am I missing something? Please point it out. I would appreciate it.
    Is this dealer an authorized dealer?  They aren't listed on the BGE website as an authorized dealer so that may be why they don't know anything about warranty coverage.  Hopefully the BGE company will help you get this sorted out.
    Large BGE
    Barry, Lancaster, PA
  • Good Luck - sounds like your first stop should have been Smitty....
    Thanks for the reminder, think my fire ring has a crack....
    Delta B.C. - Whiskey and steak, because no good story ever started with someone having a salad!
  • I'm going through the process for my cracked base right now myself. Sent in photos of damage and a pic of the original receipt. Local dealer who I did not originally purchase it from sent info to their BGE rep who had them send it to BGE Warranty. I was contacted by the dealer today asking for the number under the dome so they can fill out the paperwork. I guess that's a good sign? The number under the dome on my LBGE is only 2 digits though as opposed to the 6 digit code on my new SBGE. Hope I gave them the right number but I didn't see anything else on there. Eggs about 5 yrs old. Does anyone else have the same sort of numbering system on their dome?
  • Durangler
    Durangler Posts: 1,122
    My XL, that I received one year ago, has numbers on the dome & base. (not sure they match) I think on fire box & fire ring also. (need to double check that) 
    I never thought to take pictures of all the visible codes & numbers before using it. May have to clean burn to get pics. Have all other documentation I hope.
    XL BGE, 22" Weber Red Head, Fiesta Gasser .... Peoria,AZ
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    Sounds like an uneducated dealer whom is still in holiday mode. Squeaky wheel gets the grease ;)
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • jhl192
    jhl192 Posts: 1,006
    I have found ther are dealers and there are dealers. All sell BGEs and eggcessorires. Only some do demo's, participate in feats', forums, sell complimentary products and educate themselves on the warranty process.
    XL BGE; Medium BGE; L BGE 
  • Mattman3969
    Mattman3969 Posts: 10,458
    Very well said @johnKitchens. I've 2 eggs from different dealers but the main distributor is only 15mins from my house. Both dealers are great to work with but if they don't have the parts they can arrange for pick up from the distributor.

    -----------------------------------------

    analyze adapt overcome

    2008 -Large BGE. 2013- Small BGE and 2015 - Mini. Henderson, Ky.
  • Thanks @Mattman3969

    Louisville, GA - 2 Large BGE's
  • Jeepster47
    Jeepster47 Posts: 3,827
    Durangler said:
    ... I never thought to take pictures of all the visible codes & numbers before using it. May have to clean burn to get pics. Have all other documentation I hope.
    @Durangler ... Shine a flashlight across (parallel to) the surface where the codes are embedded.  Many times that will make them stand out proud ... even without a clean burn.

    I like my dealer more now after listening to some of your problems.  When I asked him about warranty down the road, he stated; "I'm your dealer, I sold you the egg, come see me and I'll take care of you."  After about a week, the temp dial fogging up.  When I asked him about drilling out the bottom to vent it, he reached up and handed me a new one ... told me to bring in the old one when I had a chance.  I know it's a cheap part and a minor problem, but his approach towards making me a happy customer was refreshing. 

    @anton ... I hope you get satisfaction from your dealer.  Either way, a follow up letter to BGE clearly expressing your dissatisfaction with your current dealer ... and BGE, since your dealer is their representative ... is a good move.  Good companies want to hear about problems with their product, service, support, etc.  If we don't tell them, they'll never have a chance to fix it.

    Washington, IL  >  Queen Creek, AZ ... Two large eggs and an adopted Mini Max

  • Hello Anton,

    I suggest you send an email to Bruce at BGE, once he approves you can forward that email to me and arrange a pick up at our shop.  What size Egg?

    Now THIS is service & dedication to something you love AND represent! Putting your money where you mouth is! Great to see people like this!

    LBGE since 2014

    Griffin, GA 

  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    @johnkitchens‌ I have a memory like a elephant and I'm as unforgiving as an IED in rush hour traffic. I feel blessed starting out with such a solid dealer. When I walk in it sorta feels like CHEERS. That's what a dealer should strive for IMHO.
    imageimage
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • NPHuskerFL
    NPHuskerFL Posts: 17,629
    BGE food for thought. A happy BGE customer buys more eggs, eggcessories, lump etc and tends to direct friends and acquaintances to them for business. A jaded BGE customer goes elsewhere and tells friends and acquaintances where not to shop. Word of mouth is King.
    LBGE 2013 & MM 2014
    Die Hard HUSKER & BRONCO FAN
    Flying Low & Slow in "Da Burg" FL
  • anton
    anton Posts: 1,813
    BGE food for thought. A happy BGE customer buys more eggs, eggcessories, lump etc and tends to direct friends and acquaintances to them for business. A jaded BGE customer goes elsewhere and tells friends and acquaintances where not to shop. Word of mouth is King.
    WORD!!!!
     Using a MBGE,woo/w stone,livin' in  Hayward California," The Heart Of The Bay "
  • BGE food for thought. A happy BGE customer buys more eggs, eggcessories, lump etc and tends to direct friends and acquaintances to them for business. A jaded BGE customer goes elsewhere and tells friends and acquaintances where not to shop. Word of mouth is King.

    As a quality manager for a major manufacturer, I can tell you, you are spot on! If we screw something up and we take care of the end user ASAP all is good. Unfortunately, in manufacturing it doesn't always work that way and all is not good. However, if you have this warranty and inventory and a good network of educated dealers, should rarely be an issue.
  • R2Egg2Q
    R2Egg2Q Posts: 2,137
    Glad to hear that Sierra Select is stepping up for you.  I've only had one warranty claim and Smitty took care of mine in minutes.  It was a non issue.
    XL, Large, Small, Mini Eggs, M&M BBQ Texas Smoke King, Shirley Fabrication 24x36 Patio, Humphrey's Weekender, Karubecue C-60, MAK 1-Star General, Hasty Bake Gourmet, Santa Maria Grill, Webers: 14" WSM, 22.5" OTG, 22.5" Kettle Premium, WGA Charcoal

    Bay Area, CA
  • My dealer is awesome, and I have also contacted BGE direct.  Both worked fast and great.  I found a crack that went from the three holes in my fire box this weekend.  It goes all the way through but it is still held together.  I won't worry anyone with it now.  Still isn't "broken". 


    _______________________________________________

    XLBGE