I honestly didn’t want to crib today because I hate the way I’m turning into a perennial grumbler. But honestly today I just have to vent.And yes, it is about my washing machine.

After four working days of waiting for a technician to show up, I finally called Siemens’ Customer Service in utter disgust and raised my voice and changed the tone of my complaint. Something must have registered because by 4.30 this evening someone showed up. Of course before coming, he forewarned me about the service charge but this is pretty much ridiculous because anyone whose machine is not working would like to find out why even if there was a price for this service ( which frankly speaking should be free).

Well, I’ve notice one peculiar trait about all machines under warranty or guarantee or whatever, which is that the moment the warranty period is over, the machine breaks down. I think all manufacturers have done some kind of a statistical survey on the period of trouble free service before they arrive upon a suitable warranty period because every machine without fail follows this pattern of auto-breakdown the minute the warranty is over!

What was more shocking than this expected fact was that the part that was to be replaced would cost all of Rs.9000 which Anna Shetty assured me was ridiculous considering that the machine originally cost me Rs.25,000 which meant that I spent Rs. 12500 a year ( the machine is only two years old) and that I’d be foolish to spend another Rs.9000 for a part which only came with a one month warranty. Considering my theory that all machines/parts only work for the period they are guaranteed for, this would be even more foolish than spending Rs. 12500/ year because this would mean a monthly expenditure of Rs.9000 ( for which price I could employ two part timers to wash clothes twice a day!).

But what was more amazing was that the moment I said that I refused to pay even a penny more, the technician called his manager and asked if they could replace the part for free. Seeing my anger dissipate, he then quietly mentioned that perhaps I could get a discount. And what he said in almost a whisper was that the part may not be available!

Which brings me to the main lesson of today – buyers beware.

DO NOT EVER, EVER BUY A SIEMENS MACHINE. 

Thus endeth the lesson.

This is my post for the Write Tribe ProBlogger September Challenge