Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/07/17

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Subject: International Warranties
From: "Frank Filippone" <red735i@worldnet.att.net>
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 1997 16:19:54 -0700

This whole story about this makes me ill.....
a) buying a $2000+ camera in Japan,
b) it breaks down in the USA 1 week later,
c) Your USA camera "DISTRIBUTOR" refuses to repair it at no cost under the
warranty,
d) You are stuck paying for the repair..... or returning the camera to the
original country and face the inevitible time waits and customs problems.

The true issue is how the Parent company establishes P+L centers
worldwide.......it makes no sense any other way,.,,,,,,

Let me start an argument..... SOLMS ARE YOU LISTENING?    DITTO LEICA New
Jersey?

Who owns the  Leica distribution center in New Jersey?    I would guess
Leica Germany.
Ditto Leica Japan?   Ditto the answer.  SO why can't I buy a Leica made
camera in Japan and have it serviced in New Jersey?  Isn't it all Leica we
are dealing with?  Why can't the USA internally bill Japan for the repairs
it renders on behalf of its sister company?  Why does Leica force me to
deal with its internal politics?

A camera is made and warranted only by the manufacturer.  Distribution
channels are only that: channels.  They are not P+L centers since they
produce no goods.  They are rightfully charged against G+A.  Knock off all
this parochial cost center garbage.  Give us a camera that is supported
worldwide.

As a practical question: What happens if I buy a Leica USA  camera in the
USA and I try to have it repaired in Japan???  Do I get the same
nonsensical response to my repair request?

I have had this on my mind for the 35 years that I have bought cameras.  It
is time someone at Leica claimed that Leica is a worldwide company, and it
supports its most important asset... it's customers.... on a worldwide
basis.

SOLMS AND NEW JERSEY... don't answer me, change the existing parochial
policy..... you own all the companies involved.

Obviously I am annoyed!

PS to the person who posted on this policy..... you really are subject to
the terms of the Japanese warranty...regardless of how I feel it should be
handled..... why not send it to Germany for International repair?  Same
Problem?

Thank You
Frank Filippone
red735i@worldnet.att.net