I have filled out the form twice asking my question but have never heard back from service
Why ?
I have read of others having the same problem on another forum and they are told to just call
They probably get hundreds of emails every day. Best to call the regular number.
It is common knowledge on this board that, sadly, Bachmann Service Department NEVER answer e-mails.
Quote from: rogertra on June 07, 2008, 12:40:33 PM
It is common knowledge on this board that, sadly, Bachmann Service Department NEVER answer e-mails.
It must depend upon their workload at the time.
I have used the e-mail approach a couple of times and received replies to my inquiry as well asa few time parts that I had requested in the mail.
Mind you I was not in any hurry at the time.
Still, calling seems to be the most recommended approach.
Dear Terry,
In fact, service does get inundated with emails. A phone call is certainly a better option.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Quote from: the Bach-man on June 07, 2008, 10:45:17 PM
Dear Terry,
In fact, service does get inundated with emails. A phone call is certainly a better option.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
I would love to call but i've had my Larynx removed due to laryngenal
cancer
So email is my only choice
unless i can find some one to call for me
aww thats too bad. I fell bad, i have a friend whos mom has cancer.
Dear Terry,
I'll see what I can do...
Take care!
the Bach-man
Quote from: the Bach-man on June 08, 2008, 11:30:52 PM
Dear Terry,
I'll see what I can do...
Take care!
the Bach-man
Thank You !
That's very kind !
A few thoughts:
For people in situations like Terry, e-mail is a blessing and I am sure that Bachmann will be able to expidite their communication with him.
For many others, e-mail has become some sort of excuse for communications that are often better handled live - but many convince themselves they are too busy - how silly. If they measured the time spent typing (even if you are very good at it) and the repeatitive "checking" and responding, many would find they spend more time using e-mail then they would with a simple phone call which often results in instant answers and actions.
Personally I think for some e-mail is just an excuse to avoid personal contact and thereby make it easier to be rude and demanding and have otherwise unrealistic expectations of customer service departments. And likewise some companies that do use it, use it as a way to be vague, impersonal and/or to avoid adressing customers real concerns - example, I tried three times to tell e-bay how bad their new search system is, never did get a straight answer back.
If e-mail was used like old fashioned mail years ago, that is complete detailed info sent and reasonable time for a reply allowed, manufacturers may be more inclined to use it more to handle customer service. But everyone today wants "instant" everything, and having someone sit at a computer all day and answer e-mail "right away" does little to help customers except make them "feel" better - better that someone actually be doing something like checking locos, fixing locos or sending out repaired or replacement locos.
Having said all this, Bachmann and others do set themselves uip for this problem by having an e-mail address for service in the first place, but I guess today you have to just because people "expect" it.
I have had a number of dealings with the Bachmann service department - all have been excellent! - not always fast, but always a fair and quality solution. Fellow modelers please remember, companies like Bachmann are relatively small compaired to many others you do business with today, they do not have massive staffs of customer service reps at computer terminals on the 4th floor (or in India). They are working hard to handle your problems, give them a chance.
Sheldon
I agree on the email, its best to call.
I have had nothing but excellent service from Bachmann and I have had many a bad experience with service reps from India, Pakistan, and the Phillipines.
It was a pleasure to speak with any of the Bachmann personel, they actualy spoke english and understood it as well. They also had a knowledge of the product they serviced, instead of reading from a sheet of pre written problems and solutions.
I highly recommend their products and can not speak more highly of any company that I have had to contact for service of their products.
Redtail67
Terry
Anytime you need help, feel free to write me and I'll make the calls for you. I'm retired and don't mind at all.
I never use email to contact companies, and I won't leave a message on their stupid "voice mail".
I've only called Bachmann twice, and on both occasions they were very patient and helpful.
Quote from: Yampa Bob on June 09, 2008, 08:41:17 PM
Terry
Anytime you need help, feel free to write me and I'll make the calls for you. I'm retired and don't mind at all.
I never use email to contact companies, and I won't leave a message on their stupid "voice mail".
I've only called Bachmann twice, and on both occasions they were very patient and helpful.
Thank You
That's very kind
For now i'll wait and see if they respond
to be fair there is no way they could know i can't talk
The mal box is full goodbye. I have been on hold for 15 min, It is after 5.00 pm and we are now closing good bye..
If you want to lose a message put it in someones mailbox.
If you want to bypass the mailbox dial "0" it is still recognized by most ph messaging systems to direct you to a real person.
Don :-X
Dear Terry,
I've been in touch with Philadelphia; you should hear soon.
Thanks!
the Bach-man
I buy items from several "mom and pop" hobby shops we visited while on vacation. They do not have web sites or toll-free numbers, and phone calls are an interruption as they often have customers waiting. Out of respect for the dealer, and any waiting customers, I send an email inquiry, giving brand, stock number, and a picture.
I always receive a reply the next day with the information. I then write and tell them to order it or send it if in stock. They write to confirm the order, then write again when the order is shipped.
On the rare occasion I do call them, the first thing I ask is: "Are you with a customer?" If they are busy I ask them to call me back, and they always do.
They appreciate the business, and it makes a very enjoyable and personal buying experience for me. They keep my "wish list" on file, when something comes in or shows up on their availability list, they reserve it until they can contact me, especially on limited runs. When something new is released, I am probably the first to know.
I recently got a bunch of vintage kits a dealer received on a re-release, one time basis. On such items, I have a standing order.
"Good things come to he who waits". Be patient with companies and dealers, and remember you aren't the only customer that needs assistance.
Quote from: the Bach-man on June 10, 2008, 10:57:15 PM
Dear Terry,
I've been in touch with Philadelphia; you should hear soon.
Thanks!
the Bach-man
Thank You !!
And for those of us you live about as far away from the USA as one can get, ie over seas, a phone call is expensive. Throw in time differances and email is about the only option.
Quote from: the Bach-man on June 10, 2008, 10:57:15 PM
Dear Terry,
I've been in touch with Philadelphia; you should hear soon.
Thanks!
the Bach-man
Bridget did e-mail me and I got my answer
Thanks for your help