Interesting reply from Escort

[bkrell]

This was in response to an email I sent in asking if it would be worth it to get the latest firmware update to the 8500 I got off eBay.

Brian,

Thank you for your interest in our products and future updates, but at this time there is no need to send in your 8500 for any service. We would be able to update the firmware, but the update would not affect performance or range. Also if there is an issue with the detector and you end up needing it repaired(most ebay purchases do) then please ensure you have a factory installed serial number sticker on the bottom of the detector. Without that serial number we simply will not be able to repair the detector.

Again thank your for your interest in keeping with the latest updates, and please enjoy the driving!

[Super Dave]

Hmmm, maybe they want you to buy a new one.......

[bkrell]

Well, then I don't understand why there's a need to get firmware updates at all....

[Stealth Stalker]

Yeah, it would have been nice to tell you what you WOULD get from a firmware update instead of just what you will NOT get.

[bkrell]

You'd think they would be a little more cordial about the whole thing as well. They were kinda assy with the whole eBay thing. I replied back to them: "Do you know of any problems with the eBay Escorts sold by the seller "escortradar?"

[ejd7]

I called them a few months ago and after two times I was able to get through and the guy was real quick to point out models out of warranty were $79.99 to repair. I can't recall if he mentioned the buy-back or I did but it was like I was wasting his time somehow.

I get the same feeling from reading your letter. There is something there that I can't quite put my finger on. They are almost being sarcastic to you....

[bkrell]

Oh yeah. It was like "no, don't send your eBay detector to us yet-you'll have to anyway when it craps out."

I mean, geesh, I was trying to give them some money. Why is it that the company that makes the most comprehensively good line of detectors has to be such a be-yoch to deal with. Meanwhile, Valentine, Whistler, and even Cobra are great to deal with.... I hope Whistler's got something REALLY good by the time I'm ready to make another purchase....