I have a 2002 Camaro SS Convertible and just did some modifications to where I am close to 500HP and the car is loud enough that any cop within a 20 mile radius knows I am coming(a little exageration). So I decided it is time to get a good radar detector and possibly add a laser jammer in the near future. I did a lot of research and came to the conclusion that the Escort 9500i in blue was perfect for my needs. Ironically the owner of the shop that did the work on my car referred me to a place called Audio Express that happens to be an authorized escort retailer. They had the 9500i in red already in stock but apparently the blue had just become available to non-internet retailers several days prior. Therefore they had to order it from Escort. So I paid my $532 and was told that it would probably only take 2 days to get; but they tell people 5-7 days in case things don't go smoothly. Well, today is the 10th day and this morning I received a phone call from Cody at Audio Express explaining to me the problem they are having dealing with Escort. Apparently they ordered 2 units and the rep from Escort that services their account, Leslie, has been out on vacation and they are not able to get in touch with anyone at Escort that can process their order. He said that the president of Audio Express was investigating the matter as they were not happy with the way Escort is operating. My initial thought was this sounds like a bunch of B.S. and no company could possibly operate this way. So I looked up the number for Escort on their website and called their customer service number. I spoke with someone named Erin who stated that he could not help me because while he has control over all internet sales, a different department handles the retailer accounts. He confirmed that in fact Leslie was the rep for Audio Express but he had no way to get me in touch with her or anybody else that could rectify the problem I was having. I inquired as to who at the corporate office I would need to speak to who oversees the retailer accounts. Erin emphatically stated that there was no way to contact the corporate office as they do not speak to customers(as he is saying this I was on the Escort website and there was a phone number for the corporate office right in front of my eyes). Now here is the kicker!!! Erin then stated that if I would cancel my order with Audio Express and order direct through him he could have my order shipped out today. I couldn't believe my ears. Not only do they make their retailers look bad by not shipping their orders; but now they want to steal the retailers order and have me order direct through them. So I got off the phone with Erin as it was obvious that he did not care about my problem and called the number for the corporate office. Well, once again I got treated rudely and basically told that I can leave a voice mail with somebody, but there is nobody that I can speak with directly. I then called Audio Express back to let them know about Escort's attempts to steal their customer.
Sorry for the long read; but most of the information is pertient to fully understand the type of company that Escort is. They may make a great product; but their demise will lie in the way they deal with their customers and retailers. I am not sure what I am going to do at this point as I really don't want to cancel my order and screw over Audio Express; but I am unsure if I really want to ultimately give my business to Escort based on the way I have been treated thus far.
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