If you've ever heard of a company called Universal TechTronics, you may want to think twice about doing business with them.
That's because the Better Business Bureau says that company is preying on the confusion over the February conversion from analog to digital T-V.
The BBB says the Ohio Based Universal TechTronics, which also does business under the name Heat Surge LLC, and advertises all over the country is selling something you don't need to buy. At least not at their rate!
The investigation has generated quite the blogging buzz.
The BBB's investigation found the company is offering so-called free digital converter boxes. BUT....in order to get it, you have to buy a 5-year warranty for $59.
When you add in shipping and handling, you're now looking at almost $100. So in essence, it can be argued that you're paying nearly $100 for the box.
But here's the thing - you can buy the same or similar digital converter boxes at retailers using the $40 coupons being offered by the government's DTV program.
That government coupon brings the cost down to $20.
Don't Get Duped.
The Better Business Bureau has gotten nearly 200 complaints in the last nine months about Universal TechTronics.
The issues range from slow delivery, folks just not getting the product, and folks have a tough time reaching customer service.
As for accurate answers about the whole transition from analog to digital T-V, you can call the DTV hotline. That number is 888-DTV-2009.
You can also get answers online:
www.dtv2009.gov/FAQ.aspx
www.DTVAnswers.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
The other important thing, Producer, is that most people won't need to do anything for the change. If you have Cable or Satellite service, the provider is handling the change.
Another scam to watchout for -- digital cable/satellite service isn't the same as DTV and the Feb. 17th changeover. A number of companies have been hit by the FCC for implying that you need to fork out $100 a month to get their digital service in order to continue getting TV.
Universal Techtronics offers not only a better converter box option than most, it stands behind its product with the best warranty available. The facts are:
1. It is very important you know that Universal’s converter box features Analog pass through, an item present on approximately 15% of available converter boxes. Without this feature many consumers will lose access to local television channels which will have yet to convert to digital by February 2009.
2. Most retail purchased converter boxes come with a 1 year warranty for the $50 price. Customers purchasing these boxes are doing so to avoid the cost of replacing their television and/or having to pay for cable or satellite to obtain local channels. If these converter boxes fail within the next 5 years these consumers will be back where they began and have to find the money for these expensive items. They merely, briefly delayed the inevitable cost instead of being able to wait until some of the costs come down. Universal’s 5 year warranty gives consumers the piece of mind they deserve that we supply a quality product that we stand behind in the event of a problem for the next 5 years. There is a cost associated with this service.
3. Obtaining the $40 government coupon is not the timely, seamless process that it ought to be. Purchasing a Universal Techtronics converter box eliminates the need to acquire a government coupon while still offering a government certified converter box.
4. Not all consumers are proximate to a brick and mortar retail store selling converter boxes. Those that are seem to be finding that many are out of stock. Universal offers the convenience knowledgeable salespeople, customer technical support through our customer service department, and delivery to the customer’s door.
We believe it is important that consumers have purchase options. For our converter box to be an alternative that consumers will consider, Universal needs to offer a better value. We believe we offer a very competitive package for $68.30, which includes the shipping and handling charge.
Sincerely,
Chris Pugh
Communications Specialist
Universal Techtronics
Post a Comment