Jun 16, 2014 10:32 AM
82376 Views
(Updated Jun 19, 2014 11:29 AM)
No two ways, Panasonic make good Air conditioners, we have two of them, Cube 1.5, and will recommend them to others. But the flaws are there too, and important enough to point out.# Panasonic appear to have no control over their dealers, and it is like tail wagging dog, so the end customer is like the last priority. Please see my review on Vijay Sales in this context, fact is, all dealers are the same.
# Panasonic sends silly messages stating that they have no responsibility for sub-assemblies / extras like stabilizers sold by their dealers, when both are sold on the same bill as a combo package. The stabilizer that Panasonic sells as combo(SAFESTAB) is totally useless, does not have an ISI mark, and when it fails to perform, this is the message you will get from PANASONIC, which I received -
"Dear Mr. Malik,
Good Morning!
Thank you for writing to Panasonic helpline.
We have received your e-mail indicating your queries with Panasonic.
We would like to inform you that you are facing problem in Stabilizer.So, would request you to please contact your dealer from where you have purchased this Stabilizer.
As Panasonic is not responsible for Stabilizer Non-functioning.
We assure you that they will get in touch with you very soon.
For any further assistance feel free to contact us.
With Regards,
Gurpreet
VOC
Customer Service
Panasonic India Private Limited
Website: https://panasonic.co.in
Helpline:1800 108 1333; 1800 103 1333 "
(Can you imagine, if you buy a bottle of ketchup, and there is something wrong, then the ketchup seller tells you to go get in touch with the farmer who sold them the tomato?)
# The "authorised" installation is a joke. I had to escalate matters to Panasonic global before Panasonic India chose to revert and do the installation properly.
# Here also, there is a design defect - the electrical cable, condensate pipe and gas pipe all three run through the same 70mm plastic conduit, bundled together, which is not how you do this. The electrical wiring and liquid/gas ducting have to be in separate conduits for obvious reasons.
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Note to MouthShut - the rating above asks for "quality of programs", please correct, thank you.
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Update 16jun’14-one of the two ACs is not working because the SAFESTAB stabilizer is faulty. Independent engineer confirms that the SAFESTAB stabilizer is not safe. After a month of sending emails and geting time-pass type phone-calls from Vijay Sales, no point talking to them or going to their outlet in Lajpat Nagar, new Delhi.
I therefore filed a Consumer complaint with CORE vide complaint No. 94031.2.2014 at 1307hrs on 16jun’14
"Complaint is about PANASONIC Air Conditioner bought through dealer Vijay Sales in May 2014 just a month ago. When buying an air-conditioner, we were made to buy a voltage stabilizer at additional cost, which was then installed by Panasonic authorized agency. Voltage stabilizer provided is SAFESTAB non-ISI marking and non-functional causing sparks. PANASONIC, VIJAY SALES are passing the buck to each other."
"Air conditioner is not working Stabilizer is sparking Fuse is blowing Whole transaction is useless in hot summer months!"I also demanded Rs 150/- per day as compensation.
At 1738hrs I got a phone call from 011-66660100 saying " come to shop and take refund" as though I am a beggar or what?
Shall update.
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Guidance for readers - once you have escalated issues into writing and filed online social media as well as formal complaints. DO NOT initiate any telephonic or personal contacts, because it is very easy for them to complain that you are doing this and that. Let them contact you. This is important.
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Another thing to be careful about - Panasonic's "authorised installation" people will try to charge "service tax" on work done at 10%-12%. When asked for a receipt, they provide a hand-written receipt with "service tax" written on it.
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Note on joint liability of both dealer and manufacturer is provided here
https://indiankanoon.org/doc/943637/
