Fender customer service is horrible and Sweetwarer is awesome

fazool · #1 10-08-2020, 06:45 AM

I had a 100W Fender modeling amp. Love it still. Needed a louder amp so I bought the 200W version of the same amp. It broke under warranty. Sweetwater service confirmed the defect.

Fender does not authorize repairs or refunds for this - only replacements.

But they discontinued the 200W model and only authorized a replacement with their 100W amp. And they since increased the price of the 100W so now it costs as much as the 200W did - so they look equal.

This is terrible on every level. This practice is the behavior of an unethical company that is very deceptive, dishonest and will gladly steal from their customers.

That said, my Sales Engineer (Jeff Bohan) from Sweetwater stepped in, found a 200W Line6 amp, sent that to me, and took back the defective Fender amp which they will then fight with Fender to get credit for.

Outstanding service and support from Sweetwater in fixing a problem they didn't even create! That's the behavior of a fantastic, ethical, honest company.

Great job Sweetwater - you rock!

Fender - you stink

Steve DeRosa · #2 10-08-2020, 07:13 AM

IME Sweetwater and Taylor are head-shoulders-&-navel above the rest of the industry when it comes to customer service - glad it all worked out for the best...

rmp · #3 10-08-2020, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

IME Sweetwater and Taylor are head-shoulders-&-navel above the rest of the industry when it comes to customer service - glad it all worked out for the best...

Exactly..

Sorry you had the hassle Fazool.

Fender amps are GREAT, until they aren't.

You're not the first one to run into their total disregard for customer loyalty.

It's a one way street. Fender loves "Our" loyalty to them when we continue to buy Fender Products, they suck at reciprocation on said loyalty.

I have a Mustang Modeler, and I know, they day it starts having issues, is the day I bring it to the landfill So far, knock on wood, it's had minimal issues. the power switch disintegrated about 2 year ago. I was able to DIY fix it for like 3 bucks.

I have a USA made 1998 4x10 Deville that has literally been a work horse of an amp,, this was before they changed the circuitry though, so I think I got one of the last of the more reliable builds. I've changed the tubes a few times, and had a few caps replaced that we're heading south. Beyond that, she's been a beast.

jricc · #4 10-08-2020, 11:04 AM

Sweetwater is AWESOME period

jonfields45 · #5 10-08-2020, 11:42 AM

Just a side note, 200 watts!!! Can you still hear???

KevWind · #6 10-08-2020, 03:38 PM

Yes they were great when my Supro had transformer trouble under their 2 year warranty but had just expired on the Supro 1 year . They paid for my shipping to them, and then shipped it to Supro got them to replace the Tran. and drop ship back to me. All at no charge to me.

Cocobolo Kid · #7 10-11-2020, 11:38 AM

I second or third my support for Sweetwater. They are a fantastic company to deal with. I have purchased many items from them and will continue to do so. I like having a dedicated sales representative that gets to know you, so you don't have to start from scratch each time you call.

On items you purchase there, Sweetwater includes a free 2 year warranty. This is especially great for items that normally have a shorter warranty.