| Author | Message | ||
     Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
So, what makes our repair services better than the factory? Consider the following: No Long Waits on the Phone We've heard from a lot of customers, that the typical wait on the phone with the factory's customer service line is between 30 minutes to an hour. We've also heard that emails are not answered for several days or even not at all. Factory Customer Service Representatives are not Electronics Technicians or Engineers When you deal with SHARCNET-USA, you are dealing directly with the individuals who will actually be repairing your unit. Many factory customer service representatives try to diagnose your problem using a stock script. We don't use or need a script. We use our many years of experience to properly diagnose your GPS problem. We Don't Send Back Refurbished Units Read more about refurbished units here: Refurbished Information and here: Refurbished Nightmares When SHARCNET-USA repairs your unit, you will be getting back your unit and not a refurbished unit. A refurbished unit is a unit that was previously owned by another customer, which developed a problem and was sent in for repair. In most cases, a factory refurbished unit will have a clean memory, meaning all of your favorites and saved settings on your original unit have been lost. That won't happen with us. We've also heard that sometimes refurbished units may have additional problems causing the customer to unfortunately have to return the unit once again to the factory. It's Important to Understand Why a Unit has Failed We understand the cause of GPS failures. As Engineers, we develop solutions that prevent these problems from happening again. A good example of this is our well-known switch repair. The factory will send you a refurbished unit with the same switch design problem, whereas, we understand the reason why the switch failed and our solution prevents it from happening again. Quality of Parts Since we understand what causes component failures, we can then choose and use parts that have a higher rating than the original part. Looking at our repair logs, we see repair trends that indicate that there has been a high failure of components such as speakers, touchscreens, switches and other components. We then determine why these parts have failed. In many cases, it's because these parts were operating at the maximum ratings without any headroom. We however, choose parts with higher ratings in our repairs. So, why doesn't the factory do this? Well consider this - if a 1W (1 Watt) GPS speaker costs the factory $1.00 and it's operating at the maximum rating (1W), it may or may not fail prematurely. You would think it would make more sense to use a higher rated speaker, say 1.5W or 2W but the cost of the higher rated part is $2.00. Well, an extra dollar may not sound like much to you but multiply the added cost times 1 million units (they actually produce more than that) and now your looking at an added manufacturing cost of $1 millions dollars. The goal of the factory is to keep their manufacturing costs down and their profits up. The GPS market is a competitive market. Communication When you send your unit to us for repair, we'll send you an email confirming its arrival. Once your unit has been repaired, we'll send you another email letting you know that your unit is about to be shipped back and we'll provide you with all of tracking information and a description of what we performed on your unit as well any additional issues we found. You're just not going to get that type of personal service from the factory. Follow-up Questions? If you should have any follow-up questions, you'll be able to contact us and have your questions answered by the same individuals that repaired your unit. We keep a detailed repair record on all of our customers, so we'll be familiar with your unit and what was performed on it. You won't be transferred from department to department, having to explain your problem over and over again. Continued Product Support Let's face it. The GPS manufacturers want you to buy a new GPS rather than having your old model repaired. That's why their repair prices can cost as much as a new one. It's an effective deterrent. Finally, when they drop their repair prices significantly, it's because they want to use up all of their in-house inventory quickly, so they can make room for new inventory on the newer models. Soon after that, they'll drop the older model completely for out-of-warranty repair. Most GPS models are discontinued from being produced within a year to 2 years from the time they were introduced into the market. Be assured that SHARCNET-USA will continue to support the models that we repair. Repair Pricing In most cases, our repair pricing is much lower than the factory. We are always reviewing our pricing structure to insure that we are competitive and provide the best repair solution possible for our customers. (Message edited by admin on March 04, 2013) | ||
| georgefw (Unregistered Guest) |
The touch screen of my nuvi 350 needs to be replaced. When will your repair schedule clear? If you can an email list that I can sign-up to be informed of your schedule, that would be very helpful. My email is jlca83@gmail.com. Thanks, George | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
quote sent | ||
| Nick Clever (Unregistered Guest) |
I have a Lowrance iFINDER H2Oc and it no longer accepts power through the external source (cigarete port). Do you work on these units? Any assistance or a quote would be very helpful. My E-mail is clevern@att.net Thanks, Nick | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Nick, Sorry we don't carry parts or service information on that unit. | ||
| Lee Santos (Unregistered Guest) |
I have a nuvi 670 with a touchscreen that does not work, can you let me know when you can fix it and how much my email is ls0985@yahoo.com | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Quote sent Lee! | ||
| GatorJ (Unregistered Guest) |
Hi. I have a Garmin Nuvi 350 with the dreaded on/off switch problem. It's several years old so it makes sense to have the battery replaced while it's open. Quote for both services, please? | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Quote sent Gator! | ||
| (Unregistered Guest) |
Hi Sharcnetusa i have Garmin Nuvi 650. the touch screen does not work, it starts ok but i can't operate with the touch screen. can you please let me know when you can fix it and how much it my cost email is kondursu(AT).hotmail.com | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Quote sent. | ||
| Dave Loiselle (Unregistered Guest) |
This appears to be the way people get quotes when your schedule is full. My nuvi 660 has the antenna problem, i.e. it only works with external antenna. It also needs a battery. My email: dave_l_ca@sbcglobal.net | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Dave, We've sent you the information that you requested. | ||
| GatorJ (Unregistered Guest) |
I just received my Nuvi 350 Back from Sharnetusa today. I was extremely impressed with the service. I was notified when the unit was received, rapid turnaround (less than 2 business days) and provided tracking info for the return leg. The on/off switch works better and feels more solid than new. I had the battery changed out since it was several years old. The old battery was returned and the new one was fully charged. I have no connection with this company OTHER than being a totally satisfied customer. Can't recommend Sharcetusa enough. Thank you. | ||
| Ed DeWaard (Unregistered Guest) |
Hello, I have a Garmin Nuvi 370 which exhibits the GPS Fix/ Antenna problem that is described in Sharcnet's 'antenna problems' section (thanks by the way for taking the time to put this section on your website). I can get the GPS to attempt to lock onto satellites using the wire-to-the-external-antenna troubleshooting step. therefore I believe I have an antenna issue. I'm hoping to get this repaired and also have a high-capacity battery installed, but it looks like you're full up right now. Could I put my name on a waiting list? Also is there a bundled service price for the Antenna + Battery service? Thanks, Ed edbay4000(at ) yahoo (dot) com | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Ed, We'll squeeze you in. Quote sent. | ||
| Cynthia Horvath (Unregistered Guest) |
Hi, I have a Nuvi 680 and the touchscreen just stopped responding to the touch. I did get it to work once since the problem, but as soon as I shut it off, it no longer worked. I went to update the software and the website had a warning about having a fully charged device so that it doesn't abort midstream,so I fully charged the device via the car connection. It charged fully, but with less than being on for about 90 minutes, it was back to one bar. When do you think you will be back to sending out quotes? Cynthia | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Cynthia, It sounds like your battery is going bad. As for the touchscreen, this is a common problem with certain units using a specific touchscreen. If your unit's serial numbers begin with a 12P, 14V or 143 then most likely your unit has the type of touchscreen that is known to fail. We'll send you information to help you get it fixed but we need your email address. (Message edited by admin on August 31, 2010) | ||
| GARMINFAILED (Unregistered Guest) |
Hello,I've have a Garmin nuvi 660 with the inability to locate satellites, I tried the twist tie in external ant jack being careful not to short it out and received no signal! Everything else works like a champ,I've updated it also.It must be that 41 cent part as described in the article! add me to the list please and Thanks!! for your informative site and forum! | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi, If your GPS firmware indicates anything other than 0.0, (zombie mode), then most likely the part that is responsible for your problem has shorted to ground, shunting all incoming RF signals to ground. We'll send you info on how to receive a quote from us. | ||
| cemm mann (Unregistered Guest) |
Hi. I have a Nuvi 660. From the discussions that I have read thus far, my unit has the faulty touch screen issue. I would like to receive information on how this could be sent in for repair. Thank you. | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
We'll send you info on how to obtain a quote from us. | ||
| Hank Gauthier (Unregistered Guest) |
My 660 works with external antenna only. When will you accept repair for antenna problem? | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Hank, sure we can repair this problem. It's a very common problem. We'll send you information our repair service. | ||
| Jack Hampe (Unregistered Guest) |
I have an Lowrance IWAY 500 & the touchscreen sometimes will not respond to touch. Sometimes the touchscreen will activate itself without any touch & then somestimes it can be cleared, sometimes not. Lowrance customer service refuses to help. Do you work on Lowrance gps units? | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
That sounds like a flakey touchscreen. Unfortunately, we have never worked on that model and do not carry any parts in stock. When you mean Lowrance refuses to help, do you mean they won't service it or they won't sell you parts? Most GPS manufacturers won't sell parts as it's too much of a liability. (Message edited by admin on September 13, 2010) | ||
| Bill (Unregistered Guest) |
Can you estimate roughly how long it typically takes until your work backlog will allow you to offer quotes and resume taking new work? I have a Garmin Nuvi 660 with a suddenly non-functional touchscreen that exhibits the symptoms as described on your website. I can wait a short time, but if your backlog is too extensive, I may have to go to my distant second choice - factory repair. Thanks! | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Bill, We've sent you a quote. | ||
| Rob Kendall (Unregistered Guest) |
Hello, I have a Nuvi 760 with a cracked screen. I can see everything fine on the lcd but screen in front of lcd is has the major cracks. Can it be repaired? thx | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Yes, the touchscreen and glass can be replaced on the 7xx series. If the image is OK then the LCD is fine. | ||
| Robert Kendall (Unregistered Guest) |
Thanks for you reply, when do you think you will be able to make repairs again? thx | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
Hi Robert, We are always making repairs. We're just overwhelmed with large contracts. We've sent you information on how to obtain a quote from us. | ||
| Sharcnetusa Username: Sharcnetusa Registered: 12-2008 |
PLEASE POST ALL PROBLEMS IN THE "PROBLEMS" SECTION. PROBLEM POSTING HAS BEEN DISABLED HERE. |