Disturbing Trend?

[jaydee325]

I had a project I wanted to do that was going to require the purchase of a particular widget to get the job done. I identified what I needed on a big box retailer website. I wanted a little more info than what was available and tried to find the manufacturer of the widget on line. I could not find a website, which I thought odd.

I decided that I'd go ahead and pick up the widget since it was in stock at the local store. Figured I'd take it back if it wasn't right.

When I opened the instructions, I discovered what I think is disturbing. The only way you can access the website of the manufacturer is to down load the store app on your smart phone, register, and then you have access to the info! I hope this is not a trend that propagates through retail. I don't want any more apps on my phone that I only have a one time use for. As far as registering, that is only a minor issue since I've got throw a way emails that I can use for that. However, it is pretty presumptuous on the retailers part that they think I've got all kinds of time to register.

Fortunately, the instruction manual had all of the info I needed and the widget will do what I need so I won't be taking it back. I will be more diligent in my research in the future and avoid any merchandise that requires me to down load an app and register to get supplemental information.

 

[mrmikey]

Agree with what you said 100%.
Same way I feel about Apple products. Bought an Apple box to use with my old TV (turns it into a smart TV). Set it up, turned it on and went to watch a movie I had on my computer (streaming it was my plan). Before it would work, I had to create an Apple account....ehhh wrong. Unplugged it, put it back in the box and returned it and bought a Roku instead......Mike

 

[Budweiser John]

Why don’t you share the details?
What was the item? Where purchased? ETC.
I have no issues with ‘on line’ registration of a purchase or contacting the manufacturer via the internet if necessary as the typical big box store employee seldom has a clue as to the features, benefits And use of the products they are suppose to be selling. Selling?

B. John

 

[TractorGuy]

Agree with what you said 100%.
Same way I feel about Apple products. Bought an Apple box to use with my old TV (turns it into a smart TV). Set it up, turned it on and went to watch a movie I had on my computer (streaming it was my plan). Before it would work, I had to create an Apple account....ehhh wrong. Unplugged it, put it back in the box and returned it and bought a Roku instead......Mike

My Roku required me to sign up AND have a credit card on file to use it. I do have it set so no purchase can be made without a pin number but it really irked me to have to take those steps.

 

[BRMyers]

My Roku required me to sign up AND have a credit card on file to use it. I do have it set so no purchase can be made without a pin number but it really irked me to have to take those steps.

Our Roku gave an option for a credit card, but you could skip by it, which we did.

 

[mrmikey]

.........have a credit card on file to use it

I know mine doesn't. Been awhile since I set it up tho.
It may be like BRM said above and I opted out. Can't see why you need a credit card to use something you've bought. N-e way, we'e hijacking the OP thread...sorry, my fault ..Mike

 

[PILOON]

How about calling a help line and getting a recording and being kept on hold only to be cut off after you wasted 30 mins waiting.
OR
Calling hydro to report a power outage and being told to use the smart app on your phone or computer when there is no cell reception or power to run your computer.
OR
The responder has such an accent that you can't understand what he/she is saying.
OR
Finally locating a help line link that won't let you connect unless you register or again simply does not even exist.

 

[Macinnis]

And on the flip side...I buy all RIDGID brand tools because they have a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Once registered online, all I have to do to warranty a battery is to login, select the battery from all of my registered tools, and they ship me a new one.

No emails to go through, no receipts to find, he’ll, I don’t even have to leave my house.

I find this method super efficient.

 

[Oaktree]

When I opened the instructions, I discovered what I think is disturbing. The only way you can access the website of the manufacturer is to down load the store app on your smart phone, register, and then you have access to the info! I hope this is not a trend that propagates through retail. I don't want any more apps on my phone that I only have a one time use for. As far as registering, that is only a minor issue since I've got throw a way emails that I can use for that. However, it is pretty presumptuous on the retailers part that they think I've got all kinds of time to register.

Not sure exactly what it was that you had to register in order to get, but you couldn't access the website thru a normal computer?
I'd like to know what store and/or brand tool that required you to do this so I'll never patronize either business. Way more than a bit presumptuous to assume that everyone has a smartphone (they don't) or may not want to install another ap that's harvesting who-knows-what info from you.

 

[the old grind]

Apple and Google always want me to log in or mention my Apple account. When you sim-chip a new iPhone and it asks for that, don't I see a 'not now' option?

 

[bigtiller]

And on the flip side...I buy all RIDGID brand tools because they have a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Once registered online, all I have to do to warranty a battery is to login, select the battery from all of my registered tools, and they ship me a new one.

No emails to go through, no receipts to find, he’ll, I don’t even have to leave my house.

I find this method super efficient.

Well, that's new. Finally, a change for the good.

After registering my Ridgid drill/driver/ect. few years ago, I was told to bring the battery, charger and drill to an authorized repair center for them to decide if the battery was bad. And that repair center was about an hour away from home.

That is when I switched to Makita.

 

[gsganzer]

My wife works for a large retailer. You'd probably be very surprised at how much of our info is monitored and used to market things to us. Especially through the use of apps.

With many of these retailer apps, they're able to then track you through the store and map what products you look at, how long you dwell at certain products and then direct coupons and ads to you regarding that product.

 

[riptides]

Get a disposable email account or an alias. Get a disposable credit card.
Most registration problems solved.

 

[Frankenkubota]

And on the flip side...I buy all RIDGID brand tools because they have a lifetime warranty on the batteries. Once registered online, all I have to do to warranty a battery is to login, select the battery from all of my registered tools, and they ship me a new one.

No emails to go through, no receipts to find, he値l, I don稚 even have to leave my house.

I find this method super efficient.

Me too re rigid except i found some of their stuff made in virus land so no go for me. My rigid circle saw was made in vietnam so i bought it.

I used to be able to get customer service from rigid but i'm having trouble right now.

I bought their top of the line chop saw, only to find it's made in china! It came with minor damage to a couple of simple adjustment screws and the stand was bent. Both bought online. I quickly repaired the stand. The adjustment screw on the saw is bent. I bet it's not 50 cents.

I've sent rigid e mails and spent boo koo time on hold on the 800# they force you to call.

You are right about their batt replacement program, just a quick call, love it!

it seems now, If you have a problem with an item received you have to call some 3rd party customer service co.

That trend is bad news. Outsourcing customer service. Seems to me companies want to outsource all the dirty work and focus on the profits. I know, that's what they do, profits. The first thing I say whenI call Amazon.....are you a direct employee of Amazon? They can tell you 5 different ways what they do but will not admit they work for fred's customer service co, contracted to Amazon blah blah blah.

Just more BS.

 

[PILOON]

Just this AM I finally located the website of a manufacturer from which I needed a part.
Took forever to find their help/contact us link.
Filled in all requested data and clicked to send, yep, you guessed it.
They did not activate that link!
Nothing like independent companies.

 

[kf4uda]

A lot and probably most companies now are in two businesses. One is selling their product(s) and the other is selling you. You buy their product and they collect your information for marketing use for themselves and/or selling it.

 

[Oaktree]

A lot and probably most companies now are in two businesses. One is selling their product(s) and the other is selling you. You buy their product and they collect your information for marketing use for themselves and/or selling it.

Yeah, I've always figured that "registering" a tool (or any other product for that matter) is strictly a ploy to get your contact info for marketing purposes. Not far removed from having to mail in the warranty card in the old days. I never bother.

After registering my Ridgid drill/driver/ect. few years ago, I was told to bring the battery, charger and drill to an authorized repair center for them to decide if the battery was bad. And that repair center was about an hour away from home.

That is when I switched to Makita.

They never make it easy do they? And what happens when you need a new battery, but it's an older style that's not made anymore? I really doubt they're gonna keep a stock of obsolete batteries on hand forever.

That's why I've pretty much stuck with Ryobi for cordless tools...current batteries still fit older tools. Quality is as good as any other brand as far as I can see.