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For those that need a repair service decided to start one

retrodos - 2012-01-20 07:01

For those that need a repair service decided to start one. Will add Aiwa's to the list, when I get some more capacitors in stock. Also their will be other services added, not just walkmans.

 

eBay store and links

 

http://stores.ebay.com/retropcdos

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-cassette-walkman-repair-service-/110809053822?pt=Cassette_Players&hash=item19ccbbfa7e

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Panasonic-walkman-cassette-player-repair-service-RQ-S-and-RQ-SX-series-/110809060793?pt=Cassette_Players&hash=item19ccbc15b9

brutus442 - 2012-01-20 07:21

Thanks retrodos,

 

It's an invaluable service to those who fear "cracking the case" on a Walkman in need of repair.

 

You're videos are EXTREMELY informative. I have a WM 101 and after seeing these videos I have to tip my hat to those engineers in the 80's....Incredible designs

driptip - 2012-01-20 09:26

Very good man, thanks god for that, at last we have a guy to go to for repairs.

walkman.archive - 2012-01-21 02:12

Good initiative, retrodos.

 

thanks.

docp - 2012-01-21 11:41

All the best with the new venture.But please be a bit cautious....

 

As it has been posted on Stereo2Go I'd like to make some suggestions based on numerous 'loopholes' that may attract 'misunderstandings':

1. Ebay facilitates the process at $0.99 .... after which a client has to ship the item to you AT THEIR OWN RISK based on postal service/carrier service chosen and insurance cover

2. You take a RISK of accepting a parcel said to contain a MINT condition walkman when in fact it might be slightly damaged even before shipping

3. Ebay and Paypal offer no protection so far as no ITEM has been sold. If I am not mistaken paypal protection works only for GOODS sold?Even if you are 'protected' it is for $0.99.

4. You inform the owner of repair costs. If the owner is unwilling he/she agrees to pay both shipping charges and handling charges ($25) to have the walkman shipped back with no service having been performed.

5. If the owner is willing to have repairs performed you'll send them a paypal invoice for repairs - which will have to be categorized under 'goods' for protection offerred ONLY for funds paid towards repair.

 

If fellow members want to prevent any situation of conflict they should :

 

 

1. post a note in this repair thread with a photo and relevant shipping information including photo of shipping slip indicating amount insured for regarding units they dispatch. This will atleast protect units till they reach the workshop.

2. retrodos can guide members on 'Value' to be declared based on the photos posted. Wouldn't want any $10,000 wm10s right

3.Retrodos updates service info and return shipping details, including insurance

4. The whole community is happy.

 

If the above protocol or similar isn't followed I would love NOT to have anyone posting anything negative without first having safeguarded themselves, retrodos and Stereo2Go

 

Thanks Folks

P

 

retrodos - 2012-01-21 13:35

Have to fix some of those loopholes, never took into consideration number 2 or 5, figure out a nice disclosure over the weekend that fair. Will also guide members on 'Value' to be declared with insurance, the highest you can declared thru USPS is $1000, as I had to spit up a $3600 dollar package the other day into three boxes. UPS and FedEX not to sure about? But will go by current value and overall condition when deciding value.

 

As far as payments, after repair is completed and agree upon, will sent invoice thur Paypal for the time being. Getting a credit card processing machine, as I am looking at opening up a retail location very soon, once I get tax ID and ETC. But going to be also for resale and restoration services. Also a website going to be put up in the next couple of weeks, working on it right now. Their going to be alot more services offer once I get everything worked out, not just walkmans, figure just add that in, as It's not worth the trouble by itseft alone. 

 

 

chris69 - 2012-01-21 17:44

You might want to change the FREE SHIPPING because even though you state a shipping charge in your description ...you offer free shipping

retrodos - 2012-01-21 18:08

Originally Posted by Chris_69:

You might want to change the FREE SHIPPING because even though you state a shipping charge in your description ...you offer free shipping

I really thought about doing that, but because it a new service, figure built a reputation first on a few repairs, get feedback on eBay for the repairs, then I will have more detail pricing and offer the service individual based on symptoms, I already wrote it out, just not going to roll it out yet.

 

When starting a service like this, it hard to get people to trust you enough to sent their item out and also have to pay a fee, or the repair up front and shipping cost, before the repair even done, thur eBay and most are going to be outsiders. Somehow have to break the barrier. Once well known for repairs, then some changes will be implemented.

 

Plus I make it hard for a scammer to try something, as I videotape and take the weight of every box I get, before opening it, with a good picture of the shipping label, so they can't say they sent a new condition wm10 for example that is junk or a completely different model.

 

But will add this line in, "Not responsible for any damage done during transit".

retrodos - 2012-01-21 18:27

Originally Posted by Chris_69:

You might want to change the FREE SHIPPING because even though you state a shipping charge in your description ...you offer free shipping


Took out the "FREE SHIPPING" part.

docp - 2012-01-21 20:56

Repairing a walkman is sometimes no different from getting yourself treated at a hospital

1. You might have to fill out a disclaimer

2. The doctor may have to pull out or put in some more parts than originally discussed

3. The end result predictable but in the long run is in the hands of God

 

When you undertake to perform repairs 'officially' for electronic equipment now deemed obsolete there is always a problem that while you have set right one fault there might be another part failure once the owner puts it back into original use

The courtesy of the 30 day repairs warranty covers this ONCE , sometimes twice....

 

The fact remains that once a physical shop comes into existence it would be a fascinating experience for an owner to walk in with his walkman/boombox and get things sorted out under his/her supervision without the need for long distance/ 'in absentia' hassles. But, till then, we'll need to trust service providers to be able to atleast return things back in the condition original sent if not in better shape. For this there is almost no system of financial protection to cover the value of the walkman/boombox except the carrier's insurance cover.

 

What we don't want is...a situation where the boombox/walkman arrives at Retrodos's workshop damaged and all you are left with is what the insurance covers assuming your claim holds up. In our country we are always advised to open the parcel in the presence of the delivery person BEFORE signing that the item has been received satisfactorily.

 

Kindly take into account periods of time when Retrodos may be on holiday or slightly unwell for a day or two, or even worse for some reason unable to answer his mail/phone. That doesn't make a person bad straight away...but panic attacks start anyway. So constant communication and updated repair status info is MOST IMPORTANT

 

I guess Retrodos will show us how well he can cover all these aspects by keeping us constantly updated when he undertakes a fellow member's repairs. He hasn't chosen an easy task & I'd hate to see things go bad just because of mistrust & poor planning on BOTH SIDES and worst of all have the backlash affect the quality of posts on our board

 

 

ghettoman - 2012-01-21 22:07

Retrodos,i had no idea you was so professional at repairing,i just watched your videos,and man they are brilliant

you really know what you are doing,you are doing great work its amaizing,you are a cool guy !!

and DocP is cool too,he also knows what he is doing too

brutus442 - 2012-01-22 05:41

Originally Posted by Beanie Man:

Retrodos,i had no idea you was so professional at repairing,i just watched your videos,and man they are brilliant

you really know what you are doing,you are doing great work its amaizing,you are a cool guy !!

and DocP is cool too,he also knows what he is doing too


Beanie Man is bang on!

 

We're fortunate to have you two gents here at S2GO! You're knowledge and wisdom is an invaluable resource for a hobby that's finding it hard to get professional repairs done.

 

Hat's off to both of you sirs

docp - 2012-01-22 07:57

Beanie & Brutus...you guys are kind, thanks

 

The greatest joy of such a fascinating hobby is in helping fellow members overcome obstacles be it with suggestions , technical tips or with actual parts or units. Stereo2go as a community is one of the best 'social' networks that is actually extremely productive thanks to the standards of interest, commitment and decency amongst its members.

 

It pays to safeguard this standard by fine tuning the way we interact (giving no scope for misunderstandings) especially when it deals with the exchange of funds or goods to make it a win win situation.

 

Once again let us all wish Retrodos sure and steady steps forward in providing a much awaited service to the board. Wish him 'name' and 'fame' with zero 'blame'

outland - 2012-01-26 19:35

This is very intriguing. I can say from personal experience, that the level of retrodos's quality of work is unmatched.

 

Best of luck to you.

cooldude - 2012-02-22 12:55

So glad retrodos started this service. I will be using your service once I save up some money for repairs. Thanks DocP for clarifying some details of the transaction.

mezenga - 2012-03-06 07:53

YES YES, I WANT YOUR HELP TOO - ANOTHER THING: WHERE CAN I FIND A BATTERY TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES LEAD AIWA CP-3S, 4S-PB? NOT FOUND WAS NOTHING LIKE THAT! AIWA JX'S HAVE SEVERAL THAT USE THESE BATTERIES - BATTERY BOX USING AUXILIARY LEAVE VERY HEAVY Walkman! WAIT YOUR TIP Buddy

retrodos - 2012-03-06 11:41

Can't find thoses lead acid batteries etheir, I hate that external box. Some company in China was suppose to start making them again, but never heard back from them.

retrodos - 2012-04-28 15:35

Started a AIWA walkman service, link below

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110870396436&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

radio.raheem - 2012-04-28 19:05

as discussed.....i am taking you up on this retrodos.....you can't make my walkmans any worse lol they dont work anyway.....lookforward to the posibility of finally getting some working walkmans sir.....and i know docp is just as prefessional......he has been helping people for many years

radio.raheem - 2012-04-28 20:16

to agent and retro.....i think this thread should be pinned up top....it's such a valuable service to all the walkman fans here.....it took me 15 minuits to find it again....thanx mods

ao - 2012-04-29 00:24

I agree and all feedback has been 100% positive for Retrodos.  The only issue we may have is that as a site we really shouldn't be seen to be promoting someone elses commercial services.  So, we're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

What do we all think?

retrodos - 2012-04-29 00:35

Originally Posted by agentorange:

I agree and all feedback has been 100% positive for Retrodos.  The only issue we may have is that as a site we really shouldn't be seen to be promoting someone elses commercial services.  So, we're kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

 

What do we all think?

I do agree for legal reason, as far as direct links to eBay goes, Pretty much have to redo the thread, good example, something like "DocP" belts thread and leave the eBay links out and just offer the service and let people PM.

radio.raheem - 2012-04-29 01:20

all you have to do retrodos...is edit your post with the link...and delete it....or delete any material that you think is inapropriate....hope this helps

ao - 2012-04-29 02:54

Nah, don't do that.   Might be easier to do a fresh post outlining your services.  Happy to 'feature' it then.  If it's something members have positively benefited from then I think it's OK.  But you're right, no eBay links I'm afraid.

docp - 2012-04-29 06:47

...and to continue being able to help people for years to come...there should be some suggestion as to how he should frame the service offer when he has to trust the postal system (loss/damage) both to and fro. The sender can  agree upon an 'insurance' value that the postal services cover in the rare possibility that something goes wrong instead of any blame going retrodos's way. Sending out 'spares' one way is easy  but receiving someone's coveted unit , servicing it and getting it back to them safe and having them satisfied is a monumental task.
I don't know if each service request can be posted by the owner followed by repeat edits of that thread to update one and all of postal status/service status/successful completion...for example there was a request for a wm10 part recently which retrodos kindly provided...the request was edited to include  a note stating that the item had been received and successfully installed...that's decent,proper and nice
I personally don't like the 'rogues gallery' section of most forums as I always am afraid that as humans we are all capable of botch ups ....being extra careful, kind and systematic always helps especially when dealing with things of 'value' (cash or kind)

radio.raheem - 2012-04-29 09:59

you are right...docp......the postal service is not the best....a member here(forget his name) sent me some m90 paint...from america.....just recently....it never showed up....fortunatley for me i don't need it now as the m90 is gone....i just wish retrodos wasn't at the end of the earth...or that the postal service was 100% accurate

redbenjoe - 2012-04-29 17:47

Originally Posted by agentorange:

........ promoting someone elses commercial services. 

 

What do we all think?

my 2 cents is that any member with the talents and willingness to help

with walkman or boombox repairs -

should be welcome to post anywhere & anytime on s2g

docp - 2012-04-29 17:54

@ retrodos
The new post/thread regarding the service offered is much clearer...very good but in the 'terms and conditions' kindly include  :
Customer and me will discuss via PM aided by ACTUAL UNIT (serial number or distinguishing marks and scratches) photos as to 'Value' assignable to unit. Customer will ship unit INSURED for this value thus ensuring that the courier/mail service is accountable for loss/damage in transit. Return shipping will also be Insured.
( feel free to modify/edit...)

Kindly request recent customers to leave a precise 1 to 2 line feedback in the thread (for eg - Walkman type/complaint/sent on/received after repairs on...)

docp - 2012-04-29 17:55

Feedback example 2 (belt or spare part requested on- received on .....)

docp - 2012-04-29 22:02

Nice to see you've incorporated all the safety clauses in the terms and conditions of the new thread..now lets get down to officially/safely/peacefully helping out folks....5...4...3...2...1

YOU ARE LIVE

all the best

martymcfly - 2013-07-16 15:29

Just like to say I sent my Aiwa HS-PX505 to Retropcdos and he replaced the CAps and belt and now it is better than new, Great job sir, Thank you very much, just sent off another Aiwa for the same service, so worth the wait.  One day all my Walkman will be in full working order.

 

Thanks

 

Bryan

docp - 2013-07-16 19:33

Good job Bryan  - feedback is what this thread was waiting for !