Don't purchase equipment from the installer

[Wingernut]

A warning for anybody getting an install: DO NOT PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FROM THE INSTALLER !! you will be billed again for it.

I just had DirectTV installed on Dec. 28th. I ordered a HD-DVR {HR21} for $199.0.0 [paid at time of order} and 2 SD boxes. Real easy install as I had all lines, phone etc.. prepped and ready for him. Just a mount and plug in type of install.

When the installer was finishing up he noticed a 42" LCD in my den that didn't have a box and offered me a HR20 for $200.00 I accepted and gave him a check. Then a month later I get my first bill and it has a $299.00 charge on it for a "HD-DVR upgrade",so as it stands I have $499.00 into this HR-20.

Called DTV and was basically told "tough luck your installer just stole $200.00 from you" and my only recourse is go after him and they gave me the install companies ph# {Premier - I'm in Minnesota} Premier of coarse told me I have to call DTV !!
As they are the ones billing me.

So after doing this dog and pony show for 3 hours, it looks like my only solution is to try and get Qwest {I ordered the bundled phone, internet and DirectTV package} to intervene and if that fails It's ether pull the plug and charge back my CC or take a $300.00 hit.

This really sucks as the service is great and equipment works perfect. If anybody has any tips or advise on how to approach this I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Mike728]

You didn't get a receipt?

[glennb]

Sounds like you should get the name of the installer from the install company then call the police and report a robbery.

Who cashed the check ? the installer ? the install company ?

[Capt'n]

Who did you make the check out to? You didn't write it in the installers name did you?

[Wingernut]

Stupid me - I made the check out to the installers name.:mad:

[jaguar325]

Stupid me - I made the check out to the installers name.:mad:

If you push customer retention hard enough, they'll make contact with Premier and should be able to get you the name of a local manager. Since you wrote a check, you've got the name of the installer. I would demand the $$ back from the installer or Premier and pressure them to take action. Stealing money from customers should not be tolerated and I doubt seriously that Premier wouldn't be pissed to know one of their field people is taking direct payments from customers (probably grounds for firing).

[shocky]

If all else fails, small claims court against the installer. Get the cancelled check from your bank and the DTV statement.

[Capt'n]

I definitely would push retention on this. After all, the person they send to your house is representing Directv and anything they do is on Directv's behalf. It's not up to the homeowner to know or assume that the installer is anything but a Directv representative. However, I don't think I would write a check out in the guys name.

[Wingernut]

Just finished another call to DirectTV and the CSR sent this issue for a "review" with the billing dept. and if this "review" is favorable they will process a credit on my account in 1-2 weeks for the $200.00 the installer collected.
The DirectTV CSR wanted me to fax a copy of the cleared check but couldn't find the appropriate fax # and said not to worry about it.

When the installer offered the HR20 I was a bit skeptical, but my concerns were more towards the box - is it new , covered under warr, and the protection plan Etc.. When he told me it was replaced by the newer HR21 and this was old stock it made sense. Then add to the fact that he was very professional , uniform, nice tools, Pro looking van, dialed the dish well- 95++ across the board and seemed to know his "trade" well it all seemed to fit.

Having been a DishNetwork owner operator back in the 90's I would almost always try to upsell the customer better equipment.I usually made more on upsells than anything else, so him offering to sell me equipment seemed completly normal at the time. I really should have known better considering the research I did prior to ordering and my experience - but the average Joe ?

[Birdman79]

A warning for anybody getting an install: DO NOT PURCHASE EQUIPMENT FROM THE INSTALLER !! you will be billed again for it.

I just had DirectTV installed on Dec. 28th. I ordered a HD-DVR {HR21} for $199.0.0 [paid at time of order} and 2 SD boxes. Real easy install as I had all lines, phone etc.. prepped and ready for him. Just a mount and plug in type of install.

When the installer was finishing up he noticed a 42" LCD in my den that didn't have a box and offered me a HR20 for $200.00 I accepted and gave him a check. Then a month later I get my first bill and it has a $299.00 charge on it for a "HD-DVR upgrade",so as it stands I have $499.00 into this HR-20.

Called DTV and was basically told "tough luck your installer just stole $200.00 from you" and my only recourse is go after him and they gave me the install companies ph# {Premier - I'm in Minnesota} Premier of coarse told me I have to call DTV !!
As they are the ones billing me.

So after doing this dog and pony show for 3 hours, it looks like my only solution is to try and get Qwest {I ordered the bundled phone, internet and DirectTV package} to intervene and if that fails It's ether pull the plug and charge back my CC or take a $300.00 hit.

This really sucks as the service is great and equipment works perfect. If anybody has any tips or advise on how to approach this I'd greatly appreciate it.

This is most likely an act of a tech that was quiting his job,and since it's been a month since he sold you the dvr ,his HSP can't deduct any money from his check.Like the other guys said if nothing works take him to a small claim court.

[EXTREMUM]

All-in-all, the installer committed a crime. He profited from selling company property to you. Be sure to call DirecTV to get the tech's employee number, and be sure to call the Supervisor / Operations Manager of the local service provider for your area.

[EXTREMUM]

...since it's been a month since he sold you the dvr ,his HSP can't deduct any money from his check.

Ooooooooooooooh yes they can! Furthermore, the receiver's full cost of $476.

[RobertE]

Sorry to hear about the OP getting taken for $200.

To the OP: Do you have any paperwork from the installer that shows that you paid $200 for the extra HD DVR? For any custom work charges? Anything? If not, then, sorry to say you gave the installer a $200 tip.

To everyone else, step back and take another look.

Try going to Best Buy and makeing the check out to the cashier instead of Best Buy, don't bother to get a reciept. See how far you make it out the door. Try it at your local grocery store, gas station, anywhere.

Who honestly writes a check in a persons name for payment due to a company? Really?

Again, sorry to the OP for getting taken, consider it a $200 life lesson.

[Mertzen]

Stupid me - I made the check out to the installers name.:mad:


Oh come on. I mean I really don't want to offend you but ANY common sense would have made you hesitate at this point.

Boxes disappear at any warehouse. He got one and sold it. Pretty much end of story.

[Wingernut]

So for custom work charges it's perfectly OK and acceptable to write a check to the installer but for equipment it's an obvious scam and a "Oh come on really, should have known better"

My structured wiring installer/ electrician , tile installer, taper/painter and landscaper were all paid directly by check {owner/operators} as is my mechanic, wife's hair dresser I could go on and on.

It's a $200 Satellite box not a real estate transaction- geeze.
Next time I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract and have it notarized.

Thanks for the responses and rest assured it is a lesson learned.

[glennb]

So for custom work charges it's perfectly OK and acceptable to write a check to the installer but for equipment it's an obvious scam and a "Oh come on really, should have known better"

My structured wiring installer/ electrician , tile installer, taper/painter and landscaper were all paid directly by check {owner/operators} as is my mechanic, wife's hair dresser I could go on and on.

It's a $200 Satellite box not a real estate transaction- geeze.
Next time I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract and have it notarized.

Thanks for the responses and rest assured it is a lesson learned.

It was a totally different situation than paying the landscaper, tile installer, taper/painter, mechanic, wife's hair dresser I could go on and on.

I'm surprised DIRECTV is willing to help you out at all. I'd have thought after hearing you wrote out the check to the installer guy's name they'd have said - sorry, you're on your own.

Since "It's a $200 Satellite box not a real esate transaction - geeze." Why are you even mentioning it ?

And yes - "Oh come on really, should have known better" .
:rolleyes:

[Tom Robertson]

Wait, wait, wait...

Many installers do extra work for a price as Wingernut states. Yes, a small bit of buyer beware, but not wholesale recriminations for him.

DIRECTV is represented by this person's activity. I would think they would immediately jump on the case, research it before acting, then take the appropriate actions. I am very surprised they did not, in fact.

And lastly, satire and sarcasm should be allowed by both sides of this discussion... :)

Cheers,
Tom

[pacjag]

I'm surprised DIRECTV is willing to help you out at all.

I'm not. The technician was representing D* and his actions reflect on them and
may be legally considered their's.

[Tom Robertson]

One more thought, thank you Wingernut for the buyer beware notice you've posted. I hope that saves several people in the future.

Thanks again,
Tom

[Carl Spock]

It's impossible to make this a blanket rule. One time, DirecTV screwed up an order on a job I was overseeing. I was out at the customer's house when the installer arrived, only to find out he was short one RF receiver. The installer had an older, used RCA receiver with a clean access card and a RF remote in his van. He charged my customer $50 cash for it. It was a fair deal. He didn't leave until it was up and running and it worked great until my customer's labrador chewed up the remote. Buying a new RF remote wasn't worth the money, so at that time we replaced it with a new, leased unit.

[Wingernut]

I guess my earlier "Stupid me - I made the check out to the installers name" statement wasn't remorseful or self loathing enough for some.

'It was a totally different situation than paying the landscaper, tile installer, taper/painter, mechanic, wife's hair dresser"
How is this a "totally different situation" I call a company to do business with them they send out a representative to do the work TO MY HOME - I pay him. To write a check to an owner/operators name normally raises no red flags for me. It's when they want cash only with no record of the transaction that I get suspicious-not the case here.

Where I feel I really screwed up, was not investigating the unique equipment activation/ownership/lease situation more throughly.I don't buy a pack of gum without the whole research thing {it drives my Wife nuts}. If I had ,then this scam would have been as obvious to me as it is to many here.

Having a company {Qwest} hire another company{DirecTV} who hires another 3rd party {Premier} who then hires another {the Installer} to do the actual work is an odd siuation and should have propted me to be alot more carefull.

I truly do appreciate the responses both critical and supportive and hopefully they will help save somebody else the same fate.

****Don't purchase equipment from the installer****
{I think I will make this my Sig.}

[STEVED21]

'It was a totally different situation than paying the landscaper, tile installer, taper/painter, mechanic, wife's hair dresser"
How is this a "totally different situation" I call a company to do business with them they send out a representative to do the work TO MY HOME - I pay him. To write a check to an owner/operators name normally raises no red flags for me. It's when they want cash only with no record of the transaction that I get suspicious-not the case here.





It is different. Here you say you hired Quest to install Directv and you paid "John Smith" and you didn't see a problem with that? If you hired Jim Jones landscaping and Bob Bushwacker came to do the work, who would you pay?

[Wingernut]

It is different. Here you say you hired Quest to install Directv and you paid "John Smith" and you didn't see a problem with that? If you hired Jim Jones landscaping and Bob Bushwacker came to do the work, who would you pay?
If Bob Bushwacker had a spare shrub in his truck for a good price I'd cut him a check for it. If Jim Jones tries to bill me for the shrub a month later I'd show him my canceled check I made out to HIS "guy" that HE sent and I'm sure Bob and Jim would have a "conversation". Anyway I can see this back and forth going on for ever.

I think a more productive discussion is when and under what circumstances is it considered OK to pay an installer direct ? I think the answer to this question is something that should be clear and understood not "grey"

Never Ever ?
or
Equipment = NEVER
Service/labor = some times ?
What about any incidentals and supplies above the included install ?
That seems to be ok in reading other threads but the installer could have stolen those also - seems more likely as a stealing a box would only work if you are planning to leave to company.

[Birdman79]

Ooooooooooooooh yes they can! Furthermore, the receiver's full cost of $476.

When a tech activates a receivers it comes off his inventory,and the customer gets billed for it.Now if the tech is still working there which i doubt he can be charged for it.But if he quit right after the incident he can't be charged for it unless he's taken to court .HSP's hold checks for 2 weeks....
..

[RobertE]

So for custom work charges it's perfectly OK and acceptable to write a check to the installer but for equipment it's an obvious scam and a "Oh come on really, should have known better"

My structured wiring installer/ electrician , tile installer, taper/painter and landscaper were all paid directly by check {owner/operators} as is my mechanic, wife's hair dresser I could go on and on.

It's a $200 Satellite box not a real estate transaction- geeze.
Next time I'll have my lawyer draw up a contract and have it notarized.

Thanks for the responses and rest assured it is a lesson learned.

I'll try again

You have Joe's Landscaping come out to plant a tree. Joe (the owner) plants the tree, you make the check directly to Joe or Joe's Landscaping. Same if he sells you another tree.

You have Joe's Landscaping come out to plant a tree. Mark (an employee) pants the tree, you make the check out to Joe's Lanscaping, not Mark.

Back to DirecTv. Custom work charges can get a little messy. Right on our workorders it has a toll free number for all custom work charges. It even says in bold print: We Do Not Accept Cash. Why do they want it done that way? So the HSP gets their cut.

Example. Wall fish is UP TO $60 per wall. If we go by the book, I get %75 of that , $45. Now what some do is tell the customer: The rate through DirecTv/HSP is $60 per wall. If you want to deal directly with me, I can do it for X. Cuts out the middleman.

Again, sorry you got taken.

[Dwrecked]

Yep, chalk it up as a lesson learned. Unfortunately, they are expensive most of the time.

[Zepes]

[QUOTE=RobertE;1427444]Sorry to hear about the OP getting taken for $200.

sorry to say you gave the installer a $200 tip.
[QUOTE]


wow, it does sound like a tip.

that sucks

[Wingernut]

I'll try again

You have Joe's Landscaping come out to plant a tree. Joe (the owner) plants the tree, you make the check directly to Joe or Joe's Landscaping. Same if he sells you another tree.

You have Joe's Landscaping come out to plant a tree. Mark (an employee) pants the tree, you make the check out to Joe's Lanscaping, not Mark.
.

You miss one important point - The tree Joe was contracted for was paid for directly to Joe and everything he was contracted for was completed . Joe and I are basically done.

THEN the trouble starts as Bob Bushwacker has a completely different tree that he states Joe has nothing to do with - stupid me for not asking Joe about it.

I think we should get together and do a children's story - But I get to wright Bob Bushwacker's lines.

[CJTE]

I'm sorry, but where the hell is Bob Bushwacker coming into this?

An authorized installer, from a 3rd party company (hereon after known as HSP), contracted by DirecTV, came out to install an HDDVR. He installed the HDDVR and closed the order. You paid DirecTV for that peice of equipment, which was prepaid for by the HSP.
The installer offered to set you up with another HDDVR. At this point, I'd be thinking one of 2 things, This is DirecTVs equipment. So I either need to pay DirecTV for this peice of equipment, OR, I need to pay the HSP for this peice of equipment. This is not the installers equipment.
So then, the installer creates a work order, New install of HDDVR, and posts it to your account. He's able to successfully create and close this order by activating the receiver to your account.

You then pay the installer directly $200 for a peice of equipment.
In the example thats been made where the landscaping company was used, had Mark, the employee, offered to sell you another tree, you would not have paid Mark, you would have paid Joes landscaping.

I'm sorry that you got screwed over man, mistakes do happen, and its too late to reverse the check. What I would do, in your position, is one of 2 things.
1) Decide its not worth my time, I ****ed up, I'd beat myself up a little and walk away.
2) Call DirecTV, get the phone number for the HSP. Call the HSP, explain to the rep what happened, and see what they say. If they cant help you, ask to speak with a supervisor, if they still cant help you, ask to have a technicians supervisor from your local office call back. Be warned, this may take up to 72 hours. After speaking with the Technicians supervisor, find out if the HSP is going to reimburse you, or if they'll release the information of the tech who was at your property. By the way, your copy of the work order should have the techs badge number on it.

If the issue is still unresolved and you wish to pursue, call the non-emergency metro number in your area, or, confide with a lawyer (which will probably not be worth the $200) and go to small claims court.

I dont know who the heck Bob Bushwacker is supposed to be representing here, it sure isnt DirecTV, because that is Joes Landscaping, it sure isnt the tech, because that is 'mark' the employee, and it sure isnt the HSP, because the HSP isnt the one charging you for the equipment (well, they kinda are, but, that system is too complicated for me to try to explain to you)

[Wingernut]

I'm sorry, but where the hell is Bob Bushwacker coming into this?
I dont know who the heck Bob Bushwacker is supposed to be representing here, it sure isnt DirecTV, because that is Joes Landscaping, it sure isnt the tech, because that is 'mark' the employee, and it sure isnt the HSP, because the HSP isnt the one charging you for the equipment (well, they kinda are, but, that system is too complicated for me to try to explain to you)


Sorry- I blended a few characters from a couple different posts.

Cast of characters:
Joe Landscaping = DirectTV

HSP=no clue - don't care as they had zero contact. {except 1 call setting appointment}

Bob Bushwacker =The installer Joe had show up to install. Other than the Qwest CSR This is the only real contact I had. and certainly the "perceived authority"

Customer = the dumb guy that got screwed for $200.00


I think DirecTV will throw me some sort of bone and I'll just leave it at that. They also said they are "taking action" against the installer.

[CJTE]

You miss one important point - The tree (Bob Bushwacker) was contracted (to install) for was paid for directly to Joe and everything he was contracted for was completed . Joe and I are basically done. [So it was assumed, unfortunately :(]

THEN the trouble starts as Bob Bushwacker has a completely different tree that he states [Bobs a lier... Damnit bob] Joe has nothing to do with - [B]stupid me for not asking Joe about it.
[Yes, that is somewhat unfortunate, but im sure at the time you thought you were getting some kind of deal?]
I think we should get together and do a children's story - But I get to wright Bob Bushwacker's lines.

I think thats what you meant to say, thereby clearing mine, and possibly others, confusion.

Sorry- I blended a few characters from a couple different posts.

Cast of characters:
Joe Landscaping = DirectTV

HSP=no clue - don't care as they had zero contact. {except 1 call setting appointment}

Bob Bushwacker =The installer Joe had show up to install. Other than the Qwest CSR This is the only real contact I had. and certainly the "perceived authority"

Customer = the dumb guy that got screwed for $200.00


I think DirecTV will throw me some sort of bone and I'll just leave it at that. They also said they are "taking action" against the installer.

Follow me down the yellow brick road as I further clarify things you dont care to understand:
Bob Bushwacker (who I wrote as mark), is NOT the installer Joe had show up, but is, in fact, the installer that the HSP had show up! You ordered your tree through Joe, Joe sent an email to the HSP and told them about your tree, The HSP gave Bob (mark) the tree, and sent him on his marry way. Bob, had another tree on the truck that the HSP had forgotten about/lost/etc, and offered to sell it to you. Bob, then called the HSP, and told them he sold you the second box, but Bob, nor the HSP are authorized for this kind of sale, this can only be done via Joe, and on top of that Bob doesnt tell the HSP that he collected money from you. So then the HSP emails Joe and tells Joe that they sold you an add'l tree, that they're going to charge Joe for, and Joe is going to charge you for.
Therefore, Bob got paid for 2 jobs, plus your very generous tip, the HSP got paid for 1 job, and reimbursed for one tree, and Joe charged you for 2 trees.

[Wingernut]

I think thats what you meant to say, thereby clearing mine, and possibly others, confusion.



Follow me down the yellow brick road as I further clarify things you dont care to understand:
Bob Bushwacker (who I wrote as mark), is NOT the installer Joe had show up, but is, in fact, the installer that the HSP had show up! You ordered your tree through Joe, Joe sent an email to the HSP and told them about your tree, The HSP gave Bob (mark) the tree, and sent him on his marry way. Bob, had another tree on the truck that the HSP had forgotten about/lost/etc, and offered to sell it to you. Bob, then called the HSP, and told them he sold you the second box, but Bob, nor the HSP are authorized for this kind of sale, this can only be done via Joe, and on top of that Bob doesnt tell the HSP that he collected money from you. So then the HSP emails Joe and tells Joe that they sold you an add'l tree, that they're going to charge Joe for, and Joe is going to charge you for.
Therefore, Bob got paid for 2 jobs, plus your very generous tip, the HSP got paid for 1 job, and reimbursed for one tree, and Joe charged you for 2 trees.

I understand what happened and why.

One thing I don't think you realize is that to the new customer the HSP is meaningless, doesn't factor in anyway TO THE END USER and is really just a 30 second appointment setting phone call, thats it , no more than just a "we will be there between 10-2". It seems that to expect a NEW customer to have this depth of knowledge of the equipment relationship / ownership between DirectTV the HSP and the installer and whoever the heck else they want to throw in the mix -seems a bit of a stretch.

At the time I thought the installers actually worked for themselves and the HSP just did the scheduling - but as I said lesson learned. I was hoping this would be more of a warning to others than a debate of the depths of my stupidity , but hey pile on - how about a new "How dumb is this guy" poll -I'll give myself a 7 out of a possible 10 on the stupid scale {I get 3 points for using a check}

[CJTE]

I understand what happened and why.

One thing I don't think you realize is that to the new customer the HSP is meaningless, doesn't factor in anyway TO THE END USER and is really just a 30 second appointment setting phone call, thats it , no more than just a "we will be there between 10-2". It seems that to expect a NEW customer to have this depth of knowledge of the equipment relationship / ownership between DirectTV the HSP and the installer and whoever the heck else they want to throw in the mix -seems a bit of a stretch.

At the time I thought the installers actually worked for themselves and the HSP just did the scheduling - but as I said lesson learned. I was hoping this would be more of a warning to others than a debate of the depths of my stupidity , but hey pile on - how about a new "How dumb is this guy" poll -I'll give myself a 7 out of a possible 10 on the stupid scale {I get 3 points for using a check}

I understand where you're coming from. And I can imagine what was running through your head (I cant understand it because I DO know how the system works, but, I can imagine it).

In regards to knowing the difference between DirecTV, the HSP, and the Tech, well I would hope (That means, it doesnt happen, and it probably never will happen) that the CSR you speak with from DirecTV would explain the number they give you to get an ETA is the Authorized Service Company in their area, and they'll be the ones dispatching the tech.

In a perfect world

[Mertzen]

So for custom work charges it's perfectly OK and acceptable to write a check to the installer but for equipment it's an obvious scam and a "Oh come on really, should have known better"

Actually for any custom work not considered part of a 'standard' installation a custom work sheet is available with prices and has to be signed with the customer and paid with a check maid out to the HSP. Rarely happens but...

[Wingernut]

After 4 months and 5 calls later, I finally got a $200.00 credit from Direct along with a very nice apology.
There are some decent and competent CRS's, sometimes you just have to play a little roulette until you find one. Never get mad, always stay nice- but be persistent.

Sorry to resurrect such an old thread - but I just had to update

[Tom Robertson]

Wingernut, thanks for the happy update. While I'm saddened that it took so many calls, I am glad it worked out for you.

Cheers,
Tom

[kevinm34232]

What happened to the installer?

[rhambling]

sorry but this too funny

[Mike Bertelson]

After 4 months and 5 calls later, I finally got a $200.00 credit from Direct along with a very nice apology.
There are some decent and competent CRS's, sometimes you just have to play a little roulette until you find one. Never get mad, always stay nice- but be persistent.
Sorry to resurrect such an old thread - but I just had to update
That, in bold, is key to getting anything done.

Some people go guns-a-blazin' and get nowhere. :rolleyes:

Sorry you had to go through so much but thanks for sharing. It's good info and will help some else down the line. :)

Mike

[joe diamond]

Yes, sorry you got taken,

Welcome to the club. The installer did not own the receiver he "sold" you. And now that you have "purchased" it you don't own it either. It was always the property of Directv and they are now leasing the receiver to you.

Forget the District Court thing. This is a criminal matter. Call the cops. The installer misrepresented his ownership and stole the equipment from Directv.

Besides, District Courts are full of installers trying to get paid for their installation labor and materials. When DTV contractors fail to pay their subcontractors it puts the guys with the tools in the same position you are in.

Joe

[Greg Alsobrook]

Glad to hear everything worked out for your Wingernut! Thanks for sharing...

[CJTE]

Good Deal :)
I still think you shouldve gone after the guy that actually took the money, but, you got it resolved anyway

[Ext 721]

Stupid me - I made the check out to the installers name.:mad:

He did not own the receiver then...so he is guilty of theft, fraud, and selling stolen merchandise.

Perhaps he was mistaken, but your best recourse is to have your bank work with you to recover the stolen money.

If directv credited to you, they may have been "eating" the loss, or perhaps some paperwork finally went through. Either way, it is good to hear they "stood up" and helped resolve the situation.

[rustynails]

Im glad to hear that things worked out for you. As for the installer, he will get his either in this lifetime or the next!

[Wingernut]

I think Direct dinged the HSP

[joe diamond]

I think Direct dinged the HSP

Yes,

And I think this was a case of reverse charge back. The guy had to know how the receiver accounting was such a big deal. So he probably packed his bags and ran up a cash score before hitting the road. Or he could have loaded a few boxes signed out to a ghost... He had to know that eventually the numbers would point to someone.

Joe

[SebastianBlack]

All-in-all, the installer committed a crime. He profited from selling company property to you. Be sure to call DirecTV to get the tech's employee number, and be sure to call the Supervisor / Operations Manager of the local service provider for your area.

The customer satisfaction sheet should have tne techs employee number on it. That way you can track him back to his local office. This is a shame and makes it hard for honest techs (like me) to sell customers multi-switches or tripods on the up and up!