Posted: 7/10/2011 6:50:03 PM EDT
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So I'm in Ohio for a business conference and I'm 12 miles away from Universal Radio.
It's not real easy to slip away, but would it be worth my time to visit their shop before I head home? |
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It's been a long time since I've been there, but it used to be snob city. If you didn't look like you could just whip out a fat wad of cash, they wouldn't even acknowlege your presence. Oh, and don't go if you are allergic to cats, They used to have a "guard cat", it may still be lurking about. Now I'm forming my opinion on 15 year old data, hopefully things have changed in the attitude department.
EDIT –– grammar 
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Quoted:
It's been a long time since I've been there, but it used to be snob city. If you didn't look like you could just whip out a fat wad of cash, they wouldn't even acknowlege your presence. Oh, and don't go if you are allergic to cats, They used to have a "guard cat", it may still be lurking about. Now I'm forming my opinion on 15 year old data, hopefully things have changed in the attitude department. EDIT –– grammar still have at least one cat the last time i checked there website. they are all about cats, which is why i wouldnt do business with them. im a dog guy. 
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I bought a little $30 Grundig AM/FM radio for my get-home bag from them. The thing is totally deaf on the AM band, even if you're near the transmitter tower. I sent them an email explaining the situation and they balked, saying it was past their 14 day return policy. I wrote back and let them know that as a DOD employee, I travel and that I didn't even get to play with it during the 14 days. They wouldn't budge. So screw them. If I can't trust them to make a $30 deal right, I will certainly not trust them to make a $300 or $3000 deal.
There are too many companies out there for any one to act like customer service doesn’t matter. Try hamcity or HRO. |
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They have multiple cats that have the run of the joint. They are helpful and tolerant of an ignorant newbie that I am.
I have never had any bad experiences with any of the counter staff. I always go in person and have never dealt with them online other than to research something. They have coffe on for hams just hanging out on Saturday's in the confrence room. COLVET.org has free classes and test sessions in the conference room as well. Stop out and say HI. |
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About five years ago I placed an order with them for some coax, connectors, and other miscellaneous small items. They were packed horribly; the box was torn open when it arrived. I'm surprised nothing was lost. I vowed I'd never order from them again.
Against my better judgement, I ordered an in-stock scanner antenna from them off their website last Monday (7/4). Obviously nothing was going to happen Monday due to the holiday, but when Thursday rolled around without any acknowledgement of my order or shipping notice, I called. The gentleman I spoke to told me that "Oh yes, I have it right here. It's going out today." He offered to read me a tracking number over the phone but instead I asked him to e-mail it to me instead. So far, no tracking number and no antenna. From Ohio to Northern Virginia should be no more than two days. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." I won't be ordering from them again. Quoted:
There are too many companies out there for any one to act like customer service doesn’t matter. Try hamcity or HRO. |
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when i was having my ftm-350 troubles i had purchased the radio from one vendor and the gps module from them. They not only bent over backwards with support but had their tech call call yaesu on my behalf to better explain what my problem was. i have ordered several times from them and always received within 3-4 days of the order. they did me right and i appreciated their help.
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I've had absolutely no problems with any of my orders from Universal Radio. All type quality goods, well packed.
I would doubt they would let an order out of the door with the box ripped open. Sounds like something happened along the way, someone tore into the package. But you can hardly blame Universal for that. |
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Assuming you are not allergic to cats, yes. It is worth the trip. I stopped in there last December and chatted with the staff, who seemed quite pleasant. I ended up buying a loop antenna book and a power supply for a friend of mine.
Whatever issues Universal Radio had with customer service and slow shipping (and they were REAL issues in my mind) seem to have been corrected. |