Fisher and Paykel - The Most RIDICULOUS Customer Service I've Come across

Not sure whether this is funny or sad.

Purchased a new FP washer from an Ozbargain post a few weeks ago. Noticed a missing screw on the back of the door.

Pretty simple fix right? Well not if you're FP.

Called them up, provided the requested photo and asked them to send me a screw. I was told they'll update me shortly.

Days passed no response, followed up with an email, no response. Called them today and they told me they need to organise one from the workshop. Obviously nothing had been done for a week. I said fine, how long would it take? She says she can't tell me. I said surely you can give me a timeframe, she says well it probably won't be a month but can't tell you.

I was getting pretty frustrated at that point so I said well in that case please organise a service call as the item is well and truly under warranty.

HERE'S THE RIDICULOUS PART
She says, she can't tell me when a technician will be able to attend because they don't carry screws (yes you heard it right!). The screw will have to be shipped to the technician first which of course will take additional time!! Obviously a blatant lie as can you imagine technicians not carrying basic spares? Those screws are the most common thing across dozens of machines. These guys diagnose problems after attending to a customer all the time. Now imagine them saying sorry I'm missing a screw I need to order it from FP and come back weeks later for a 2nd visit. This would be really funny if it wasn't so ridiculously poor customer service.

Anyway lesson learned to steer well clear of F&P in the future. Looks like there customer service has gone down the toilet.

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closed Comments

  • +4

    Alternatively you can return the FP for a full refund or get the screw from bunnings for less than $5….

    • Why would they be entitled to a full refund for a missing screw that doesn't seem to impact on the operation of the washer?

      • +4

        missing screw is a safety concern. Ideally QC should have passed for the unit without the screw!…

        • But how is it a major fault?

          • @Almost Banned:

            But how is it a major fault?

            A product or good has a major problem when:

            • it has a problem that would have stopped someone from buying it if they’d known about it

            The OP wouldn't have purchased the item if they knew that the item would be missing parts, and that makes it a major problem based on ACCC's definition: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-rights-guarantees…

            It's easily fixed by having the screw purchased at Bunnings (what I'd do). But if the OP wants to return the item for a refunbd, they should be able to.

            • -1

              @aussieolfaction: Then everything is a major fault - and that's not how it works.

              • +1

                @Almost Banned:

                Then everything is a major fault - and that's not how it works.

                I'm not sure where I stated "everything is a major fault" - I merely provided a link to the legislation.

                The OP may not have purchased the item if they knew that a screw that's supposed to be on the product is going to be missing - they'd have asked the retailer to put that screw on before paying for it. It's brand new equipment after all, and should not be missing bits and pieces.

                How would the OP know if the screw was not holding down something very important, and without which there may be a short-circuit or another dangerous situation?

  • +5

    Was it a magical screw cast from the bones of a unicorn?

  • Photo please

    • +13

      Sure what I can't tell you how long that would take. Waiting for a camera from the unicorn workshop.

      • +1

        lol no sense of humour. You actually want to see a photo of the missing screw?

        • +1

          You actually want to see a photo of the missing screw?

          That was the question, they'll help you find the correct screw

          • +1

            @JimmyF: I'm not asking for help matching up a screw. I'm sure I can take it to bunnings and find one if I wanted to and waste $$ petrol etc in the process. That's not the point of this thread really. Just highlighting a silly situation.

            • +1

              @gimme: Just highlighting a silly situation.

              Do gripes need to be highlighted?

              Solutions need to be highlighted, because they help.

            • -2

              @gimme: Don’t be rude, your sharing your silly situation on public forum.

              • +2

                @Okayy: How/where is he being rude?

                • @John Kimble: I think he /she didn't realise that 'no sense of humor' comment was made because I got negged for the comment above. Comes across as rude out of context.

            • @gimme: Taking it to bunnings will waste petrol but will save you a lot of your time contacting F&P & creating thread here. I am sure your time will be worth more than the petrol. Sometimes you just gotta accept that some companies are crap and best thing to do is find the simplest solution and move on.

              • @rave75: lol, I'm not asking for a solution mate (it's a pretty simple fix). This is the internet, I'm just sharing a silly experience. I 'waste' time on Ozb all the time. It's therapeutic. I'm on a wage so not missing out on $$$ by being here :)

            • @gimme: Don't buy a screw yourself from Bunnings and put it where it is missing ! I am sure you would void the warranty !!!

    • I'd prefer a paint diagram of where the screw is missing from

  • We had an issue with the door sealing on a FP fridge, tech was out next day with a complete new door.

    • yeah exactly. I'm sure it can be done. The CS was just being passive aggressive.

      • No door seals are carried by techs etc, random missing screws are not. No Passive aggressive here, its a out there issue, they are trying to find a solution.

        Most of the times, screws are reused, so a new door, might not come with the screw that your missing!

        • Are you a whitegoods tech? I'm genuinely curious that authorized repairers will not carry basic screws. Possibly the top 2 most common screws on washing machines.

          • @gimme:

            I'm genuinely curious that authorized repairers will not carry basic screws

            I'm sure they have screws on them too! But its one of those strange quirks in the system of trying to book the tech with no parts being sent out, but the machine needing repairs!

          • +1

            @gimme: There is no such thing as the top 2 most common screws

            For example on that front load washer there is in excess of 6 individual different screws used if not closer to 10

            With no luck from cs just book a service call

            The tech will have a bunch of different screws in his toolbox , will he have the exact screw ? Prob not

            So he can either put a screw in it or you can wait till he can source the exact screw

            Screws are not commonly carried on the van as a spare part item

            • @J5: I tried but they said the tech won't come out unless that screw us delivered to him first. As an update it looks like they can't get that screw anyway so they said it's not that important anyway. I've decided to move on.

              • @gimme: Book a job online and you will avoid that issue

                • @J5: Thanks for the tip.

  • Well shit i got a new F&P front loader a few weeks ago, hope i don't have any issues and need warranty.

  • +1

    Its just a simple stainless Phillips countersunk screw, send me your address and I'll send you one…

    • thanks mate. It's fine, I'm sure I find something in my toolbox. Just that I mistakenly thought it would be a simple exercise with FP. I guess it's a good lesson for any future 'real' problems.

      • +2

        If they are being this ridiculous about replacing the screw I'd be worried about them claiming an incorrect screw voids the warranty down the track

  • +2

    Surprise noone's already said that you've just been "screwed"! (sorry, just had to..!)

    Is the screw crucial to the operation of the machine? ie, would it start leaking or vibrate or anything?
    Or is it almost just cosmetic? It's possible the person taking the call does acknowledge the missing screw but has made the assessment that it won't have any impact on the operation.

    • I don't know (not an expert) but it doesn't change the ridiculousness of the response really. At the very least they could have said it's not a priority and we'll be sending someone on x date. Not the our techies don't carry screws line.

    • Being a kiwi company, this is a classic "screw you" from across the dutch…

      • +2

        No longer new zealand!

        • +1

          It is according to Wikipedia anyway:

          "Fisher & Paykel is a major appliance manufacturing company based in East Tamaki, New Zealand."

          I know that:

          "In 2012, Haier, a major Chinese appliance manufacturer, purchased over 90% of Fisher & Paykel Appliance shares."

          But it's HQ & operations are still in NZ (even though manufacturing is all over the place)…

      • So its really Fusher und Pickle?

  • Misleading title.

    Poor customer service - maybe. The most RIDUCLOUS - I think not.

    • -3

      Hey it's the most ridiculous thing that's happened to me for such a trivial thing. Relative I suppose.

  • -1

    Student? Unemployed? Retired? You seem to have too much time on your hands

    • +3

      Not following your train of thought or the (no) point you're trying to make but thanks for the contribution.

      PS: None of the above.

      • I mean it’s not worth your time for a screw. Especially if you have to wait around for a repairman.

        • ah ok cool. I work from home though so no big deal.

        • +1

          I mean it’s not worth your time for a screw. Especially if you have to wait around for a repairman.

          ( ͡º ◞ل͟◟ ͡º)

  • What's the issue. Sounds like someone is getting screwed

  • +2

    Lodge your complaint below.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/431404

    • Thank god I don't work for F&P :)

  • +4

    Your concerns are legitimate but your ridicuke regarding the technician and crews is unfair.

    The technicians are typically contractors and not exclusively for FP. FP may require exact screws, ie gauge, length, pitch, etc. otherwise the machine may not be to operational standard. It is quite absurd but that may be the protocol from the parent company. The CS person may just be convering her position as she is obviously not in a position to critise protocol nor make promises that are between the manufacturer, the service technician and yourself.

    The best thing to do is just document the missing screws and your complaint and keep operating the machine as usual. If anything were to happen to the machine between now and the replacement screws, you have every opportunity to get a replacement or refund. Think of it as unconditional warranty between now and then.

    • Was waiting for this answer: "The technicians are typically contractors"

  • I do not work for F&P, but to give everyone a idea, our warehouse in QLD currently has 4176 parts numbers in stock. Now there might be 2 of each item, 10 of another? However as of this morning, we currently have 66898 parts in stock in our warehouse, try fit them into a service vehicle.

    Some call centre staff are trained to just take calls and lodge a job. Some staff would have no idea how to look up part numbers on an exploded view.

    • That is why places used to have a person called a storeman [as in store manager] who the person would be transferred to. Of course now they cant just pull down one of 15 900 page tomes and trace down the page to find the entry refered to in the diagram, but instead have to rely on some database and processor that takes microseconds the bean-counters seem to have decided it's to much bother…

      • The storeman is there for contractors to talk to, usually not customers.
        Storeman job is usually only to talk to customers if they sell parts retail to customer.

  • I wish F&P would find a more robust bulb for their freezers: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/433559

  • +2

    They'd probably have to send it from New Zealand. When they find one, they'll deliver the 'PRECIOUS'…

  • +2

    Why not book a support job at https://www.fisherpaykel.com/au/support/book-a-service.html and let the person who turns up sort it out? That's what I did with our fridge door that needed a new spring.

  • FP is chinese owned

  • maybe have a beer and chill a bit, if they want to send a serviceman to check and then come back with a new screw weeks later, let them, you are not going to change the way they deal with the issue, iam the first to admit fp are not what they used to be when it comes to their service but they are still in front of lots of the competition. good luck with your screw.

  • Had a Fisher & Paykel oven.
    Worked OK for three years and then one day the glass door exploded.
    Simple job, me thought. Replace the glass.
    Oh,no.
    Glass was not in stock and to find out when one would be available, I had to place the order and pay for it.
    Then they would notify me of delivery.
    No whitegoods service centre would help for the same reason and none could give an estimate for fulfillment.
    One place said it could be 6 weeks or more.
    And all said it was a common problem.
    I thought F&P's service would be better now they are owned by Haier.
    Guess not.

  • +3

    I just called them to follow up on a fridge shelf ordered just before Xmas. Shelf is $15.03 + shipping $15

    The CS told me their computer system dropped some orders for a few days, and people should have been notified, but shrug

    So I put in a new order with her on the phone and she waived the shipping. Fair result

  • Maybe they don't actually stock screws?

    I'm glad I don't work in sales, I would hate to deal with people like you

    She told you she can't give you a time frame as she doesn't want to break a promise
    The screw isn't actually impacting the device

    What's the issue here?

    You can call the store you bought it from and tell them to give you a screw from another machine or swap it out.

    People these days seem to make a little thing into the next news story. I guess that's why Tracey Grimshaw has a job, overreaction.

  • -1

    Sounds like you need to get screwed to blow some steam off

  • If the screw was never there, how do you know what type of screw it's meant to be? :\

    Anyway, what type of screw is it? I'll find you one…

    • Thanks, all good. The missing screw is one of 10 identical screws behind the door.

  • +1

    Pick your battles mate, yes it's inconvenient, but I rather spend the 10mins to get the screw from Bunnings then waste half a day waiting for a tech to come out to put a screw in a door. If the machine is not working that's another thing but people are becoming so anal about the simplest things.

    • Yes I agree. I'm not doing anything with FP any more. Just responding to comments here (Probably wasting more time here but I started the thread so didn't want to abandon it).

      Also, when I started this thread I made the conscious decision not to make it a question or ask for help. I was sharing what I considered a 'ridiculous' (funny) experience. I'm fully aware it's quite trivial and a very easy fix.

  • +1

    a lot of screws are quite special and you need the exact specific one, personally I would return it to the store and they can replace it with a new one.

    It is pretty ureasonable that it would take more than a week for a tech to come out and whilst they don't carry every part they should be able to get hold of parts within a day.

  • +1

    If this is the most ridiculous customer service you've come across, I think you're pretty lucky!

    • I am very lucky indeed - Although in general it has more to do with critical thinking, preparation and approach to problem solving than luck. Also 'Ridiculous' in the sense that we are talking about a measly screw, not really the gravity or impact of the situation.

  • Bigger question is why did the screw come loose?
    No thread locker?
    Bad threads?
    Hollowed out screw hole?
    Screw snapped half and is currently inside shorting out electronics?

    • Never installed. Just a QC oversight.

  • I had my out-of-warranty washing machine replaced free of charge in Dec. No complaints here

  • +1

    The Most RIDICULOUS form post I've Come across

    • That's great.

  • I had a freezer where the door didnt seal perfectly. They replaced the freezer with no hassle at all.

    We're you a bit rude when you called them? Tell the truth…..

    • Lol yes I opened by swearing at the cs person. Looks like some are missing the point. I'm sure FP may be good with common or major faults. The reason it's ridiculous is because this at face value is such a trivial minor thing yet can't be fixed. I'm sure if I had a broken door it would have been quickly replaced.

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