Is this true about Peltor customer service? Update: THEY'RE BAAAAAAACK

[TheGerman]

Or did I end up talking to someone who just didnt give a shit and took the path of least resistance?

- Purchased unit brand new and it came with box, all paperwork, 100% legit unit. I have 6 of these, this one is exactly like the rest down to the model number sticker.
- Unit is ~6 weeks old and started having static/background noises in one of the earcups. Will always do it now.
- Did as much troubleshooting as I could at home. Issue wont go away.
- Unit is barely used and this did not come from being dropped or banged against anything, etc. This one has barely left the house.

Call Peltor today and go over the issue. First question was where did I buy it, and I provided the model number, vendor and day it was purchased as I have the receipt and shipping info. Was instantly told that this isn't one of their official vendors therefore this won't be covered by warranty at all.

Wait...what?

Its a brand new unit sold by a company that sells probably 1000s of these. What is the difference if the BNIB unit sits at 'approved vendor As' shelf or on 'vendor B's' shelf? If its a new unit and sold as such..its on you, the manufacturer. How the fuck does the vendor have anything to do with this at all? Shit, who goes around and asks every place they buy shit from if they are an 'approved vendor' for it?

Hi..are you an APPROVED fleshlight vendor? Who does that?

I can see you not covering used/secondary market stuff, or even if I swear its new and you look at it and its a fake or was obviously used/abused and then say this isn't a warranty issue I totally get it. But for a new unit, well within your warranty timeframe to have simple issues and your excuse is that I didn't buy it from an 'approved vendor' is total fucking spineless nonsense. Your product is your product, regardless who I buy it from.

So the outcome to a new, $450+ pair of headphones is for them to have me send it in on my own dime and for them to 'evaluate' it and then tell me what they want to charge me for fixing something that was most likely fucked up when it left the factory; if they can fix it at all. Shit, they may call and tell me I need a new unit LOL WTF do you do then? The only difference on the warranty? It didn't go to whatever the fuck an 'approved vendor' is.

Fucking seriously?

 

[lash]

If it’s their product, it needs to be on them or their warranty isn’t worth the time it takes to read it. Does their warranty specifically omit their products if not purchased from A, B or C vendor?

 

[blackops_1]

I remember the Howard Lights having a rash of "fakes" on Amazon quite a while back. Never heard anything about Peltor having the same issue? That is odd they would do that .

 

[Maggot]

Can you go back to the vendor you bought it from? If theyre worth a shit they should step up.

 

[TheGerman]

Can you go back to the vendor you bought it from? If theyre worth a shit they should step up.

I didnt contact them because I'm out of their listed return window and I 'modified' the Peltors by cutting that vinyl headband off so I can mount them on a helmet. Wasn't going to bother them with this due to that, and the fact that its a legit BNIB item.

 

[TheGerman]

If it’s their product, it needs to be on them or their warranty isn’t worth the time it takes to read it. Does their warranty specifically omit their products if not purchased from A, B or C vendor?

So according to this page, which probably 4 people on the planet read prior to buying Peltors: http://peltorcomms.3m.com/Americas/Page.asp?PageNumber=1034

To Obtain Warranty Service

Return product, with proof of purchase from an authorized 3M dealer, using the following procedure


I mean fucking seriously? A manufacturer defect and because its not from some authorized vendor, you won't stand behind your product? For all I know I'd mail it in and they'd say no big deal, we'll cover it under warranty, but I'd have to mail it in on my own dime and hope that they A. want to fix them and B. dont charge me some insane amount. It's at their whim simply because I didn't buy it from an 'authorized vendor'. Not a single other difference other than where the box had sat before it came to me.

Doesn't give much confidance that you buy something and any warranty is non existant because you bought their item at the wrong place.

 

[TheGerman]

I remember the Howard Lights having a rash of "fakes" on Amazon quite a while back. Never heard anything about Peltor having the same issue? That is odd they would do that .

This isn't really a problem where they're trying to make sure they aren't fake; its obvious they're not, and I'd be willing to agree that their shipping/service time fucking with a pair of fakes is on me.

This is BNIB product with less than 2 hours on it, having an obvious technical issue and no warrantys ervice solely because I didn't buy them from some vendor on their 'approved' list.

 

[cornhusker86]

So the vendor you bought from, got them from a wholesaler. Was the wholesaler approved? Is it Peltor's policy to allow wholesalers to sell Peltor product's to unauthorized retailers? How the fuck is the consumer supposed to know if the retailer is authorized? Do they have a list of retailers? Sounds like a shell game to me.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Just my opinion, but considering the fact that you've got a 'shit' pair of Peltor's, you have nothing to lose by sending them directly in to Peltor with the receipt (or a copy of it) and an explanation detailing just how fast they died.

It then puts the onus on them to make the situation right. Who knows, maybe they'll even throw in a bonus with the return of a working product. That way it offsets your 'shipping them in' charges.

Or, they hose you over, big time. Then you'll have perfect reason to share the shit-show far and wide. There are MANY folks who use Peltor's. I used to when I worked in the sawmill. I've got a lot of pairs of Impact Sport's though, and have to look further into those 'gel gasket' thingy's.

Good luck. Surprised to hear a story such as this, here.

 

[TxWelder35]

Went on 3m website to find authorized vendors. They say to click the "where to buy" button. Home depot, bass pro, cabelas, Amazon, and pack n tape.

Any time I've needed hearing protection my first thought is always the local pack n tape. Probably why they get so few warranty units. They don't cover it unless you get em at the home depot or Fudds r us.

 

[dial & hold]

Hey " The German" ....

Here is some free advice and I'm not shooting at you just making an observation---- ignore the phone call you had with the rep. Suck it up and pay the cost to ship the ear pro back to Peltor. Hell send it snail mail if it makes you feel better just get a tracking #. Include the receipt say nothing else other than what problem you are having...and put the "ball in their court." I'd be shocked they don't make it right.

If they want to "charge you" for the repair/replacement based on the vendor issue. Ask them (how is a shooter gonna figure out the vendor issue during an online purchase or whatever transaction you did.?) Again you are putting them in a position to do something. Then decide right there and then if what they offer as a solution is acceptable to you?

If at that point it isn't sorted out, send a letter to Peltor HQ include the ear pro since its in/op (yep you are out a fist of cash) and tell them to eat a "bag of dicks" (make sure you send your "message" to the company not the dude/dudette on the phone as in the past commo drop < you get no where shooting the messenger.

Keep the forum posted as to how it shakes out.

p.s. fair warning... if you fire back at me with excuses etc. I am gonna give you some tough love and tell you to punch yourself in the month and have a nice day.

 

[thejeep]

Is there an approved vendor you could take these back too?

 

[tadawson]

I've gptten 'we will charge you/it's your fault/etc.' speech from Peltor on the phone twice over my Tac-6 muffs, sent them in both times, and no charge on either (second time was out of warranty as well). The folks doing the repairs appear to have a far better clue than the derps on the phone . . .

 

[Bender]

Hey " The German" ....

Here is some free advice and I'm not shooting at you just making an observation---- ignore the phone call you had with the rep. Suck it up and pay the cost to ship the ear pro back to Peltor. Hell send it snail mail if it makes you feel better just get a tracking #. Include the receipt say nothing else other than what problem you are having...and put the "ball in their court." I'd be shocked they don't make it right.

If they want to "charge you" for the repair/replacement based on the vendor issue. Ask them (how is a shooter gonna figure out the vendor issue during an online purchase or whatever transaction you did.?) Again you are putting them in a position to do something. Then decide right there and then if what they offer as a solution is acceptable to you?

If at that point it isn't sorted out, send a letter to Peltor HQ include the ear pro since its in/op (yep you are out a fist of cash) and tell them to eat a "bag of dicks" (make sure you send your "message" to the company not the dude/dudette on the phone as in the past commo drop < you get no where shooting the messenger.

Keep the forum posted as to how it shakes out.

p.s. fair warning... if you fire back at me with excuses etc. I am gonna give you some tough love and tell you to punch yourself in the month and have a nice day.

Hmmm, this should go well..... 3rd post on the forum and you’re telling the German to punch himself in the month (mouth).

How could this ever go wrong.

 

[TheGerman]

I've gptten 'we will charge you/it's your fault/etc. speech from Peltor on the phone twice over my Tac-6 muffs, sent them in both times, and no charge on either (second time was out of warranty as well). The folks doing the repairs appear to have a far better clue than the derps on the phone . . .

That's half what I was thinking, hence why I also was wondering if I just ended up with some guy who was just going through the motions. I would be especially surprised if they did charge me when they see these things are literally brand new, but then again, I've been surprised (not in a good way) by things like this before as well.

We'll see.

 

[QuickNDirty]

Or did I end up talking to someone who just didnt give a shit and took the path of least resistance?

- Purchased unit brand new and it came with box, all paperwork, 100% legit unit. I have 6 of these, this one is exactly like the rest down to the model number sticker.
- Unit is ~6 weeks old and started having static/background noises in one of the earcups. Will always do it now.
- Did as much troubleshooting as I could at home. Issue wont go away.
- Unit is barely used and this did not come from being dropped or banged against anything, etc. This one has barely left the house.

Call Peltor today and go over the issue. First question was where did I buy it, and I provided the model number, vendor and day it was purchased as I have the receipt and shipping info. Was instantly told that this isn't one of their official vendors therefore this won't be covered by warranty at all.

Wait...what?

Its a brand new unit sold by a company that sells probably 1000s of these. What is the difference if the BNIB unit sits at 'approved vendor As' shelf or on 'vendor B's' shelf? If its a new unit and sold as such..its on you, the manufacturer. How the fuck does the vendor have anything to do with this at all? Shit, who goes around and asks every place they buy shit from if they are an 'approved vendor' for it?

Hi..are you an APPROVED fleshlight vendor? Who does that?

I can see you not covering used/secondary market stuff, or even if I swear its new and you look at it and its a fake or was obviously used/abused and then say this isn't a warranty issue I totally get it. But for a new unit, well within your warranty timeframe to have simple issues and your excuse is that I didn't buy it from an 'approved vendor' is total fucking spineless nonsense. Your product is your product, regardless who I buy it from.

So the outcome to a new, $450+ pair of headphones is for them to have me send it in on my own dime and for them to 'evaluate' it and then tell me what they want to charge me for fixing something that was most likely fucked up when it left the factory; if they can fix it at all. Shit, they may call and tell me I need a new unit LOL WTF do you do then? The only difference on the warranty? It didn't go to whatever the fuck an 'approved vendor' is.

Fucking seriously?

Go be rich somewhere else. I've got a set of some electronic muffs that've lasted like 6 years living in the back of my jeep day in/day out rain, shine, sleet, or hail. They cost like $30 when I bought 'em. I don't even know who mfgd them.

 

[TheGerman]

Go be rich somewhere else. I've got a set of some electronic muffs that've lasted like 6 years living in the back of my jeep day in/day out rain, shine, sleet, or hail. They cost like $30 when I bought 'em. I don't even know who mfgd them.

Hey now, I'm using a cool kid's beach umbrella that was blowing around in the desert as my sunshade when I go shooting

 

[QuickNDirty]

Hey now, I'm using a cool kid's beach umbrella that was blowing around in the desert as my sunshade when I go shooting

Right on. That's pretty fucking lame on Peltor's part. I even thought about getting their entry level bullshit @ like $60 or so IIRC, but thought, "Nah.. I mostly just want to not go deaf. Hearing at all is neat. Hearing really well? Not so much."

Should go piss and moan on their facefuck page. That seems to work OK on other vendors.

 

[TheGerman]

Right on. That's pretty fucking lame on Peltor's part. I even thought about getting their entry level bullshit @ like $60 or so IIRC, but thought, "Nah.. I mostly just want to not go deaf. Hearing at all is neat. Hearing really well? Not so much."

Should go piss and moan on their facefuck page. That seems to work OK on other vendors.

Let's see what happens first. Its not the end of the world, I just think the whole warranty thing is kind of spineless garbage. I almost got the impression the CS guy was just checking all the boxes and NEXT! The warranty page on their site then made me go WTF is this lol

Plus I'm one of the 11 people on earth that doesn't have facebook or any of that shit.

 

[QuickNDirty]

Let's see what happens first. Its not the end of the world, I just think the whole warranty thing is kind of spineless garbage. I almost got the impression the CS guy was just checking all the boxes and NEXT! The warranty page on their site then made me go WTF is this lol

Plus I'm one of the 11 people on earth that doesn't have facebook or any of that shit.

There's an alternative solution here, you know...

You could make your own goddamn earmuffs.

Big hole in the market for ~$100 muffs that have bluetooth and do a good job of reducing external noise while at the same time being a slim profile tailored to shooting rifles with a good cheek weld. Incorporating an algorithm kinda like on android with the "dimming" of music when a notification is going off could be pretty functional. Hell, you could even go so far as to shove some lithium ion batteries in those bitches so you can recharge 'em off a damn 12v outlet or 120 with a wall wart like everyone does with their stupid phones.

 

[Bender]

No FB here either. I ghosted that commie trap 2, years ago

 

[frost1235]

I know some guys give MSA sordins shit, but the customer service and warranty is 100% better.

I use peltors provided by my company and trust me when I say they don't give a fuck. 3M/peltors are used in so many industries that their public customer service base is severly lacking.

I know you guys will try to boycott them, but realize these guys are in manufacturing, aerospace, shooting sports, construction, and so many more industries. That's just for hearing protection.

 

[Slash0311]

No facebox here either...

Let us know how this shakes out. Good luck!

 

[Veer_G]

Hey " The German" ....

Here is some free advice, and I'm not shooting at you, just making an observation----. iIgnore the phone call you had with the rep. [sentence splice] Suck it up, and pay the cost to ship the ear protection back to Peltor. Hell, send it snail mail, if it makes you feel better. jJust get a tracking #. Include the receipt, say nothing else other than what problem you are having..., and put the "ball in their court." [sentence splice] I'd be shocked if they don't didn't [

the subjunctive mood

] make it right.

If they want to "charge you" for the repair/replacement based on the vendor issue., [sentence fragment] Aask them ( [extraneous parenthesis] how is [split verbal construct] a shooter is gonna [colloquialism] going to figure out the vendor issue during an online purchase. or whatever transaction you did.?) [extraneous parenthesis; clumsy, vague expression; better option?] Again, you are putting them in a position to do something. Then decide, right there and then, [temporal clauses should be set off with commas] if what they offer as a solution is acceptable to you?. [extraneous question mark]

If, at that point, [again, temporal clause] it isn't sorted out, send a letter to Peltor HQ; include the ear pro, since it's in/op [colloquialism] inoperative (yep, you are out a fist of cash) and tell them to "eat a "bag of dicks." (mMake sure you send your "message" to the company, not the dude/dudette on the phone, as in the past commo drop. < [use?] yYou get no where nowhere shooting the messenger.

Keep the forum posted as to how it shakes out.

p.s. P.S.: fFair warning...: if you fire back at me with excuses, etc., I am gonna going to [colloquialism] give you some tough love and tell you to punch yourself in the month and have a nice day.
B: please see me after class if you have any questions.

Since you seem eager to correct @TheGerman , I thought that I might pitch in and lend a hand with grammar and punctuation. Correction, you know?

Have a nice day.

 

[308pirate]

So according to this page, which probably 4 people on the planet read prior to buying Peltors: http://peltorcomms.3m.com/Americas/Page.asp?PageNumber=1034

To Obtain Warranty Service

Return product, with proof of purchase from an authorized 3M dealer, using the following procedure


I mean fucking seriously? A manufacturer defect and because its not from some authorized vendor, you won't stand behind your product? For all I know I'd mail it in and they'd say no big deal, we'll cover it under warranty, but I'd have to mail it in on my own dime and hope that they A. want to fix them and B. dont charge me some insane amount. It's at their whim simply because I didn't buy it from an 'authorized vendor'. Not a single other difference other than where the box had sat before it came to me.

Doesn't give much confidance that you buy something and any warranty is non existant because you bought their item at the wrong place.

My only pair of voice amplifying ear defenders are Peltor. Last Peltor I'll buy. There are too many others that make essentially the same thing without dealing with that fuckery.

 

[308pirate]

Hey now, I'm using a cool kid's beach umbrella that was blowing around in the desert as my sunshade when I go shooting

Part of being rich is taking advantage of bargains

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

HOLY SHIT, that is ridiculous. The customer is to ensure they are purchasing from an "Authorized" Dealer; yet there are dozens of wholesale types in this industry that will sell to just about any "dealer".

If that is the game Peltor is playing then they should take the route of SELLING DIRECT only!!

Sincerely,
Theis

 

[308pirate]

If that is the game Peltor is playing then they should take the route of SELLING DIRECT only!!

True. But I bet direct-to-consumer sales make such a small % of their revenue that they don't GAF.

 

[cornhusker86]

True. But I bet direct-to-consumer sales make such a small % of their revenue that they don't GAF.

^^^^^BINGO^^^^^

 

[Holliday]

@TheGerman

Contact:

Terri L. Bybee | Peltor Repair Coordinator / DSR for INSS – INWH-INDC
3M Personal Safety Division
3M Indianapolis, 5457 W. 79th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46268
Toll free 800.665.2942 Opt#3 for repairs
Direct 317.734.3503 | Fax: 866 375 3543
[email protected] | www.3M.com

Tell her I sent you. When she says “ Who the fuck is that “ Just remind her that she took really great care of me w/ a Peltor issue and I gave her a shout-out to her bosses on Twitter....... she still wont remember but no matter, she’s awesome!

 

[Threadcutter308]

Hmmmm..............multiple people here with (good and bad) warranty experiences (high failure rate ?), German gets lip from the CSR......etc, etc. Glad I have Sordins and when I need another pair, I won't even look at Peltor. If I went ahead and bought Peltors and had the same experience, I'd kick myself. No thanks.

 

[Nik H]

I know some guys give MSA sordins shit, but the customer service and warranty is 100% better.

I use peltors provided by my company and trust me when I say they don't give a fuck. 3M/peltors are used in so many industries that their public customer service base is severly lacking.

I know you guys will try to boycott them, but realize these guys are in manufacturing, aerospace, shooting sports, construction, and so many more industries. That's just for hearing protection.

I use the Sordins and they are better than the Peltors....this aside, they have the same caveat on warranty. If you buy MSA from Amazon or a "non-approved dealer", they state it won't be covered. That is why I purchased them from @Triad

 

[D̷e̷v̷i̷l̷D̷o̷c̷A̷Z̷]

Hmmm, this should go well..... 3rd post on the forum and you’re telling the German to punch himself in the month (mouth).

How could this ever go wrong.

Hahahhaha. Beat me to it. Dudes prob a hard ass operator on ARF.com or some airsoft forum. Punching people in the "month" and all.

 

[Veer_G]

Hahahhaha. Beat me to it. Dudes prob a hard ass operator on ARF.com or some airsoft forum. Punching people in the "month" and all.

View attachment 7098980

Hell, I didn't even notice that one.

 

[THEIS]

Hi,

Here is his profile statements.

Sincerely,
Theis

Former SFC and Retired Chief Warrant Officer 3 served in [Aviation, Infantry, SOF (i.e. SOCOM and SF), Logistics]

After 25 years and six tours in 2015 I decide to hang it up. Currently own/manage several investment properties and spend a lot of time on the reloading bench prepping for personal long range shooting goals.

Also an active skier, run a GWP over wild birds and hunt big game throughout the US.

* and it's not beneath me to throat punch a guy for being an assclown.

 

[2ndamendfan]

We should figure out how to get those 2 hooked up for a date.

 

[TheGerman]

@TheGerman

Contact:

Terri L. Bybee | Peltor Repair Coordinator / DSR for INSS – INWH-INDC
3M Personal Safety Division
3M Indianapolis, 5457 W. 79th Street | Indianapolis, IN 46268
Toll free 800.665.2942 Opt#3 for repairs
Direct 317.734.3503 | Fax: 866 375 3543
[email protected] | www.3M.com

Tell her I sent you. When she says “ Who the fuck is that “ Just remind her that she took really great care of me w/ a Peltor issue and I gave her a shout-out to her bosses on Twitter....... she still wont remember but no matter, she’s awesome!

Cool, thanks for this.

Also spoke to the guy at SRS Tactical in Florida to see if he had any insights into this and he mentioned that he had a unit out of the box do the same thing before. Told me to open the ear cup, take off the rubber gasket/cover and loosen the 3 screws on the circuit board and check that a wire isn't pinched. Also move some wires around a little and screw the circuit board back down.

So far the buzz is gone after trying this. Going to see if it lasts over the weekend; if it comes back it'll be in the mail Monday.

 

[Veer_G]

We should figure out how to get those 2 hooked up for a date.

Easy peasy.

 

[DannC]

Have you ever tried to replace the foam wind screens on the old style Peltors? Called and searched everwhere and was told by multiple dealers that Peltor does not supply them with replacement parts. Called 3M, explained what I wanted. I was told that I would need to go to an authorrzed dealer and have them to place a order to get them. So who is going to go to that trouble for three cents worth of foam.

 

[camotoe]

Go be poor and bitchy somewhere else

 

[DannC]

Since you are so rich and kind just send me a new pair. Thank You!

 

[021411]

Not related to ear pro but this reminds me of JW Speaker. They WILL NOT warranty their products unless it’s purchased through their authorized vendors regardless if a bunch of legit stores sell them. Fucking retarded.

 

[TheGerman]

Since you are so rich and kind just send me a new pair. Thank You!

Just dont be angry when it has a tone/buzzing sound

 

[DannC]

I only want it for the wind screens. Mine work just fine.

 

[seansmd]

I will not defend the quality of the product or your experience, but I fully understand the policy they have. I work in semiconductors and we have the same policy because we don't sell the product at the same price based on volumes end markets etc. It is common for buyers to buy excess at high volume prices (cheaper) and sell them out the back door in the grey market. The companies have distribution and support agreements and this grey market destroys that.

It sucks when you are on that side of it.

Imagine if one of our great suppliers sold huge contact to Bass Pro with the expectation they would service and support the product and returns. Then BP sold them out the back cheaper to a grey market, undercutting the value and no support plan. Then you buy it from the grey market, with no knowledge of how it was handled relative to manufacturers requirements, storage, shipping, etc. You get stuck and the brand suffers, not BP or the grey market dealer.

 

[Holliday]

Cool, thanks for this.

Also spoke to the guy at SRS Tactical in Florida to see if he had any insights into this and he mentioned that he had a unit out of the box do the same thing before. Told me to open the ear cup, take off the rubber gasket/cover and loosen the 3 screws on the circuit board and check that a wire isn't pinched. Also move some wires around a little and screw the circuit board back down.

So far the buzz is gone after trying this. Going to see if it lasts over the weekend; if it comes back it'll be in the mail Monday.

That’s good intel. They sent me a replacement for the same thing so I still have the defective set. I’ll give that a try.....

 

[fdkay]

Buy a new pair from an authorized retailer that also lets you return without a receipt.
Use that receipt to get your repair done, return the new pair, unopened to the place of purchase.

 

[TheGerman]

Buy a new pair from an authorized retailer that also lets you return without a receipt.
Use that receipt to get your repair done, return the new pair, unopened to the place of purchase.

Honestly, I don't play these games. I get what you're saying and I could have easily have told them its a unit from one of my other purchases and just sent them the info for the 'authorized vendor' purchase. I'm not like that.

I want them to stand behind their product, regardless of who I buy it from assuming its legit, new and that the issue isn't from something I did. In the process I'm going to let them know just how fucking retarded this all is.

 

[Douglas-001]

PM sent

 

[seansmd]

Honestly, I don't play these games. I get what you're saying and I could have easily have told them its a unit from one of my other purchases and just sent them the info for the 'authorized vendor' purchase. I'm not like that.

I want them to stand behind their product, regardless of who I buy it from assuming its legit, new and that the issue isn't from something I did. In the process I'm going to let them know just how fucking retarded this all is.

That is the part I want them to explain, is who you bought it from legit, if so they support it and their partners, if it is not legit, it is the same as stolen material from them (not by you) and negatively impact their business.