Ethical to RMA?

[deception``]

I currently own an OCZ Powerstream 520W, and it runs like a champ. In terms of functionality and performance, I have no problems whatsoever. However, I have one of the older models, which came with the 24-to-20 pin adapter. I have noticed that some of their newer versions include the sliding ATX molex, which removes the need for a peripheral adapter. Also, I have seen a couple of small, yet minute, changes between the two. My question is this: would it be wrong to RMA my unit for a newer design? As I stated, I have no problems with my power supply whatsoever, but I simply want a more updated model. Thanks for your time.

deception``

[NinjaWreck]

Of course it would be wrong.... You paid for the features you have at the time that version was released. Now would I do it? Probably.

[Sentential]

<PM sent>

[deception``]

Of course it would be wrong.... You paid for the features you have at the time that version was released. Now would I do it? Probably.

Trust me when I say that I've been thinking about it the same way. I have my reservations about it, and simply wanted to get the thoughts of others. But I'm not trying to RMA my 520W for a 600W; rather, I simply want the newer model. Part of me sees it as similar to individuals that are sending their older Antec's back in for updated models. I say this because it is recommended that motherboards are ran on native-pin power supplies; In other words, a PCIe/NF4 board should run on a native 24-pin power supply, and the same holds true for older designs still using the 20-pin (like my current LP B). The design of the updated Powerstream's alleviates this issue. At the moment, my Powerstream (like all other OCZ units) is in fact a native psu, but it would be nice to leave the adapter alone. Again, thanks for your thoughts and hopefully I'll get some more shortly.

deception``

[killmoles]

I would have to ask, being a tech support person, "What is the wrong with your current PS that requires a RMA, how is it defective?". You need a valid reason, and yes, I know how to come up with ones that work, I've been doing this too long.
But you are also talking to someone who just ordered a PCP&C 510 and bought the Express model for $34 more because the tech said it supports the new 24-pin MB's but comes with an adapter to run 20-pin ones, like I have. Now I'm looking on their site wondering why I didn't buy the SLI one for another $20, and if it supports the others two, and cover all bases. They have a 5 year warranty and a lot of PC things change in 5 years.

Just my thoughts, Your Mileage May Vary...

[JeffP]

Ok here's how I'd approach it. I'd get the new Nforce4 board that needs 24 pin to operate (go with me here). Now knowing the convertors don't work worth a damn especially when pushing the board really increases the need to have a native 24pin PSU. Then RMA'ing you shouldn't feel guilty as your are having to do it in order to make your hardware run properly. :)

[facialicious]

I hate to RMA things even when they are defective or not up to snuff, because most of the time it is not the retailers fault and it takes time and money. If the product doesnt work or is not as described then I will return it, but come on. This is just too far. I hear lots of stories of questionable RMAs and they kind of irritate me. I love Newegg dearly, because when something does go wrong they are so easy to work with. If we all abuse this and return items whenever we see fit, the system will break and returns will become very cumbersome or worse yet prices will go up.

If you have to ask whether something is unethical it most likely is. Imagine if you were the retailer; how would you handle a shopper with your intentions? Not only are you having to pay shipping costs and restocking fees (some or all of which may be paid by the consumer) but you are also stuck with a used, older model unit that will be next to impossible to sell without reducing the price considerably.

I understand you want the newer model, but please do all of us a favor and sell it on ebay. I am sure you will get most, if not all, of your purchase price back.

[itshondo]

you could sell that good PSU here in the classifieds, then get what you really want.

[Silversinksam]

Even having a thread asking this question is silly. If you buy a 2004 Automobile and the 2005 has better features can you return the 2004? NO, unless it's a Saturn and within the time span allowed to upgrade.

The same applies to this Powerstream. Just sell the one you have, and buy the one you want.

[David]

IMHO RMA should only be used when your equipment is not working correctly due to the fault of the retailer or manufacturer. In this case I would say an RMA would be unethical. However, if possible, returning it and paying the appropriate restocking fee and paying to get the newer model is imho ethical.

Think of it this way - if you sold someone a perfectly good PSU, and then they came back and returned it simply because in the mean time the product specification changed, wouldnt you be a bit miffed? You now have an opened, used PSU and you will lose money this way.


you could sell that good PSU here in the classifieds, then get what you really want.

This is maybe the best idea.

[SunRedRX7]

I would think the supplier would test it, find it works, then ship back the same PSU at your cost. Thats what I would do if I was the supplier.

[schismspeak]

Sell the psu here on the classifieds and get a new one, or for about the same price, return it to newegg, and eat the 15% stocking fee, and buy the one you wan't

[9mmCensor]

Even having a thread asking this question is silly. If you buy a 2004 Automobile and the 2005 has better features can you return the 2004? NO, unless it's a Saturn and within the time span allowed to upgrade.

The same applies to this Powerstream. Just sell the one you have, and buy the one you want.
haha, that was the example I was going to state.

The fact is when you RMA something you do so because it is defective. By returning it under the guise of it being defective, you are being fraudulant, as the product is not defective.

That would be a bad thing. Dont do it.

[Kamel]

personally i wouldn't do it.... but i've had so much bad hardware that i've had to rma recently, i don't think i would ever risk sending back perfectly good hardware in the fear of getting a dud in return.

[Npetune3000]

I'd do it.

I hate sending things back and never had to until recently. in the past I've gotten stuck w/ all types of crappy hardware(HSF, RAM, MOBO, PSU, FAN CONTROLLER) and just took it, but after my chaintech mobo sound fiasco as well as crappy XP-120 i'm not just gonna take it anymore.

I've hard of companies like crucial allowing people to trade 2 memory sticks for 1 so maybe if you call TT and tell them your cripe they might let you return it. I might be calling antec as well about my PSU seeing as its not properly designed for A64 and i HAVE had an experience where a PSU killed my mobo.

As far as ethics and RMA go...most of it is based on primitive peradimes and lack of understanding. namely, people not RMAing will NOT lower prices. The fact of the matter is, stuff like this might raise prices but so will inflation, lack of competition, greed, and global warming*rolls*. Companies already charge an insulation fee for things like this, but i'm not saying that justifies it..i'm just saying. Nevertheless, it's your own decision. Most people might fear the "wrath" of thier fellow forum members for condoning such practices, however, I dont really care. If I did'nt detest downtime I would call TT and inform them of my gripe and see what they can do about it.

P.S. You dont need anyones approval(esp. people over the internet). It's your time, money, soul, etc.!

[larva]

Companies like OCZ have a pretty fat markup on most items. What this means is they can afford to support their customers in a pretty robust fashion. I would simply call them, tell them of your situation, and see what options they give you. They may offer to swap your unit out for you, and were they to do so it would probably engender your loyalty to a degree that would be financialy beneficial to OCZ in the long term. Or perhaps they would do it for a modest fee. I'd ask them, they will probably really go out of their way to accomodate your wishes.

And of course, there are a couple of OCZ employees that frequent this board, so if the (obvious) ethical concerns could be surmounted the chances that you would achieve any, um, deception, are pretty slim.

[Droban]

I highly doubt you bought the power supply at the "bare minimun for profit" price. The reason companies have RMA restocking fees is because they don't want to lose money if the product is not faulty. You're not lying to the vendor, you're paying the fee for doing something like this; no harm no foul unless you become an RMA abuser, but this is a one time deal.

[ColtIce]

Companies like OCZ have a pretty fat markup on most items. What this means is they can afford to support their customers in a pretty robust fashion. I would simply call them, tell them of your situation, and see what options they give you. They may offer to swap your unit out for you, and were they to do so it would probably engender your loyalty to a degree that would be financialy beneficial to OCZ in the long term. Or perhaps they would do it for a modest fee. I'd ask them, they will probably really go out of their way to accomodate your wishes.

And of course, there are a couple of OCZ employees that frequent this board, so if the (obvious) ethical concerns could be surmounted the chances that you would achieve any, um, deception, are pretty slim.

for sure contact OCZ I think you will find their customer service outstanding.

[I.M.O.G.]

I would call them, tell them your situation, and see what they lay in front of you.

It would be wrong to RMA if it would require misinformation, but if you are up front about it perhaps there are other options available which they will inform you of.

[JonasQ]

I'd be honest with them and see what they say. My stance is not to lie when returning and item. If there is a defect with the item caused either by retailer or manufacturer you have the right to return it. If you haven't opened the box, as per most brick and mortar stores with electronics, you have a right to return it for as simple a reason as you don't like it (think presents etc). If you have opened it and there's nothing wrong with it, tell them the truth and the ball is basically in their court.

[felinusz]

deception``, most good companies (I include OCZ) are open to having a customer speak to them on the telephone about workarounds, without returning the product as formally faulty (and if the product isn't actually faulty, then an "RMA" should not be possible). A "Return Materials Authorization" is usually only for products that have not held up to the standards of quality that the product was sold under (any warranty).

That said, several people here have the right idea when they advise you to call up OCZ and see if they will overhaul/replace your unit for a small fee, or even for free. I would not be surprised if they did so for your power supply, if you took the time to call them, and speak with them about the problems that you forsee arising in the future, with this particular power supply.


Npetune3000

As far as ethics and RMA go...most of it is based on primitive peradimes and lack of understanding. namely, people not RMAing will NOT lower prices.

I ask myself, (without voicing my personal opinion on this issue, or voicing the conclusions that I personally have come to on this issue) should I just take your word that this is the case with all computer hardware, and that insulation fees are indeed being charged by all of these manfacturers, or do you have some concrete, non-anecdotal, proof that this is true?

You can hardly call one viewpoint primitive, and then try to prove it by offering up your own contradictory viewpoint, without offering any sort of concrete proof to back up your belief.

But I am still very intriguied, and I really want to know why exactly (with proof please) RMAing non-faulty computer hardware does not have any effect on raising the price of brand new computer hardware that is on store shelves.

[dAvies.lOcker]

I would only RMA a component if it was faulty and still under warranty.

RMA-in to "upgrade" isn't right - just like the car analogies ^^up there^^

[deception``]

Thanks for all of your replies. To clarify, I never had any intentions of decieving anyone or making a hassle-free RMA to Newegg; rather, I sought to deal with OCZ on a completely open basis. Sometime in the near future, I plan to drop an e-mail to SteveOCZ and see what he has to say concerning the matter. Thanks for your time.

deception``

[ColtIce]

I've dealt with Steve and Sean on several issues and found both to be very righteous cats.I think you will find their commitment to customer satisfaction second to none.

[Sancho]

I work a customer response line, and you defiently made the better choice. props to you.

[Wizardmax]

Just wanted to say that this couldnt raise prices because people who engage in RMA are already factored into a company's Neweggs prices. They expect a certain percentage of profits to go into paying for RMA costs. These include sending all the opened products back to the manufacturer where they can get refurbed or thrown back into the mix. In the end it is just OCZ that is stuck with old products. Since they are the manufacturer it stands to reason that they can at the very least use it for parts.

Its not like a statistically significant portion of its customers will start rma fraud out of nowhere.

In any case best of luck. I want the OCZ PS also.

[SpyderMatrix]

remember oem if not see sig

[facialicious]

Just wanted to say that this couldnt raise prices because people who engage in RMA are already factored into a company's Neweggs prices. They expect a certain percentage of profits to go into paying for RMA costs.

You just conflicted your own argument. Lets assume that retailers factor in an rma cushion. You said they calculate a percentage...well if more people rma than they expect, you can be sure they will adjust that percentage to compensate.

Its just like any other business. I work for an accounting firm and with all the Enron and MCI Worldcom fraud stuff the liability insurance costs for accounting firms has skyrocketed. With lawsuits and investigations going up, the firm has had to raise fees to the customer through no fault of their own. The firm has to expect a higher chance of a fraud investigation and had to adjust prices accordingly.