[Resolved]  Siemens Washing Machine — Bad Product. No Service

Address:

Tamil Nadu

We (my wife and I who are both senior citizens) bought a Siemens Washing Machine from Viveks Nanganallur Branch, Chennai in April 2008. There was a 2 year warranty on this machine. At the time of purchase the Siemens Washing Machine was more expensive that other brands such as LG Samsung etc.

In spite of my wife's advice I over ruled her and bought the Siemen's Washing Machine telling her that Siemens were a well renowned company known all over the world. So even though the machine was more expensive than the others we bought the machine.

When there was a minor complaint, during the warranty period, I called up Vivek service, and was shocked to learn that Viveks just does not offer service for this washing machine. Wonder what business Viveks have to sell a machine for which they do not provide service.

Viveks told me to contact Siemens Service Center. Phone no:[protected]. I tried this phone many times but no response. Finally after 20 tries a lady responded. She took down the complaint, sent an engineer and rectified the problem.

The warranty period around April 2010: two months later the washing machine conked out fully.

I again patiently contacted the above number (after about 30 tries, the lady picked up the phone). They sent an engineer who inspected the machine and said that the main drum is defective and needs to be completed replaced.

Siemens first claimed that I have to pay Rs 7500 for drum replacement. When I raised a hue and cry stating that the machine has conked out immediately after the warranty period, the lady in charge said that as a special case they will replace it free of cost.

The lady assured me that the they would depute an engineer with the required spare part within the next few days. We waited patiently. I called again after a few days (and got through after 20 tries this time).

The lady now says that it will take a month for the spare part to be received, so we will have to wait till end September, 2010.

I said that I will buy a new washing machine and scrap the Siemens Washing Machine, put it on a bullock cart, hire a band, and take the washing machine in a funeral procession to Siemens Washing Machine Service Center behind Valluvar Kottam. No effect.

So we are now stuck with a washing machine which does not work, a manufacturer who does not care for their customers, and a telephone number which can only be reached after minimum 20 tries.

I have heard that German companies are bureaucratic, but efficient. After all, Germans are known for their enormous organizational ability and efficiency. Why are they running such a shoddy operation in India?

Either Siemens Germany does not care for its reputation in India or the sods running the Company in India are nincompoops.

If Siemens does not repair the washing machine within next week, it looks like I will have to make good on my threat: put the Siemens washing machine on a bullock cart, hire a band, hire weeping women to walk before and after the cart, and follow the funeral procession in my car. I will inform the press and it will generate I hope good publicity for Siemens amongst the general public in Chennai

Mentally I have written off the Rs 22000 I spent two years ago on the Siemens Washing Machine. I will also actively advise every one who reads this to stay away from any Siemens product. It is just not worth the trouble anymore.

Regards

S GANESH
MADIPAKKAM, CHENNAI 600 091
MOBILE[protected]
Email: [protected]@gmail.com