Ron:

Please keep us posted on how things ultimately work out.

I, and I'm sure others, completely understand your frustration.

It's a shame that, often insituations like this, the little guy looses out
over the big box stores.

Tom Behler: KB8TYJ


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Dr. Ronald E. Milliman
Sent: Sunday, March 09, 2014 11:35 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Kenwood VGS1 scenario update

As some of you might recall, back in late November, someone, I think Tom,
posted a message informing us that AES had a special deal going on with the
TS590; that is, when you purchased a new TS590, Kenwood would include the
VGS1 at no additional cost. So, I jumped on that deal. In fact, I purchased
both the TS590 with the free VGS1 voice module offer, and I also purchased
the TM-V71A, but I had to buy the additional VGS1 voice module for the
TM-V71A. AES was really good working with me; the fellow that took my order
over the phone also helped me fill out the form I need to send to Kenwood to
get the free VGS1 voice module that came with the TS-590. 

 

Well, it has been about 15 weeks since I received the TS590 and sent the
form into Kenwood to get the VGS1, and I still don't have it. I received a
letter from Kenwood informing me the VGS1 modules were back ordered and
would be sent out just as soon as they came in. I waited a few more weeks
and finally called Kenwood. The fellow I talked to was very defensive and
told me that if I didn't want to wait for the VGS1 to come in, I could send
the TS590 back. Then, he told me the shipment would be in no later than the
end of February, and I was on top of the list for getting mine shipped out
to me via air express. This last week I found out they received a shipment
of VGS1 modules, but I still didn't get mine. So, I called AES to see if
they could possibly assist me. I talked to the AES manager who was very
understanding, friendly, and willing to call Kenwood on my behalf to see
what he could do, if anything. He got back to me to tell me that Kenwood was
expecting another shipment by March 22, and that they would ship mine out to
me via air express as soon as it came in. 

 

I am sharing this scenario with you because I am extremely unhappy with
Kenwood. The shipment that came in evidently all went to their large "box
store" dealers, not to their consumer customers, like me. After all, they
already have my money and have already sold the rig to me; so, why be
concerned about me. After all, who am I compared to the big box store ham
equipment retailers? 

 

I have owned numerous Kenwood rigs, the TS520, TR-7950, 2 TM2570's, a TS440,
and now, the TS590 and TM-V71A. This is the first time I have ever really
been dissatisfied with Kenwood. However, I feel in a frustrating
predicament; that is, Kenwood rigs are the most accessible on the market,
and if you want a really accessible rig, you can either purchase a Kenwood
or you can purchase a Kenwood, or if you prefer, you can purchase a Kenwood.

 

Di I hear someone say we really need more accessible ham gear from which to
choose?

 

Ron, K8HSY

 

Dr. Ronald E. Milliman

Retired Professor of Marketing

President: A3 Business Solutions (a3businesssolutions.com)

President: M&M Properties

Chair: American Council of the Blind's PR Committee

Chair: American Council of the Blind's MMS Committee

President: South Central Kentucky Council of the Blind (SCKCB.ORG)