How do I serve a corporation?

[john70t]

The 3-year old Maytag refrigerator died several weeks ago: "Refridgerator compressor has to be changed"

Maytag refered me to one service company(aug 3rd), who found the low side line through the pan had corroded though and requires replacement of the compressor and dryer.
The repair cost would be equivalent to the price of the fridge.

I was told by Maytag several times that "sealed components are covered under 5 year factory warrenty".

O.k., fine, I only have to spend $300. I can live with that. Get it fixed.
However that company was not an authorized service agent.
$70 dollars down the tube for a service call.

Today, the second refered(no pun) factory agent told me there was "no factory warrenty."
Repairs would be about $800.
I called Maytag and asked them to cover the parts. They won't.
Another $70 dollars down the tubes for a service call.

We've been living out of coolers for two weeks on a promise and I've been lied to.
This sux.
Whirlpool is in Benton Harbor, Michigan. How can I serve them and what damages can I ask for?

[id10t]

Quoth the google -

In some instances, delivery to an agent for acceptance of service or "Registered Agent" can substitute for personal service on the principal party to be served. The Registered Agent is a person or company authorized in advance to accept service on behalf of the served party. For example, most corporations are required by local law to have an agent for acceptance of service in each jurisdiction where they are active. The identity of the agent for service can usually be ascertained from company filings with appropriate state agencies.

[McLovin]

usually have a registered agent for service of process registered with the secretary state of your state.

go to the sec of state website and do a search

[dad911]

Google Whirlpool and your state. If you find any agent or field office, local rep, etc. you can serve them.

My brother was able to do that with a TV, in small claims court.

You can ask for the world, but you can reasonably expect to get the replacement cost and the two service calls, + court costs.

[deanp]

No idea about serving, but this clearly shows Maytag's limited warranty for years 2 through 5 on sealed parts of the refrigeration system including compressor, evaporator, condenser, dryer and connecting tubing . Warranty includes parts and labor.

Do you still have the manual?



The Whirlpool warranty is also the same. http://www.whirlpool.com/digitalassets/ET0MSRXTL/Warranty_EN.pdf

Why are they denying the claim?

The CEO of Whirpool is Jeff Fettig, maybe send a letter via FedEx expressing your frustration.

[MRM]

CT Corporation accepts service for them. You'll need to deliver it personally or hire a service processor to do it. Costs betwwen $50 and $100. But your damages are limited by your warranty on the device. Ask for the cost of repairs/replacement value of the fridge.

At best you're entitled to a refund of your purchase price of the fridge. You won't be able to get consequential damages for failure of the fridge. Whirlpool will argue that the most you're entitled to is the cost of the failed part - and not even including the cost of labor to replace it. If you prevail you're entitled to court costs - filing fees and the cost of hiring a service processor - but not attorneys' fees.

[RWebb]

as per above posts - first file a claim with your state's consumer protection agency

[Por_sha911]

Covered with a delicate bearnaise sauce on a bed of rice pilaf and a nice Chianti. (sorry, couldn't resist)

Each time you are told "I'm sorry but I'm not authorized to..." ask to speak to a supervisor. They will say he/she is busy. Tell them you will hold. The original rep will come back with "my supervisor said..." Tell them you want to speak to the supervisor anyway. Eventually they will get tired of playing hide and seek and you will get to someone higher up the food chain who has the authority to make you happy. The squeaky wheel...

[john70t]

I did ask for a supervisor several times, on several calls I believe.
They may have recorded the phone conversation(see how that works). I did not.
On my last call I was told "I can get a supervisor, but they will tell you the same thing".

Interesting Whirlpool warrenty .pdf which shows a 5-year warrenty.....Downloaded from the Whirlpool internet website today.
Thank you!

My manual showed 1 year on parts/labor.
The lady on the phone said that parts were covered- Which is why we lived out of coolers for an additional 10 days waiting for the proper "authorized service agent" to do the repairs, suppossedly covered by warrenty. Kind of like camping out.

The service tech this morning went on the phone with Maytag/Whirlpool, and said the 5-year warrenty was changed to 1-year warrenty back in 2005.

2005.

Six years ago.

[john70t]

Went and ordered a new one with an extra five year warrenty. To be delivered tomorrow. They will take the old fridge.

I very much hate to knock a Michigan company, but the official corporate information seems to be...um...misleading at face value.
Customer service was a blank wall.

The tech said "the industry standard" for refigerators is 12-15 years. The Lowes guy said "12.5 years".
Whatever.
This one lasted about 3-years.....about 1/4 to 1/5th the industry lifespan.

[RWebb]

write the CEO of Maytag and give them the URL for this thread - include the view count so they can estimate the # people who will never touch their products again

[john70t]

Sorry for the blog-like rant, and a special thanks to all. The Pelican braintrust gets it done.

[deanp]

Whirlpool acquired Maytag, so you were on the right track re contacting Whirlpool.

[deanp]

The acquisition was completed in 2006 , so your three year old maytag was produced under the whirpool umbrella. The warranty is for all parts for one year, but appears to be limited for the sealed parts for years 2-5.

[strupgolf]

So much for American made products, Buyer beware, and then bend over.

[Scuba Steve]

Oh wow... Whirlpool bought them? That's too bad... Maytag dishwashers were the best I've owned, and Whirlpools were by far the worst. Looks like I'll have to keep searching for a suitable brand to replace my POS with next year

[LWJ]

The change to R134 reduced lifespan of refrigerators considerably. I drug a 50+ year old R12 beast out of my parents mountain cabin that was rusted and ugly but worked like a charm.

I hate buying disposable goods so when I bought my last refrigerator I bought a sub zero. Yes, it cost almost as much as my SC but when I asked the factory why they were better than other brands the response was "our refrigerators are built to last 20 years."

That is a strong argument.

Good luck.

Larry

[Por_sha911]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

The original rep will come back with "my supervisor said..." Tell them you want to speak to the supervisor anyway.

Originally Posted by john70t

I did ask for a supervisor several times...On my last call I was told "I can get a supervisor, but they will tell you the same thing".

You have to force the supervisor to come to the phone. Trust me on this. 9 times out of 10 they would rather give you want than have it escalate.