Battery replacement

[Members_1AypOJh]

Samsung...you have to do better.

I am a Samsung fanatic. Phone, watch, tv's, major appliances. I've never had a problem until now.

I noticed that my S22+ phone started to have an issue with the battery.  I went to the Samsung service page and obtained an estimate using my device serial number and model number. I was provided with a quote for $90 (battery $30, repair kit $10 and labor $50). I then followed the links to find the Samsung authorized service center nearest to me and used the Samsung webpage to schedule the appointment.

I arrived at my appointment and the service center employee obtained the model number from my phone and checked to see if he had the battery in stock. He returned a few minutes later and said yes I have the battery the replacement will be $149.

I asked if I was at the correct Samsung service center and he said yes. I showed him the estimate from the Samsung webpage indicating the cost was $90. He said he would give me a $20 discount bringing the price to $129.

I contacted Samsung chat support and the representative said the extra charge might be due to taxes (this is California but our taxes are not $60 on a $90 bill).

He then said well it must have been for labor and I sent him the estimate with the original $50 charge for labor and indicated this was a standard battery replacement.

He then said there was probably and issue with the battery replacement requiring additional labor again I reminded him the was a standard battery replacement.

A Samsung authorized service center needs to honor the Samsung estimate as Samsung obviously knows what labor it takes to do a standard battery replacement.

This is a very bad representation of Samsung, makes me question ALL of my purchases from them.

Samsung you need to do better!

 

[CEParsons]

The operative word is "estimate." Notice the fine print in your provided screen shot.

While no one likes to pay more than they were quoted, independent service centers are able to set their own prices and are not bound to the estimate. I imagine operating costs, not just taxes, are substantially higher in Cali and are a contributing factor.

[ChaosSaber]

Says estimate not final

[Robin621k]

Ditto, what every one has posted!

Fine print, always read that first is my general rule.

[JennRell]

I've almost never had an estimate be the final amount I've paid, no matter what it is. Especially when dealing with franchises. Corporate charges these franchises SOOOO many fees that they are forced to increase prices to some degree. If the estimate came from the franchise itself and it was verified, then I would have a problem with it. Honestly, the franchise giving you $20 off showed good faith on their end.

[realaud]

Samsung Authorized service centers are independent businesses and not controlled by Samsung. Those businesses set their own prices (usually based on prevailing rates in the given area). Your Samsung estimate is figured on what the average nationwide price would be, or if you sent it in to Samsung, in which case you would pay shipping both ways, negating any savings.

Being an Authorized Service provider only means that the technicians were Samsung trained on Samsung equipment and the business is authorized to perform warranty service on Samsung devices. There is no other contract between Samsung and the providers. As such, they do NOT have to honor the Samsung estimate. It is incumbent on you to call the service center and confirm the estimated price of repair. That's why you have a phone - to call. Estimates are just that, not final pricing.

Also, it says right there in your screen shot that it's an ESTIMATE only and does not include additional charges that may apply.

[Members_1AypOJh]

Nope you are wrong Samsung tells them what they are allowed to charge since they are authorized by Samsung. I saw the price sheet.

So if you go to Ford and get an estimate for $90 for them to fix your car. You have the repair done and they say its now $150 you are ok with that.

The rep at the Costa Mesa store confirmed they are given a price sheet by Samsung.

[realaud]

Samsung has absolutely no control over pricing of independent businesses. There may be a price sheet, but as it says in your estimate, it does NOT include other fees. if I got a repair estimate from a car dealership, and the final cost turned out to be higher, first I'd have to approve the higher cost, and they would have to explain to me the reason for the difference. Read the fine print on your own screen shot. IT SAYS RIGHT THERE that it is only an estimate. It the store rep really showed you a price sheet, then why didn't you ask them why they were charging more? Maybe they charged a hazardous waste disposal fee for the battery, that I'm sure California has. Either pay the fee and have the battery replaced, or buy the parts, watch a YouTube video and change it yourself. You are not going to win this argument with the vendor and the price is not going to change.

[SuperflyBrit]

I can feel the anger in this message.

Perhaps a simple reply, such as "I stand by my original message," and include a link to where the information in the original reply is located.

Be Well.

[SuperflyBrit]

1. This sentence, "That's why you have a phone - to call," was unnecessary.

2. When I needed a new battery, I went through a similar process except Samsung asked for my zip code, then gave me a list of authorized repair centers with links. Once linked, I provided my phone data, and I received a quote. It's unfortunate that Samsung has changed this method for seeking repairs.

3. Where is the information you provided?

Be Well.