Manufacturer/Distributor responsibility?: Opinions please

[Oldreefer44]

In late December I purchased a major item from one of the larger reef supply companies. It cost $1300 and took roughly a month to arrive. It took another 3 weeks or so for me to prepare everything for its installation. (It is not an aquarium). It did not allow me to finish the set up process. The parent company is located in the far east and can only be contacted through Facebook and during what was the middle of the night for me. The US distributor tried to help, but was unable to, so referred me to the manufacturer. They would only respond once a day to my messages so the process took many days to come to a conclusion. While we all initially assumed it was user error it became obvious that the product is defective. So I have been issued an RMA by the manufacturer. My issue is that I am to ship it to the US distributor at my expense for repair. Shipping alone will be at least $100. What are your thoughts? Would you feel like you should pay for shipping and accept a repaired item vs a brand new one?

 

[WVNed]

Considering the scenario you have laid out. If it was something I really wanted bad, the item is somewhat hard to obtain, expensive and is sourced from far away I would prefer a known working one even if that included shipping it back to someone for repair.
You also didn't mention how extensive the repair is. If it is just unplugging something and replacing it okay. If it requires bench work like replacing electronic components and soldering I would be wary.

You didn't say what other choices you had or what kind of thing we are talking about
Is this the best option? I don't know. There is reverse the transaction and tell them to come pick up their defective stuff. It will be on the porch.

I can be a hard case if necessary.

 

[blaxsun]

I'm leaning towards requesting a refund or reversing the transaction. Going forward, this is the same and dance you're going to have to perform for any warranty (etc.) - all on your dime.

Unless it's something you really want/need.

 

[WVNed]

Depending on use and time I may be okay with paying shipping for warranty work.

DOA is another matter. Use and Time are zero and more cost is just a price increase.