Some of you will be aware that I am very unhappy with the performance of my Waeco CR80 Fridge. Thread details are outlined here;
http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=37915.0 Essentially there are two solutions, One involves fitting a generic electronic thermostat which I have. The other involves the use of this item;
http://www.indelwebastomarine.com/int/products/cooling-technology/isotherm-smart-energy-control/ If the electronic thermostat is not a good solution, I though I should have a backup plan.
The smart energy controller can be bought overseas and delivered to my door for just under $200Au. I thought however I would try and buy in Australia to support local business. I sent an enquiry to Indel Webast Australia and it took them three weeks to reply. Adam from the company emailed me to say he would look after my needs. My initial email to them had clearly outlined what I wanted to buy, however he (Adam) needed me to outline it to him again. After three days Adam replied asking me the model and serial number of my Isotherm fridge. I replied indicating I had a Waeco fridge with a BDF35 compressor and according to the product (Smart Energy Control Kit) description it was compatible. I ever heard from him again.
I then decided to contact a local marine supplier (Keoghs Marine) as they were listed as isotherm parts supplier. I gave them my details and they said they would check availability and pricing and phone me back. Phone call one hour later from Keoghs Marine with bad news. Keoghs could/would not supply me because when they checked with the importers (Indel Webasto Australia) they spoke to Adam. Adam basically told them they could not supply me. Basically Indel Webast Australia are telling me to pi$$ off.
When the bloke from Keogh’s spoke to me I indicated my horror at the way Indel Webast does business. He tried to sheepishly explain that Indel were worried that the part might not work and it would be wrong to supply me on that basis. They were concerned about me.
What a load of horse$hit. This is a perfect example of Australian consumers are treated with absolute contempt by Australian business. We see all the time from the like of Coles, Woolworths, Apple Itunes and the the major car companies. They monopolise and want to control the market and are willing to do so for ANY reason. Much is discussed on this forum about Chinese knockoffs. What the Chinese do is morally wrong, however in the vacuum created by Australian business, can you blame them for stepping into the market.
From this time onwards “supporting Australian” will not be a significant criterion in my purchasing unfortunately.
End of angry rant.
