Is This A Fair Repair Fee?
 

Hi to all and a Big Thanks to Everyone here for sharing so much great info ..... I've been lurking here for years and I have learned from you all.

My PD150 started having audio and video drop outs.

I called Sony ... $575 flat fee? Ouch!

After about an hour I picked my self up off the floor and found ......

ComputerWorks Technologies in Burbank, they charge $35.00 fee for an estimate....

The estimate came in for a Tape Path & Tension Adjustment, and Cleaning ....
3 hours X 89.00 = $267.00

Is this a fair price?

Can anyone tell me, I just don't know.

If it's fair, I'll gladly pay it. But...

It just seems to me .... 3 hours is a Long Time to Adjust and Clean.

I live in LA, if anyone has any info on ComputerWorks Technologies, or another repair shop they can recommend?

Or any comments that might help .....

I would appreciate it.

Thanks

That's not necessarily so steep if they have to go into the machine at all. It's time-consuming to open up a deck like that, and it has to be done in a strict sequence. Then there's the adjustment time. Then there's the fact that they need to make a profit, like everyone else.

You could always shop it around for another estimate, but I doubt you'll get something a whole lot lower.

Sony's one-fee system is really a ream, in my arrogant opinion.

Thanks Paul, for your response.

Okay, good to know someone thinks it's ... *Fair*

I have to agree about the sony fee policy.

It Stinks.

-----------------------------------------------

Any one ever have this type of adjustment done?

Opinion's welcome.

Thanks

my experience with sony..
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost....5&postcount=10

Hi Pat,

Thanks for chiming in.

That's an amazing deal you received and I'm glad that worked out for you.

I had to replace my drum heads/mechanism a couple of years ago and it was about $1200.00...... the camera was sent to sony for repair.

Also, when I spoke to Sony last week, they said "$575.00 would be the minimum, and if it needs heads the price would be alot more".

But, I think you make a good point, sometimes companys can be generous.

I approved the repair for $267.00 and it is now ready.

I think/hope I did the right thing, I'm on way now to pick up the camera.

Well I know for the PD-170 it's a flat fee no matter what the problem is, according to the person I talked too. When I did mention a service down the road for one of my 150's, she did say it starts at the flat fee amount for the 170..

Pat

........... > "she did say it starts at the flat fee amount " <.......

I don't want to be charged a starting fee of $575.00 + by Sony if it's just needs a minor adjustment.

I think I was over charged at $267.00 .......

Honestly, I would really be surprised if the tech had my camera on his bench for much more than an hour.

But, as Paul claerly pointed out....... > " Then there's the fact that they need to make a profit, like everyone else. "<.......

Oh Well, I have my camera ....

time to get back to work.

That's what I meant, for my 150's Sony won't be getting my business..
:)

OOOOOHHHHHHHH!

Now..... I understand.

It's been a looong day.