Big time problem with Valentine

Anyone considering a purchase of a Valentine product should think again. I purchased a new/ used unit- 30 day return or test unit- for 40 dollars less than a new one. I was assured that the unit had the same warranty and return policy as the new one. The unit arrived DOA. I tried it with every power cord supplied- in several cars. The unit had also blew the fuse in the lighter socket connection. I called in and talked to Penny in customer service. I offered to pay the difference and buy a new unit. No that would not work - I had to send the bad unit back - accept a refund then re- buy the new unit. I fed exed the new unit back. according to them the coiled power cord was bad. They would refund my money. Several days later I received a Visa credit- less the 33.00 shipping charge AND the 34.00 return shipping. I called to discuss the problem and They said since the power cord was bad and the unit was OK that they would not pay the initial shipping charge- only the return shipping charge. I asked to speak with the owner. She told me that there was no speaking with the owner but I could e- mail the owner. I said OK refund my return shipping charge and I will deal with the owner concerning the other charge via e-mail. She said and I quote " if you are going to be a problem- we will not refund either charge" At this point I went ballistic and cussed her out. At no time before this did I raise my voice or use any inapproiate language. She was surly and nasty through the whole transaction. Is this the kind of company that you would want to deal with???? I am blown away by this and out 70.00. Let the buyer beware. Do not buy valentine

Did I mention that Escort is a sponsor here? I believe you can still get a Planet Porsche discount on Escort products.

Wow... very interesting... I am semi-close to buying a newer radar detector, and was leaning toward the V1... (not so sure anymore???)... Honestly tho, I'm not sure I want to climb down off my wallet to the tune of $500 for ANY radar detector??? Lots of other "toys" to buy w/ the excess... (B&M short shift, for one)

Sorry to hear of your experience with V1. I've had my V1 for 5 years now and have not had a problem with it (knock on wood). They do make fantastic detectors - I can't imagine living with out the arrows. That said, you can say the same thing about many other companies out there, including the one that manufactures our cars - IMS failures have owners stuck with a repair bill equal to as much as 50% of the car's value. Not making an excuse for anyone here... just making a point that things like this happen regardless of products and companies. Hopefully this is an isolated incident, and maybe you can someone else there can help out. GL!

Sorry to hear about your issues with Valentine. During the 10+ years I've owned V-1s I've had a few dealings with customer service. I always found them to be not just OK, but wonderful to deal with. E.g., I broke a bracket and called to buy a new one. They sent it to me at no charge. I suggest you send an email to Mike calmly addressing your complaint.

Beware of any "remanufactured or rebuilt" electronic products. The savings may not be worth it. I learned after 2 rebuilt Audi radios that had problems.

Dan's suggestion is an excellent one. Sending Mike an email and letting him know you're a valued member here hopefully will solve the issue. Sorry to hear about the poor customer service.

I had an issue with Valentine also. Purchased a new detector and used it exactly three times on longer cross country trips. Turned it on the 4th time, all the lights at power up looked normal, but it no longer had audio. I called customer support and was told I would need to send my unit in for repair. I was leaving on another longer trip and asked if they could send me a new one and I would return the defective one. I was told that was not possible. I asked to speak with a supervisor and explained to that person that the unit had 3 uses on it and that I would like a new unit, not a repaired one. Again I was told no. I promptly returned the detector for a full refund and purchased the Escort...

I sent mine in for repair and they refunded my check for the repair and were very easy to deal with.

Weird. If you had the right to return, like you did, and needed a new one for the trip. You could have just called and ordered a new one and then returned the old one. Not sure why that was not apparent to them/you. Anyway, I miss teh arrows, but I like the GPS. Woudl swicth to V1 with GPS or Escort with arrows any day.

I know Mike and I think he would like to hear from you. It never hurts to hear how your customer service is perceived in the market place.

Sorry to hear about your problem. I've not had any trouble with Valentine per se on purchase or upgrades. All went well and it worked as advertised. I was a little disappointed in the reception I got when I talked to one of their reps a little while back wondering what was new in the pipeline. Didn't really expect anything concrete due to marketing but the response was somewhat surly. Something to the effect that Valentine would rather build a good radar detector than a bad GPS. Wouldn't even comment on laser shifting which is becoming a bigger threat rapidly. Tells me that there's nothing new in the works which is very disappointing. The features of the 9500ci combined with the best of the V1 would be a killer piece.

I have used V1 's for over 10 years and never a problem, despite rough handling. They have tested a hard used unit for me for free (I only paid shipping one way), and I have always found their customer service to be excellent. I would definitely write to Mike V. and am sure he will make good. chick was probably having a bad day- or a bad 5 days...

First of all - I am stupid for not using a club sponsor- mistake #1- Out 500 dollars on a mail rip off of my 9500 which I sent back for the upgades- I was lured in by the cheap price of the new/used unit. Mistake # 2 you get what you pay for. I am totally blown away by this Penny woman in customer service. I have never spoke with anyone who spoke to me in this manner. I asked to speak with Mike and was refused. Then I said that I would accept the refund for the bad unit but would like to e-mail Mike concerning the first shipping charge- WHen she told me"If you are going to be a problem- we will not refund either shipping charge" direct quote-I completely lost it and went off on her. I am repeating this for the folks that have a good opinion of Valentine or may be considering the purchase of one. I am sure that the unit is good- maybe as good as Escort- maybe not- never got to try a functional unit. I am going to buy a Escort from a reccomended vendor of another club member and be done with it. I can assure that this is a truthful account of this event. I have never in my adult life been treated in this manner as a customer and I hope that no other club member club has to go through something like this. In contrast I have NEVER had a bad expierence with any club sponsor vendors. Beware of Valentine.