My computer arrived this morning. I opened it up right away to take a look at it and had mixed feelings at first.
It now closes properly and the casings made the main body of the computer looked as new as it did when I first bought it. But, the display housing was still bent and it now looks like it has an "overbite" when closed. I sat there for a second thinking, "I wish I had included the display housing replacement in the original quote! damn!" It's a cosmetic fix but I thought that if Squaw Valley Lodge could afford it, I should've just selfishly included it. The price for the quote would have swelled to an amount equal to purchasing a refurbished version of the same computer on Amazon. But, as I looked at it, I just couldn't get over the fact that it wasn't perfect (looking) anymore.
I called Mac Service to find out why they did not attempt to bend the display housing back to shape. Sean, the rep, told me that the technician was reluctant to try it because it would've scratched it and it would still not look as good. They didn't want to damage the computer by even trying. I asked if I should just buy the housing replacement and Sean informed me that they didn't have the display housing for 17" Macbook Pros and that I would need to special order it through Apple. Even if I wanted to include the price quote for the housing, they wouldn't have been able to do the repair work themselves without getting Apple involved. At that, I felt that I should just be glad to have the computer back and working again. The display housing bend may be an eye sore but that would be all that it is.
I hung up the phone with Sean with satisfaction and assured him that I would write a favorable review article on them on Yelp.
Minutes later, I sent an email to Mr. Tester telling him that my computer is back and attached the final bill for his review. My message went like this:
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From: joselitosering@____.net
Subject: Fwd: MacService Order: MS404112 Order Shipped
Date: February 12, 2009 2:33:41 PM PST
To: dant@____.com
Hello Mr. Tester,
I finally received my computer from the repair shop and paid the bill charged below. The computer is not exactly in the same condition as it was before but the major problems have been fixed; namely, the hard drive and the sever damage on the casing. The display housing could not be fixed without Apple involvement which would have totaled more than the computer can be purchased for on Amazon or eBay so I opted to forego fixing it now that it's back in working condition. It shuts properly and the hard drive no longer makes noise, as identified by the technician.
Notice also that the final bill is $40 more than the previous statement I sent. The discrepancy is based on a hard drive upgrade I was consulted to consider, which I decided to authorize but did not anticipate. So, I will leave it up to you to reimburse me for the amount stated in the previous quote or the final bill as attached. You may make the check payable to my full name, Joselito Sering, and we can be done. You may also double check with MacService regarding this repair for your own records.
I appreciate Squaw Valley Lodge's commitment to total customer service satisfaction and proper business etiquette. I am wholly impressed and am now a devoted patron. Please know that this experience, although unfortunate, was a positive learning experience.
Please confirm with me that you received this message and when I may expect the reimbursement in the mail. I would like to close the debt within a week if possible. Again, thank you and see you again next winter.
Joselito Sering
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Mac Info:
computer was dropped, works ok, please diagnose, quote for any recommendations, sm Ground Round Trip Shipping
Estimated transit 1 business days.
Quantity Name Description Price
1 HDL 250GB SATA 2.5 5400RPM 250GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive MB/MBP $275.00
1 Free Diagnostic Complete Laptop Diagnostic (Included with all orders) $0.00
1 922-7964 MBP 17'' C2D Bottom Case $340.00
1 922-7950 MBP 17'' C2D Top Case $340.00
4 Item(s) in Cart Sub-total $955.00
Discount: $95.50
Tax $70.91
Shipping $0.00
TOTAL $930.41
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The quote that I sent to Mr. Tester originally was for $891.44 which quoted for a 160G hard drive, the same as the one damaged. But, I took the advice of upgrading it to the next size up which cost $40 more. I know I should pay for that upgrade myself but wanted to see if Squaw Valley Lodge would pick it up (plus offer a free 2 day stay??). If not, that's okay. It's worth a try.
I am hoping that I hear back from them soon and that they reimburse me right away since there is an APR accruing on it with the card that I used to pay for the repair. I hope the get the check within a week.
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