As expected, Lincoln made good on the repair. I had faith they are a quality company that supports their products. Subsequent events have shown me they are even better than that.
The LWS called Monday to tell me my machine was ready. It was raining and I considered waiting to pick it up but thought I could cover it with a towel and keep it dry from the store to my truck.
"We've got it on the loading dock, please pull around to pick it up" I was told.
I get to the loading dock and see my machine. As I walk up to it, I see it is soaking wet. Looks like it has been left out in the rain. Next an employee comes thru the door with paper towels in his hand. He proceeds to wipe the machine down. I comment that "This can't be good for the machine." He says "It somehow got a little wet" He then says something to the effect of not to weld with it till it has time to dry out. As he lifts the front to wipe the display, water pours from the bottom of the case.
I tell him I'm not going to accept the machine and that he needs his technician to evaluate what damage may have been done by the water. The original repair slip mentions consultation with a Lincoln rep, by name. I return to the counter, accept the repair slip and drive home. Once home, I call Lincoln's CS line. The rep mentioned on the receipt is not there but I get a very nice man that tells me this could be a serious problem and please make sure the LWS technician contacts the Lincoln representative that originally consulted on the repair. I notify the LWS about my contact with Lincoln on Tuesday morning.
Yesterday (Thursday - Wed. was a holiday), I call Lincoln, ask for the rep and he says:
No, the LWS has not contacted him.
DO NOT accept or use that machine as it could be dangerous.
Lincoln will replace the machine under warranty.
Wow, just wow. Lincoln did not leave the machine in the rain but they are willing to replace it? That is amazing customer service.
So far as the LWS leaving the machine in the rain? Disappointing but people make mistakes. It is a fact of life. The true measure of a company is how it deals with its mistakes. The employee intending to send me home with a potentially dangerous machine? That is another matter.
Having not heard from the LWS by late afternoon, yesterday, I called and spoke with the guy I think is the Manager. He promised to get on it. He called this morning and said Lincoln is going to replace the machine under warranty and that it should only take a couple of days to get the paperwork sorted out.
I hope they will educate the employee that was going to send me home with a dangerous machine. I certainly plan to recommend they do so.
Lincoln, a quality company for certain. I'll happily buy more of their products.