Sorry to see that man. I would have a hard time accepting that.
I've been lucky though as my purple body came back from RMA as a perfect match to the original back and front ends. I have no reason to complain and I've not had cause to send it back for over 6 months now.
I do have to admit it doesn't get hammered nearly as much as it used to. Good, the longer I go between RMA's the more opportunity HL have to improve.
I also bought my friend an SS that I know he hammers through an MFLB on a daily basis. His was golden the day I got it for him and it still is. Sure it's got those tiny minor scratches that you have to accept as that's what happens to SS but other than those it's immaculate.
All in all I've had a good run and can't complain but seeing how others have been treated is something I'm very aware of and still concerned by.
@Vapor_Eyes I hope you end up with a perfect hopper on your next RMA.
@the whole world
I don't believe HL's chooses to give any cause for concern with regard to their product but I think it's very hard to come out the gate with a perfect product and the infrastructure to support it. I still recon they need more time but I do believe they are improving. It can take a while to iron out the kinks in a production line and then an RMA line.
It feels to me like the refusal to cover the return shipping cost is because it would either bankrupt them or make it harder to negotiate for business loans to improve and expand departments like the RMA line.
I missed the original crowd funding but got in on a pre-order right after they opened it. I keep having to remind myself these guys are a really small team with no large company(s) funding them (as far as I'm aware). So I assume they are gonna grow organically, they have no choice.
It will be in stages, as they grow and show increased potential they will be able to access greater funds to enable them to expand.
But surely those funds would be tightly controlled and only released to them as confidence in them grows. I believe that's how it works but there are others who will probably know better.
Anyway, you better believe if anyone puts a dent or a scratch in my perfectly preserved Hopper be it a friend or a HL employee they are going to get an earful.
Because it's my role in all this to be real and represent my expectations honestly so that HL can rise to the challenge.
And I do expect them eventually to cover return shipping.
My guess is they will rise to the challenge.
They better, I love my Hopper, but it may take a fair while longer.
I'm glad I bought it, if didn't have one now I'd be wanting one. So badly, especially knowing how good it is.
I've been lucky with my RMA's, I know, I'm now off to sacrifice a goat to the GrassHopper God's to ensure that luck continues.
*To those that made it, thanks for reading this long fucking post