Damned, myrubberneck agreed to replace my solo but now I have to pay for the shipping to and from them. (Wich is going to be at least $80...) Is this normal?
Bummer, but at least they'll deal with you. I haven't looked at their policy for such things, but assume it's their normal procedure? If the question is 'is this common?', I think the answer is 'fairly'? Many sellers use it I think, but it has to be
spelled out as a condition of sale
before hand. Otherwise they're under no obligation at all past sending what you contracted for (the new unit at XX price). The key is
what were the terms you bought it under?
Such little points are, of course, part of the cheaper price customers are seeking. By not offering to cover such shipments they can offer lower prices to all. It's not free, someone will have to pay for the shipping, either that customer, all customers (through higher prices) or they will have to assume more risk (and therefore demand a higher profit).
You might get some joy from the maker, but I suspect you'll end up paying at least some shipping there as well? And the maker has no obligation to cover it probably since it was wholesaled out with such things as 'who does and pays for warranty replacements' factored into the cost.
Good luck, but in the end this might be the best deal? The good part is once you get a working Solo you'll understand all the fuss.
OF