Screw you, Garmin

**Fox** · 08-07-2006, 06:00 PM

I am NEVER going to buy another Garmin product.

Tonight I received the update disk that I ordered from them a month ago. They said it would come in 3-5 business days. WTF??

Then, I go to install it, and it makes me put in this 26-some digit unlock code that they had in the email they sent. Guess what? It doesn't work any of the 10 times I put it in. I am not surprised, the software looks like it was coded by someone who's been locked in a dungeon with windows 95 since it came out.

Okay, I think, I'll go a different route. I go in and do it by 'coupon code'. Nice, I think, when it goes through without error. But then- oh, what's that? That's the program asking me for a number that was printed on a little piece of paper on the box that the GPS came in. I don't know where this piece of paper is, and I have no idea why they don't have it on file, along with my telephone number, serial number, coupon code, unlock code, date of bith and mother's maiden name. Seriosly, what the hell is the problem here? This entire process should have taken 5 minutes, tops. Then I look on the sheet of paper with the disk order- would you look at that? Version 7! NOT version 8 like they sent me. Now I have to call them tomorrow and waste even more of my time trying to get this piece of crap updated.

Save yourselves the trouble folks, Garmin isn't out to please its customers. Once you've spent the 800 dollars on a subpar piece of hardware, they don't want to hear about you. They're only out to rip you off.

**DumberDrummer** · 08-08-2006, 12:16 AM

if its an update disk, why would they care who the hell you are? If you need the disk, it means you've bought one of their products, what's with the Password type BS?

**Fox** · 08-08-2006, 09:54 AM

I have no idea. I don't even want to bother- I just downloaded a program to convert GIS maps to the stupid proprietary garmin format. Now all I have to do is find some GIS maps.

**hempknight** · 08-08-2006, 05:55 PM

where did you buy it?? and do you folks have the equivilent of the consumer's and fair trade organisation ovr there?? take it to them and explain how garmin screwed you over..they might be able to help by making garmin responsible for that crap..

**Fox** · 08-09-2006, 09:26 AM

Haha, I don't think I'd get anywhere with the Better Business Bureau. Garmin's a pretty enormous company.

Garmin thrives off customers who buy their products, and are either too rich to really care how much they're paying for updates, or who don't have the technical know-how to actually complete the process.

Ralck · 08-11-2006, 03:53 PM

Just look at Toshiba though: reported as one of the worst companies by BBB. They don't want to honor waranties, don't corectly replace parts, lie about what's in the box!!!! (this happened to the comp my dad bought for my mom- no wireless like they promised!). Get enough people mad and the BBB takes action.
Not to mention the BBB takes each claim individually, so you'll get justice from Garmin or they look really bad.
Good luck!

**Spatcher** · 08-11-2006, 04:22 PM

I hate to sound like an idiot because I'm too lazy to Google anything, but what is Garmin???

**Fox** · 08-11-2006, 07:39 PM

Maker of GPS/navigation hardware and cartography software.

My dad caved today and spent 75 dollars for the new map set. Absolutely ridiculous, and totally un-hacker-ish. I had a bad taste in my mouth when I helped him with it.

08-07-2006, 06:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Screw you, Garmin I am NEVER going to buy another Garmin product. Tonight I received the update disk that I ordered from them a month ago. They said it would come in 3-5 business days. WTF?? Then, I go to install it, and it makes me put in this 26-some digit unlock code that they had in the email they sent. Guess what? It doesn't work any of the 10 times I put it in. I am not surprised, the software looks like it was coded by someone who's been locked in a dungeon with windows 95 since it came out. Okay, I think, I'll go a different route. I go in and do it by 'coupon code'. Nice, I think, when it goes through without error. But then- oh, what's that? That's the program asking me for a number that was printed on a little piece of paper on the box that the GPS came in. I don't know where this piece of paper is, and I have no idea why they don't have it on file, along with my telephone number, serial number, coupon code, unlock code, date of bith and mother's maiden name. Seriosly, what the hell is the problem here? This entire process should have taken 5 minutes, tops. Then I look on the sheet of paper with the disk order- would you look at that? Version 7! NOT version 8 like they sent me. Now I have to call them tomorrow and waste even more of my time trying to get this piece of crap updated. Save yourselves the trouble folks, Garmin isn't out to please its customers. Once you've spent the 800 dollars on a subpar piece of hardware, they don't want to hear about you. They're only out to rip you off. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

08-08-2006, 12:16 AM	#2 (permalink)
DumberDrummer Cymru am byth Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,377 OS: Windows XP Pro SP2 My System	if its an update disk, why would they care who the hell you are? If you need the disk, it means you've bought one of their products, what's with the Password type BS? __________________ Living with Louie dog's the only way to stay sane _____________________________________________ ... and with those words so begins my lifetime of longing for the devil's warm embrace

08-08-2006, 09:54 AM	#3 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	I have no idea. I don't even want to bother- I just downloaded a program to convert GIS maps to the stupid proprietary garmin format. Now all I have to do is find some GIS maps. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

08-09-2006, 09:26 AM	#5 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Haha, I don't think I'd get anywhere with the Better Business Bureau. Garmin's a pretty enormous company. Garmin thrives off customers who buy their products, and are either too rich to really care how much they're paying for updates, or who don't have the technical know-how to actually complete the process. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!

08-11-2006, 03:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ralck mentor hardware team Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,453 OS: 98SE/XP PRO/FC4 My System	Just look at Toshiba though: reported as one of the worst companies by BBB. They don't want to honor waranties, don't corectly replace parts, lie about what's in the box!!!! (this happened to the comp my dad bought for my mom- no wireless like they promised!). Get enough people mad and the BBB takes action. Not to mention the BBB takes each claim individually, so you'll get justice from Garmin or they look really bad. Good luck! __________________ Power Supply Info Everyone Should Read! How to Post Your System Specs

08-08-2006, 05:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
hempknight TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 644 OS: XP Pro	where did you buy it?? and do you folks have the equivilent of the consumer's and fair trade organisation ovr there?? take it to them and explain how garmin screwed you over..they might be able to help by making garmin responsible for that crap..

08-11-2006, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
Spatcher Henry Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3,467 OS: XP Home SP2 My System	I hate to sound like an idiot because I'm too lazy to Google anything, but what is Garmin??? __________________ JohnThePilot: Cenedl heb iaith, cenedl heb galon (a nation without a language is a nation without a heart) John Butler Trio: Go take a step outside, see what's shakin' in the real world - Good Excuse Paul Kelly: Just add a dollop of tomato sauce for sweetness and that extra tang - How to Make Gravy Last edited by Spatcher : 08-11-2006 at 04:32 PM.

08-11-2006, 07:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
Fox TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: NJ Posts: 7,752 OS: XP Pro, CentOS My System	Maker of GPS/navigation hardware and cartography software. My dad caved today and spent 75 dollars for the new map set. Absolutely ridiculous, and totally un-hacker-ish. I had a bad taste in my mouth when I helped him with it. __________________ Antec Neo Power 500W, ABIT IP35-E, Intel E2180@2.66Ghz, Corsair XMS2 2x1GB DDR2-800, PNY 8800GT, 320GB Seagate * lazy college student alert *- If I've inadvertently ignored a thread, please Let me know about it Have I helped you solve your problem? Donate to Techsupportforums Klart Skepp!