Out of Warranty Repair Service from Bosch Professional - Worth It?
Vložit
- čas přidán 8. 02. 2023
- Failures happen. Even with the most reputable brands. Over the decades we've had a good few needs for repair from all sorts of brands: Hilti, Makita, Festool, Paslode (quite a few from Paslode!!), DeWalt and more. This is the first time I've had to use Bosch's repair service though.
It seems online is where people go to vent their frustrations when there's a problem - understandable - and I think these negative reviews of service might give a one sided impression of what service is like for most. My personal experience has been largely trouble free getting tools repaired. This includes this recent one from Bosch.
I thought I'd share my process and experience with getting my Bosch GMF (GOF) 1600 CE router via the Bosch website so, if you've never had to do it before, you might have some idea what to expect.
And no...despite my user name and my owning a few Bosch tools, I am in no way affiliated with the company. - Jak na to + styl
Inspired by this video, when my GEX150 went bang, I followed your instructions. Despite not being current, there was a MaxPrice of about £190. In fact, once received, Bosch quoted £10 parts, £50 labour and £4.50 carriage - plus VAT - which I took. The only hassle was the inability of FedEx to understand instructions.
Nice one mate. Glad it worked out for you too. £190 would have stung a bit for a sander repair though! 👍
Interesting to see this kind of experience. Not bad! Thanks for sharing
Cheers Keith. Yeah, just thought, as I had to do it, it'd be worth sharing the experience. Most tool companies are pretty on it these days.
Had problems with my old Festo (yes this old) orbital sander. After centuries of hard work, it seems that the bearings were worne out. As I was not able to undo the foot-screw, i contacted Festool.
They picked the tool up and after a day they phoned me. The guy on the other end said that they also have truble to loosen the nut, andby now could not change the bearings, but with such an old tool it might not be worth it, also the trend is gooing towards random orbital sanders.
so he offerd me an hefty discount on an new sander. As i have a ROS and small orbital already, i tried my luck and aks for an BS 105. Got it nacked for pocketmoney. When the new sander arrived i was wondering: There were my old orbital in it, repaired and with new velcro as well. 😍
Yeah, the Tudor period Festo tools were built different 😂 That's amazing though. The BS 75/105 are great belt sanders👌
Me again, forgot to add - thanks for the thoughtful critique of Trustpilot.
😁👍 Well, Trustpilot saved me going through loads of old threads on various forums to make the point. But I think it's true: if you feel you've been wronged, you're far more inclined to make a song and dance than if all has gone swimmingly.
@@BischBaschBosch That is true I seem to recall some old marketing saying that 1 unhappy customer is more expensive than 9 happy customers are profitable. I find my own behaviour is that if I get what I paid for I won't leave feedback it has to be something extra to get me to leave positive feedback on the other hand if I don't get what I paid for I am really likely to leave negative feedback.
That's very fair of Bosch to offer a recycle service I think! And having an optional plunge base is a win. I have the same for my little Makita router and it is a real win to have.
Yeah, 2 bases has become quite popular for smal palm type routers. Bosch is (was) the only one to do it for larger, powerful 1/2" routers though. Shame they seemed to have stopped making it. It's a good router and unique in the market.🤷♂️
Thanks for sharing this information. I use this router and although I've only had it a year i love it and like you said it's almost like having 2 for the price of one.
Thanks for all you do👍🏿
Appreciated. Thank you man
Sounds like a great plan with old kit, thanks
Cheers Paul. Yeah, I think if you have an old tool broken but not bothered about, just go through the repair formalities, then say "nah, you keep it" is a winner for the 30% voucher. Their e-shop isn't the cheapest but 30% off would still save money on new.👍
I've been considering sending Bosch one of my Bosch combi drills that's feel of my bench too often for a check up ,and it still in guarantee , you've made the process of sending it away look fairly easy
Cheers Paul. It is easy. Under warranty, you'll need you proofs of purchase etc mind. If all that's in order, should be straight forward. Oh and make sure to describe the fault you want looked at e.g. intermittent trigger or some such.👍
Great vid super helpful 🙏💚💯🍀👊
Good to hear, thank you👍
Problem with many manufacturer discounts is that buying direct from them with a discount is still often more expensive than buying online from a retailer.
Exactly the same problem occured to me on Sunday on my cheap Trend T4. Barely used and 4 months out of warranty. Given how much it cost I'm going for the sod it and buy something new option.
That's a good point and I know what you're saying. Manufacturers own sites are rarely the best value - Hilti aside as you can only buy them direct. Still, the 30% off voucher could be useful. As an example, Bosch's GSR 12V'-35 sells on their site for around £126 bare. Screwfix sell it for £104. However, with the 30% voucher, it'd cost £88 From Bosch. Just an example but I think it's a neat way of getting rid of an old broken tool and getting a new one cheap. As long as you calculate the best deal I guess🤷♂️👍
Mafell can top it. My new tool wasn’t quite in the condition I expected, within the hour Nathan from NMA Tools (mafell rep for uk) was at my door with a new replacement. Now that’s service!
😂😂 That Nathan from NMA gets about don't he? You're about the 5th person who's told they had a knock on the door from him! Like bloody Santa for tool nuts!😉👍
I’ve always gone out and bought the same or an upgrade thinking it wouldn’t be worth the hassle but a 5 day turnaround has changed my thought pattern. Maybe it might be a different time frame in Australia but you definitely given me something to think about.
Cheers Bradley. Yeah, I've no idea if the 5 day turnaround would be the case in Oz bud. If the Bosch pro website for Australia is anything like it is here where service is concerned , it should fill you in on those sorts if details. Worth checking out before buying replacements I think though. Although the pull if a new tool is strong!😉
great video sometimes people are so hard on companies that mafell router looks lovely tho
Seems that way mate. I noticed a lot of the complaints were when people were on the phone to companies. Hopefully, this has shown it might be best to just avoid the phone and use the online system. I do like mafell. It's decent kit. 👍
Reassuring to here you had a good experience with repair. I have the same router. It’s not built anywhere as nicely as my 1/4 inch DeWALT with twin bases, but I like the versatility and power. I’m lucky enough to have router motor/lift combo with more power, so really felt the power of the Bosch ideal for handheld operations. There are no alternatives to Bosch in the 1/2 sector with twin bases. Wish there was.
Yeah, it was all very straight forward thankfully. Often underrated are DeWalts routers. Their old ones anyway. I haven't tried any of their newer ones. I still have a 2000w of theirs about 2 decades old. 110v so I don't use it anymore. Also got a smaller 900w one from the same period out on permanent loan. That one in particular is possibly one of the best made I think. So well built. So many features ahead of it's time. Mind you, they were essentially Elu rebranded as DeWalt after their buyout. Lovely machines though. As for this Bosch, it's build well enough I think but yeah, shame it seems to be the only dual base 1/2" router. And it appears Bosch have stopped making it!!
@@BischBaschBosch the DeWALT I have is the current model still sold at Axminster, screwfix etc. I’m not the biggest fan of DeWALT stuff really, but I love that little router. Don’t use it so much now I have the Bosch and router table motor (woodworkers workshop), but I worked it hard for a few years before and I’d replace it immediately if it broke.
@brayworkshop427 you may check the AEG ME 1400. as AEG as brand is sold to a chinese holding, so anybody can sell under the AEG brand, i have doupt that it is as good as the Bosch. But no real life experience.
At least it is still in production.
Ok so now I have one of those routers on my ‘try to find second hand’ list! Half inch and two bases make it a brilliant option!
😁 Its what sold it to me. That I could have a fixed base under a router table 👌 The fixed base has an allen screw to adjust height from above when upside down too. Like it was made for it! Not perfect by any means but It's a pretty good all round router. No idea why they seem to have stopped making it. While I was researching for this vid, I did notice one for sale on eBay currently. They do come up now and again.👍
The only tool I have had to send off for repair was my Festool CTL33 extractor. After about 11 years of use the power socket developed an intermittent switching fault. I booked the repair at about 1am on a Friday night...the machine was collected next day, I got a quote for the repair on Monday, and the machine was back in my workshop on Wednesday, working perfectly....all for £70.00!
I call that outstanding service👍
Awesome! Can't argue with a 5 day turnaround. Same as for my router. Festool are fairly well regarded in terms of their warranty and repair service. That said, I've found pretty much all brands have been pretty damn good. Hilti used to actually come out to us and, if poss, service onsite! Mind you, we had fleet kit. I do sympathise when people ru into service problems though.
Bedankt
Thank you so much!
My 35 year old Metabo jigsaw developed the intermittent start problem. The quality of the build was exceptional and any new jigsaw built to a high standard was going to be really expensive and probably not built to the same standard. On the other hand there are 3 improvements that are not sales hype and are really worthwhile tool less blade changes, dust collection and battery power. Settled on a medium jigsaw.
Being that old, intermittent start could be as simple as brushes or corrosion on trigger contacts? New tools - the "premium" anyway - are built well. In fact, I'd go as far as to say tools have never been better. The weak spot is pretty much always the electronics now. They make the tools much nicer to use - and safer - but whether they'll still be able to do the do in 15/20 years remains to be seen. Use is always a determining factor though. A tool babied in a workshop will undoubtedly outlive a tool beasted day in, day out on a job site.
My Bosch router (same model) developed the same issues. It was in the middle of scribing a kitchen worktop. The quickest solution was to go to Screwfix and buy another router.
I was shocked to see the Bosch wanted nearly £200 to fix it. I will have a serious discussion with myself if it will be worth.
Most of my power tools are Makita and one of the main reasons is because parts are available (even older models). So usually I would fix them myself.
I wasn't too worried about immediate replacement tbh. Got a few other routers but this Bosch one also used under my router table. All the parts are available for Bosch from Miles Tools and Machinery. They carry for pretty much every brand I think. The electronics module will cost about £100 From there I think. I certainly could have saved some money fitting it myself but I wasn't sure and after 7 years hard use, figured the router could do with a proper check up. £200 still way cheaper than an equivalent new router. Especially as, if I replaced the bosch, is also need to buy a router lift and motor. £200 is cheap by comparison.🤷♂️
@@BischBaschBosch Thank you for the quick reply. I have invested in this specific router (additional collets etc), that I am hesitant just to let it go. Will start replacing the brushes. I have bought from Miles Tools and Machinery before and happy with their service.
@@pauloosthuizen yeah, they're pretty good are Miles. Might have to wait a week or two if parts have to be imported from Germany. I've had that before. Good versatile router the bosch though. Worth trying to save o think.👍
super review of something that gets too little attention!
Thank you again. Yes, I think it's something people are often unsure about but these days, repair services, even after warranty, are very efficient.👍
Once again, it proves that EVERYTHING Bosch is better outside of the North American market.
Granted, all tools made to sell in the US are often horrible versions of made for a lower cost (because most ppl here in the US have never had a good tool in their hand before).
I'm surprised that Bosch Tools NA even exists.
The customer service with them is really bad. It would require a novella to explain all the issues I've had with them over the years.
Sorry to hear that bud. I thought you guys got essentially the same kit, just with more ...er. .."appealing" names lik "Bulldog" instead of The catcjy GBH 18V-26F for example. Does seem UK/EU get things a little better from Bosch though. On my review of Bosch's (excellent btw) 18v flexiclick drill with various chuck heads, a South African mentioned in the comments that the same kit where he was, came with a plastic 13mm chuck, rather than the all metal supplied in the EU. Little things like that can make a big difference to a companies rep. Especially if after sales is rubbish too.🤷♂️
@Bisch Basch Bosch well the head CEO of Bosch North America (Mike Mansuetti) isnt really a tool guy. (He loves his dishwashers). So they only focused on the Rotary Hammer Drills and the Laser Levels.
When Uwe Thym arrived and the Profactor/ProCore arrived I seen how Bosch batteries likely wouldn't catch on fire anymore lol. Their tools started to take an upswing. But behind the scenes it was a nightmare. R&D had great ideas, and I assumed Bosch tools would finally become better and not just have a dark corner to live in at the Local Lowe's Home Center stores.
But, they failed. They took too long to get anything done. And the dreams of staying above 10% earnings for Bosch Worldwide faded away.
Personally alot if tools I buy, I import from EU and JP now. Having no warranty is better than having to constantly send to to be repaired.
Even Festool NA has its issues. And I'll never buy from them again.
Having only my right arm/leg, I will sell my soul to the first *GOOD* brand that makes a true right-handed track saw (left blade style). Lol.
It maybe somewhere in the comments but couldn't see it. Is the repair covered by 12 months or do they give another 3 years like when originally purchased ?
Good question mate. I really should have mentioned that. So for out of warranty repairs like mine the parts that are replaced (And only those) have a 6 month warranty. Under warranty repairs are a bit different as, obviously, the whole tool is still covered by the warranty itself. If the tool is completely replaced in year 2 or 3, you get 1 years warranty on the new tool. Same for runder warranty repairs.
Thanks for leaving comment appreciate it. Keep up the great videos really enjoy the content
The problem with saying "mines been ok for years" is as soon as do, it breaks !
What, like I did with my 23 year old Mafell Lo50 in the video after my bosch died?😂😂 Worst thing we can do is tempt fate!
Saturday to neighbour "never had a problem with my windows" Tue had to change a hinge 😞
From my perpective here in germany, the bosch customer service is excellent, not to mention the convenient way to buy spare parts directly from bosch. At the moment for example i need a spare part for my dewalt dwe7492 and dewalt itself knows shit, and the part is only available through third parties. Makita has the same situation in terms of spares (3rd party only), however their customer service is quite good. TTI (AEG, milwaukee...) is also decent, basically on bosch level, just a bit slower.
Thanks for that. That's pretty interesting and something you'd hope was the case, Bosch being a German company. The Bosch UK website does have a parts service and I could have saved some money using it if I was certain of the problem. We also have an excellent 3rd party parts supplier for all brands - Miles Tools and Machinery. 👍
@@BischBaschBosch I generally have nothing against 3rd party suppliers, however the ones available here aren't only slow and always on low stock, they usually demand extra money if you're under a certain amount of money, usually 25 Euros if u are under 50 Euros excluding shipping of course. This results to 37 Euros for an 4 Euro washer for example. Amazon ist mostly ur best bet. The Bosch situation was actually even better a few years ago, they used to have a pretty large network of repair and part shops for their tools, household and automotive stuff, those however are mostly gone by now. If you pay attention, you can easily spot random Bosch signs in german cities from recent or even decades ago which no one bothered to take off. 😅
Hi,
I have this router, brand new sitting in a box in my spare room. Bought on an impulse buy as I was going to build a router table that never happened. Let me know if you are interested in buying it.
Thanks gor the offer but mines fine now its fixed. Sure you'd have no trouble selling it on eBay.👍
Thought I'd ask before I put it on Ebay, Keep up the good work, have enjoyed your videos, please keep making them. Cheers
@@mrh4rrysingh Very kind, thank you.👍
Those peeps that say that... they had the tool all that time and used it a few times over that period is my opinion. I had to send a microphone back, took like 7 weeks of something, guess what, they sent me a new one well that could of been done way earlier!
Yeah, I suspect much the same mate. Our kit had an absolute beasting, day in, day out on the large corporate contracts we used to do. Surprised they lasted as long as they did tbh. 7 weeks is a long time to wait though. Bloody 'ell 😱
Or maybe they tried and tried to fix it and finally realised it was economical
I had the pad on a festool sander stop holding sandpaper on it, it was about 8 month old.
Still in it's 3yr warranty but a chap at festool said the pads are not covered.
I blew a stink saying they say no quibble guarantee repairs and that I belonged to a uk woodworking fb page of 60,000 members.
Within a hour I had a email saying UPS were picking it up the next day, it came back as new with a multi pack of sandpaper, funny that
😂😂 A good news story! In fairness though, pads are considered consumables. As is anything that isn't part of a tools main body as it happens. My router bases aren't covered for example. Just the motor body. Sucks but 🤷♂️
Bosch's eshop is probably about 30% overpriced compared with most retailers, unfortunately
Yeah, their e-shop lists everything at actual RRP whereas retailers most often offer significant discounts. It's even cheaper to by spare parts from a 3rd party!