VWR Drops Shimadzu UV-1201 Spectrophotometer
.... actually they didn't want this crap in their catalog or in your lab!
Shimadzu placed an advertisement in American Biotechnology this Fall 1998 which
proclaimed "There's Something Extra In Every UV-1201 Box." They're right....
something that YOU DON'T WANT (more on that later!). The ad noted that Shimadzu was
providing "Free Technical Support." Question: Hasn't the technical support
always been "free?" With this new revelation, you might want to inquire how much
does "technical support" cost for the other product offerings from Shimadzu
since it has not been advertised "for free" thus far.
Shimadzu eloquently noted "when you buy from a catalog, you're forfeiting important
support services." One of our contributors reports that this very same issue was
discussed and debated by Shimadzu managerial figureheads back in 1994 when the
relationship with VWR Scientific was first pondered. At that time, Shimadzu concluded that
important support services would NOT be forfeited. Here we are four short years later and
now Shimadzu proclaims that important support services are indeed forfeited when buying
from a catalog. So which way does Shimadzu want it? What a bunch of manipulators!
It was also noted that "when you buy from Shimadzu, you are supported in every
way." Sure, you'll be supported by a jock strap while being hung by your scrotum!
Shimadzu concluded that "our technical support is so responsive, you'll think it came
in the box." Advice: Leave the spectrophotometer and the free technical support in
the box and send it back to Shimadzu sealed.... you don't want to open this Pandora's box
in YOUR lab!
n.b. One of VWR's sales specialists told us that the Shimadzu
UV-1201 was "a very weak product." She also remarked that Shimadzu did a
"very poor job" of supporting the product technically. She recalled attending
one formal training session that lasted all of a half-hour which was designed to make her
"UV-1201 proficient," but failed. She noted (accurately) that prospective
customers would be "disappointed" overall with Shimadzu!
n.b. We have told you previously about the inadequate and inept technical support
available exclusively from Shimadzu. Technical support personnel at Shimadzu often learn
"on the job" (aka OTJ) according to Mr. Chris Gaylor (VP, Sales &
Marketing). Do you really want Shimadzu technical support personnel in your lab
"experimenting" and "tinkering" with your new analytical instrument
while training OTJ?
n.b. If you like plastic, then you are going to love Shimadzu. Be sure to inquire about
the special "flexible" sample compartment that comes standard with the UV-2401
and UV-2501 spectrophotometers. You too could be the proud owner of one of these inferior
products! Remember, it's not an option, IT'S STANDARD!
n.b. And how much "free technical support" do you really think that Shimadzu
will dish out in an effort to make you a happy satisfied customer? After the first site
visit, don't be surprised if they put you off for an eternity for follow-up training!
Finally, if you're looking for customer satisfaction, DON'T BUY SHIT-MADZU!
Free Technical Support....
If Shimadzu is involved, you will get what you pay for!
For more information about Shimadzu, call 1-800-DISAPPOINTMENT
Thie page was last 
12/31/00