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 officials 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-MA-ZOO!