That would be a growler of our local microbrew from Arkose Brewing, 'Steed Rye IPA'. Truly an ambrosia worthy of the gods Pablo. 😛
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
OK Willi
Many people go to Last Frontier / Alaska "on a safari" as a friend would say. Here today, gone tomorrow.
Companies need people to fill vacant seats. So they hire who they can. Results vary.
OK Willi
Hmmm... Perhaps I should send them a resume, I've always wanted to check out Alaska...
OK Willi
This perspective on employment in Alaska is about 30 years out of date. At the Leica dealer in Anchorage, the tenure of many employees is measured in decades. The Anchorage Trimble dealer apparently has high turnover to go along with other issues...
OK Willi
Winters are long and the seasons extreme, not for everyone. Some folks work for the season and then fly south following the geese. Others like myself thrive here year round. One complaint I've heard from other outfits that hire from outside is a lot of candidates are just not fit enough for the rigors. We sometimes work in some very unforgiving terrain and the weather can be extreme. Some folks like myself thrive on the challenges, others, not so much.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
OK Willi
I'd probably fall into the "not fit enough" category... lol.
Anyhow, it sounds like that dealer has issues, probably not someone I'd want to work for.
OK Willi
You should visit some time anyway Lee. It's knock your socks off beautiful, specially this time of year. I honestly don't think I'd want to live anywhere else.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
>
> 3) Trimble and Leica both have exclusive territories and protected dealers, so unless your company has a physical presence in more than one dealer territory you really don't have any options if you want one of those brands (Texas being the exception). If a dealer from another state offers to sell you equipment they are unethical and are in direct violation of their dealer agreement. The main reason for this is to enable dealers to be able to provide the type of sales and support structure that these manufacturers require without having to worry about throat cutting price wars. Neither the customer nor the dealer wins when price is the primary consideration on a major purchase.
I'm going to show some restraint on this one.
Trimble has actually shown me more flexibility than Leica
>Leica used to be like this as well. This is no longer the case. Leica dealers are only protected on the higher-end items, such as the TS15, GS15 and MS50's. Other products like the TS12, GS15, CS15, Software, NetRovers, Conventional Total Stations, etc can be sold anywhere.
Why should they protect anything? The fact of the matter is that in order to sell an MS50 you should be competent enough to support it. If I call the rep and he doesn't respond for 2 weeks, there's a problem.
It's not about price shopping, it's more about service shopping
OK Willi
> This perspective on employment in Alaska is about 30 years out of date.
Is it?
Update on my rant
I've put the entire purchase of the S6 and peripheral equipment/software from our local Trimble distributer on hold and looking into going out of state for the purchase. The lack of follow up support is the primary reason. First need to secure permission from Trimble to do this. Preparing a letter to Trimble outlining the reasons for this request. I've concluded that it is useless to discuss the issue with the local distributor as the situation has been years in the making.
Money speaks louder than words. Willy not thrilled with having to make this decision.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Update on my rant
"Willi Not Thrilled" That should be your new moniker, with Trimbull!
Somehow, I expect that the people that failed to thrill you, think that you will not succeed in your quest. Maybe get you a straw buyer, down here in the lower 48, maybe down in Texas, where there are a number of Trim Bull dealers.
There is a way to win this.
N
Update on my rant
I got permission from Trimble to go out of state to purchase our equipment. I canceled our order with the local dealer. Had to write a letter to Trimble laying out my case. I told them point blank that a good part of what we are paying all this money for is support and if this is an example of the support we can expect... Not the first time this dealer has left us blowing in the wind. Received a call from Trimble's regional rep and talked with him and told him straight up that they make great products but their support leaves much to be desired. I gave him in earful. Trimble granted us permission to go through GeoLine out of the Pacific Northwest to make the purchase. These guys seem to have a much better handle on their products. Thank you Trimble for being flexible and curse you for making me have to go through this. I lost a lot of time. Something I made clear to the Trimble rep that I value my time every bit as much as he does. The owner of the local dealer has called me several times very apologetic. I told him that I support them and when they get their act together, we can talk about doing business, but the die is cast. He got the message, right between the eyes and where he felt it. His wallet.
Willy still not thrilled with situation, but more than thrilled to be putting all the BS aside for a week to go on a long canoe trip.
Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they aren't out to get me.
Update on my rant
Glad you seem to have a solution. A free market society, always improves service.
N
Update on my rant
I wish it was a free market. It is not.
When the peasant have to write a letter to the lord and get blessing to acquire its tool, it's medieval times all over again. Things don't change too much on this good old planet of ours.
Update on my rant
I think you handled this in the best possible way - Trimble and your local dealer both got the message, and you got what you wanted as well. As long as the dealer you're going through has competent support people you can get all the help you need over the phone.
I know from experience that Trimble has very high standards for their dealers. I don't know the guys in AK, but I would suspect two things:
1) They probably have a long - standing relationship with Trimble, going back 20 - 25 years.
2) Given the sparse population up there, Trimble probably simply doesn't have a better option.
Rest assured, if Trimble gets enough calls and letters like the one you wrote, they'll (at least attempt to) try to find a way to address the problems.
Good luck with the new toys!!
Update on my rant
Lord Trimbull, may I ..... If yourlordship please....