This One Is Way Too Much...

[Unimatic1140]

I get a ton of email with people asking technical questions and my canned response is usually asking them to sign up and post their question in our discussion forum because half the time I don't have the answer anyway and I just don't have the time to personally answer everyone's questions.

So I get this email the other day:
I am in Delaware and purchased a vacant 1936 house that I am restoring and in it is a Bendix Automatic Home Laundry System Machine. Is there anyone that can restore this to working order? Thank you

so my response is asking them to post their question on our message forum.

Their response:
Please answer a question sent via email back via email. I do not get involved in message boards. thank you.

So I figured I would try again lol, my response:
You might be able to find some one on our Discussion group...
>
>http://www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/TD/TD-DISCUSS-O-MAT.cgi
>

and so they respond...
Do you have trouble understanding me?
I DO NOT get involved with message board, PERIOD.

Now the same question again. Now help me out and you
post if you like or direct me to someone who can restore the item.
You put up a web site and then refuse to help someone who
comes to you for the web site purpose and act like it is
a big thing that I bothered you with this request.

I am in Delaware and purchased a vacant 1936 house that I
am restoring and in it is a Bendix Automatic Home Laundry System Machine.
Is there anyone that can restore this to working order? Thank you

So how should I respond next lol?

 

[gansky1]

Silence is golden.

 

[maytagbear]

"Sir or Madame,"

"I have tried to answer your question as well as I can. However, I am not a professional appraiser."

"I do have some general suggestions, and one of them is that the value of an object depends on its condition, its rarity or lack thereof, and what a buyer is willing to offer."

"Thank you, and please do not contact me further....."

Lawrence/Maytagbear

 

[frontaloadotmy]

right on!

greg

 

[rp2813]

I don't get it. If there IS someome who can restore it to working order (and we here all know the answer to that question already) the inquirer would find him right here on AW.

Robert, one of the benefits of having created this site is that you shouldn't have to be handling this sort of thing through direct e-mails. If the person with the Bendix isn't willing to do what might be necessary to find an answer, then I would say they aren't all that interested in pursuing a restoration. Maybe they ended up in spam hell due to a message board in the past, but there are ways around that too.

There are many parts of the world where rudeness and skepticism on the part of the client is a matter of course when doing any sort of business. This person must be from one of those places, as it is clear from the composition that English is not their first language.

As always, Lawrence has come through with an excellent comeback.

 

[dalangdon]

The passive-aggressive in me thinks you should come up with a really saccharine response directing them to the message board, and just keep sending it, so it looks like an auto-response. It will drive them crazy.

 

[pturo]

"Dear Sir or Madame"

" I am not an expert in the particular machine you seek to have repaired, nor do I have on file a specific person who is nor do I have any duty to find you one.

As I have suggested twice before, the Automatic Appliance Website has numerous members around the country representing countless years of experience and resources in restoring many different and exotic machines. No one person holds the wizzard's key to all machines, we rely on the synergy of the group to enhance the experience of other memebers with questions, hence the forums. We even have an archive section you can search for past discussions on the machine you seek to repair, thus avoiding the message boards you seem to abhoore.
(Free)

People write and join to gain knowledge and resources for parts and repairs, which is the exact occasion of your question. We are not in the customer service business, but in the support group of people with similar aesthetics.

We are, however, a friendly group, so alas, you may not fit in. If it is just a technical connection you seek, call Sears.!"

 

[a440]

Extra Cash....

That would be annoying...
However....If you want to make extra bucks, start charging them for your knowledge.
There are tons of people that give on vintage electronic repair, car repair, appliance repair, etc. on the internet and they charge for the service.
Just a thought.
Or like Greg stated, silence is golden....and ban their IP address.
Brent

 

[danemodsandy]

Dear Sir or Madam:

"You requested assistance from someone who - as you could plainly see - runs a message board. Since you don't do message boards, I have no way of helping you, since I don't perform restorations as a business myself and don't have time to poll my board's members on your behalf.

I am sorry not to be of more assistance, but as you can see by looking at the Automaticwasher.org site, I have offered you the resources I have available."

 

[mickeyd]

And if those cool ones don't work, maybe this:

"I put up the web-site, yes, but if I answered every query, I would not have a life!

Answering questions is hardly the main function of the Webmaster of Automatic Washer.

Your only option with me is to go to the site and ask OR go a' goggling. Now I'm very busy, so if you'll please excuse me, I'm also a part time good witch and have many spells to cast today."

 

[perc-o-prince]

Hey,

We have the same problem with inquiries about "antique" typewriters (what some people think is antique is ridiculous).

If I have a short answer, I will usually include it.

If I don't, I have several form replies that I use. For example, if it's an appraisal request, the form reply I copy/paste tells them to check eBay for recent sales or to check with local antique dealers for their opinion.

The email trade you're having obviously has a very rude person on the other end, Robert. I would use one of two approaches: 1) Let them know, in no uncertain terms, that you do not have the answer they desire, and that their best bet is to ask the group, or, 2) Tell them you tried to help and they refused the help, so you won't reply to any future emails.

Good luck,
Chuck

 

[saltysam]

Hmmmmmmm

One suggestion that might work in response to the original question.

Dear Sir, Miss, Madam or whatever gender you might be. Although this website is dedicated to the preservation of "vintage" appliances I am not familiar with anyone in your area that would be able to restore your precious machine. IF and WHEN you might find someone that would be able to restore this machine finding parts for the repair would be virtually impossible. And, just for your information being rude and demanding will not get you the answers you seek.....thank you and have a nice day

Mark

 

[pturo]

Dear Disgrunteled

" I am sorry I was not able to help you with your techincal washing machine question. I will, however, keep your email on file in case I have a question about assholes, and area in which you appear to have excelled in."

 

[Unimatic1140]

I am sorry I was not able to help you with your technical washing machine question. I will, however, keep your email on file in case I have a question about assholes, and area in which you appear to have excelled in."

LOL Philip, now that's the kinda response I was thinking of!!!

 

[peterh770]

Dear Mr. Do-For-Me McDemanderson

"I don't know who you could call to restore your machine, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night!"

"God helps those who help themselves. Those who don't go straight to hell."

 

[tlee618]

I agree, just don't even bother to respond again Robert, for some reason he is not reading what you say or should I say you are not saying what he wants to hear!!LOL

 

[~sudsshane]

well.........

Seems as if somebody has an entitlement complex.

I say screw 'em and ignore the email.

 

[jons1077]

hehe...

or you can cut and paste the entire list of contacts off of this site and send them. I'm sure they'd rather email several hundred members rather than post one question to a message board right?

 

[pturo]

Perhaps we should suggest he air ships, round trip, the machine to Manny,one of our member's repair guy in Arizona for a flat fee evaluation of 400 bucks plus rt shipping? Or, Manny could come to him, but flies first class and only stays at the 4 Seasons.