Filipina Web Designer in her 20s. | What I Say

Poor Customer Service

Jan 11, 2008 Daily Blurbs, Stuff

My computer has been acting up since October of last year. The main problem is my internet connection. I thought that it was because of PLDT myDSL’s lousy service, but I later found out that it is because of my built-in NIC.

The built-in NIC slows down my connection tremendously. I wait for forever for a page to load. I mean, think Google.com loading forever! That is not an exaggeration. We called the computer store where we got the new motherboard from and told them the problems we were having. We took the computer to their store to have it checked, and voila!, the NIC is miraculously working fine! Until, we got back home to test it with our own broadband connection. Same problem occurred, it wasn’t even solved. So, I thought that maybe it IS PLDT myDSL that’s causing all the trouble, so I called them again, and got no concrete result.

So, as another solution, I bought a new Ethernet cable, which actually solved the problem, temporarily. One day, the built-in NIC just stopped lighting up. We called the computer store again and told them that the same thing happened. What puzzles me is that when I use Ryan’s laptop, the connection is fine, but when I put it back to our system, the connection doesn’t even make a blip. Logically thinking, you would assume that the problem is with the motherboard because the connection works fine with another computer, plus, I bought a new NIC, and the connection is OK when it miraculously lights up. Yes, the NIC doesn’t even work all the time because the blinking lights don’t even blink all the time, and where is the NIC connected to? THE MOTHERBOARD!

The other day, we brought the computer back to the computer shop, okay it is METRO COMPUTERS, so beware; anyway, the same thing happened, the piece of junk works fine on their end! Again, I told them what happens, and how I’ve already troubleshot our DSL connection, changed cables, and tested the connection on another computer, but the same problem occurs. They said that they would replace the motherboard IF the manufacturer confirms that it is truly not working. Which will make us wait for a week! This is their procedure:

• Within warranty, go back to their shop and have your system checked for errors.
• If there is a part to be replaced, the said part must then be tested BY THE MANUFACTURER before they replace it. The wait time is at least 7 days.

That just gave me a headache. They actually promote poor customer service. I mean, why can’t they replace the motherboard right then and there, and have the other one checked by the manufacturer and let THEM (Metro Computers) wait for a week! They say, if there is no problem with the part, the item will just be sent back to them and they won’t be able to sell it anymore, which is a big BS because they sell refurbished computer parts. What made the experience more unpleasant is the attitude of the technician. I know he knows a lot, but I know a lot, too. He talks to me like I am stupid and that I don’t know anything. I can tear down a computer and put it back together. Since I have a class to attend, I left my dad to handle the problem. In the end, they told my dad to have our DSL modem checked. How stupid is that?

I had my dad buy a new NIC, this time I made sure that I got a high end model. My connection works fine now, still, IT DOESN’T WORK on the built-in one.

METRO COMPUTERS sucks!

Buy me Butterfingers!

My favorite chocolate bar is Butterfinger. I love it, I just do! Anyway, Sarah started a “Buy Me Coffee” campaign on her website, where visitors can donate to her Paypal account. Proceeds will be used to have her buy coffee, or milkshake and she would take pictures of her drinking it. So, I told her that I will be doing the same on my blog, too. So, if you are in the mood to buy me a butterfinger, please do so! I would gladly appreciate it. Oh, and Sarah donated for my Butterfinger fund already. Thanks Sarah! (For also letting the world of Pinays know that there is such a thing as a multimedia comment!)

Tags: Argh, Daily Blurbs, pldt mydsl