To Our Customers...

CARLSEN ELECTRONICS is a repair-only facility. It is a low overhead home
business because that is the only kind of service facility that can survive
in todays' shrinking economy. Most of the independant (non-factory service
only) shops are gone. The reason is clear: VCRs, for example, originally
sold for $1500, and a $200 repair bill was acceptable. A new one now costs
less than $200. The manufacturer would rather sell you a new one because
service after the sale is not profitable to them. The experinced tech can
survive, but only by reason of his or her skill, providing the business
overhead is reduced. I often work without a schematic (wiring diagram)
because it adds to the cost of repairs. More and more "unrepairable"
equipment is going in the dumper. Basic economics. We are in business to
help you get the most life from your equipment. It's not done with mirrors
and smoke, just hard work.
We know that people must be treated with respect. Without our customers, we
don't exist. We don't believe in ignoring you, lying to you, keeping you
waiting needlessly, or trying to cheat you. Auto Mechanics, and TV
technicians generally have bad reputations, some richly deserved. We are
hated and feared and needed. Word-of-mouth advertising goes a long way...
good or bad! It just makes sense to keep you happy. We need you more than
you need us!
Whenever possible, we repair to the component level, ie: just the bad
part(s), rather than replace whole modules or boards although the
manufacturers don't support our efforts to do that. We think our landfills
are full enough. It doesn't bother the manufacturers, but we don't like to
see any useable equipment go in the trash. That's why we might ask for your
old dead VCR or TV... for parts. Component-level repair is usually less
wasteful, but sometimes requires more labor. We will choose the least
expensive alternative. If we install a used part to save money, we tell you
first. We only do that if the used part is as reliable as a new one, or is
installed to get a bit more life out of an otherwise "unrepairable" device.

If a problem is of an intermittant nature, we will work with you to get it
solved. That's why we give a 30 day parts and labor warranty. If we have to
do a rework on the same problem, the warranty starts fresh for another 30
days.
Even our best efforts are not enough sometimes, and we will be honest
enough to let you know when something is not economically repairable. If we
see problems with long-term reliability (very worn but still working video
heads in a VCR, for example), we will let you know before you spend money
for a repair. We do marginal repairs when requested... "just enough to get
it going", if that's what you want. You have the final say in what is cost
effective for you. Obviously, in such a case, the warranty would have to be
adjusted accordingly. Getting parts and service information is a growing
problem, but we will keep you posted if their will be a delay.
We don't charge for estimates. With over thirty years experience in the
repair business, we have seen many problems before, and in most cases, we
have a good idea how much something is going to cost. You can set a limit
beforehand, or after we examine the equipment, we will call you with an
estimate. Sometimes we guess wrong, but you don't have to pay anything if
the equipment is not repaired. No surprises!
Obviously we can't diagnose over the phone, but we will ask questions about
your equipment: how it failed, any peculiar noises or odors, etc. With so
many different brands and models, you are most familiar with your VCR...
you know how it is supposed to function, and will usually be quick to
notice when something isn't working like it should. The more information we
can get, the easier the diagnosis and repair, and the lower the cost to
you.
Service is our main business, but occasionally, we have refurbished used
equipment for sale. Whatever we sell comes with a 90 day parts and labor
warranty, unless otherwise stated. If a piece of equipment fails during
that time (other than obvious abuse), we'll fix it, give you another one of
equal value, or give you your money back. That's the kind of gaurantee I
wished I had when I get something fixed.

Ray Carlsen CET