Panasonic CD Player model SL-SW660V - "CD Jogger" model - CD player, and a replacement player, both did not work while jogging - Panasonic will only offer exchange or repair - but the model itself doens't work - so can't get refund from Panasonic or the W

Complaints.com received the following on April 3, 2003:

From: jerry Szeluga [Email User]

RE: Panasonic CD Player model SL-SW660V - "CD Jogger" model - CD player, and a replacement player, both did not work while jogging - Panasonic will only offer exchange or repair - but the model itself doens't work - so can't get refund from Panasonic or the Wiz, Rt. 28, Raritan, NJ

The Wiz was located on Rt 28 In Raritan NJ.

Complaint with the Panasonic Corporation.

Nature of complaint, not providing true warranty for their products.

On Monday 3/24 my wife purchased a portable Panasonic CD player (model SL-SW660V) from the Wiz.

This was a gift for me purchased specifically to be used when jogging. The package says it is a "CD Jogger" unit and the sales clerk told my wife it was specifically made for jogging.

It does not work while jogging. the unit stops playing, starting again when I stop or walk. In a 25 minute job it did NOT complete the song it started with.

I took it back to the Wiz on Saturday 3/29. The Wiz is going out of business and would not return my money. They said they would exchange for another one, same model, but that is as far as they would go.

I took the exchange home and tried it. It was the exact same problem. I called the Wiz and they restated they will not refund my money. The Wiz said it is a warranty issue with Panasonic.

I called Panasonic sales support on Saturday (1-800-211-7162). After detailing my problem with the agent I spoke with her manager. "Tamara" who said my only options was to exchange it for the same model or bring it to a repair center. I explained it was exchanged, it works if you don't jog, I fully believe all this model will work the same. It does NOT work while jogging.

I asked for an exchange to a model that was better suited for jogging. They said the "can't do that". This is inaccurate. surely Panasonic has the skill to send me a different model and when I return the current one. I asked to speak to Tamara's manager.She informed me that he was not in but if I like, he would send on Monday. I gave Tamara my work phone.

What the manager didwas leave a message on my "home" answering machine noting where I can exchange it or repair it. Exchange again for the same model that does not work. Tamara commented it was my fault for buying it from a store that is going out of business. Translation on that is that it was my fault for trusting a Panasonic product or that they would stand behind it.

My wife paid $85 before tax. Plus the cost of a belt the Wiz sent me to hold it in while I jog. It is of NO value to me as is. I have no desire to walk around with a CD player. I have CD players at home, in the car, boom boxes, etc.... I needed this for jogging only.

We spent $85 and did not get a useful product in return. Panasonic has an opportunity to do the right thing for a customer. They are not doing it. They are confining themselves to their rules and inadequacies of their processes. Meanwhile, I the customer has been cheated.

In need of help and restitution,

Jerome Szeluga

(Email User)