Norelco Cordless Shaver - batteries soldered in place - unable to replace rechargeable batteries without help from Norelco service center

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 25, 2003:

From: Email User

RE: Norelco Cordless Shaver - batteries soldered in place - unable to replace rechargeable batteries without help from Norelco service center

From: Fred Fesko, Hobart, Indiana. (Email User)

The batteries in my men's Norelco cordless shaver went dead and needed replacement. After opening the shaver case to replace the batteries I found they cannot simply be removed and replaced because they were soldered in place.

The batteries are the same size and shape as regular AA re-chargeable batteries. There is no logical reason these batteries should be soldered in place except to prevent the consumer from replacing the batteries themselves at minimal cost. After calling Norelco's customer service line I was told I had to either

take or send my shaver to the nearest Norelco service center to have the batteries replaced or buy a new shaver. The nearest service center is 100 miles.

I found replacement batteries on the Internet for $7.95 per set, however, you cannot replace them yourself. Batteries can easily be replaced by the consumer in cameras, cordless phones and all kinds of other electronic items.

However, Norelco has found a sure way to really stick it to the consumer by requiring a simple thing like battery replacement be impossible thereby assuring they extract maximum money from the consumer and proving they couldn't care less about customer relations and consumer convenience. Thanks a lot Norelco. You just lost a long time customer due to your greed and thoughtlessness.

Comment On This

Joe in WA: Not so fast. Remington is the same thing and sme problem. I have a Remington for 2 years and need to replace the batteries and they are also soldered in both ends of the batteries. It is the way big company want to prevent us to do it ourselves.

Comment On This

Yes it is a little inconvenient. However, I just replaced the batteries in my 5842XL. If you are careful you can pry the tabs that are soldered onto the circuit board off of the batteries. I used a needle nose pliers and a small screwdriver. The tabs can be flattened and the new battery pack will contact the tabs just fine. I recommend tapping the batteries together since they are only attached by the metal bar between the batteries at the back of the battery pack.

Comment On This

WOW!!! Your batts lasted 13 years?!?!? Mine won't hold a charge after a year.

POS!!!!!!

Comment On This

Comment On This

Are you people so helpless that you can't solder in some batteries? This is pathetic. Get a soldering iron, get some practice and learn how to do it. Its something everyone should know how to do like cooking, playing an instrument, delivering babies and driving around the Watkin's Glen track without killing yourself.

Do you think that musical instruments have lots of strings and keys because there is a evil conspiracy to keep you from playing music? You probably pay someone to change a flat tire...

Comment On This

The same here--what should be a 5 minute job is now a major production: trying to find a service center near me (read here "none"), or finding a place that will take a mail order repair--what a big fat PITA!!

My solution is simple when companies treat me this way--I simply never do business with them again

Comment On This

Bingo...ditto...Remington, here I come...

Comment On This

I also have A norelco shaver.After 13 years the cheepo batteries went dead(piece of junk,should have lasted at least 30 years.)I had them replaced,I spent almost $11.00 including postage. If the new batteries dont last at least 13 years.......Im gonna have to just go down there and demand a refund!!!!!!