[KYHAM] RE: RIght to know - Radio Shack Reply

[Ron Dodson]

I also had some separate correspondence with this same fellow late Friday.  I
explained that it is not only a Ky problem.  From the feedback I get through the
SEC listserv, it happens everywhere.

The biggest issue he and I discussed was not so much the intentional bootlegger
to our bands, but the poor soul who walked out of the store with the 10 meter
rig or the VHF/UHF stuff thinking it is CB or FRS etc. because the store workers
were not well enough versed in their own stock to be sure that the person bought
what they thought they did.  The kicker here is CUSTOMER SATISFACTION!  If John
Doe buys what he thinks is a CB and finds out he was operating on ham bands
illegally, he'll  likely be MAD when he goes back to the store.  If they give
him hassle in returning the gear, he/she gets even madder and vows never to shop
there again.  This is where it makes dollars and cents to them to be sure that
John Doe gets what he wants the first time out!

The intentional bootlegger will buy, beg, borrow, steal to get on and harass
hams or try to 'shoot skip" anyway regardless of any safety valve or fine you
can throw at him.  Those we can only prosecute.

Mr. McConvey and I agree that in the case of the former, it is in the best
interest of the company to find ways of lessening these 'mix up' type of events
for everyone's benefit.  Those who steadfastly do the  latter is Riley
Hollingsworth's territory.  Thanks for all the feedback on the subject.

73,
Ron


KG4ERX@aol.com wrote:

> I sent copies of the mails on the reflecter to customer care at Radio Shack
> in Ft Worth.  Here is their reply:
>
> Subj:   RE: Right to know mailings - open me first!
> Date:   1/11/02 1:06:34 PM Eastern Standard Time
> From:    Chuck.McConvey@radioshack.com (Chuck McConvey)
> To:    KG4ERX@aol.com ('KG4ERX@aol.com')
>
> Hi -
>
> Thanks for the email(s).
>
> Our position is simple - we cannot sell something if we suspect or know it
> is to be used illegally.  Our advertisements include statements of licensing
> requirements, but as long as the license is not required to make the
> purchase this will probably always occur.
>
> Having been a store manager for seven years, I came to appreciate the
> efforts of HAMS to police their hobby themselves and very appreciative of
> their willingness to spread their knowledge - I confess - nearly all of my
> electronics knowledge came from a group of HAMS that used to hang out in my
> stores.
>
> I will certainly pass these comments to the District Sales Managers in KY so
> they can make sure their employees are better informed.
>
> Regards,
>
> Chuck McConvey
> RadioShack Customer Care
>
> Chuck McConvey
> Customer Care Center
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