Garage Door Wireless Pinpad-remote lifetime

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mattwnz

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Reply # 1839260 4-Aug-2017 16:23

scuwp:

Sorry I am with @timmmay on this one. I think 3 years isn't too bad.

The other point is that the OP doesn't say how much the original item cost, only that the replacement at today's value is $220. Value (and therefore reasonable life) should be based on what it cost, not the replacement value in today's money. I don't value my 10 year old car the same cost as the new model.

We had a wired one in our old house. Did the same job and cost about $30

I sincerely wish you all the best in seeking compensation under the CGA. It's not a battle I would be prepared to follow through with.

I suggest reading the CGA. You are adding a lot of complexity to the issue by using cars as an example, which really have no relationship to the problem the OP has. Cars depreciate very quickly and other factors such as mileage greatly affect the value. That is why insurers will often not replace an old car with a new one when it gets into a crash, they will usually offer an agreed cash amount. Whereas with consumer items, they will usually do a straight swap, new for old.

Paul1977

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Reply # 1839281 4-Aug-2017 16:53

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People who are suggesting to change the pin to something that doesn't include the faulty key is a good idea but, in my opinion, beside the point.

A device that only performs a single simple function should last more than 3 years if it has a price tag of $220 (I wouldn't be surprised if at time of purchase it would have been more than this).

And it's not like it will have been getting used constantly all throughout the day over that time, something like this probably wouldn't be used more than 4 times a day (and very possibly less).

mattwnz

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Reply # 1839293 4-Aug-2017 17:49

Paul1977:

People who are suggesting to change the pin to something that doesn't include the faulty key is a good idea but, in my opinion, beside the point.

A device that only performs a single simple function should last more than 3 years if it has a price tag of $220 (I wouldn't be surprised if at time of purchase it would have been more than this).

And it's not like it will have been getting used constantly all throughout the day over that time, something like this probably wouldn't be used more than 4 times a day (and very possibly less).

This thread is starting to remind me of the how' long should a mobile phone last' thread a few weeks ago.

IANAL, but IMO something of that value should be durable enough to last more than 3 years under normal consumer use, as you don't expect to have to replace that sort of component after such a short period of time, based on the price of it.

jamesrt

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Reply # 1839377 4-Aug-2017 21:30

Wow, can of worms opened, clearly!

A couple of replies:

scuwp: The other point is that the OP doesn't say how much the original item cost

I don't know exactly, we're in a new-build house, and I don't have an itemised list of the price of each individual part. Having said that, I doubt the "end user" price 3 years ago would be much different to now.

dan: why not change your PIN to something that doesnt use that particular broken digit for now? maybe you will get another 1-2 years out of it before you need to replace?

That was the suggestion of the original supplier, actually. I probably will (due to practicality), even though I shouldn't have to. (And security-wise it's not a bad idea either).

---

I'm very annoyed that it's not working properly; I think that it should have lasted longer than 3 years given what it's designed for. However, at the end of the day I really don't think this is a battle worth fighting; there are much bigger injustices in the world.

And to be honest, there's a fairly good chance (given it's NZ!) that something tiny and spider-like has crawled inside it, which is why it's failing. Who knows?

Fred99

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Reply # 1839818 6-Aug-2017 12:15

$220 is a terrible price.

AU$59 (NZ$63 approx) free shipping within Aus.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wireless-Keypad-Chamberlain-Merlin-E840M-External-Keypad-Suits-EVO-Security-2-0-/111404407882?epid=1910349213&hash=item19f0385c4a:g:Bz4AAOSwrddY7Xf9#shpCntId

That seller doesn't state they'd ship to NZ - there is another seller on Ebay AU who will, but $22 or so for shipping.

Note that there are cheap apparently identical openers ex USA as well as aftermarket remotes/keypads on Amazon - these won't work - they use a different radio frequency.

richms

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Reply # 1839828 6-Aug-2017 12:57

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If it was a $2 solar light, then it would be fine to say that being outside would give it a short lifespan, but this is a piece of security equipment that is sold at a high price. Should last ages. Should be built to take years and years of rain, UV, salt spray etc if it is to be sold in NZ as fit for purpose.

Richard rich.ms

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