Alarm Panel

[alumni]

DIY does not make non professionals idiots. In fact some diyers may actually do a better job because they are not being paid by the hour. I don't disagree with your comments about more technical systems, however, surely the manufacturer has an obligation to ensure that the fitter is advised how to correctly install the panel. what if the fitter wires it up wrong (which pro's no doubt can and do do) and buggers up the panel, the manufacturer cannot rely on the installer not having followed the instructions should the panel be returned as faulty.

Even gas cookers come with an installation guide, despite the fact they have to be (or should be ) installed by a Gasafe registered tradesman!

Whilst i understand your sentiment vis a vis certain engineers skill sets etc the supply chain is place to supply trade, not joe public.
Margins, stock, WARRANTIES, rebates, customer loyalty, tech support, pricing etc etc.

And yes, i do know of instances where the moron behind the counter sold kit to the public who just wanted it cheaper than the trade installer was offering fully fitted. - Trade guy was one of our accounts and we took the initial tech support call. Only the one mind, and a very short one at that.

 

[LooPrEvil]

Don't get me wrong alumni, I am not knocking the trader for not serving me, indeed I understand he wants repeat custom and offers trade prices to encourage that, knowing that the alarm engineer will return if he is offered competitive prices, a good returns policy, payment terms, and a general good service, whereas me, I will only potentially trade with him on the one occasion, so why should he provide me with the same excellent package - also I am a greater risk, although paying cash upfront (and at a premium price), he does not know anything about my technical ability / competence so the risk is I could damage the panel and claim it does not work, so he has to provide a replacement (assuming he cannot point the finger at me) and chase credit from his own supplier.

What disappointed me was his reluctance to direct me to a reputable local retailer (who he must know exists), and the 'scare' factor that the panel will not have fitting instructions. And their was me hoping to support a small local company!

 

[alumni]

Yes, he could easily have pointed you in the ight direction.
Unfortunately the moron behind the counter may not be the one you need to speak to.

 

[LooPrEvil]

Yes, he could easily have pointed you in the right direction.
Unfortunately the moron behind the counter may not be the one you need to speak to.

That is true - maybe the right person would have seen the opportunity to still provide me with a good service despite the fact the company are trade only - just the good advice alone would have made me leave thanking them, which surely would also be satisfying to them.