Here are a series of emails between customer and supporting retailer. There is more to this story, dishwasher was purchased shipped and delivered in October 2010. Customer has no complaint with any retailer or service company, just VIKING the manufacturer. VIKING consistently produces LOWEST QUALITY for PRICE major appliances I've EVER run across, no matter what the product.

DO NOT BUY A HEADACHE!

Here is the email conversation after manufacturer failed to install leveling legs and they arrived about 2 months after the intial delivery of the dishwasher.

----------

Well the dishwasher is now running. I don't anticipate that there will be any other issue with that dishwasher. Again, thank you, Liz T, for your thoughtful and calm handling of that previous dissapointment.

All is well, for now, except for you to handle the quality assurance issues that obviously escape the Viking Corporation. I've been at a couple of dances in my life and I suspect that corners were cut and poor decisions were made by Production people unnamed at the Viking dishwasher assembly plant that eventually cascaded into my attention.

American and U.S. products should be SUPERIOR to ALL challenges. If Viking cannot produce QUALITY PRODUCTS then it is high time for Viking to throw in the towel and move out of the way so some other American or U.S. manufacturer can. "If you cannot stand the heat, git out of the kitchen."-Truman

Plesser's, Metro Service, and all envolved except for Viking were on-time, right priced, helpful, and anxious to do QUALITY business.

I am not finished with Viking.

Ken R, CEO
H E C
Environmental Management Team
Tulsa, OK 74114-2247
office/fax
cell

----- Original Message -----
From: Liz T
To: Ken R
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 3:29 PM
Subject: RE: [] Re: Dishwasher Service Required


OK, I look forward to hearing from you.


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 4:08 PM
To: Liz T
Subject: [] Re: Dishwasher Service Required


To me, Viking is inaccessible, that's not good. But that is Viking's problem, not mine.


I anticipate service tomorrow, Wednesday March 2. We will probably "be happy" to walk this irritation out the door and it will soon be an insignificant glitch of an otherwise beautiful arrangement of a dream.


Thanks Liz for your assistance, I shall give you an immediate update of current functionality of that dishwasher when I have something new to relay.


Ken R

Tulsa

----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Tuesday, March 01, 2011 2:02 PM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Hi Mr. R,


I am so sorry to hear that the service on this unit has turned into such a battle. I would strongly recommend that you harass Viking daily, the squeakiest wheel tends to get the oil, if they are unable to fix your unit within a reasonable amount of time they will be forced to replace it. All replacements are normally handled directly with them. I have contacted my rep in regards to this issue and am awaiting word from him. The problem stems from the lack of availability of the necessary replacement parts. I will hopefully be in touch soon.


Thank you again for your continued patience and your kind words,


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, February 24, 2011 3:53 AM
To: Liz T
Subject: Re: Dishwasher Service Required


Metro Service 918-


I've heard enough excuses from Metro and/or Viking.


My wife is calling Metro daily. She has not relayed any message to me to "open the house" for any serviceman.


We've purchased thus far from Viking, via Metro and Plessers, matching major appliances: a ventilation hood, a combination range, and a dishwasher. Only the dishwasher has problems, thus far. But those problems are forcing us to reconsider our brand selection. If my wife gets mad enough she may dump everything into the street and she will go another route with her "big house dream kitchen and dining area".


We have scheduled, major family, social, and political events at our "big house". We have completely botched two major family events (Thanksgiving and Christmas), one social event (New Years Eve), and relocated two political events (MLK Holiday and President's Day). All because of a non-functioning VIKING dishwasher! Now we have my 60th birthday on {deleted} and no repairs are in sight! So far, I am not angry, but I am getting close to the edge.


Plesser's via Liz T is the ONLY reason, I have not lost my cool. You are doing an excellent job for the amount of control of this situation you have. Plesser's has been "right priced", "on-time", and helpful. For that you will win my future business if you sell whatever my wife decides to buy (next purchases planned are/was a steam oven, a warming oven, upgrades to the Viking range (warming shelf, timers, and other add-ons), built-in refrigerators, and let's not forget those counter-top gizmos and cookware! That's just inside the "big house"! Next project will be an outdoor kitchen and service area. I guess she'll build a whole kitchen outdoors too!


I filled the swimming pool last week and will start it up probably mid-March and here comes the spontaneous parties, if that dishwasher is not working by then, I will throw it into the street and everyone will deal with Oklahoma's finest.


Ken R

----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2011 4:38 PM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Dear Mr. R,


I’m not sure what you mean, was service unable to be completed due to parts?? What is the phone number for the service company and I will see what can be done from my end on getting these parts expedited. I look forward to hearing from you soon.


Thank you,


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2011 12:04 PM
To: Liz T
Subject: Re: Dishwasher Service Required


manjana...no functioning dishwasher, no parts, no service, no customers...manjana...

----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 4:55 PM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Hi Mr. R,


Has the service been completed? Please advise. thx


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 11:18 AM
To: Liz T
Subject: Re: Dishwasher Service Required


Hello Liz


Metro Appliance Repair telephoned this morning (service appointment was scheduled for today) to inform me that the part they ordered and received was somehow incorrect.


Another delay!


I hope other Vikings customers don't experience similar problems as they won't stay in business long and I'll be stuck with unservicable appliances!


Ken R

Tulsa

----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Friday, January 14, 2011 8:13 AM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Hi Mr. R,


I am sorry, to hear that you are continuing to have a problem and that the parts are taking this long, I will investigate on my end to see what if anything I can do to have Viking expedite the parts.


Thank you for your continued patience with their process. I will be in touch soon.


Thank you,


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 11:08 PM
To: Liz T
Subject: Re: Dishwasher Service Required


Thank you Liz for emailing. We are still waiting for parts that had failed on startup. My wife spoke to the Metro Service Tech today and he indicated that the ordered parts have still not arrived and he could not estimate their arrival.


Unfortunately for Viking and their dealers, service issues such as this undermine potential future referrals/sales from many associated contractors, friends, and aquaintances. In my case, my wife works at a bank and hundreds of her customers/friends have become familiar with the Viking diswasher's service problem. I work in a service industry and cannot wait for service parts for more than a few days. When I must wait and my customer becomes impatient, I generally lose, much more than a single customer. But I need not explain that to you, as I somehow feel you have become well aware of such problems.


At this time, I am frustrated but optimistic that the dishwasher will be operating within the month; past performances will fade and new purchases will follow according to plan. Spring is on the horizon (hope you are staying warm)!


Thank you Liz for writing and allowing me a vent. I'll email immediately when the dishwasher becomes serviceable.


Ken R

Tulsa


----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Thursday, January 13, 2011 4:40 PM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Hi Mr. R,


Has everything been resolved? what is the status? Thanks for keeping me updated.


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 4:04 PM
To: Liz T
Subject: Re: Dishwasher Service Required


Thank you Liz, I have scheduled service for Thursday, 12/23/2010 1-4 PM with Metro Service.


I am familiar with both companies, Metro and Hahn, having made major appliance purchases from both; however, Hahn has not responded to my service call. I've made Viking purchases from Metro in the past but have never required service. Hahn is not a stocking Viking dealer.


I'll let you know the outcome of the service experience with Metro.


Thank you for your assistance and Merry Christmas!


Ken R

----- Original Message -----

From: Liz T

To: Ken R

Sent: Friday, December 17, 2010 2:00 PM

Subject: RE: Dishwasher Service Required


Hi Mr. R,


I’m sorry to hear that you are having this issue with your unit, you can call either one of the following companies located in your area for authorized service. When calling please have the model and serial number and a copy of your receipt handy to show the technician.


Metro Service 918-622-7692 (I spoke to them the girl was very nice and indicated that they could help you)

Hahn Appliance 918-622-2200 (I got a voicemail when I called them)


They should be able to resolve this for you let me know who you go with and when the service is scheduled for.


Thanks,


Liz T

Customer Service Manager

Plesser’s Appliance http://www.plessers.com/

P (631) 768-9987

F (631) 883-9169


From: Ken R [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, December 16, 2010 11:26 PM
To: Liz T
Subject: Dishwasher Service Required


We installed our new dishwasher and it operated one time.


I believe we need service because the dishwasher door will not latch and I have found a small piece of white plastic on the floor underneath the dishwasher door.


Please send me the name and telephone number for an authorized Viking Dishwasher Service Company here in Tulsa.


Model VDB200

Serial Number 081710D00018306

Thank you even though I am becoming frustrated.

Ken R

2217 South Erie Place

Tulsa, OK 74114

(918) 742-8130 Home Telephone

(918) 814-9944 Cell Telephone


Incidently folks if you are still reading -- Plesser's Appliance is TOP NOTCH!

Outline of our Viking appliance problems since we moved in to our new home. All of these problems occurred within the first 3 months of use.

1) under counter refrigerator freezing. (replaced with new unit)

2) Wine cooler fan motor stopped working after 3 months (replaced with new fan motor)

3) Microwave door would not open after unit heated up ( replaced door lock mechanism )

4) Refrigerator doorstop broke within 3 months. ( removed door and replaced doorstop)

5) Rust forming on freezer door top and mold on freezer door seal. (on going problem)

6) Fisher/ Pacal drawer dishwasher motor froze up. (replaced motor ) Not a Viking problem

7) Viking Ice maker stopped working

(replaced heater element)

We spent around $50, 000.00 on our appliances and this is the result of buying "TOP OF THE LINE PRODUCTS".

The only items that have not failed yet are:

1) Viking dishwasher

2) second under counter refrigerator

3) Windcrest induction range top

4) GE microwave

5) Viking range hood

6) second Fisher/ Pacal drawer dishwasher

7) Viking Oven

Now our $5000.00 over/under refrigerator/freezer is rusting and mold forms on the freezer door constantly. We went to a brand new appliance store that carries Viking. The new model of our unit has the same problem with condensation leaking from the doors and water accumulating on the seal of the freezer. This causes mold to grow around the seal.

The repair company for Viking (HADCO) tells us it's our fault because we live close to the ocean. (our home is in Florida) The new store was in San Francisco in a heated store. So the policy of the Viking distributor is to blame the consumer.

We are about to write the CEO of Viking, Mr. Fred Carl to see if this is the way Viking treats all of it's customers. We will post a follow up with his response.

We have a new $4000 refridgerator from Viking that was already here when we bought this new home. My wife is a kitchen designer and those in the know never recommend this brand. The word in the industry is that they spend all their money on marketing and little on R and D. They make so much money due to marketing that they feel they can get a way with making an inferior though costly product. It is clearly the worst appliance experience I have ever had. The ice maker never worked properly and the temperature in the fridge was impossible to regulate...JUNK!! 9 service calls did not fix the problem Viking finally replaced the refridgerator...less than 18 months later we noticed a funny smell. Underneath there had been a leak that overflowed their drip pan and caused $1000's of dollars of mold removal, wall rebuilding and tile replacement. I only wish I could spread the word in a more public forum to warn people to avoid this company. Their product are truly pieces of sh_ _.!!! Stay clear!!