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Fantom Vaccum

Sally of Omaha writes (1/7/02):
On June 1, 2001, I purchased a Fantom Crosswind Vacuum from HSN for $179.85 + $18.95 S & H and $12.92 tax. The vacuum worked O.K. for about 2 weeks. Ever since then, I have had nothing but problems with it.

Each time I use it, after a short time in operation it stops and will not turn back on again. I have cleaned out hoses, filters, etc,. and nothng makes any difference. The only thing that works is time ... a day or two later, the vacuum will work again and repeat the same scenario.

I tried calling HSN customer service time after time. I ususally got messages that said the operators are all busy and try the call again later. Twice, I finally got a real person, who gave me the runaround about having someone else get in touch with me later. I have never been called back.

I was told by the second person I spoke with that the Fantom company went out of business in about September and they are no longer honoring the warranties for their products. I thought this was quite odd since I have had items replaced or refunded before that were broken or damaged even though the product may be a discontinued model. Also, I recalled that only a few weeks prior to my conversation wtih the customer service rep at HSN about Fantom company going under, I saw that HSN was still selling some of the Fantom vacuums on their channel.

How can they sell a product they know is no longer being serviced and brag on its efficiency, economy, etc? I sent the vacuum back today via UPS along with the original order form. Let's see if they credit my account for the cost of the vacuum.

The customer service operator I sopke with said they have been receiving dozens of calls about the Fantom products - in fact he said he was surprised the handle hadn't broken off my vacuum since most of them have that problem.

Many of the products sold on HSN -- and in other discount outlets, virtual and physical -- are discontinued and some may even be from companies that have gone out of business. Unfortunately, bankruptcy generally wipes out the manufacturer's warranty obligations and we suspect HSN won't be happy to see a Fantom land on its doorstep.

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