RedMed cord replacement problem

[Bookbear]

I just got off the phone with ResMed's 800 number. Here is what I learned:

The toll free number (1-800-424-0737) gives an option for information on the recall among other options.

Pressing that option gets you an interactive recording that takes your serial number and matches it to the recall list.

If your unit is determined to be part of the recall, you are given information about the cause of the recall (the power cord "from a third party supplier" is at fault, not the unit itself), and told that a replacement cord will be mailed to you. You are told that you will be asked for your mailing information for the part to be sent to.

You are transferred to a customer service representative (live person, not a recording), who tells you that "We have no information on the S8 recall. We will be contacting you when we have information."

So... it's a quick fix (just a new power cord), no need to send in the machine itself and go without therapy; but ResMed's operators/service reps have no information and are just taking names, phone numbers, and addresses to send information once it becomes available.

Perhaps a trip to Radio Shack for a new cord is in order?

[rested gal]

From:
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/ ... 19214.html

"The cost of the recall, which is taking place across North America and Latin America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region, has been estimated at about $US59.7 million ($A71.9 million)."

Almost 60 million U.S. dollars. Almost 72 million Australian dollars. Hmmmm.

Sounds considerably more costly than for just replacing power cords on 300,000 machines. Even counting in the administrative cost of conducting a massive recall.

Perhaps there's a remote chance that a faulty cord has already done damage inside the connection site of cord to machine? On that small chance, perhaps they are playing it ultra conservatively -- recalling machines, not just power cords?

[tangents]

Almost $200 per machine.....interesting.

[TerryB]

There is definitely a big difference between the connector and the cord. Unless they just panicked and said connector in the news release when they should have said cord and compounded that by talking of a replacement flow generator on the website.. I'm convinced they are replacing machines.

TerryB

[Snoredog]

Almost $200 per machine.....interesting.

the true cost of the machine finally comes out

[Guest]

Reading here I now know why ResMed stock price just dropped 11%.

[tangents]

Snoredog Posted: Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:06 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the true cost of the machine finally comes out

SnoreDog,
Not being a beancounter by trade, I could well be misreading ResMed's financial data sheet, but it sure looks like their product markup is about 4.5 times the actual cost. So the machines might actually cost more like $44

From the link:http://library.corporate-ir.net/library ... h-2006.pdf

Here's the financial summary for 2006. I used REVENUES divided by INCOME BEFORE TAXES to get my 4.5 ratio.



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CPAPopedia Keywords Contained In This Post (Click For Definition): resmed

[Wulfman]

I wouldn't be surprised if $50 was about right, but they make a lot more than "flow generators". If we think the markup on PAP machines is high, I think knowing the markup in the masks would be a real eye-opener.

Den

[Snoredog]

all the press releases I have read indicate the problem is in the power "connector" not the power cord. That is the socket the cord plugs into, meaning machine has to be taken apart for the part to be replaced.

[rested gal]

Perhaps the manufacturing cost of the S8 flow generator really is about the cost of a Barbie doll suitcase.

[oceanpearl]

I recently paid 6.95 for a hose connector which probably cost about two cents to make.

[tangents]

RG - love the Barbie Roadtrip!

[neverbetter]

I would not trust mine now no matter what.
If they won't take it back , in the garbage it goes.

[Snoredog]

here ya go RG, I fixed it for ya

[Slinky]

To each his own. My S8 Elite is NOT on the recall list. My S8 Vantage is. I'm not giving up either machine, tho, of course I will get the replacement part or machine for the Vantage.

This is a VOLUNTARY recall. Remember the Tylenol debacle years ago? The recall only hurt them temporarily and their stock bounced right back and their reputation not at all damaged due to their quick response to the problem.

I don't intend to let my resentment of Resmed's recent selling and software policy color my respect for the quality machines they produce.