Frustration
To protect our piles of stored junk (Apparently nature and my spouse abhor a vacuum), I purchased a dehumidifier five years ago for our basement. It worked just fine until it didn’t. So, I looked up dehumidifiers through my Consumer Reports subscription.
Choosing the top-rated unit was easy since all the units were about the same price; one was rated superior. I placed my order through Amazon. The dehumidifier arrived in three days. My son and I unwrapped it from its well cushioned double boxed Styrofoam and plastic package. The instructions seemed clear. I could use it in pump mode by placing the unit in a plastic bucket that came with the purchase. Water would collect in the bucket; however, it would have to be dumped every few days. Or I could use it in continuous drain mode by attaching a short hose for draining into the basement sewer. I attached the hose and plugged the dehumidifier into an electric outlet.
Error ‘Eb.’ Unit must be fitted into the bucket for operation.
I tried to fit the dehumidifier into the bucket; however, there were numerous buttons to push to have it fit properly. Plus, I didn’t want that mode anyway. I decided to call the Service number the next day.
After a busy signal on my first few call attempts, I finally reached an automated answering service.
“Press one for refrigerators, two for stoves, three for washing machines and dryers, and four for air conditioning appliances.”
After a moment of hesitation, I pressed four.
“Hi, I am having trouble setting up a dehumidifier.”
“Hoorahh. Midea company, wha wooo sheeshs . . .” Click
With that indecipherable garble, the agent hung up on me.
One of the advantages of buying stuff from Amazon as a prime member is their return policy. After declining an offer to speak with an Amazon or manufacturer representative, I set up a return and refund ticket. I had run out of patience.
I’m sure the solution was obvious to the now re-boxed dehumidifier, plastic bucket, and numerous gizmos that await the UPS guy who will ignominiously haul my returned merchandise to wherever they take it. It felt so good to write a nasty review, return the highly rated dehumidifier, and order another dehumidifier like the one that lasted five years.
Sometimes frustration must be appeased.