How is Your Vico MF3 going?

Thanks for the heads up.
Thats why you didnt get a new one .. sounds like Au distributor has exhausted their stocks.
I do think it is a shame.[/QUOTE]

What? ... that the MF3 is being phased out or that I didn't get a new one?
Seeing we are the only 2 active VicoVation owners on the thread ... you'd think they'd be keen to make sure we continued to promote their brand for excellent Customer and warranty service. Yeah ... I agree .. it is a shame ... then again ... jokiin's mob set such a high standard of Customer Service ... it makes the others appear a bit ordinary. :cool:
An appearance by the VicoVation representative on this forum is pretty rare ... it would seem.
 
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No I meant its a shame they are going to discontinue it generally, as my supplier says for tech. Reasons it has a better pic IQ than the Opiia II .
But mainly, As I like them.
Other than I didnt like the fact, that one would not update to 4.2, wheres the first did; but then they both did update to V4.4 .... :-/

Its almost like they have different rev levels of hardware, and their latest update only works, with their latest HW Rev level! .... flaky or what??

But then in fairness, it could be the fact I was using their own cheapish power cord via my Keyless Go system on that failed V4.2 update (lots of odd goings one with Mercedes Keyless Go - including you can by a $15 scanner and $10 broadcaster and steal them in under 49 seconds! :(:(:( )

Plus when I did update both, with a high quality 20 AWG USB charger cable and a stable 20000 mA battery source .. they both did the V4.4. Update Perfectly.

OK I would personally have preferred a new replacement.
But on the basis they needed a newer one than your original one, you won’t have got a really old one, so what matters is it works :)
 
Normally I wouldn't buy a 'refurbished' item as I don't trust that all the bugs have been sorted before putting it up for sale... and this is assuming that it is a 'refurb' and that there was a problem with it in the first place ... it may have been a 'test' unit that had been sitting in a drawer in perfect condition since new?
I have been tempted to call the Tech and get a rundown ... but figured that a unit that has been checked out thoroughly by a Tech is more reliable than a new one coming off the assembly line that may have a bug in it coming out of the box.

This particular Tech works for Dash Cams Australia and has been hired by DashCams Central and VicoVation for the warranty job.
The 'smart money' reckons that there is no chance this Tech, or VicoVation will send back a Dash Cam that is in less than perfect working order.
 
Normally I wouldn't buy a 'refurbished' item as I don't trust that all the bugs have been sorted before putting it up for sale... and this is assuming that it is a 'refurb' and that there was a problem with it in the first place ... it may have been a 'test' unit that had been sitting in a drawer in perfect condition since new?
I have been tempted to call the Tech and get a rundown ... but figured that a unit that has been checked out thoroughly by a Tech is more reliable than a new one coming off the assembly line that may have a bug in it coming out of the box.

This particular Tech works for Dash Cams Australia and has been hired by DashCams Central and VicoVation for the warranty job.
The 'smart money' reckons that there is no chance this Tech, or VicoVation will send back a Dash Cam that is in less than perfect working order.
It would be very unusual for VicoVation to send out a refirb. I have had less than a handful of Vico cameras replaced in the last 3 years. On every occasion the unit was brand new, however they always send out just the new camera as a replacement, without the original packaging.
 
It would be very unusual for VicoVation to send out a refirb. I have had less than a handful of Vico cameras replaced in the last 3 years. On every occasion the unit was brand new, however they always send out just the new camera as a replacement, without the original packaging.

Are you confirming that the replacement was a brand new MF3? As the Retailer of the unit that I purchased it from and contacted regarding the warranty repair ... can I presume that you would know with 100% certainty how the issue was handled? It has been confirmed from VicoVation in Taiwan ... that production has not ceased ... so the reason that a new one was no longer available for replacement is not applicable.

And just curious ... why would you send a new replacement in generic packaging and not the packaging it came in?
I mean, wouldn't sending it in it's VicoVation packaging appear like it was a new one rather than generic that had me thinking it may have been a refirb or reject and sent back ... which is what sub and myself felt (rightly or wrongly) may have been the case. This could easily be avoided ... and I wouldn't be writing this post. By choosing to do it this way, VicoVation leave it open to some doubt.

ps. A note from the Tech to say - 'Here's your new replacement MF3' would have sealed it
I'm ok with the outcome ... only I'd prefer to be able to offer up a raving review.
 
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Are you confirming that the replacement was a brand new MF3? As the Retailer of the unit that I purchased it from and contacted regarding the warranty repair ... can I presume that you would know with 100% certainty how the issue was handled? It has been confirmed from VicoVation in Taiwan ... that production has not ceased ... so the reason that a new one was no longer available for replacement is not applicable.

And just curious ... why would you send a new replacement in generic packaging and not the packaging it came in?
I mean, wouldn't sending it in it's VicoVation packaging appear like it was a new one rather than generic that had me thinking it may have been a refirb or reject and sent back ... which is what sub and myself felt may have been the case. This could easily be avoided ... and I wouldn't be writing this post.

I cannot confirm if the unit is new or refurb as i did not physically see the unit or handle it personally. Vico did advise that they would not be sending retail units for sale to Australia last year, and no more would be available. They did not directly advise as to what they would be doing in other global markets with that model or what their production plans were overseas.

Typically when cameras come back for warranty the customer sends back just the camera and or anything else specifically asked for, such as on occasion the SD card or charger. All I am saying is that it is not unusual practice for Vico (and other manufacturers) to return the repaired or replacement units the same way.
 
Are you confirming that the replacement was a brand new MF3? As the Retailer of the unit that I purchased it from and contacted regarding the warranty repair ... can I presume that you would know with 100% certainty how the issue was handled? It has been confirmed from VicoVation in Taiwan ... that production has not ceased ... so the reason that a new one was no longer available for replacement is not applicable.

And just curious ... why would you send a new replacement in generic packaging and not the packaging it came in?
I mean, wouldn't sending it in it's VicoVation packaging appear like it was a new one rather than generic that had me thinking it may have been a refirb or reject and sent back ... which is what sub and myself felt (rightly or wrongly) may have been the case. This could easily be avoided ... and I wouldn't be writing this post. By choosing to do it this way, VicoVation leave it open to some doubt.

ps. A note from the Tech to say - 'Here's your new replacement MF3' would have sealed it
I'm ok with the outcome ... only I'd prefer to be able to offer up a raving review.

Its amazing how stupid companies can be, and I know quite a few do send out new replacements in generic packaging.
Pretty brainless imo,
Think about it ... the customer has a problem .. its so severe the unit cant be mended. On 2 counts the customer is not overly impressed.
Then the supplier does the right thing, and gives the customer a new replacement.
In heavens name why not send it in a retail package. Then the customer has a warm fuzzy feeling ... “I at least got a new one”. ( in Moons case it lasted 9 months so logic says the next will last another 9 months , so 18 months in total )
A nice result!

But for the sake of saving a few pennies the mfg. loses all the brownie points he could have won ... and the dummy has actually incurred the big cost of giving the customer a new unit.

Makes you wonder eh!
 
And just curious ... why would you send a new replacement in generic packaging and not the packaging it came in?
I mean, wouldn't sending it in it's VicoVation packaging appear like it was a new one rather than generic that had me thinking it may have been a refirb or reject and sent back ... which is what sub and myself felt (rightly or wrongly) may have been the case. .

whenever we replace cameras they are new but go out in a plain white box that is much smaller than the original box, no point to put them in a big box for no reason
 
Then who made the decision to put the STREET GUARDIAN in a large box in the first place if it wasn't thought necessary ...
Oh waite? As the SG manufacturer ---> that would be you ... yeah? Can I assume a larger box would incur a larger shipping cost ... which is included in the retail price that the customer pays - makes sense doesn't it? Yet second time around ---> it is not a good idea ... Go figure?

the large box includes all the accessories (trust me our packaging when complete has no spare room inside), when we're just replacing a camera it doesn't take up anywhere near as much room, would be pointless to put it in a large box just for show
 
Yeah ... just realised that and deleted post .... ooops ... too late. Yeah, yours comes with the lot.
Do you add a note that says we have replaced it with a new one ... or leave the customer wondering?

I have checked both boxes - my VIOFO came in a small box whereas the VicoVation box is twice the size. The VIOFO doesn't have the mounts.
 
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Yeah ... just realised that and deleted post .... ooops ... too late. Yeah, yours comes with the lot.
Do you add a note that says we have replaced it with a new one ... or leave the customer wondering?

we don't note it, but it would be very obvious that it was new, we do generally inform people beforehand that we would be replacing the cameras anyway, we don't repair them, in the case where their model is no longer available it would get replaced with whatever new model replaced it, or they would be offered an upgrade option
 
in the case where their model is no longer available it would get replaced with whatever new model replaced it, or they would be offered an upgrade option

Yes ... this is what I would be expecting from Premium Customer Service on this forum where SG has set the high benchmark for all others to follow.
And yes ... the upgrade option. Option a) Paying the extra is the minimum, and acceptable .... or Option b) ' - on the house and apologies for the inconvenience' is 'GOLD CLASS'
Hmm? I must admit - I did wonder just how high SG has set that bar? :whistle: .... as other leading Brands scramble for 'runner-up'

As previously mentioned - all this could be avoided simply with a note saying -''Please find enclosed your new replacement ... we apologise for the inconvenience ......
y'know ... communication.

I wonder how VIOFO handle warranty issues? Dammit ... my A119s just purrs along with no problems ... I guess I'll have to be patient (y)
 
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whenever we replace cameras they are new but go out in a plain white box that is much smaller than the original box, no point to put them in a big box for no reason

Yep a nice tight box, with no spare room to absorb any courier collision damage .... another of my pet hates!
Unless of course you have found the only careful courier on the planet. :(:(
 
whenever we replace cameras they are new but go out in a plain white box that is much smaller than the original box, no point to put them in a big box for no reason

Well it seems “the customer ... Moon ... thinks like many cusomers who have a brain”
Instead of defending a pretty stupid philosophy ... why not read and learn.

Er that why whenever our management team wanted to turn around a company; We always started with a Customer satisfaction survey!
Mind bogling how one can change the little things, and easily ramp up customer satisfaction from the low 40s to 80+ %.
The hard bit is driving up past the 80% mark.
But then you do need management with a reasonably high IQ!
 
we don't note it, but it would be very obvious that it was new, we do generally inform people beforehand that we would be replacing the cameras anyway, we don't repair them, in the case where their model is no longer available it would get replaced with whatever new model replaced it, or they would be offered an upgrade option

You are missing the point agwin .... what about all the “14 day distance selling ruling customer returns from Amazon”
Bet there are quite a few of us who wonder where they all go ;)

Personslly I like my stuff in a nice sealed new retail pack .. thanks. :):)
 
You are missing the point agwin .... what about all the “14 day distance selling ruling customer returns from Amazon”
Bet there are quite a few of us who wonder where they all go ;)

Personslly I like my stuff in a nice sealed new retail pack .. thanks. :):)

must be missing the point, not sure what you're trying to say
 
Yep a nice tight box, with no spare room to absorb any courier collision damage .... another of my pet hates!
Unless of course you have found the only careful courier on the planet. :(:(

Now you mention it ... I sent the Camera off to the Tech in a block of that spongy plastic that looks like polystyrene that is used as a protective shell.
I cut it out to fit the size of the camera perfectly. I then put it in a small box that then fitted into another box. No way was this going to be damaged in transit.
The Tech didn't slot it back in when returning my replacement ... and thinly wrapped it in bubblewrap with some polystyrene bullets to help cushion any impact.
Could the Tech not see the extent I went to protect my Baby ... and at least prevent the Camera moving around inside the box? Crikey, dude (n)

Edit: The Tech was updating the firmware ... so in my case ... it couldn't be in a sealed package ... I'll accept that the plastic it was in is opened
 
I recently purchased a brand new Miele Vacuum Cleaner on eBay from Bing Lee, a large well known retail store up there in Sydney.

It arrived in a well worn recycled and damaged Miele Vacuum Cleaner box where the Vac itself was not encased in plastic and the accessories were all thrown together with no cushioning to protect them during transit. The Vac itself appeared brand new ... only how could I be certain?

Yep ... you guessed it - it was returned where I lost the eBay 20% sale discount $100.

The punchline - Are we to assume that all Companies will always do the right thing ... and trust them unreservedly?
I think not. I was expecting the Miele in a brand new sealed box. Please forgive me for being suspicious, and unaccepting :unsure:

ps. I could have saved the $100 discount if I had've accepted a replacement from Bing Lee.
You are kidding, right? I'd rather lose a $100 than deal with your mob again :devilish:
Because they gave me (eBay would have forced them anyway) a refund - I could not give them negative feedback to warn and assist others.
 
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Hope no one gets offended and takes it personally ... all good fun, happy endings n all that (y)

Great forum ... very entertaining ... as well as informative & helpful. Love it.
 
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I recently purchased a brand new Miele Vacuum Cleaner on eBay from Bing Lee, a large well known retail store up there in Sydney.

It arrived in a well worn recycled and damaged Miele Vacuum Cleaner box where the Vac itself was not encased in plastic and the accessories were all thrown together with no cushioning to protect them during transit. The Vac itself appeared brand new ... only how could I be certain?

Yep ... you guessed it - it was returned where I lost the eBay 20% sale discount $100.

The punchline - Are we to assume that all Companies will always do the right thing ... and trust them unreservedly?
I think not. I was expecting the Miele in a brand new sealed box. Please forgive me for being suspicious, and unaccepting :unsure:

ps. I could have saved the $100 discount if I had've accepted a replacement from Bing Lee.
You are kidding, right? I'd rather lose a $100 than deal with your mob again :devilish:
Because they gave me (eBay would have forced them anyway) a refund - I could not give them negative feedback to warn and assist others.

We have mindless EU packing regulations. No more lovely polystyrene blocks. Now we have cardboard tabs. Ist impact, tab collapses, 2nd impact product wrecked! The whole unit is written off ... where is the Carbon Footprint Logic in that. LOL :):)
A couple if years ago I bought an expensive ( for me ) Blu Ray Player £1,650. Specialist audiophile gear.
I arrived home to see the courier arrive.
A huge box was thrown out of a ford transit van, one of the big ones onto the opposite pavement. 3ft drop test!
Huge bang even through the SL’s double glazed windows and pano roof.
I stopped the car befor entering the driveway. And watched. The mindless cretin then grabbed the clear plastic bag it was in and dragged it , clunk down one pavement, across the road, clunk up the next pavement and halfway up the drive!
OMG he then picked it up ... and walked to the door and rang the bell.
When he put it down, the red “place me this way up arrows” were even pointing down!
Needless to say it was totally F@@ked!
.... thats UK couriers for you ;)
 
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