Afrox - service non existent.

I bought an Afrox MIG 275 welder thinking I can rely on superior service from a large corporate supplier of superior welding equipment.

We delivered the welder to Afrox in Germiston to repair, stating the urgency to have this machine back. Profound was my disappointment when there were no communication forthcoming from Afrox for days. Upon my enquiring about the state of repair, I was bluntly told that they (Afrox) were extremely busy, short staffed and I will get my welder when they have time to repair and the machine is ready. Great was my disappointment again to find that the welder was still faulty once it was returned it to me and I have practically paid for a new machine. Apparently all PC boards had to be replaced.

I insisted that an Afrox technician open the machine in front of me, in order for me to see what was done. Strange but true, some of the *****s were stuck and could not be opened. The technician proceeded to open the welder with a grinder, damaging the panel so badly that it had to be replaced (With an old machines cover). The insides of the welder was shockingly dirty - clearly it was never opened. the machine was taken back to Germiston and a loan machine delivered until the repair was completed after a week or so.

Now, a few months later, the welder blew its circuits again. I requested a technician to come out and repair the welder, but was told that Afrox only had three technicians - one in Cape town, one in Germiston and the third was off-sick, so I had to bring the unit to Germiston if I wanted it repaired. I immediately did and stated that I needed the machine quite urgently.

Knowing Afrox, I decided to follow-up the next morning myself. Again I was told about the three technicians and that they won't have time soon to look at the machine as they have other machines on which they have quoted for already, and they get priority.

Thank you Afrox for nothing. I will buy a back-up machine today - guess what - it will not be an Afrox. If I never buy an Afrox product again, it will be to soon and I hope this little note will convince people that even a good product needs support - totally lacking from Afrox.