Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!uwm.edu!uakari.primate.wisc.edu!gem.mps.ohio-state.edu!apple!oliveb!tymix!hobbes!pnelson
From: pnelson@hobbes.uucp (Phil Nelson)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc
Subject: Re: Ridiculous Problems with MS Mouse
Summary: I think they should sell replacement parts
Message-ID: <2866@tymix.UUCP>
Date: 17 Oct 89 20:52:02 GMT
References: <111700155@uxa.cso.uiuc.edu> <-286529977@hpcupt1.HP.COM>
Sender: news@tymix.UUCP
Reply-To: pnelson@hobbes.UUCP (Phil Nelson)
Organization: Tymnet NTD, San Jose CA
Lines: 55


In article <-286529977@hpcupt1.HP.COM> swh@hpcupt1.HP.COM (Steve Harrold) writes:
>Re: Replacement cord for mouse
>
>While I'm not condoning MS's refusal to just send you the replacement cord
>for your chewed up mouse, its position is quite usual for any supplier
>of any goods.

I don't think it is usual for manufacturers of electronic equipment. If
Microsoft does not want to be responsible for replacement parts, they
should stick with software. If they manufacture it, they should supply
replacement parts. Even if they have it manufactured for them, it has 
their name on it, they should, at least, refer you to the manufacturer
for replacement parts.

>Consider the page in your novel that you spilled coffee on.  Would you
>expect the publisher to send you just that one replacement page?

This is not a good example, novels are not designed to allow the replacement
of individual pages, and are cheap enough that it is not worth the trouble.

>Consider that gasket that you need to replace in your dishwasher.  Would
>you expect the manufacturer to send you just that one piece instead of
>some kind of fixup kit with a lot of redundant hardware?

Maybe not, but I would certainly expect to be able to buy a replacement
power cord.

>The problem boils down to the cost of inventory.  There is no way any
>profitable supplier can provide a part number for every single part that
>comprises his products.  ... text removed ...

I would be astonished if Microsoft (or whoever does the actual manufacture
of the mouse) did not have a part number, inventory count, etc. etc. for
each and every part that goes in to the mouse. I do not think it is
unreasonable to expect Microsoft to stock replacement parts. Possibly
because they are a software company the need for replacement parts did
not occur to them, if so then they should be told now.

>If the manufacturer did indeed provide for all these possibilities, it
>has to be paid for somehow.  Should I be elated that my cost for his 
>product is going to be higher? (And I don't even own a cat.)

At least some of the added cost of stocking replacement parts can be
recovered by charging more for the parts, this is standard practice.

I have a Microsoft mouse, if I had known prior to purchase that it
would not be possible to buy a relacement cord for a reasonable price,
I would have looked for another brand who would make it possible, or
for a brand that was cheap enough to be considered a throwaway. I, for
one, do not consider a $99.95 mouse to be a throwaway item.
Phil Nelson at (but not speaking for)                  OnTyme:NSC.P/Nelson
Tymnet, ?McDonnell Douglas? Network Systems Company     Voice:408-922-7508
UUCP:{pyramid|ames}oliveb!tymix!pnelson              LRV:Component Station
"YOUR PASSWORD WAS LAST CHANGED 964 DAYS AGO. IF NOT CHANGED IT WILL BE DELETED SOON!!!" -1022