I just got back from UPS to send my faulty board back to Bitmain. The guy at the counter was amazed that the label was for Express service, and he said that costs over $1000 to do that! If Bitmain would set up an advance replacement system (with a small BTC deposit for security against receiving the faulty unit), they could save that excessive cost in one direction of the warranty process.
I just sent them an email to that effect. It's a win/win - Bitmain could save a lot of money by only having to ship the replacement part on the expensive service, and use a regular (cheap) service to receive the faulty. The customer benefits by getting the replacement part first and won't have to shut down their mining hardware while waiting for the replacement (at least in cases unlike mine where they at least have a partially operable unit).
BITMAIN - PLEASE CONSIDER THIS! Not only is it pretty much standard practice for a lot of manufacturers, in this case it actually will SAVE YOU A SHIPLOAD OF MONEY. Add to that the side-effect of happy customers, I don't see how you can't implement this!
Can you give me a single example of an electronics manufacturer agreeing to send out a replacement part before they receive the defective part?!?! Certainly not standard practice.
Also, companies that ship large amounts negotiate rates with the carriers directly, NO WAY that costs bitmain anything close to $1000!
Certainly they can negotiate better rates, but why would they use a premium service when they don't have to? Even at negotiated rates, that is still going to be significantly more expensive.
As for advance replacements, I guess it depends on your industry. I work in IT doing network and server support through my own company. If a network switch, or a server hard drive dies, my client is NOT going to want to wait 2-3 weeks for the replacement to come in. Most manufacturers in this sector for mission critical and time-sensitive applications frequently offer the option of sending out an advance replacement. Lots of times a credit card is required as security against receiving the defective part. The replacement part is overnighted (in most cases) and the packaging is used to send the replacement part back (ensuring proper packaging instead of just whatever materials can be found). Return label is included in the shipment of the replacement part, and all you have to do is box it up, call the number on the courier label and request a pickup.
