Genuine Motorola Products...dirt cheap?
Just as you were about to click the "Buy Now!" button, have you ever gotten the feeling that you're getting an online deal that seems just a little too good to be true? Well, I hate to burst your bubbles but...it usually is. Moments like this are increasing as e-commerce rises, especially for popular items online, such as Motorola products.
It's no surprise that companies like Motorola have become targets for counterfeiters. Their brand has become synonymous with quality. They've built this reputation through their commitment to using high grade materials in their products, such as gold for improved conduction in their two-way radios and phones. As a result, Motorola's radios and cell phones typically last longer than their competitors, resulting in a lower total cost of ownership.
Counterfeit products often come with unrealized dangers.
A fairly recent incident which was reported on PCWorld.com occurred in an Ogden, Utah police station. There, a dispatcher had just arrived at work. Shortly in to her shift, she began to feel a burning sensation. Standing up, she realized that her Motorola V300 cell phone was burning a hole through her pocket. As the phone feel to the floor, it burst on impact. The dispatcher suffered minor burns because the battery she had purchased turned out to be couterfeit.
However, don't think Motorola takes issues such as this lightly. They vigorously work with authorities around the world to find and eliminate fake products. Motorola's help has eliminated numerous international counterfeit cells. Their investigations have found batteries to be the most commonly counterfeited item, both for two-way radios and cell phones.
How to help counter the counterfeiting.
Take note of prices. Price is one way Motorola Dealers compete and differentiate themselves. Given the different functions and sizes of various dealers, its common to see a wide range of prices on Motorola products. As a result, there are plenty of places to find real discount Motorola gear, as long as you're not looking for much in the way of service.
While internet only sites offer low prices, the important thing to remember is that they are still within reason. It's that awesome 5 Motorola radios for $99 offer that you want to watch out for. So, if you're shopping online, be sure to take a look at more than one place to get an idea of the average market price per product.
If you see a site offering a price that's oddly below average with no real explanation why, hit your back button and continue browsing. The risk is greater when buying online as oposed to a brick and mortar store, since a physical location can be verified easier.
The next thing you want to do is ensure that you're doing business with an Authorized Motorola dealer. Since Motorola rarely deals with businesses directly, they've set up dealer channels throughout the United States. An authorized dealer works very closely with Motorola, exchanging information, resources, and advice. They also have access to key Motorola personnel, and can set you up with any product in Motorola's line.
Most sites will clearly say they are an authorized dealer. However, you know better than to just believe that. The safest way to search for authorized dealers is to use Motorola's dealer locator. The dealer locator can be found by going to Motorola.com, clicking on products and services, then clicking on either Mobile or Portable radios under the "Business" heading. Once there, look to the left, click on "how to buy" and you'll be taken to the dealer locator.
Remember! Counterfeiters are very sneaky, so don't underestimate them
At a recent Motorola event, several personnel from Motorola spoke about counterfeit items. They shared with the audience one particularly tricky tactic. Apparently, a few individuals temporarily figured out a loophole in the counterfeit laws.
Customers thought they were getting a great deal on a Motorola battery. When the battery arrived, it came with a sticker. The sticker had a depiction of Motorola's logo and was to be placed on the battery. By doing this, the customer became the counterfeiter, as they had placed the Motorola logo on the battery themselves. Luckily, the factory was recently raided and hundreds of thousands of dollars of counterfeit batteries were taken off the streets.
Shop safe, get the best price...but not too cheap.
As you can see, counterfeiters are trouble. Not only do they cause Motorola headaches, but consumers as well. Their often defective products have been known to cause frustration and harm to individuals. Stick with a trusted dealer or, if you're in the market for a new one, use Motorola's dealer locator.
Public Notice: Business Radio Licensing
Businesses have been receiving faxes concerning the usage of their frequencies. They are being informed that:
"The FCC has stated that they will institute the termination of those licenses that fail to meet construction or coverage requirements. This is an automated feature within the FCC Universal Licensing system and will take effect on Feb. 1 2006. Our review of the FCC database shows that you have not yet filed your construction/notification and therefore call sign (insert your call sign here) and frequencies associated with that sign may be terminated."
The fax also requests that you send a check for $96 for filing. If you receive this fax, it is true that the FCC is sending out Construction/Coverage notifications. However, you are simply required to reply back and confirm that you are still using your currently frequency. There is no charge associated with this procedure.
Aside from the $96 charge, there is another way to determine of a letter should be discarded. If the FCC sends you a fax, the return address will be from Gettysburg, PA. If it's not, take a long hard look at the fax before you take any action.
Do you need two way radios? Do you have a question about two way radios because they can be so *&%$-ing confusing and have no idea who to turn to for free information and help?
Eric O'Connor is a professional communications consultant for Delmarva Communications, an authorized Motorola Two Way Radio Dealer and Service Center.
If you need help, now is the time to get it! Its here, waiting for you. Unlike most other online two way radio stores, Eric will never leave you stuck and provides free technical support to all of his clients.
To learn more, Motorola Two Way Radios, click the link and you'll be taken to Delmarva Communications website. To contact Eric directly, email him anytime at: e.oconnor@delmarvacom.com
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