Wiardgroup

A number of people have contacted me over the years about servicing second hand 
modules (out of warranty of course). I have discovered that there are some disturbing legal 
issues involved in aspects of this.

Some customers have requested that additional features be added or faceplates replaced 
at the time of refurbishment. This creates absurd but actual legal issues.

Let me say that I am sure that every person who asked was operating in good faith and 
with only the best intent.

However, legal liability can arise from innocent seeming actions. Take the matter of 
replacing older faceplates with newer ones. This seems a very innocent request, but can 
create a legal liability problem for myself and/or Wiard.

If the instrument moves on to the hands of someone WITHOUT scruples, they can use the 
newer looking faceplates to advertise that the instrument as much newer than it actually 
is, and hence more valuable. This constitutes criminal fraud by misrepresentation.

Since the replacement of the faceplates is instrumental in creating the fraud, there is a tiny 
but real possibility that, if the case went to court, myself or Wiard could be charged with 
accessory before the fact. The action of replacing the faceplates having enabled the 
criminal to commit the fraud.

I can not tolerate even the tiniest liability over a simple cosmetic matter such as this. So I 
have no choice but to form our first official policy in regards to second hand module 
repair and refit.

It goes like this:

1. Wiard will continue to be happy to repair or refit your modules, no matter who you 
purchased them from or when (excluding know stolen items) for a reasonable price.

2. Depending on how much you wish to spend, we can repair them to be as good as the 
day they first left the factory.

3. However, due to ridiculous legal issues, we CAN NOT repair them so they are BETTER 
than the day they first left the factory. We can not replace faceplates or add options not 
originally ordered with that module.

I apologize to those who I have spoken with about this previously, this is simply the best I 
can do after getting frightened by an attorney.

Grant,
I offer the following simply as brainstorming / food for thought. No 
reply needed.

Perhaps you could scrawl something like "replaced mm/dd/yy" on the 
back of replacement panels (with one of those diamond-tipped etching pens).
... and/or ...
Put serial numbers and/or dates of manufacture on the back of panels.

Then, scratch in your autograph. :-)

John

P.S. Excellent post, Paul S.