Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

On January 14, 2017 I purchased this Alert System (base station & one (1) sensor) as well as three (3) additional sensors as I need four (4) sensors to cover my property. This was to replace a similar Chamberlain system I installed a number years ago that had stopped functioning. I programed all four (4) new sensors (the company calls ‘learning’) to the new base unit in exactly the same manner following the company’s instructions. Three (3) of the four (4) sensors worked but one (1) kept giving “false alarms”. To make sure that this NEW equipment was properly installed, I removed all four (4) sensors, re-programmed them (‘learning’ each sensor to the base station), and, re-installed all four (4) sensors. Once again, three (3) of the four (4) worked but the fourth sensor continued to give “false alarms” intermittently. I had to remove this sensor that first day/night as it set off for no reason even at 3 AM, which was no fun! As there was no need to return the entire system, I decided to call Chamberlain Customer Support and request a replacement sensor, offering to return this malfunctioning sensor. Approximately ten (10) emails were sent between myself and “George” in Chamberlain Support. Unfortunately, Chamberlain Support turned out to be just that; support for the Company but not Customer Support for the Consumer/Customer. The problem that occurred came about because I was always told that Chamberlain’s policy was not to replace any malfunctioning equipment nor even to discuss replacing any malfunctioning sensor until they could “troubleshoot” the problem over the phone. When I asked what this meant I was told this would require me uninstalling all four (4) sensors (which I had already installed twice) and talk to them over the phone to make sure that I had installed everything properly. Knowing that this would have the same results –the base station and three (3) of the four (4) sensors would work with one (1) sensor that would always give false alarms, I tried to reason with Chamberlain. I explained that at 74 years of age and semi-disabled, I had already expended all of the energy I could possibly muster and did not want to undertake what they wanted me to do so they could verbally ‘troubleshoot’ over the phone what was happening as it would be a third time for me and this did not make sense. This equipment was NEW and should work without having to perform the extensive physical activity they said they required before they would talk to me about sending me a replacement sensor. I tried to elevate this to a supervisor who I’d hoped would be more inclined to render some customer service but was told that although they all understood what I was saying, the same “troubleshooting” was required before anyone would assist me with my issue. However, here is the absurdity and the reason I am writing this review (something I have never done before). In one of the first of those many emails between myself and “George”, George wrote that the company knew there were some of their sensors that were malfunctioning and giving false alarms! I said that as long as they knew of this problem, couldn’t they just send me a new one (once they tested to make sure that the replacement was not having this same false alarm problem) and I would send them the malfunctioning sensor? After all, I knew what I was doing; the sensor I was sure did not cost them more than a few dollars; and, they would make customer happy so I could attest to the fact that Chamberlain had a customer service department focusing on the customer instead of what I was getting, which was a runaround that amounted to customer no-service. There was no way Chamberlain would change their policy. What a lot of nonsense for a customer to put up with when for a few dollars Chamberlain would have a customer that would return to them for this as well as other products they sell. As an aside, the little roof that attaches to the sensors did not adequately protect the sensor from the outdoor elements. The reason I had to replace the entire system was because the roofs on the previous sensors were inadequate and the circuit boards in the sensors were corroded. I had hoped that the new ones would have improved protection but they are the same as the previous models. So, if you decide to purchase this system I suggest you do as I did, which is to construct your own roof that you tack above the sensor made of heavy transparent plastic or a similar material. These roofs I made and installed over the sensors & roofs provided by Chamberlain are protecting the sensors perfectly. As I could not get Chamberlain to budge on their policy to send me a replacement sensor without my going through the rigmarole of ‘troubleshooting’ with them over the phone, I decided to contact the Better Business Bureau in their corporate headquarters of Elmhurst, IL. However, this company is not listed as belonging to the BBB. Online research will show that others have encountered sensors with false alarms, which Chamberlain admitted is an issue with some sensors. You will also find consumers with issues is resolving problems with some of Chamberlain’s other products such as garage door openers. In closing, this is a warning is that Chamberlain’s customer service is inadequate. In stark contrast, what a pleasure it is in doing business with Amazon. Amazon’s customer service is what one should expect. When you have a problem with a product, you can return it with no hassle and they will replace it or refund your payment. You are wasting your time if you encounter a problem and try to resolve it with Chamberlain as their “support” is not customer friendly. NSG Atlanta, GA As a PS I bought a replacement sensor from Amazon to replace the broken one that Chamberlain refused to make good on. Yesterday another one of the original sensors is malfunctioning giving false reads. In short, this product is an absolute and complete waste of money.