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Awful experience with Valentine One company!

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Old 01-28-2005, 02:25 PM
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Rob4092xx
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Default Awful experience with Valentine One company!

Corvette.com Members:

I think my reputation on the website is pretty good. In fact, until today, I have never related any negative experience(s) or been involved in any controversial debate. However, I feel compelled to share a recent experience I had with Valentine Research, the company who makes Valentine One radar detectors.

First off, let me say I have purchased two V1 detectors (over $800) in just the past year alone. Up until now, I thought they were the best thing growing, but……

The V1 I received last month has a new feature called “POP.” The way I understand it, “POP” is supposed to alert to instant-on radar. What a joke!

Due to the fact that I have owned almost every version of Mike Valentine’s detectors, including the very first “Escorts” manufactured back in the early-80’s. I had tons of confidence in their ability to locate radar like they are supposed to. Based upon the fact I have owned so many V1 radar detectors, I am extremely familiar with the manner in which they located radar AND false alarm.

Immediately upon using my new V1, I found that it located “bogeys” everywhere I went. The only problem was, I never saw any police radar sources when the V1 sounded.

I realize all radar detectors suffer from false alarms. However, my new V1 went off so frequently, I honestly believed it was defective is I telephone Valentine Research for assistance.

Upon calling Valentine One, I was told they do not exchange radar detectors and that mine was out of warranty since it was 31 days since it had been purchased. Once I explained it was an X-mas present and I hadn’t possessed it for 31 days, the customer service representative I was speaking with reluctantly changed her mind.

After debating this for a considerable amount of time with the “Customer Service” representative, she simply hung up on me with no notice whatsoever.

Stunned, I called Valentine Research again and asked to speak with Mike Valentine. Instead, a person who identified herself as “Margaret Valentine” got on the telephone and, once again, a second debate began.

When I told Margaret about her employee hanging the telephone up on me, she told me it might have been problems with the “telephone equipment.” She then attempted to change to direction of my complaint. In fact, she never asked for the name of the employee, or advised she would even go far as to verify if this had actually occurred or not. Her response made me think hanging up on customers isn’t that unusual for Valentine Research!

Finally, Ms. Valentine agreed to take the unit back and test it at her cost. For this reason, I sent it back.

In the few days I had the V1, I mounted it using their visor mount. While doing so, I noticed the plastic lip of the mount had a defect which scratched the top of my V1 case. It was clear that the visor mount caused this scratch simply due to the fact that it was perfectly straight, exactly in line with the visor mount pressure tab and went from the front to the back of the detector. In other words, dropping it, storing it, etc., could have never created such a perfectly straight scratch in such a perfect position.

Several days had passed when Valentine Research called my house and spoke with my wife. They wanted to know if I would pay to have the case on my V1 repaired. Knowing that I sent my detector back to Valentine Research, she innocently told them, “yes,” without checking with me first.

I received my V1 today and was told there was nothing wrong with it. The manner in which it reported false alarms was “within specs.” Unbelievably, I was also charged $40.00 for a new visor mount and to repair the scratch caused by the original visor mount.

Thinking this must be some kind of mistake, I telephone Margaret Valentine and questioned these charges. Once again, she was very rude, arrogant and extremely be-littling towards me. She told me I was charged for the visor and to repair the scratch since “your wife approved it.” I explained my wife had no idea what she was approving and simply made a mistake. I also referred her to the letter I sent along with my V1 stating the original visor had caused the scratches. The letter alone should have made it perfectly clear the scratches occurred due to their visor mount and within the warranty timeframe.

During our conversation, Margaret agreed that it was obvious my visor mount scratched the case, but since my wife approved the charges, I was stuck. When I told her this was absurd, she told me, she didn’t care what I thought!

Upon telling Margaret of the continuing debate on this website regarding Escort and Valentine products, I would be compelled to share my experience with others. Again, her response was unbelievable when she told me, “I don’t care, we listen in on those websites all the time.”

The bottom line was my V1 with “POP” was 31 days old when I got tired of all the false alarms it produced every time I used it. When I tried to obtain assistance from Valentine Research, I was hung up on. When I spoke to a person who identified herself as the “owner” of the company, Margaret Valentine, she was rude and completely unsympathetic to my situation. When I tried to get my V1 restored to it’s original condition, it cost me an additional $40.00. When I questioned the $40.00 charge, I was told I was stuck with it since my wife “approved” it.

Now for the worst part. I went for a long drive this morning and guess what. Within five miles of my house, my new V1 with “POP” false a total of 32 times! What a worthless piece of equipment!

While all of my other V1’s have been great, I wouldn’t recommend a V1 with “POP” at any price. Along with all of the false alarms and exceptionally poor customer service, I believe Valentine Research has gone the same route as many other successful companies, i.e.: 1) Lost all perspective on what really matters; 2) Build a great product at a reasonable price and most importantly; 3) Backing the product up with great customer service!

Just as a reference, below is the letter I sent to Valentine Research along with my V1. As you can see, they were perfectly aware their visor mount created the damage to my unit.

Buyers beware!


Ms. Margaret Valentine
VALENTINE RESEARCH
10280 Alliance Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242

January 25, 2004

Dear Margaret:

Enclosed is my Valentine Radar Detector that we spoke about this morning.

Compared to my other V1 Detectors, I am experiencing a tremendous number of false alarms when I drive in the metro-Phoenix area.

Since it is back in your shop, could you please replace the top cover of the detector? As you can see, it has become scratched from the visor mount.

As you advised, you will send this back to me overnight so I have it before the weekend.

Please call me if you have any questions. I can be reached at .

Thank you!
Old 01-28-2005, 03:00 PM
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Boozman
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Well I can scratch those a holes off my list for a V1 I'll just look for another kind from a differnet suplier I hate CUSTOMER NO SERVICE COMPANIES. Thanks again for the heads up
Old 01-28-2005, 03:04 PM
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Well, I was thinking about upgrading my V1 to POP mode - but all I hear about this upgrade is nothing but troubles.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:14 PM
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JSMDMD
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Default Thanks..

Thanks for the heads-up.
I was going to send my V-1 back for the POP upgrade, but I will hold off on that now till they get it right.
Hope all turns out well for you. Can you turn that POP feature off?
Old 01-28-2005, 03:17 PM
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Rob4092xx
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I appreciate everyone's support!

Please let your feelings be known in case Valentine does monitor this website.

They need to understand they cannot get away with these types of things!

I understand you can turn POP off, but if you do, it somehow affects K and Ka band.

Personally, I am going to put my V1 with POP in the closet and chalk this up to a lesson learned. I certainly wouldn't feel right selling it to someone else!

I am not willing to take a chance thinking an alarm is false and then getted surprised by red and blue lights in my rearview mirror!

Last edited by Rob4092xx; 01-28-2005 at 03:20 PM.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:22 PM
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drzfire
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Stay tuned........Valentine tells me that they are going to give their side of the story on this forum! Can't wait!

Old 01-28-2005, 03:25 PM
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Good timing on this post since I was about to send my unit in for an upgrade.

Is POP mode dependant on which filter mode you select ?
Old 01-28-2005, 03:28 PM
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LS WON
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Default Well I was going to buy a Valentine One but now??

Do all of the Valentine One detectors have this POP feature now?
Old 01-28-2005, 03:30 PM
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Calif Vetteman
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I have held off on getting a detector, because of all the hype, and advertisements of who makes the best one. I have read the test comparisons that gave the V-1 top honors. Having said that, there is no excuse for that type of treatment. A reputable company should have a customer service policy that reflects it's product. Appearantely Mrs Valentine has no idea how far reaching the Corvette Community is.
I will not be buying a V-1 for ether of my Vettes.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:30 PM
  #10  
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That's complete Send it back for a refund. Dispute the charge with your credit card company.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:31 PM
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LS WON
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Default I have a Uniden detector and when I tried to contact customer service

Originally Posted by Rob4092xx
Corvette.com Members:

I think my reputation on the website is pretty good. In fact, until today, I have never related any negative experience(s) or been involved in any controversial debate. However, I feel compelled to share a recent experience I had with Valentine Research, the company who makes Valentine One radar detectors.

First off, let me say I have purchased two V1 detectors (over $800) in just the past year alone. Up until now, I thought they were the best thing growing, but……

The V1 I received last month has a new feature called “POP.” The way I understand it, “POP” is supposed to alert to instant-on radar. What a joke!

Due to the fact that I have owned almost every version of Mike Valentine’s detectors, including the very first “Escorts” manufactured back in the early-80’s. I had tons of confidence in their ability to locate radar like they are supposed to. Based upon the fact I have owned so many V1 radar detectors, I am extremely familiar with the manner in which they located radar AND false alarm.

Immediately upon using my new V1, I found that it located “bogeys” everywhere I went. The only problem was, I never saw any police radar sources when the V1 sounded.

I realize all radar detectors suffer from false alarms. However, my new V1 went off so frequently, I honestly believed it was defective is I telephone Valentine Research for assistance.

Upon calling Valentine One, I was told they do not exchange radar detectors and that mine was out of warranty since it was 31 days since it had been purchased. Once I explained it was an X-mas present and I hadn’t possessed it for 31 days, the customer service representative I was speaking with reluctantly changed her mind.

After debating this for a considerable amount of time with the “Customer Service” representative, she simply hung up on me with no notice whatsoever.

Stunned, I called Valentine Research again and asked to speak with Mike Valentine. Instead, a person who identified herself as “Margaret Valentine” got on the telephone and, once again, a second debate began.

When I told Margaret about her employee hanging the telephone up on me, she told me it might have been problems with the “telephone equipment.” She then attempted to change to direction of my complaint. In fact, she never asked for the name of the employee, or advised she would even go far as to verify if this had actually occurred or not. Her response made me think hanging up on customers isn’t that unusual for Valentine Research!

Finally, Ms. Valentine agreed to take the unit back and test it at her cost. For this reason, I sent it back.

In the few days I had the V1, I mounted it using their visor mount. While doing so, I noticed the plastic lip of the mount had a defect which scratched the top of my V1 case. It was clear that the visor mount caused this scratch simply due to the fact that it was perfectly straight, exactly in line with the visor mount pressure tab and went from the front to the back of the detector. In other words, dropping it, storing it, etc., could have never created such a perfectly straight scratch in such a perfect position.

Several days had passed when Valentine Research called my house and spoke with my wife. They wanted to know if I would pay to have the case on my V1 repaired. Knowing that I sent my detector back to Valentine Research, she innocently told them, “yes,” without checking with me first.

I received my V1 today and was told there was nothing wrong with it. The manner in which it reported false alarms was “within specs.” Unbelievably, I was also charged $40.00 for a new visor mount and to repair the scratch caused by the original visor mount.

Thinking this must be some kind of mistake, I telephone Margaret Valentine and questioned these charges. Once again, she was very rude, arrogant and extremely be-littling towards me. She told me I was charged for the visor and to repair the scratch since “your wife approved it.” I explained my wife had no idea what she was approving and simply made a mistake. I also referred her to the letter I sent along with my V1 stating the original visor had caused the scratches. The letter alone should have made it perfectly clear the scratches occurred due to their visor mount and within the warranty timeframe.

During our conversation, Margaret agreed that it was obvious my visor mount scratched the case, but since my wife approved the charges, I was stuck. When I told her this was absurd, she told me, she didn’t care what I thought!

Upon telling Margaret of the continuing debate on this website regarding Escort and Valentine products, I would be compelled to share my experience with others. Again, her response was unbelievable when she told me, “I don’t care, we listen in on those websites all the time.”

The bottom line was my V1 with “POP” was 31 days old when I got tired of all the false alarms it produced every time I used it. When I tried to obtain assistance from Valentine Research, I was hung up on. When I spoke to a person who identified herself as the “owner” of the company, Margaret Valentine, she was rude and completely unsympathetic to my situation. When I tried to get my V1 restored to it’s original condition, it cost me an additional $40.00. When I questioned the $40.00 charge, I was told I was stuck with it since my wife “approved” it.

Now for the worst part. I went for a long drive this morning and guess what. Within five miles of my house, my new V1 with “POP” false a total of 32 times! What a worthless piece of equipment!

While all of my other V1’s have been great, I wouldn’t recommend a V1 with “POP” at any price. Along with all of the false alarms and exceptionally poor customer service, I believe Valentine Research has gone the same route as many other successful companies, i.e.: 1) Lost all perspective on what really matters; 2) Build a great product at a reasonable price and most importantly; 3) Backing the product up with great customer service!

Just as a reference, below is the letter I sent to Valentine Research along with my V1. As you can see, they were perfectly aware their visor mount created the damage to my unit.

Buyers beware!


Ms. Margaret Valentine
VALENTINE RESEARCH
10280 Alliance Road
Cincinnati, OH 45242

January 25, 2004

Dear Margaret:

Enclosed is my Valentine Radar Detector that we spoke about this morning.

Compared to my other V1 Detectors, I am experiencing a tremendous number of false alarms when I drive in the metro-Phoenix area.

Since it is back in your shop, could you please replace the top cover of the detector? As you can see, it has become scratched from the visor mount.

As you advised, you will send this back to me overnight so I have it before the weekend.

Please call me if you have any questions. I can be reached at .

Thank you!
There was none just a recording that put you on hold for over 10 minutes. I don't know if they are still like that on the phone but just a fyi...
Old 01-28-2005, 03:32 PM
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antoniopaolo
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Originally Posted by Boozman
Well I can scratch those a holes off my list for a V1 I'll just look for another kind from a differnet suplier I hate CUSTOMER NO SERVICE COMPANIES. Thanks again for the heads up
Well your timing is excellent. I have been doing research on which product to purchase for my C6 and your experience helps me a great deal in finalizing that decision. Sorry you had to go through this but if the company is monitoring this message they should be aware that this is one "potential" customer that will not have to go through a similar experience.

antoniopaolo
Old 01-28-2005, 03:32 PM
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jvp
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Originally Posted by Calif Vetteman
Appearantely Mrs Valentine has no idea how far reaching the Corvette Community is.
I will not be buying a V-1 for ether of my Vettes.
Of course, there are two sides to every story, so we should really wait until we hear the other side before we call the lynch mob together. Each time I've dealt with Valentine, Inc on the phone, they've been phenomenal. That includes a brief chat with Mike himself.

Based on my own experiences with Valentine, this story sounds a bit suspect.

jas
Old 01-28-2005, 03:35 PM
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LS WON
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Default I have a Uniden detector and when the switch broke on it I tried contacting customer

Service. What customer service? They put you on hold on the telephone for 15 minutes and you get to deal with automation. That was the last time I ever bought a Uniden Product. This was a few years ago so I don't know if they cleaned up their act.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:36 PM
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70454
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Sorry to hear about your bad experience.

Not to start a detector debate, I use a Bel 980 and I am very pleased. Highly rated and reliable.
Old 01-28-2005, 03:37 PM
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LS WON
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Default $399 dollars!

Where do you put this big thing??
I will stick with my Cobra at least it talks to me keeps me company and lets me know when emergency vehicles are in the area .
Old 01-28-2005, 03:41 PM
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I am looking for a detector right now. I would now tend to stay away from Valentine.

Jim

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Old 01-28-2005, 03:42 PM
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I won't be POPing my V1 either!
Old 01-28-2005, 03:43 PM
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natejohn
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hmmm..and a Valentine V1 WAS on my list of goodies.........
What surprises me is that we have an item here with no moving parts, all electronics and only a 30 DAY warranty!?....I think not!!
Old 01-28-2005, 03:46 PM
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noel48
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I'm sticking with Escort now


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