Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

Those of us that have chunks missing from our games just have to give into the fact that Stern isn't going to change and they aren't going to fix anything. Why would they do the right thing when people are coming out in droves to buy TMNT? Why change your manufacturing process when people are literally throwing thousands of dollars at you.
I really, really want a Jurassic Park LE, but I'll be damned if they are going to get anymore of my money while I'm missing chunks out of my Catwoman playfield. I brought it to my distributors attention almost a year ago and I still have no resolution.
It's a shame to, because I really like Stern games and always had good service through my distributor.....until now.

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

Those of us that have chunks missing from our games just have to give into the fact that Stern isn't going to change and they aren't going to fix anything. Why would they do the right thing when people are coming out in droves to buy TMNT? Why change your manufacturing process when people are literally throwing thousands of dollars at you.
I really, really want a Jurassic Park LE, but I'll be damned if they are going to get anymore of my money while I'm missing chunks out of my Catwoman playfield. I brought it to my distributors attention almost a year ago and I still have no resolution.
It's a shame to, because I really like Stern games and always had good service through my distributor.....until now.

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

Those of us that have chunks missing from our games just have to give into the fact that Stern isn't going to change and they aren't going to fix anything. Why would they do the right thing when people are coming out in droves to buy TMNT? Why change your manufacturing process when people are literally throwing thousands of dollars at you.
I really, really want a Jurassic Park LE, but I'll be damned if they are going to get anymore of my money while I'm missing chunks out of my Catwoman playfield. I brought it to my distributors attention almost a year ago and I still have no resolution.
It's a shame to, because I really like Stern games and always had good service through my distributor.....until now.

Quoted from Yelobird:

Odd your distributor wouldn't help. Looks like you have a great collection so your a solid customer.

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

I brought it to my distributors attention almost a year ago and I still have no resolution.

Quoted from Who-Dey:

Well if your distributor is the one in the same state that you live in then that's why you have no resolution because once you buy a game from them they flat out don't give a shit about you after the sale. Of course they act like they will fight for you but they won't at all. Everytime you call them they just tell you that they are working on it to pacify you.

Quoted from Mike_J:

There is very little a distributor can do if the manufacturer is unwilling to budge.
If the distributor believes they can milk a few more games out of you, maybe they would consider footing the bill.

Quoted from PtownPin:

I doubt it....the reality is distributors won't/can't really do anything, and Stern has shown its true colors.....everyone roles the dice buying NIB games from them

Quoted from PtownPin:

I doubt it....the reality is distributors won't/can't really do anything, and Stern has shown its true colors.....everyone roles the dice buying NIB games from them

Quoted from Who-Dey:

Well if your distributor is the one in the same state that you live in then that's why you have no resolution because once you buy a game from them they flat out don't give a shit about you after the sale. Of course they act like they will fight for you but they won't at all. Everytime you call them they just tell you that they are working on it to pacify you.

Quoted from JodyG:

Should flatten out!
[quoted image]

Quoted from Yelobird:

I have to disagree. While all distributors are NOT the same and no they can’t make all issues go away a good distributor Will go out of their way to do everything they can to make you satisfied with your purchase. I have only had a few support calls with the (2) I use and have yet to not have them fight for a resolution. That’s why they are there! Any OEM can take phone or internet orders for sales. They Need a qualified distributor partner to meet or exceed your buying expectations. The good ones Are out there. JMO

Quoted from PtownPin:

Yea maybe for a replacement part.....for a play field or cabinet issue I totally disagree

Quoted from Rob_G:

Depends how how bad the chunking is. If it's on the bottom or side of the playfield, that's really not an issue. If it's on top in the middle that is different.
Rob

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

It's on the right orbit and at the top of both slings. I just sent them another email. I started asking for help back in August of 2019 about 60 days after it was delivered and I noticed things falling apart.
[quoted image]

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

It's on the right orbit and at the top of both slings. I just sent them another email. I started asking for help back in August of 2019 about 60 days after it was delivered and I noticed things falling apart.
[quoted image]

Quoted from PtownPin:

What was Stern's response? Let me guess they've been radio silent with the hope you'll just forget about it

Quoted from Spyderturbo007:

According to my distributor, they put in a warranty claim and it has been documented. Not sure where that gets me, but apparently Stern is aware of the issue. I would have bought a JP Premium by now if they would have resolved my issue.....

Quoted from Mike_J:

The distributor put in the claim back in August of 2019?
Man, what a joke. What other industries/businesses blow off their customers in this manner?

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I bought a tmnt LE. Had the 1,8,9 diverter issue. Let my distro know i need professional help to get it fixed. By the next day Stern and my distro had someone out to help fix my game. This was my first NIB stern and while my issue was resolved at this point I do not think i will ever buy NIB again which is sad because i was gearing up to buy a JP premium(or LE if i could find used) The frustration i felt having my game out of commission at 0 plays. Well lets just say i have a Newfound respect for those who buy multiple NIB and or waiting for customer service to fix their issues.

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I bought a tmnt LE. Had the 1,8,9 diverter issue. Let my distro know i need professional help to get it fixed. By the next day Stern and my distro had someone out to help fix my game. This was my first NIB stern and while my issue was resolved at this point I do not think i will ever buy NIB again which is sad because i was gearing up to buy a JP premium(or LE if i could find used) The frustration i felt having my game out of commission at 0 plays. Well lets just say i have a Newfound respect for those who buy multiple NIB and or waiting for customer service to fix their issues.

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I bought a tmnt LE. Had the 1,8,9 diverter issue. Let my distro know i need professional help to get it fixed. By the next day Stern and my distro had someone out to help fix my game. This was my first NIB stern and while my issue was resolved at this point I do not think i will ever buy NIB again which is sad because i was gearing up to buy a JP premium(or LE if i could find used) The frustration i felt having my game out of commission at 0 plays. Well lets just say i have a Newfound respect for those who buy multiple NIB and or waiting for customer service to fix their issues.

Quoted from JY64:

The fact is many of the pics I have seen posted are not issues just games owned by whinny bitchs

Quoted from Highscoresaves:

In in home tech in 24 hours? That's incredible service IMO
Others on here would kill for that kind of action taken!

Quoted from newpinbin:

Nearly every NIB game I have bought from Stern has had MAJOR issues. The only ONE w/o any issues out of the box has been my Star Trek Premium made in 2016, then after 300 plays issues with LED boards started. All of my other games have had lots of chipping, flippers not working CPU board issues, many mechanical issues with toys and split cabs right out of the box!!!

Quoted from gjm:

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Don't buy a Stern. Just by reading this thread, I will never buy one. Hope your issues are addressed and you are made whole, but I think there is a very long line in front of you.

Quoted from newpinbin:

I no longer buy NIB. Yes, Stern's quality SUCKS all the way! But they do make the most enjoyable and fast playing machines.

Quoted from Highscoresaves:

In in home tech in 24 hours? That's incredible service IMO
Others on here would kill for that kind of action taken!

Quoted from chuckwurt:

What was the issue? What fixed the node board errors?

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I don't buy many games especially newer titles. From past experiences i've read on the forum it seems to be either Stern fixes the problem or they tell you to pound sand. From what i gathered from speaking with customer service. It seems they set up service calls more often than one would think.

Fixing the diverter solved the issues. If the diverter doesn't work the ball will just keep shooting balls out hoping to load the van and also will keep throwing node errors. I personally think its a flawed design. I'm surprised they didn't program a way to disable the diverter or if it isn't working using virtual locks.

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I don't buy many games especially newer titles. From past experiences i've read on the forum it seems to be either Stern fixes the problem or they tell you to pound sand. From what i gathered from speaking with customer service. It seems they set up service calls more often than one would think.

Fixing the diverter solved the issues. If the diverter doesn't work the ball will just keep shooting balls out hoping to load the van and also will keep throwing node errors. I personally think its a flawed design. I'm surprised they didn't program a way to disable the diverter or if it isn't working using virtual locks.

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I don't buy many games especially newer titles. From past experiences i've read on the forum it seems to be either Stern fixes the problem or they tell you to pound sand. From what i gathered from speaking with customer service. It seems they set up service calls more often than one would think.

Quoted from Mike_J:

There is very little a distributor can do if the manufacturer is unwilling to budge.
If the distributor believes they can milk a few more games out of you, maybe they would consider footing the bill.

Quoted from Who-Dey:

I believe this to be true Mike but when they dont even try to help you that pisses me off.

Quoted from Mike_J:

I agree with you 100%. A lot of these guys do nothing.
When you have a problem that requires an expensive fix, I don’t think it matters which distributor you buy from. Stern is hesitant to make it right and you know that the distributor, sure as hell, isn’t taking any money out of his wallet to make it right.
It’s very frustrating how this industry operates, especially when you take into account that each transaction is at least 6K.

Quoted from jhngh41:

Noob pinball owner here as I only have TAF and Stranger Things Premium atm. What and where should I be looking for on my StrTh? Where's the most common places for this pin to chip or bubble? TIA.

Quoted from Mrawesome44:

I bought a tmnt LE. Had the 1,8,9 diverter issue. Let my distro know i need professional help to get it fixed. By the next day Stern and my distro had someone out to help fix my game. This was my first NIB stern and while my issue was resolved at this point I do not think i will ever buy NIB again which is sad because i was gearing up to buy a JP premium(or LE if i could find used) The frustration i felt having my game out of commission at 0 plays. Well lets just say i have a Newfound respect for those who buy multiple NIB and or waiting for customer service to fix their issues.

Quoted from Ty-Arnold:

When I purchased my last NIB stern I asked my distributor what I should do I were to ever have a problem with the machine. I was told that the distributor can do nothing to help the customer. He then told me if I have any kind of problems to contact stern directly. I would rather deal with stern directly anyways so I had no problem with his answer.

Quoted from Who-Dey:

Well my answer to him then would be why the F do we need distributors for? I would rather just buy from Stern and save a grand or whatever it is and cut out the middle man.

Quoted from Multiballmaniac1:

I liked buying an Ice bubble hockey direct. Great service too.

Quoted from Tranquilize:

Not to sound like a dick or to defend Stern's quality, but that issue sounds pretty minor. I had a friend that wanted to buy a machine but had no interest in learning to fix it. After much back and forth, I convinced him not to buy one. Dive in or get ready for constant frustration. It's always been this way in pinball, but Stern does take it to new highs.

Quoted from Ty-Arnold:

When I purchased my last NIB stern I asked my distributor what I should do I were to ever have a problem with the machine. I was told that the distributor can do nothing to help the customer. He then told me if I have any kind of problems to contact stern directly. I would rather deal with stern directly anyways so I had no problem with his answer.

Quoted from Ty-Arnold:

When I purchased my last NIB stern I asked my distributor what I should do I were to ever have a problem with the machine. I was told that the distributor can do nothing to help the customer. He then told me if I have any kind of problems to contact stern directly. I would rather deal with stern directly anyways so I had no problem with his answer.

Quoted from Yelobird:

Sounds to me like you found the Wrong distributor if That was his advice! Just don’t feel slighted when the (2) people at Stern answering thousands of global questions a day don’t get to your solution quickly vs say the distributor that has 3 new clients that Month. The distributor Earned your business to help you, why would you wave that to stand in a que with the masses?

Quoted from Tranquilize:

I see a distro as not much more than a storefront, but that's just me.

Quoted from Mike_J:

Agreed. Just go with the distributor with the best price.