Do not do business with this company
Do not do business with this company.
Friday 2/28 I drove to Sarasota Avionics located in Venice FL for the purpose selling one Garmin G500 display unit and one Garmin GMA 340. Upon presenting these items to staff at Sarasota Avionics I was advised that Sarasota Avionics would test the equipment to confirm proper operation. Later that day, I received a call from Sarasota Avionics stating that the data tag on the G500 display came off when Sarasota Avionics removed packaging with tape and towel on. I was also told that the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office asked Sarasota Avionics to hold on to my items for several days while they investigated. After I called Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to further inquire as I have proof of purchase including bank and credit card statement that matches the EBay purchase, I was told my items were not impounded by the authorities. I then called Sarasota Avionics and they released my items to me at the Peter OKnight Airport location of Sarasota Avionics located in Tampa.
On 3/7, I was inquiring about getting a letter on letterhead about what had happened and Jeremy stated that Monica (Manager at the Venice location) stated that the unit needs to go back to Garmin to reissue a data tag and that I could drop it off and you would make a RMA. It was agreed to between I and Sarasota Avionics that Sarasota Avionics would send the Garmin G500 display unit to Garmin for tag replacement. It was NEVER agreed to nor was I ever provided any notice that there would be a cost associated with having Garmin replace the data tag on Garmin G500 display unit nor was there any communication from Sarasota Avionics stating that I would be responsible for the cost of replacing the damaged tag of the G500 display unit that Sarasota Avionics caused.
In summary Sarasota Avionics caused the initial damage ( from the tag removal) of the G500 display unit).
I have now been told they will hold my unit for 30 days ( then they will take possession )until I pay the over $2000 for the repair that I never agreed to. That is more than the price I was going to sell the unit to them for. Essentially this feels like they are stealing the G500 from me and unjustly enriching themselves.