Practical Information on Purchasing.
Who Is Actually Delivering the Unit?
This site is affiliated with Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center, located in Los Angeles, California, an online retailer of appliances; it is Universal that actually ships the unit to you. Universal is a satisfactory operation (else we here wouldn't use them).
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Some references for Universal Appliance and Kitchen Center (as of 26 June 2009):
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(Why go through this chain? Please, if you have not already read our case for why, do so now.)
The Mechanical Details
This material is only a slightly simplified summary of the full material available at Universal Appliance's buying-information page, which you should review in full.
Before You Order
Finding that an appliance you have bought and had delivered is inappropriate and will have to be returned is a grief to you and to the seller. Please be sure to make the following checks before placing an order.
Assume nothing. Make absolutely, positively sure that your countertop has enough space for the cooktop. Check the unit's Installation Guide (we link to those on the particular unit-buy pages) to be sure you have adequate clearances available. It is highly advisable to not make the countertop cutout till you have the unit physically at hand.
Assume nothing. Have a qualified electrician explicitly verify that you have proper electrical service available where the unit is to be placed (not ten feet away). Like most electrically powered cooktops, the unit will require a dedicated "230-volt" (nominal value, actual may range from 220 to 240 volts), properly grounded service line of adequate ampacity--check the unit's buy page to see what that required capacity is.
Assume nothing. Though units are not especially large, make sure you have a negotiable path from outside, where it will be delivered, to the spot where it is to be installed.
About Shipping
Universal states that they are able to ship most orders within 3 to 7 business days, depending on availability. Please allow approximately 2 to 3 weeks to receive your order. Universal does not take payment till the item ships.
Universal collects 8.25% Sales Tax on products shipped to within California. No tax is collected by Universal on orders shipped outside of California; remitting any "use tax" imposed by your home state is your responsibility.
If you are ordering an item that normally gets free "Super Saver" shipping:
Other shipping methods than Super Saver are available, but not for free; if you need faster or otherwise different shipping than Super Saver provides, call Universal Customer Service at toll-free (800) 464-9429. |
Appliance delivery is normally by motor freight. Here is what happens after you place your order:
You will receive an email confirmation of your order.
A representative from Motor Freight will telephone you to set up the delivery. Delivery will be arranged within a specific 4-hour time period, so you won't have to spend all day waiting for your delivery.
You can expect delivery in 2-3 weeks from when you place your order.
Please be aware that the delivery is to the curb. Lift-gate services are included, but the freight deliverer cannot and will not uncrate the unit. The units are not terribly heavy (typically 50 pounds plus packaging), but you should plan on having at least two able-bodied persons available to safely carry it onto your premises; having a third to open and close doors and "steer" the work would help. (And--see farther below--also have a decent camera at hand.)
(If you live within the greater Los Angeles area, Universal will itself deliver your order; such local deliveries have their own special terms--or you can arrange to pick the unit up yourself if you prefer.)
At Delivery Time
All units are inspected, checked, and packaged by the manufacturer prior to release to the carrier. Universal specifies that all equipment items be securely strapped to a wooden pallet prior to shipment, which greatly reduces the likelihood of damage during transit. But, in spite of their best efforts, shipping damage can and sometimes does occur. Here's what to do before signing for delivery:
Before signing the delivery receipt, make sure you have received all the items specified on the bill. If anything is missing from the shipment, note this on the delivery receipt and have the driver sign your copy.
Always note any external damage to cartons on the delivery receipt and have the driver sign your copy.
Unpack each carton in the driver's presence and carefully inspect each item. Note any damage on the delivery receipt and have the driver sign your copy. Contact the carrier immediately to file a claim.
If you discover concealed damage after the driver has left, immediately call the carrier and request inspection. Keep all packing materials and contents in the same condition as when the damage was discovered.
It is a good idea to take pictures immediately after discovering concealed damage in order to support your claim.
If the equipment delivered appears to be damaged beyond repair, refuse the shipment, and write on the shipping documents exactly why you refused it. Make sure you get a delivery receipt from the trucking delivery person with your remarks written on it. That will permit Universal to obtain a new unit from the factory and have the trucking company handle the problem they caused.
If the product as received was manifestly damaged, and you refused delivery, then at once notify Universal by telephone or email; they will arrange for handling of the damaged unit and for sending out a replacement; all further shipping charges associated with damaged products will be paid by Universal.
If you only discover damage or some defect after having accepted the delivery, then as soon as you detect the problem, call or email Universal--and be sure to obtain from them a Return Authorization number. No return without a Return Authorization number will be accepted.
Returns and Exchanges
Units can also, under certain conditions, be simply returned or exchanged, but only within 15 days of when you receive the unit. Units being returned or exchanged for any reason other than defects may be subject to a 15% restocking fee. Units being returned or exchanged (except for defects) must be in original condition (that is, not used and not installed), and with all original packaging material included. All shipping charges associated with a return or exchange, except for reasons of defect, will be your responsibility.
Order Cancellation
You can cancel your order at no cost within 48 hours of placing the order, if the unit has not already shipped. After 48 hours, or after the unit has shipped (whichever comes first), order cancellations will incur a 15% restocking fee. In the order is cancelled after the unit shipped and is still in transit, you must pay all applicable fees and freight charges, and the unit must be returned to Universal in its original condition.
Contact Information
If you need to telephone Universal, their toll-free number is (800) 464-9429. You can email them at info@universal-akb.com. (You might want to record those data in writing, so you don't have to come back to this page to find them if you need them.)
