[QUOTE=Sing Mia Song;8982584]
Update: I had the most bizarre experience trying to get in touch with Varnan. I attempted to contact the companyby email to ask questions and get prices. At the same time, I emailed Nelson. Nelson got back to me immediately, answered all my questions, walked me through the pros and cons of going with just geothermal and adding a heating element, and offered me a 5% discount because of my USEF membership. They provided me with referrals to six experienced installers in my area with phone numbers and web sites.
Ten days after I had reached out to Varnan, I got a reply that provided about half the answers to my questions. The email had one of those “sent from my XX mobile device” taglines, so I don’t think it was a matter of email being down. I responded within 20 minutes thanking the person for the information, but that I had already gone with Nelson when I hadn’t heard back.
Three days later, I got another response to my original inquiry, as if the person didn’t realize they had already responded (It came from a personal account, not a “info@companyname.com” and was signed by the same person). I ignored it.
Four weeks after my original inquiry, I got another email from the same person, saying they hadn’t heard back from me and checking in to see if I had any questions! Very strange.
I figure any company that doesn’t respond in a timely fashion, answer my questions, and can’t seem to remember what correspondence we’ve already had doesn’t really want me to buy from them. [shrug]
But the Nelson is awesome!! And the installer I used (who works for the Baltimore Zoo) also offered me a deal on a secondhand water that I had them install in my donkey’s paddock, so now everyone will have auto water![/QUOTE]
I had the same experience with them several years ago.When someone finally did get back to me I laughed. I said you must have TOO much business, be way TOO busy if it takes several weeks to get back to a potential customer and hung up.
I really don’t like doing business with companies that doesn’t give prices for their products. I understand there are reasons for not depending on the product. But these don’t needed to be costume made. My first email went into detail of what I wanted and that I was looking of buy several please give price that includes shipping.
I ended buying an Equispring paddock water. Very good over all design, no moving parts. Works with an off the self “water weight” shut off value so the amount of water in the bowl and being heated is easy to regulate. The value can be a weak link in the system if there is a sediment in the supply line. A $15 RV sediment filter takes care of that. I keep a replacement value on hand, $15 from Amazon. Very easy to replace.
The company that sells them were a bit of a PITA to deal with. Not much for customer appreciation. I made some modifications also
Maybe the company will go out of business and I could buy the “nuts and bolts” and apply my modifications. Step up the customer service big time. These are very easy to install and cheap to heat in cold winters. A bunch of horses can drink out of it at the same time.
I have Nelson in my small paddocks. Been there forever. The only thing on the farm I have never had to fix or fiddle with. I also hear and or read nothing but great things about their customer service. Don’t know personally I have never had to contract them.
