I am SO surprised

I'd long been looking for the right wireless microphone, after years of frustration with everything I've tried. I'd even tried one of those flesh colored, over the ear mics which are meant to be unobtrusive, yet somehow seem more so for the attempt. But it never fit right on my ear, especially if I put my reading glasses on or took them off when trying to wear the mic.

Last year I tried the Samson Airline AL1 and thought it was perfect. Not only was the sound clear and crisp, but the one-piece mic/transmitter is lightweight, tiny, and flexible. About the size of a book of matches. The picture at right is the whole thing (about half of actual size.) There is no long wire connected to a transmitter -- the whole thing is self contrained. You can add an extension mic if you want, but I never do do. I just clip it to my stole, blazer lapel, shirt pocket, or hang it from a lanyard around my collar. One AAA battery runs for lots of hours. I use a rechargeable battery. It's simple, easy, painless, competetively priced, and provides excellent sound. It really seemed to fit the bill. I like it so much I take it and the receiver with me when I speak offsite, because I like it so much better than whatever the host can provide.

The weakest link is the clip in the back. It is very flexible so you clip it anywhere you want, in any direction., but I always thought it was only a matter of time before I broke it.

And last night I did, just as I was beginning an offsite presentation.

Even with a broken clip I could use it for the night, but dreaded the prospect of trying to get a replacement. Based on past experience with trying to get replacement parts from Dell, Honda, Toyota, Sony, and most other companies, I was expecting this to be either
1) Impossible, or
2) Very difficult and very expensive.

So this morning I looked up Samson's 800 number online. To my great surprise and delight, there was no 10 minute wait. A real live human being actually picked up the phone, immediately, and said, "Samson service, can I help you?"

What? No menu of impossible to decipher options each with their own wait?

Completely surprised, I said "I have an AL1 Presenter which I love, but last night I broke the clip." He says,"Sure, I can send you a replacement clip. What's your address?"

This was sounding too easy. I give him the address and he says, "Sure, I can do that for you. I'll send one right out."

While reaching for my charge card, I said, "The clip really isn the weakest link. I guess I should probably order two of them."

"He says, "No problem. I'll send out two replacement clips today, no charge. You should have them by Friday."

What????? Today?????? Receive by Friday???? No CHARGE????????

I was STUNNED. I LOVE this company!

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=154&brandID=1

The Lord be with you,