Thursday, September 18, 2014

Service at Samsung Care SM North Edsa

My Aunt was desperate, she's been hounding every person on her Facebook that she's having a problem with her Samsung tablet.  I tinkered with it extensively, tried to update the software, deleted and downloaded apps, reset the tablet via hard and soft reset but nothing seemed to work. Her Samsung tablet kept on getting this 110 error.  I searched the web for possible solutions but nothing worked.  There was no choice but to bring it to the Samsung Care at SM North Edsa.

Coming from my experience with Cherry Mobile's after sales service, I can't help but compare the two in my head.  Regardless of such, here are my observations.

1.  The line queue is organized at Samsung Care. There is a separate queue for claiming, repair and priority (senior/PWD).  It is computerized.  You can view from the screens what number is being served to what counter and the remaining people waiting in line.  You'll get the idea of how many are still waiting. My aunt is in her senior years that's why it took just a small amount of waiting time.

2.  All customer service counters are open and seamlessly handling customers, whether they are for repair or just waiting to claim their repaired phones and tablets.

3.  The prices of their services are pasted on each of the counter so you'll immediately have an idea what you're going to pay for basic services.  Of course prices may go up depending on the diagnosis or if parts will be needed.  If under warranty, I guess it should be free unless they void the warranty.  My aunt's Samsung tablet was a gift and was not bought here in the Philippines, plus it's more than a year so we expected to pay for the services.

4.  The representative who handled our concern was courteous and pleasant.  I was the one who explained to her the error that kept popping up in my aunt's tablet.  She immediately recognized the problem, a corrupted software, to be exact a corrupt Android software.  She explained to us that it could have been due to the upgrade of the Android system or because we may have downloaded a software from the store and something happened along the way that it caused the corruption of the whole system.

5.  Three days, after three days we can get the tablet.  I think that's fast enough for me.  They told me that they will either text or call my aunt to pick-up the tablet.  I went there on the third day even before they could send a message that it was ready for pick up.  My aunt gave me her authorization letter and ID for me to pick it up, and together with my own government issued ID, and of course the payment, I was able to get her tablet from Samsung Care.

6.  I went to Samsung Care SM North to get my Aunt's tablet  past their cut-off time but since I need it because my mom is leaving early the next day to give it to my Aunt, I still went inside and asked if they would consider giving me the tablet if it's done.  Since I was just a few minutes late, they accommodated me.  For me that was really a very good service.

7.  The initial person who took time to look if my Aunt's tablet was ready for pick-up did it with ease, they know where to look and they seemed to track everything.  It took such a short time for her to locate the tablet.  She answered my question and lead me to the right person who's in-charge of releasing the tablet.

8.  When I was handed the tablet, the customer representative didn't let me leave until I was able to log in, use the internet, and successfully downloaded an application.  They let me access their wifi connection and while waiting he was kind enough to talk to me and answer questions about tablet overheating, etc. It took awhile to download an app but the customer representative didn't act as if I'm wasting his time or anything.

Overall, the Samsung Service at SM North Edsa is impressive. I wouldn't have doubts leaving them my gadget if I have a Samsung.  Their customer service is more than what I had expected. Thanks.

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Renewal of NC/COC Requirements (TESDA)

If your National Certificate (NC) or Certificate of Competency (COC) is expiring, it's worth a visit to TESDA especially if you need such credentials in your current work or if you need it for whatever purpose.  Before going to TESDA for renewal of your NC or COC, make sure that you have the requirements so you save time, energy and money.  I got this list of requirements from TESDA Quezon City.  Please note that I don't work for TESDA. My NC Certificate is about to expire that's why I inquired for this.

Take note of the following when applying for your NC or COC renewal:

1.  Request Letter
It is a formal letter so care should be given when writing this one.  It is a good idea to explain here the reason for your intent to renew your NC or COC.

2.  Original NC/COC
Original, not a scanned copy or photocopy of your NC/COC.  If you somehow lost the original copy of your NC/COC but you have the scanned copy or photocopy of it then you should bring this along with an Addidavit of Loss for the said documents.

3.  Application Form
This form is given when you go to TESDA.

4.  Two (2) pieces passport size picture (white background, with collar)
They will not process your application unless your picture meets the above requirements.

5.  Certificate of Employment
This document will serve as an evidence that you are making use or have made use of your skills given the certification that you have.

6.  Renewal Fee (PhP 100.00)

7.  Visit TESDA
Make time to personally go to TESDA.

8.  If you're outside of the country and you can't personally go to TESDA to renew your NC or COC, you need to provide a Special Power of Attorney from where you're at to your representative.  I don't really know how this works but you can ask the Philippine Embassy or ask around how to do this in the country where you're at.

Note:  The above are subject to change without prior notice.