I am no longer part of this GB because Beaming unilaterally decided to drop me despite my objections. This is really disappointing to me since I have been an avid fan of KIRA design and have been looking forward to the perfect trio of KIRAs since I've been fortunate to be selected in all three KIRA60, KIRA EXS and KIRA80 raffles.
I wanted to share what happend since I believe there is relevant info for the participants of this GB.
This unpleasant experience started right before the flurry of invoices were sent out.
Beaming contacted me via PM asking
"Given that you've previously requested for a partial refund during one of our buys and the history of the whole KIRA60 thing. Are you completely ok with possible small defects that do turn up on the boards? Please let me know as soon as possible."
I replied back asking to clarify what he means and that there is no need to worry unless there will be serious defects like those turned up on my KIRA60.
Subsequently, Beaming sent this message
"I am Caleb. For the KIRA60 we did not receive other complaints. I think for the sake of all of us, can I suggest that you do not join the GB?"
I replied with my objection and asked to put the non-sense behind and move forward.
Few days later I discovered that I'm no longer on the list.
I also briefly looked into Beaming's claim that there was no other complaint.
Without going into detail, it was pretty easy to find a fed up participant in his past GB. That person (reputable guy in the local keyboarding commnunity) told me his complaints were simply ignored and that drove him crazy.
Here is the defects on my KIRA60 for your reference so you know that I did not make frivolous claims.
Dents:
https://i.imgur.com/XT5BrVi.jpgAno defects:
https://i.imgur.com/k3BA9QD.jpg https://i.imgur.com/oGLh1Tl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/GR00mpp.jpg https://i.imgur.com/sMxaLuh.jpg https://i.imgur.com/BFDJrzT.jpgHere is the full message exchange.
Received:
https://i.imgur.com/yegJmqO.jpgSent:
https://i.imgur.com/syazX6w.jpgTake this post with a grain of salt since it represents one person's experience.
Based on my first person experience though--having received a defective product, having dealt punitive response for reporting a legit defect claim--I no longer have confidence that I will receive quality product or good GB experience from Beaming.
So, despite the disappointment of getting abruptly dropped and giving up the dream of the perfect KIRA trio, I'm actually little relieved.
I shared what's going on with some acquaintances who happened to be participants in this GB, and they asked how to deal with the risks knowing what happened to me and that other fed up guy.
I asked around and the best tip I got was to ask the GB runner to specify the quality standards and servicing policy. I would encourage the remaining participants to ask Beaming to clarify what constitutes defects--surely you are not "completely ok with possible small defects that do turn up on the boards" if they mean dents and ano defects. Ask Beaming to confirm that he will answer inquiries regarding defects and provide servicing to them.
Lastly, I'll be selling my defective KIRA60 and sell my spot on KIRA EXS, so if you are interested, pls PM me.