Damaged Mini2 DJI repair cost outrageous

[kantonburg]

I had a friend help me through this process and got the quote today. $300.11

My son crashed it and it broke the arm and gimble. So the two options are pay for the repair and keep SDK or get the Mini 4k (not Mini 4 pro) and lose SDK. I have Litichi, but he has an iPhone so it doesn't matter anyway.

It looks like the only difference is the 4k upgrade. I know the Mini 4k is basically a Mini 2 SE.

I don't want to move up a series since we already have batteries and accessories for his Mini 2 that would work for the Mini 4k.

Thanks everyone

 

[Cafguy]

Don't pay that!! Those gimbals are 75 bucks the arms around 25. and correct me if I am wrong but dont the mini 2 arms have snap ons instead of soldering? buy the parts and replace the damaged ones. Or just buy a new Mini 2 for around 250.

 

[GadgetGuy]

Is that legitimate repair quote from DJI?
Care to show us the quote break down?

Ask a supervisor to review the quote, as it seems way too high.
Be aware that DJI will not actually repair the drone.
They will just send you a brand new one, after paying the agreed upon repair cost.
DJI lists repair costs of various component replacements on their website.
Given the low cost of the entire drone, that quote seems ridiculous, unless it is an independent repair facility that actually does repairs, which you do not want.
Ask for a break on the cost of a refurbished replacement instead.

 

[kantonburg]

Is that legitimate repair quote from DJI?
Care to show us the quote break down?

Ask a supervisor to review the quote, as it seems way too high.

I did and their excuse was tariffs also. It took almost 3 weeks to get "parts" before I got my return lable.

Be aware that DJI will not actually repair the drone.
They will just send you a brand new one, after paying the agreed upon repair cost.

They're already shipping it back

DJI lists repair costs of various component replacements on their website.
Given the low cost of the entire drone, that quote seems ridiculous, unless it is an independent repair facility that actually does repairs, which you do not want.
Ask for a break on the cost of a refurbished replacement instead.

 

[kantonburg]

Don't pay that!! Those gimbals are 75 bucks the arms around 25. and correct me if I am wrong but dont the mini 2 arms have snap ons instead of soldering? buy the parts and replace the damaged ones. Or just buy a new Mini 2 for around 250.

I didn't. I've been looking for one from a reputable person. I actually got this one from a guy on Craigslist for $200 just over a year ago. If you see one please PM me or just post in the thread.

 

[4 inch pistons]

Wonder if that’s because of the tariffs. Mini 4K repair 2 times and not that much combined. 2 new refurbished units for less than $100 each before the tax

 

[kantonburg]

Wonder if that’s because of the tariffs. Mini 4K repair 2 times and not that much combined. 2 new refurbished units for less than $100 each before the tax

No way they're that much. The paused tariffs to China is 10% right now. Either way they're sending the broken one back. I'll see if I can fix it. This community is great and the help is fantastic.

 

[GadgetGuy]

View attachment 182651

I did and their excuse was tariffs also. It took almost 3 weeks to get "parts" before I got my return lable.

They're already shipping it back

You didn't answer the question, which explains everything!
This is clearly NOT a quote from DJI!
DJI doesn't need to wait for parts, as they will not repair the drone, after you pay THEIR reasonable estimate for repair. They'll send you a new refurb.
Send it to DJI for a REAL repair estimate!

 

[kantonburg]

You didn't answer the question, which explains everything!
This is clearly NOT a quote from DJI!
DJI doesn't need to wait for parts, as they will not repair the drone, after you pay THEIR reasonable estimate for repair. They'll send you a new refurb.
Send it to DJI for a REAL repair estimate!

It most certainly was sent to DJI. It didn't take 20 calendar days, but was a full 2 weeks. So are those really not from DJI?
As a matter of fact I just got off the phone with them. They called and confirmed I wanted it sent back un-repaired. I asked again why the repair cost was so much and tariffs were the answer for the 3rd time.

 

[GadgetGuy]

It most certainly was sent to DJI. It didn't take 20 calendar days, but was a full 2 weeks. So are those really not from DJI?
As a matter of fact I just got off the phone with them. They called and confirmed I wanted it sent back un-repaired. I asked again why the repair cost was so much and tariffs were the answer for the 3rd time.

View attachment 182670View attachment 182669

I stand corrected about it being from DJI, but that is only because you misconstrued the email contents as saying

"I did and their excuse was tariffs also. It took almost 3 weeks to get "parts" before I got my return lable."

Nowhere in DJI's email to you does it state that getting "parts" to repair your drone is the problem, because DJI does not require any parts to repair your drone because they do not repair it. They always replace it with a new refurbished done.

Instead, DJI states,

"We regret to inform you that due to material shortages, the repair, replacement, Express, and Flyaway services for certain models in the United States are anticipated to take approximately 20-40 calendar days."

The "material shortages" refers to DJI's inability to get new refurbished drones from China into the U.S. which applies equally to replacements, Express and Flyaway services under DJI Care Refresh, and to "repairs" that are actually sending you new refurbished drone replacements, after you pay for the repair bill. They apparently have no refurbished drones already inside the U.S. and they now need to come from China, tariffs and all, subject to additional holds at U.S. Customs.

DJI's inflating of repair costs because of tariffs that may be incurred when importing the new replacement drone into the U.S. sort of makes sense, but since they will never repair and use parts, it really isn't the parts that are at issue, and it certainly isn't due to a lack of parts needed for your "repair."

 

[GadgetGuy]

Heads up to anyone with a Care Refresh or warranty claim.
It may take a while!

"We regret to inform you that due to material shortages, the repair, replacement, Express, and Flyaway services for certain models in the United States are anticipated to take approximately 20-40 calendar days."

 

[kantonburg]

I stand corrected about it being from DJI, but that is only because you misconstrued the email contents as saying

"I did and their excuse was tariffs also. It took almost 3 weeks to get "parts" before I got my return lable."

Nowhere in DJI's email to you does it state that getting "parts" to repair your drone is the problem, because DJI does not require any parts to repair your drone because they do not repair it. They always replace it with a new refurbished done.

Instead, DJI states,

"We regret to inform you that due to material shortages, the repair, replacement, Express, and Flyaway services for certain models in the United States are anticipated to take approximately 20-40 calendar days."

The "material shortages" refers to DJI's inability to get new refurbished drones from China into the U.S. which applies equally to replacements, Express and Flyaway services under DJI Care Refresh, and to "repairs" that are actually sending you new refurbished drone replacements, after you pay for the repair bill. They apparently have no refurbished drones already inside the U.S. and they now need to come from China, tariffs and all, subject to additional holds at U.S. Customs.

DJI's inflating of repair costs because of tariffs that may be incurred when importing the new replacement drone into the U.S. sort of makes sense, but since they will never repair and use parts, it really isn't the parts that are at issue, and it certainly isn't due to a lack of parts needed for your "repair."

Sorry for the late reply. I've been out of town and thank you for your help.

I do have a question though. I'll most likely grab the Mini 4k for him since the current batteries and accessories work.

Is the Care Refresh for 2 years at $59 worth it? 4 replacements including 2 flyaway. Seems reasonable for $29 replacement no?

 

[GadgetGuy]

Sorry for the late reply. I've been out of town and thank you for your help.

I do have a question though. I'll most likely grab the Mini 4k for him since the current batteries and accessories work.

Is the Care Refresh for 2 years at $59 worth it? 4 replacements including 2 flyaway. Seems reasonable for $29 replacement no?

Yes, but just be aware of the new difficulty with getting replacements, as per DJI's email to you. The 20-40 calendar days for replacement is far greater than the usual 5-7 days, and could increase, or become completely unavailable, given the U.S. Customs holds and a potential complete ban of DJI aircraft sales by Congress. It adds a layer of uncertainty to DJI's ability to fulfill any replacements.
State Farm offers "drone insurance" everywhere in the U.S. except in CA for $70 a year as part of a personal articles policy, covering up to $2,000 worth of stuff which can include drones and cameras and otherwise uncovered stuff. Or, just self insure and buy used drone replacements, as needed, from those selling them.