I am very disappointed that FitBit is knowingly mailing out replacement bands that they know will not last. I was just online with a rep who acknowledged that there are known issues with the original bands that Altas come with. She issued me a replacement one (this is my second replacement in < 10 months of having the alta) because I was within the 1 year warranty. But what happens when my band breaks again (because they are knowingly problematic and it is inevitable it will break - and quickly) after my year of warranty. Then I have to keep buying bands over and over again.
So my question is, why don't they offer customers the option of getting another cheap band for free (and risking it'll not break like it did the first time) or offering a credit amounting to the cost of the plastic band, to be used towards one of the leather or metal bands which ideally last longer? I would much rather spend the money up front now to buy a more sturdy band than have to go through the hassle over and over again of warranty or buying new bands every 5 months. If you want to offer good customer service, be up front about the fact that you know it's an issue and give customers a chance.
Otherwise, I think it's irresponsible and deceptive that they offer such "great customer service" by replacing these really cheap items for customers, but knowing they are going to break anyway. They know if someone is using their fitbit that much that they are probably addicted and wll probably do anything to keep it. So of course they will keep buying faulty bands and the company keeps making money. Kind of like blade and cartridge except only FitBit knows that is their true business model but the customer just thinks because they were so great the first time, they want to keep supporting them.
Next time my new plastic band breaks, I'll consider a whole other device that is more sturdy now. My investent in FitBit is a sunk cost that I don't want to sink anything else into!
