How old is this message.

I have been using CamSoft for many years and I didn't even know they
had a trial version. I called and they said they don't offer this.

I think this message is just talking about their CAD/CAM system trial
package. I have used their CNC Controllers in several systems for
customers of mine.

I know they have a educational teaching package for students on their
CNC Controllers, but does any one know where do you get a trial package
for the CAD/CAM system?

Jim C.


Laine Boekelman wrote:
In November of last year I tried the Trial Version of Camsofts AS3000
cam software. The charge for the trial version was $95, which I
thought
wasn't bad to try out the features of the software for a limitted
time.
However, I didn't get a chance to try out the features, because I
couldn't even get it to process a job on my Gateway P5-60 computer.
I've included in this posting the letter I sent to the company
requesting that my credit card be creditted back the $95 and their
response, which denied a refund and among other things claimed that
of
7,000 units shipped, mine was the only computer it didn't run on, and
that it was "better to find out now".
I was just curious if anyone else has had trouble running the AS3000
trial version.







From: kitty mail
To:
Subject: AS3000 Trial Version Refund
Date: Wednesday, January 14, 1998 10:21 AM

Sir,
On Friday November 20th, 1997, I received AS3000 trial version
software, which I had ordered through the Camsoft web page. For
the $95
I authorized to be charged on my Visa card, the page promised a
"Fully Functional Version" of the AS3000 software. Upon installing
the
software and starting the program, I found that the software would
not function properly on my computer. I am very familiar with
computers, and tried all of the troubleshooting tips in the AS3000
manual, and spent many hours trying to get the software to
run, but to no avail. The program would produce an error and exit
whenever I would attempt to process any job.

On the following Monday, your representative Gary made what I
presume
was a follow-up call, and talked to my wife, Sharon. Sharon
informed Gary
of my problems and frustrations and that I had the software
packaged and
ready to
return. But Gary suggested that I contact Camsoft's Technical
Support,
and that it was not necessary to return the software and manual.

I spent nearly an hour on the phone with the Technical Support
person, after which the program still wouldn't run. He informed me
that
"the problem must be with your (my) computer, because it runs ok
for me."

I have worked on and with computers for many years, and I know
that a
program may run well on 99 models of computers, and not run on the
100th.
That's what I felt when I originally boxed it up to ship it back
to you.

The issue shouldnot be whether there's something "wrong" with my
computer, or
that there's something "wrong" with the software. SOME programs
simply
don't run on SOME computers. It's as simple as that.

I was very unhappy to see a $95 charge on my last Visa bill, since
Camsoft
representatives had been informed that the software does not and
never
has
functioned properly on my computer.

I want to stress that "Non-Refundable"refers to a "Fully
Functional" version of AS3000. I did not receive such a product.

A telephone call to a Camsoft representative today refused a
refund,
and offered only to send me the next version of the product and
"give it
a try".
Frankly I have found another CAM product, and no longer have a need
for a

trial version of AS3000.

But the issue remains, Camsoft has charged me for product that
doesn't work for me. That is why I am again asking that you credit
my
Visa account for the $95 charge.

I would happily pay to return the manual and software to you, if
you
so desire.

Please contact me with your resolution.

Laine Boekelman

----------

Dear Laine,

We understand what your saying, however. This is the reason we have a
"TRY
BEFORE YOU BUY" package to offer like this is to provide a potenial
customer a low risk chance to rent our products before they make an a
expensive purchase. You will have to agree that its better to find
out
now.

You can see that it cost CamSoft far more than $95 to send you,
manuals,
12 disks or CD rom. The time you spent with Ruben and our other tech
support people cost us more than $95 alone. Even though you only
barely
used the manuals, we can not recycle them, nor the disk or CD ROM.
It's
burnt in with a serial number unique to you.

Of course we suggested that you contact Camsoft's Technical Support,
your
problem can be solved.

A couple of facts to keep in mind a

This is Not a software problem. Its your computer, or its
configuration.

The invoice clearly states the trial package is non-refundable.

You do have a fully functional version!

We have shipper over 7,000 packages and your the only one that has
not
been
able to solve this problem. Very odd.

If you rented or consigned any piece of equipment over a certain term
period and you claimed it didn't work for you while you had it, am
sure
most companies would be saying the same things we are.

We are counting on the fact you will succeed. The bottom line is no
one
wins if you don't become a customer. Its a risk for us and also for
you.
The only resolution we can offer is to upgrade your package to our
latest
version and hopefully you will see some different error messages to
assist
you in figuring out whats wrong with your computer.