u/archstantonmachine

Long time Fi customer here-- I've been paying $99/yr since 2020, first for a Fi 2 series, which worked fine, albeit I needed to use a third party collar attachment. We bought this Fi Mini as an "upgrade" earlier this year at Costco, but within 5 months the silicone band has torn.

I first spent about 20 minutes with the chatbot on tryfi.com, before it ultimately told me that it's unable to do anything.

I contacted Fi customer service by phone about replacing the band, and after some emali exchanges, they responded:

   Thank you for reaching out. I'm sorry to hear about the damage to your
   Fi Mini. After taking a closer look, we found that the type of damage
   reported is unfortunately not covered under warranty.

   For 1-year and 2-year prepaid Members:
   You have two exclusive options to choose from - please let us know
   which option works best.
    1. Replace your Fi Mini for $99. Your current membership will continue
       uninterrupted.
    2. Receive a Fi Mini for free by renewing your membership term early.
       Your new term will begin once your current one ends - you don't
       lose any of the membership coverage you've already paid for.

Has anyone else had issues replacing their Fi band?

This is utterly ABSURD to me that they're trying to charge me $99 to replace the Fi band. The band cost what, 50 cents to make?

What the heck is going on here?