Not real sure of what is going on with CPE and Costco or Sam's but it appears that they
might be dissolving their mutual business relationship (my impression - not a fact). What is interesting is that
SuperGen Products is now a distributor of factory certified refurbished CPE inverter generators. They are currently offering the yellow 73531i through both their new brick and mortar store in NY and on
ebay. All of the info about the newest venture is at the bottom of the ebay page.
I talked with Fran (the manager at the brick and mortar store) Monday and was told that the refurbished units have a new software program for the control module that improves operation in the econ mode and is much smoother overall than the original software. Fran told me that they would reprogram any existing 2000i modules from older units for $20 if the customer paid shipping both ways. I do not have a 2000i module with this new software yet but I have sent him a module and will be giving one a test in the next few weeks. Fran commented that he previously spent some time at CPE's California facility doing service and repair on virtually all of their products so he should know what he is doing. He told me that he does not currently work for CPE and the new store is an independent facility.
I am personally pleased to see a full service and parts store on the east coast that offers CPE products - both refurbished and new. The big box stores couldn't offer any service or tech support.
It will be interesting to see how this new outlet for CPE products performs. I have talked with the owners previously and tested a couple of their products. They seem to be a very determined and knowledgeable group dedicated to making their business successful.
