vendor not delivering parts

[ibdmann]

I bought and paid for some parts on may 4th of last year from a vendor on this site. The amount is over 2 thousand. I've ordered parts from him in the past with no problem. I've sent him numerous emails(no reply) and actually talked to him several times. At this point i'd like him to just send the parts. How should I proceed from this point.
thanks

[XcYZ]

Since the vendor won't respond to your e-mails or other attempts to talk to them, who is it?

Lets get some resolution and find out if it's a supply side issue or something else.

[Stuart Adams]

Almost a year. That's crazy.

[69clark]

Yeah, no way I would wait a year for parts. I'd like to hear the other side of the story too.

[fesler]

As Scott said if you have a issue with a vendor and they wont help you out after phone calls and emails than this is your next step. Time to get both sides of the story to see what is going on. We are finding out that more and more companies are using other peoples money for other peoples parts and when its time to ship them they run into problems because they dont have the money to either buy or make the parts

[chr2002ca]

It's quite interesting to see the difference between the advice given by site admins and vendors on Lat-g versus what happened over on Pro-touring.com to the same thread. I agree with the posts here. If you've tried to politely contact that vendor via emails and phone calls and that simply hasn't helped at all, and that much time has elapsed, then yes, there needs to be a next step and it's great to see the recommendations offered up here. :thumbsup:

[elitecustombody]

It's quite interesting to see the difference between the advice given by site admins and vendors on Lat-g versus what happened over on Pro-touring.com to the same thread. I agree with the posts here. If you've tried to politely contact that vendor via emails and phone calls and that simply hasn't helped at all, and that much time has elapsed, then yes, there needs to be a next step and it's great to see the recommendations offered up here. :thumbsup:

I agree, it's not like someone is bashing the vendor, all we want to know who it is to avoid same hassle OP is dealing with.

[Sieg]

I like and respect the professional protocol displayed in this thread on what is a sensitive subject. Times are tough and businesses of all types are failing left and right, some have earned it, many have not. As enthusiasts being understanding and supportive of those in this niche industry is important for the industry as a whole in times like this. Hopefully this situation is equitably neutralized for all parties involved. :thumbsup:

[strtlegal]

I firmly believe that websites can really help somone with a vendor related issue especially when posted out in the open. In most cases I've scene the vendor jump right on and fix the issue. This shows good on the vendor as that company made it a priority to fix the issue.

It's not always bashing that vendor rather then getting better results.

I do understand that if not controlled everyone would be bashing someone about something and not getting the whole story..

[jy211]

I firmly believe that websites can really help somone with a vendor related issue especially when posted out in the open. In most cases I've scene the vendor jump right on and fix the issue...

x2 :thumbsup:

[69clark]

After reading that same thread on Pro-Touring.com, I might not be hanging out over there as much as I usually do. I can understand that threads like this need to be controlled or regulated but that is BS and I think the thread was even locked.

I have been a lurker for a long time on both sites and I don't post often, but this situation has turned me off from being a part of that site.

Again, there's two sides to every story, we just need to hear the other side. I think threads like this CAN be helpful. I just hope there is a resonabile explaination, especially since they are sponsors to both sites.

[War]

After reading that same thread on Pro-Touring.com, I might not be hanging out over there as much as I usually do. I can understand that threads like this need to be controlled or regulated but that is BS and I think the thread was even locked.

I have been a lurker for a long time on both sites and I don't post often, but this situation has turned me off from being a part of that site.

Again, there's two sides to every story, we just need to hear the other side. I think threads like this CAN be helpful. I just hope there is a resonabile explaination, especially since they are sponsors to both sites.

I agree 100%. I think Scott and the Mods on here do a great job.

[ironworks]

I think there are 3 sides to every story

[kennyd]

[QUOTE=69clark;334616]After reading that same thread on Pro-Touring.com, I might not be hanging out over there as much as I usually do. I can understand that threads like this need to be controlled or regulated but that is BS and I think the thread was even locked.


thats the same reason i dont go on that site at all !

[BBC69Camaro]

After reading that same thread on Pro-Touring.com, I might not be hanging out over there as much as I usually do. I can understand that threads like this need to be controlled or regulated but that is BS and I think the thread was even locked.

I was frankly shocked at how it was handled over at PT. Thought the OP posted an honest question and the thread was locked pretty fast.

[Tom.A]

I also am glad Scott gave this guy a chance. If (and I mean if) his story accurate then this thread is the best chance he has to get his issue resolved. There are several thousands members that quietly read and lurk here on this site to source parts from sponsors. I know I have and if I see these things it makes me think twice. However as already stated there are two sides of the story. I saw a recent thread on PT where a few guys piled on a well liked vendor. IIRC I saw thread that retracted and said sorry after the vendor reminded them their version. To the OP post the name and if it is a big vendor your answer will come.

[Fluid Power]

It's not like the OP came out swinging and naming names and only has 1 post under his belt. Oh well.

Darren

[ccracin]

I have been trying to spend more time over there, but to me it is too business like. That is why I like it here, even though this site still has sponsors it stills feels more relaxed. Families look out for each other and that's what I consider this community to be. Lets have a name and get this sorted out. :lateral:

[Roberts68]

I stand to gain a whole lot more from those who have been there, done that than if I make all the mistakes myself.

That is one of the reasons I am here. I met our host at CC2008 in St. Paul and was blown away by his car. I thought no way would I ever be doing some of those things, like owning the spindles that are waiting patiently in my back seat to for some other parts to be purchased... or installing brakes with 14" rotors such as the ones on their way here now.

I work too hard for my money to be frivolous with it and if somebody is worth noting and best taken with a stiff dose of caveat emptor then I really do need to know as much as the next guy.

I do think though that before 9 months passed by I might have driven to their front door for $2k... that is a pretty big pile of patience man, I don't think I have enough of the stuff to ration it that long.:mad:

Who's the vendor? Do tell.
Send them a PM with a link to the thread too.
:hail: :lateral:

[chr2002ca]

Right after Pro-Touring locked the thread I PM'd the moderator who locked it there and mentioned it didn't make sense to lock it like that. The initial poster did a fair job of asking "what should I do next" when his emails and phone calls to the vendor were getting him nowhere, and he was even still complimentary to the vendor and kept the vendor unnamed in his post. I thought the moderator was a little quick to squash some people's comments and respond with 'just keep calling' and then lock the thread. The moderator did quickly respond to my PM and mention that they might have made a mistake in locking it so quickly and that he was in discussions with other moderators about it. So he admitted to not handling it perfectly so I give him big credit for that. We all make mistakes(especially me). I do hope they unlock it though because the guy sounds like he could use a helping hand and every little bit helps. I've seen other threads just like it become very helpful to both parties and it doesn't have to turn into a vendor bashing scenario at all. If they don't unlock it and leave it as is, it'll definitely seem like somebody was being protected while other people were being silenced. That's just not cool, and it's not the first time I've seen a moderator on PT become heavy handed and lock a thread. Seeing that sort of stuff, I can definitely agree with others about wanting to NOT participate on that site in the future.

Way to go Scott for immediately stepping up and trying to assist and get some answers. :lateral:

[BBC69Camaro]

Ya Chris that is my main concern as well. Not that it should turn into a slugfest on a vendor but also like to not think someone would be left high and dry either.

Basically if I had a issue with a vendor it would be nice to think that others would help out try to see if the situation could be resolved. After all us car guys just to want to work on our cars.

[carbuff]

To the OP,

Not that this is going to make you feel much better, but just know that you are not the only person in this same boat. I don't know who your vendor is, but I have two vendors from the forums that have had much larger chunks of my money for multiple months now, in one case, since September of last year. And a third vendor that isn't a part of these forums who keeps breaking promises to me as well.

It's very frustrating... I don't particularly want to come out and bash anyone either, but I also think that people considering a purchase (in some cases, rather large purchases) should be aware that things don't always go smoothly or on schedules that are promised. I'm very aggravated at having to keep track of all the details of each of my orders and needing to chase down the vendors to make sure I get everything I'm owed...

At this point, I do expect that I will be getting everything that I've ordered. But I also expect more phone calls/emails along the way before I get it all. One vendor actually asked me today what I am still expecting from them. Hmm, at least half of the order that I placed and paid for back in December! I got the impression that they had no real method of tracking what has and has not shipped, and that didn't instill a lot of confidence in me... :(

I would be much happier if the vendors would communicate and just be honest about what's happening along the way. I'm much more tolerant of delays if I'm told what's happening via proactive communication rather than hearing excuses when I am having to initiate the conversations.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope this is resolved quickly for you...

[Shmoov69]

Good handling of this Scott, many kudos!
I've lurked here for YEARS but didnt register till just awhile back because well, I was satisfied "over there". But there has been several inconsistencies with the mods there that make me wonder if some really think that they are just that much smarter than the rest of the world. And I've even called a couple on it before.


But anyway, I still like it "over there", but I do like how it is more consistent here alot!

Good luck on the resolve....it may already be resolved since there has not been a response from the OP!:cheers:

[tones2SS]

Way to go Scott for immediately stepping up and trying to assist and get some answers. :lateral:

^^This. Way to go Scott.
Good luck to the OP. Hopefully he can get some answers here.

[Greg from Aus]

Hi guys, I also think it's great the way it has been handle here.

But as a side note, I contacted a manufacturer asking about some parts, I have an email from them telling me it would be 3-4 weeks delivery, I also have a forwarded email from the person I have ordered the parts through, and it states 6-8 weeks and allow the 8 weeks to Ur on the side of caution, the emails are for the same product, from the same manufacturer and the same representative from the manufacturer, 15 minutes apart.

It really does make it hard, when the same person is telling different stories.
I guess what I am trying to say is the person that is selling the parts, is only 1 link in the chain. but there is still no excuse for bad service.

Greg

[XcYZ]

We always try to do what we believe is fair for everyone as most times there are 3 sides to every story. Sometimes the decision made can be unpopular, that's just all part of it. I'm VERY fortunate to have Jody as my wingman. He's guided this community through our share of drama, and without his leadership, I know we couldn't have accomplished what we have. I think we have a great team of Mods. They are all just good people.

As far as removing posts like this, we try not to unless there's an "axe to grind" vibe. The whole revenge thing won't fly as this community doesn't exist as a tool to strike back at someone. When a new member joins and their very first post is simply a smear campaign, it's gone. I've seen ex-employees of companies join websites and pose as customers and smear them. If you can imagine it, it's been tried. Also, if the term lawyer or attorney is mentioned in a thread, or if I recieve an e-mail or PM with those words, that thread is done. lol

Most times, we let the both parties have their say/rebuttle, then close the thread so people can still read about it but the drama is contained to the people involved.

The positive feedback in this thread is great.




Back to the OP and back on-topic...




There simply has to be resolution to his problem.

IMO, the vendor in question needs to be let known to the community. The company should be given a chance to respond and to make things right. I believe this will produce several positive outcomes - the customer finally getting what they want and the company showing our community that they are stand-up.

Mistakes happen, but how it's dealt with that shows the true character. I hope this thread makes a difference. :thumbsup:

[clill]

My position as a moderator on other sites is if you want to accuse someone of something on a forum, do it with facts so you can back it up and we won't need to worry about lawsuits. Spell out what you bought, who you bought it from , when it was paid for etc. Email the vendor you are having a problem with a link to this thread and let them know that in 24 hours unless they contact you to resolve the issue you are going to post the info.....Or just post the info but stick to facts.

[Sieg]

I moderate on a Ducati owners group forum and have enjoyed observing how valuable forums are becoming to vendors for sales and members for information and resources since their inception. Ten years ago I never would have imagined I would develop some of the most meaningful face to face friendships in my lifetime on the internet in a forum environment.

Moderators are truly that and many times the issues become very uncomfortable and irrational. The issues would be much easier to resolve IF all the facts and documentation were on the table and ALL the players were face to face in a meeting. Obtaining all the details, thanks to the all to common "hiding behind the keyword syndrome" make fair resolution a very challenging task.

Thanks to the spirit and enthusiasm associated with most forum environments the honesty and respect factor is much higher than eBay for example. But facts are facts, there will always be people that take advantage of the situation. :mad:

Now if moderators were compensated similar to Congressmen it could really expedite the resolution process. :D

As noted before, hopefully this incident results in fair resolution.

To the mods and members - Thanks for a great forum that is proving to be an invaluable asset to one of my passions in life. :thumbsup:

[jy211]

Back to the OP and back on-topic...




There simply has to be resolution to his problem.

IMO, the vendor in question needs to be let known to the community.

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[awr68]

To the OP, if you paid with a CC have you contacted them? What's your options there?

Certainly this Vendor doesn't sell anything you can't get elsewhere...or have had custom made by now....

[fesler]

To the OP,

Not that this is going to make you feel much better, but just know that you are not the only person in this same boat. I don't know who your vendor is, but I have two vendors from the forums that have had much larger chunks of my money for multiple months now, in one case, since September of last year. And a third vendor that isn't a part of these forums who keeps breaking promises to me as well.

It's very frustrating... I don't particularly want to come out and bash anyone either, but I also think that people considering a purchase (in some cases, rather large purchases) should be aware that things don't always go smoothly or on schedules that are promised. I'm very aggravated at having to keep track of all the details of each of my orders and needing to chase down the vendors to make sure I get everything I'm owed...

At this point, I do expect that I will be getting everything that I've ordered. But I also expect more phone calls/emails along the way before I get it all. One vendor actually asked me today what I am still expecting from them. Hmm, at least half of the order that I placed and paid for back in December! I got the impression that they had no real method of tracking what has and has not shipped, and that didn't instill a lot of confidence in me... :(

I would be much happier if the vendors would communicate and just be honest about what's happening along the way. I'm much more tolerant of delays if I'm told what's happening via proactive communication rather than hearing excuses when I am having to initiate the conversations.

Anyway, good luck, and I hope this is resolved quickly for you...

I just want to point out something you said in this post to not defend anyone but shed some light on it for you guys. You stated that you called on your parts and they asked you what you were waiting for and as a Vendor that should not happen. We have three people that answer the phone all day and do the computer tracking but sometimes guys from the shop pick up the phone if its real busy and try and help out. They don’t understand our computer system so they can’t track anything and sometimes they will ask what are you waiting for and try and help you out. Every order we do is on the computer but not everyone that works for us can track it so just keep that in the back of your mind when asking about products. Now if this is what you get on every call that’s a different story.

Communication is key here and will always make the customer happier but at some point as a customer you need answers and if they won’t communicate then it’s time to post up here for help but start it in a professional way. Don’t blast anyone unless you have facts to back it because in the end it does more damage to everyone involved.

[onevoice]

Its actually pretty easy to see why the thread was locked, just look how quickly this one turned into a bash PT.com fest.

I have had problems with vendors before and it sucks, but it is very hard for a website to put themselves into the position of being an arbitrator. If they have the time great, but it sure isn't their job. I have seen plenty of bitchfests over the years, and the the customers are to blame in many, it isn't always just a bad vendor issue. People like piling on and controversy too much.

[214Chevy]

Its actually pretty easy to see why the thread was locked, just look how quickly this one turned into a bash PT.com fest.

I have had problems with vendors before and it sucks, but it is very hard for a website to put themselves into the position of being an arbitrator. If they have the time great, but it sure isn't their job. I have seen plenty of bitchfests over the years, and the the customers are to blame in many, it isn't always just a bad vendor issue. People like piling on and controversy too much.

I don't think this turned into a PT.com bashing. Others were simply stating how they think something was done unfairly over there with the locking of a thread too fast. Further, nobody said PT.com sucks or are a bunch of a$$holes or dumba$$es or anything disrespectful, negative or harmful about PT.com. Some were simply stating how they dislike it over there. One has the right to like or not like as they choose. There's nothing wrong with that. And, as stated how threads like this can help out, maybe a mod from PT.com is on here and read about how many were dissatisfied about how they handled a similar thread over there and will help PT.com in the future. But, I totally agree with you about people liking to pile on top of controversy.

[strtlegal]

Is it just me or is it kind of unffair when someone can post great things about a vendor but when an issue comes up it's looked down upon?

I think feedback is feedback.

[MarkM66]

I find it strange that the OP hasn't responded with the vendors name, or at all...:_paranoid

[hifi875]

me too^^^^

[214Chevy]

I find it strange that the OP hasn't responded with the vendors name, or at all...:_paranoid

me too^^^^

Even in my previous post, I was thinking the same thing. :_paranoid Just didn't mention it. But, I agree.

[Sieg]

I find it strange that the OP hasn't responded with the vendors name, or at all...:_paranoid
He's being polite not going public with the vendors name IMO.

The lack of response hopefully means resolution is taking place in an "executive session" which is in everyone's best interest, again IMO.

If someone is falling on hardtimes due to the economy, flaming them on a public forum is essentially rubbing salt in their wounds. No one wins.

Once the facts are clear I trust the mods on this site will take appropriate action to protect the Lat-G community.

[strtlegal]

This is a website full of adults and I doubt anyone wants to see anyone get flamed, which I highly doubt would happen anyways.

This thread is kind of like the guy needing help for us when he found out Barry Grant closed there doors. It was along the lines of "Hey guys, do you have any advice on what I should do or have any contact info over there" Not this company is a joke blah blah blah.

2k is alot of money to be tied up.

[Roberts68]

This is a website full of adults and I doubt anyone wants to see anyone get flamed, which I highly doubt would happen anyways.

This thread is kind of like the guy needing help for us when he found out Barry Grant closed there doors. It was along the lines of "Hey guys, do you have any advice on what I should do or have any contact info over there" Not this company is a joke blah blah blah.

2k is alot of money to be tied up.

Hey! I think that was me!!! I feel pretty famous now, no wait IN-famous like The IN-famous El-Guapo!!

ANYway, that was over on PT.com and I happily reported that they did their best customer service to the last day.

I have to disagree with you though, rant and flame threads are all too common on forums... maybe not as much here and thank the :bow: mod team for that if so.
I've seen it get to where people troll threads just to start BS and threads being locked is SOP. Really sucks for the newbie asking a legit question and leads to a very unfriendly place as Mod's get burned out on monitoring it. Let's hope that Lateral-G can avoid all of that drama.
:cheers:

[KSBRKTRACER]

Does not look like the op has been signed on since about the time of the original post. I do hope that this comes to a satisfactory resolution for him.
I for one would like to know the name of the company involved . I have limited resources and could not afford such a tie up of my resources and could have the potential to ruin plans for certain events etc if I was unable to get my car completed due to not recieving parts. Not only is there a huge inconvenience factor ..... It is just flat wrong not to send someone parts that are paid for and the no communication on the vendors part is absolutely unacceptable. And I do believe there is 3 sides to every story .... but 9 months does not look good for the vendor or the op for that fact.

Good Luck !

[Shmoov69]

Hey! I think that was me!!! I feel pretty famous now, no wait IN-famous like The IN-famous El-Guapo!!
:cheers:

Do you know what Nada is??
Would you say that there is a plethora of opinions on the issue?!
LoL!!:lol:

[ibdmann]

It's been taken care of. Got most of the parts yesterday. thanks

[XcYZ]

It's been taken care of. Got most of the parts yesterday. thanks

Very glad to hear that. :cheers:

[ibdmann]

This vendor has been more than fair. In hindsight perhaps I should have made more of an effort to contact him again. I've dealt with several of the vendors here and all have been great to deal with. This is still the vendor that will get most of my business. Did not have a chance to look at or respond to the post again because of work until now.

[Sieg]

Good deal. :thumbsup:

[awr68]

Great news! Hope you get the rest of your order real soon!! :thumbsup:

[ibdmann]

It appears this vendor was not getting my emails. I know the address was right because when I wanted to write him i'd respond to one of his old emails. I'm guessing he was not getting my emails because of his spam filter. when talking to him on the phone he seems honest and straightfoward. When my emails were 100 percent ignored, i thought he might be just stringing me along. The truth is I wanted my parts. Plan to order something from him in a few days. this is partly my fault for not asking him if he was getting my emails, i am sorry for that.

[nvr2fst]

Now it sounds like your blaming yourself. IMO it doesnt matter that the vendor wasnt getting your emails, you had the wrong email/number or whatever it was. In retrospect the vendor didnt take the time to contact you after all that time and thats still bad business. It still took your (OP's) original post to get the vendor in contact with you.

[DRJDVM's '69]

Wow thats a big turnaround in how you feel about the situation....

Personally I'd still be pissed off enough to take my business elsewhere in the future. Obviously we dont know the details, but I'm always very skeptical of the "I never got you emails" excuse.Its such an easy excuse and one that you cant prove one way or another.... Lets face it...most of us have used that type of excuse when we just didnt want to return that phone call or email. I would still have serious doubts.

So it had been almost a year.... then you start to raise some concerns on the internet...and then the parts show up right away....sounds pretty screwed up to me. Why did it take so long? Just because he didnt get your email? Thats BS.....how did the lack of email communication stop the parts from shipping?

I'm glad you got your parts.....but if I were you, I would take my business elsewere in the future

On the bigger picture....if after you send a couple of emails to a vendor or company and get no reply...PICK UP THE PHONE....... talk to a live person and keep track of who you spoke with and when. I know emails are easier, but nothing beats talking to live person at the company.

[69x22]

Wow thats a big turnaround in how you feel about the situation....

Personally I'd still be pissed off enough to take my business elsewhere in the future. Obviously we dont know the details, but I'm always very skeptical of the "I never got you emails" excuse.Its such an easy excuse and one that you cant prove one way or another.... Lets face it...most of us have used that type of excuse when we just didnt want to return that phone call or email. I would still have serious doubts.

So it had been almost a year.... then you start to raise some concerns on the internet...and then the parts show up right away....sounds pretty screwed up to me. Why did it take so long? Just because he didnt get your email? Thats BS.....how did the lack of email communication stop the parts from shipping?

I'm glad you got your parts.....but if I were you, I would take my business elsewere in the future

On the bigger picture....if after you send a couple of emails to a vendor or company and get no reply...PICK UP THE PHONE....... talk to a live person and keep track of who you spoke with and when. I know emails are easier, but nothing beats talking to live person at the company.


I've read about this on both forums, this is the best reply so far. 2K is alot of money...

[214Chevy]

Wow thats a big turnaround in how you feel about the situation....

Personally I'd still be pissed off enough to take my business elsewhere in the future. Obviously we dont know the details, but I'm always very skeptical of the "I never got you emails" excuse.Its such an easy excuse and one that you cant prove one way or another.... Lets face it...most of us have used that type of excuse when we just didnt want to return that phone call or email. I would still have serious doubts.

So it had been almost a year.... then you start to raise some concerns on the internet...and then the parts show up right away....sounds pretty screwed up to me. Why did it take so long? Just because he didnt get your email? Thats BS.....how did the lack of email communication stop the parts from shipping?

I'm glad you got your parts.....but if I were you, I would take my business elsewere in the future

On the bigger picture....if after you send a couple of emails to a vendor or company and get no reply...PICK UP THE PHONE....... talk to a live person and keep track of who you spoke with and when. I know emails are easier, but nothing beats talking to live person at the company.


Very well stated and in total agreement. Especially, how the parts just all of a sudden got shipped and "poof" received by the buyer. Look at it this way...say you loan a person $150 and he promises to pay you back in 30 days. Well, in 30 days, he doesn't pay you. Neither does he even contact you to say he cannot pay, nor make an attempt to pay you. You call him and he doesn't answer your calls, etc. Now, 60 days has passed and now 90 days and so on, you get the point, huh? Suddenly, you spread the word how such said guy is a deadbeat, no good of a friend who refuses to pay his debts. Once the words gets out, he then suddenly shows up and states how he hasn't gotten your phone calls. Then he pays you $100 of your $150 (which in this case isn't all of your money just like you didn't get all of your parts). Would you still loan this guy more money in the future? For me, I'll answer that....HELL NAW!!!!!

[dhutton]

Blaming a spam filter is in the same league as saying the dog ate my homework...

Don

[lhkustoms]

Blaming a spam filter is in the same league as saying the dog ate my homework...

Don

X2 I agree... I check my spam/junk mail folder at least once a day to ensure I dont miss anyones emails. Being a vendor myself I also think that this vendor should have initiated frequent contact to let the OP know the status. Atleast he got his parts :cheers:

[awr68]

Atleast he got his parts :cheers:

Kinda...............:rolleyes:

[Autokraft]

Kinda...............:rolleyes:

So he didn't get all his parts???

[nvr2fst]

Wow thats a big turnaround in how you feel about the situation....

Personally I'd still be pissed off enough to take my business elsewhere in the future. Obviously we dont know the details, but I'm always very skeptical of the "I never got you emails" excuse.Its such an easy excuse and one that you cant prove one way or another.... Lets face it...most of us have used that type of excuse when we just didnt want to return that phone call or email. I would still have serious doubts.

So it had been almost a year.... then you start to raise some concerns on the internet...and then the parts show up right away....sounds pretty screwed up to me. Why did it take so long? Just because he didnt get your email? Thats BS.....how did the lack of email communication stop the parts from shipping?

I'm glad you got your parts.....but if I were you, I would take my business elsewere in the future

On the bigger picture....if after you send a couple of emails to a vendor or company and get no reply...PICK UP THE PHONE....... talk to a live person and keep track of who you spoke with and when. I know emails are easier, but nothing beats talking to live person at the company.

Your statement is dead on Ned.
But it still doesnt resolve the issue for future patrons to buy from a vendor that doesnt get exposed to the forums for bad dealings. They, the vendor IMO are "hidden behind the curtains" for it to posssibly happen to more down the line. Im not going to ask who the vendor was and I highly doubt it will be exposed but I would hate to approach a vendor with a buyer beware attitude everytime I need something. If the vendor had any decency, they would come forward themselves and admit they have had issues with products shipped/communication, economy, etc. and what they plan to do to resolve the issues in the near future. I would bet most would be understanding and lend a helping hand towards resolution. But if they intend to hide behind the curtain, or use the "email" dog hate my homework excuse, screw them!
Word spreads quick and sooner or later this community will know and his business would be hindered by his own hand.

[moparnut]

Problems with vendors happen more than most think. I have been building cars for 20 years and still cannot believe the lack of ethics from companies. I have vendors promise parts all the time, but of course they are always late or even wrong. Then I have to work 80 hours a week, once I get parts, so the customer can get their car on time.

Last week I called 4 places wanting a price on some parts, telling them I was ready to buy parts THAT DAY-$4000 worth. I had only one vendor call me back-so I ordered with him right then. When the others called me days later, I told them I wasn't waiting all week for them!

Customer service is pretty much dead nowadays. I think the bigger companies just do NOT care because someone else will spend money with them.

[awr68]

So he didn't get all his parts???

He said he got most of his parts...so I would say he's still owed parts that were paid for last May.

[elitecustombody]

Your statement is dead on Ned.
But it still doesnt resolve the issue for future patrons to buy from a vendor that doesnt get exposed to the forums for bad dealings. They, the vendor IMO are "hidden behind the curtains" for it to posssibly happen to more down the line. Im not going to ask who the vendor was and I highly doubt it will be exposed but I would hate to approach a vendor with a buyer beware attitude everytime I need something. If the vendor had any decency, they would come forward themselves and admit they have had issues with products shipped/communication, economy, etc. and what they plan to do to resolve the issues in the near future. I would bet most would be understanding and lend a helping hand towards resolution. But if they intend to hide behind the curtain, or use the "email" dog hate my homework excuse, screw them!
Word spreads quick and sooner or later this community will know and his business would be hindered by his own hand.



I totally agree, that's why I PM'd OP trying to find out who the vendor is, but he decided not to tell who it is.I guess more people will have to deal with same BS:rolleyes:

[DriverzInc]

Sounds like a good thing ended up coming out of all of this, the guy finally got in touch with the vendor, and that the guy is getting, or received his parts. :lateral:

[novanutcase]

As I posted on PT...

"The way I see it....

OP paid vendor for part. His job is done.

Vendor had order in hand with delivery date

Once that date passed VENDOR has the responsibility of contacting customer to let him know that parts will be late. That is my definition of proper customer service.

WHY does the customer need to be doing the customer servicing that the vendor should be doing?

We all get busy in our workdays but if you wait 8 MONTHS to deliver a part without communicating with your customer, regardless of whether your customer tried to contact you or not, you deserve to be bashed...

JMO

Vendor rating system is sorely needed not only on this site but ANY site that has vendors that support them. Mr.V is right on track.....

Again, JMO....."

John

[Southrod]

Sounds like a good thing ended up coming out of all of this, the guy finally got in touch with the vendor, and that the guy is getting, or received his parts. :lateral:

PITY I CANT RECIEVE MY PARTS JON.?

[ErikLS2]

Given the type of excuses heard from the vendor, I suspect a recent experience I had was with the same vendor (obvoiusly, can't be sure). I ordered, from one of his dealers and a site sponsor, a Rick's fuel tank mid Sept 2010 that I didn't need right away but was on sale. I waited a couple months, called the vendor and was told "Rick's is just waiting on a couple parts from a supplier and it will ship out". I waited a few more weeks and got suspicious so I called Rick's myself. He looked me up and didn't have any record of an order being placed in my name and this is now late December. He told me he would get it right out, I told him no rush, he told me he'd have it for me after the first of the year and a couple weeks into Jan it shows up.

[KSBRKTRACER]

This is the problem I see with all of this.....at least for me. I am getting ready to buy some parts and I planned on buying from vendors who support this sight ....... Now ......Not knowing who this vendors was...... all vendors on this sight may lose out on my business ....... I cannot afford to buy the parts I need for my car twice .... I plan on having one of my cars at DragWeek this year, I have requested vacation for that specific time and cant afford to not have my car done ...... I'm 48 years old and I'm tired of being a spectator ...... So I may be forced to rethink who I will buy my parts from .......I hope you can see my dilema ....
I for one am for a rating system .....!!! Thanks for letting me put my .02 in on the subject . And I'm glad is working out for the OP

[speedshftr]

what a mess.i learned a while ago it doesnt pay to bring your vender problems to the board.i had bought a part and it came damaged.the vendor sent another and the same thing.after that he decided not to sell me another citing shipping problems.i posted on the board and bam i was the bad guy.:rolleyes:
so when i ordered my glass and it came wrong i had to send it back and after a month i still had nothing.i finally got ahold of vendor thrue pm and he got my glass out.
next up was my wheels was told 4 weeks.ten weeks later still no wheels and i paid in full upon ordering.

i didnt post anything about it cause the board seems to jump negativley on someone if they have a complaint.

the best ever vender to me is belairbobs.he is great with prices shipping and keeping you informed.

the op is doing our community a huge disservice by not naming vendor.my bet is vendor gave extra parts or money back for keeping it on the low down

[awr68]

This is the problem I see with all of this.....at least for me. I am getting ready to buy some parts and I planned on buying from vendors who support this sight ....... Now ......Not knowing who this vendors was...... all vendors on this sight may lose out on my business ....... I cannot afford to buy the parts I need for my car twice .... I plan on having one of my cars at DragWeek this year, I have requested vacation for that specific time and cant afford to not have my car done ...... I'm 48 years old and I'm tired of being a spectator ...... So I may be forced to rethink who I will buy my parts from .......I hope you can see my dilema ....
I for one am for a rating system .....!!! Thanks for letting me put my .02 in on the subject . And I'm glad is working out for the OP

Tommy, all I can say is I've had excellent service with Mike @ Muscle Rodz.

[dhutton]

Tommy, all I can say is I've had excellent service with Mike @ Muscle Rodz.

X2. Mike is a great guy to deal with.

Don

[KSBRKTRACER]

X2. Mike is a great guy to deal with.

Don

Tommy, all I can say is I've had excellent service with Mike @ Muscle Rodz.

For what it is worth ....... I called Mike about some of the parts I need today after my Post . He will be getting my business and the other thing is he is fairly close to me and I can go and pick up needed items in person.
Thanks for the recomendation guys ...... Mike seemed very helpful on the phone .

Sorry for the thread hi-jack

[fleetus macmullitz]

For what it is worth ....... I called Mike about some of the parts I need today after my Post . He will be getting my business and the other thing is he is fairly close to me and I can go and pick up needed items in person.
Thanks for the recomendation guys ...... Mike seemed very helpful on the phone .

Sorry for the thread hi-jack

Nice to see some more good coming out of this.

I plan to contact a number of people on this site that are using the parts I want, and see if they'll give me some feedback on their dealings with the vendor and also how well the parts are working.

[Stuart Adams]

This is the problem I see with all of this.....at least for me. I am getting ready to buy some parts and I planned on buying from vendors who support this sight ....... Now ......Not knowing who this vendors was...... all vendors on this sight may lose out on my business ....... I cannot afford to buy the parts I need for my car twice .... I plan on having one of my cars at DragWeek this year, I have requested vacation for that specific time and cant afford to not have my car done ...... I'm 48 years old and I'm tired of being a spectator ...... So I may be forced to rethink who I will buy my parts from .......I hope you can see my dilema ....
I for one am for a rating system .....!!! Thanks for letting me put my .02 in on the subject . And I'm glad is working out for the OP

Call DSE, its a no brainer. No BS there.

[nvr2fst]

Call DSE, its a no brainer. No BS there.

Agreed Stuart, I have never heard, not even a peep, about bad dealings with DSE:thumbsup:


For those of you that posted just recently on some of your mishaps. Heres another to add to the list; Ordered an AME front clip for one of my camaros couple years back through a vendor. At the time it was one of those group deals. Time past and past (you get the picture) so I figured maybe I might be able to change something since it may not be in production. Contacted Kevin at AME to discuss some mandral bends and he mentions he has no record of my order or orders from the vendor. Go to find out the vendor was waiting on more individuals for the group buy and the order was not filled up yet. AME was no way to blame and Kevin told me personally how long it takes once they recieve docs. or approved drawings/specs from customer. I give them a thumbs up also.
In brief, which I mentioned it elsewhere I would rather deal with the manufacturers themselves on getting my parts. No second party BS unless your totally comfortable with that vendor on past dealings.

[Stuart Adams]

This BS has been going on way too long. I'm hoping that this discussion will put an end to the posibility of getting burned real bad by a person between the vendor and customer.

Just call the vendor, explain your project, etc. I'll bet they will work directly with you and get you good prices and be able to provide one on one service.

I have seen people get burned real bad in the construction business. Contractors paying bills with your money for the project before yours and so on. Never ends well.

Don't do it. Hope you guys are all doing well.

[DOOM]

Frank at GP/Prodigy will help you he's a great guy to deal with . Just about everything for my car has been purchased from this site with not one bit of trouble.

[Beegs]

I have seen people get burned real bad in the construction business. Contractors paying bills with your money for the project before yours and so on. Never ends well.



Ponzi

[ModernMuseum]

Problems with vendors happen more than most think. I have been building cars for 20 years and still cannot believe the lack of ethics from companies. I have vendors promise parts all the time, but of course they are always late or even wrong. Then I have to work 80 hours a week, once I get parts, so the customer can get their car on time.

Last week I called 4 places wanting a price on some parts, telling them I was ready to buy parts THAT DAY-$4000 worth. I had only one vendor call me back-so I ordered with him right then. When the others called me days later, I told them I wasn't waiting all week for them!

Customer service is pretty much dead nowadays. I think the bigger companies just do NOT care because someone else will spend money with them.

This may be true, except in the case of one large company, and that is Detroit Speed. I've never seen better customer service than what this company offers. Never.

[Tiger]

Since the vendor won't respond to your e-mails or other attempts to talk to them, who is it?

Lets get some resolution and find out if it's a supply side issue or something else.

Scott
I dont post much nor have I read all eight pages but I have to say that this response made me proud to be a member of this community.
Thats a guy backing up his boyz!
reg André

[DRJDVM's '69]

DSE is fantastic.... But you can't buy everything throughout them.... Especially if you aren't building a camaro or nova

[JKnight]

This may be true, except in the case of one large company, and that is Detroit Speed. I've never seen better customer service than what this company offers. Never.

This is very true. I placed an order online for a left side shock plate because I was going from non-staggered to staggered. I got a call from a sales rep the next day verifying that I meant to only order one shock plate. I confirmed that I did, but was really impressed by the fact that someone was looking over the orders, thinking about them critically, then taking the initiative to make a confirmation call. That kind of service (not to mention quality of parts) makes their prices seem downright justified.

[68elcamino]

Scott,
Great job of handling the original post. This site rules.

[Van B]

This is very true. I placed an order online for a left side shock plate because I was going from non-staggered to staggered. I got a call from a sales rep the next day verifying that I meant to only order one shock plate. I confirmed that I did, but was really impressed by the fact that someone was looking over the orders, thinking about them critically, then taking the initiative to make a confirmation call. That kind of service (not to mention quality of parts) makes their prices seem downright justified.

Same thing when I placed an online order for one balljoint. I had maybe 200 miles on the car when I noticed that one of the boots had separated. They called to make sure I only wanted one. DSE is first class!

[John510]

I feel your pain dude. Im on week 29 waiting for Asanti to cut me some wheels.

Please tell us which vendor though and help some of us out before we order

[moparnut]

I feel your pain dude. Im on week 29 waiting for Asanti to cut me some wheels.

Please tell us which vendor though and help some of us out before we order

I don't think he can as the other thread like this got locked. I think vendors & manufacturers don't care how hard we peons work for our money! I waited on brakes for 6 months, and when I got them they were WRONG! I finally had to seal with the manufacturer (Wilwood) who took great care of me. Buying and getting parts has been harder than building the car itself! I think with the success of Pro Touring car builds, vendors wanna take the money and run!

[killer67]

X2. Mike is a great guy to deal with.

Don

X 3 :thumbsup:

[Steve1968LS2]

Is it just me or is it kind of unffair when someone can post great things about a vendor but when an issue comes up it's looked down upon?

I think feedback is feedback.

I think it's because it's very easy to damage a business unfairly with a post.. For instance I could post you're a great guy and that our business went smoothly.. Of I could say I sent you money for a tire and I never got it.

Both are lies but the negative one is far more destructive than the positive one. Did that make any sense? lol

So when a site is used to lodge a complaint it can be said that the function of posting the complaint is an attempt to use the site to force the company to bend to the posters demands (whether fair or not). That drags the site into the business between the two parties. Some sites are more "ok" with that than others.

I'm in a unique position of being a mod on both here and pt.com .. Both sites take these things pretty seriously and both have LONG threads in the mod section discussing them.

Personally, I'm believe that if the facts are laid out in an non-emotional way then the thread should stay open. BUT, if it starts to become a "dog pile" then what's the point in that. One reason the PT thread was close was because the OP didn't seem to want to disclose the vendor. Without knowing that all the posts were speculation. And to honest, if you don't know the vendor involved then what good is the thread?

It's a very hard area to be "fair" in.. but if a company is messing with its customers then people have a right to know.

Ok, lets all go have some cake now.. :yum:

[Steve1968LS2]

This vendor has been more than fair. In hindsight perhaps I should have made more of an effort to contact him again. I've dealt with several of the vendors here and all have been great to deal with. This is still the vendor that will get most of my business. Did not have a chance to look at or respond to the post again because of work until now.

See.. this is why these threads can sometimes be problematic.. A big dog pile and then the OP TALKS with the vendor and it all gets worked out.

I would be that 90% of the time it all comes down to communication. Sure there are bad companies out there but most want to stay in business and that means at least trying to have happy customers. Especially in this close knit hobby.

And to the OP.. glad you got your parts and sorry it took so long.

[novanutcase]

I think it's because it's very easy to damage a business unfairly with a post.. For instance I could post you're a great guy and that our business went smoothly.. Of I could say I sent you money for a tire and I never got it.

Both are lies but the negative one is far more destructive than the positive one. Did that make any sense? lol

So when a site is used to lodge a complaint it can be said that the function of posting the complaint is an attempt to use the site to force the company to bend to the posters demands (whether fair or not). That drags the site into the business between the two parties. Some sites are more "ok" with that than others.

I'm in a unique position of being a mod on both here and pt.com .. Both sites take these things pretty seriously and both have LONG threads in the mod section discussing them.

Personally, I'm believe that if the facts are laid out in an non-emotional way then the thread should stay open. BUT, if it starts to become a "dog pile" then what's the point in that. One reason the PT thread was close was because the OP didn't seem to want to disclose the vendor. Without knowing that all the posts were speculation. And to honest, if you don't know the vendor involved then what good is the thread?

It's a very hard area to be "fair" in.. but if a company is messing with its customers then people have a right to know.

Ok, lets all go have some cake now.. :yum:

I agree with you that it is a very sticky subject for any site to have members posting negative info on any one vendor and that it is very subjective in terms of the facts but....from the time I've been on these boards it seems like when a post like that does get put up the issue seems to get taken care of in a fairly quick timeframe. Maybe that's why many use the board as a place to try and get some sort of dialog moving between vendor and customer as they've experienced the same thing that I have.

In Ibdmann's case it was apparent that he could have done more follow up before posting but at the very least the issue, as a whole, got taken care of and he posted his shortcomings in dealing with the issue.

I think that as long as us members remember that along with the negative posts they also have a responsibility to post the good things that come out of any transaction starting these kinds of threads will be productive until there is a better system to handle these types of disputes.

JMO

John

[Blake Foster]

I don't think he can as the other thread like this got locked. I think vendors & manufacturers don't care how hard we peons work for our money! I waited on brakes for 6 months, and when I got them they were WRONG! I finally had to seal with the manufacturer (Wilwood) who took great care of me. Buying and getting parts has been harder than building the car itself! I think with the success of Pro Touring car builds, vendors wanna take the money and run!

I think You are 100% off Base.. for MOST Vendors and Manufacturers.. MOST

If the guy sitting in the puffy chair doesn't care then no one at that company will care..... with this invention we all call the internet i think you can see how Important it is to CARE!!! Every order is Important.

I can speak to both sides of this discussion and I can tell you being the customer is WAYYY easire than being the supplier/manufacturer. you are trying to handle the build of one car with one engine one set of brakes etc.
now try doing 20 or more at the same time????
now i am not bitching just trying to shed a little light thats all

We order parts all day long, these are parts we use everyday. We try to have them JIT "just in time" well guess what, that doesn't always work, if our vendor gets a big contract or their vendor is out of stock on something guess what happens. there can be 5-10 guys in line that all have to do their part 100% perfectly for you to get your wheels in 6 weeks??
the raw aluminum, the foundry, the forger, the shipping companies, the machinist, the powdwecoater, the hoop manufacturer, the nut and bolt guy. the chromer, the box supplier, the guy who bolts the wheels together, the accounting department........... you get where this is going, and if one of those guys screws up guess who doesn't get their stuff.
especially with the economy the way it is EVERYONE is lean on product.

I don't think you have seen to many Vendors Take the money and RUN!!

[Stuart Adams]

I think You are 100% off Base.. for MOST Vendors and Manufacturers.. MOST

If the guy sitting in the puffy chair doesn't care then no one at that company will care..... with this invention we all call the internet i think you can see how Important it is to CARE!!! Every order is Important.

I can speak to both sides of this discussion and I can tell you being the customer is WAYYY easire than being the supplier/manufacturer. you are trying to handle the build of one car with one engine one set of brakes etc.
now try doing 20 or more at the same time????
now i am not bitching just trying to shed a little light thats all

We order parts all day long, these are parts we use everyday. We try to have them JIT "just in time" well guess what, that doesn't always work, if our vendor gets a big contract or their vendor is out of stock on something guess what happens. there can be 5-10 guys in line that all have to do their part 100% perfectly for you to get your wheels in 6 weeks??
the raw aluminum, the foundry, the forger, the shipping companies, the machinist, the powdwecoater, the hoop manufacturer, the nut and bolt guy. the chromer, the box supplier, the guy who bolts the wheels together, the accounting department........... you get where this is going, and if one of those guys screws up guess who doesn't get their stuff.
especially with the economy the way it is EVERYONE is lean on product.

I don't think you have seen to many Vendors Take the money and RUN!!

Vendors/Manufacturers probably would not take the money and run, they would not be in business long, but a middle person gathering the money for customers and vendors/ manufactureres may.

[Vegas69]

That's one huge advantage of the internet, once a vendor is called out, they have NO choice but to wake up and smell the coffee and deliver and/or defend their actions. There is no doubt that the parts aquisition is a huge pain in the aise in the goal of building a good car. As customers, we always want things tomorrow. We spent our money and most of us are addicted to the hobby. It's like an alcoholic that is promised a beer at 5 PM on Friday but the town is dry until the following Friday. :lol: There are two trains of thought. We are lucky to have the options and aftermarket support. The second thought is it's no excuse for poor performance and false promises. Unfortunately, the auto business is littered with over promising and under delivering. I learned a long time ago, if someone tells you a week, make it two. You get the drift.

Then you throw paint jail and restoration and maintenence into this equation. :willy: That's why you see 10,000 projects and about 500 cars on the road around here.