Getting ripped off by thieves and vendors (Sometimes at the same time)

[Doug1]

The last year has been unbelievable as far as losing money to vendors who don't come through. I lost 2 classic cars to theives who apparently had them crushed. One was supposed to be painting a numbers matching car for me. He got into drugs and had every car at his shop towed to the crusher for drug money. Warrants have been issued for his arrest so he'll be going to jail. The other car is not even of interest to the police. My brother had it stored at his shop and he reported it stolen. The police told him they would let him know if it showed up on the crushed car list after the fact. You'd think they would send the list to salavage yards showing the stolen cars VIN.

Now I am having problems getting a refund from a well known pro-touring vendor who shall remain anonymous, though infamous. I've spent a lot of money with them and EVERY order took much longer than it should have. Several times I spoke with the manufactures only to find out an order had not been placed and it was months after the fact.

Now I can't even get a refund for stuff I ordred LAST MARCH. I've been promised a refund in a bunch of emails, even had one where they issued a USPS tracking number but never mailed it. So I am out almost $4000 and they have been using my money for close to a year now. That is about ridiculous. In fact, I'd go so far as to say it was "UNFAIR".

[214Chevy]

Sorry to hear about the crushed car bro. I had a local painter several years ago get into drugs when I first bought my Chevelle and let me tell you...it was a messed up situation. I'm still out of $3000 from nearly 10 years ago that I know I'll never get back. I hope the lost money works out for you so you can at least get another project going.

[elitecustombody]

Doug , that is just sad and truly "UNFAIR".I wish you all the best to recover your money and find the stolen cars.

[takid455]

I understand the rob Peter to Pay Paul. Frankly, I don't understand why the middle man cant place the order when funds are presented. That way the funds are out of hand and they cant be used for something else.

Middle Guy - I have a GP on said product for a savings
Customer - buy one for me with this $$
Middle guy - Calls and places order

If customer changes mind or wants some one off thing and actual cost surpasses estimated cost, renegotiation needs to occur and or issue refund. Same goes for GP Stores that buy bulk and cant fulfill bulk quantities...refund $$ or renegotiate cost based on a lower quantity.

Never saw why this seems complicated to some. And yes, I have been the middle guy on numerous occasions.

[camcojb]

This is the reason why we've had to remove vendors in the past. It's too bad that it still occurs with some vendors, was hoping by now that things may have changed for them.

It can be difficult at times being the dealer between a customer and the manufacturer, did that for many years. The manufacturer will tell you an item is in stock, or will be shipped on a certain date, so you tell your customer that. When something happens and the part doesn't ship on time or is lost in transit you get the blame.

On the other hand, taking money for an order and then not ordering that part for weeks or months because you need the money to pay other bills is completely wrong and criminal as far as I'm concerned. Being self-employed for 25 years I see how it happens, but that does not make it right. And it's becoming too prevalent in the car parts industry.

I have a good friend who runs a warehouse for a motorcycle/jet ski/snowmobile parts warehouse. They are very large and very profitable. And they treat their customers like gold. I mentioned to him that his boss (who was looking for other write-offs and investments) should start an automotive side to his business, probably in the pro-touring side which is really growing. I think there's a market for a large vendor with good pricing, excellent customer service, who actually does what he is supposed to all the time.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by takid455

Frankly, I don't understand why the middle man cant place the order when funds are presented. That way the funds are out of hand and they cant be used for something else.

he should do that. The reason he doesn't is because he's been using the money for the current orders to pay for and order past paid orders that are now screaming for their parts. That or pay his rent, payroll, etc. It's a vicious cycle and if it's going on for a long period like this appears to be then he is not making money. He would eventually be able to catch up if he was profitable, but apparently is not.

If something doesn't change then a business like this will leave a ton of people screwed when they finally close their doors. It sucks, and I hate it when it happens to our community. In many cases building these cars takes months and years of savings to get your dream car built, and some dishonest or struggling dealer could take your money and end your dream.

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by ratman67

you should out the vendor to protect other members from falling into the same trap

There's enough hints in his posts to know who it is. They are not a vendor here anymore.

[scherp69]

Originally Posted by ratman67

you should out the vendor to protect other members from falling into the same trap

There are several strong hints that have been made that say who the vendor is.

[Matt@BOS]

Originally Posted by ratman67

you should out the vendor to protect other members from falling into the same trap

Not sure that would be too productive at this point. The company in question is no longer a vendor on this site. Besides, I think more than a few hints have been dropped...

Matt

[rjsjea]

This is the main reason I generally buy from the "walmarts" of the aftermarket industry anymore, Summit or Jegs.

Or pay more and buy direct from the manufacturer.

Hope this works out for ya, surprised he's still selling parts