Am I the only one waiting for a call back from Lateral Dynamics??

[Mean 69]

I'd like to apologize publicly to my existing customers (I already have in private) and express my sincere thanks for the supprt from them at the same time. As I noted a bit earlier in this thread, things have gotten extremely complex for me personally, and given the size of my company (very small), it has definitely had a negative impact on an already non-ideal situation. However, we are still in business, we still intend completely to support our existing customers (first), and explore options with future customers (second). There are a lot of comments made in this thread that 100% accurate, and painful at the same time. I knew going into this deal that there would be things that would have to take a second seat to those things that are critical, and while it might appear to folks on the outside that I chose the wrong things to let slip, I will defend my position by stating that the most important thing to me, integrity, hasn't been something I have compromised. While it is not fun to read that customer service for LD sucks, which I'd agree with currently, I am pleased to point out that no one has written, ever (to the best of my knowledge) and said that the product is no good, or that I made false accusations about the amount of effort that is required to install, or that I tried to "sell" the product to a potential customer that it might not be right for. Most importantly, you won't read that LD took someone's money, and then never delivered, I simply would never do that. You don't pay, until the last bit of your kit has a UPS label on it, ready to go out the door. You can call me a lot of things, but you can't call me a crook, which is not the case with a lot of start up businesses, especially in this industry.

Small business is really, really tough. I have a saying that people that get into starting their own business do so, because they have no clue what's involved in doing so: if they did, they wouldn't have done it. Not so for everyone, but more so than not. Want to learn a bit about yourself? Join the military, or start a small business from scratch (done both, by the way). There are a lot of things that I am personally as it pertains to this whole deal, and there are a lot of things that I am not. I feel that I am reasonably intelligent, I have an enormous passion for fast cars and have tried hard to do all that I can to seperate the fact from fiction as it pertains to suspension. I am honest, as the day is long, trusting, and I am generous, in some demonstrated cases to a fault. I am not a jerk, I hope that I am not viewed as a know-it-all, I know a lot but have a ton to learn, from everyone. I am not a "salesman," nor will I ever be. I'm not afraid to call "BS" when I see it, especially if the "BS" is intended to take advantage of others, which in this industry usually translates to seperating innocent folks from their hard earned money.

At this point, one wouldn't probably choose to do business with Lateral Dynamics unless they felt the product capability meets their "needs" (no one really needs anything sold in the performance marketplace, let's make that clear, it's all about "want"). Our clients generally fall into two categories, and we respect and love both segments. One is the upper end of the bad boy showcase market, they want performance, exclusivity, terrifc looks and downright bragging rights, and as it pertains to the rear suspension, bring it if you feel you can do better than LD. The other segment is composed of those that care about performance above all else, including the need to cut the car up to install. These folks are typically interested in ultra-high performance street, open track, and open road racing, and care as much about the ability to tune and adjust as they do about the "look," more so actually, as well as wanting the best performance potential they can get their hands on. They research all of the options, and care greatly about the engineering attributes of a product. Our rear 3-Link kit is uniquely postured to serve both segments.

You probably wouldn't do business if you want someone on the phone to tell you how cool you'll be if you buy the setup. You won't see LD popping into an internet thread with "Well, let me tell you, we can get you a GREAT deal on this setup, and all of customers just love the thing, just give us a call and we'll set you up!!!" We don't do "Pre-orders," if you aren't ready to deliver a product, don't take deposits as far as I am concerned. As has been stated here, it might take us a while to get back to you with an answer to a question, but we will give you an answer, and it'll be accurate, and fair. This aspect of the business will improve, right now, that's where we're at, honest. Best way to get us is through e-mail currently.

I realize that this disclosure will probably cost us some potential customers, and while that is not ideal, the alternative of setting false expectations, from the attributes of the product, to the expected support you'll receive is not something I wish to mislead folks about. I will emphasize though, we aren't going anywhere, and we also have new things in the works. Lots of new things.

Thanks to all, and the very best of this New Year, may it be better than the last.

Regards,
Mark

[tyoneal]

Originally Posted by Mean 69

I'd like to apologize publicly to my existing customers (I already have in private) and express my sincere thanks for the supprt from them at the same time. As I noted a bit earlier in this thread, things have gotten extremely complex for me personally, and given the size of my company (very small), it has definitely had a negative impact on an already non-ideal situation. However, we are still in business, we still intend completely to support our existing customers (first), and explore options with future customers (second). There are a lot of comments made in this thread that 100% accurate, and painful at the same time. I knew going into this deal that there would be things that would have to take a second seat to those things that are critical, and while it might appear to folks on the outside that I chose the wrong things to let slip, I will defend my position by stating that the most important thing to me, integrity, hasn't been something I have compromised. While it is not fun to read that customer service for LD sucks, which I'd agree with currently, I am pleased to point out that no one has written, ever (to the best of my knowledge) and said that the product is no good, or that I made false accusations about the amount of effort that is required to install, or that I tried to "sell" the product to a potential customer that it might not be right for. Most importantly, you won't read that LD took someone's money, and then never delivered, I simply would never do that. You don't pay, until the last bit of your kit has a UPS label on it, ready to go out the door. You can call me a lot of things, but you can't call me a crook, which is not the case with a lot of start up businesses, especially in this industry.

Small business is really, really tough. I have a saying that people that get into starting their own business do so, because they have no clue what's involved in doing so: if they did, they wouldn't have done it. Not so for everyone, but more so than not. Want to learn a bit about yourself? Join the military, or start a small business from scratch (done both, by the way). There are a lot of things that I am personally as it pertains to this whole deal, and there are a lot of things that I am not. I feel that I am reasonably intelligent, I have an enormous passion for fast cars and have tried hard to do all that I can to seperate the fact from fiction as it pertains to suspension. I am honest, as the day is long, trusting, and I am generous, in some demonstrated cases to a fault. I am not a jerk, I hope that I am not viewed as a know-it-all, I know a lot but have a ton to learn, from everyone. I am not a "salesman," nor will I ever be. I'm not afraid to call "BS" when I see it, especially if the "BS" is intended to take advantage of others, which in this industry usually translates to seperating innocent folks from their hard earned money.

At this point, one wouldn't probably choose to do business with Lateral Dynamics unless they felt the product capability meets their "needs" (no one really needs anything sold in the performance marketplace, let's make that clear, it's all about "want"). Our clients generally fall into two categories, and we respect and love both segments. One is the upper end of the bad boy showcase market, they want performance, exclusivity, terrifc looks and downright bragging rights, and as it pertains to the rear suspension, bring it if you feel you can do better than LD. The other segment is composed of those that care about performance above all else, including the need to cut the car up to install. These folks are typically interested in ultra-high performance street, open track, and open road racing, and care as much about the ability to tune and adjust as they do about the "look," more so actually, as well as wanting the best performance potential they can get their hands on. They research all of the options, and care greatly about the engineering attributes of a product. Our rear 3-Link kit is uniquely postured to serve both segments.

You probably wouldn't do business if you want someone on the phone to tell you how cool you'll be if you buy the setup. You won't see LD popping into an internet thread with "Well, let me tell you, we can get you a GREAT deal on this setup, and all of customers just love the thing, just give us a call and we'll set you up!!!" We don't do "Pre-orders," if you aren't ready to deliver a product, don't take deposits as far as I am concerned. As has been stated here, it might take us a while to get back to you with an answer to a question, but we will give you an answer, and it'll be accurate, and fair. This aspect of the business will improve, right now, that's where we're at, honest. Best way to get us is through e-mail currently.

I realize that this disclosure will probably cost us some potential customers, and while that is not ideal, the alternative of setting false expectations, from the attributes of the product, to the expected support you'll receive is not something I wish to mislead folks about. I will emphasize though, we aren't going anywhere, and we also have new things in the works. Lots of new things.

Thanks to all, and the very best of this New Year, may it be better than the last.

Regards,
Mark

============================================

Mark:

It is great hearing from you again. Just wanted to let you know Lateral-1 and Myself are getting along fine, and having a blast. I know it's like juggling 10 balls at a time getting a business going through the first few stages of it's growth as everything is a large change.

I am aware of some of the things you are working on, and I'm certain that they will prove to be very viable products like your 3-link is.

Hang in there and I look forward to hearing from you again soon.

Ty

[lowboy]

I agree w/everything in Mark's post 110% which is why I would and hopefully will do business w/him again. In my original post, I was pissed. I thought LD was done, gone, finished w/out so much as a goodbye and suggestions as to where I could go if I needed replacement parts (spacers, bellcrank, etc.). The last time we (Mark and I) talked, he was working on front suspension and things were "going well". Then it seemed as if LD fell off the map. I'm glad they haven't and, quite frankly, relieved. I'll work on my patience, and Mark, you work on my front suspension..

[Mkelcy]

Mark: your post above only reinforces my confidence in - and satisfaction with - my decision to go with the Lateral Dynamics 3 link in my '68. It's hard to accept criticism, harder still to recognize what your core values are when you have to choose. It seems to me you did both extremely well.

[TT LS2]

I would have to agree with Mark. His reply does nothing to show that he is less than a Stand-up guy. I have waited and did two years of research on a rear suspension set-up. All ideas and conclusions come back to Lateral Dynamics. Never once have I heard ANYBODY bad-mouth his product or talk bad about his person or character. Some of his customers are a bit frustrated with the situation, but they still hold firm that his product is superior. I just hope things get better for him and his company so that I may purchase a rear system from him in a timely manner...summer will be here real soon...i'm ready to roll!!!!

[lowboy]

TT LS2, did you receive pictures of 3-link installed. I was kind of in a hurry when I took them. If you need more, or any particular shot, let me know and I will get them too you as soon as I can.

[TT LS2]

Originally Posted by lowboy

TT LS2, did you receive pictures of 3-link installed. I was kind of in a hurry when I took them. If you need more, or any particular shot, let me know and I will get them too you as soon as I can.

Yes I did recieve...THANKS A BUNCH!
Any chance of getting some under vehicle shots? Have you decided on how to do the rear seats yet? I have a ton mor ?'s...i'll pm you or contact you through regular e-mail. Thanks again...