<VV> Let the Buyer Beware!

[corvairs]

Richard - Specifically which vendor are you referring to "West of the 
Mississippi"? Has this vendor still not refunded your money - What was 
the vendor's side of the story. Certainly no part anyone sells is 
"bulletproof" and beyond an occassional defect.  In our case, at least, 
the "normal" methods of bench-bleeding can sometimes lead to false 
assumptions. Was there any other reason you would think that the master 
cylinder was defective? Did you give the vendor an opportunity to 
replace the part or just send everything back for a refund? Most vendors 
have an exchange policy on defective merchandise, but not a refund 
policy? Which was the case?
I'm sure you agree that when you make an accusation of "crimnal" and you 
don't name the vendor and don't explain the situation totally then 
problems can ensue. Lon

www.corvairunderground.com


Richard Tyson wrote:

>I could use some advice on what is undoubtedly a touchy subject.  In the 25
>years that I have owned my '65 Monza I have contributed many thousands of
>dollars to our parts vendors, with probably 95%+ going to that big vendor east
>of the Mississippi.  With a very small number of exceptions my dealings have
>been fair and equitable, this particular vendor even credited me for a couple
>of unused parts that were hidden in a corner of my basement for two years.
>This Spring I suggested to my wife that a great birthday gift would be a new
>dual master cylinder kit for the Corvair and recommended that she order from a
>different vendor (west of the Mississippi).  My logic was that I should
>support as many vendors as possible to help sustain this car hobby that we are
>so fascinated with.  When the master cylinder arrived, I carefully followed
>the directions for bench bleeding.  I am far from an expert when it comes to
>the mechanical but being careful and following instructions usually gets me
>by.  After three days and many attempts, I was unable to get fluid to flow
>from either port.  Some may remember that I sought help from Virtual Vairs and
>your responses confirmed that I was following the correct procedure.  The
>master cylinder was never installed in my vehicle.
>
>I contacted the vendor with my problem and was told that these units were
>"bullet-proof" and that they had never seen a defective one.  If only I had
>five dollars for every time I have been told that!  After I told them that
>this particular part was tied closely to my personal safety and the safety of
>my future passengers, they reluctantly agreed to have me send the master
>cylinder back.  Later, I also packaged the lines, instructions, etc., all at
>my expense, and returned them.  I assumed (seems to always cause a problem)
>that a credit for the purchase price would be issued to my credit card
>account.  Several months later I finally remembered to check my monthly
>statements and to my surprise there was no credit from the vendor.  I
>immediately sent an e-mail hinting that it may have been a simple oversight,
>but no credit and no response were forthcoming.  Finally, I sent a certified
>letter to the owner along with all the documentation and requested a refund.
>Once again, no response and no refund.
>
>Maybe I'm old school or just too old but this action strikes me as criminal.
>Since the purchase was more than two months old, the credit card company will
>not assist.  I'm not sure if others have had similar experiences but I would
>be very interested in receiving feedback or advice.  I'm not sure how any
>business can survive employing this type of customer "service."  Needless to
>say, all future orders will be placed with the vendor that has treated me as a
>valued customer.
>
>I would be more than happy to discuss this further on- or off-line.
>
>Rick T
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