Dealings with So-Cal

[Hot Rod Ron]

So how have your dealings with So-Cal gone both in store or mail order? I have my resons for asking that will be posted after I see some of your answers.

[Harrison]

I've bought some front suspension parts a few shirts. Each transaction was fine.

JH

[Germ]

I just call them and they send me whatever for 40 percent off,, it's part of the FAME, for whatever I do not know,,, maybe the written word or the occasional funny video.......
I like them

[FrameDragger]

Never had a problem with any of their stuff...

M-

[C9]

Good stuff, good service . . . except for two parts that were supposed to work together didn't.

Namely, their F1 style shock mount and front shocks.
The upper bushing was a total mismatch and 4 phone calls over a period of several weeks failed to rectify the problem.
One particular guy was supposed to call back, but didn't.
I had to call each time.

Finally gave up and made up my own bushing setup.

I'd still buy from SoCal, but probably stand alone items if that makes sense. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[LIMEY]

going back a couple of years i e-mailed several times about some parts i required with no reply, anyway while at Bakersfield outside the Double Tree i met Erik Chaputa who introduced me to Pete Chapouris. While in conversation with him i asked if they ever replied to cusomer e-mails......
needless to say he was pissed. we planned to visit So-Cal
the following week & was given a guided tour, the parts i required were out of stock but forwarded on to me & to my surprise i was only charged half their value!
Good experience in the end & i'm happy!

[roadstar]

I have had nothing but good dealings with them. Teh Arizona store in paticular. I ordered a CE drilled and Chromed axle and the chrome on it was better than I ever could have imagined. The were friendly and helpfull too.

[GreggAz]

deal with Az and Ca stores, never had a problem with either, know the guys at the az store, and they usually stand by their products... so ron, what was your problem?
and who did you deal with?

[BELLM]

Have dealt with the Spring, Texas store no problems. Lotsa cool shit there.

[Tman]

Dealt with the main local. Always had decent service. Not great but decent. I ordered some parts during inventory/Xmas and my order got screwed up. My suggestion to SOCAL, do inventory in Oct/Nov to alleviate future problems. I will order from them again.

[Killer]

Got the chrome hairpin/batwing kit and the passenger side batwing was machined wrong. Had a new one waiting at the front desk. Picked it up 15min. after the phone call...

Told us we can bring the bad one back after mock up. When's the last time a company gave you a replacement part on your word that it was bad????

Why the suspense? Just tell us what's on your mind.

[FLAT-TOP BOB]

real nice people in the colorado store. they treated me great!

[ric]

Buying at shows and mail order has been fine. No problems. I would use them again without hesitation.

[DrJ]

I'm savng up till I can afford one of their "So-Cal" label Dust Pans...

[Rocky]

I'm eating peanut butter sammiches to save for one of their dropped and drilled, magnesium, high-speed roach clips...

[Tim]

hmmmmm

dropped and drilled, magnesium, high-speed roach clips

lol

[fab32]

Bought a complete rear suspension w/9", a steering stabilizer, etc. No problems and the steering stabilizer came from the west coast to Michigan in less than 22 hours. The prices are not cheap but the quality seems good. I've bought Pete and Jakes products from the time they first went into business and have always been satisfied.

Frank

[Hot Rod Ron]

Well guys here is the story of what happened and has not happened as of yet. Yesterday which was monday I ordered a steering dampner and lower front shock mounts through the shop I work. Talk to Dave at So-Cal ( i do not have the catalog in front of me to put a face with the name) and said no problem with the parts that I needed. paid for them with a credit card and he said that they would ship out still on monday, and be to me on Tuesday. Well today I get my box from them and open it only to find newspaper and my invoice with NO PARTS. So I call and talk to dave who tells me " that this is not my problem and you need to call UPS to file a claim with them" So I said you mean to tell me that its my problem that the parts are not in there and I need to call UPS. He tells me that's right and says that there budget is too tight and will not send the parts again unless I buy them again and offers no help what so ever at all. So here I am with no parts, a 155.06 bill, and UPS coming to my shop to inspect a box that has no visable damage to it other than a tape seem that is broken at the bottom. I am so pissed that I can't see straight and I am going to try and get ahold of Mr. Pete Chaporis myself and tell him the story. Its amazing to me that We the guys in the trenches building cars by oursleves call what we think is a good place to buy parts and this is the serivce we get. Does So-Cal forget who put them at the top of hot rod food chain in the first place. I now feel that So-Cal is in the business of making money and not building cars. Their catalog says that they pride themselves on customer serive and fast prompt shipping. So here I sit getting what I feel is really bad customer service. So-Cal is in phoenix which is only a 1 hour drive for me. This is not like I am asking for the world just my parts, by friday. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif

[55olds88]

Ron,
While they may not be giving you the best customer service, they are acting the right way, I work in freight forwarding and no shipper is going to just off the bat send replacement stock for something lost or in your case pillaged in transit, I know it don't help you but its pretty standard practice. good luck with UPS.
If So-Cal package like a whole lot of companys in the US the parts were in the bottom of the box (box way too big for the goods) and the bottom of the box had one strip of tape on it, then the packaging on top and lots of tape closing the top of the ctn, seems strange that packing dudes seem to think damage only comes from above...... oh and its also real easy for things to slip out the bottom when packed as above.

[Tman]

So what the fuck do we do? Call SOCAL! This has no place here.

[Hot Rod Ron]

Tman I ASKED FOR ADVICE NOT TO READ YOU BEING A SMART ASS. I stll think its unfair that I am told that I need to call UPS and handle their inability to pack correctly, so my parts end up on the trailer floor of UPS.

[Tman]

I can be a smart ass here, but I have found that good communication is the real way to soulve isseus like this. Fron what you said, I think you went in with guns blazing.

[Hot Rod Ron]

Tman I try to be really upfront and perfectly honest with who ever I deal with. This guy at So-cal has choosen not to help me with a problem that would have never happened if he did his job correctly since he said that he packed the box himself. My post was not about ranting and raving about the issue, but how you the fellow HAMBER's feel about what has happened. I feel that if he sent me the parts again and if the first ones really show up than he would get them back by me shipping them to him at my cost so he would not be out. I work and run a shop and that's how I take care of my customers. I get them handled at what ever cost because its real easy to loose a pissed off customer that talks crap than it is to loose a happy customer. I kind of run our shop as Craftsmen tools warrenty policy.

[thirtytwo]

just for future referance i would just buy the shock mount from p&j and the steering dampner from the v-dub store and buy the 2.00 sticker from so-cal to put on the 10.00 dampner

[Hot Rod Ron]

Thirtytwo that is what I am abut ready todo since this has all happened.

To all HAMBer's that responded to this post thanks for the input and let's hope this gets resoved. Its late so I am going to bed. Talk to you all in the AM. work calls early.

[Tman]

Ron, there are so many facets i n dealing with any company. I know now what you say.

[Roadsters.com]

When you have a problem with someone at the counter, you talk to their boss.

When you call SO-CAL Arizona back, ask to talk to Frank.

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

[Deyomatic]

While I don't know Ron very well, I've hung out with him on a few occasions and he certainly doesn't strike me as the "Guns A Blazin'" type.

[F1James]

I purchased 2 vent glasses over the phone adout a year ago.Thay were cheper than i could get cut local for one of my F-1s.Fast & frendly.Were I you and paid by card i would refuse that charge.

[metalshapes]

[ QUOTE ]
While I don't know Ron very well, I've hung out with him on a few occasions and he certainly doesn't strike me as the "Guns A Blazin'" type.


[/ QUOTE ]

Deyo, you are right, he is not.
It seems to me that whoever he talked to at So-Cal made a poor desicion Businesswise, and they have lost a loyal customer because of that...

[Killer]

What's the weight on the UPS sticker?

[Hot Rod Ron]

Roadster.com thanks for the info and I will call this morning and talk to Frank.

The weight on the box says 5 lbs. It feels more like 1 1/2. The box measures out at 9 1/2 x 23 x 9 1/2. all this box and paper for two small parts.

[modernbeat]

Yep, 5 pounds shipped - 1.5 arrived - looks like pilfering.

My advice, immediately take care of the project and order the parts you need. Then, file the claim, then call the credit card and deny the original payment - let the CC know ALL the facts so it doesn't look like you're double dipping.

FWIW before I had a local So-Cal to shop at, I placed a huge-for-me order from them and received 95% of it on time. The last few pieces took about a month to come in. They kept me abreast of the backorder. I tried to piece out the order and purchase all the parts closer to the sources in order to get better prices. No luck. If I purchased everything as cheap as possible I only saved about $60 on an $800 order and that was lost through the multiple packages shipped. Very few of the parts are grossly marked up. They DO stifle competition by purchasing exclusive rights to parts.

So-Cal DOES ship their parts in highly visable boxes emblazoned with their logo. They also used branded tape to close the box. This attracts a lot of attention to the box, but at the same time allows you to show that the box was open when it arrived.

[DrJ]

I think it's UPS' call and responsibility.
They accepted the package as being what it said it was, so that's what they are responsible for delivering.
If they won't cover it tell them that from this day till you die you will make the deliverer stand there while you open and inventory every package you receive.
Of course, the claims adjuster may just say that's what you are supposed to do anyway... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[Hot Rod Ron]

I tried to cancel the payment with my card but the processing of the money had already started. they said they would put a contesteing of the payment with it. The box has no markings as to who it is from and no special tape. The box was sealed with one strip on the bottom and that seal was broken on one side. I think the stuff was packed at the bottom and fell out somewhere in the UPS line. Point is, they should send me the parts again and if they really do show up I would more than glad to send thme back, correctly packed and even pay the shipping back to them. I am getting ready to call now and talk to who Roadster.com said to talk to. Keep youy all posted.

[Hot Rod Ron]

I somewhat agree with you DrJ but So-cal is providing me and my customer a service by selling the parts. Now they tell me its my problem that the parts are lost and I have todo all the leg work to get my parts. I am not asking for the world just my parts by friday

[Harrison]

So-Cal didn't loose your damn parts. UPS did.

Maybe So-Cal could have packed them better but it was UPS's responsibility to get them to you safely.

You should have a case of the red ass at UPS but I don't think you should be pissed if So-Cal isn't jumping up & down to ship you another box of parts - unpaid for.

JH

[345window]

I bought stuff out in Calf two years ago, no problems. My kid got me a Gift cert for Xmas and they sent it already expired. It's hard to redeem, guess I'mm keepin it for wall art. They do a great job at the LA Roadsters Open House.

[Hot Rod Ron]

Well ............... Just got of the phone with So-Cal. Dave would not let me talked to Frank who roadster.com said I should talked to. Dave tells me that he personally packed the box and he rarely has a problem with lost parts. Dave tells me that once the box leaves their store that its not their responsibility and that UPS signed for it and therefore its their baby. So doens that mean when I have a product problem I should call UPS. All he could do for me was resell the parts again and when UPS finishes their inpection and determines if they will cover it or not then and only then will my account be settled if UPS cuts a check. Now part of me says well ok I guess I can do this. And then I think about who packed the box its no me, not UPS its So-Cal. If the box was correctly taped up then parts would not be losted. So now I have to decide if I am willing to literly gamble another 155.06. I am thinking not and going to by the lower shock mounts form someone else and make the steering dampner myself. Sure glad I do not run my business this way. I guess this the farm team for growing the next generation on Enron board of directors. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

[williebill]

A couple of observations about UPS after dealing with them at work for 25 years.They fuck up a LOT of packages.Had a freight truck delivery once,and noticed a huge pile of knocked down cardboard boxes in the truck.I asked the driver who in the hell was getting that,he told me UPS.Said they go through a shitload of cardboard all the time,for REPACKAGING stuff that falls apart or they tear up.I told the driver that it was kind of ironic that a freight line would deliver to UPS,but the shipment was obviously too big for UPS.Then he told me that whenever he made a delivery,he always heard shit crashing off of the UPS conveyer belts,and hitting the floor..All the time..Lost a bunch of trim once sent in a bigass PVC tube by Big M out of California.End of tube completely busted off,tube empty.UPS told me that all the leftover unmarked shit goes to some huge warehouse in,I think,Utah.So if you get plain brown boxes instead of logo boxes,it's a UPS repackage....My little .02 worth

[Hot Rod Ron]

Finally some results. Talked to my credit card company again and told them everything that has been said here and gave the whole story. Turns out that since my card is platnum they would refund the account right away and told me that I was no longer needing to worry that they will go after So-Cal themselevs and that I should not half to deal with such bad service. Thanks to the card compnay all is cool in my world and So-Cal will never get any business from me ever again. Thanks to you the HAMBers for all your comments. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[InjectorTim]

So-Cal is good people, expensive people, but good people.

[ELpolacko]

Ron, this truly is a UPS problem. I am on the same side of the fence as SoCal here and I have had the same problems you described. It took some calming and soothing speaking from me to steady the nerves of the customer and a few phone calls with UPS. The representitive at UPS gave me an extention to give to my customer to resolve the issue.

As a shipper I cannot initiate a claim with UPS only as a recipient. Those are the rules, forutuately I have had very good success with UPS on recieving claims and promptly I might add.

UPS Claims FAQ (http://www.ups.com/content/us/en/resources/service/tracking/claims.html)

If the package was insured your reimbursment will be very easy. All packages are insured up to $100 automaticaly.

[FoMoCo_MoFo]

those guys that sort the boxxes at UPS are theives. All the sunglass companies (Oakley, Arnette etc) had to take their names off the boxxes and return lables so they wouldnt steal the stuff...

[FrameDragger]

345Window, You should try to get them to accept the gift certificate. California State law says Paid-for Gift Certificates can't expire...

[CherryBlossom]

In my opinion, being that you can't 100% say who's fault it is, I think that so-cal AND UPS should BOTH work together to make the customer happy. First off, if its UPS's fault, SO-CAL should be pissed that the company that they contract out to deliver their merchandise is fucking over their customer. It's obviously not the customers fault, so between the two corporations THEY should make it right.

[Hot Rod Ron]

Cheeryblossom you hit the nail right on the head. It just sucks that I had too go as far as getting my credit card company involved and now So-cal has to deal with a bigger compnay than them. I feel bad that I had to yank the money out from underneath them but they left me no choice in my eyes. I run a business and I know how it feels when a customer yanks the money away after sercies are rendered, but its So-Cal and UPS's problem not mine. I just wanted my parts and not to be stuck in the middle of who did or did not do what they were paid for. I do not care who's fault it was. I just wanted what I paid for.

[CherryBlossom]

[ QUOTE ]
but its So-Cal and UPS's problem not mine. I just wanted my parts and not to be stuck in the middle of who did or did not do what they were paid for. I do not care who's fault it was. I just wanted what I paid for.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly.

[D Picasso]

rotsa ruck with UPS. they managed to lose a box containing 5 pieces of original art I sent overnight to RF for a CR Sketchpad.

I called, I complained, I did this and that. finally I threatened UPS with legal action, and lo and behold a couple of days later the box shows up at Primedia, TWO MONTHS LATE. what a surprise!

I like my UPS driver, he's a good fellow, and doubtlessly a lot of UPS folks are just fine, but they hire some loathsome individuals as throwers.

squeaky wheel- get on it.

[junk runner jr]

Dude I know why you are frustrated but you truly are barking up the wrong tree. Have you eaven talked to UPS yet. Like was mentioned before even if So-Cal did not add any insurance to your package it is covered for $100. Last week I shipped some 4link bars back to Suicidedoors.com to get them shortened with a letter and a check in the box. When it arrived at thier door the box had been destroyed and taped back together. The bars were there but the check was not. I contacted UPS and they covered the stop payment fee on the check no questions asked. The box I sent was beefy to. I dont know how they destroyed it. I am glad your Credit card company took care of it but I guarantee they will get there money back form UPS not So-Cal.

[modernbeat]

Had to talk to my lawyer today and mentioned this to him. I gave him a scenerio where customer paid So-Cal for parts -> AND SHIPPING <- and then So-Cal pays UPS for their services.

Lawyer says go after So-Cal. They contracted the shipping services to UPS. You paid So-Cal for parts and service, So-Cal chose UPS. Your relationship is between you and So-Cal. The shippers have a relationship between themselves and So-Cal. There is no relationship between you and UPS. FWIW relationship=money in lawyer talk.

So there it is, straight from my mouthpiece's horse - follow the money!

Funny that the package was unmarked. Every box I've ever received from them was well marked with a logo and taped up with logoed tape. That sure sounds like it's been repackaged. I'd let So-Cal know so they can use it when they persue the claim...heh heh.

[SO-CAL-AZ]

Sad to hear we've got a customer that's not happy with an order he's place. We send out thousands of packages through-out the year with UPS to mail order and ebay customers. Rarely do we have any problems. This makes only the second one in a year. Unfortunally, this does occaionally happen. We best explained how to resolve the problem.

1.Contact UPS and use thier channels to file a claim for reimbersemnet.
2. We could sell you a second set of parts and credit you once UPS reimbersed us.

This has worked in the past on a simular problem. It's the quickest way to get the parts you need for your car. We thought that was resonable and would take care of your situation, but I see that's not the case. We stand behind our products and service, and deal with every customer the best we can. We take pride in our customer service as you can see for yourself by the feedback we have on ebay. In response to the question of sending you a second set of parts with out any sort of UPS claim or any other proof of loss. Thats just bad business, proper channels must be used to protect both parties. We have done everything in our power to please the customer but some people can't be satisfied no matter what you do. Regretfully, Frank

[manyolcars]

[ QUOTE ]
We have done everything in our power to please the customer but some people can't be satisfied no matter what you do. Regretfully, Frank

[/ QUOTE ] From Franks tone, I dont think I will want to buy from him.

[Byron Crump]

GEEEZZZZZ...if any single person on the HAMB has more of a right to get all over So Cal's rear it would be ME!!!!!

Anyone who knows the plight of my dealing with them knows the nightmare that I went through on getting my stuff (the complete set up for my 32).

That being said...So Cal Colorado cleared up alot of the problems I had with the main guys in Cali, the guys that were messing up in Cali were let go...unfortunate timing for me because it made everything even worse on my end since I was dealing with the clowns...

They did make good on most (MOST) of my issues...the new owner in Texas even offered to make good on stuff from long before he was involved....I have not taken advantage of this yet but I expect the best from them and think they will deliver.

Bottom line, I like the product, wear the shirts, and would probably buy from them again...

Trust me, no one in the history of So Cal I bet had the problems I ran into and I still deal with them...I can name a bunch of other outfits that will never see another dime of my money.

Major props to Mike, the main man in Colorado, and the new owner/Texas guys seem fine to me... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[GreggAz]

Ron, I hate to say this, but frank is 100% right. NO MATTER WHAT SOMEBODY'S LAWYER SAYS! We have been in the same position, a customer purchased some steering components, never checked what was there, called almost a month after recieving the parts and claims that a 18 inch length of DD shaft is missing. We refused to replace it, I had to deal with him and his wife SCREAMING at me for over an hour! in the end they contacted UPS, filed a claim, After return shipping us the merch. when UPS settled the claim, and paied us for annother length of shaft, I repacked everything in the same box, AND I TAPED OVER THE HOLE WHERE THE FIRST SHAFT HAD PUNCHED THROUGH THE BOX!

THE CUSTOMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPECTING EVERY PACKAGE WHEN DELIVERED. every UPS driver will be willing to wait if you have a conscern about a package and take care of the claim immediatley.

as far as canceling the charges with your card, if a customer does that to us, for any reason, we will refuse them all future service.

[CherryBlossom]

[ QUOTE ]
Sad to hear we've got a customer that's not happy with an order he's place. We send out thousands of packages through-out the year with UPS to mail order and ebay customers. Rarely do we have any problems. This makes only the second one in a year. Unfortunally, this does occaionally happen. We best explained how to resolve the problem.

1.Contact UPS and use thier channels to file a claim for reimbersemnet.
2. We could sell you a second set of parts and credit you once UPS reimbersed us.

This has worked in the past on a simular problem. It's the quickest way to get the parts you need for your car. We thought that was resonable and would take care of your situation, but I see that's not the case. We stand behind our products and service, and deal with every customer the best we can. We take pride in our customer service as you can see for yourself by the feedback we have on ebay. In response to the question of sending you a second set of parts with out any sort of UPS claim or any other proof of loss. Thats just bad business, proper channels must be used to protect both parties. We have done everything in our power to please the customer but some people can't be satisfied no matter what you do. Regretfully, Frank

[/ QUOTE ]

Yanno, I really don't give a crap about this, I probably never would have ordered anything from So-Cal to begin with, and I'll make sure of it now, but I honestly can't agree with what's being said. The customer PAID for his merchandise, that of which he did not get. In NO way is it his fault, therefore, So-cal should call UPS and find out what UPS is doing with THEIR product. Why should the customer have to search all over and waste HIS time because those two parties couldn't get it right? That's as good as your customer service gets? You make them do all the legwork for something they paid YOU to do for them? Whatever.

[ELpolacko]

CB, pull your head out of your ass.. Just as much as it is not Ron's fault the parts were missing, ITS NOT SO CALS FAULT EITHER!!!! They sold product and it left their premises. UPS assumed responsibility of the product from Franks door to Rons door and if any thing happens between those locations it is the responsibility of UPS solely to remedy the issue, PERIOD!

For you block heads who did not read the post I put up concerning the procedure for claims or damaged goods regarding shipment with UPS the shipper CANNOT make a claim on a packaged shipped, ONLY THE RECIPIENT OF THE SHIPPMENT can make the claim. Go back and read it.

I know Frank well, I know Dave well also. These guys bust their collective asses to get product out the door so they can keep their doors open and they have no desire to fuck the customer. It sounds like they did everything they could on their end but hand out free product to "satisfy the customer". Even then some of you would have reason to bitch it seems.

Ron, your a friend of mine and there has got to be some other extenuating circumstance causing you to go off like this. It is not rational man,,, confess brother.

[modernbeat]

Looks like someone is taking this out of context.

Yes, like I recommended first get the parts you need whether that's by ordering more from So-Cal, from some other outfit, from whoever. If it's important, then THIS is first. THEN file a UPS claim and alert So-Cal to what you have found and if you don't get satisfaction from that, or feel you MIGHT NOT get satisfaction, notify the credit card. Should UPS give you the runaround - and they often do - make your credit card fight it out.

Anyway, about lawyers - I usually steer clear but my driving habits require one. FWIW, I enjoy driving fast, not irresponsibily.

As far as So-Cal goes, I know the guys in Texas personally. They're in my club and Dan (HotRodPro) has been a friend for 13 years. I'd trust him to the ends of the earth. But about the Cali guys - I remember a spat between Weesner and them over artwork rights that they didn't pay for...

Anyway, if getting the parts for a project is the real priority, then treat it like a real priority.

[roadster36]

UPS SUCKS. Their driver ran into my shop roof when he delivered parts to my shop. I wasn't in front at the time but I heard it from the back of the shop.The driver left a note on the side of the box stating that he would "turn it in" and have someone contact me.They never did, the tracking number on the box says that the box was never delivered, and the district manager says the back-up accident never happened. I had to call the CHP and file a hit and run report and call my insurance. UPS still won't respond. TOTAL ASSHOLES. Fed-Ex from now on.

[CherryBlossom]

[ QUOTE ]
CB, pull your head out of your ass.. Just as much as it is not Ron's fault the parts were missing, ITS NOT SO CALS FAULT EITHER!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I prefer to have my head up there, it's warm.
I didn't blame either directly, but seeing as how so-cal has chosen to use UPS as their route for delivery, I just think that for EXCEPTIONAL customer service, THEY should offer to help find out what went wrong and how to fix it for their customer. Not tell them that UPS fucked up, move on. I just don't think thats right. MY opinion http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Btw Elpolacko, I like your truck http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Roadsters.com]

By the way, Cherry, we love ladies that can bend like that.

Dave
http://www.roadsters.com/

[CherryBlossom]

Yeah? I don't show just ANYONE either http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[hankcash]

Don't fuck with the cherry....
she might pop!

HC

[ELpolacko]

CB thanks for the kudos on the truck..

UPS is very specific about how damage claims are handled. I have tried using the method you suggested a few times before but UPS is very rigid in procedures. I have even tried to change incorrect addresses after product has left my shop to no avail.

UPS is not an easy company to deal with, very Union oriented and structured. When you ship with UPS you have a binding contract with them to deliver your package. Change is not in their vocabulary. I assure you if there was something that SoCal Frank could have done he would have.

[345window]

FrameDragger....thanks for the advice, I called them up. They said send the gift cert, and a list of what I want and they will apply it to the cert, I have to call up some time next week and make arrangements to pay the difference.
Thanks for taking the time!!!!!

[Ragtop]

A few years ago, I was coming home from the Harper Cruise in the Detroit area and some jerk in a new Ford land yacht went by me at about 100+ MPH. I was driving my 47 convertible. He ran over a 4' long piece of 4x4 (Michigan roads Q$#%)*(#%_)*%#!@)*)and sent it flying right at my head! The lumber hit my SoCal swan neck mirror and was deflected, but it snapped the mirror off at the base. I E-Mailed So Cal to tell them the story and how the mirror broke, but stopped the wood from hitting me in the head. Pete Chapouris sent me a new mirror gratis, and when he found out my mirors were the early cast aluminum ones instead of the present investment cast stainless he sent a replacement for the other side as well! Naturally, I've got nothing but good stuff to say about SO Cal. I'll deal with them whenever I can. Good people

[CherryBlossom]

michigan roads do suck, don't they?

[scooter]

Ron i agree i like to get what i paid for aswell .Being both on the selling shipping side and the buyers side i can see both sides . Sounds like this could have been avoided by just waiting til a road trip to phx was at hand , buy your parts , throw um in the car and take um on home .HELL we don't see ya enough as it is . And its not like your cross country .Ron glad ya got yer bucks back .Knowing both dave and frank for many years they are not out ta screw ya , and it does sound like a ups deal .I had a similar thing happen to me w/ mooneyes .Now i buy from them in person only .BTW if frand and dave so-cal az is so out ta screw ya they would not even bother reg ,posting , etc on the HAMB .Very stand up socal az , most company's would just blow this off and not even make an effort .

[Hot Rod Ron]

[ QUOTE ]
Ron, this truly is a UPS problem. I am on the same side of the fence as SoCal here and I have had the same problems you described. It took some calming and soothing speaking from me to steady the nerves of the customer and a few phone calls with UPS.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's not what I got from So-Cal, they did explain to me that I had to contact UPS for the reason that you described but it sounded to me like they were passing the buck instead of looking for a soluation. I am not asking for free parts, I assumed that since I work at shop that has an acoount at So-Cal it would be clear that after all this is said and done that So-Cal would not get stiffed for the replacement parts that need to be sent. Instead I got the answer that its not in their budget todo so. If they can't afford to tie up a small amount of money like this, while UPS sorts out the claim, what makes them think I can. Thank you to the people who gave me a character reference it means alot to me from those people who I feel are the true back bone of the HAMB and build some of most bitchen cars you will ever see. Thanks to Ryan for ging me this board to talk to all of you and to create the friends that I have here.

[Gr8ballsofir]

Ron did what he had to do as a customer. I would (and have) done the same. All Ron knows is that he ordered a part and didn't receive it. SoCal should switch shippers and charge any difference to the customer. UPS is the bad guy here (If ALL parties are being truthful) and if more of their customers dropped them for poor service/attitude, then maybe they'd be a little easier to deal with.

[Deyomatic]

Amen GBOF, I avoid UPS at all costs now. It seems like every time I'm on the receiving or the shipping end, there is always something that pisses me off about them. Whether it is the guy at their counter that tries to sell me a box and some packing material for $30 because they won't guarantee my package unless they pack it, or their "online tracking" site that tells me my shit has been sent when it hasn't, or that it's sitting in Illinois for 4days-suggesting that they lost it.

[desertdroog]

[ QUOTE ]
Thank you to the people who gave me a character reference it means alot to me from those people who I feel are the true back bone of the HAMB...

[/ QUOTE ]

Good thing I kept my trap shut about that mounted police and your drunk ass.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

I would stand by Ron in anything. I cannot imagine a person more willing to do what he can to make a situation right. I have my Ford Rear End to prove it. Your customers are lucky, Ron, and so are the business' who you keep a relationship with in your shop.

[metalshapes]

Hey Droog,
Don't put "mounted" and "ass" in the same sentence.
That's just wrong... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif