Experience with Forum Vendor
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
From: Mesa AZ
Experience with Forum Vendor
Had a recent experience with a forum vendor that I believe is worth sharing.
I’ve been trolling the forum for some time looking for a Double DIN audio bezel fabricator for my C5. Although there appeared to be several vendors presenting impressive work, I decided to go with the custom product offered by California Corvette Customs out of Fillmore, CA. I linked up with the owner, Ray Enriques Jr., discussed optional ideas I had, and confirmed pricing. I eventually settled on the standard DD configuration (upon Ray’s advice) and emailed my intent to move forward with the job. Ray promptly responded that he could place me in his production queue which would normally take 4-6 weeks for fabrication and shipment. However, there was a problem.
Turns out Ray is full time military and runs this business on the side. He let me know up front he recently received orders to leave the country on a short term deployment beginning June 17th and couldn’t complete the job until his return in August. I was bummed as this was going to delay my audio mod a couple of months beyond my original plans, but nonetheless decided to place the order as I was impressed with the work Ray has displayed on the forum and positive comments from his customers. I also figured my need for the bezel could take a back seat to Ray’s service to his country. So I initiated the payment transaction on 6/02/09 and began my wait.
I received an email from Ray the next day indicating he received the transaction payment and would do his best to speed the order along. I figured it was a nice gesture but probably not authentic as he must be knee deep in trying to complete other tasks related to his departure. As a follow up, I emailed him on 6/12 just to see if he had been able to do any work on the DD fabrication. I received a reply from Ray that evening indicating he was just too busy preparing for his upcoming journey and hadn’t been able to do much work on my order over the previous 10 days. Ok, I thought. Worth a try but just accept the late August date and put it to rest.
We’ll, a package arrived yesterday (6/20) at my house. Yes, it was the DD bezel from Ray. I was very surprised but worried the quality of the work might be less than expected as it was probably rushed through production. When I opened the box, I was elated. The quality was excellent and certainly met my expectations. As I reflect upon this whole experience, the most outstanding thing about all of it is the service. Here is a guy who is serving his country full time, trying to run a side business, get orders to leave the country and still manages to exceed his commitment to his customers.
I’ve recently read some posts from forum members who’ve had less than satisfactory experiences from some vendors. I’ve not personally met Ray Enrique or even spoken with him on the phone. All I know is he is A+ and should be recognized as a top tier vendor to do business with.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share a good story and express my appreciation for most of the stuff I see on the forum. Yes, there are some oddballs out there but it’s the good experiences with guys like Ray that keep me coming back. Thanks!
Bill
I’ve been trolling the forum for some time looking for a Double DIN audio bezel fabricator for my C5. Although there appeared to be several vendors presenting impressive work, I decided to go with the custom product offered by California Corvette Customs out of Fillmore, CA. I linked up with the owner, Ray Enriques Jr., discussed optional ideas I had, and confirmed pricing. I eventually settled on the standard DD configuration (upon Ray’s advice) and emailed my intent to move forward with the job. Ray promptly responded that he could place me in his production queue which would normally take 4-6 weeks for fabrication and shipment. However, there was a problem.
Turns out Ray is full time military and runs this business on the side. He let me know up front he recently received orders to leave the country on a short term deployment beginning June 17th and couldn’t complete the job until his return in August. I was bummed as this was going to delay my audio mod a couple of months beyond my original plans, but nonetheless decided to place the order as I was impressed with the work Ray has displayed on the forum and positive comments from his customers. I also figured my need for the bezel could take a back seat to Ray’s service to his country. So I initiated the payment transaction on 6/02/09 and began my wait.
I received an email from Ray the next day indicating he received the transaction payment and would do his best to speed the order along. I figured it was a nice gesture but probably not authentic as he must be knee deep in trying to complete other tasks related to his departure. As a follow up, I emailed him on 6/12 just to see if he had been able to do any work on the DD fabrication. I received a reply from Ray that evening indicating he was just too busy preparing for his upcoming journey and hadn’t been able to do much work on my order over the previous 10 days. Ok, I thought. Worth a try but just accept the late August date and put it to rest.
We’ll, a package arrived yesterday (6/20) at my house. Yes, it was the DD bezel from Ray. I was very surprised but worried the quality of the work might be less than expected as it was probably rushed through production. When I opened the box, I was elated. The quality was excellent and certainly met my expectations. As I reflect upon this whole experience, the most outstanding thing about all of it is the service. Here is a guy who is serving his country full time, trying to run a side business, get orders to leave the country and still manages to exceed his commitment to his customers.
I’ve recently read some posts from forum members who’ve had less than satisfactory experiences from some vendors. I’ve not personally met Ray Enrique or even spoken with him on the phone. All I know is he is A+ and should be recognized as a top tier vendor to do business with.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share a good story and express my appreciation for most of the stuff I see on the forum. Yes, there are some oddballs out there but it’s the good experiences with guys like Ray that keep me coming back. Thanks!
Bill
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Had a recent experience with a forum vendor that I believe is worth sharing.
I’ve been trolling the forum for some time looking for a Double DIN audio bezel fabricator for my C5. Although there appeared to be several vendors presenting impressive work, I decided to go with the custom product offered by California Corvette Customs out of Fillmore, CA. I linked up with the owner, Ray Enriques Jr., discussed optional ideas I had, and confirmed pricing. I eventually settled on the standard DD configuration (upon Ray’s advice) and emailed my intent to move forward with the job. Ray promptly responded that he could place me in his production queue which would normally take 4-6 weeks for fabrication and shipment. However, there was a problem.
Turns out Ray is full time military and runs this business on the side. He let me know up front he recently received orders to leave the country on a short term deployment beginning June 17th and couldn’t complete the job until his return in August. I was bummed as this was going to delay my audio mod a couple of months beyond my original plans, but nonetheless decided to place the order as I was impressed with the work Ray has displayed on the forum and positive comments from his customers. I also figured my need for the bezel could take a back seat to Ray’s service to his country. So I initiated the payment transaction on 6/02/09 and began my wait.
I received an email from Ray the next day indicating he received the transaction payment and would do his best to speed the order along. I figured it was a nice gesture but probably not authentic as he must be knee deep in trying to complete other tasks related to his departure. As a follow up, I emailed him on 6/12 just to see if he had been able to do any work on the DD fabrication. I received a reply from Ray that evening indicating he was just too busy preparing for his upcoming journey and hadn’t been able to do much work on my order over the previous 10 days. Ok, I thought. Worth a try but just accept the late August date and put it to rest.
We’ll, a package arrived yesterday (6/20) at my house. Yes, it was the DD bezel from Ray. I was very surprised but worried the quality of the work might be less than expected as it was probably rushed through production. When I opened the box, I was elated. The quality was excellent and certainly met my expectations. As I reflect upon this whole experience, the most outstanding thing about all of it is the service. Here is a guy who is serving his country full time, trying to run a side business, get orders to leave the country and still manages to exceed his commitment to his customers.
I’ve recently read some posts from forum members who’ve had less than satisfactory experiences from some vendors. I’ve not personally met Ray Enrique or even spoken with him on the phone. All I know is he is A+ and should be recognized as a top tier vendor to do business with.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share a good story and express my appreciation for most of the stuff I see on the forum. Yes, there are some oddballs out there but it’s the good experiences with guys like Ray that keep me coming back. Thanks!
Bill
I’ve been trolling the forum for some time looking for a Double DIN audio bezel fabricator for my C5. Although there appeared to be several vendors presenting impressive work, I decided to go with the custom product offered by California Corvette Customs out of Fillmore, CA. I linked up with the owner, Ray Enriques Jr., discussed optional ideas I had, and confirmed pricing. I eventually settled on the standard DD configuration (upon Ray’s advice) and emailed my intent to move forward with the job. Ray promptly responded that he could place me in his production queue which would normally take 4-6 weeks for fabrication and shipment. However, there was a problem.
Turns out Ray is full time military and runs this business on the side. He let me know up front he recently received orders to leave the country on a short term deployment beginning June 17th and couldn’t complete the job until his return in August. I was bummed as this was going to delay my audio mod a couple of months beyond my original plans, but nonetheless decided to place the order as I was impressed with the work Ray has displayed on the forum and positive comments from his customers. I also figured my need for the bezel could take a back seat to Ray’s service to his country. So I initiated the payment transaction on 6/02/09 and began my wait.
I received an email from Ray the next day indicating he received the transaction payment and would do his best to speed the order along. I figured it was a nice gesture but probably not authentic as he must be knee deep in trying to complete other tasks related to his departure. As a follow up, I emailed him on 6/12 just to see if he had been able to do any work on the DD fabrication. I received a reply from Ray that evening indicating he was just too busy preparing for his upcoming journey and hadn’t been able to do much work on my order over the previous 10 days. Ok, I thought. Worth a try but just accept the late August date and put it to rest.
We’ll, a package arrived yesterday (6/20) at my house. Yes, it was the DD bezel from Ray. I was very surprised but worried the quality of the work might be less than expected as it was probably rushed through production. When I opened the box, I was elated. The quality was excellent and certainly met my expectations. As I reflect upon this whole experience, the most outstanding thing about all of it is the service. Here is a guy who is serving his country full time, trying to run a side business, get orders to leave the country and still manages to exceed his commitment to his customers.
I’ve recently read some posts from forum members who’ve had less than satisfactory experiences from some vendors. I’ve not personally met Ray Enrique or even spoken with him on the phone. All I know is he is A+ and should be recognized as a top tier vendor to do business with.
Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to share a good story and express my appreciation for most of the stuff I see on the forum. Yes, there are some oddballs out there but it’s the good experiences with guys like Ray that keep me coming back. Thanks!
Bill
Great to hear! I also heard Ray does not hesitate to talk with any installer as well to help guide them through the mod and head unit installation!
Ray - thanks for serving as well!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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NCM Sinkhole Donor
Nice post, Bill! Great to hear that there are still guys like Ray that "get it" - under commit and over deliver! That's a sure recipe for success!
Thanks to Ray for his service to his country as well! I wish him much continued success!
Thanks to Ray for his service to his country as well! I wish him much continued success!
Former Vendor
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 477
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles California
Thanks Bill for the kind words....
Yes I am currently out of the country in the Middle East right now but I still find time to get on the forum when I am not keeping C130's flying over here.
I really wanted to get you your bezel before I left so you could enjoy you new DD Mod. Customer service and quality bezels are what we srtive for!! Please share some pics once everything is installed.
Yes I am currently out of the country in the Middle East right now but I still find time to get on the forum when I am not keeping C130's flying over here.
I really wanted to get you your bezel before I left so you could enjoy you new DD Mod. Customer service and quality bezels are what we srtive for!! Please share some pics once everything is installed.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 9
From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
That has to be one of the coolest vendor stories shared on the board in some time. The understanding and communication on both sides seemed well taken care of. And, the vendor went above and beyond, just as he is doing overseas.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
Thanks Bill for the kind words....
Yes I am currently out of the country in the Middle East right now but I still find time to get on the forum when I am not keeping C130's flying over here.
I really wanted to get you your bezel before I left so you could enjoy you new DD Mod. Customer service and quality bezels are what we srtive for!! Please share some pics once everything is installed.
Yes I am currently out of the country in the Middle East right now but I still find time to get on the forum when I am not keeping C130's flying over here.
I really wanted to get you your bezel before I left so you could enjoy you new DD Mod. Customer service and quality bezels are what we srtive for!! Please share some pics once everything is installed.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,376
Likes: 404
From: Should this thoughtful, valuable contribution meet with no acknowledgement or 'thanks' this post----
great story...I have noticed that just about any vendor out of CA is top notch...(except for one wheel company).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Double the coolness!! from an old vet to a young one!!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 14,107
Likes: 26
From: 4th on the list of top 100 in USA Ga.
As you tend to here all the bad transactions with vendors this is great to here a good reccomendation as I'm sure 99% of our vendors here are A+,Thanks for the great post.
