Hi members,
I am writing to inquire if anyone of you have recently used or have placed orders with Phil at Advanced Induction services in NC.

I am asking because back last fall (Nov to be exact) I decided to jump on a set of 243s that Advanced Induction were porting and polishing for another customer who decided to go a with a LS3 swap instead of H/C. So I placed the order for them along with a cam that he ordered directly to him so that he can spec the lobes out.

Now the problem is that in February he said that they should ship out in a few days. I got a tracking number and everything. A few days go by and they still didn't ship, then a week, then two weeks nothing. So I started emailing him. A few weeks later he apologized canceled the first shipment and now provided me with a new tracking number last week but guess what. They haven't shipped yet.

I completely understand that life happens. Things get in the way that we all cannot forsee. I also know he's a one man shop according to some members posts and that you can't rush quality service. It's just that its almost April and 5 months since I ordered this. No I'm not in a rush but I want my order. I just wanted to see if anyone else has had similar wait times with them currently or in the past?

-Appreciated

 

They are always backed up. 10 or so years ago i had to wait a few months to receive my heads back. They do good work though and i haven't had any problems with my LS7 heads in those 10 or so years.

 

Sounds like he needs to hire someone to handle the shipping and CS. You can't rush quality, but you can expect it on all ends of the transaction.
TSP, TEA, Katech and a host of others would not treat you like that.

 

You need to remember this is a small mfg. Not a bad thing but it also limits speed in shipping. They are more geared for production first.

Same applies to even bigger names. You think they are big but many are smaller than you think.

They are not set up like summit or Jegs who are more geared for fast shipping.

Amazon has spoiled all of us.

 

Hey there, I think you meant Jegs!


Note: Vetteman Jack here - removed inappropriate word since member who posted the quoted sentence has corrected the spelling.

 

IMO.... I'd normally give benefit of the doubt at first, and have, but with the quick-change on the shipping notification twice that hits me like a red flag unless you are getting an explanation which appeases you.

The season is upon us.

 

My pad has been a bit rebellious of late!

 

Slow reacting companies often hurt themselves with poor communication. They may be slow at shipping but as long as it is communicated people deal with it. When they leave people hanging they with nothing always think the worse.

 

Five months is Five months. Unless it was communicated up front it was gonna take 4+, I'd be real itchy too about my heads.

 

Yes, needless to say I'm upset mostly by the lack of communication. Just give me something. I'm trying to be as patient as possible. It was not communicated how long this will take. But I want you guys to understand that the heads he sold me already had the work applied to them. It's not like he's starting with a used pair. This also is irking me.

 

I'm keenly interested in you getting your car together because I'd like to see the results of your track weapon cam. I've been eyeballing that cam pretty hard, so I'm very interested in your performance and results with it.

C'mon AI!

 

I think I would be a little anxious to get the items too after 5 months. Hopefully the vendor will get you your parts so you can get them installed on your car.

 

Well, I just checked my email and saw that they just got picked up. I'm sure they're worth waiting for. But ya, I was wearing thin for a bit.

 

I have no skin in the game with this company.
That being said I’ve done business with ones like them.
There is no excuse for the poor CS. I don’t care if the work is top shelf. If you set an expectation stick with it. It’s not to hard to set a production schedule. A dry erase board will suffice. Stop taking orders if your way out on work .

 

This is the bottom line!

 

Exactly. My local LS/Vette shop has a waiting queue anywhere from 2-6 weeks. BUT…they tell you the current backlog when you call for an appointment. Once your appointment comes up the work gets completed pronto. I’m happy to wait for the quality work.

 

It’s definitely a simple concept.
On average I can do X amount of work per week. If I am knowingly taking more orders that I can complete then I am a shitbag. If the product is so in demand then stop taking orders and only sell production inventory. Also no skipping one customers work for another’s. If you has a big time client that needs a rush job then work overtime.

 

I work in the performance industry and here is what is going on with many MFGs large or small.

Prior to Covid everything worked like a precision machine for shipping and suppliers. The Right On Time for parts was in effect. Once Covid hit the whole production and supply chain is disrupted. .

It was most companies were pretty good on times for delivery but often anymore they are faced with not knowing when supplied parts and material will be on time. Then in house many are hurting for labor. Then shipping be it local or even overseas can be an issue that effect's all of this. Many times part or full parts are in containers on water or sitting at docks waiting to be unloaded. Then there has been truck shortages to move it once it is here or done.

Then you get to smaller companies like this they do not have many people working for them,.Emails can arrive in great numbers over short period of time. They can stop and answer or they can ship and get caught up.

Many people think that these companies are huger but even like Hawk Brakes. My buddy was the whole Customer Service and On line department. He was worked to death and never could get caught up. Some companies are one or just a couple people. I recall calling Pete Jackson Gears and Pete was on the phone. Till he retired. Milodon Tom was the only guy on the phone ETC.

You get to smaller more cottage industry like companies the staffs get smaller and smaller.

The only real large company is Holley and they have purchased many of the smaller companies as it is getting tough for many to survive anymore. As owners are retiring or in some cases just getting out are selling out.

 

Unfortunately some small vendors have been run out of business because of this issue. One i have in mind spent hours explaining how to install a part. For a part he made a few bucks on. Great customer service but went broke spending all day on the phone or email answering.

 

I think my point is if your specific product is in demand then streamline. I mean Chic Fil A doesn’t do burgers right
You really don’t have to deal with CS if you set the rules clearly on your site.

A simple thank you for coming to my website. Current order time has been a average of xxxx
i am a one man shop and I will not answer general CS calls from non customers. I really wish I could. I value all of you, it’s simple resource allocation.
My ready to ship packages and recommendations are clearly listed for the motors I work with click here.
Once a order has been placed I will contact you to confirm the details and address any concerns about the package or recommend changes.

Is that perfect? No not at all
Does it beat I’m an eccentric artist specializing it the science and beauty of dynamic airflow. If you don’t like it don’t order it. Well I think so.
In the end it’s his business to run as he sees fit. If I ran mine that way I’d be out of business sooner or later .