Does WCC know what they are selling ?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Does WCC know what they are selling ?
On the 50th anniversary celebration in front of the NCM i was trying to buy a set of the bilstein Sport shocks.
The only dealer who had a set of bilstein shocks available was West Coast Corvettes.
I got a very good price from the sales person. I wasnt shure if the set they offer were the HD or the sport setting, i asked the sales person. He said they are the sport setting.
After i payed the shocks i deposite them in their Truck, because i planed to walk around some more time on the event.
When i picked the shocks up after 2 hours i asked another sales person if he was shure that those are the Sport setting shocks and not the HD. He said "yes, these ARE the HD, they are the same as the sport setting".
I was more than confused, and argued for a while with the dealer. Finally he sent me to the Truck of MALLET together with the shock to have one of the Mallet guys have the serial number on the shock checked with Bilstein.
The guy at the Mallet Truck was very friendly, and after a few telephone calls he told me that those shocks are for the base suspension, and not for the sport suspension (Z51, which i have).
I went back to the WCC Truck, and gut my money back without any problem.
However, i was a little bit disapointed about the knowledge of the sales person there.
Jochen
The only dealer who had a set of bilstein shocks available was West Coast Corvettes.
I got a very good price from the sales person. I wasnt shure if the set they offer were the HD or the sport setting, i asked the sales person. He said they are the sport setting.
After i payed the shocks i deposite them in their Truck, because i planed to walk around some more time on the event.
When i picked the shocks up after 2 hours i asked another sales person if he was shure that those are the Sport setting shocks and not the HD. He said "yes, these ARE the HD, they are the same as the sport setting".
I was more than confused, and argued for a while with the dealer. Finally he sent me to the Truck of MALLET together with the shock to have one of the Mallet guys have the serial number on the shock checked with Bilstein.
The guy at the Mallet Truck was very friendly, and after a few telephone calls he told me that those shocks are for the base suspension, and not for the sport suspension (Z51, which i have).
I went back to the WCC Truck, and gut my money back without any problem.
However, i was a little bit disapointed about the knowledge of the sales person there.
Jochen
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (CAPN17)
Acctually it was never my intention to blame somebody for making a mistake. Thats why i didnt post the names of the guys. And i never said in any way that i do never make mistakes, didnt i ? No reason to give me the BS Flag !
I live in germany and i have my Corvette in germany. So everything i buy in the States, i have to take to germany and install it to my car. It is not very easy for me to return items back to the dealer in the USA because he made a mistake, and sold me a product that i never wanted to buy. The costs of shipping back to the states, and back to germany including tax and custom will buy me another set of Bilstein shocks !
If this would have been the first time WCC disapointed me, i wouldnt post anything about it, but it was not.
So i think this Forum is to exchange experience and knowledge between people having the same interests, to avoid other people making the same mistake. This is what i did, and i dont think there is any reason to give me the BS Flag !
Jochen
I live in germany and i have my Corvette in germany. So everything i buy in the States, i have to take to germany and install it to my car. It is not very easy for me to return items back to the dealer in the USA because he made a mistake, and sold me a product that i never wanted to buy. The costs of shipping back to the states, and back to germany including tax and custom will buy me another set of Bilstein shocks !
If this would have been the first time WCC disapointed me, i wouldnt post anything about it, but it was not.
So i think this Forum is to exchange experience and knowledge between people having the same interests, to avoid other people making the same mistake. This is what i did, and i dont think there is any reason to give me the BS Flag !
Jochen
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (RoadVette)
Thank you RoadVette,
When i posted this thread, i was unsure wether to set it to the general or the technical forum. However, i agree now that it might be better placed in the general part . . .
Jochen
When i posted this thread, i was unsure wether to set it to the general or the technical forum. However, i agree now that it might be better placed in the general part . . .
Jochen
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (Jochen)
Acctually it was never my intention to blame somebody for making a mistake. Thats why i didnt post the names of the guys. And i never said in any way that i do never make mistakes, didnt i ? No reason to give me the BS Flag !
I live in germany and i have my Corvette in germany. So everything i buy in the States, i have to take to germany and install it to my car. It is not very easy for me to return items back to the dealer in the USA because he made a mistake, and sold me a product that i never wanted to buy. The costs of shipping back to the states, and back to germany including tax and custom will buy me another set of Bilstein shocks !
If this would have been the first time WCC disapointed me, i wouldnt post anything about it, but it was not.
So i think this Forum is to exchange experience and knowledge between people having the same interests, to avoid other people making the same mistake. This is what i did, and i dont think there is any reason to give me the BS Flag !
Jochen
I live in germany and i have my Corvette in germany. So everything i buy in the States, i have to take to germany and install it to my car. It is not very easy for me to return items back to the dealer in the USA because he made a mistake, and sold me a product that i never wanted to buy. The costs of shipping back to the states, and back to germany including tax and custom will buy me another set of Bilstein shocks !
If this would have been the first time WCC disapointed me, i wouldnt post anything about it, but it was not.
So i think this Forum is to exchange experience and knowledge between people having the same interests, to avoid other people making the same mistake. This is what i did, and i dont think there is any reason to give me the BS Flag !
Jochen
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. No Sympathy :rolleyes:
Here was his response..
You were given a contract 36,000 miles or 36 months. You failed to use up both halves of the contract, you just burned the 36 months. Why do you think GM or any other corp. should make special exceptions to the contracts? They honored their part you have to accept the fact that since you did not buy an extended coverage you are out of luck, like insurance, no pay no cover. The winer about just another GM disservice 'Grow up man" GM is not supposed to carry you around for the rest of your life. Only 4 months out of warent. it does not matter 4 mins., 4 days, 4 weeks or 4 years, out is out. Take care of your own problems, thats what life is about.
[Modified by chuckster, 10:16 AM 7/21/2003]
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 5
From: The Island of Long NY
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (chuckster)
Well he is right, when its over, its over.
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. No Sympathy :rolleyes:
Here was his response..
You were given a contract 36,000 miles or 36 months. You failed to use up both halves of the contract, you just burned the 36 months. Why do you think GM or any other corp. should make special exceptions to the contracts? They honored their part you have to accept the fact that since you did not buy an extended coverage you are out of luck, like insurance, no pay no cover. The winer about just another GM disservice 'Grow up man" GM is not supposed to carry you around for the rest of your life. Only 4 months out of warent. it does not matter 4 mins., 4 days, 4 weeks or 4 years, out is out. Take care of your own problems, thats what life is about.
[Modified by chuckster, 10:16 AM 7/21/2003][/QUOTE]
[Modified by rockgt302, 11:02 AM 7/21/2003]
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. No Sympathy :rolleyes:
Here was his response..
You were given a contract 36,000 miles or 36 months. You failed to use up both halves of the contract, you just burned the 36 months. Why do you think GM or any other corp. should make special exceptions to the contracts? They honored their part you have to accept the fact that since you did not buy an extended coverage you are out of luck, like insurance, no pay no cover. The winer about just another GM disservice 'Grow up man" GM is not supposed to carry you around for the rest of your life. Only 4 months out of warent. it does not matter 4 mins., 4 days, 4 weeks or 4 years, out is out. Take care of your own problems, thats what life is about.
[Modified by chuckster, 10:16 AM 7/21/2003][/QUOTE]
[Modified by rockgt302, 11:02 AM 7/21/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (rockgt302)
Well he is right, when its over, its over.
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. No Sympathy :rolleyes:
Here was his response..
You were given a contract 36,000 miles or 36 months. You failed to use up both halves of the contract, you just burned the 36 months. Why do you think GM or any other corp. should make special exceptions to the contracts? They honored their part you have to accept the fact that since you did not buy an extended coverage you are out of luck, like insurance, no pay no cover. The winer about just another GM disservice 'Grow up man" GM is not supposed to carry you around for the rest of your life. Only 4 months out of warent. it does not matter 4 mins., 4 days, 4 weeks or 4 years, out is out. Take care of your own problems, thats what life is about.
[Modified by chuckster, 10:16 AM 7/21/2003]
[Modified by rockgt302, 11:02 AM 7/21/2003]
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. No Sympathy :rolleyes:
Here was his response..
You were given a contract 36,000 miles or 36 months. You failed to use up both halves of the contract, you just burned the 36 months. Why do you think GM or any other corp. should make special exceptions to the contracts? They honored their part you have to accept the fact that since you did not buy an extended coverage you are out of luck, like insurance, no pay no cover. The winer about just another GM disservice 'Grow up man" GM is not supposed to carry you around for the rest of your life. Only 4 months out of warent. it does not matter 4 mins., 4 days, 4 weeks or 4 years, out is out. Take care of your own problems, thats what life is about.
[Modified by chuckster, 10:16 AM 7/21/2003]
[Modified by rockgt302, 11:02 AM 7/21/2003]
More importantly if the Dealer was truly in the right in the denial of Warranty..then why do many of them make exceptions anyway?
Because it's a guideline and they know that it will make the customer happy. It retains the trust of the customer. And they buy again.
It is absolutely right to fight any warranty denial when you are just out warranty ....every case if different and needs to heard before a decision can be made. To just point to the 36/36000 and say Tough Shiite is bad business.
As far as the Biltein Shock thing goes, he has every right to be pissed. Thats a long way to go to find out you have the wrong thing.. I did not get the impression he was trying to hang anyone.
Too many people are so afraid to use the term... "Gee, I don't know..I'll find out" I think more of that person than the know-it-all who knows nothing. All too often people want to give any answer so not to look stupid. :confused:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (chuckster)
Chuckster, i appreciate your post. To make things more clear, and to show the reason why i was really pi$$ed, here the whole story:
I planed to buy the bilstein shocks for a few months before my trip to the USA. Our vacation was about 4 weeks long (Miami, Nashville, Bowling Green, Miami), and we bought a Dodge Durango which we used to travel around in the States. This car is now on the way to germany.
I ordered the Shocks from an internet dealer (c5-corvette.com). I got one confirmation Email in which they told me that the order is pending subject CC verification . . . I never heard anything again from this company. I sent them 3 or 4 Emails - No reply. Tried to call - No telephone on their Homepage . . . I was pi$$ed the first time !
After arriving in Florida, i thought i could get the Shocks from Breathless, only a few miles from my Hotel. I called them, they dont sell this shocks. Well, no problem, i thought.
I was shure to get a set of this shocks on the 50th celebration . . .
I visited a few dealers who were present in front of the NCM (MTI, WCC . . .) You can read the result of my WCC visit above.
Well, i was pi$$ed the second time.
After the disapointment with WCC i went to the Truck of MTI, knowing that i will pass Marietta (north Atlanta on I75) the next day on my way back to Florida. I talked to the guy and he said they have those shocks, and i can drop by and pick them up . . .
The next day we drove a few hundred Miles from BG to Marietta and called MTI. The guy remembered me and said he has to check the prices. After a few minutes negotiations we fixed the deal, and i told him i want to come to their store and pick the shocks up. Puuuhhh . . .The shocks are not here, he has to get them, probably tomorrow.
Ahh yep . . . It was about noon, and we planned to drive at least another 200 miles that day, so i said i couldnt wait until tomorrow.
I was pi$$ed the third time !
OK, now we changed our Route towards Miami. Instead of taking I75 until FL Turnpike, we went all the way to the east -Jacksonville then South on I95 to stop by Ecklers. Arriving at Ecklers, they only had the Rear Shocks in stock, the Front are on Backorder . . . I offered the Lady a deal. I buy all the Shocks, take just the rear ones and have them send me the pair of front to germany . . . Well, they asked for at leats 90 $ Shipping, i had to pay FL Sales tax even if i export the Shocks, and i have to pay Custom (10 % of the price in germany and my own sales tax (another 16% on all). Hmmm, i dont want to buy Bilstein Shocks for 500 US$ !
You name it, i was pi$$ed the . . . ahh forth time!
Well the story is not over, thanks for your patiens!
I called a few more Corvetteforum vendors. Talked to Shawn from The LAPD (Bilstein out of stock) and to a nice guy from ZIP. Unfortunattely this guy could not tell me if the Bilstein Shocks they offer in their cataloge are the HD or the Sport Setting . . . well anyway, they are out of Stock.
The end of my vacation came closer, and i was already shure to go back home without the Bilsteins . . .
A last call on July 3rd to MAD solved the problem. They were available, they are the sport setting, and they can make Next day delivery from monday to tuesday the next week (July 4th was a friday, so monday was the earliest date to ship). I got the shocks one day before i left Florida.
Well, i hope you understand now why i lost my patience after a while !
Jochen
I planed to buy the bilstein shocks for a few months before my trip to the USA. Our vacation was about 4 weeks long (Miami, Nashville, Bowling Green, Miami), and we bought a Dodge Durango which we used to travel around in the States. This car is now on the way to germany.
I ordered the Shocks from an internet dealer (c5-corvette.com). I got one confirmation Email in which they told me that the order is pending subject CC verification . . . I never heard anything again from this company. I sent them 3 or 4 Emails - No reply. Tried to call - No telephone on their Homepage . . . I was pi$$ed the first time !
After arriving in Florida, i thought i could get the Shocks from Breathless, only a few miles from my Hotel. I called them, they dont sell this shocks. Well, no problem, i thought.
I was shure to get a set of this shocks on the 50th celebration . . .
I visited a few dealers who were present in front of the NCM (MTI, WCC . . .) You can read the result of my WCC visit above.
Well, i was pi$$ed the second time.
After the disapointment with WCC i went to the Truck of MTI, knowing that i will pass Marietta (north Atlanta on I75) the next day on my way back to Florida. I talked to the guy and he said they have those shocks, and i can drop by and pick them up . . .
The next day we drove a few hundred Miles from BG to Marietta and called MTI. The guy remembered me and said he has to check the prices. After a few minutes negotiations we fixed the deal, and i told him i want to come to their store and pick the shocks up. Puuuhhh . . .The shocks are not here, he has to get them, probably tomorrow.
Ahh yep . . . It was about noon, and we planned to drive at least another 200 miles that day, so i said i couldnt wait until tomorrow.
I was pi$$ed the third time !
OK, now we changed our Route towards Miami. Instead of taking I75 until FL Turnpike, we went all the way to the east -Jacksonville then South on I95 to stop by Ecklers. Arriving at Ecklers, they only had the Rear Shocks in stock, the Front are on Backorder . . . I offered the Lady a deal. I buy all the Shocks, take just the rear ones and have them send me the pair of front to germany . . . Well, they asked for at leats 90 $ Shipping, i had to pay FL Sales tax even if i export the Shocks, and i have to pay Custom (10 % of the price in germany and my own sales tax (another 16% on all). Hmmm, i dont want to buy Bilstein Shocks for 500 US$ !
You name it, i was pi$$ed the . . . ahh forth time!
Well the story is not over, thanks for your patiens!
I called a few more Corvetteforum vendors. Talked to Shawn from The LAPD (Bilstein out of stock) and to a nice guy from ZIP. Unfortunattely this guy could not tell me if the Bilstein Shocks they offer in their cataloge are the HD or the Sport Setting . . . well anyway, they are out of Stock.
The end of my vacation came closer, and i was already shure to go back home without the Bilsteins . . .
A last call on July 3rd to MAD solved the problem. They were available, they are the sport setting, and they can make Next day delivery from monday to tuesday the next week (July 4th was a friday, so monday was the earliest date to ship). I got the shocks one day before i left Florida.
Well, i hope you understand now why i lost my patience after a while !
Jochen
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,091
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles CA
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (eddiep) (rock)
As far as CAPN17 goes... He must be a lawyer. In most of his replies he defends everyone. I even remember him sticking up for the Dealership not wanting to Warranty something That was past 3 years on a car with 12,000 miles. :No Sympathy:
[Modified by RskyBns, 10:36 AM 7/21/2003]
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Florida
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (Jochen)
Hey Jochen,
I thought that was a Duetsch tag on your C5. I've spent quite a bit of time in Germany (Beautiful Country). I've been stationed / worked out of several of the bases there throughout the years. I know exactly what you're going through in regards to the shipping and service thing. So just a quick tidbit, in case you're not already on it. I'd think about meeting a few of the service men/women there and see if you can get them to help on the shipping. It would save you a bundle of Euro's and cut the lead time drastically.
You see, things going to and from American bases there are all mailed through the U.S. Postal system. Which is flat rate for that particular base. Most of the European theatre ships through New York so any rates would be stateside for NY only. It's cents when compared to UPS. And even better when you're converting from Euro to Dollar. With that said, you could also see about getting a P.O. box or general delivery box at a nearby base too.
One way of meeting these military people and possibly get better stateside support would be through one of the local Corvette Clubs there. I know of one in the Kaiserslautern area if you're interested. Please let me know if I can help.
Good Luck!
Tchüs!
:thumbs:
I thought that was a Duetsch tag on your C5. I've spent quite a bit of time in Germany (Beautiful Country). I've been stationed / worked out of several of the bases there throughout the years. I know exactly what you're going through in regards to the shipping and service thing. So just a quick tidbit, in case you're not already on it. I'd think about meeting a few of the service men/women there and see if you can get them to help on the shipping. It would save you a bundle of Euro's and cut the lead time drastically.
You see, things going to and from American bases there are all mailed through the U.S. Postal system. Which is flat rate for that particular base. Most of the European theatre ships through New York so any rates would be stateside for NY only. It's cents when compared to UPS. And even better when you're converting from Euro to Dollar. With that said, you could also see about getting a P.O. box or general delivery box at a nearby base too.
One way of meeting these military people and possibly get better stateside support would be through one of the local Corvette Clubs there. I know of one in the Kaiserslautern area if you're interested. Please let me know if I can help.
Good Luck!
Tchüs!
:thumbs:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (CAPN17)
Wow you found a human being and they made a mistake, good thing you never made one> :D :D :D :D :bs
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (ThePatriot)
Hi Patriot,
great that you enjoyed your time in germany. I grew up close to Ramstein/K-town, so i guess you are very familiar with this area . . .
I have a very good friend (a member of this Forum - C5Frederik) who has good contacts to the Corvette guys in Kaiserslautern. Thanks for this hint with shiping via the service guys.
Acctually i am at least once a year in the states for vacation (Love the USA), so for me it is a pleassure shopping around for my little red Corvette. You can imagine that our suitcases are stuffed with goodies for the car.
From Chrome Rims, K&N gen II Airintake to the B&B Exhaust, i bought all during a vacation and took it with me to germany. Thats the best for me and i save lots of $$ !
Great to hear from you.
Take care,
Jochen
great that you enjoyed your time in germany. I grew up close to Ramstein/K-town, so i guess you are very familiar with this area . . .
I have a very good friend (a member of this Forum - C5Frederik) who has good contacts to the Corvette guys in Kaiserslautern. Thanks for this hint with shiping via the service guys.
Acctually i am at least once a year in the states for vacation (Love the USA), so for me it is a pleassure shopping around for my little red Corvette. You can imagine that our suitcases are stuffed with goodies for the car.
From Chrome Rims, K&N gen II Airintake to the B&B Exhaust, i bought all during a vacation and took it with me to germany. Thats the best for me and i save lots of $$ !
Great to hear from you.
Take care,
Jochen
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
Likes: 1
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (CAPN17)
Wow you found a human being and they made a mistake, good thing you never made one> :D :D :D :D :bs
Aloha
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (WWK888)
Wow you found a human being and they made a mistake, good thing you never made one> :D :D :D :D :bs
How forgiving would you have been if you bought and installed the wrong shocks? I think your post is a little harsh...but thats just me :D :cheers:
Aloha
How forgiving would you have been if you bought and installed the wrong shocks? I think your post is a little harsh...but thats just me :D :cheers:
Aloha
Racer
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Florida
Re: Does WCC know what they are selling ? (Jochen)
Hey Jochen,
That's incredible! I just returned a month ago from there. I lived in a flat on the south side of Ramstein near the Auto Kino. What a small world. Well, it was great meeting you and I hope to catch you around on the forum. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you over here. I'll be more than happy to assist.
Take Care!
:flag
That's incredible! I just returned a month ago from there. I lived in a flat on the south side of Ramstein near the Auto Kino. What a small world. Well, it was great meeting you and I hope to catch you around on the forum. Let me know if there's anything I can do for you over here. I'll be more than happy to assist.
Take Care!
:flag