Is This Acceptable ?

[Jack H.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

I would really like to avoid ending up with something like this, and furthermore I want to make sure that I'm not supporting this manufacturer/vendor.

How about naming this outfit?

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Tim I'm afraid this is the better of the two that they have sent me.
When I called the company today after receiving this replacement clock for the first one I complained about, the Customer Service rep. suggested they weren't about to do anything for me unless I sent them a digital photo of the clock - because apparently my description of what was wrong was too confusing for them to follow - another sign that they probably aren't the "Corvette enthusiasts" they want us to believe they are.
I also got the feeling (by virtue of the "tone" that the rep used) that I was probably just being another ultra-picky pain-in-the-you -know-what that they'd just never be able to please, hence my post.
I appreciate the feedback I have received thus far.

Rick

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Jack I'll be happy to post the outcome of this tomorrow and name those involved.
Who knows, maybe no one has ever brought this to their attention before and I am the first who has ever followed through on the principle of it alone.
To be fair though I truly believe I should give them one last chance to redeem themselves before identifying the manufacturer and vendor, and having posted one side of the story.
At least then I won't feel bad if it turns out the way I think it is going to end !

Rick

[Michael F.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

that is horrible workmanship....sent that junk back and get refund and convert original one or find another vendor somehow buy it in person, at a show close to you maybe....don't settle for less than perfect. good luck.

[Warren F.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Rick,

I was going to offer you my NOS clock in GM box, but I see you have a '72 and would need the white lettered face instead of the '71 green lettered style. I hope you solve this situation to your satisfaction.

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

That's very kind of you Warren, thanks for your generous offer anyway !

As an update, the manufacturer is looking into the issue as we speak. I called this morning to see if he had a chance to review his stock and determine the extent of the problem. I was told they were "working on it" ! I will provide the follow-up as it becomes available later today (hopefully).

I spoke with the Customer Service manager (vendor) this morning and they could not speak for the person who was supposed to have inspected the replacement clock out to me before shipping. They did not have any other clocks to send me and were waiting for a shipment to arrive next week. Given the delays already incurred up until now I chose to seek a full refund.

I will be ordering a proper clock from Instrument Services immediately !

Thanks, Rick

[Joe L.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Jack I'll be happy to post the outcome of this tomorrow and name those involved.
Who knows, maybe no one has ever brought this to their attention before and I am the first who has ever followed through on the principle of it alone.
To be fair though I truly believe I should give them one last chance to redeem themselves before identifying the manufacturer and vendor, and having posted one side of the story.
At least then I won't feel bad if it turns out the way I think it is going to end !

Rick

Rick------


Quite a few years ago I purchased a reproduction clock (with quartz movement) for my 1969 from Instrument Services Co. I had the thing around here for years but just installed it a short time ago when I had the center console out as part of heater core replacement. This clock is absolutely perfect in every way. Assuming nothing has changed at ISC, I also think they'd be a good source for you.

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Joe, I just got off the phone with John at Instrument Services and ordered one from them.
I found them to be polite, helpful and knowledgeable. I have heard nothing but good things about them and your post just strengthens my belief I've finally done the right thing.
The funny thing is "I knew" I should have gone this way right from the start but the lazy enticement of buying a bunch of stuff from one place was too much to resist at the time - especially when I was seemingly able to justify it under the pretense that it would save me valuable time in the end.
As it turned out I am horribly delayed in getting my ripped apart gauge cluster re-assembled and I have just wasted approx. 3 weeks of good driving weather in a country where you're lucky to see 8 weeks of summer (Canada) total.

Thanks for your input.

Rick

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Well I promised you all an update on the outcome of today's battle and where it all ended.

I called the vendor today (Corvette Central) and got absolutely no where with the Customer Service rep. I asked to have the matter elevated so that I could speak with the C.S. Mgr. After a lengthy discussion I resolved to simply ask for a refund as the options provided to me were less than satisfactory given that more delays and uncertainty over whether another factory reject was likely to be the outcome once again.
I would like to say this though - that while we both maintained our composure and attempted to be cordial and polite to one another, I most certainly was left with the inescapable impression that customers like me are simply seen as a nuisance ! Apparently everyone likes it better when you just roll over and play dead. I am a firm believer in letting my money do the talking and ultimately poor service will be represented in poor ( or poorer ) sales. Despite the talk of global economies being in recession, I got the impression that they are very busy and probably individuals like me don't mean much to their overall bottom-line.
That is simply a reality I will have to live with but an unfortunate one given that a "happy customer" brings more customers back and ultimately means increased sales in the long run. A true win-win situation for all.
I have now ordered from Instrument Services and look forward to receiving their product.
On a side note, I exchanged emails with the manufacturer of the clock in question ( O.E. R. or Original Equipment Reproductions ) who at first impressed me with their quick response to my initial email advising them of the quality control problem.
I received a polite response from them stating that they acknowledged the problem, had located the "best" one of the bunch and were putting it aside for me. I was rather displeased when no offer was made to send it to me in an expeditious manner - instead I was told I would have to go through Corvette Central to arrange to have this clock shipped to them and then to me, adding ( I'm sure) 2-3 more weeks to this painful lesson.
I let them know that I felt they had fallen short of fulfilling their responsibility to the customer and that I would be letting my fellow NCRS brethren know of the outcome. I received no response after that.

Thank you to all who provided input on this ! I appreciate your advice !

Sincerely, Rick

[Ridge K.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Well I promised you all an update on the outcome of today's battle and where it all ended.

I called the vendor today (Corvette Central) and got absolutely no where with the Customer Service rep. I asked to have the matter elevated so that I could speak with the C.S. Mgr. After a lengthy discussion I resolved to simply ask for a refund as the options provided to me were less than satisfactory given that more delays and uncertainty over whether another factory reject was likely to be the outcome once again.
I would like to say this though - that while we both maintained our composure and attempted to be cordial and polite to one another, I most certainly was left with the inescapable impression that customers like me are simply seen as a nuisance ! Apparently everyone likes it better when you just roll over and play dead. I am a firm believer in letting my money do the talking and ultimately poor service will be represented in poor ( or poorer ) sales. Despite the talk of global economies being in recession, I got the impression that they are very busy and probably individuals like me don't mean much to their overall bottom-line.
That is simply a reality I will have to live with but an unfortunate one given that a "happy customer" brings more customers back and ultimately means increased sales in the long run. A true win-win situation for all.
I have now ordered from Instrument Services and look forward to receiving their product.
On a side note, I exchanged emails with the manufacturer of the clock in question ( O.E. R. or Original Equipment Reproductions ) who at first impressed me with their quick response to my initial email advising them of the quality control problem.
I received a polite response from them stating that they acknowledged the problem, had located the "best" one of the bunch and were putting it aside for me. I was rather displeased when no offer was made to send it to me in an expeditious manner - instead I was told I would have to go through Corvette Central to arrange to have this clock shipped to them and then to me, adding ( I'm sure) 2-3 more weeks to this painful lesson.
I let them know that I felt they had fallen short of fulfilling their responsibility to the customer and that I would be letting my fellow NCRS brethren know of the outcome. I received no response after that.

Thank you to all who provided input on this ! I appreciate your advice !

Sincerely, Rick

Rick, thank you for letting the fellow members know of the issue.

I will not "pile on", as I think that there is too much of that on the TDB occasionally, but......I will say that I have severed my business ties with Corvette Central over their refusal to address a special shipping need I had on an order. That's all I'll say on the matter. I wish them continued success, ... but will NOT be doing business with them.

Ridge

[Mike G.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

made in china? that would not make it to my car. chances are the next one you get will be the same. i would get a refund and buy it from another vender. hopefully one that does not sell the same chinese clock.

[Pat M.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

I honestly don't know whether I am being "too picky" or not so I'm going to throw it all out to you to chime in !

Rick, I agree the clock is unacceptable and good for you for not accepting it.

As for whether you're being "too picky" don't forget - you're talking to people who check the cut marks on keys, and the font size on valve stem caps, for crying out loud! It's a mad house, and we're all happily mad!

[Jack H.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Well I promised you all an update on the outcome of today's battle and where it all ended.

I called the vendor today (Corvette Central) ...
On a side note, I exchanged emails with the manufacturer of the clock in question ( O.E. R. or Original Equipment Reproductions )...
Sincerely, Rick

Rick,
Thank you for your input and hopefully all works out for the best and very soon for you and your clock saga. Hopefully you conclude this thread with a thumbs up regarding an Inst Services clock. BTW, I have purchased many items from CorvetteCentral as they are very convenient for online shopping. Hopefully they eventually realize the issue here and address it. Concerning OER, I had a bad quality experience with a Chevelle part not too long ago, so this adds another minus for them. Good data points for us all in my opinion.

made in china? that would not make it to my car. chances are the next one you get will be the same. i would get a refund and buy it from another vender. hopefully one that does not sell the same chinese clock.

Mike,
I must have missed where it was stated that these clocks were made in China? Joe asked if they were foreign, and Rick suggested they were not. Do you know that OER imports from or manufactures in China perhaps? If so, another good data point.

Rick, I agree the clock is unacceptable and good for you for not accepting it.

As for whether you're being "too picky" don't forget - you're talking to people who check the cut marks on keys, and the font size on valve stem caps, for crying out loud! It's a mad house, and we're all happily mad!

The cut marks, font size, and madness made me smile. However, this clock was so bad I wouldn't put it in my worst enemy's Yugo, much less a prized Corvette.

[Rick B.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

Thanks guys !
On top of the incredible support and advice one gets from this forum its good to know we can all laugh at ourselves ! Pat, truer words were never spoken....lol

[Jeff A.]

Re: Is This Acceptable ?

at least those guys acknowledged the problem. LOL
I had a situation with an exhaust manufacturer who refused to admit there was any problem at all-

6 month later they are still saying i am crazy even while telling potential customers that the newest mufflers "would not look like the one they sent me"

Still refused to offer any help so I just keep alerting anyone who asks.

Here is my Gardner muffler thread...

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168582