If they aren't performing shady, questionable business practices then I don't know what you'd you'd call it.

 

I am really disappointed to read the situation at Benchmark does not seem to be improving. As much as I wanted to buy their top end dual battery kit, I will take the money I put aside for their kit and spend it elsewhere.

-mel

 

I've been waiting for a replacement oil pan. The original one leaks and I was told they are manufacturing a new "test jig" to properly leak test the oil pans since there is a known problem. Haven't heard anything back after three follow up phone calls and emails.

The original pan took about a month to ship. Only sent it out after a couple phone calls and emails.

 

Go to a big rig place that works on big volvos and macks and such. truckers live in their trucks. those mechanics know how to install a dual battery set up.

 

Yesterday I posted on FB a picture of a grass fire near my house. An hour or so before that I mentioned an earthquake I thought I had felt, and which was confirmed by the USGS website. I asked jokingly, "What next!?!?" and Snowbilt chimed in something about my Benchmark Designs battery tray being delivered. Well, I just checked e-mail and ... yes, I have an e-mail from Benchmark Designs with a tracking number. Unbelievable. Snowbilt, I now dub thee the Oracle of OKC. Please, pray tell, which way is the stock market headed this month?

 

Hrm. This is somewhat odd, but I have a slightly different situation with Benchmark.

On 9/4 I emailed them asking if they had evap skids in stock or if there was a lead time for fabbing them. I mentioned that I was leaving for a trip on 9/13 and wanted to have it installed before then. Now, being that it was a Sunday and the next day was Labor Day, I wasn't expecting a quick response.

On 9/6, I get an email from John asking what my shipping address is, so I give it to him. And within a few hours, I have both a shipping notice from FedEx and (eventually) a payment request from PayPal. Being that it's shipping ground from the Seattle area, FedEx says it'll arrive on 9/12. That may be cutting it close, but if it doesn't show on time, I can't blame John!

On the other hand, before he sent me the PayPal payment request, I tried calling the phone number he sent me several times. Never did get a response back.

I get the impression that this is a 1~2 man shop, or that it might even be a side job. Still, I can't really complain about the service I've gotten so far. And the design of his products seems to be top-notch (except for maybe some quality control issues on the oil pan). From what it sounds like reading all the complaints, he really needs to hire a customer service person and maybe two or three good shop hands, and then he'd be able to doing things properly.

 

I'm still waiting on my part. FedEx shows that the part hasn't been picked up, yet--since August 31st. At least one other forum member is in the same situation with an identical "shipping date". I hope this business gets its act together, but right now I'm starting to explore other options for parts (not certain what I can do about the money--PayPal is not your friend when you're the customer and I almost didn't buy from BD because that's who he deals through. I should have followed my instincts.).

 

You can dispute the charges with PayPal... that's what I had to do. Paypal will force Benchmark to do something. Trust me, it does work.

 

Read PayPals buye protection coverage in the user agreement, it isn't long or jargon filled and pretty specific and very easy to follow. Follow Paypals rules and you will always be covered. It is not hard. Just left there in April after working in buyer protection for four years. You have to realize that they are reimbursing you, and then going to the seller to get the money back, if the seller doesnt have it then paypal goes red on that transaction, they are a business like any other and as such hold the seller to certain rules and payment holds as well. Read the user agreement and then it's hard to complain. They are the worlds number one way to pay and be paid online for a reason, over 10 years of leading the industry with next to no advertising. That's saying something

 

too bad about this company. they make some awesome looking stuff, but from all i've read about them, i'll shop elsewhere until their service improves.