Benchmark Designs - Do not deal with them
#43
I have had the PayPal's buyer protection dept help me out before and they took care of things fine......even when the seller didn't want to resolve things.
--------------------straying here for a sec--------------------
To the 10 years of no ad's, lemme say that I do use PP (frequently), but come on- eBay uses PP as it's main source of payment and who owns eBay? Google. Google now comes pre-loaded on some Android phones and to be quite honest- I'm surprised they don't have a PP option just like when you go thru and set up twitter, linked in, facebook, etc etc.
Again- I really like PayPal, but they have a hookup that gives them a leg up, not to mention, I see no competition for them.
---------------back on topic though--------------------------
--------------------straying here for a sec--------------------
To the 10 years of no ad's, lemme say that I do use PP (frequently), but come on- eBay uses PP as it's main source of payment and who owns eBay? Google. Google now comes pre-loaded on some Android phones and to be quite honest- I'm surprised they don't have a PP option just like when you go thru and set up twitter, linked in, facebook, etc etc.
Again- I really like PayPal, but they have a hookup that gives them a leg up, not to mention, I see no competition for them.
---------------back on topic though--------------------------
Google doesnt own eBay, eBay owns PayPal that is why it is the primary payment source, Google doesnt use PayPal at all because they have their own payment platform Google Checkout and are currently creating Google Wallet for use with cell phones via First Data and Citi.
Last edited by RedOffRoad; 09-09-2011 at 03:23 PM.
#44
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.).
#45
Site back up. I really wanted one of their rear bumpers... I am still waiting on a oil pan as well. Says it will be here today after only 2 months wait time. When you go to check out on there site now you get this error.
We are sorry for the inconvenience. The PayPal account authentication settings are not yet set up, or the API security information is incorrect. We are unable to complete your transaction. Please notify the store owner so they can correct this problem. (10002)
We are sorry for the inconvenience. The PayPal account authentication settings are not yet set up, or the API security information is incorrect. We are unable to complete your transaction. Please notify the store owner so they can correct this problem. (10002)
Last edited by SquarePlanet; 09-20-2011 at 09:00 AM.
#46
Well, I ordered my Benchmark Designs dual-battery kit on February 23, 2011. On August 31st, I received e-mails from FedEx and PayPal saying that the kit would be delivered by September 7th. I never received the kit. At the same time, another forum member also received similar e-mails about another item (we've PM'd about this). He has not received his item either.
Today I sent Benchmark Designs a request to refund my money. There is the slight complication that the credit card that the original transaction was completed on is no longer valid (account number was stolen). I've explained this in my e-mail, which was nicely worded to the business owner, and requested that if there's any difficulty, he refund with a check directly to me. Although the debt has been paid to the credit card company, there may be problems with this approach that are not the fault of Benchmark Designs. However, I expect him to make immediate restitution, or to contact me directly immediately if that's not possible. I will keep this thread informed.
BTW: Another friend of mine e-mailed Benchmark Designs last week and inquired about buying a dual-battery kit. He received an immediate response indicating that he should call that evening or the next morning because the owner was in the office. He had two dual-battery kits setting on the shelf and could ship immediately. I will let you draw your own conclusions.
Today I sent Benchmark Designs a request to refund my money. There is the slight complication that the credit card that the original transaction was completed on is no longer valid (account number was stolen). I've explained this in my e-mail, which was nicely worded to the business owner, and requested that if there's any difficulty, he refund with a check directly to me. Although the debt has been paid to the credit card company, there may be problems with this approach that are not the fault of Benchmark Designs. However, I expect him to make immediate restitution, or to contact me directly immediately if that's not possible. I will keep this thread informed.
BTW: Another friend of mine e-mailed Benchmark Designs last week and inquired about buying a dual-battery kit. He received an immediate response indicating that he should call that evening or the next morning because the owner was in the office. He had two dual-battery kits setting on the shelf and could ship immediately. I will let you draw your own conclusions.
#47
6 months for a battery tray? I can't even think of a word that describes that type of business. There is not one possible excuse for that kind of service. I hope they make it right mark...and very promptly. My patience would have run out months ago...
#48
David at Northridge will restore your confidence in great customer service. Unfortunately (and understandably), he tends to avoid vendors that have problems delivering parts, so if you're set on a particular product, you may still have to deal directly with less than stellar customer service. But, if David carries it, it's difficult to go wrong with him.
Dave won't deal with delivery-problem vendors! Think there is a reason?
That's why I don't deal with off-brand vendors. If a reseller like Dave knows better, I should know better. Everyone say's certain vendors have the "Best" product, The reality is most small manufactures lack the capital to invest in proper CAD programs, hiring the right CAD design experts and proper prototyping machines like the larger guys. I knew a small vendor who had all this and was still a small guy. he learned that custom engineering work made more money so the shop switched away from the off road market. Small shops can do it right. Unfortunately many are garage shop guys with limited business acumen.
There's a reason Dave is in business and people trust him. He does his research so you don't have to.
#49
There are several alternatives. Foolish to stand in line for vaporware...
#50
Theft.
Last edited by Yankee; 09-20-2011 at 03:08 PM.