Valhalla’s Shield theft deterrent/skid plates info and ordering post

Tyler,

I wouldn’t otherwise post sales related issues on a pulic forum (especially as a first post to this forum), but it looks like this is the only viable option when email has failed me. The few emails we shared prior to that time not only confirmed that I am sending to the correct recipient, but along with what I read in this forum, gave me a very good impression of you. So I don’t understand why you have stopped communications. It certainly isn’t due to any negativity from previous emails.

Some recent history…

On August 30 you indicated via email that my order placed on June 29 was being manufactured, and it would be a few more weeks.

On October 8 I sent you an email asking for a status check, which went unanswered.

On October 12 I sent you a second email, which went unanswered.

On October 14 I sent you a third email requesting a reply in 24 hours, with the understanding that you were not able to fill the order if you again failed to reply.

So now as of now 10/16/2022 at 11:15 PDT, you still have not replied. I tried to cancel the order via PayPal but it will only allow reimbursement of product cost, and does not provide a means for reimbursement of the $70.00 shipping charges. I’m not willing to eat that shipping cost, so I am requesting you cancel the order and reimburse the total charge of $1,070.00 on your end. The order is #R318137422.

 

Tyler,
You mentioned on 9/30 you were sending out my plates the following week. It is been “16”weeks now since ordering! On something unfinished and more readily available I was under the impression when ordering. When you and I spoke.
I’ve been looking for a shipment notification but haven’t received anything. I also followed up with multiple emails to you from my original order without any reply… any insight if they are on there way????

At this point if you can’t produce them, I’m ok with that. I’m thinking just refund my PayPal account my $1124. I’m pretty patient but I’m tired of waiting. No problem…. Thank you, let me know…either way, though, I still would like them.

 

It looks like Tyler’s last post here was 10/13. Has anyone had any communication with him more recently than that?

Just noticed he was online here today at 2:15 PM, but radio silence. Even if there’s a perfectly reasonable explanation, this is more than enough cause for concern.

 

I had really good luck with Tyler, I just had to have patience. He delivered my plates when he said he would but I did wait almost 6 months. NO COMPLAINTS HERE !!!

 

I'm far from high maintenance but for me (and I think most folks) patience requires some reassurance and communication, which he has unfortunately dropped the ball on.

 

He is a one man show and trying to grow his business. He was nothing but good to me and even if communication was a little slow he ALWAYS got back to me. Subjective, I guess, on what a reasonable response time is.

 

The testimonies on this site alone show that @Classy63, Tyler, builds a quality product and is working his butt off to keep up with a SIDE JOB of making and selling these plates. There are times when his communication drops off some, but he has a family, a full time job, and everything life throws at us all to keep up with. Supporting him is worth the extra patience for me.

 

He spends his time processing orders and welding plates, not reading every single post in the forum. Patience. If you dont have any and refuse to wait any longer, there is a set for sale in the marketplace.

 

I have no illusions that he would be reading every post. But if you were to read my previous post, you would know that I do have an expectation that he reads and responds to my emails. Especially when I have pre-paid him for a product, and he has failed to deliver as promised. And apparently, I’m not the only one it’s happening to.

I have no doubt that Tyler is a great guy, and is burning the candle at both ends as a one man show. But that does not make up for him dropping the ball like this.

You can defend Tyler and you can flame me all you want, but you can’t change facts. Business and free market just doesn’t work that way.

 

I have been ignoring emails, it is a lot of the same thing with the same answer, either I have your plates, they need to be welded, powder coated, shipped or are being made. It really beats the crap out of me to respond to these messages…

I know that isn’t the answer I am supposed to give, but it is an ugly truth. My personal/work life has been beating the hell out of me and I am doing what I can. I have at least 100 plates here and at least that or more at powder coat. I also have another order being made now that will catch me up to about now.

I am sorry for the massive delays and I am especially sorry for those who have waited for 2022 plates, but I finally have them.

To get in contact with me, honestly, Facebook messenger is the best way, whether it is my personal or my business.

I am here, I am still making these and shipping them, and the best I can ask for is your patience.

Also due to recent PayPal issues, if you make any report with them whether it is to cancel, ask questions or anything, I will automatically cancel your order. I have fulfilled more orders than I would like to admit and PayPal still refunded the customer.

finally, I have attached some red 2022 plates that my powder coater just sent me.

 

Thanks for the detailed update, @Classy63 .

I’m looking forward to my 2022 plate. I always assumed my order was delayed due to being in the 2022 batch.

I have a stock 22 SR5 4x2.

 

I have been shipping out the non welded ones today.

 

Got my shipping notification! I look forward to getting the plate installed soon.

 

Tyler,
Just getting anxious, not trying to rain on your parade my friend. And I know good things come to those who wait. The text prior to mine kind of got me going and I just hope you’re being truthful that you have them ready you can lay your hands on them and all you need to do is ship.
I’m not on Facebook…
Order:R124817668
✌️

 

they have a 2022, there has been longer than expected delays with the 2022 plates.

 

It ain’t just the 3rd gens. 20 weeks here. Was told Sept 25 my plates were shipping “this week”.

 

Waiting is frustrating, but the plates are worth the wait. Take the opportunity to do all the undercarriage maintenance and projects BEFORE installing your plates. Change fluids in the differentials and transfer case, install transmission cooler, power tailgate lock, exhaust system, etc.

 

It’s now 10/22/22 and my requests on 10/16/22 via email and this thread for order cancellation, have still been unanswered by Tyler. Not only has he not made good on his promises, he has now gone dark on requests to cancel. Which means he has $1,070 of my money, and will have until which time he decides it’s time to refund or PayPal forces his hand.

I know Tyler is well supported in here but it seems that all of his supporters, already have his shields on their truck. His product is awesome but the business model is a disaster on so many levels. Many an awesome person has produced an awesome product, but the business model tanked due to poor management.

So to those who are still waiting on overdue shields, unanswered communications and broken promises, with your hard-earned money buying raw material for everyone in an unmanageably long line in front of you…. Buyer beware.

Next on my to-do list this morning is to submit a request for investigation to the Oregon State Department of Justice Consumer Fraud division.

Best of luck to those who are still waiting.

 

Soooo, did you not read the post he put in after your last one? I quoted yours and his below (it's immediately after your last one in this very thread). He clearly states that FB messenger is the best way to reach him and that emails won't work. Claiming that he has gone dark when he has a response the same day on this forum is disingenuous. I do not have his plates, do not have an order, and do not know him, but trying to swing a big dick around on a forum to bully a well regarded vendor is pretty stupid. Turn off the internet, Karen.

 

I don’t have and won’t have FB. It’s his responsibility to maintain reasonable means of contact.

So in one post you refer to me as “Bully”, “Swing a big dick” and “Karen”, over something that has nothing to do with you? Umm, ok dude.

 

I referred to you as a Karen. The other two were descriptors of your actions. As for having anything to do with me, this is a public forum and you posted a matter that should reasonably be handled privately in the public space. Now you want to object to public commentary? Would you like to speak to my manager?

 

Huh? Did you say something?

 

Ok, so enough bashing. I'll offer constructive criticism, as I do actually understand the frustration.

Rather than making it a hostile ultimatum posted without a tag or a quote I would offer these suggestions.

1. Use the quote button on the last post made by the OP, or whatever relevant post you wish them to reference, or use the @ symbol to tag them like so @Classy63
   • This give them a notification so you post isn't as easily lost in the flood
2. Better yet, send a PM. This keeps things private and also increases the chances it will be seen. It also comes off less as an attempt to damage a business in revenge for a perceived slight, and more as a conversation seeking a solution to a problem.
3. Recognize the situation the business is in. Demand is far outstripping supply, and wanting your stuff now doesn't move you up in the queue. Everybody waits, everybody hates it, but everyone is getting their products... eventually.
4. Don't publicly threaten a business with punitive action. That's a bully tactic and all it will do is make you a lower priority for any business. This is not an accusation, it is a simple analysis of how people react to things. 9 times out of 10 when an ultimatum is given people will go out of their way not to oblige whatever demand is being made.

So, as an example, here is how you could have addressed this publicly and not come off as a Karen.

Hey, @Classy63 I have order number XXXXX with you and I've not gotten a satisfactory response to the longer than expected lead times. I don't have FB so I can't message you there, and I saw that you don't respond to emails, so I am trying here instead. I'd like to request a cancellation of my order and a refund of the item and shipping costs. Could you please try to get me a response at your earliest convenience?
​

This does a few things. It explains the issue, it doesn't denigrate the business, and it might spark people to contact the business on your behalf with the preferred messaging platform. This would get you a quicker response from the vendor if somebody was able to convey or link to your post. Instead of attacking the business and threatening with guberment interference, which will make anyone that likes the vendor ignore your plea when they might have been able to help.

 

Where did you find Vahalla shields in the first place?
Was it thru an internet search or did you find him on this forum?

And yes, I do have his shields, and yes, I did wait a few months before I received them.
It was widely known about the delays around here.

 

Most of your suggestions have already been done, and accomplished nothing. So excuses, at this point, are exactly that. My money should have been refunded by now. If he had done that, you wouldn’t be here trying to defend the indefensible.

Wear your keyboard out labeling and flaming me as much as you want. At this point, I don’t care one bit. I just want my money back. Very quick and easy process.

 

Internet. There is a banner at the top of his page that says…

“Due to high demand, wait times can exceed 4 weeks, please be patient“

While technically correct, it would be much more accurate to say “Due to high demand, wait times can exceed 4 months, please be patient”.

Had I known that upfront, I wouldn’t have ordered.

 

@Harvster All I will say is that I wouldn't come on here trying to throw weight around a public forum or being an a$$ because you can get banned. As said by other members, the refund issue should be handled privately. @Classy63 doesn't sit on this forum daily....he's busy making plates. Many of us have waited for our plates because we didn't want sub par products from other sources. I am like a kid at Christmas when I order something and want it as soon as possible, but I, along with several others here, did not mind the wait for these and supporting his efforts. There are millions of Tundras on the road and the vendors that makes these plates can be counted on 1 hand. The point is....the choice is yours on what you purchase, but I would suggest a different approach as to how you handle this within the forum publicly.