Are My Expectations High or is This Poor Craftsmanship?

I even researched his LLC and insurance before committing. I was on the fence between him and Eledobleu, didn't want to mail these to Georgia.. I also thought it would be a faster turnaround going local, boy was I wrong. =\

 

Thank you for your feedback!

I have tried to give everything back. He will not give a full refund, although he has agreed to refund his labor fees and the cost I paid for the headlights. He also said he would try to take them back and fix them, but due to the fact that it took two months just to get where we are I don't really feel like that's an acceptable resolution.

I am going to try to work something out with him but I have little hope that he'll go any further than he has already agreed without some prodding.

 

This blows. Karma is a mother... he will get what he deserves.

 

That fact that it took 2 months to build is ridiculous! Though I do have customers waiting for a month or so, its for the core exchange program. Lights in my possession are usually completed withing 2-4 days. It does not take 2 months to finish these lights.

The refund of labor and cost of headlight sounds to be a fair deal if you will keep the retrofit. Otherwise, you need to get atleast the cost of parts (not headlights) and atleast 35% labor back and keep the retrofit. Labor costs are 80% of any retrofit.

 

Hmm. I need to go price out everything then because he's claiming $700 of the price was parts.

I really wish I had just sent these out to you... I don't know why this crap always happens to me.

 

Do you think the fact that he used silicone to secure the shrouds is going to impact longevity or build quality? I don't even want to use these if they're not built to last.

 

Wait what? Did he really use silicone to secure the Shrouds? If so then give it back. Only glue that should be used to secure projectors, Shrouds is jb weld

 

Yes, he did. That is one of my big complaints, you can see the silicone leaking out from around the sides of the shrouds.

 

Here is a small example, I can get some better pics later because there are multiple spots where you can see the silicone leaking out from behind the shrouds.. These are just what I snapped after he handed them to me and hurried and took off..

 

I would do the charge back. If your card approves it, you are done. If not, you can still go to small claims court. Also file a complaint with your states Bureau of Automotive Repair. They should be in that category.

 

I would take whatever charlatan that performed that work to small-claims in a heart beat, just based on principle. If he has done it to you he could do it to others.

 

HID Retrofit

 

I don't think so.

 

I have a small claims court date regarding this matter tomorrow. I have collected a number of images of 3rd gen retrofits and fortunately have my entire conversation available as it was all via Facebook or text messaging..

I'm wondering if anyone can post images of their retrofits, preferably uninstalled (showing the sealant used and the condition of the black housing as mine are all bent to hell) that they wouldn't mind me printing and taking to court tomorrow as evidence. Any images would be greatly appreciated!

 

Yeah - I did all that. No stolen images and lots of images that are clearly his own work on his FB page (you can often see his reflection in the lens).

I also researched his LLC and found no complaints with the BBB.

I did my due diligence and got screwed. What I need now are examples of retrofits done right. I have a few and I think I'm good, but the more evidence I can present the better.

 

He knows he did a shit job because he offered to do a partial refund and let me keep the lights.. The partial refund was nowhere near what I feel would be reasonable, however.. He says he can't afford a full refund. If you can't afford to take a loss when you screw up a job you have no place running a business.

 

Yeah. I have a ton of evidence and all of his statements for over two months (he would never pick up a phone or talk in person, always text of FB messenger). It was annoying during the ordeal but now I'm glad to have all those records.

 

Judgment in my favor. Now to attempt to collect.

 

Just let me get my double barreled, magnum, pearl handled, caulking guns loaded up and I’ll take care of that problem!

 

He actually showed up to court? What did the judge say?

 

If this was for my truck - after all that you have tried (and documented your attempts, I would assume), I would send the lights back by USPS certified and then initiate a chargeback on your CC. That may not technically meets the specifications of a chargeback - but if you have proof you returned the product, your chargeback should be upheld.

You've tried the reasonable way - now it's time to get tough. And any justice court would likely find that reasonable if it ever comes to that.

Bottom line is that you got a messy product, and at that price, you have a right to expect a good result - not to mention exactly what you ordered.

I read that you got a judgment already? I hope that's accurate and you get your money. Yet I would still consider the chargeback and sending him the lights back - If the CC company refunds your money, then you can file with the court that the judgement has been satisfied.

 

I know nothing about small claims court.
How do you go about collecting? Does the judge give the dollar amount to be collected?

 

In small claims court, if the defendant fails to appear, the plaintiff is awarded a default judgement...at least in my state. At a follow-up payment hearing, if the defendant has not paid the court ordered settlement, the plaintiff can file a "capias" and pay $100-$150 to arrest the defendant and have him brought before the small claims court clerk. If the defendant is a lowlife, you may get $0 or have to accept a payment plan which can stretch many months.

 

Sometimes things don't work out as planned.

 

I agree..Credit card charge back is a good idea. Shouldn't be too late...