I really had no choice but post this. I orderd H-sport springs and sway bar from you last Monday over the phone. I could have bought them from other place but since everyone talks about you as the guy for Mini mods, I wanted to get your advice and buy them from you. However, after 8days I have no sign of the products. No shipping comformation. I know the sway bar was not in stock for 10days or so but you said the springs will be sent the next day. The part that bothers me though, is that you are almost impossible to get in touch with. Since you don't do web orders, and I had no luck getting any e-mail replies from you, phone is the only way. I have been trying to call you since Friday and I left a message yesterday(!!) but most of the time your mail box is full and can't even leave messages. Randy, did you sned my springs out? I checked my CC and I think you haven't charged yet. I don't want to reveal my real name and address here so please check your phone message. CALL ME!

 

try also sending him a PM

hes been very good about responding to his PM's

also hes been going through the whole having a baby thing..but i am not sure whats the latest news on that

 

>>...the whole having a baby thing...

LOL

 

its true chitown :smile:

 

Wow! ...That's weird.

Very recently Randy was drawn into MINI USA brand protection legal BS. ...Between this, his normal business and his wife having another child he just might be a little more taxed than usual.

Normally Randy is very accessible. His reputation for being available for ANYONE with a question is well earned. I suspect something out of the ordinary must be going on.

With regard to your product not being sent/your cc being billed...

I own a distribution company. I know first hand how some part vendors can mis-represent product availability. ...So cut the man some slack. ...He'd like to take your $ and have you happy too. ...It is (afterall) how he makes his living.

A thought regarding your credit card not being billed...
One might think you'd be pleased that he hadn't billed your cc (if the parts hadn't shipped yet). This is typically the sign of a business with good cash flow - because it doesn't need your $ in order to buy the goods you're being sold. There are plenty of businesses out there that can't afford to stock parts or just plain don't because they have no cashflow or they have no credit with vendors. ...These folks rely on you paying first - so they can order your goods. Think about it! Not billing your cc till the goods ship is a courteous, sound and principled business practice. It's also a sign of honesty and integrity.

Lastly,
Public floggings rarely make freinds or get the desired result. You only demonstrate that you are unhappy, and that you want to share in your feeling. In the future you might try a less public/more personal, subtle approach.

Hope you get your parts soon. ...And hope that all is well with Randy.

peace brotha!

 

>>
>>Lastly,
>>Public floggings rarely make freinds or get the desired result. You only demonstrate that you are unhappy, and that you want to share in your feeling. In the future you might try a less public/more personal, subtle approach.
>>
>>Hope you get your parts soon. ...And hope that all is well with Randy.
>>
>>peace brotha!
>>
>>


hey minimc, he didnt do a "public flogging" of randy. he said he couldnt get a hold of him, and did this as a last resort, ,so cut him a bit of slack :smile:

 

I heard yesterday that Randy is a father, again! Between that, the legalities with BMW/MINI, and a move, if I understood correctly, he is probably VERY occupied these days. Just tyring to explain on his behalf, with what little I know...

 

he is moving?

 

wow, i've had exactly the opposite experience dealing with Randy. Other than times when he's on the road installing pulleys, i've found it easy to get ahold of him by phone. In fact when i call he spends much time answering all of my many questions. I've found him very responsive and easy to get. I've purchased intake, springs, sway bar, rims and just last week control arms from Randy over last 6 months.
He does all he can to ship items inexpensively to me (including deliverying to post office) as i'm in Hawaii. I ordered control arms last monday and received them on thursday. I did have screw up getting center hubs for the rims that I ordered - but this was corrected when he returned from trips installing pulleys. He has been very straight with me and when items will take a few weeks he says so, when their in stock its super fast. He even offered to pay for re balancing my rims if i had to do it again (and i didn't even purchase the tires from him).
So from this customer, he's tops.

 

Why don't you try contacting members of Randy's local Colorado mini group. ...Its some number - can't remember exactly. ...Anyone know what the name of that group is? Dave in Denver or someone else local to Randy would probably know more & might be able to be your 'man on the scene' (not volunteering anyone... just a thought).

 

Answered my own question:

http://www.mini5280.org/

 

TonyB is right.
i actually spoke to randy about the baby situation last week and he said any day now. i think he also mention something about being inaccessable for a few days after the baby comes. i understand, so i told him i'll just send my ecu in next week instead.

i can wait; my ecu is not that important.

bbt4

 

I have an order pending some design changes which Randy was kind enough to advise me of and allowing me to wait and receive the improved design. I did catch him on 8/25 fo an update and his wife delivered last Friday so he's less available than normal. I'm sure we all send our best wishes Randy and his family on such a happy arrival. :smile: :smile:

 

Yep, I spoke with him monday also, babby is fine, I also think the "Name" thing
is causing issues as is R&D of products for "Us". My H-Sport Springs are due to
ship out today. the extra time will make the springs that much more enjoyable.

 

All this talk of Randy having ANOTHER child (how many now? ) Has me thinking of the condom skit in Monty Python's the meaning of life.


Lets see...
Randy travels the US doing pulley's, he sources & tests new products + R&D... not to forget the amount of time he's spend on this forum. ...I mean he is young and full of energy... But I don't know how he finds the time!

Randy you da energizer bunny or sumthin!
or
(maybe just similar to a rabbit?)

 

>>hey minimc, he didnt do a "public flogging" of randy. he said he couldnt get a hold of him, and did this as a last resort, ,so cut him a bit of slack

Agreed. I read no "public flogging" into that original posting either. Just a last avenue of communication.

 

Randy has been awesome with me even though I have yet to begin any performance mods. When the time comes, if Randy has it, I will get it from him no matter what.

 

Some of us feel the nees to protect Randy because we look at him like an older brother. Don't be picking on my family kind of thing.

I can understand a little worry about being ripped off. But the CC wasn't even charged yet. Now I don't think this was a "public flogging". However, I do think that it was intended to bring attention to everyone that he was upset.

Some people have different expectations when it comes to receiving their items.
Anyone who has dealt on ebay knows that there are the great people who give get their products and are happy.

Then there are the ones who are calling 4 days later wanting to know where their stuff is. Then they post a negative feedback because they didn't receive the product for 8 or 9 days.

Well, by the time you order it, it could have been past the UPS pickup time. So, it doesn't go out unil the next day. Then, UPS ground takes up to 5 business days.

For example, it an item was ordered after 3:00 on Friday, it doesn't get sent out until Monday. Then it takes 5 days for delivery....which would fall on a Saturday. So it would be delivered by UPS on Monday. That has been a total of 11 days from phone call to delivery.

But some people don't know or just don't care.

I feel bad thet he couldn't be reached , but he was having a baby.

I could just see Randy....."honey, don't have the baby yet. I need to be sure that I get this shipped out today."

Sorry if this email is to harsh, but I deal with this everyday.

in closing, I'm sure you will get your products any day now. If not, there might have been a problem with the vendor or posibly the shipper. But Randy is very respected around here. He has more clients on MCO than any other vendor. He isn't going to rip anyone off or rick his reputation over a couple hundred dollars.

 

OK

So you guys don't like my use of 'public flogging' hmmmm

Just cuz this guy wants to say its a last resort doesn't make it so. That's just a weak attempt at disclaimer cuz he knew what he was doing wasn't cool. Justify it however you like. Just don't expect me to buy it.

When someone decides to take a business dealing that is private and put it on open forum this makes it PUBLIC.

When the post brings into question the reliability & integrity of the business that Randy runs - that's pretty negative.

I call it flogging. ...don't like it? change it to a phrase which you find more suitible & smile!

The obvious goal of the thread was to get action. The guy is frustrated and concerned. ...But rather than ask for some private opinions he created negative publicity. No business needs this type of attention, and certainly not Randy. Its undeserved.

Who know's why Randy isn't/wasn't available. ...If history/experience serves well its legitimate.

I stand by my comments.

 

I find that phone is the best way to reach him except when the phone messages are all full-Drat.
Then I try PM or email. Keep trying. Good luck.

 

OK, I need to clear few things here. first of all, I had no idea that he had a baby yesterday so congrads!! I didn't meen to make this "public" to give him a negative publicity. I hope he can do my pully sometime because I still beleive that he is the most qualified guy around here. HOwever, do you think I am expecting too much just to here about my order status? I left two messages Monday and today and still no answer. I buy stuff off the net all the time and you usally get some sort of updates on where the item is at. I know he can't charge my CC until he shipps so I am assuming he hasn't shipped my stuff yet. Yes I am still waiting. I just want to get on with my mods. :smile:

 

If it is your only recourse than I don't see anything wrong with posting a gripe on this board.

Afterall this is a PUBLIC forum where people get togther to share ideas.

When you run a business you can't just "shut down" shop because you are "stretching" yourself too thin.

When someone is using your business to buy things you expect to get the service done in a timely fashion. Since when is it the customer's responsibilty to ensure he is getting treated properly?

 

Sorry guys, and thanks for the help! pfunk and I have talked (if he is who I think he is) so he knows the status of his order - the springs shipped and the swaybar went through a rediesign to avoid any fitment issues - I just didn't get a chance to contact him before now. As far as the credit card charge - that is usually the last thing I do. I am pretty far behind on some of the invoicing - but it usually doesn't bother anyone .

pfunk actually has a valid point though. I have felt horrible about the ability to return e-mails and phone messages as of late. It stems from several factors (not excuses by any means):

The new baby obviously.
Legal issues with BMW and trying to get everything in order before the mandatory date of August 28.
Growing too fast for one person to keep up.
A swarm of new products hitting at once - so multiple dyno and track days have been sapping time.

Here are some actions currently being implemented to avoid any future problems:

The new baby is here!
The name issues are just about sorted out and will result in a relaunch of the website with all new products and logos.
I am hiring a shipping and handling person as well as establishing a dedicated order line handled by operators.
I will continue to test new products ASAP with these other steps in place.

I hope that helps, and I understand your frustration. If anyone else has a problem over the next few weeks and needs to get a hold of me outside the shop, don't hesitiate to contact me at home during reasonable hours 720-344-0210. I don't think this will be necessary outside of the next two or so weeks.

Hope that helps!

Randy
720-841-1002

_________________

CLICK THE SIG PIC!

This ain't no Disco

 

>>OK, I need to clear few things here. first of all, I had no idea that he had a baby yesterday so congrads!! I didn't meen to make this "public" to give him a negative publicity. I hope he can do my pully sometime because I still beleive that he is the most qualified guy around here. HOwever, do you think I am expecting too much just to here about my order status? I left two messages Monday and today and still no answer. I buy stuff off the net all the time and you usally get some sort of updates on where the item is at. I know he can't charge my CC until he shipps so I am assuming he hasn't shipped my stuff yet. Yes I am still waiting. I just want to get on with my mods. :smile: >>>>


Don't worry pfunk - you were ok doing what you did. Afterall this is a public forum and that's what it's here for - to get advice on and ask questions of other MINI owners about their experiences. No one (or hardly anyone) thought you were flogging or being too harsh.
:smile: