Originally Posted by Padraig (Post 4246712)

Two things seem strange to me.

1. Builder not taking calls and assuming a message was left, not returning call.
2. Customer missing two seasons, the builder not taking or returning his calls and he doesn't show up at his door asking what the hell is going on!

I just don't understand what the builder or the customer was thinking. Is it as simple as both of them had their heads up their azz?

Padraig

Originally Posted by Ateco (Post 4246342)

It has been brought to my attention that I need to read an old thread that has been recently revived on OSO. It is not customary for me to sit in front of a computer forum when there is work to be done in the shop, but I see that I need to make an exception and reach out to a customer who is feeling slighted.

Randy, I am sorry to have taken so long on your project. As you know, we have been designing an affordable serpentine belt drive for your Whipple blower engine, using your stock alternator, your power steering pump and your sea pump.

As we have discussed, I have been disappointed in the quality of the parts I have received from numerous CNC shops I initially used. Last month I finally received acceptable parts for your engine. It took a while to find a suitable CNC operator with talend and available time to take on the project. I am comfortable with the parts I now have for the design.

Often times, customers want to supply parts they have collected or have purchased elsewhere, such as ebay, Racing Junk or Offshore Only and they are perfectly good parts, but don't necessarily fit together properly without some kind of modifications. In an attempt to please you and save money, I have been willing to match various mismatched engine parts that have been supplied, instead of insisting on parts that I know to be compliant for your particular engine. These different types of puzzle pieces take more time to try to fit together correctly. It can be done, it just requires machining. Initially, money is saved on parts, but ultimately lost in time and labor.

I have not avoided your calls. I am at ATECO Monday through Saturday, but I cannot always come to the phone. I try to communicate with customers when I have something to convey. I have no reason to avoid speaking with you and I apologize if you feel that way.

In an attempt to be fair to all parties concerned, I am offering 3 options to you on how we can proceed:
1. We can continue as originally planned, with everything completed and ready for you to come and watch the Dyno Testing by the end of February, at our agreed upon price.

2. I can Dyno Test the engine with the blower, and return your accessories to you. You will pay our agree upon price, minus the $1500.00 charge for the serpentine belt drive system.

3. I can refund your deposit, along with the parts you supplied, with no hard feelings.

The decision is yours.

Regards,
Bill Lawson
ATECO Engine

Originally Posted by Randy Nielsen (Post 4247046)

Well I called Bill this morning and decided on option 3. A friend of mine was working on a job in the area offered to stop over and pick up my parts so I told Bill that and he said ok. I gave him a list of what I had shipped to him and everything was there ready to be picked up. Although I am disappointed I feel that upon receipt of my deposit as stated I will consider our business finished with no hard feelings.