Really sorry guys...

[RADR1732]

I have been trying to get a hold of SF since early Monday morning with no luck. I have been receiving a lot of calls, emails, and PMs from everyone waiting on word about their kits. My PM box has been full and didn't notice it so I'm sorry about that. I have been trying to catch up on following up with everyone, but it has been really hard because I have been so busy at work. I also have been trying to take care of all the updates ASAP because I am going to be out of time from Friday to Saturday.

I would love to update everyone ASAP, but until I can get a hold of SF and know what's going on I'm not gonna have any news for anyone.

Sorry in advance to the moderators if this is out of place, but I figure this is Turbo related and this is the best way for me to reach out to SF customers.

I will keep trying to get updates and will update everyone once I have news. Thanks for your patience with me.

Richard

[fraugts]

anything yet?

[matadorgts]

Hi Richard, just don't forget to let me know how much is the total cost of the DBW turbo to NY. I was waiting for the email and I got the money ready.

[RADR1732]

I will bro... but right now there are tons of guys I gotta take care of first. I don't want to start taking anyone elses money until I can get all the current orders satisfied.

Richard

[fraugts]

Originally posted by fraugts
anything yet?

:confused:

[RADR1732]

I'm trying to sort things out with them. I won't know anything until I talk to Mike himself. I have talked to one of his employees today and I told him to have Mike call me ASAP.

Richard

[Red-one]

Out of buisness..? What happened to the kits..

[RADR1732]

Who said anything about being out of business? They are still there making kits, just haven't been able to contact them the last few days.

Richard

[Boosted2.0]

Staffords on a camping trip with his family - he should be back late Saturday try him then.

[RADR1732]

Yes... but the rest of the staff was still there putting together kits. I just learned about this too.

Richard

[fraugts]

I'll keep waiting

[Alfy1]

patience is a virtue...;)

[RADR1732]

Don't know if this will put any of you guys at ease but here is a picture that Mike Jr. from SF sent me. It is what they have been doing the past week. I will have more for everyone on Monday.

http://www.staffordfabrication.com/images/other/picture.jpg

[pepsiman]

:drool:

[nug2k_xyr]

Richard, I need one too. I have the $$$, but I want to know how long it will be to send a kit to Idaho.

[exotic performance]

are those all celica kits?

[fraugts]

Wow, that pic is sexy. It will be even sexier when my kit arrives to my front door.
Keep it up, Richard.

[RADR1732]

Originally posted by exotic performance
are those all celica kits?

No they aren't all Celica kits. But from what I can see, most of them are.

Richard

[Little Redone]

We'll that's a relief for you guys...Those kits look good..!
I know you all are going to get your kits and everything is going to be fine..

RED

[Reyzin]

If updates come somewhat regularly, then I'm ok with waiting. Stuff like this really puts my mind at ease. Keep up the good work Richard.

[nug2k_xyr]

How long do I have to expect for it to be fabricated and shipped?

[fraugts]

I will answer your question the day I get my kit... :thumbup:

[nug2k_xyr]

Well, since no one has answered my questions, and my quest for horsepower is diminishing... I think I'll either wait for the DA kit because SF's board is down for over a week , Richard doesn't really answer my questions and never returns the messages I send him on AOL and there's no phone number I can get to contact anyone from SF. So, if SF just doesn't like talking to customers, I will either wait longer for the DA kit, or just buy something faster.

[fraugts]

They are just BUSY...believe me, my patience is thinner than yours...

[83841]

Just curious in why so many people are interested in the SF kit.....is it better than the XS?

[cool2miketlu]

use the search button and keyword put XS Engineering, you can refine the search by including author named Smaay who had one of the first few XS kit.

[Alfy1]

Originally posted by nug2k_xyr
I will either wait longer for the DA kit, or just buy something faster.

Goodluck...But yeah SF is trying to finalize the orders they have on right now. No use in taking new orders if the current ones havent been finished. Looks like they have been overwhelmed(sp) by sudden intrest and unforseen delays. I think it is in a first come, first serve basis. But it is your money, do as you see fit...Either way you are going to have to wait.

[RADR1732]

I know it is wrong of me to do, but I have been somewhat ignoring people who have not yet paid for their kits. I am dedicating my time to helping those who have already purchased the kit.

Alex - I have seen your PM's and again I've been focusing on the numerous PM's I've been getting from paid customers. I know the site is down and they working on getting that up. I just got home and barely saw your messages you sent me on AIM, and I can't help that I didn't get to answer to those messages. Bottom line is that I have to put you on hold, because I have an obligation to those who have been waiting for their kits. If you decide that you can't wait, then I guess I will have to loose you to a competitor. I just don't want to take your money, and I can't deliver the kit in a timely fashion since there are guys who have been waiting months for theirs.

Richard

[nug2k_xyr]

Well Richard, just keep me updated man. I can see your busy, but at least just give me some kinds of response so that I'm not left in the dark.

[RADR1732]

Hey bro... sorry too for not responding. It was pretty inconsiderate of me, but given that my plate is so full right now, I really had no choice but to be subjective. Do me a favor though... send me the questions one at a time. I just don't have time to answer like 5 questions at a time, but I can certainly answer them one by one.

Richard

[opto_isolator]

Just curious - what has been the average wait time for these kits? When was the first order placed?

[RADR1732]

They honestly have been taking a while. Longer than any of us, including the guys as SF, if at all comfortable. with. A lot of these guys who have been waiting placed their orders around Feb. Some earlier than that, but kits have been going out. The kits have been in production since early last year and I know SF has a hand full of customers out there running their kits.

Richard

[Darkside]

hmmmmm deja vu

[RichGT]

Originally posted by Darkside
hmmmmm deja vu

:nono:

[RADR1732]

Originally posted by Darkside
hmmmmm deja vu

I said Feb. of 2004 not 2003.

Richard

[cool2miketlu]

I think DA Sport did not start taking money until late 2003, I believe Sept or Oct... So both side please do not attack on delivery date. One thing that SF kit is doing better on delivery is they delivered on quite a few kits already.

[mastersamman]

hmmmmm deja vu

Maybe he was refering to that nice strip club, Deja Vu, after noticing Richard is from Bakersfield. BTW...is Mike's shop located in Bakersfield? Because I have a bro that lives and paints cars for AreoColor in Bakersfield and would not mind having SF's kit installed in their shop in the future when everything calms down.

[RADR1732]

The shop is actually in Lancaster. What is your brother's name from AeroColors cause we do a lot of work with them (Motor City Auto Center).

Richard

[fraugts]

Richard, back on topic, please :sadpace:

heheh

[exotic performance]

where is my kit?

[exotic performance]

MAN IF I DONT GET MY KIT... I'M GOING TO SEND MEMEBERS OF THE US ARMED FORCES JOINT TASK FORCE TO LANCASTER CALI TO GET MY KIT.

[fraugts]

Originally posted by exotic performance
where is my kit?

[Reyzin]

Richard,

it seems that people are starting to use this thread as a surrogate place to recieve updates since stafford's site has been down. Is there anyway you could get some names from here and put out a mass update like on the thread you had on the stafford site?

[bickley]

I don't mind the wait, as long as the kit gets to my door.... All though, if I sell my Celi before the kit gets here.... anyone wanna buy my kit hehehe.

[cool2miketlu]

maybe a thread showing ship out order list of celica owners, who is first and who is next with estimate time next to name.
ex:
1. exotic performance (schedualed 07/01/04)
2. frugts (+2 days)
3. bickley (+6 days)
etc

[RelentlessRacer23]

i'm still waiting for mine too

[fraugts]

Richaaaaard, where are youuuuuu?
:chuckles:

[fraugts]

Originally posted by RADR1732
Don't know if this will put any of you guys at ease but here is a picture that Mike Jr. from SF sent me. It is what they have been doing the past week. I will have more for everyone on Monday.

:confused: :wtf:

[02TrDCeLiCa]

Originally posted by RADR1732
Don't know if this will put any of you guys at ease but here is a picture that Mike Jr. from SF sent me. It is what they have been doing the past week. I will have more for everyone on Monday.

http://www.staffordfabrication.com/images/other/picture.jpg

Originally posted by pepsiman
:drool:

[exotic performance]

whats up with my tracking number ?

[cool2miketlu]

Where is Richard or SF people? Looks like no replies from SF crew for a long time... Hope nothing is wrong.

[mrtomcat]

SF Crew is working reaaaaaaly hard to get everything out the door.
I was at Staffords shop on Saturday to finish tuning my car and they are just focusing on finishing the kits.

All I have to say to you guys, be patiend, my car is flying now it is well worth the wait

[Catalyst]

hey this is sfpower sorry for the lack of communication we had some projects at the shop that didn't get paid for and we had a few extra bills show up and it put us in a real bad sistuation . we didn't know if we would pull through but now we are back on track and sending stuff out so i your waiting on a kit don't worry we didn't die and we go out of buissness. we trying very hard to be caught up by the end of next week.

thankyou

[fraugts]

some of us are desperate 'cause like a month ago we heard the phrase: "Your kit will be done in 2 weeks" (famous phrase among turbo kit sellers, now that I think about it, heheh). I'll keep being patient, and I know Im gonna receive a great kit, but this is just the side of the customer showing up, guys.

Mrtomcat, Im really waiting for you to go to the track and put some good numbers with the kit. :thumbup:

[RelentlessRacer23]

where is my tracking number??

[nug2k_xyr]

fix that webpage!

[mrtomcat]

Originally posted by fraugts
Mrtomcat, Im really waiting for you to go to the track and put some good numbers with the kit. :thumbup:

I'm going to Irwindale on Thursday (1/8 mile)
I will have to do some practising though because the power is right there now not like the nitrous where it hit at wot only. It'll take a few tries :)
I will head to the dyno sometime next week to find out how much it's putting out and to fine tune some more. I also don't have the alcohol injection yet so there will still be some more potential for growth.

[Alfy1]

wheres the install guide?:gap:

[AznTwins]

Originally posted by mrtomcat
I also don't have the alcohol injection yet so there will still be some more potential for growth.

I'm waiting on the alcohol injection too.

[Boosted2.0]

Originally posted by Alfy1
wheres the install guide?:gap:

Basically I took all the pictures and notes for it but haven't had any time to draft it up - I got slammed at work this week with a special project, and I wound up helping some friends out with their cars at night.

I'm on vacation for 2 weeks and we have guests and i have an engine I have to build for someone, but I'm going to try and work on getting the written part done - I already have all the pictures resized at work, so if I get all the written steps done then all I have to do is marry them and add a few footnotes and callouts and we should be GTG.

Oh - this guide is going to be turbo and pipes only - I have to get with Stafford to see how the black box is wired up, as I was not present when it was installed on Thomas's car.

[cool2miketlu]

Are they using Split Second FTC1-E? If yes then I can take a picture of my ECU wireing but then mine is all heat shrink wrapped so gonna be alittle hard to see all the sodering done...

[mrtomcat]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Are they using Split Second FTC1-E? If yes then I can take a picture of my ECU wireing but then mine is all heat shrink wrapped so gonna be alittle hard to see all the sodering done...

yep that's the one.
I just got the software and I believe it has install instructions. I'll check tomorrow

[Alfy1]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Are they using Split Second FTC1-E? If yes then I can take a picture of my ECU wireing but then mine is all heat shrink wrapped so gonna be alittle hard to see all the sodering done...

A picture would be great...But i just need to know how I am going to connect the orange wire. (I figured out the green and violet).

[mrtomcat]

Actually I think it's the AIC1....not the FTC1...I have to look under the hood to be sure though

in any case here are the Install instructions for the AIC1

http://www.splitsec.com/products/instpdfs/aic1inst.pdf

http://www.splitsec.com/products/datapdfs/aic1ds.pdf

[Alfy1]

I have a PSC1-001B. The orange wire is supposed to connect onto a ground wire in the relay, inorder to controll the fuel pump. My problem is I only have one ground wire on my relay and it is grounded.(azntwins has two grounds on his relay). I dont know how else i could connect the fuel pump to the Split Second.

[mrtomcat]

I take a picture of my box/relay tonight when I get home from work

[AznTwins]

I have the Split Second PSC1.

Alfy1: I only have one ground on my relay, the ground from the relay goes to the orange wire.

Also the wiring guide SF sent me was wrong, they had the maf in and maf out backwards, that's why i couldn't rev past 3000 rpm. But for anymore info or wiring diagram on the Split Second PSC1. http://www.splitsec.com/products/psc1/PSC1001.htm

But if anyone from SF reads this, Can I get my $150 refund on the cold air intake option that i didnt get and do not want anymore. You can paypal it to me at AznTwins1@hotmail.com and could you send me my alcohol injection kit. Thanks

[exotic performance]

can i get my tracking number

[tfnaaf]

hey guys, your thread looks a lot like ours on the 7th gen civic forum........ does the picture look familar?

http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159625&page=1&pp=15

[cool2miketlu]

WOW!!!!! If I did not click on the link I would not have know all the stuff going on.
I do hope everything gets resolved on both side, and Mike should stop R&D for awhile until all orders have been filled.

[tfnaaf]

kinda makes ya go hummmmmmmmmmmm!

[fraugts]

Originally posted by tfnaaf
hey guys, your thread looks a lot like ours on the 7th gen civic forum........ does the picture look familar?

http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159625&page=1&pp=15

If the purpose of posting this link was for us (customers waiting for SF kit) to panic...well, mission accomplished (now Im #$%^ worried).

[opto_isolator]

Originally posted by fraugts
If the purpose of posting this link was for us (customers waiting for SF kit) to panic...well, mission accomplished (now Im #$%^ worried).

Well - its rather interesting to see that catalyst posts HERE - he doesn't even post in the civic forum anymore.....

[fraugts]

Richard (RADR1732) posts frequently...still, the results are still the same.

Richard: I never thought the situation was this bad.

[exotic performance]

man i seen that post last week and read everything over there.. but i didnt want to be the one to let everything out.. CAN I GET MY TRACKING NUMBER

[RADR1732]

To everyone:

Look guys... I'm sorry I don't post much on this thread. I honestly hate posting no news or bad news. Lately thats all I've been getting. I'm giving you guys info as I get it. I was told that exotic performance's kit was shipped via USPS and I was told that he was going to be contacted with a tracking number. I was told that a few other kits where installed inlcluding RelentlessRacer23's kit was shipped and that they were going to contact him with a tracking number. There were other kits that were shipped that they said that people were going to be contacted.

Bottom line is that I'm just sharing what I'm told. I wish I had more control over the situation and had better things to tell you guys but trust me I'm sharing all the information that I get. I know SF would rather have things go smoother, because all this negative publicity is not helping business any. I live too far to their place and honestly can't find any time to make the drive to go to SF myself and visually check on what's going on, but I really wish I could to help everyone out. Boosted2.0, Smaay, and mrtomcat have been there and tell me that SF is trying very hard to finish all their orders, and I don't have a reason to think they are lying to me.

Again guys, sorry. I'm really trying my best. You guys should have seen my phone bill last month from all the calls I've been getting from everyone.

Richard

[exotic performance]

I understand Richard you just the middle man helping us out. You have no control over what SF actually do. But thanks for helping us out

[JDMGreenTeg]

Originally posted by exotic performance
I understand Richard you just the middle man helping us out. You have no control over what SF actually do. But thanks for helping us out


GUNOWWWWWWWWW
WHO KNEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fraugts]

well... back to waiting :sadpace:

[RelentlessRacer23]

just to let everybody know, stafford's website is running again. i just checked like 2 minutes ago

[AznTwins]

They have some new turbo kit pics on there for the mr2 spyder and scion xb. Looks good. Keep up the good work. How much would it cost if i wanted to upgrade turbo to the T3/T04b? And how much faster does it spool than the T3 Super 60?

[VIVID GTS]

Originally posted by exotic performance
man i seen that post last week and read everything over there.. but i didnt want to be the one to let everything out.. CAN I GET MY TRACKING NUMBER

WHO KNEW Mike didnt

[nug2k_xyr]

What comes with the GTS kit? T3/T04b or the T3 Super 60? Does anyone know if they are caught up so I can order mine and receive it before August 20th?

[nug2k_xyr]

What comes with the GTS kit? T3/T04b or the T3 Super 60? Does anyone know if they are caught up so I can order mine and receive it before August 20th?

[RelentlessRacer23]

ok, my patience has finally run out and all i have been getting is the run around. so where is my kit?? its been 4 months and still nothing. i hope they got my address correct. damn, this kit better be worth it cuz now i feel like i regret buying it

[fraugts]

Originally posted by RelentlessRacer23
ok, my patience has finally run out and all i have been getting is the run around. so where is my kit?? its been 4 months and still nothing. i hope they got my address correct. damn, this kit better be worth it cuz now i feel like i regret buying it

You are not the only one, my friend. Sadly, future customers are reading all the bad process this is taking.

[Alfy1]

Originally posted by nug2k_xyr
What comes with the GTS kit? T3/T04b or the T3 Super 60? Does anyone know if they are caught up so I can order mine and receive it before August 20th?

Its a t3/t04. Only the gt comes with a super 60

[exotic performance]

hey i have been waiting for over 4 months myself

[BiZzyCeLiGT]

well according to sfpower all the kits are up to date. They have been posting consistently over on spyderchat to promote their kit. Maybe u guys can get in touch with him over there.

here's the thread and quote:

http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13208&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

i just had a chat with tenzo on the phone and he will not be posting on this board anymore. He is an old customer whom knows what he is doing, but is quite aggressive and ricey.

anyway, my kit does not require larger injectors because we raise the fuel pressure to add more fuel, and we do not play with the pulsewidth. we have made 251 whp on the stock 1zz injectors on a stock 1zz motor. Fuel is not a problem with our fuel system

in the past 2 weeks we have sent out kits to all the honda people waiting and all of the past due celica people. We are currently up to date. That is why we had enough time to prototype the MRS kit. If we were still far behind, we wouldnt have had time to do as much as drive the MRS.

[fraugts]

I will not believe a thing until I have at least a tracking number...

[xspwolf]

Originally posted by BiZzyCeLiGT
well according to sfpower all the kits are up to date. They have been posting consistently over on spyderchat to promote their kit. Maybe u guys can get in touch with him over there.

here's the thread and quote:

http://www.spyderchat.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=13208&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

i just had a chat with tenzo on the phone and he will not be posting on this board anymore. He is an old customer whom knows what he is doing, but is quite aggressive and ricey.

anyway, my kit does not require larger injectors because we raise the fuel pressure to add more fuel, and we do not play with the pulsewidth. we have made 251 whp on the stock 1zz injectors on a stock 1zz motor. Fuel is not a problem with our fuel system

in the past 2 weeks we have sent out kits to all the honda people waiting and all of the past due celica people. We are currently up to date. That is why we had enough time to prototype the MRS kit. If we were still far behind, we wouldnt have had time to do as much as drive the MRS.

you do realize that if you stop their business, then people who ordered previously probably wont get their kits too?

just a thought... if you want them to close the shop, spread the negative publicity..

[cool2miketlu]

So who is waiting for their kit? Did you guys get your tracking numbers like the spyderchat post said?
Would be very messed up if they did not do what they said.

[BiZzyCeLiGT]

Originally posted by xspwolf


you do realize that if you stop their business, then people who ordered previously probably wont get their kits too?

just a thought... if you want them to close the shop, spread the negative publicity.. [/B][/QUOTE]



1st off, i'm not trying to stop anybody's business. I think its great that they are including the spyder in their projects and look forward to the results, but customers that have paid for a kit should be kept up to date and not ignored while you promote your product on another site. And they are the ones responsible for the negative publicity. This is a public forum and people should be aware of whats going on expecially since they have invested in the kits which were supposely shipped out already.
:jerkoff:

[xspwolf]

[i]
1st off, i'm not trying to stop anybody's business. I think its great that they are including the spyder in their projects and look forward to the results, but customers that have paid for a kit should be kept up to date and not ignored while you promote your product on another site. And they are the ones responsible for the negative publicity. This is a public forum and people should be aware of whats going on expecially since they have invested in the kits which were supposely shipped out already.
:jerkoff: [/B]

dont think I dont agree with you, I do - this is why I think it is better to pay more and deal with big shops or TRD, HOWEVER if nobody orders more of their kits, company will go down for sure, and nobody is going to get their money :-)

[fraugts]

Some of us are so frustrated, there are no more words to describe it. I really doubt a company like SF will go down; we just wanna know what happened with our money (turbo kit? hmmm). Four months are more than enough to assemble all the kit's components, and the $$ charged is sufficient for components and profit, so I dont see any reason for SF to run low on $$ (unless he's using the $$ in things not related to the kits). The negative publicity has been achieved only by the company; customers had paid their kits (civic kits and celica's), and had waited way more time than promised.

[exotic performance]

i still dont have my kit. it was supposed to be here this week

[RADR1732]

Originally posted by fraugts
Some of us are so frustrated, there are no more words to describe it. I really doubt a company like SF will go down; we just wanna know what happened with our money (turbo kit? hmmm). Four months are more than enough to assemble all the kit's components, and the $$ charged is sufficient for components and profit, so I dont see any reason for SF to run low on $$ (unless he's using the $$ in things not related to the kits). The negative publicity has been achieved only by the company; customers had paid their kits (civic kits and celica's), and had waited way more time than promised.

Bro... I know you're frustrated. Honestly I do get frustrated too because I get so many calls and messages with angry people wanting to know where their money went. I'm still very confident that everyone will be taken cared of.

I guess the situation is different, but I mean there are guys out there who have been waiting a whole lot longer for competitive kits to be released and shipped to them. I'm just asking for a little bit of faith here guys. Mike has never let me down and I know he won't let you guys down. He has worked too hard to get his business to this point, and I know he wouldn't be sacrificing loosing everything he has worked for now.

Richard

[RelentlessRacer23]

Originally posted by exotic performance
i still dont have my kit. it was supposed to be here this week

same here, i hope it will be here next week. i also hope all the components are in the box. it would suck like hell if u are missing something after waiting for so long.

[cool2miketlu]

Didn't they say the parts were all shipped in spyderchat forums?? Well I guess SF people better not talk about DA Sport people about taking money and not ship something from now on. As I recall SF people made fun of DA Sport people about taking money and not ship something after about 2~3 months.
And no comparing to DA Sports is not right, these people bought from Mike even was told that it was shipped but did not. They are doing business with SF and SF is fully responsible for this mess, compare it to others don't do jack for them. Atleast DA Sport people is honest enough to not lie about sending it. Or lie on another forum trying to get more stuff sold instead of working on the setup paid for already. Atleast DA Sport has decency not to take any more orders, according to Spyderchat SF is trying to get more kit sold while they can not get what they sold already out.

As you can tell I am pissed at the fuel rail fiasco.

[Alfy1]

I agree with Mike on this one. SF should have made sure to get all their current customers before they go on looking for others. I think that shows total disrespect for his current customers w/o kits.

[fraugts]

Info and updates on our kits have completely disappeared. Total lack of respect, in my opinion.

[exotic performance]

Look what this vendor had to say about them over at 7thgencivic.com

Mike,

I want you guys to take my message as positive criticism and understand where I am coming from. I was raised in a way to never screw people over or sneak behind their backs. It is well evident that you ignore my calls bc its a 847 number, and when i call from somewhere else or a friend calls from another state, you guys answer the phone.

I know what it means to be backed up and stressed. But, stress needs to be equaled out with information. The more information one obtains, the less stressful he becomes because he can think through it. It gives that person options.

When you have no info, you have no options. I have customers who are asking for a large some of money back. Thats around $3000 per kit. To some, it may seem minor, but I am in charge of this money. And since I made the sale, no matter how nice some of these members are-- they will not loose 3 grand and will sue my store to get it back. Since I have no contact with you, I am forced to find you guys and play detective. If you only knew the amount of worry that I am in, you would see that calling me and at least telling me wats up is the right thing to do.

I appalogize for my furious message I left on your home machine, and the details I had to find about your life, etc. But this is no laughing or chilling matter. I do not appreciate getting no calls while you guys do R&D on a new product. I dont appreciate getting no emial response, when you guys decide that this weekend is good for camping. If I was making the kits, I wouldnt sleep until they were done - mark my words. I am no father and no figure to give you guys orders, just please understand, every small business that survives, survives on trust and an honor code. Small business do not have a reputation or such financial backing to do so. If you tell me that you can refund everyone and not loose a penny, then that is one thing; but I know that if I took legal action, the business would suffer great loss.

In conclusion, just do upon others how they would do to you. If you dont like being ****ed around, dont do it to your customers, and especially your vendor who brings YOU guys money. I am probably the last person on earth who gets mad or screams at others for things like this. I scream only when I am disrespected and lied to. I am sorry but until things show change in the way business is conducted, I can no longer sell your products. The kits are great and no one can touch your work, but the service is atrocious (sp). Please, please take this into consideration because

I do like the shop and love the products. I want nothing more than the underdog to have better stuff than all the main companies, especially greddy (all of you who know me know what im taking about ) If only there was info, we could have sold 2x more kits and your rep would go sky high. Please again, consider revising what you guys do so we can all benefit. Its sad to see such good skill get overrun by misconduct.

Regards,


Edward
Truehonda, Inc president

[Furies]

wow, thats definately given me another perspective on sf.

[RADR1732]

Mike.... I hope you guys are seeing this.

Richard

[exotic performance]

I sure hope he is too Richard... then maybe he would stop lying to us and just tell the truth..

[FloWin_Celica]

this reminds me of my body kit...the shop told me it would be at my door in 3 weeks! after 1/2 a year of BSing I told them I want my money back or come up and pick it up by myself! I finally got my sides and rear bumper and after that the guy was never seen again and with him a LOT of money and pissed customers that never got their kits!!!

[sean2sean]

man... its been 2-3 weeks... and i still havent recieved my item... plus theres many other things that im just to lazy to list...

[nug2k_xyr]

Man, I'm a little too scared to spend the $3800 on the kit now. I've been waiting until SF was caught up, but now I'm kinda wondering to just say heck with the Celi and buy a new car.

[fraugts]

Perfectly comprehensible feeling. But I do love my Celi....

[RelentlessRacer23]

i just called mike today and unbeliveably he picked up the phone. i asked him about the kits and he said he ran into problems again with ups. as of now, they are still sitting in the warehouses of ups. so for the last 3 weeks, the kits have not moved an inch and have just been sitting there. he did say that some kits did ship out. he actually said 4 honda kits and 2 celica kits did ship out and were already recieved by the buyer. he says that he for sure will call me back by today with a tracking number or at least with some news about whats going to happen. hopefully he will and when he does, i will ask about everybodys kit. god i hope it comes by the end of this week or latest next week.

[fraugts]

Sadly, the only thing that can cheer me up is a valid tracking number. Anyway, the last thing we can lose is Hope.

[cool2miketlu]

hmmmm...... The tracking number is given to the shipper right at the spot on their receipt.
When UPS or Fed-Ex accept something that box is scanned into their computer before they even accept the package, if it is stuck in their distribution center the website tracking will show its at their distribution center.
If he can not provide you with a tracking number right now then it is not shipped.

[nug2k_xyr]

This kinda sucks. Because I don't know how credible SF is now, and they're my only hope to making my auto GT-S faster. I don't even know if they're even caught up and to that extent, how long it will be to wait on my turbo kit. Hot August Nights is coming up and this is the first year they're having a Sport Compact class so I'd like to enter my car in since its just waiting on the turbo kit.

Richard, any comments would help at this point because I am unsure as to what's going on at SF. Will they be able to accept my $$$ and can they get it out to me a week before the 23rd of August?

[Reyzin]

Originally posted by nug2k_xyr
Hot August Nights is coming up and this is the first year they're having a Sport Compact class so I'd like to enter my car in since its just waiting on the turbo kit.


I was hoping to have my kit installed before Hot Import Nights on July 24, however, I don't think that's going to happen because I haven't been told if my order was confirmed even though I sent the money in April.

Right now I'm hoping to get my kit before the season's end so that I can enjoy it just a little before I pack up the Celica and put her away for the winter.

[fraugts]

Will they respond? :eatpop:

[sleepy celica]

I thought SF is very reliable with great customer service. It sucks to hear this had to happen.

good luck with your kit guys.

[cool2miketlu]

Aparantly they have become just like the company they made fun of a couple months back, but in addition to that SF actually lied about shipping product and trying to get more business yet they did not finish what business they already got... Which in my opinion is worst than people they made fun of.

[fraugts]

Still no response...

note: Richard used to post frequently here, now he doesnt...wonder why.

[celica rush]

maybe he went camping too? jk :gap:

[cool2miketlu]

Just to show you how shipping works. I shipped trunk shocks today at 5P.M. at Fed-Ex it was scanned in and when I checked at 6P.M. it show that they are in Anaheim Fed-Ex warehouse. If Stafford Fabrication shipped the part the tracking number is right on the receipt so he can give it to you and you can track it right away, it will tell you exactly where it is and if they have problem it will still show that it is held at their warehouse. Mike did not give you tracking number because it would show that it was not shipped the next day, so to answer all you peoples questions they were not shipped when Mike said it was shipped.

[SFpower]

i'm real sorry for the delays it wasn't supost to be this way. i've got just a few more kits to get out to cover all the celica orders. thankyou for your patients i know you have just cause to be upset .i'm waiting on fuel system parts and more air filters to complete the kits.please understand these kits are made one at a time not mass produced in china it takes time and money to make it happen ,again i apollojize for the delays and will post again tomarrow with another up date and will try to do so every day as to not leave you in the dark

[Boosted2.0]

Thanks for the update!

My vacation is over this weekend so I should be able to start on the text for the writeup soon. Entertaining guests that don't like cars is hard work ;)

[RADR1732]

Originally posted by fraugts
Still no response...

note: Richard used to post frequently here, now he doesnt...wonder why.

I have said this before and have even told you over the phone, I don't work for SF and I have a full time job selling cars. Boosted2.0 (since he works at a car dealership) knows how busy dealerships can get during the summer months. I try my best to post news here. I'm not gonna post just to post... cause I just don't have time like I did on our off season.

Here is some news though:

My car will be at Hot Import Daze on Saturday in San Diego. Anyone intersted in the kit will have the chance to see the kit and also be able to talk to Mike Stafford himself because he said he will try to go to answer questions.

cool2miketlu Bro I know you weren't completely satisfied with the product that you received from SF, but you never even gave us a chance to make it right with you. Besides how can you really know if it was installed properly by the shop. I mean I know that you could be watching them install the fuel rail and it might look all good, but I mean come on bro, you wouldn't have known if they did it right because you didn't even know where your spark plugs where when you were at the dyno day at Le-Toy a while back. I never got a message at all from you letting me know how we could have resolved the issue or if we can diagnose what happened.

Richard

[Reyzin]

Just so you know, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse with this post, but I just wanted to get my concerns in the open with the rest of the people. Even with all the delays, I still trust that I will recieve a turbo kit in the future. Anyway, here goes:

Originally posted by SFpower
i'm real sorry for the delays it wasn't supost to be this way. i've got just a few more kits to get out to cover all the celica orders.


I still don't know if my kit is in these orders because no one has ever said either way if my order was confirmed. I know I still owe a balance and am ready to pay it at any time. I've sent some emails with my PayPal receipt, however, no reply to those either. I'd just like to hear something like, "Yeah, your kit is in with these orders and you owe this much." Or, "Your kit will be one of the next ones that goes out." Granted, the second one would kinda suck, but whatcha gonna do?

Originally posted by SFpower
please understand these kits are made one at a time not mass produced in china it takes time and money to make it happen ,


That I understand, but all I've been waiting for these past couple of months is an order confirmation and a balance. I know that it takes money to make money, but as people have said before in this post and other posts/forums, communication with your customers goes a long way in keeping them happy.

[RADR1732]

Bro... I thought you received my voice mail. I left a voice mail at the work number that I called you on before. I guess you didn't. Anyways, the order has been received so don't worry.

Richard

[exotic performance]

Mike sent me a pm two days ago explaining that my kit was shipped 2 weeks ago but came back because it was to heavy for an APO address. (which is believeable) I called him yesterday to confirm him re-shipping it out tuesday. Which he said he did do. So i should recieve it next week. Ill keep you guys updated.

[nug2k_xyr]

So, can I place my order yet and receive it in a month?

[RADR1732]

I can't say anything for sure bro until we get all the current orders full filled. I just don't want to say yes and then you be upset if its not.

Richard

[soceur]

Originally posted by exotic performance
Mike sent me a pm two days ago explaining that my kit was shipped 2 weeks ago but came back because it was to heavy for an APO address. (which is believeable).

How heavy is the package? Ive had some heavy packages come in over APO with no problems other than they put it on a boat instead of flying it over. I know if the box is too tall like the size a side skirt would fit in then it wont come but heavyness has never been a concern, and i dont see the kit being that heavy.

[fraugts]

SF:
1) How long will it take to receive the fuel system parts you are waiting for?
2) Which people's kits are the next ones going out?

[Reyzin]

Originally posted by RADR1732
Bro... I thought you received my voice mail. I left a voice mail at the work number that I called you on before. I guess you didn't. Anyways, the order has been received so don't worry.

Richard
It's odd that you left a voice mail at my work because we don't have voice mail there. Anyway, as long as my order is getting filled, I'm cool. Now all I need is the balance on my account so I can get you guys the rest of your money. If you could email a total to r.querubin@comcast.net that would be great. Thanks.

[DopeCelicaGT]

Wow, I was all up for getting the SF turbo kit until now. It has kind of made me reconsider for the time being. I don't just have $3800 to be throwing away. I work hard for my money just like everyone else but some people can afford to lose that. I can't! I hope Mike can solve this situation cause I hate hearing how good businesses grow and then get bad. I mean everyone complains that once something is made for our cars that only a few people buy it. However, they are forgetting one thing, usually when companies start making the money after they go their name out they become really greedy and customer service then goes to shiet. I am not saying that this has happened to SF bu it has happened in the past and the trend seems to be continuing. It seems all companies start out legit, hardworking, honest, etc. then after their names get out and money starts rolling in they start making the parts cheaper, customer service starts to suck, then in some cases they just run with your money. I hope SF does NOT turn out like one of these companies.

I do on the other hand sympathize with the huge work load. You guys got to understand when you are making these products by hand, ordering parts, shipping parts, checking parts carefully before they leave,answering customer calls, e-mails, etc. and ordering shop matierals and keeping the place clean, all takes a huge amount of time and effort. Most of you probably don't even realize what its like just to answer 100 e-mails a day let alone do all the other stuff it takes to run a business. The fact is unless the workers at the company grow in number alongwith the company's growth then the harder that company will find it to survive. That is the sole downfall with most comapnies. The two guys that started the comapny do well and the company will start to grow and those same tow guys will try and continue their efforts with doing everything themselves when it just isn't possible. Trust me hire some more help and you will find it very worthwhile. Later. Oh and sorry for the huge paragraph.

Justin

[cool2miketlu]

Originally posted by RADR1732
cool2miketlu Bro I know you weren't completely satisfied with the product that you received from SF, but you never even gave us a chance to make it right with you. Besides how can you really know if it was installed properly by the shop. I mean I know that you could be watching them install the fuel rail and it might look all good, but I mean come on bro, you wouldn't have known if they did it right because you didn't even know where your spark plugs where when you were at the dyno day at Le-Toy a while back. I never got a message at all from you letting me know how we could have resolved the issue or if we can diagnose what happened.

Richard

Well it is working now and it is not leaking and it is mounted tight, I have no problem with the rail pushing against the injectors its the amount of shavings or lack of cleaning that pissed me off. When I first received it I saw only fuel rail with a center feed mounted on it while everyone has a fuel line and other stuff to it, I had no problem because those are not that expensive but having shavings left in the rail where it almost fvck up my engine that pisses me off.
Yes I do not do maintainance why do it when I can pay someone else to do it, but I trust Creative audio and motorsports. Many of the import people go there to get things done, engine work is no problem for them. They did Red Dragons red celica (Ivan) which was one of the very first turbo celica known, so I trust their experience. So my lack of knowledge of working on cars is not even an issue. Especially when I saw some of those shavings when I received my rail, and pulled out some of the shavings so I know they were telling the truth when they mentioned shavings in fuel rail.
What can be resolved when something like what happened to me happened? Wait for you guys to get back to me? Richard would you be the one that comes down to the shop disassemble the whole fuel assembly to look for the shavings? Or would Mike do it? If it some how pass into the engine would you guys be the ones that pays for repairs to engine?? Oh! I am sorry nobody can get in contact with you guys!! for the past couple weeks!!
It is very easy to come back after I have everything fixed knowing what the repair involved and say "we would have done it for you", but would you have said it if it involve the block? Or would you just say what Smaay said "you should have cleaned it again like we would have done" and blame it on the customer?
I know you guys are working on that new Vibe you got so you guys can bring to the SEMA and working on the Spyder turbo setup, that does not mean you guys should put PAID customers order on hold for this. I have recommanded you guys when customer ask me about safer setup, some already got their kit done like wrenchhead. He did get what he wanted and deserved, but what about others I also refered over to you? I do believe exotic performance talked to me about which one to go with and I recommanded you as well, but he did not get as good a treatment.
Don't spin this to me with my fuel rail on this whole thread I only mentioned on your turbo stuff. Only once (well twice now) did I mention about the fuel rail and that was only to show people why I am pissed. Get back onto the topic
where are the turbo Mike said already shipped? Where are their tracking numbers? Why is Mike trying to sell some more turbo on spyder forums when he is not even finished with the ones sold here? Why did he lie about shipping all the turbo already on spyder forums?

[fraugts]

I hope SF people doesnt take another 4 months to reply...

[RADR1732]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Didn't they say the parts were all shipped in spyderchat forums?? Well I guess SF people better not talk about DA Sport people about taking money and not ship something from now on. As I recall SF people made fun of DA Sport people about taking money and not ship something after about 2~3 months.
And no comparing to DA Sports is not right, these people bought from Mike even was told that it was shipped but did not. They are doing business with SF and SF is fully responsible for this mess, compare it to others don't do jack for them. Atleast DA Sport people is honest enough to not lie about sending it. Or lie on another forum trying to get more stuff sold instead of working on the setup paid for already. Atleast DA Sport has decency not to take any more orders, according to Spyderchat SF is trying to get more kit sold while they can not get what they sold already out.

As you can tell I am pissed at the fuel rail fiasco.

I appreciate all the referrals and I am aware that you endorsed our products in the past, but has recently stopped doing so because of all the difficulties we've been having. It has since turned into "bash SF" because you are "pissed at the fuel rail fiasco." What's fair is fair and I totally understand that you're protecting consumers of the Celica community, but now you're just doing it because you had troubles with your fuel rail.

I have nothing but respect for you because of what you have achieved with your Celica, and also what you are doing for the Celica community. I hope you didn't think that I was disrespecting you with my previous post.

Richard

[cool2miketlu]

Originally posted by RADR1732
It has since turned into "bash SF" because you are "pissed at the fuel rail fiasco." What's fair is fair and I totally understand that you're protecting consumers of the Celica community, but now you're just doing it because you had troubles with your fuel rail.


Not quite bashing only stating the obvious, that people were promised the stuff shipped but it did not. Plus the lack of communication when customer start having problem with the company. As well as commenting on bad business practice SF is now doing because he is trying to get more business when he already can not handle what business he already have. If he is fairly caught up with his shipment waiting on the kit is not as bad as some people have done (4 months you have to say is way too long for a $3000+ investment), then I would feel its fine trying to get more business selling more kits.
You gotta see that I mentioned the "fuel rail fiasco" only once in the thread before today, so no fuel rail fiasco has nothing to do with my other comments. It is when people paid 4 months was told things shipped when it is not then suddenly all contact to SF have stopped for these people, that is when I became alot more vocal about this whole thing especially when someone I refered over is one of those person. No I am not throwing fuel on fire, I am only trying to get my buddy his kit. If I am pissed and only trying to ruin your business I would register at 7thgencivic and spyder forums linking all this dissatisfaction over to other forums. Just like the honda board guy said, I will start refering people over to you again when SF start taking better care of customer again.
I know I threatened on the fuel rail thread about ruining your sales, but my situation was solved without me spending alot of cash so I decided not to. Plus SF is ruining his own sales with no help from me, you can see that with some people who posted on this thread.

[RADR1732]

Fair enough. Rest assured, SF will clear everything up and be back on top very soon. I have faith in those guys.

Richard

[cool2miketlu]

I truely hope so, because right now I see SF as the only option for Celica in U.S. Plus I have friends who is avid supporter of SF products, I do not want to ruin my friendship with them either.

Oh! Just to let you know I was kinda interested on seeing what Mike can do for me on my MR2 turbo because I think he is going to be working on Smaay's. But now I think I will just leave the car as is, if Mike is done and customer satisfaction is up again I will consider doing business with SF.

[morexviit]

Originally posted by RADR1732

cool2miketlu Bro I know you weren't completely satisfied with the product that you received from SF, but you never even gave us a chance to make it right with you. Besides how can you really know if it was installed properly by the shop.

Richard [/B]

wow... sounds a lot like what xs said to smaay. i'll just leave it at that.

as far as people that paid for the kit, i've worked a lot of retail, and businesses NEVER wanna give money back. they'd rather replace your product 10x. so if you're trying to get a refund, don't hold your breath. Hopefully SF has a conscience and does the right thing.

[mrtomcat]

Originally posted by morexviit
wow... sounds a lot like what xs said to smaay. i'll just leave it at that.

as far as people that paid for the kit, i've worked a lot of retail, and businesses NEVER wanna give money back. they'd rather replace your product 10x. so if you're trying to get a refund, don't hold your breath. Hopefully SF has a conscience and does the right thing.

I can tell you that this is nothing like XS. The XS people were pathetic from day one, I knew after 1 phone call I would never use them even before Smayy had his problems.
Stafford on the other hand has integrity and is working his butt off to make every one happy even after he sold the product.
He's simply going through growing pains and I am confident he'll come out fine and you guys will be more than happy once the orders are filled and you got a great turbo kit.
For example I just ran a 1.975 60 foot with the SF kit last night which is not something you'll see everyday....
It's a great kit, it's worth the wait and if I had to wait again I pick Stafford over any of these other vendors because he has proven to me that he is behind his product, he's dedicated and believe it or not truly cares about his customers.

[exotic performance]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
It is when people paid 4 months was told things shipped when it is not then suddenly all contact to SF have stopped for these people, that is when I became alot more vocal about this whole thing especially when someone I refered over is one of those person.
Yup that was me... actually he was one of the first people i talked to about the turbo kit choices.

[Boosted2.0]

Just to be clear - there is a huge difference between XS and Stafford. Smaays product broke, (repeatedly) and he would call XS and be told to piss off for a month or just plain to piss off they wouldn't deal with it. Mike never called Stafford, (who would have done whatever was needed to make it right by the way) - but Mike just assumed that because some people post here they have trouble getting in touch with him that it would be true for him. Whats funny is that I have talked to Stafford a LOT of times in regards to my intercooler and air intake setup and a roll cage for the alltrac as well as some other stuff and some questions I had when installing Tomcat's kit and I have NEVER have a problem getting in touch with him. The difference is I don't just call once and give up because his mailbox is full. I call 3 times in rapid succession, that way when Stafford goes through his missed call list he sees the number a couple times, realizes I need to talk to him and he calls me back. It may take a while but it happens. Part of the problem is that Stafford really does care about his customers, so when they come in to ask about stuff on their cars he always stops to talk to them, and stuff winds up getting delayed more. As you can imagine between in person visits and phone calls this happens constantly. And then to compensate he winds up working till like 9 or 10 at night all the time.

Anyways for what its worth I also put my alltrac projects off untill August to give Stafford time to catch up on stuff. (Yes I had time slotted with him and pushed it back voluntarily twice now so he could work on Celica kits). Its not the order I wanted to do it in, but I sent the alltrac to the body shop yesterday to get the new roof and hood and bumper and the paint work and other stuff. It would be much better to get my inatake and intercooler before the body work, but I didn't want to tie Stafford up for a weekend when you guys are all so bent out of shape about stuff.

[cool2miketlu]

Well I am just trying to get a friend who I refered over to SF get his kit. As you can tell he is in Germany so repeatedly calling can be a very expensive thing to do, internet is the only cheap option for him. 4 months of waiting on the other side of the world when he paid $3000+ for a kit that was promised that it was shipped out, I think he does have a right to be bent out of shape don't you agree? Again I hope Mike Stafford stop what he is doing and only work on the kits that is on order, stop all R&D until he catches up some.
If you were talking about me not contacting him that is true, because I am assuming he is not going to drive all that way to solve my problem on some $100 part. Especially when my mechanic can solve it themselves, so I did not call. Yes, I was pissed when I have to spend extra money and wait extra day and have to go back to the shop again to pick up my car but that is spilt milk. Not going to worry about that anymore. I just hope Mike did as he promised exotic performance and ship it out again like he said.

[sean2sean]

i would seriously like to see some tracking numbers posted on this thread...

i cant get a hold of you mike... all week long... i was told that i would recieve it last thur or fri... i would like to know if it was even sent out... of if ur having problems with the ups...

im still also disappointed about the fuel programmer situation... over the phone... for about 2 months we talked about getting it installed... finally when i was there... you did a full 180 on me... total waste of my time going up there... could of at least told me a few days beforehand that you changed your mind and why you changed your mind... not to mention the other times that i have to drive up there... never recieved anything to compensate for that... everything in my car is standard - production kit... nothing much is extra... you always say that this is extra or that is extra... ie) heat shield... fuel rail... but thats items thats suppose to be included in the kit... so why would it be extra? doesnt make sense to me... perhaps you can explain your point of view...

before i forget... a tranny cooler that cost 100 bucks. i could of bought 2 high quality stacked plate coolers for that price... instead i got a fin and tube cooler... and it wasnt even installed correctly... bent fins, and all that good stuff... if i wanted to i could of just said i dont want it anymore... give me back my money... but im not like that... anyway, i removed the one i bought from you and replaced it... i should take pics and show you how Mopar hid the other side of the cooler... all bent up... no air can get through that thing... *sigh*

this is only my problem... i havent even started with brians kit or the 03 rolla kit...

[Boosted2.0]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Well I am just trying to get a friend who I refered over to SF get his kit. As you can tell he is in Germany so repeatedly calling can be a very expensive thing to do, internet is the only cheap option for him. 4 months of waiting on the other side of the world when he paid $3000+ for a kit that was promised that it was shipped out, I think he does have a right to be bent out of shape don't you agree? Again I hope Mike Stafford stop what he is doing and only work on the kits that is on order, stop all R&D until he catches up some.
If you were talking about me not contacting him that is true, because I am assuming he is not going to drive all that way to solve my problem on some $100 part. Especially when my mechanic can solve it themselves, so I did not call. Yes, I was pissed when I have to spend extra money and wait extra day and have to go back to the shop again to pick up my car but that is spilt milk. Not going to worry about that anymore. I just hope Mike did as he promised exotic performance and ship it out again like he said.

I don't care whether its right for you to be bent out of shape, I care about running 24PSI at 100F intake temps ;)

(Kidding!)

Seriously though - The only reason I stick up for Stafford so much is that I like the guy - I think hes a bit of a scatterbrain (easily distracted) sometimes, but hes very talented and he really does care about his customers which is more than I can say for most of the folks I have bought stuff from. (ARP is an exception BTW - they have totally kick ass customer service. Eagle Rods also had good customer service)

Part of the issue on the tracking numbers is that he sent that stuff to overseas via USPS (NOT UPS) because its going to a military base. Problem with that is there is no tracking number. In the future folks might want to request express shipping via fedex. It costs extra but at least you know you'll get it and that they will be accountable. I love fedex and I order almost all my parts express. Not just because I'm impatient, but also because stuff gets handled much better

[cool2miketlu]

Originally posted by Boosted2.0
Seriously though - The only reason I stick up for Stafford so much is that I like the guy - I think hes a bit of a scatterbrain (easily distracted) sometimes, but hes very talented and he really does care about his customers which is more than I can say for most of the folks I have bought stuff from. (ARP is an exception BTW - they have totally kick ass customer service. Eagle Rods also had good customer service)

Yeah David Draper is a nice guy as well. But when something like this happens, a customer rather deal with a a$$hole who does get his $hit together than a nice guy who flakes. I met Mike he is a good guy just that the business part of his company need serious work, maybe a manager/supervisor for his company so that he can work purely on R&D. Hopefully things gets done now that he sees there is real problem here, and hope all the kits get shipped real soon (with tracking number).

[fraugts]

Great for you Boosted, you have a great relation with SF. How about I give you more than 20 names of people who dont share your opinion about SF customer service?

I am not flaming SF's reputation (I trust his rep, thats why I bought a SF kit), but for the people who question our patience, how about sending me $3000+ right now, maybe I can test YOUR patience.

[RelentlessRacer23]

just to let everybody know, mike did contact me with a tracking number. the tracking number says that my kit will be delivered on july 14. u guys that already ordered the kit should try calling mike. he told me that he will start picking up the phone more frequently. everytime i call now he picks up. i just want to say that he is a very friendly person and helped explain to me about the wiring of the fuel system and black box. he told me that they will include a diagram and instructions on how to install the black box. he says the rest is basically common sense to install. i even asked him about how people were missing parts and he assured me that all my parts are there. so i will take pixes of the kit when it arrives.

[Boosted2.0]

Originally posted by fraugts
Great for you Boosted, you have a great relation with SF. How about I give you more than 20 names of people who dont share your opinion about SF customer service?

I am not flaming SF's reputation (I trust his rep, thats why I bought a SF kit), but for the people who question our patience, how about sending me $3000+ right now, maybe I can test YOUR patience.

Ever think that maybe the REASON I have a good relationship with Stafford is that I bothered to take the trouble to establish one rather than just trying to paypal him some money and never talk to him? Or maybe its because I'm don't act like an arrogant moron when I talk to people I do business with (which far too many people do). List all the names you want - fact is that EVERYONE that I know personally that has given SF half a chance to provide customer service has wound up very happy. I have seen Stafford go out of his way to help people time and time again. Yes, you may have to ride him a bit to get your stuff faster but thats not horribly abnormal.

Try this - I gave Toysport about $5K in June of 2003 and I didn't get the last of my stuff till this January. On top of that the clutch which they PROMISED would hold the power I'm making isn't getting the job done. But, as I have said many times before, thats par for the course in low volume performance parts. No-body stocks anything unless it moves well, and very few of these small businesses run with great bookkeeping or prompt customer service. The fact is that this is a handmade luxury item, not a massed produced part that you NEED. If you need it in a given time frame and its THAT important then get it in writing and be prepared to pay an expiditing fee. Otherwise deal with it taking some time - its just the way the industry works.

At the very least Stafford stands behinds his product and makes good on his promises, not always as soon as people like, but he does always seem to come through eventually which is a HELL of a lot more than I can say for many other businesses.

[fraugts]

^^ what can I say? I HOPE you are right, for our own good.

[Red01GTS]

Originally posted by Boosted2.0
Ever think that maybe the REASON I have a good relationship with Stafford is that bothered to take the trouble to establish one rather than just trying to paypal him some money and never talk to him? .....

No-body stocks anything unless it moves well, and very few of these small businesses run with great bookkeeping or prompt customer service. The fact is that this is a handmade luxury item, not a massed produced part that you NEED. If you need it in a given time frame and its THAT important then get it in writing and be prepared to pay an expiditing fee. Otherwise deal with it taking some time - its just the way the industry works.


First: I own page 4 :gay:

I couldn't agree with you more Boosted. I have not met Stafford or know his company well, but you explained it exactly how it is in this industry. Grant it, some people make a better effort to give their customers more information and updates then others do, but that doesn't make Stafford a bad company or make their products bad. It just means they need to work on their customer service a bit more and maybe figure out how to provide better lead times.

Everyone imagine for a minute that you own a company and are under-staffed and now left with little to no time for specific projects.....everything gets worked on a little at time or as YOUR vendors deliver to you.

Now you start creating a back log because things are not shipping, plus customers are now starting to get upset....maybe even post negative remarks on forums that could hurt your business and future income.

Now imagine having to talk to hundreds customers everyday (or possible customers), day in and day out, about the same hold up or minor update. Trust me fraugts and cool2miketlu, it isn't fun and it will FRY YOUR BRAIN quick.

I can almost promise you that is the reason he decides to go "camping" for the weekend here and there. It's called a break from running a business. Ever try to run a business.....especially from the start? It's hard, give the guy a break!

[cool2miketlu]

Well then maybe he should stop trying to get more business in spyder forums until he finish the order he already received? Does that justify what he posted in spyder forums saying all kits was shipped when it is not? Is that not misinformation on their part to the spyder forums? Since he feel burned out why is he putting word out that they are ready to take spyder forums orders? If he is willing to lie to spyder forums people what makes nc.org people any different? I would respect him more if he would just post that he took too many orders now he is trying to fulfill those orders and will not start taking orders from spyder forums until those orders are done. Right now I am just hoping he will do what he promised now, and if people start receiving their stuff I will start to back out.

[BiZzyCeLiGT]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Well then maybe he should stop trying to get more business in spyder forums until he finish the order he already received? Does that justify what he posted in spyder forums saying all kits was shipped when it is not? Is that not misinformation on their part to the spyder forums? Since he feel burned out why is he putting word out that they are ready to do spyder forums orders? If he is willing to lie to spyder forums people what makes nc.org people any different? I am just hoping he will do what he promised now, and if people start receiving their stuff I will start to back out.

:werd:

And the problems stafford is having goes along with running a business. There's no excuse. Its your responsiblilty to plan and organize to make your business grow by treating customers the right way. I didnt see any of these stafford guys giving Draper a break with his delays with the turbo kit. There was plenty of flaming on those threads which were eventually closed. Now the tables are turned and everyone is getting defensive about stafford's business. :gay:

[exotic performance]

I have one thing to say. Not telling the truth to people isnt the way to do bussiness. When i tired calling SF 10 times a day and I get no answer. Then i pm Richard and he says he cant even get a hold of them (he even lives in Cali). Tell me its not normal for any person who has given someone $3,600 for a product and is out of the country to worry. My kit should arrive the same day as RelentlessRacer23... so we will see.. Mike does seem like a pretty nice guy though and i do believe i will be be happy with my kit. But i am not happy with the way i have been treated.

Brice

[Red01GTS]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
Well then maybe he should stop trying to get more business in spyder forums until he finish the order he already received? Does that justify what he posted in spyder forums saying all kits was shipped when it is not? Is that not misinformation on their part to the spyder forums? Since he feel burned out why is he putting word out that they are ready to take spyder forums orders? If he is willing to lie to spyder forums people what makes nc.org people any different? I would respect him more if he would just post that he took too many orders now he is trying to fulfill those orders and will not start taking orders from spyder forums until those orders are done. Right now I am just hoping he will do what he promised now, and if people start receiving their stuff I will start to back out.

You make a lot of valid points and I agree that he should be telling people the truth. If he is telling people different stories from one forum to the next, then yes, there is a valid problem.

I still stand firm on what I first said about his company and this industry.....and if you re-read it you'll see I said customer service needs to be improved....I was just unaware it was this much.

Give the guy a chance to respond. Call him again on Monday (if you have no new information here over the weekend) and let him know how you and the people in this forum feel. If you must leave a message, make sure you word it so the point gets accross quickly and leave a valid call back number or e-mail address. Most upper mgnt people delete messages after the first 10secs is heard.

If you can get him to e-mail you or post here, then you would have written proof to hit him with and challenge his "word" (with respect)...something people value VERY much in this industry. It's a large industry, but it's also VERY small and word gets around QUICK.

Good Luck.

[Alfy1]

I agree with Red01GTS. I met Mike, and visited his shop. It isnt like they just sit around thier ass all day and occasionally make talk about cars. These guys work their ass off.

No buisness is perfect, sh!t happens and sometimes and it isnt exactly his fault. Sometimes vendors run out of things as well.

Maybe he meant he was caught up with the kits as far as fabrication was concerened. Maybe he is just waiting on small parts form vendors to complete the kit instead of sending incomplete kits... Either way, Talking **** about him isnt going to get anybody's kit done any faster.

I wish the best to all those who are still waiting. I used to be waiting right next to you guys...

[nug2k_xyr]

Is anyone gonna answer my friggin question?

If I place the order now, will i receive it by august 16th?

[AznTwins]

Originally posted by nug2k_xyr
So, can I place my order yet and receive it in a month?

Originally posted by RADR1732
I can't say anything for sure bro until we get all the current orders full filled. I just don't want to say yes and then you be upset if its not.

Richard

Originally posted by nug2k_xyr
Is anyone gonna answer my friggin question?

If I place the order now, will i receive it by august 16th?

He already answered your question.

[Reyzin]

Originally posted by Boosted2.0
Ever think that maybe the REASON I have a good relationship with Stafford is that I bothered to take the trouble to establish one rather than just trying to paypal him some money and never talk to him?

I know you were talking about people in general with that post, but I just want to point out that a lot of people did try and the breakdown came from the SF end.

It's very hard to establish a rapport with someone when it is almost impossible to get in contact with him. I attempted to do that very thing when I ordered my kit. I emailed him with some questions about the kit and he responded very quickly, however, once I told him that I was going to order the kit and sent the money via PayPal all communication stopped.

After that happened, I sent polite emails every 4-5 buisness days, which never got answered. It was only about 2 months after I ordered did I get a call from Richard in which he told me that he was unaware of my order. He said he'd confirm and get back to me, but that message must have gotten lost or something. Just relaying my story.

So you see, I did try and establish a connection with SF. Hell, i even apologized for "pestering them" in order to get on their good side. But communicaiton is a two way street, and I was doing all the driving.

Now that information is flowing from SF again, however limiited it may be, I am a much happier person. I am sure that I will be happy with the kit once I receive it.

And I hope that these negative posts stop showing up. I know it's horrible what's been going on here, but I believe that most of it is out in the open. There is no need to repeat everything that has been said (I know I kinda did by telling my story above). I'm sure that most of us will post on here, or whatever thread is up at the time, when the kits come in. Then everyone will know that SF has gotten their act together.

I hate to see a small business go down because of bad publicity. I know because I'm a small business owner as well. I will admit that SF didn't plan for the growth they experienced, but as I understand it, he attempted to capitalize on DA's problems. Good idea, bad implementation. When businesses expand that quickly, it's hard to anticipate what you need because you start to over estimate or you can't quite get your head wrapped around the volume you're experiencing. Therefore, you start to experience supply problems and hence back orders.

So, growing pains of running a business as a reason for the lack of communication, only part of it. There were some mistakes made by SF, but that was because he was being ambitious. While there's nothing wrong with that, he probably should have at least thought about this scenario. I will again say that I trust SF with my money. I just hope that they continue to be more forthcoming with information. Right now, that's his best ammunition; as long as information flows from his side of the road, then people will be patient.

[fraugts]

:werd:

[Boosted2.0]

Very good points. Of course a lot of folks have very good points - I'm not trying to say Stafford not screwing up in failing to keep people up to date. I'm just confident that he will take care of everyone as soon as he can. And I feel your pain on trying to talk to them over the computer - its a lot easier to get to know someone when you go meet them and go have lunch or whatever. Part of the issue is that Stafford is a REALLY bad typist - he types hella slow. I do keep telling him to hire someone to answer the phones and respond to e-mails and he wants to, but the problem is that he doesn't have quite enough money to afford it right now.

[cool2miketlu]

Guys step back and give SF another chance. Yes there were some issues earlier but it seems like he is answering phones and stuff now, hopefully he will do what he promised. SF will start building his rep back up as soon as people start receiving their kits.

[POISONLOTUS]

Originally posted by cool2miketlu
SF will start building his rep back up as soon as people start receiving their kits.

And then I will place my order.

[cool2miketlu]

and it seems 1 person already confirmed he got his (exotic performance) :)

[exotic performance]

guys it looks like they are back on track!

[fraugts]

looking forward to it...

[Reyzin]

That's the happiest news I heard all day. Let's keep the good news coming.