Northern Virginia Roll Call

I can attest to this! Marie was all over my Dakar bushing issue early on Sunday.

 

You have to remember too though, not all fabricators have a solid HR system to begin with due the cost benefits of it for them. Considering that Headstrong likely sells pre-fabricated parts, I would bet they can spend more time on the phone with customers assuming they arnt slammed with installs in the shop. Fabricators simply make, and repeat until all orders are satisfied...which by then there are probably more. I guess I am used to this process, not that checking up on a fabricator for work should be painful, but besides checking in now and then they don't normally tell me anything further unless there is a delay they didn't forecast.

 

Headstrong is not a fabricator (yet). They are a retailer

 

Ah well if they don't even do installs...then ALL they can do is answer questions and process orders. Not really comparable to a fabricator then IMO.

 

I agree with your call, you chose the bumper for a reason (looks, quality, etc), stick it out. A lot of these guys may have a fancy website, but that doesn't mean they're still not a small shop trying to get good quality products out the door. He's probably the fabricator, customer service, and finance guy, which is why we sometimes don't get responses for a day or two. Good luck with the bumper!

 

dont think @boogie3478 was comparing them to a fabricator. I think he was talking about customer service. AKA responding to PMs on the weekends or answering the phone. The weekend thing shows Marie is going above and beyond to make a sale. That to me, is top notch.

Whether you are a fabricator or a retailer or the CEO of Icon, Id think you would have minimum customer service, like responding to an email or answering a phone call. That way someone that gave you $ has some assurance that what they paid for, is actually coming to them.

A prime example of this, is the Mahalotaco Snorkel GB. Lack of communication and theft, left lots of people in the dark. Which also caused outrage.

 

Where in NoVa are you??

 

Alexandria, down towards Mt. Vernon. I'm definitely in if there's some work to do or get togethers

 

Again though, you are referring to someone like Icon that they are a fabricator? Yes they have a design shop and a material build process, but that is completely independent to the demand of clientel. I agree it would benefit them greatly to have a decent return time on communication, but unfortunately not everyone adopts a strong customer service approach. For SOS, apparently this route is still proving them to be successful. Patience is a killer in this game.

 

Correct. Sure fabricators are busy actually making products, but if you don't have to time to answer a few questions for people who are keeping you in business, then that business can be taken elsewhere.

 

I am not referring to Icon as a fabricator. Im saying if they answer their phone/email regarding a question, opposed to someone that doesnt or that has a bad attitude, then they get more points in my book. For example Icon, Headstrong, Toyota sell products. They answer the phone/email, and most of the time in a professional matter. IMO, have more "points" than if someone doesnt do that..

Why are you defending SOS if you havent ordered from them..

 

If the majority of your "work" is through processing orders besides personal inquiries then yea man I would expect them to have a decent customer service. Toyota is big enough to obviously have the support for a solid CS system. I guess I think SOS is relative to other fabricators that I have ordered from in the past. Depending on the shop, they can be responsive...or not. I try not to bug them much when I got a job unless its around delivery time as I would prefer them to spend more time in the shop then talking to me if I know the info isn't expected to change. In the past I have sought out fabricated parts out on the west coast and so to me, I think this is common knowledge. NOW, if you think a fabricator is just taking your money and running, then obviously that is a different situation.

 

When I had my bumpers made, I was able to call/email and they would get back to me in a timely/professional manner. Not blowing me off in an email. I would call Billy at Bruteforcefab, and he would talk to me for an hour. Keep me updated on what he was doing. After all of my positive experience, I will definitely recommend anyone to the companies that I have worked with for the stuff on my truck.

But if I get a negative response, it lowers my opinion with that company. Makes me reluctant to refer them to others. I wouldnt recommend you sending any money to Mahalotaco, even if you were protected. Just because Ive had a horrible experience. And even with me getting what I paid for, all of the circumstances, makes me not able to say he was good at communication and not able to recommend him. I know he is not fabricating anything, and that sometimes life gets in the way. But if someone gives me money, I make it a point to give them updates in a professional manner. Not be completely rude in an email, and blow them off.

But thats my opinion.

 

I get that and there are some companies out there who are just slow about things and have their own schedule. I guess it really comes down to it for me as a fabricator...can they deliver the product as expected? Are they solid on their prices for budget? Have they had discrepancies with customers in the past? Can their work be created by someone else if they prove delinquent? That's my criteria in a nutshell, doesn't mean it has to work for others. Granted I normally seek out a fabricator for the fact that they offer something unique that fits my tastes or else I would just move on to another if their design was meh...you already know of one place I moved on from.

 

Not so to speak. The statement was made more of a "hey this guy thinks he wheels" to a "hey man what's up that was awesome" kinda thing.

 

But also you have to look at the demand on a particular shop has as well as amount of staff. Pelfreybilt is not a one man shop. And shops like bruteforce is but their demand is not as high as SOS. I don't have parts yet from him but most of the group I wheel with does and I can tell you that the work is worth the wait. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and timeline but let's face it. I waited 8 weeks to get my prinsu rack. And it came in powder coated when I ordered raw aluminum. My opinion is if you don't want to wait for the skilled trained professional to do something go buy a welder and plasma table and do it yourself.

 

Id say Bruteforcefab demand is higher than SOS. Hence he doesn't have time for a physical presence on TW. But from others experience his work is as high quality as Pelfreybilt or any other shop.

In the end its up to the buyer to read reviews, make up their mind, and make a decision for themselves. Then they can report back with their experience for others to do the same. That's how these shops build customer base

 

Reputation goes a long way. If some has a pleasant experience with a company they will tell their friends. If the same person has a terrible experience with a company they will tell anyone who will listen.

 

Here is a picture of a complete effing moron who thinks it's fine to screw around on your phone while people are waiting in line behind you for gas. *BJ's gas station in Fair Lakes.

 

I dont like that station. I only go if its first thing in the morning. I have to get premium so its either bjs in fair lakes or costco by home depot