Shoddy Service

B

big_si

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 May 2005
Messages
214
Location
Buckinghamshire
web.mac.com
Almost a year ago i mentioned i had cracks in the gel coat and some rather shoddy workmanship on the build of our boat.

Now, nothing has been done. Despite countless phone calls and emails. i had sent 2 or maybe 3 quotes to get it repaired on instruction from the importers and nothing.

I mentioned a bit about this sometime ago and Roger (rat) advised best not name and shame, so i stayed schtum.

How many chances do you give before naming and shaming?

I think it has become quite clear that the importers are not really interested or taking my case seriously.

The funny thing is whilst on hold to the importers, they pipe on about their amazing customer service. Hilarious!!!

Right now, an American boat? Never again.
 
Have you asked the lender for advice? If they feel the delivery spec was not met and there is an implication for the value they may get feisty with the importer.

Failing that can you claw back the deposit, perhaps if it was paid by card?

You also have the option of talking to the trading standards chaps local to the dealer, a survey of the problems might help with that.
 
Agree with the solicitors letter idea probably worth the £50 or so they will charge for it.
Dont no why you are bothered about name and shame can see from yer web address what boat it is. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 
I m guessing that the boat isnt anywhere near the dealership, which of course makes it harder for you, but there again easier for him as you are not outside his office every we/nd drving clients away. And you are out of sight and so mind. Are you going to the boatshow? Might be worth the entrance ticket just to confront him. Not good for business to have a blazing row about his service in front of everyone ! If you have a third party there as a witness, then if he agrees to an amount (and maybe settle for something...), just pursue him through small claims court.
In some ways, if its spoiling your boating, get it fixed so you can enjoy that in 2008, and take the financial side seperately, if you see what I mean.
It might be worth phoning USA-its a smaller company isnt it, and asking to speak to MD or something; you know.. love the boat, its been ruined by this, can he make a phone call and try to resolve it so you can get back to enjoying their product.. blah blah.
Sometimes the warranty costs are with the local dealer, and sometimes back with the manufacturer.
I ve been in this situation with USA boats myself, and found head office and various staff can have enormous pride in the product, and really do want happy customers....
 
Si,

I had a similar problem with a 1999 boat with the same dealer. Problem was the boat was based on Windermere and the dealer in Wales! I put up with useless service etc all year and at the end of the year took it back. 2 weeks later all was sorted and we got the relationship back on track. One of the issues is that although successful up there they are not swollen with cash so do not want to pay others to sort out issues (or pay transport costs).

I would ring them up, tell them you are consulting a solicitor and ask them if they want the boat back to sort out.

My Boat was the 205SSE....and I loved it! (still PX-ed it in for the 240 signature the next year!)

Just a thought as I love Chaparrals...but like all boats, some do have issues and the repairs that Color & Sea did were spot on (Gel Coat, leaks and out-drive...plus a dodgy helm seat with Screws sticking into my arse!!!)

Cheers

Paul
 
We do love the boat, where it has only dented our boating a little. The whole experience with these dealers (dare i say in Wales?) has certainly left us cold.

We were even considering a 275ssi as our next boat but there are now a lot of arguments on why we won't.

Bob Ellis, Chaparral’s Customer Service manager, may be an email address to find. i may as well try all connotations and give them a week...

Once i finally get my home internet connection sorted (new house problems) i'll put all the pictures on Scorpios Lairs website.
 
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