Advice on Huntley Racing
12-20-2002, 01:22 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
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Advice on Huntley Racing
Hey guys, I have read a lot of threads on here about Derek at Huntley Racing. Some favorable, mostly not so favorable. Most of it had to do with the supercharger fiasco. The guy has had my head for over a month and originally told me he could have it done in a week. Well, this past week he promised it would be going out Monday, which it didn't, then Tuesday, so on and so forth... I called again yesterday and they are closed for the holidays now. Still no head. he told me the orginal reason for the delay was that his supplier did not have any 968 valves (I did the valve upgrade) in stock. And that he had to order them straight from Germany since no one else had them either. From everything I have read it sounds like he has a penchant for making excuses and not delivering things in an acceptable time frame. Am I the only one that has had this problem with him breaking promises, providing poor customer service, and not returning phone calls? Or is this something that's pretty regular? He has already charged me $1600+ and has not delivered any goods. Any suggestions on what can be done?
Scott Anderson
87 Porsche 944S (minus head)
Scott Anderson
87 Porsche 944S (minus head)
12-20-2002, 01:56 PM
#2
Race Director
From what Ive seen, posting here usually gets quite a response as its not just between you and him anymore, but hundreds of people. Even though its sad, as soon someone posts something negative the problem is often resolved. This doesnt apply just to Huntley either, Ive heard of quite a few problems that were fixed right after posting to the forum. Its like Ebay's feedback rating, no one wants a bad rep..especially 'round here.
Huntley did call me the other day and say that they were closing for the holidays, but Im not sure when they are re-opening. That sucks and I hope everything works out for you in the end...
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Huntley did call me the other day and say that they were closing for the holidays, but Im not sure when they are re-opening. That sucks and I hope everything works out for you in the end...
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
12-20-2002, 02:04 PM
#3
Burning Brakes
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Thank Sam, I have to say that I certainly won't get any resolution anytime soon, seeing as though he is closed for the holidays. I guess that's why I posted here. I feel so helpless to do anything. He's got my money and my head, and I have a bunch of broken promises. It's pretty frustrating. I would much rather see this resolved peacefully through the forums and Derek dealing me me straight-up. But we'll se what happens.
12-20-2002, 02:24 PM
#4
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I feel like I should add my problem which has been dragging on for more than 5 months now.
In the middle of the summer I ordered an adjustable FPR, oxygen sensor, and a FP gauge. After promptly charging me for the 364 dollars, I didn't receive anything for almost 3 months. During this time I called and asked why I was charged and nothing was delivered. Apparently, they are out of FPR's. Well, that's fine, but don't charge me and then not send anything. Furthermore, I would like to know these things before I make the order, especially when I am expecting to receive the part in a week or two.
Then, 4 months later, I got a package from them and to my dissapointment it didn't have the FPR in it. So, I canceled the order for it and don't plan on doing any more business with them. FYI
-Jake
In the middle of the summer I ordered an adjustable FPR, oxygen sensor, and a FP gauge. After promptly charging me for the 364 dollars, I didn't receive anything for almost 3 months. During this time I called and asked why I was charged and nothing was delivered. Apparently, they are out of FPR's. Well, that's fine, but don't charge me and then not send anything. Furthermore, I would like to know these things before I make the order, especially when I am expecting to receive the part in a week or two.
Then, 4 months later, I got a package from them and to my dissapointment it didn't have the FPR in it. So, I canceled the order for it and don't plan on doing any more business with them. FYI
-Jake
12-20-2002, 02:41 PM
#5
Burning Brakes
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Well, this is starting to sound bad. I would really liek to have a positive experience come out of all this, other than a few minor delays.
Derrek- this is going straight out to you... I have seen you have to defend yourself on here several times about your work. I do not want to have to post anything bad about you or your company. Up until now, you have been extremely helpful. However- you continue to break promises of shipping dates and not return my constant phone calls to check on the shipping status. There is no refuting this whatsoever. Please, let's settle this peacefully. You have charged me $1600+. I expect to receieve my head promptly after you re-open for the new year. I expect the work to be done perfectly (as you claim it has already been done). If it is, I will have nothing but the highest praise for you. If this does not happen, I will tell everyone who will listen my absolutely honest opinion of my business experience with you, which is turning south quickly.
Derrek- this is going straight out to you... I have seen you have to defend yourself on here several times about your work. I do not want to have to post anything bad about you or your company. Up until now, you have been extremely helpful. However- you continue to break promises of shipping dates and not return my constant phone calls to check on the shipping status. There is no refuting this whatsoever. Please, let's settle this peacefully. You have charged me $1600+. I expect to receieve my head promptly after you re-open for the new year. I expect the work to be done perfectly (as you claim it has already been done). If it is, I will have nothing but the highest praise for you. If this does not happen, I will tell everyone who will listen my absolutely honest opinion of my business experience with you, which is turning south quickly.
12-20-2002, 02:48 PM
#6
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Scott-
You're not alone. We're not in the business of bashing people, but since you asked...
We placed two orders with Huntley. The first was for a cup clutch. We were consistantly lied to about availability by at least three people, including Derek. TWICE they actually told me they had already sent it!! It took OVER A MONTH to get a simple clutch kit - and of course, we were charged at the time of the order. After tons of apologies from Derek, I tried another order - this time for a test pipe. I was told it was in stock, and of course it wasn't. A blatant lie. They continued lying by saying it would be a "few more days". I bought a pipe from GHL instead, but for fun, I kept calling Huntley and for roughly 18 days, it was still just a "few days" away. Obviously there won't be an opportunity for a third strike.
I don't blame people for their mistakes - but I DO insist they learn from them...and that's something Huntley just can't seem to do.
You're not alone. We're not in the business of bashing people, but since you asked...
We placed two orders with Huntley. The first was for a cup clutch. We were consistantly lied to about availability by at least three people, including Derek. TWICE they actually told me they had already sent it!! It took OVER A MONTH to get a simple clutch kit - and of course, we were charged at the time of the order. After tons of apologies from Derek, I tried another order - this time for a test pipe. I was told it was in stock, and of course it wasn't. A blatant lie. They continued lying by saying it would be a "few more days". I bought a pipe from GHL instead, but for fun, I kept calling Huntley and for roughly 18 days, it was still just a "few days" away. Obviously there won't be an opportunity for a third strike.
I don't blame people for their mistakes - but I DO insist they learn from them...and that's something Huntley just can't seem to do.
12-20-2002, 02:49 PM
#7
Drifting
No valves in the US? I find that hard to believe. Just one of the warehouses I deal with has more than 15 of each in NJ. I am sure that another has plenty as I just recently (2 weeks ago) recieved 16 valves from them.
I bet you could find some locally. Buy some and sent them to him to help him out.
Why not just say that they haven't gotten to it yet?
I bet you could find some locally. Buy some and sent them to him to help him out.
Why not just say that they haven't gotten to it yet?
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12-20-2002, 02:56 PM
#8
Burning Brakes
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I don't know Chris. Good question. I am still holding out hope that this will be an excellent business transaction. But, I am starting to become extremely displeased.
12-20-2002, 04:05 PM
#9
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So has anybody ever reported these issue to the BBB? Has anybody ever checked with them regarding Huntleys reputation?
The practice of charging customers before shipping is bad news. Lying to customers about availability is bad news. Lying to customers, telling them you have shipped the goods, when you have not, is really bad news. Making promises and not delivering is a sure sign of a business about to fail, bad news. Taking money before shipping also gives me a clue that the financial solvency of the company may be in question.
On top of all that, every time I have seen the owner reply in this forum he has been rude and cocky in the face of his own shortcomings.
I can't say that I feel real sorry for anybody that has purchased from Huntley in the last couple of years. When I first become a 951 owner almost three years ago, I noticed that this particular supplier was questionable. Why would anybody do business with a supplier of questionable integrity? These cars are expensive enough when things are done correctly. Why expose yourself to additional headaches?
Anyway, I hope you do get your head back, with the work done as promised. With the track record I have witnessed, I am not holding my breath.
The practice of charging customers before shipping is bad news. Lying to customers about availability is bad news. Lying to customers, telling them you have shipped the goods, when you have not, is really bad news. Making promises and not delivering is a sure sign of a business about to fail, bad news. Taking money before shipping also gives me a clue that the financial solvency of the company may be in question.
On top of all that, every time I have seen the owner reply in this forum he has been rude and cocky in the face of his own shortcomings.
I can't say that I feel real sorry for anybody that has purchased from Huntley in the last couple of years. When I first become a 951 owner almost three years ago, I noticed that this particular supplier was questionable. Why would anybody do business with a supplier of questionable integrity? These cars are expensive enough when things are done correctly. Why expose yourself to additional headaches?
Anyway, I hope you do get your head back, with the work done as promised. With the track record I have witnessed, I am not holding my breath.
12-20-2002, 04:50 PM
#10
Race Car
[quote]Originally posted by Brent 89-GT:
<strong>The practice of charging customers before shipping is bad news. Lying to customers about availability is bad news. Lying to customers, telling them you have shipped the goods, when you have not, is really bad news. Making promises and not delivering is a sure sign of a business about to fail, bad news. Taking money before shipping also gives me a clue that the financial solvency of the company may be in question.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Actually, in some states a customer cannot be charged until an order is ready for shipment without the customer's permission! Lying about availability or that an order has been shipped may also constitute fraud. When a business doesn't worry about these minor details, financial solvency may not even be an issue.
Good luck Scott, I know how you feel. I ordered my son's X-mas present from an online place on the far coast, was given a tracking number for 1 package that was supposed to contain the 5 or 6 items I ordered, the package came last night. When I opened it it contained only 1 of the items, no invoice, no explaination, nothing. They haven't returned my email yet and I have no phone number. If I don't hear from them or receive the rest of the order by 10 AM Monday, I will have to skip his Xmas pagent to go shopping
, and that isn't the kind of dad that I want to be.
<strong>The practice of charging customers before shipping is bad news. Lying to customers about availability is bad news. Lying to customers, telling them you have shipped the goods, when you have not, is really bad news. Making promises and not delivering is a sure sign of a business about to fail, bad news. Taking money before shipping also gives me a clue that the financial solvency of the company may be in question.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Actually, in some states a customer cannot be charged until an order is ready for shipment without the customer's permission! Lying about availability or that an order has been shipped may also constitute fraud. When a business doesn't worry about these minor details, financial solvency may not even be an issue.
Good luck Scott, I know how you feel. I ordered my son's X-mas present from an online place on the far coast, was given a tracking number for 1 package that was supposed to contain the 5 or 6 items I ordered, the package came last night. When I opened it it contained only 1 of the items, no invoice, no explaination, nothing. They haven't returned my email yet and I have no phone number. If I don't hear from them or receive the rest of the order by 10 AM Monday, I will have to skip his Xmas pagent to go shopping
, and that isn't the kind of dad that I want to be.
12-20-2002, 04:51 PM
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i am really surprised at the amount of problems i continually read with tuners/parts suppliers on this board. it seems as though at least 1 in 10 people have been screwed by what seems to be almost every vendor currently supplying the aftermarket with 944 parts. and this just isn't the fly-by-night businesses. this is by very visible, well-known outfits. it is disheartening to know that a specialty market such as ours is run by those with less than admirable business ethics.
how hard is it to throw an exhaust pipe in the mail? i can understand if there is back-order, out of stock, etc., but these problems really are out of hand. i see tuners bashing tuners, suppliers bashing suppliers, us bashing tuners and suppliers, tuners and suppliers bashing us, etc.with the amount of brand loyalty and money trading that goes on in the 944 world, there should be no reason for any of this.
i know for a fact that if my design/multimedia firm treated clients the way some have been treated in the porsche parts world, we would have filed for chapter 10 instantly and had countless lawsuits slapped against for just about everything imagineable. customer satisfaction is what builds strong reputations and increases revenue.
contact the bbb, tell your friends, post the problems here, make the problems known. but don't get pushed around as a consumer, you have your rights.
and just remember, this is only aimed at those with problems running their business. it is almost impossible not to make enemies with a post like this, but the truth hurts. besides, who wants an experience like that anyway.
how hard is it to throw an exhaust pipe in the mail? i can understand if there is back-order, out of stock, etc., but these problems really are out of hand. i see tuners bashing tuners, suppliers bashing suppliers, us bashing tuners and suppliers, tuners and suppliers bashing us, etc.with the amount of brand loyalty and money trading that goes on in the 944 world, there should be no reason for any of this.
i know for a fact that if my design/multimedia firm treated clients the way some have been treated in the porsche parts world, we would have filed for chapter 10 instantly and had countless lawsuits slapped against for just about everything imagineable. customer satisfaction is what builds strong reputations and increases revenue.
contact the bbb, tell your friends, post the problems here, make the problems known. but don't get pushed around as a consumer, you have your rights.
and just remember, this is only aimed at those with problems running their business. it is almost impossible not to make enemies with a post like this, but the truth hurts. besides, who wants an experience like that anyway.
12-20-2002, 07:25 PM
#12
Nordschleife Master
Wow another Huntley customer lied too. Wow simply amazing that he is still doing that. It happened to me too when I ordered my HR Stage 3 MAF, then I was stupid enough to purchase a HR 3" downpipe from him even though he told me it to was "in stock" and would ship tomorrow. Two months later the testpipe arrives. To say the least I don't do business with them anymore. They lost a good customer too as I'm sure Tim at SFR can tell them that as I spend lots of money with him instead of Huntley!! Don't get me wrong Derrick is a nice guy on the phone and was always willing to supply tech support but that’s only half the battle, and he apparently doesn't care about the other half (shipping on time). Speed Force Racing has everything Huntley does and for less! I recommend them my fellow rennlisters. If an order will ship out late Tim WILL TELL YOU the truth and not lie. A definite must in my book.
12-20-2002, 08:46 PM
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I'm new to Porsche's, but not new to having engines done. I can't believe that there are no valves here in the States. Someone local like Ferrea Racing Components in Ft.Lauderdale, or a number of other companies, can make you a set of quality valves to any specification you want in a reasonable time frame.
I've always used a good local machine shop to work on my motors since I can go see what's going on, and if there is a problem, I can work with them to fix it. Ordering parts like custom pistons etc, can take soem time, but usually only takes four to six weeks from a reputable company. Check with your local drag racers and road racers to see what shop they use locally. A good shop can work on a Porsche head just as well as a Mopar, AMC, Honda, BMW, or any other make.
If you want to have it ported, then you may have to go find one of the local porting gurus, though minor work can be done yourself.
Just my 2 cents.
I've always used a good local machine shop to work on my motors since I can go see what's going on, and if there is a problem, I can work with them to fix it. Ordering parts like custom pistons etc, can take soem time, but usually only takes four to six weeks from a reputable company. Check with your local drag racers and road racers to see what shop they use locally. A good shop can work on a Porsche head just as well as a Mopar, AMC, Honda, BMW, or any other make.
If you want to have it ported, then you may have to go find one of the local porting gurus, though minor work can be done yourself.
Just my 2 cents.
12-20-2002, 10:32 PM
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The problem is about 70% supplier, 30% customer in my opinion. If people weren't scared to post their true experiences, a lot of this wouldn't happen.
Something similar happened on the NSX Forums. People who had the Basch Supercharger kit would lose support if they posted negative comments. So, more and more people buy the wrong kit. Imagine how they feel after spending 8 grand on a supercharger kit, having problems, and finding out a dozen people before them had the same problems.
I always try to post my experiences with vendors, good or bad.
Lindsey has been great.
Pelican has been great.
Paragon has been great.
Guru Racing has been acceptable. Still waiting on new chips that were going to be sent out last Monday. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with the holiday season.
So, thanks for your post Scott. Hopefully people will listen.
-Matt
Something similar happened on the NSX Forums. People who had the Basch Supercharger kit would lose support if they posted negative comments. So, more and more people buy the wrong kit. Imagine how they feel after spending 8 grand on a supercharger kit, having problems, and finding out a dozen people before them had the same problems.
I always try to post my experiences with vendors, good or bad.
Lindsey has been great.
Pelican has been great.
Paragon has been great.
Guru Racing has been acceptable. Still waiting on new chips that were going to be sent out last Monday. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with the holiday season.
So, thanks for your post Scott. Hopefully people will listen.
-Matt