Fitting parts - responsibility

An interesting debate on a forum at the moment.

A tuner overseas received a faulty component from a supplier and started working on the component, it had an obvious visual flaw that was not picked up until it was fitted.

One side blames the supplier for the lost time modifying and fitting the component.

One side blames the tuner for not checking the part prior to working on it and fitting it.

What are your thoughts?

No brands or names to be mentioned this is purely for the discussion over the responsibilities of people/companies in this situation and for Australian and New Zealand members only.

I'm looking for the opinion of our culture.

 

We have quality control for a reason, companies should be checking their stock for defects.

While it is unfortunate that the stock was damaged, the company i think isn't liable for the "lost time", rather they should be required to replace the part.

Example. I snapped a suspension arm. Told the supplier, who contacted the manufacturer, who both came to the table and offered replacement parts and refunds. Couldn't be happier with the outcome and I'll 100% be going back to both ends.

 

Sounds like a good result for you Bracket

I'm going to ask that no one corrupts the thread with interjections of names etc - I know this is a waste of time but I ask anyway LOL!

I come from one of the most controlled systems in the world when it comes to parts and fitting etc so it's probably obvious where I stand on it.

There will be VERY strong opinions on this so if we could just try and keep them to ourselves and just speak by voting it might prevent a shitstorm and thread lock etc.

It might be very beneficial for all vendors and fitters etc to see the results, might help solve arguments in the future maybe???

IE: if something comes up there could be tension but maybe if both sides have seen what ever results from here they might understand each others point of view better???

Either way please no shitfights just yet, give the poll a few days then let loose all ya want LOL!

 

Simple business concept called "quality assurance". If you fit a dud part that COULD have been picked up through inspection and measurement then I don't think you have a claim on your wasted time all you are entitled to is a replacement part at no cost ... which you will then check and inspect BEFORE fitting eh

 

I agree. I believe it's iso9001 that's all about qc in manufacturing. Then again there is the idea of 6 sigma, ie 0.0000001% defect rate - it is achievable, but it COSTS. And THAT is where most of the issues arise, especially with the aftermarket for depreciating assets such as cars.
I believe the consumer should be informed about the quality control standards used in manufactur of their component, and to a large part, infer such information from the price of the part being purchased. While this doesn't revoke and righ for return under the usual consumer protection laws, it should be used to evaluate the risks of getting a dud part on the customers side of the transaction. This should be evaluated before fitting the part, and I think no claims for lost time should be entertained by the vendor if it is found to be noticed after installation (this would change if it is an item which cannot be adequately inspected prior t installation - for example electronic components)

 

There is not enough attention to detail in todays society.
Both equally to blame, both should have the customer in mind.
If a part has a visable flaw then it could have been picked up before fitting, but because people today don't look, problems get through the net.
Lost time. Boo hoo.
Part replaced free of charge from manufacturer, of course.

Part breaks and causes injury to customer, law suit againts fitter and manufacturer.

 

Quality controls are important, because shit happens. I've received dodgy parts and worked it out with the supplier before. It's fine so long as they deal with it well.

 

Mate
why start a hypothetical thread and bring your crap over here from the US?..when clearly it is the manufacturers fault .

the manis were manufactured wrong !.. the studs were put in the wrong place ! and out of alignment .. simple facts .

YES THE FITTER SHOULD CHECK PARTS BUT IF SOMETHING IS MADE WRONG ITS THE COMPANY'S ERROR

post pics ?

 

You would hope that any problem would be picked up at manufacturers end. That said thing do slip through for various reasons. Next step would be the fitter should pick up any faults before fitment as they actually handle the product unlike most manufacturing processes these day, but as before things slip through. So who pays in the end is just bad for all. The only fair thing is the end buyer is looked after. The manufacturer replaces the part. And the shop fits it. Who becomes the bigest looser is usually the shop but that can still be turned into a win from getting a good reputation for looking after customers when things go wrong. This is priceless. The bloke that made the part risks loosing further sales if the make bad parts. There is a great saying - IF IT'S MAN MADE IT CAN GIVE TROUBLE

 

If a problem is a visible defect then replacement but no labour costs at teh expense of the supplier, however if the part installation does not nessecetate accurate measurements (one would not measure a tyre before trying to fit it to a rim) then that for me is a grey area. If excessive force (beyond that which would normally be used is being exerted to fit a component then take it out measure it and if out of spec contact the supplier. However when talking about internal components of an engine where clearancing is required then failing to take measurements which would show a fault is really the fitters fault.

As for the names and crap why is that needed this is not about the other thread or what has happened on another forum, its a querry about peoples thoughts on liabilty in a case where a substandard component may be supplied to a tuner/mechanic/middleperson.

 

-grabs popcorn-

 

Immature and weak, a brainless act of inciting disruption on the forum in an attempt to pervert the nature of the pole and corrupt the results.

Worried the results would show something you didn't like then aye. [TIS]

 

Your purchase contract in regards to quality control between the individual and the seller/manufacturer is different as to the contract between the individual and the fitter.

If an individual provides a part to a fitter then the fitter is not liable for that part. Only the installation of that component. Nothing more.

If the fitter provides the part, only then are they liable for the part/fitting and rectification.

If a fitter is provided with a faulty part and goes above and beyond in recognition and rectification, then its often off their own back.

I have myself inadvertently provided faulty parts to an installer. The installer was willing to assist in information and verification for me back to the supplier and manufacturer. But everything was back on me. The manufacturer didnt want to know about the problem so I lost out big time. Im still chasing information to conclusively identify the problem. Then its all on me for inspections and postage at all ends.

I think in regards to your issue I would say the same. If the individual provided those parts to a fitter/installer.. then its not the fitters fault, even if more time is lost. The manufacturer has a responsibility to replace the part but not to replace the lost time and money. Its a case of too bad so sad for the individual unless the manufacturer or reseller is willing to come to the table to fix a known issue.

 

Manifold?

Are the pictures that have been posted relating to this issue?

If so.
Supplier of faulty parts should immediately express ship replacements and not wait till parts are returned. Pictures should be enough proof.
In my opinion supplier should also offer a discount to customer to maintain good will. Something like 10% or 20% discount on next purchase.
Also supplier must pay for return freight or better organise and pay the return freight on their end if they want parts back!

Fitter.
Should simply undo a few bolts and not charge customer extra.
Am I missing something?... how hard is it to take the manifold off?
A few minutes extra because you didn't check parts... and a slight hassle to stop work and start again when he gets an appropriate replacement.

:zlove:

 

Sounds like a storm in a tea cup, no real harm done, sort it out and move on, why is it even require discussing ?

Less tears more sweat !

 

this thread already looks to be heading down the road of getting closed.

to EVERYONE envolved, regardless of country of origin or "undisclosed knowledge" keep it on track and dont make it personal...........

 

Not missing a thing --You hit the nail right on the head.

The fitter never indicated that he was going to charge the customer extra...he ordered a replacement, and that was off as well. A third manifold was also sought out but Z1 wouldn't send it out because it too is off.

However, the manufacturer did not return any communications from the customer for about a week...since the 1st of October is what he last stated.