Is it possible that the Group Buy> deal was a chance to "unload" a batch of factory "seconds" at a slight discount??? If so, I believe that is highly illegal.Cheers guys Lloyd
One of them could be my returned GFB pulley that I returned last year. It had the exact same dint as that picture posted so I'm guessing there was a stuff up in production somewhere along the line and like you said Chilli it was a mean nasty way of offloading the batch. I truely hope this is not the case but I did warn people of the poor quality control that GFB seemed to have.
Give me a break guys:| & stop jumping to conclusions. I said in the above post that i will get answers & i am a man of my word.We do not need to publicly scorn a company when we do not have all the facts.
Jamie, no one is having a go at you man, if the company has done wrong by us, I'm not going to blame you. There is no way that this pully was damaged in transport, this was done before it was packaged, thats why I'm so pissed. Someone would've seen it and gone "Nah f@ck it" I know it is in no way your fault, I just felt it would be easier for you because you purchased the pulleys for us, thats all I was getting at.
Likewise Jamie! I wasn't pointing a> finger at your attempted "group buy", my comment was based on the possibility of some very questionable practices by the manufacturer. If the manufacturer can't control the quality of the delivered item, then it is reasonable to question the quality of operation of the item also. Sloppy packaging and shipping would possibly indicate sloppy manufacture as well, this hardly inspires confidence in the product.Hope it all turns out OK, there is nothing worse than getting excited about a new purchase, only to be disappointed when it arrives.Cheers guys Lloyd =) =) =)
Sorry to have caused a stir and raise doubts about the company in question. Just me being my usual synical self. Hope it all turns out for the best. To clarify my situation better I didn't buy mine directly from GFB and it still had that dint in it so it could just be the usual postage wankers throwing it around cause they do dint very easily being 6061 alloy. Just drop a speedflow fitting on the ground and it dints to the buggery and they are made from the same 6061 alloy.
Brett from GFB here Hi guys, We are taking this opportunity to try and settle this matter. First of all, we would like to say that it is very disappointing to see so many negative comments and wild accusations against us, and that all of those comments have come from the unfortunate fact that one pulley was received in a damaged condition, which obviously occurred during transit. We would also like to point out that no one has bothered to inform us about the problem, the first we heard about it was from a 300ZX retailer. Jamie has done the right thing and contacted his dealer to find out what could be done, but to date no-one has contacted us to inform us of any problem, let alone what can be done to resolve it.Now, regarding our quality control that has been brought into question, we are accredited to ISO 9000, we check every component that leaves here, and we certainly would not see a ding like that and say "f**k it", like it has been suggested. Secondly, we certainly DID NOT or WOULD NOT re-ship a damaged pulley, NOR would we ever sell any pulley that does not pass our strict quality control. Any that do not pass are physically destroyed (so that they can't possibly be used) before being sent to the scrap yard. It is important to note that the pulleys you have recieved have been handled and transported no less than 3 times to get to you, and do you not think that there is a greater likelihood of damage occurring when an item is in transit compared to sitting on a shelf? We do our best to prevent damage, they are all wrapped in plenty of bubble wrap, but dropping the pulley on its edge (which is thin) will result in damage even through the bubble wrap. As a result of this event, we will be sourcing boxes for the pulleys for future orders to prevent it happening again.We pride ourselves on having the BEST customer service of ANY performance manufacturer, just ask any of our thousands of satisfied customers (throughout the world) who we go out of our way for to ensure they are happy, but we must re-iterate that this is the first we have heard about the problem. We don't think it fair that we have been publicly crucified before we have been informed or had a chance to respond. Guys, let's play fair. We will ensure this problem is resolved, and we would appreciate no more negative comments. Jason, if you would care to contact me directly we will sort it out. Jamie, as per my email, could you please contact your supplier again and have them get in touch with us.
Brett, If you have a problem > with the hypothetical question (not an accusation) posed by me in this thread, then kindly address your concerns to me, rather than running to the Moderators with threats of legal action etc,.When I posted the thread to which you object, I was totally unaware of the brand of U/D Pulley in question.This doesn't mean that I would have changed my actions in this regard, it is simply to show that my comment was about quality control and merchandising, in general.If this gives you no reason for joy, "so be it", but I suggest you re-think any attempt at pursuing the matter further.I am quite happy to discuss this with you privately, if you wish!Cheers Lloyd
What the....??? I take it from your post Chilli that Brett has his knickers in a twist that people would dare even suggest that the damage was caused at the factory. Now hes threatening the moderators with legal action? Gee Im sure glad I bought the UR underdrive pulley then and not thier crap if thats their attitude. He was hardly "crucified" in this thread, and secondly it was 2 damaged pulleys from the buy, plus Chewys which makes 3. Brett you say you do the best for shipping, yet 3 are damaged so you are getting better boxes, well doesnt it stand to reason then that it obviously wasnt "the best" if your going to improve on them.Now you might be "ISO 9000 certified" but it wouldnt be the first time things like this were done with or without management approval. Look at whats just happened with Pan pharmaceuticals, and they manufacture drugs for peoples health!Now you claim to have the BEST in customer service but this certainly isnt it. Certainly I dont live in a dictatorship either, so if you cant stand a bunch of consumers discussing your products pros and cons, real or imagined then I suggest you move countries.If Im just misreading things from Chili's post then my apologies, but otherwise Im more than happy to continue this discussion anonymously on the usenet groups
Nathan, the suggestion of legal> action was, as I understand it, directed at me and my comments, not Ben or the forum.At this point, I find that to be petty "fist shaking" and just about as effective.The old Shakespearian quote might well apply here "Methinks you protest too much!"I'm sure Brett and I can settle this misunderstanding if there is a genuine intent to do so by both parties.I just don't see any valid reason for Ben to have been dragged into this, he doesn't write my scripts (even if he wishes he could, sometimes. ).Cheers Lloyd
Chilli thats quite funny...>> I was thinking of the exact same quote at the time of reading Bretts post.
Everyone is entitled to an opinion... If you are going to take legal action for someone making an assumption, you need to wake up. My pulley has dents, more than one, I am not very happy, thats all there is to it. Jamie said I could send it back and get it replaced but it would cost me an extra $40 or so in freight... I can't see where the "BEST customer service" comes from if this is the case. Also the reason you were'nt contacted by myself, if you had read my earlier posts, I asked Jamie if he could try and sort it out becuase he purchased the pulleys for us.As for being publicly crucified, that's a joke.
Miscommunication, misunderstandings, oi! Woah hold up there. There have been NO threats of legal action by anyone, towards anyone.I receieved two complaints about what was going on in this thread, and I agreed with those emails in that Chili's comment was a bit harsh and so I emailed him. I mentioned that IF the choice was made to take legal proceedings (which I think is highly unlikely) that there could be trouble as I thought Chili's comment was a jump to a conclusion with absolutely no evidence to support it.No one from GFB has made any threats of any action at this point and I wish everyone would just take a chill pill from time to time and avoid the Chil(i) pills, they clearly have a bad influence on people Ben
Accurate reporting of events is> essential in this sort of discussion, Ben.I doubt that this will be left on this forum long enough for people to draw their own conclusions, but here goesFrom: Benjamin Lippa Date: Friday, May 16, 2003 6:53:28 PM To: N300ZX@bigpond.com.au Subject: GFB pulleys Hi Lloyd,I've just had to contend with a fairly annoyed email from Brett at GoFastBits in relation to your commnent about a recent group buy of GFB pulleys possibly being used to illegally unload inferior product onto members. Brett thought this was a very far leap given absolutely no evidence to support this and didn't take kindly to being accused of illegal activity, and I'm inclined to agree. Please think about statements like that when there is nothing to support them.... if this were to escalate to an extreme (which I doubt it will) I think it could in fact be found that YOUR comments were of an illegal nature (libel) and I could be somehow dragged into it as the administrator of this site as well.Ben From: Lloyd Date: Friday, May 16, 2003 11:29:35 PM To: Benjamin Lippa (Blipman) Subject: Re: GFB pulleys Hi Ben!, I am disappointed with your remarks with respect to my comments on the apparent problems being experienced by some members involved in the GFB U/D Pulley group buy. Firstly, I have been on this planet long enough to NOT make libelous statements about anyone. Secondly, there is no way on Gods Earth that I accused Brett or GFB of wrong doing, I merely posed a question, based on several people complaining about similarly damaged pulleys, particularly as several people seemed to be saying that the pulleys had the same marks. Near identical damage is indicative of production problems, NOT some highly skilled Postal Worker having perfected a means of reproducing a "group drop" of the pulleys. Thirdly, I went on to explain, in a further thread, that I was not accusing anyone of anything, and elaborated on the logical process by which I had reached this "hypothetical question". I note that Brett has indicated that he will look at packaging future product in a more protective fashion. This clearly supports my suggestion that, there was possibly some question as to the quality of the packaging. Every day of the week, there is someone making outrageous and defamatory remarks about individuals and or businesses on this Forum, with apparent immunity. I would like to be shown the same courtesy, if at some time it should come to pass, that I may descend to that level of vitriol. That has NOT happened thus far!! Lastly, are the members, who are vocally displeased with the I-Dial group buy, also being cautioned about being critical of sloppy manufacture?? Scientific Meters/Gauges (Speedo's, Boost Gauges, Oil Pressure Gauges etc.) by their very nature, need to be accurately manufactured or they are next to useless. Tell me that is libelous, I work in a Calibration Laboratory. With respect to your fears and advice concerning my possible guilt in this matter, please relax, neither you or I have anything to worry about. If Brett was so offended by my comments, he must have been mortified by the remarks of a member from Queensland, have the "Thought Police" been sent to visit that gentleman?? Regards Lloyd From: Benjamin Lippa Date: Sunday, May 18, 2003 7:11:28 PM To: Lloyd Subject: Re: GFB pulleys Hey Lloyd,I don't really want to argue the whole point with you, I don't think that's very constructive, but in regards to you saying you didn't make any accusations as such, I've received 2 emails from people who DID think that, and what other people read is what counts, not what your intentions were.I don't know how i-Dials have been brought into this, but for what it's worth they may be recalled under warranty due to these and other issues.Ben Ben, That is total Bullshit, and you know it. Using your argument, it doesn't matter what viewpoint you express, it only matters how I interpret it. You take any stance you like, but I would be more than happy to test this in any Court of Law in this country. Spare me the benefit of your legal advice, it is as valid as this majority "view of two" that you pin so much faith on. I am appalled at your apparent bias on a number of instances in recent times, and that is a point of concern being aired by many more than two members of this forum. There maybe many things I could learn from you Ben, but rest assured, how to behave, think or express myself clearly , do not fall into that category. The i-Dial issue was mentioned for no other reason than to highlight the fact that, as far as I am aware, no-one, who criticised the standard of service and quality of those items, has been on the receiving end of your ire in a similar manner to myself. Somewhat inconsistant on your part, in my opinion. Regards Lloyd ITS NOT ONLY CHILI PILLS THAT HAVE A BAD INFLUENCE ON PEOPLE, BLIPMAN TABLETS SEEM EQUALLY EFFECTIVE. I regret the need to have posted this crap on this site. Like BigKid, I think I could use some fresh air.:| :| Lloyd
Righto, now that I'm back on the forum I may as well have my two cents in this whole matter. What the hell is someone like Brett getting all wrapped up about? Someone has told him what was going on, he shows up, says his two cents worth, complains to Ben and then the people who said something get in s$%t for it. WTF??Seems to me like some members of the forum may just be trying to keep some friends whilst taking their power on this forum out on true blue members. Does this all make sense?Along the lines of sledging a manufacturer or store, it happens all the fu%&^n time here. People ask about a certain business before they go and deal with them and if members say their crap then is that member going to be threatened and talked to? I think not. The whole idea of the forum is to better know who to deal with in cases like this. I would rather someone sledge a business than allow me to go and do business with them and find out their crap for myself.Let's face it, people have gone way to far here and like Chili said, I think you'd find Ben that most people here edge on Lloyd's side simply because we see it being done everyday here. Not because we're trying to make or keep friends in the business... take that as you will.
I do not understand how someone can say their customer service is at a peak when this has happened. Numerous pulleys with the same damage and we're goign to try and point it at the postal service...riiiiiiiight. How do you suggest to explain the same damage on three pulleys.After looking through all these posts and talking with Lloyd etc about the whole ordeal, one would suggest that if only one person was dealing witht he buy (Jamie) then it would be better if he handled it (like he said he would...he took the iniative in this). But then going and charging people to get a replacement is an absolute joke...WAKE UP TO YOURSELF.....
Sorry Ben I have to go with Lloyd on this, you do seem extremely bias in this case. Just an observation.I can't believe this has gotten as far as it has, sad really, because it was only over a few questions, no allegations, about/of this company.Just remember this good old retail saying, "The customer is always right."
The carnage seems destined to continue> This will be the final input from me on what has developed into a "Witch Hunt".Draw your own conclusions:From: Benjamin Lippa Date: Monday, May 19, 2003 12:47:05 PM To: Lloyd Subject: Re: GFB pulleys Hey Lloyd,I really don't know why this is being argued as it is..... all I asked was that you give a bit of thought to what you post in future and explained why due to recent events, nothing more. I don't know why you want to argue this so ferverently.... you only have to read your post to see that there was never going to be any other interpretation other than the one that I have received complaints about, and since asking a few more people's opinion they have all agreed. It's like person A's red 2 seater Z gets stolen, and all of a sudden dealer B has a new red 2 seater Z for sale. If someone said "Hey, is it possible dealer B is the one who stole person A's Z", sure it's not a direct accusation, but what do you think the implication, interpretation and outcome will be? Are you honestly saying that your statement on the forum didn't imply that GFB was possibly doing something illegal?I don't know what bias you refer to.... if I receive complaints from anyone they will be looked into. I always consult the other moderators, and if we all thought that your comment was not unfair I would have told those who complained and you wouldn't have received any emails.... I was not alone in this decision, if you for some reason think that my personal bias has come into this. As usual, for every complaint I actually receive there are no doubt sozens of others who feel exactly the same way, and after talking to some people over the weekend at a mini tech meet this is indeed the case.As far as the i-Dial issue is concerned, there HAS been one person who has been criticesed about the dials, and that is Richard. Rather than make stupid implications on the forum I am trying to work out a solution to this problem. Had anyone come on the forum and said "I think Autoillusions intentionally sold as faulty product and doesn't care" I would have a word with them. If someone has a problem with a product that's fine (I haven't sent emails to any of the people who were complaining about the quality of the GFB product), so where's the inconsistency there? You didn't make a complaint about the product, you implied it was a poor product intentionally sent out to unsuspecting customers. If you can't see the difference then there's not much hope.Ben My final response: Ben, your right! Continuing this line of discussion, is indeed, futile! I am astounded that your circle of friends/acquaintances, should be collectively made up from people, who it seems, are incapable of discerning or understanding the written word. The biggest cause of argument, is the reluctance of the individual to actually listen to what is being said (as opposed to what they "think is being said"). Let's deal with fact. 1: At no point in time did I, level an accusation at any identifiable party. 2: At no point in time did I, do other than pose a hypothetical question as to the possibility of these items being "factory seconds". 3: I did imply that, to sell a "second class" item to someone without their direct knowledge, was illegal under Consumer Law. 4: At the time of offering my "hypothetical scenario" question, I was completely unaware of, A: Who the items were purchased from, and B: Who the items were manufactured by. 5: I was not the person who did identify GFB as the manufacturer. 6: In answer to your question: "Are you honestly saying that your statement on the forum didn't imply that GFB was possibly doing something illegal?" Yes! Emphatically!! 7: Your comments on the NZR Forum:, "There have been NO threats of legal action by anyone, towards anyone.", seem strangely at odds with your remarks in your first e-mail to me: "I think it could in fact be found that YOUR comments were of an illegal nature (libel) and I could be somehow dragged into it as the administrator of this site as well." 8: I went to some trouble, formulating the wording of my comments in this matter, so as to reduce the risk of being misinterpreted by some of the "knuckle draggers" who lurk in the wings. I am astonished to hear that the more erudite inhabitants of this site, are the ones who failed to recognize this fact. Regards Lloyd
You need to butt out this has got bugger all to do with you & getting your knickers in a knot & having a shot at me over something you know 'F' all about is far from the friendly nature that this forum is based on.Scotty was given the grounds of the claim which was passed on to me from the wholesaler. Likewise Scotty's reply was passed on to my supplier so he could pass it on. I am just the guy in the middle here & i am just trying to do the best i can with the information i have.If you are suggesting that because i organised the buy that the return postage is my responsibility then i think that you need to wake up to yourself.Sure i took the initiative to make the buy happen, but was only organised as i was offered a good deal on the product & i asked if i could extend that good deal to others on this forum. So basically i just passed it on.FYI i did take the initiative & try to help out as much as i possibly couldve & those who were unhappy were contacted discreetly & off this public forum, where these matters should be handled. At no time should there have been any need to make this get all ugly & drag on. We are all grown ups here & we share one thing in common & thats the love for the Zed, so for those of you who do not have a damaged pulley, let this rest & let us keep sharing our 'good' experiences on what is a truly great car.Jamie
