Stay Away from PUI !
February 26th, 2011, 03:50 PM
#1
Stay Away from PUI !
Ok so I get an ad around Jan. via email for a super sale at PUI. I am need- ing 67 Sport Coupe seat covers. I call and get a price and told them I would order before deadline. When I call to order I get an even better price.... Great! Covers come and color match leaves me wondering. I take em to an upholstery guy and he says the match wasnt too bad so I kept em. The invoice for the covers states that I paid full price. I call them and they say they dont know how that happened but they would give me store credit for 40 bucks. Now a week ago I get another ad via email from PUI. I need a radiator and have my store credit. I look in their new 2011 catalog and the one I want is 389.00. I check on line and its on sale for 433.00 Ok, I call them and they say that it is strange that their brand new catalog has that price... the price is 433.00 on sale. I told them about my disappointment and they guy says he will give free shipping. I mailed a sales guy there a few days earlier and he said it is an oversize item and does not qualify for free shipping but he would ship it to me for 20 bucks. The radiator arrives and I look it over and see that the lower water outlet is very small diameter. I compare it with my old radiator and the outlet is like 2x smaller than it should be. I doubt I could get a hose for it even if I wanted to use it!! I will be making a call to them on Monday to see whay the outlet is such. I have 2 purchases from PUI and never will there be another!
February 26th, 2011, 05:35 PM
#2
Ben
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 1,824
My last pui experience... Set of 1970 chevelle bucket seat covers.
Opened the sealed bag (months after having been purchased) 1 seat bottom cover was for a 69 not a 70!
Vendor handled it...
Installed the first seat- everything went fine
Then on the 2nd seat, finished the bottom then started the seat back to find out the new cover did not have one of the bolster listing wires sewn on. Just missing.
Another call to the vendor who swore he had never heard of such problems iwth PUI before.. but he handled it agian
Got the replacement seat back cover installed only to discover the heat pressed rib pattern in the seats was done so poorly it looked like dashed lines instead of seams. Looked like crap (could not tell until the cover was installed and streched)
Another call to the vendor and photos later... Yet another replacement cover
3 strikes on 1 project- POS PUI. Never again.
BTW... this just 2 months ago so this is not some far past offence either.
Opened the sealed bag (months after having been purchased) 1 seat bottom cover was for a 69 not a 70!
Vendor handled it...
Installed the first seat- everything went fine
Then on the 2nd seat, finished the bottom then started the seat back to find out the new cover did not have one of the bolster listing wires sewn on. Just missing.
Another call to the vendor who swore he had never heard of such problems iwth PUI before.. but he handled it agian
Got the replacement seat back cover installed only to discover the heat pressed rib pattern in the seats was done so poorly it looked like dashed lines instead of seams. Looked like crap (could not tell until the cover was installed and streched)
Another call to the vendor and photos later... Yet another replacement cover
3 strikes on 1 project- POS PUI. Never again.
BTW... this just 2 months ago so this is not some far past offence either.
February 26th, 2011, 08:51 PM
#3
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 11,798
February 26th, 2011, 08:58 PM
#4
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,200
Sounds to me like you need to call the company to get it resolved.
Seems to me that they made good on the first alleged error with a credit.
You can't claim they deceived you on the shipping when you talked to 2 different sales guys.
One was willing to help you more then another because of a perception issue.
Should have ordered it when the 1st offer was made.
They made good and still took a hit by delivering it for $20. I think it sucks,
but you should take pictures of the inlet tube and send it to them and inform
them that it's incorrect and you want a refund, and a return shipping label sent.
My experience with PUI through Tamraz was stellar with a perfect fit interior.
So experiences do vary.
Seems to me that they made good on the first alleged error with a credit.
You can't claim they deceived you on the shipping when you talked to 2 different sales guys.
One was willing to help you more then another because of a perception issue.
Should have ordered it when the 1st offer was made.
They made good and still took a hit by delivering it for $20. I think it sucks,
but you should take pictures of the inlet tube and send it to them and inform
them that it's incorrect and you want a refund, and a return shipping label sent.
My experience with PUI through Tamraz was stellar with a perfect fit interior.
So experiences do vary.
Last edited by Aceshigh; February 26th, 2011 at 09:06 PM.
February 26th, 2011, 09:59 PM
#5
Ben
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 1,824
A friend of mine bought 1966 covers from a PUI vendor to have me install for his car, he was too impatient for ledgendary and went with these because they were in stock locally... I have not installed his yet, but i did open every package to make sure they were all complete and all the require stiching & sleaves were present & correct.
So at least from that point of view his experience so far is better than my last....
February 27th, 2011, 04:18 AM
#6
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
February 27th, 2011, 05:16 AM
#8
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,200
If OPG is whom you're ordering from, then your 1st problem isn't with PUI, it's with OPG not updating their prices for their suppliers.
It's not an uncommon thing, but frustrating to deal with.
I've ordered parts from numerous vendors who didn't update their online catalogs with the newest prices.
The Parts Place, NPD, Classic Industries, it happens.
When you call and place the order it's frustrating, but usually they tell you the current price on the phone.
My point was, this isn't an uncommon thing.
It's not an uncommon thing, but frustrating to deal with.
The Parts Place, NPD, Classic Industries, it happens.
When you call and place the order it's frustrating, but usually they tell you the current price on the phone.
My point was, this isn't an uncommon thing.
Last edited by Aceshigh; February 27th, 2011 at 05:19 AM.
February 27th, 2011, 02:34 PM
#11
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
I ordered door panels from pui when I got them 1 had defects.We went ahead and dyed the good one anxious to see how they looked.First thing Monday I called,the salesman told me I couldn't return just one cause they came in sets and since I "painted"one they couldn't replace them.I did get it replaced after awhile and after I paid shipping but come on.On the other hand Steel rubber co.went far and beyond what they said.I got new seals for the doors,didn't need until at least 2 years later.Thats when I found out they didn't fit.I thought I'd call just to see if I could get some of my money back.They said they 'd refund 100%.But first they'd like to try to special make me a set if I still had the old ones.I did,and they did make me a set that fit perfect.No extra charge. If only everyone stood behind there product like that.
railguy
railguy
February 27th, 2011, 04:02 PM
#12
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
I run a business making interior parts.
I tell a buyer he can only return parts in pairs, because...
I can only get them in pairs...
no... that's not it - I MAKE them - I can MAKE just one if I want to.
Maybe because...
If I get a pair back, then I can repackage it as new and RESELL it to another buyer who might not be so picky.
Could that be it?
Just thinking out loud.
- Eric
February 27th, 2011, 04:10 PM
#13
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Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,200
February 27th, 2011, 06:43 PM
#14
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Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
If I get a pair back, then I can repackage it as new and RESELL it to another buyer who might not be so picky.
Could that be it?
So.....if you want to go that route why not open up another pair send me one out of that box and replace it with the one I return.Also I'm not that picky and you didn't see the one sent back.
railguy
Could that be it?
So.....if you want to go that route why not open up another pair send me one out of that box and replace it with the one I return.Also I'm not that picky and you didn't see the one sent back.
railguy
February 28th, 2011, 03:09 AM
#15
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
But you can see what I'm getting at. Also, they'd have to be sure they had the other just lying around to open and repackage, and maybe their inventory control isn't that accurate.
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
There are reputable mail-order businesses (LL Bean up here, for instance) that will eat the price of anything you send back whatsoever. They take that stuff and either resell it as seconds in a local store at a reduced price, or donate it to local charities (okay, there aren't a whole lot of car restoration charities, but you get the idea -- actually, around here there's something called the "Good News Garage," which repairs old cars for people down on their luck - I bet there's something like that near them, which could at least use free items as a fund-raising prize, but I digress...).
- Eric
February 28th, 2011, 06:32 AM
#16
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Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Dover, Ohio
Posts: 1,204
Yes, that would make sense, too.
But you can see what I'm getting at. Also, they'd have to be sure they had the other just lying around to open and repackage, and maybe their inventory control isn't that accurate.
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
There are reputable mail-order businesses (LL Bean up here, for instance) that will eat the price of anything you send back whatsoever. They take that stuff and either resell it as seconds in a local store at a reduced price, or donate it to local charities (okay, there aren't a whole lot of car restoration charities, but you get the idea -- actually, around here there's something called the "Good News Garage," which repairs old cars for people down on their luck - I bet there's something like that near them, which could at least use free items as a fund-raising prize, but I digress...).
- Eric
But you can see what I'm getting at. Also, they'd have to be sure they had the other just lying around to open and repackage, and maybe their inventory control isn't that accurate.
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
There are reputable mail-order businesses (LL Bean up here, for instance) that will eat the price of anything you send back whatsoever. They take that stuff and either resell it as seconds in a local store at a reduced price, or donate it to local charities (okay, there aren't a whole lot of car restoration charities, but you get the idea -- actually, around here there's something called the "Good News Garage," which repairs old cars for people down on their luck - I bet there's something like that near them, which could at least use free items as a fund-raising prize, but I digress...).
- Eric
February 28th, 2011, 09:12 AM
#17
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: South-central Pa.
Posts: 1,309
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
I'm not trying to keep this going and I under stand what your saying,but believe me a"sharp eye"had nothing to do with it.When you pay $400 for new door panels +shipping + dye + labor"I'm not a painter"you want them to be better than the ones you took out.I really wish you could have seen them.I'm in business for my self I believe firmly in the customer is always right rule.
railguy
I'm not trying to keep this going and I under stand what your saying,but believe me a"sharp eye"had nothing to do with it.When you pay $400 for new door panels +shipping + dye + labor"I'm not a painter"you want them to be better than the ones you took out.I really wish you could have seen them.I'm in business for my self I believe firmly in the customer is always right rule.
railguy
February 28th, 2011, 09:23 AM
#18
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
Hey, I'm with you.
I guess I meant less that the one who found the flaw was too picky than that the company is hoping for the next guy in line to be Ray Charles or to have a fear of confrontation.
Darn right you should get a perfect part for that kind of price.
- Eric
I guess I meant less that the one who found the flaw was too picky than that the company is hoping for the next guy in line to be Ray Charles or to have a fear of confrontation.
Darn right you should get a perfect part for that kind of price.
- Eric
February 28th, 2011, 09:39 AM
#19
Just an update, I did not call OPG yet. I took the radiator to a Radiator shop who has been in business for 50 years. It took him one second to see that the middle of the radiator had a gash in it that had been repaired with solder and painted black to disguise it. I am having them test it and install the correct outlet pipe. I prob could have returned it but its in my hands and dont want to deal with the hassle. The radiator had a PUI tag on it!
February 28th, 2011, 09:59 AM
#21
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
February 28th, 2011, 03:39 PM
#22
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 2,200
Just an update, I did not call OPG yet. I took the radiator to a Radiator shop who has been in business for 50 years. It took him one second to see that the middle of the radiator had a gash in it that had been repaired with solder and painted black to disguise it. I am having them test it and install the correct outlet pipe. I prob could have returned it but its in my hands and dont want to deal with the hassle. The radiator had a PUI tag on it!
YOu bought it from OPG and if they didn't drop ship it DIRECTLY from PUI to you,
you don't know if it was bought, and returned, and resold by OPG from someone else who did that.
I'd suggest you stop dealing with OPG
Last edited by Aceshigh; February 28th, 2011 at 03:42 PM.
March 1st, 2011, 03:23 PM
#23
March 1st, 2011, 03:39 PM
#24
Ben
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Snohomish, WA
Posts: 1,824
not saying its right by any means... But about 5 years back i had a 67 mercury Monterey convertible that needed a new radiator. The parts store replacement also had a tiny inlet fitting as well. It had some sort of rubber "filler" gasket that was supposed to go inbetween the metal fitting and your hose to take up the difference. I used it as the instructions said and it seemed to be fine and no leaks for the 6 months i kept the car...
still thought it was retarded though. In retrospect, i should have done what you did and had a shop braize in the right size fitting.
still thought it was retarded though. In retrospect, i should have done what you did and had a shop braize in the right size fitting.
March 1st, 2011, 03:47 PM
#25
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Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
- Eric
March 2nd, 2011, 05:53 AM
#26
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Plano, TX
Posts: 11,798
What a size difference. I do not know what they were thinking.
I bet if you called and complained, YOU would have been the only one who had the problem. Happens to me all the time. I guess I only get the bad parts that come off the chinese assembly line.
Good work at installing the correct size nipple. You need the right volume of water flowing.
I bet if you called and complained, YOU would have been the only one who had the problem. Happens to me all the time. I guess I only get the bad parts that come off the chinese assembly line.
Good work at installing the correct size nipple. You need the right volume of water flowing.
March 2nd, 2011, 06:17 AM
#27
Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 35
Yep, i think his problem is OPG and not PUI. I have had nothing but problems with OPG. I bought a set of drip moldings from OPG, they were backordered for more than three months and when they show up they look like they were returns and were all scratched and bent up. I buy mainly from Fusicks, Tamaraz or Parts Place.
Last edited by bigdaves442; March 5th, 2011 at 06:58 AM.
March 5th, 2011, 05:38 AM
#30
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Phx, AZ
Posts: 1,012
I ordered a new engine wire harness for my 65 a couple years ago from OPG, took 3 months to get. The new harness is truely a work of art, made by M&H Electrical fabricators ( www.wiringharness.com ). Go to M&H directly, cut out the middleidiots.
Hardly ever find experienced help at OPG, just kids at a phone with a computer.
Some great orders, some really BAD ones.
Jim
Hardly ever find experienced help at OPG, just kids at a phone with a computer.
Some great orders, some really BAD ones.
Jim
March 15th, 2011, 09:47 AM
#32
So I did not call OPG back about the radiator probems. Last week they called me most likely due to the bad feedback I left for them in there survey they mailed me. They asked what the problem was and said they would take back the radiator and send me the correct one. I asked how I could be sure I would get one with the correct size outlet. They said give me the size you nned and we will check out stock. I gave them the 1 13/16 correct size and the 1 1/2 inch measurement on the one they sent. I got a phone message today stating that all of their radiators have 1.5 inlet and outlets so I was out of luck. They also said that my radiator was probably custom and not original because it has a larger outlet.... So once again I would say stay away from PUI/OPG.
March 15th, 2011, 03:00 PM
#33
Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Sebago, Maine
Posts: 875
Yes, that would make sense, too.
But you can see what I'm getting at. Also, they'd have to be sure they had the other just lying around to open and repackage, and maybe their inventory control isn't that accurate.
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
There are reputable mail-order businesses (LL Bean up here, for instance) that will eat the price of anything you send back whatsoever. They take that stuff and either resell it as seconds in a local store at a reduced price, or donate it to local charities (okay, there aren't a whole lot of car restoration charities, but you get the idea -- actually, around here there's something called the "Good News Garage," which repairs old cars for people down on their luck - I bet there's something like that near them, which could at least use free items as a fund-raising prize, but I digress...).
- Eric
But you can see what I'm getting at. Also, they'd have to be sure they had the other just lying around to open and repackage, and maybe their inventory control isn't that accurate.
Bottom line is that the only motivation I can see for insisting (up to a point) on return of the good one with the bad is so they can repackage it and resell it at full price to a(nother) sucker, under the assumption that just because one guy had a sharp eye, it doesn't mean that all buyers will.
There are reputable mail-order businesses (LL Bean up here, for instance) that will eat the price of anything you send back whatsoever. They take that stuff and either resell it as seconds in a local store at a reduced price, or donate it to local charities (okay, there aren't a whole lot of car restoration charities, but you get the idea -- actually, around here there's something called the "Good News Garage," which repairs old cars for people down on their luck - I bet there's something like that near them, which could at least use free items as a fund-raising prize, but I digress...).
- Eric
.
May 24th, 2011, 08:38 AM
#35
So the problems continue. Front seat cover installed no problem, looks great if you like Pearlescent seat covers. Upholstery shop just called and said back covers are too short to install and stitching has a problems in one area. I called OPG about the PUI covers they sold me and they agreed to take the rear covers back for exchange. I asked if I could be sure I would be getting the same color to match the front and they said yes. So if they are still making pearl seat covers and calling them parchment I guess all will be well. If by some chance they have realized that they are selling pearl instead of parchment and have corrected their mistake I am sure the rear covers will not match the fronts and the problem will continue... Will update as needed.
May 24th, 2011, 09:38 AM
#36
I have ordered several things from opg
1. Chrome Mirrors- missing pieces to install that should have been included $80
2. Chrome Wheel trim-didnt fit rear wheels well. cheap alluminum quality $350
3. H/O black and silver Grill- Broken. Literally Cracked in half on arrival $320
4. Trunk Script-no issues-$80
so for me they are 1/4
I am no currently waiting for my Grill which is now on backorder.
1. Chrome Mirrors- missing pieces to install that should have been included $80
2. Chrome Wheel trim-didnt fit rear wheels well. cheap alluminum quality $350
3. H/O black and silver Grill- Broken. Literally Cracked in half on arrival $320
4. Trunk Script-no issues-$80
so for me they are 1/4
I am no currently waiting for my Grill which is now on backorder.
May 24th, 2011, 11:09 AM
#37
Registered User
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 57
I have no experience with any of these places...BUT...I had a retail store for just short of 30 years (dolls and collectibles, mail order and in store), through a few recessions and the advent of eBay, and all sorts of reasons why a store that is stocked with items that you don't need for survival can go under. The reason we stayed in business was that we bent over backwards for the customer. They ALWAYS left feeling like they got what the wanted and then some. And if any problem arose, we would make it right. Period. If we needed to overnight a replacement for a wrong or damaged item...done.
If we lost a bit of money, we would make that up in good will and word of mouth. That is the way it should work. How these businesses can even consider mistreating a customer or making them jump through hoops to get the product that they paid for and expected, is beyond me. Especially in this day and age where there is always someone nicer willing to take your money.
When it comes to business you CAN'T be too decent or honest.
Just my two cents...
Kathleen
If we lost a bit of money, we would make that up in good will and word of mouth. That is the way it should work. How these businesses can even consider mistreating a customer or making them jump through hoops to get the product that they paid for and expected, is beyond me. Especially in this day and age where there is always someone nicer willing to take your money.
When it comes to business you CAN'T be too decent or honest.
Just my two cents...
Kathleen
May 24th, 2011, 11:16 AM
#38
Connoisseur d'Junque
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: The Hudson Valley
Posts: 21,183
... The reason we stayed in business was that we bent over backwards for the customer. They ALWAYS left feeling like they got what the wanted and then some. And if any problem arose, we would make it right. Period. If we needed to overnight a replacement for a wrong or damaged item...done.
If we lost a bit of money, we would make that up in good will and word of mouth. That is the way it should work. How these businesses can even consider mistreating a customer or making them jump through hoops to get the product that they paid for and expected, is beyond me. Especially in this day and age where there is always someone nicer willing to take your money.
When it comes to business you CAN'T be too decent or honest.
If we lost a bit of money, we would make that up in good will and word of mouth. That is the way it should work. How these businesses can even consider mistreating a customer or making them jump through hoops to get the product that they paid for and expected, is beyond me. Especially in this day and age where there is always someone nicer willing to take your money.
When it comes to business you CAN'T be too decent or honest.
- Eric
May 24th, 2011, 11:23 AM
#39
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Kiowa,Colorado
Posts: 91
I ordered two lower door hinges from Fusicks and they accidentally sent uppers. They sent fedex back to my house the next day with a pickup slip and they called to tell me that they had already shipped the correct hinges overnight with another apology. You just can't beat good customer service and I seem to always get that when dealing with Fusicks.
