Xpost from the brakes forum (2nd attempt, Comcast crapped out on me when I tried to post a few minutes ago)
I know a lot of you have done business with Stazi, and my story only reflects my current situation. Read with an open mind, I am not trying to pick a fight.
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I have a problem.
This all started over 2 months ago, when I checked my brakes and saw they were getting a bit thin. So, after looking at my options and checking around, I decided to ask Stazi about the pricing for the brakes he is selling. We exchanged a few PMs and he gave me pricing, I discovered that SVT brakes would not fit, so I decided to order the regular sized rotors w/ pads front and rear. On the 24th of May, I sent him the full amount in a money order. A few days go by and I ask if he has received the Money order yet, as I wanted to make sure he has received it. He replies that he will go to his supplier the next day, the 29th (a Tuesday) to pick some more up and ship them the next week. I am puzzled by the delay in picking them up and shipping them, but not a problem, they would get here when the other stuff I ordered from BAT arrives. Not a problem as I want to replace the rotors, pads and install the SS brake lines I ordered all at the same time. The BAT order arrives, but still no packages from Stazi. By this time, I am starting to get some serious grinding when I press my brakes a bit harder than normal. No problem, the brakes should be on the way. More time goes by and around the 7th of June, I decide to send him another PM. His reply on the 9th informs me that he sent them the previous day and I should have them by the end of the week. if you are keeping track of the days, that is a full week and a day after he told me that he would send them according to the PM I received on the 29th. So I wait. I figure out that the pad that seems to be metal to metal is the inner pad on the passenger front. Metal dust is beginning to collect on the wheel and rust is visible. The end of that week (and my birthday) pass and still the rotors/pads have not arrived. It is Tuesday the 15th before the rotors show up. But there are no pads in the box. I have to say the quality of the rotors looks excellent, but without new pads, they are useless. I begin to send Stazi emails requesting tracking numbers so we can find out where the package of pads is. No response.
By last night, my patience was at the end. I have sent Stazi daily PMs since the 10th, but received nothing. Todras implies he is out of town on business. Fine. That is understandable, but I have a serious problem with the way this whole thing has progressed.
For whatever reason Stazi has chosen to do business, whether it be profit, convenience, or a simple desire to help fellow CEG'ers, I really don't care. He is offering a product. As a business, he has a responsibility to all of his customers to act in a manner that is line with good business practice. As a consumer, I have a warning to heed that all consumers should be aware of. "Let the buyer beware". I am not implying that Stazi is trying to cheat me, or that he has nefarious intent. He has simply failed in his end of the bargain. As a customer, I have two choices. I can help Stazi improve by giving him feedback on his business practices and/or I can help other consumers avoid the problems I have had with his level of service. I hope this post does both.
Stazi, when you take money for a goods or services, good business practice dictates that you move as expeditiously as possible. But I also take some blame. Due to other people's comments after doing business with you, I assumed that you would be more responsible, and I did not ask you for approximate shipping times and so on. That was my fault.
To anyone that buys a product from any of our garage entrepreneur, make sure the expectations for when you will receive the product are clear. We should deliver funds to the seller in a timely manner and they should ship the product within a mutually agreed time upon receipt of funds.
Sellers - be up front and clear on your shipping policy. Make standards for yourself and stick to them. If you have to leave your "business" unattended for a few days, find a friend to at least reply to order and pricing inquiries. less frustration on the consumer end in getting in contact with you will mean happier and hopefully repeat customers in the long run.
I know the product that I sent payment off for over 4 weeks ago will arrive. But every time I step on the brakes and hear the howling of metal on metal, I think of how I could have spent a little more several weeks ago at the Schucks down the street and KNOW that my brake problems would have been over.
That is my regret. Had I been aware of the time involved in receiving this product, I would have made a different purchasing decision. Shame on me. Shame on Stazi for not quickly fulfilling his obligation as well.
Let this be a lesson to all of us.
