Post the bad vendors that don't deserve our business. But tell us why first.

1. motormatrix- is the only one on my list.. u can read my post on their review ...

-mike

I've never had a problem with motormatrix. But the one Vendor I try to avoid is Vivid...the only reason for that is how he treats his customers in the various threads in this forum.

Originally posted by hotsam
I've never had a problem with motormatrix. But the one Vendor I try to avoid is Vivid...the only reason for that is how he treats his customers in the various threads in this forum.
Yeah I can't believe how he insulted that customer and then posted his name+info on the net...:eek: How childish is that! Persnal attitude is a good indication of how you run a business...he has proven that you shouldn't do business with him.

I will never buy from vivid again.

I give a vote for vivid having terrible service.. BTW Alta Sports or something Awesome service search Alta WRX on the web

VIVID RACING!

:monkey:

Thank you for your constructive opinions on Vivid Racing and other companies. If you have never purchased from the companies, I suggest you give them a call and talk to one of the representatives, as forums and emails can look a different way. As a first time customer we will be glad to give you discounts on products to see how we work. Any questions contact the Vivid Racing office at 4809663040.

Thanks you again for your comments.
VR

i didn't get a "first-time" customer discount. The product I purchased (used) was damaged (bolt broken off in the caliper and two other bolts and a dust shield missing to be exact). I was told it was a complete front WRX brake kit, in "great" condition (and I realize that it was a USED product). I didn't return it, emailed Vivid about it (no return email received). I replaced the missing parts myself and took care of getting that bolt that was broken off in the caliper, out. Works out for me now that Vivid doesn't sell anymore GC8 parts...that's in the past though, I guess I can thank them for opening my eyes to the fact that all vendors here at i-club are not exactly completely honest or go by the "customer is always right" kind of attitude. I'm not looking for any kind of reply or anything from Vivid, what's done is done. Besides which, if they wanted to counter what i've just said, it would probably just make their business practices look worse. :rolleyes:

Erebuni Corp. Read the post...Shipping too expensive, restocking charge too much and don't care even if you want to apply the credit to a more expensive item. They also must believe that posting on a forum doesn't mean much since when I told them they didn't miss a beat.

Originally posted by NowUcMeNowUdont

Yeah I can't believe how he insulted that customer and then posted his name+info on the net...:eek: How childish is that! Persnal attitude is a good indication of how you run a business...he has proven that you shouldn't do business with him.

Yeah I vote Vivid as having the worst customer service and being very unethical when it comes to buisness. I am the guy who he insulted and then posted my personal info on this forum. Dan has some real issues if you ask me. I completely refuse to do any buisness with them and I know I am definitely not alone on this. They claim to be the top distributer for Subaru parts yet they dont stock half of what they claim to offer. I give Vivid the a big :monkey: .

There also appears to be ANOTHER grill scam going on in vivids official review thread. its very interesting how the employee(s) responds to the situation...

~Evan

Vivid. :monkey:

1st order, sent me wheels without center caps, waited close to 2 months for them.
2nd order (because I'm a sucker), got some fog light covers, had question and I emailed them, never got a reply.
Alomost 3rd order, was going to buy an used zerosports radiator cover from them, they told me it'll be available in 3 weeks, and 3 weeks later when I ask them about it they tell me they decided not to sell it :rolleyes:

3 strikes and you're out.

:monkey: :monkey:

I vote Vivid, follow my link to see why:

http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=256556

...and they quote" Thank you for your constructive opinions on Vivid Racing and other companies. If you have never purchased from the companies, I suggest you give them a call and talk to one of the representatives, as forums and emails can look a different way. As a first time customer we will be glad to give you discounts on products to see how we work. Any questions contact the Vivid Racing office at 4809663040."

Sell that to some other chump, you lost my business with your poor communication skills among other things. I also noted some very rude comments to users on their forums as well. word to the wise, I do advise- shop smart, research the company.

DUDE RALLY-PERFORMANCE SUCKS ASS:devil:
SUBY-DUDE #1 ON TOP OF THE ****
THANKS SUBY;)

n00b... learn the rules..

#7. Absolutely no "elite" style (***, @@@, iMpReZa) or all caps writing is allowed anywhere on the message board and especially in the subject lines.

Also, bypassing the swear filter will lead to being placed in Timeout. That's your warning

Wow, I had no idea that Vivid Racing SUX0RS that bad! I guess, I will be taking my business elsewhere. It amazes me how they even managed to stay in business that long, especially with the way he talks about his customers.

I had a good experience buying from Vivid. The person I talked to helped me decide what springs to buy and they got to me in Boulder in only 3 days! That's faster than any other vendor I have ordered from so far!

Vivid Racing, I second (or third) that!

1. I sent an email complaining their shopping cart wasn't working properly, they responded by blaming me and my browser. Real good way to do business, blame your customers for your shortcomings. "It's not our shopping cart, it's your browser" :monkey: Ever hear of usability?

Those of us in-the-know (web developers) are smart enough to realize that shopping carts made using cookies are not good, because they require a certain setup on the client-side. Every other shopping cart is made using session variables, which don't require special settings in a browser.

2. I thought I ordered something through their archaic shopping cart, only to realize a few days later after examinig the printout, it said in small letters at the very end "You have left required fields blank...yadda yadda" It looked like a receipt to me and I had no idea my order wasn't processed. So, thinking I actually ordered something, I wrote an email requesting tracking info for my order. I received no response whatsoever (yeah, that's really good customer service). It wasn't until being completely frustrated that I reexamined the "receipt' to find that my order was never placed.

Vivid, I hope you read this, because I ordered the products from someone else. :devil: You lost my sale, and probably many others because of this.

:monkey:

Revolutions Motorsports gets the old thumbs down. First I ordered a set of Rota Sub. and one arrived severely bent. Probably due to the fact that the shipped wheels only in tight fitting boxes w/ no foam or anything. Second, While waiting on wheel to be shipped from Rota themselves, I ordered clear side markers. Arrived in a small fedex envelope. Guess what ? The right side marker was cracked. No wonder they have cheaper prices, they spend no money on proper packaging materials.:( :(

Thank you for your opinions of Vivid Racing and other vendors who retail Subaru Parts. Criticism is good and we all take it to help us improve. If you have a problem with Vivid Racing and would like to discuss your issue and have it resolved most likely in your favor, then please contact us at the office since we do not know who you are here. We would be happy to call.


As far as our shopping cart goes, some browsers do not recognize our cart and it is simple, go to your internet settings in your control panel, then find where you can enable cookies and ENABLE them. If that does not work then let us know as there may be a technical issue that we do not know about and would love to have you help us fix it, hey helping us results in helping you.

Thanks to all for still visiting and buying from Vivid Racing making us stronger then ever.

...it took them 40 days to correctly send my order that was supposedly in-stock the day I originally purchased it.

I bought Rota rims and BridgeStone s03 tires. It took 'em 2 weeks to send my "in-stock" purchase. When they arrived - they had the wrong tires on the wheels. And the wheels didn't even fit my bolt pattern.

It then takes them 1 week to process a call-back with UPS. Then I had to wait a few days once they rec'd my wheels back 'cause they still didn't have my stuff in-stock.

I don't mind mistakes everybody makes them. But I was lied to at least 6 or 7 times regarding the situation. Thats what really made me mad.

The good side is that the wheels are on my ride and the s03's kick major a$$!!!!!!!!!

i will no longer do business with vivid...they are very biased...they obviously want to sell products they carry...but they push items without having science to back it up....

Thank you for your constructive criticism. Vivid Racing is extremely experienced in business and parts sales. If you need help with a order or product please contact us so we can discuss your issue.

Moderators please move this to the Vivid Racing Review thread. No need for two...

Topic: Which vendor do you refuse to give your business to?

Vivid...you haven't posted who you refuse to give your business to. You're not keeping the thread on topic. If anything, you're making it worse... because you've had to post three times thanking everyone for criticism.

You are failing to answer the topic at hand. This thread isn't for you or any other vendor to defend (or praise) their practices, it's for use members to say who we don't want to do business with, and why we don't want to. You really have no say in the process. I think the question is quite clear and to the point. Moderator, I'd be kind of put out if it was merged with the 'vivid' thread.

I refuse to give my business to Vivid. Why? I have heard numerous people complaining about thier service, and those complaints have been warning enough to stay away and not purchase from them.

However, my faith would be swayed the other way *IF* any outstanding issues with their customers could be resolved amicably to the customers benefit. Sometimes, you have to take a loss to keep a customer happy. Vivid doesn't seem to get that... (re-stocking fees for wrongly shipped pieces comes to mind).

--KC

Very good point KC. We appreciate your concern. We would give you the chance as YOU have NEVER ordered with us to know how we work, and I bet if you called to place even the simplest order your mind would be swayed otherwise.

In face we contacted every person via PM or EMAIL on our main thread stating that we would like to apologize for any inconveniences and offer them a chance to make them feel comfortable with the best Subaru store in the market. Not only do we want them to continue to visit the site as they do but also buy products and use our ammenities. We offered HUGE discounts to those people and out of the 7 pages that are there, only 2 people responded and those people never bought from us before and basically had no reason to have a issue with us.

In end that shows the kind of people that post defensive arguments, they simple cannot handle the issues professionally and even respond...

So, if you have had a bad experience, or you believe other people, then we challenge you to contact Vivid Racing and talk with someone about a past order, or placing a new order, express your issues and want you are looking for. 9 times out of 10, people will take care of you and give you a deal, or make sure you feel you are getting the service you need.;)

Our last response....

Still haven't responded to the question... the topic at hand. :)

If you cannot answer a simple question, why should anyone do business with your company. All I'm seeing here is smoke and mirrors.

--kC

Hey KC, if you would like to further discuss this matter professionally as you are then please contact us.

Stay on topic please...that means everyone.

Back on topic, another thumbs down for Vivid. Why? Because there is a thing called customer service. They need to look it up, and maybe they might learn something about it. And yes, I have ordered something from them in the past, and yes, I had a bad experience. Good part is, I learn from my mistakes...

Originally posted by vividracing
Thank you for your constructive criticism. Vivid Racing is extremely experienced in business and parts sales. If you need help with a order or product please contact us so we can discuss your issue.

Moderators please move this to the Vivid Racing Review thread. No need for two...

I vote for Vivid Racing making the list. Their shipping charges are extravagant and their customer service leaves a lot to be desired.

1. I did contact vivid via phone and email no less than 6 times. They blamed their shopping cart (change your apparatus if it isn't suitable), pointed to their company policies fine print about shipping outside of the US (the issue wasn't with your shipping prices, I was just asking for a quote on express or 2-day shipping. Instead of supplying me with a quote, you said that you'd ship it express. I didn't necessarily want that. I wanted to make my own decision for mode of shipping based on your 'express' shipping quote.That was on 23 October, and it is now 4 November and I still don't have it).

Bottom line, you lead me to believe that it was in-stock and on the way in 2 days. Fact is, it wasn't in stock...

Scanned at FedEx sort facility/PHOENIX AZ 11/04/2002 21:30
Scanned at FedEx origin location/PHOENIX AZ 11/04/2002 21:01
Package information transmitted to FedEx 11/04/2002 18:24
Customer-Loaded Trailer Tendered to Fedex/PHOENIX AZ 11/04/2002 00:00

2. There is something to be said about forming a bias against a company based on a poor review or friends' advice. Wouldn't someone want to not have to go through the hassle that others have already experienced? My friends told me not to deal with Vivid, but I didn't listen. Now I can give my own personal testimony.

It's ironic that even Vivid recognizes that this particular thread belongs to them in asking that it be moved to their proper review thread.

Vivid, if you put my personal information on the internet, I'll sue; and if you decide on other means of retribution, I can handle that too.

If my review is not appropriate, moderators, you can put it wherever you like. I just think that you should take steps against a vendor that so obviously subverts your 'vendor for sale - "stuff I want to avoid"' thread.

Sua Sponte
RLTW
Pat

Originally posted by gpatmac
My friends told me not to deal with Vivid, but I didn't listen. Now I can give my own personal testimony.

hey Pat, .... maybe next time you'll listen to your friends!;) We were only trying to help. :)

It does suck to see they are still up to the *****y things they were doing Over a Year ago to so many people.
Too bad all the n00b's can't be warned!:(

Vivid Racing. I would never again place an order with them, nor would I recommend them to anyone else. Why? Because they lie, plain and simple. I ordered a set of morrettes 3 months ago, because they claimed they would have them in 2 weeks and I would have them 5 days later. Needless to say, I never received anything but the runaround and they would only refund my money less 5%! What the hell is that? They charge for lying? Stay away from Vivid

Vivid:rolleyes:

Way to show your support to the military!

Gary and motorjerks get my vote horrible customer service, many experiences with people ordering stuff they dont have in stock then not telling you, then charging a restocking fee if you cancel, thats bad biz. do a search. Plus IMHO Gary has attempted to sabotage any negative threads about his co. by causing them to be locked down, by posing as a newb and violating rules.

[mod mode off - I was a member first]Before my moderating days I wouldn't purchase from Vivid. I still wont, but i have no money now as it is. :D I have seen things get alot better in general though, especially with Vivid. A few folks I know have had good experience with Vivid and let me know. I'm happy to hear it.[/mod mode off]

It really is buyer beware out here, and that goes for any Vendor.

We have a very good group of Vendors now as far as I'm concerned. Much better than it use to be. Keep posting though. I don't think this should be a "bash Vivid" thead. There has to be some other complaints and companies you won't deal with.

I'm trying to remember a few of mine, but can't at this time.

Paul G.

Well, I have 2 of them. First off is MRT. I purchased a MRT water spray kit (through Vivid) and it was defective, and I had it sent back to MRT for repair. That was over 6 months ago, and now I am finding out that I and out of luck because they don't sell that kit anymore, so they won't repair the brain box or send it back to me. There goes $265.

Next is Revolutions, Purchase a set of Tarmacs and so3's and Jay quoted me $1000. I was supposed to pick up the rims the next weekend, but first they didn't have the tires then the rims. After they had the whole package in stock they shipped them to me when I wanted to pick them up. Oh ya, they also over-charged me $100 that I have to have the credit card company refund because my weekly calls to Rob didn't do anything. I also had to get the rims/tire rebalanced by Revs once, and in the spring I will have to have it done the right way.

Russ

Originally posted by paultg
[mod mode off - I was a member first]Before my moderating days I wouldn't purchase from Vivid. I still wont, but i have no money now as it is. :D I have seen things get alot better in general though, especially with Vivid. A few folks I know have had good experience with Vivid and let me know. I'm happy to hear it.[/mod mode off]

It really is buyer beware out here, and that goes for any Vendor.

We have a very good group of Vendors now as far as I'm concerned. Much better than it use to be. Keep posting though. I don't think this should be a "bash Vivid" thead. There has to be some other complaints and companies you won't deal with.

I'm trying to remember a few of mine, but can't at this time.

Paul G.

You turned mod mode off twice :p

I order a set of WRC rally decals for my RS and specifically state that I want them to be transparent so they dont stand out.

So they tell me they need to check for the viynl.

I get a call the next day that they found the viynl but its expensive..

Winds up costing me 200 bucks for the decals but no problem,If its what I want its worth it..


I get the decals and look at them and call to say that they diont look transparemt and I am told that they will when they are put on the car.


OK,So I spend 100 bucs to have them installed.

Turns out,The decals are plain cheap gold vinyl.I was laughed at wehen I told the guy what I spent on them and was told that this was the furthest from transparent viynl that I could buy.

OK,So I call speed-FX...Leave message with a woman,No call back...Repeat the step again....

No callback...

I get a email....Respond and then am told what I want them to do.So I ask for at least a partial refund....


No response...

:monkey: to spped,FX..

Now they dont answer my emails or calls...

proved to me trhat profit is king in their book not quality or service.
:mad:

Originally posted by imprezton


You turned mod mode off twice :p

Oh never mind.

pounding myself in the head like the idiot I am. Call me Cheddar.

I might be in the minority here about Vivid but I've never had a problem with them. But I've only bought a couple relatively low-ticket items from them.

M2 Performance is one vendor I'll probably never deal with again.
I won't go into details but I had a bad experience with them.

Although M2's customer service is actually good and the guys there seem knowledgeable and friendly... maybe my bad experience was just because they're disorganized and understaffed... who knows.

Originally posted by imprezton


Oh never mind.

pounding myself in the head like the idiot I am. Call me Cheddar.

O.k, cheddar.:p

One question for everyone, if there is such bad taste in your mouth with Vivid, then why still buy from them? I mean, look at everytime Vivid posts something for sale in the vendors section, there are TONS of replies. I mean, if they really were as bad as everyone says they were, their threads would be empty, right?:confused:

It can't be a nOOb thing?!? Can it?!:confused:

-scu.

People are fooled into thinking that biggest selection on a website equals best place to buy parts from. I almost bought a few things from there, but I've seen some of the things that Vivid (Dan) has done on i-club that are not forgivable.

1. Posting the last name of a disgruntled customer online. That is a big NO NO!

2. Belittling and insulting people who have intelligent constructive criticism towards Vivid. The "you need to upgrade your browser" criticism towards a customer that could not easily get to the shopping cart is the most recent one I can think of. I had and still have trouble getting to the shopping cart as well, but that's not the point...

3. This lame response that Vivid now has to criticism because Dan was getting flamed for being so abrasive towards customers:
Thank you for your constructive criticism. Vivid Racing is extremely experienced in business and parts sales. If you need help with a order or product please contact us so we can discuss your issue.


4. Prices--way too high. Look on their website for what you want, then look elsewhere for them. There are plenty of other vendors with excellent reviews for customer service...

5. Questionable business practices: any company that charges a restocking fee will not get my business. The restocking fee story of the gentleman who did not ever receive his part is a good one... also the story of the person who got a replica grill instead of a genuine one was another good one.

That said, vendors should know that they are in a customer service industry. Treating one customer badly will have small reprocussions on a business; treating a string of customers badly will create a ripple effect on a business forcing them to either change their practices, or shut down shop.

I think that this thread has helped with the former for Vivid. We will see about the latter.

If my customer had a problem with my shopping cart, I would tell them to call me direct so that I could service them properly instead of blaming them, letting them get pissed, tell 3000+ people and lose thousands of potential dollars.

Or that could be just me.....

-scu.

http://forums.i-club.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=273828

Vivid can't even be pricks right!:lol: :lol: :rolleyes:

www.motormatrix.com [welcome page] /www.subarpower.com [all other pages]. I've already posted my experience with this company in the motormatrix thread.

Regarding comments about CALLING up and talking to someone - yes, this would apply IF the company doesn't have an email system in place. Customers shouldn't be required to make a LONG DISTANCE call as that's inconvenient and costly [both time and money]. In addition, the customer shouldn't be required to wait by the phone for the business to call back either. I've been selling quite a few items on ebay for about 5 years and have a spotless feedback record mainly because I EMAIL the customers as much as I can to ensure they are satisfied with the auction.

Awhile ago, I heard that customer service has gone down significantly in the past few years. The more I shop on line, the more I believe this is true. Therefore, I try to shop [walk into the store] locally at the smaller businesses as they know customer service is their #1 prioirty because it's their lifeline to stay in business.

_0wen_

I wouldn't give my business to motormatrix or vividracing.

Vividracing screwed up my order from motormatrix (vivid is motormatrix's distributor).

Motormatrix has done nothing to fix it and won't respond to my emails.

I had to learn the hard way. :mad:

nuff said, go look at the vendor reviews. I am hoping they can manage to get my refund done quickly.
Based on this thread, I am sorry to say, I will not be buying from Vivid, as I dont think I would definatley have a bad experience, but I know that, based on their track record, there is a chance I would. Why give my business to a place that that may happen, when there are SO MANY other vendors on this board, that have NO bad feedback whatsoever?
Sorry vivid, nothing personal

nuff said, go look at the vendor reviews. I am hoping they can manage to get my refund done quickly.
Based on this thread, I am sorry to say, I will not be buying from Vivid, as I dont think I would definatley have a bad experience, but I know that, based on their track record, there is a chance I would. Why give my business to a place that that may happen, when there are SO MANY other vendors on this board, that have NO bad feedback whatsoever?
Sorry vivid, nothing personal.
I know that everyone makes mistakes, but if 90% of the vendors here, can make enough ppl happy, enough of the time, to have ZERO negative posts about them, and you have 2 pages just in this one thread of ppl you have PO'd... I think that says it all.
You want to improve your ratings here? You ahve ppl that need to be fired. Its that simple. One or two cases would mean changing someones attitude. This much bad feedback means changing someones employment status.

SubaruParts.com in Tacoma, WA, unresponsive ... they were bad last year at this time & they have not changed. There is an old thread in vendor ratings about overnighted items that were actually out of stock, yadda yadda yadda ....

Motor Matrix! Read my post to find out in the Motor Matrix merged thread.

I would never buy from Vivid again.
Great site- BUT:
1)Customer service sux
2)Prices are too high
3)Charge too much for shipping
4)Threatened me with a restockind and/or cancellation fee for something I have yet to receive
5)Said it was in the mail when it wasnt.
6)Still dont have the part.

Vivid:
1.)Unprofessional
-Answered phone with "hello?" multiple times
-When I try to place an order over the phone (some people feel more reassured that way) I get "uh, can't you just log on and do it over the net?"
-When attempting to place an order (long distance mind you) I get told to call back and ask for so-and-so later multiple times.
-Get told something is in stock when it definitely is NOT

2.)HIGH prices. I mean, DAMN! It's almost an insult to ever ask that kind of price.

On the positive side, they have a very good website with lots of pictures and lots of different parts. I think if they just hire someone who knows how to deal with people, and another person who has some lessons in business morality (don't promise what you can't deliver), and price their parts competitively (some parts are, most aren't), they'll be the 1 stop shop.

Have you guys noticed that a lot of parts from other vendors are drop shipped from vividracing? I've bought a lot of parts from the vendors on here and noticed this. I asked around and a little birdy told me that vivid supplies approximately 90% of the parts to the other vendors on this forum. The reason why they have such cr@ppy customer service is because they don't give a damn about us. They're making all the money they need by selling wholesale to other vendors. No business would have survived this long with the ****ty service and sometimes exhorbitant pricing without doing something else. The feeling that I got was that they're also behind price controls. So whenever you buy something, chances are high that you're indirectly supporting vividracing.

This is what I heard from a reputable source, which I can't disclose, associated with vivid.

Originally posted by FastA$$WRX
Have you guys noticed that a lot of parts from other vendors are drop shipped from vividracing?

Yes, but at least I got courtesy and results from the 2nd source. Heck, I don't care who it came from.

Of course this means my one man boycott is going nowhere. :)

Well I ordered a WRB Sti scoop from Suby_Dude and it arrived very fast.

Problem was there is alot of dirt in the paint and the spots are very noticable. I contacted him about this twice and he replied just "send it back". I asked him if he could cross ship another one as I dont have the stock scoop anymore and he didnt even respond.

Not happy.

Good luck I hope any new people dont get one like I did.

Originally posted by TypeC
Vivid:
1.)Unprofessional
-When I try to place an order over the phone (some people feel more reassured that way) I get "uh, can't you just log on and do it over the net?"
-When attempting to place an order (long distance mind you) I get told to call back and ask for so-and-so later multiple times.

On the positive side, they have a very good website with lots of pictures and lots of different parts. I think if they just hire someone who knows how to deal with people, and another person who has some lessons in business morality (don't promise what you can't deliver), and price their parts competitively (some parts are, most aren't), they'll be the 1 stop shop.

<sigh> I agree, the website is nice as far as the pictures and selection go. And I might have ordered from them <shudder> at my son's request if they'd had TrustE or Verisign at the checkout. When I brought my security concerns up in my e-mail to them, whoever wrote back said "our checkout is very secure". Oh, OK- I'll take your word for it!! So then I asked if someone could call me so I could place the order that way since I was at work, and the response was "call us."

So, in review- customer service, customer service, customer service- maybe they'll get the point someday! I feel bad, heaping criticism upon criticism, but geez! Unfortunately, it's been earned...

I cant complain too much about Vivid, although they do take longer than most to ship parts. My only beef is that i ordered over $1000 worth of items and a Vivid liscense plate holdr and 2 Vivid t-shirts were promised, but I didnt receive them with the shipment. I don't understand this because one would think that they would want a nice car to have the Vivid name on it, its just good for business.

I should have mentioned though, that I ordered a painted STI hoodscoop from them, and I received it quickly and it was perfect. I can say that I will probably do more business with them in the future.

VIVID has to be the worst place of business ive ever encountered...I waited a month for my order to arrive and they sent me the wrong part ...i never did get the part yet...... hey maybe in a month i'll get my (paid for) part..... huh? i didnt think so either....bastards...never again!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:

Wow, nasioc has ripped vividracing a new one.


Full_Clip hopes bigger, better, faster vividracing.com comes out soon.

I got my order finally.....after a month and some weeks.... I still think that vivid needs to be straight forward with the availability of the parts...:mad:

Vivid Racing - Who hasn't been screwed over by them?
Sxpi - It's been over a month and still trying to get my stuff from them and they never respond back.
Gruppe-s - Took a ridiculous amont of time to get my swaybars

Originally posted by BoostGeek
Sxpi - It's been over a month and still trying to get my stuff from them and they never respond back.

Why do I have this feeling I'm going to have to submit another freakin' dispute with my credit card company [MotorMatrix being the first].

Luckily there are rules/regulations to protect the consumer - such as the Mail/Telephone (e-mail) Order Rule that states if the seller does not provide you with a delivery date (at time of placing the order), they must deliver within 30 days after receiving your order. If the seller can not deliver within 30 days, the seller must update you with a new delivery date and honor your refund request should you choose to cancel the order.

_0wen_

Thank you soo much Owen, that is some useful information that everyone that got screwed here should know.

-scu.

Disclaimer: I am not associated with Vivid, never done business with them, and until this thread, never hard of them.

Questionable business practices: any company that charges a restocking fee will not get my business.

This is getting to be a standard business practice. The reason is because of credit card companies. How? When ever you have a transaction by credit card, the credit card company get a piece of the action. On sales, they'll get a percent or two. So if you purchase a $100 item by credit card, the business only gets $98-99 of that, Visa get the rest. Refunds are the worst. Whenever I have to credit someones card, the credit card company can take as much as 10%!!! I'm not kidding, it's rediculous. This is how credit card companies make their money: a surcharge on EVERY transaction.

As for the business I work for (Carbotech USA) if WE make a mistake and send you the wrong part, obviously you get ALL your money back and we take the hit since we screwed up. That's just good business. Now, if YOU order the wrong part, or sell your car before you install it and want to return it, why should I have to pay the horrendous penalty for that? That's why there are such things as restocking fees. But you should only be penalized if YOU screwed up.

OK, back to our regularly scheduled programming....

Received a nice email from Vivid today. All your guys complaints didn't fall on deaf ears with them. It appears they are trying to right wrongs, and I hope they get it all ironed out and you guys can start a "Why I love Vivid Racing" thread :)

Joshua Tree aka woodtrim.com will never get my business again.
neither will florida wood trims (same company). bunch of arse holes. :mad:

Ill agree with KC in the other posts with the quarrel he just had with vivid.

I mean cmon, vivid is after one thing... Making money!! They dont want to give explanations on this thread on why they derive such unethical business practices. No wonder why they wanted all thease bad threads moved to the vivid vendor review, considering they will probably get lost with the other 1,000,000 posts, they dont want a seperate thread just focused on how bad there ethics are, considering they probably lost out on alot of business, because 90% of everyone who responded this thread dislikes their business practice. They want to answer to everyone privately so they dont look like there snapping at everybody at this thread, although it does piss off vivid when they read threads like this, since like I said it just looks bad on there part.

Another thing that wont drive me to buy anything from them is of course all the smack people have delt with, and second, who would be stupid enough to buy there 2002 WRX with nearly 50,000 miles and about $26,000 worth of aftermarket parts for nearly $40,000.....? :lol:

If they are looking to becoming a better business, why havent they registed with the better business bureau as a first move towards there revamping of vivid racing? I challange vivid to answer all of questions people have had on this topie if they are really after becoming this so called great business, dont feed me any BS about "How would I know the experience if I never purchased from you"

I have ordered from Vivid a few times and have had no problems. My experiences have gone like this:

1. Browse the site & find what I need
2. Check Prices and stock on other sites
3. Decide to go with Vivid because of price or avaliability
4. Shopping cart dosen't work for me, so I call 'em
5. They are helpfull and seem to know Subarus(which I am willing to pay a little more for)
6. My parts get here a few days later

I would recomend Vivid because they have given me flawless preformance thus far. Getting back on topic, I will never, ever buy car parts off of e-bay again. Too much risk, too many frauds, too many crapy parts. Never buy from people you don't know.

-George

Ok, I am about to feel like a salmon swimming upstream, but I have had no problems with Vivid. My friends and I have had all good experiences ordering from them. Parts get here in a reasonable time in perfect order.

Any time I have called them, they have been professional and more than willing to answer my questions and help me out. I will be ordering two more parts from them on Friday, and will repost with the exact happenings of that order.

I would also like to say that you can't please everybody all of the time, and if no one contacts you first when they are unpleased, you can't change their mind.

Just a thought.

After reading this thread I would never buy anything from Vivid. Also they make crappy porn too.

Originally posted by highspeed11
Also they make crappy porn too.


Thats hilarious :lol:

Wrx tuner

On 10-1-02 I put down a good faith deposit $400 dollars. I asked nick the time frame on his prova hood and he replied it should go into production in the beginning of December. He stated that you could get a tinted clear coat over carbon hood and I asked about the yellow tint. I stated that I didn’t want the tint if it was going to contrast with the color of my car; he said that he would send me out a sample to match to my car. 2 weeks go by and nothing so I call again and ask about the sample and again he assured me he was sending it. On December 18 I decided to cancel my hood for 2 reasons, first he has not sent me the sample color and second nor has the hood come into production by his time frame. I talk to nick and he stated that the hood would be ready to go into production the following week and he would give me a refund when he sales my hood. I agreed thinking it would be a week before I got my refund. I’ve talked to nick 3 times now since I’ve cancelled the hood and each time he states that the hood will be going into production and my refund will be credited to me. THE HOOD HAS NOT GONE INTO PRODUTION so why should I have to wait for my money. I now have put this situation in the hands of my credit card I’m now disputing the charge, it’s been month and a half since I canceled the hood.
He has lost repeat business from me.

Vivid Racing. The deluge of negative experiences people on this site have had (and documented) causes me to wonder why anyone would buy anything from these guys. :confused:

i worry bout any vendor with a couple bad reviews,, never mind vivid with more than 20 complaints,, being someone that never ordered from them i doubt i ever would ,, in this day and age of online transactions reputation holds the most important key. knowing your order will be dealt with correctly , timley ,and ease of communication.. i wouldnt want to chance my hard earned cash goin to a shifty vendor that i dont trust.. hell no,, even more sickening is vivids replies to complaints,,, just childish,, surprised they still do biz here.............

Hi Guys,

My name is tony from Balistik Motorsports Int, Australia
and we also sell many WRX Products in Australia and various parts of the world.
I have been reading all the negative feedback towards Vivid,
Oh my God, how are these guy's still in business.
If we were to handle our business dealings in australia like this,
we would not be able to go out in public and be safe.
Our business dealing's allways with customers include, excellent customer service, telling the customer the truth, we never promise if we cant deleiver, thats the worst you can do to your customer.

I know as i was building my car i had bad dealings with some vendors, and i know what it feel's like to be treated like an idiot and lied too, and taken for granted.

That's why, our moto at Balistik Motorsports Int, is the customer is allway's right because without customers there will be no business.

I can see what Vivid is doing here, he is taking orders of product's that he hasn't got in stock, once money is in his account he doesnt care about the customer, because he has done business, but let me tell you dan, your not getting any repeat business and that's what is most important.
These customers have freinds of freinds and your loosing out on further business.

If that was us in Australia, our business wouldn't last more than 1 year, with this sort of bad publicity.

Ill tell you something, dont try and bribe people with large discount's because your list price's are already high and a discount mean's nothing, what you need to do is reply to each and every one here and apolagize and lift your game and start working on some customer service and dont commit to getting people's products out in 2 days if you dont have it in stock.
Tell them the truth and probably there fine with that.
Dan money is not everything, reputation is and if you want to be here long term, you will treat your customers with total respect because if it wasn't for them you would not be were you are today. It makes me sick that, you dont give credit to these guy's that are wanting only to be told the truth, there not asking for you to give them your products for free, there actually paying for it.

I bet there probably paying more, but have been let down badly.

Guy's, good luck with this and i hope all thing's work out fine and that you do more research and dont get stuffed around anymore.

Upsets me.

I rather pay more and get my orders straight and fast the to pay a discount and wait forever for the product. BTW, i've did and am done doing business with Vividracing in my life time. Vividracing = bad vendor!!!

Nicely put!

Bravo Powerup!

Session variables uses some form of cookies. ;)

Originally posted by CastleBravo
Vivid Racing, I second (or third) that!

Those of us in-the-know (web developers) are smart enough to realize that shopping carts made using cookies are not good, because they require a certain setup on the client-side. Every other shopping cart is made using session variables, which don't require special settings in a browser.

posted this in the hids4less thread also

I had a bad experience when I ordered my stage I Morettes. They kept telling me they would ship by this date and then it was another date a few days later. After calling 4 times, I threatened to cancel my order. They then gave me THEIR tracking number for their shipment from France to prove that the lights were even on the way. The lights arrived about two weeks late. When I tried to install the lights, they everything worked except the low beams (the hids). After screwing around with them for an hour or two, I noticed a spark when the ballast touched the body of the car. I tried flipping the connector on the ballast, and bam, they worked. I called Hids4Less and asked the manager (Mike?) and he transferred me to the 'tech support' guy (Alan?). I asked Alan why the connectors were installed incorrectly. He said some WRX headlight connectors had 'reverse polarity'. I told him that they should really put some type of warning on the lights. If I had mounted the ballast to a metal surface, it would have taken me forever to figure out why I was blowing the fuse. He proceeds to tell me that it is not possible for a short circuit to happen if the plug is reversed (the metal box of the ballast is + instead of -) and the ballast is mounted to a ground. I argued with him about this for a while. Then I said 'whatever' and asked him how to adjust the lights. He says, 'you don't need to adjust them'. Right, they are adjusted perfectly out of the box. I asked him what the 2 screws are for on the lights and he says, 'they adjust the focal point', and he tells me not to adjust them. I respond with, 'too late'. We continue arguing about it and then he starts using vulgarity. I ask what his manager's name is and he says Mike. I ask to speak to Mike and he says 'Mike will tell you the same thing'. I again ask to speak to Mike. Alan hangs up. I call back and ask to speak to Mike; Alan answers and just hangs up. By this point I'm really irritated that I just spent nearly $1k on lights from this company. I wait a few minutes and call back. Mike answers. I tell him the story and he apologizes for Alan. He says the screws on the lights are left-right, up-down adjusters. I recommend that they add a warning about the 'reverse polarity' lights and the possible need to reverse the connector at the ballast.

www.wrx-performance.com just made my list. It took over 3 months for me to get a refund out of them. I can understand parts not being in stock, but I can't understand why you'd continue to sell them if they aren't available, then take forever to give a customer a refund. I would estimate I sent them about 10-15 emails and got ONE reply the entire time, and that reply was telling me the gauge pod I ordered wasn't in stock. I replied saying I didn't want to wait a month or more to get it and would like a refund. I didn't hear anything else from them until my refund check showed up 3 MONTHS later. Customer service must not be important to them. Plus they charged me for shipping a K&N and a gauge pod, but they only shipped me a K&N. I doubt it costs $15 to ship a K&N. :mad:

I know as i was building my car i had bad dealings with some vendors, and i know what it feel's like to be treated like an idiot and lied too, and taken for granted.

We have experienced the same thing all to often as well. It is hard to have to rely on tird or fourth parties, ultimately it is the end user, or buyer that suffers.

To stay in buisness now a days, YOU HAVE TO BE HONEST with both your clients and your suppliers. A good relationship between all three will be more profitable for everyone in the future.

Regards,
Mark

on behalf of Lachute Subaru.

Vivid and ISR

I third the SXPi.

Read it and weep: http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=283759

Cheers,
Grant

I'm trying to get this out to everyone since I'm organizing a class action lawsuit against SXPi:

If you were involved in the fraudulent group buy, or have otherwise been defrauded by SXPi, please find your way to the SCIC forum and the thread which I started about SXPi and get your name on there. Thanks! Feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Jeremy Siwek
JSiwek@scu.edu

please respond only to that thread or e-mail me, I wont be checking this one... thanks

motormatrix,they suck:mad:

I will never, ever, buy from hids4less/MTC lighting ever again.

you can read about the escapades of my friend and in this vendor review thread
here (http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=305937)

Clean up your language and stop using all caps please

-North Ursalia

Vivid. Before I even ordered from tehm my communications with tehm told me to stay away, so I have never ordered from tehm and never will.

First, told me Omori went out of business but call and tehy would sell me anotehr gauge. I corrected tehm that Omori was in business and had dealers in teh US - it was Omori NA and/or Omori USA that was no longer around. In later communications tehy implied that tehy had said NA was out of business. I still have teh e-mail that implied Omori (teh maker) was out of business so buy one of tehr otehr gauges.

Second, tehy told me that Japanparts.com wouldn't have a part in stock that I wanted when I asked whetehr Vivd could source that same part. Vivid had teh European version only in silver, Japanparts sold teh parts factory painted WRBlue. I pointed out teh difference and tehy went on and on about how Japanparts wouldn't have teh parts in stock and shipping was sooo much. Total price at Japanparts was less AND tehy had in stock.

Using a technique of lying about vendors, makers or parts, which I caught tehm in twice told me to stay away. The posts about otehr aspects of tehr business practices tells me now my first impression was right, except I should stay far away. They might always eventually resolve a problem, but it takes way to much work and complaining and posting publically - who needs teh hassle?

They would have been much better off responding teh way vendors I do business with respond to similar situations -

We are no longer a dealer of xyz product, would you be interested in anotehr product. Ratehr than saying teh maker of xyz product is out of business.

I am sorry we don't offer exactly what you were looking for, let us know if you change your mind. Ratehr than slamming anotehr vendor and tehn lying about tehr stock.

First two contacts were just too shady and seemed to be very indicative of things to come if I did business with tehm. Why send in your money and gamble you might be one of teh lucky ones? The hassle of being one of teh unlucky ones is way to high a cost - and tehy have a lot of unlucky ones.

MotorMatrix -

Ordered something a month ago and haven't heard back from them.

Sent emails, left voice messages - no response.

Contacted my cc company tonight to report a fraudulent charge.

I would strongly urge shoppers to stay away from them.

there communication is horrible, they lied to me several times, and it took almost 2 months to get a set of wheels that was advertised as instock. they are very good at dodging questions and making up excuses. absolutely terrible vendor.

I ordered a lot of things from vivid, probably won't unless it is absolutely the last place. They probably get more business than any other WRX store there is, that in itself creates a problem. I could tell from my dealings with them that they were short-handed and didn't plan on hiring anymore people (bad move) that's where the cusotmer service is. If you buy from Vivid make sure you call and order (never online) half the stuff they have on their site isn't in their inventory. But when I ordered something from them that they had I got it. If they have something used don't buy it. It is probably damaged or a return that was damaged. They are shipping it out to cover the loss and then claim the insurance on it if the customer complains about it.

Motor matrix buys from vivid and vivid drop ships the labels for motor matrix. When I got my turbo, it said from motor-matrix (really wierd because I didn't even know who they were at the time)

My new hate is ravspec. I ordered a header from them and can't even get a hold of someone. I've sent 4-5 e-mails, 3 PM's through nasioc and about 10 phone calls over 3 days. Do a test for me, call them and see what you get. I get forwarded to Mike's cell phone: 917-567-6169.

I've had good luck with gruppe's, procarparts.com, jeg's, summit-racing, subaruwrxparts.com (exeter subaru), and recently worldoneperformance.com (they have the absolute coolest site out there!

I plan on using world one. I called today to get some info about a CF hood and the guy picked up immediately and got it for me. I will order from them because of that alone, plud they're cheaper than everyone else (based on turbo prices)

Even if Vivid changes the way they do business I will never order form them again. Both purchases I made I wasn't happy with. Talk about slow shipping. If they want to EARN (key word earn) back the business they lost maybe they should offer discounts to those of us that have been screwed that are good enough for us to forget how we were treated. The proof is in the puttin and vivid can huff and puff about how they are listening to us but I won't believe it till I see it. Maybe nasioc should start a system where after so many legitimate complaints that can be verified by other nasioc members in your area, the vendor has his vending status pulled? Noobs on this board see vivid racings' website and think they are professional and in good standing with the folks here at nasioc because they followed the link there and buy from them. That's how I got suckered in.
Marcel

Stay away from Motor Matrix!! Like an idiot I ordered Samco I/C hoses from them, the next day I found them for $40 cheaper shipped, so I *tried* to cancel my order. I've emailed them SEVERAL times, called them at least once a day for the last week and a half, and haven't been able to get ahold of anyone. On the website they have the following quote:

Unfortunately the internet has cultivated the growth of online retailers who operate these businesses on the side as a hobby. As a result, with virtually no overhead involved, these companies are able to sell you parts at a discounted rate. However, when you need to reach a live person, or someone for technical support you either have to leave a voice message on their pager or keep trying to phone their cellular. Sometimes you may be required to wait for hours until they arrive home from school or work. We are here, in our shop, during normal business hours Tuesday thru Sunday to service you when YOU need it. If you would like to drop by, we can give you assistance on the spot. Our goal is to provide extraordinary Customer Service and still have some of the lowest prices on the net!!

Now if that isn't the biggest crock I've ever heard I don't know what is.....by the way, Motor Matrix = subarupower.com, just a little heads up for everyone.

I tried getting my bank involved, I used my Visa check card to place the order. My bank told me there is nothing they can do. Does this sound right to you??

*edit* Did I mention their voice mailbox is full?? I can't even chew them out over the phone. :rolleyes:

all this banter about vivid is making me curious... must go check out the site...

I think I found a new one to stay away from....

Any vendor that doesn't answer their e-mail with product questions within 48 hours.

I sent an e-mail out Monday to a few vendors from here about a suspension and well... nothing back from them yet.

Hello?

I ordered a Cusco oil catch can in February and tried to contact them several dozen times by email and phone. I get no reply what so ever and now the phone number is out of service. Now I'm out of $100 and it sucks.:mad: