EURO LENS GROUP BUY it's not going down, Time to send money back Options

[phillstek]

It's getting close to 5 months now since I sent my money for this group buy and I'm starting to get annoyed as the lack of product and information really drags on and on.

I sent Shoe a PM suggesting that he should not have to be an apologist for AA and that perhaps it was time for George to chime in... I never received a reply so I'm going public with my frustration.

Am I the only one feeling a tad pissed about the delays and the distinct lack of input from George?

What's actually happening? How long is it going to be till we get these items?

Let the flaming begin,

Phil

Firstly, you don't need nor should you expect input from George on this matter. I agreed to do this group buy and I am providing all information as soon as I get it and yes, I get it straight from George. You sent me a pm wanting an update and I posted one. I did not send you a personal update in a pm as I am NOT getting paid to do this and I don't really have time to send out 70 pm's all the time. I am doing my best to keep people informed but I have been out of town the last few days because yes, I do have a life outside of 914World.com. I personally don't think starting up negative bashing threads are going to help matters any. Customs is customs and nobody can control them. I have spoken with George and he is doing everything he can to try and get the lenses in for you guys. Some things just are not within our control.

Secondly, yes back in November I was told the lenses were ready. I was NOT told they were ready to ship, I just assumed this and passed it along that way. MY mistake, not Goerge's, you want to start a SHOE BASHING THREAD, go for it, I welcome the entertainment but also can assure you of this, I am not nearly as nice as George when pushed. Yes, I should have inquired further to get a clear meaning of what I was told but I didn't, once again, MY mistake. If you want to keep bashing go ahead, I can't stop you, but I can sit and shake my head at the adolescent immaturity of the whole thing and actions of a few.

Lastly, I will continue to keep doing my best to keep EVERYONE as well informed as I possibly can every chance I can. Still not going to make customs release them any sooner by bashing George, me, AA or anyone else for that matter. It is what it is and nothing more. I offer my sincerest apologies to all involved and truly wish there was some way I could speed it up but I can't. All I can do is vow to keep you all informed and offer my apologies for the delays. As for those of you who have received your lenses, I hope the quality and workmanship was worth the wait.


SHOE

If I knew how to post the pm I sent you on this thread shoe, I would. I didn't ask for, or expect a pm in reply. In fact, I thanked you for your efforts to date. The intent of my pm was to try and get a definitive answer on the status of the Euro lenses delivery. (that's Euro, not US/Italian that I beleive are available any time).

Fair enough don't you reckon, given the confusing and conflicting information that was being desseminated on the original thread and the fact that approx. 70 members had paid in full.

I know you're not getting paid but using that as an excuse is irrelevant, once you accepted the role and started taking the money like it or not, you're the man.

Regarding me personally bashing you on this or any other thread, that hasn't happened. Whatever I said about George I stand by. Personally I think you've been left out to dry by him.

If whatever I've said on this topic impacts on whether I ever actually get the mystery lenses so be it.

Phil

[whatabout1]

Come on guys, it's only $145.45 us.

It's not like you put down $$$,$$$,$$$.00 for a set of platinum bumpers from some SE Asian country that is not on any map.

I'll wait.

This thead is better then TV (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[phillstek]

Come on guys, it's only $145.45 us.

It's not like you put down $$$,$$$,$$$.00 for a set of platinum bumpers from some SE Asian country that is not on any map.

I'll wait.

This thead is better then TV (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

Pleased to be able to provide your entertainment.

The latest update re delivery: picked up by customs agent (not US customs) is February! 7 months, are you kidding me. That might be OK with you, me on the other hand think it's excessive. So I thought I'd try and find out when I might actually recieve them. I hope that's OK with you.

The $ amount is not the point, the issue is the ridiculous lead time and the way the story keeps evolving. I don't think some parties are being completely transparent, when they should be.

Phil

[Rand]

...

[strawman]

Jeebus, enough already. I am sure that all of us coulda got these lenses a lot faster if we all weren't such CSOBs that we had to be part of the lower-priced Group Buy. I bet the 911 guys would get a real chuckle from all the whining in this thread. Lighten up folks. And Shoe -- thanks for all the work you've put into this...

Geoff

[Mike Bellis]

Jeebus, enough already. I am sure that all of us coulda got these lenses a lot faster if we all weren't such CSOBs that we had to be part of the lower-priced Group Buy. I bet the 911 guys would get a real chuckle from all the whining in this thread. Lighten up folks. And Shoe -- thanks for all the work you've put into this...

Geoff

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) why not just ask for a refund directly? Not only are we CSOB's but so is George that's why these are being made on the planet Mars. Martians work for red peanuts. It's very hard to get things from Mars through customs. I already have lenses on my car, these are not the reason I can't drive it. I only ordered these as spares. I must admit, I find this whining and complaining very entertaining... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

[silver74insocal]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) i learn new things all the time on this board...this weeks lesson:
DO NOT PARTICIPATE IN GROUP BUYS...
spend the extra 20 or 40 or 100 dollars and get what you buy when you buy it..and live a happy drama free life (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)
i got this car as a hobby, a way to relieve stress and get away from all the bullsh&t i have to put up with just to make a buck.
it just doesnt seem worth the aggrevation...my 2 bits

[hot_shoe914]

Jeebus, enough already. I am sure that all of us coulda got these lenses a lot faster if we all weren't such CSOBs that we had to be part of the lower-priced Group Buy. I bet the 911 guys would get a real chuckle from all the whining in this thread. Lighten up folks. And Shoe -- thanks for all the work you've put into this...

Geoff

Thanks Geoff, I really appreciate it.

[phillstek]

Jeebus, enough already. I am sure that all of us coulda got these lenses a lot faster if we all weren't such CSOBs that we had to be part of the lower-priced Group Buy. I bet the 911 guys would get a real chuckle from all the whining in this thread. Lighten up folks. And Shoe -- thanks for all the work you've put into this...

Geoff

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) why not just ask for a refund directly? Not only are we CSOB's but so is George that's why these are being made on the planet Mars. Martians work for red peanuts. It's very hard to get things from Mars through customs. I already have lenses on my car, these are not the reason I can't drive it. I only ordered these as spares. I must admit, I find this whining and complaining very entertaining... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/popcorn[1].gif)

Cool, I'll ask for a refund then.

Shoe/George, I'd like a refund.

Phil

[BuddyV]

I know guys that are into certain car models that have NOBODY MAKING NEW PARTS!!!!!

I, for one, am willing to make certain exceptions to the amount of time I will wait for hick-ups like customs hold-ups. So far - for this particular dollar value - I am willing to be patient. (sorry if this is a ton of money for some. If so, I am beginning to understand the frustrations)

Hey, at least the guy did not cash the checks months ago. I run my own business. I only send checks that I consider spent. If you run your books differently, I can understand why you are upset.

I am not saying I am happy at the length of this wait... but I trust this "Shoe" person, and although George seems to ruffle some feathers, he seems to be the vehicle (probably not the best use of the word) for "Shoe" to kindly step up and run this little offer. That deserves some thanks from me.

No offense intended to anyone.... I am just a long-time member that rarely posts much or speaks up... but I love the site(s) and I am thankful for all of the help from members and the occasional "group buy".

..... Even if they don't all work out as planned.

Cheers, guys. I hope a bunch of you do not try to cancel on this deal.

[zymurgist]

And Shoe -- thanks for all the work you've put into this...

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[beech4rd]

I know guys that are into certain car models that have NOBODY MAKING NEW PARTS!!!!!

I, for one, am willing to make certain exceptions to the amount of time I will wait for hick-ups like customs hold-ups. So far - for this particular dollar value - I am willing to be patient. (sorry if this is a ton of money for some. If so, I am beginning to understand the frustrations)

Hey, at least the guy did not cash the checks months ago. I run my own business. I only send checks that I consider spent. If you run your books differently, I can understand why you are upset.

I am not saying I am happy at the length of this wait... but I trust this "Shoe" person, and although George seems to ruffle some feathers, he seems to be the vehicle (probably not the best use of the word) for "Shoe" to kindly step up and run this little offer. That deserves some thanks from me.

No offense intended to anyone.... I am just a long-time member that rarely posts much or speaks up... but I love the site(s) and I am thankful for all of the help from members and the occasional "group buy".

..... Even if they don't all work out as planned.

Cheers, guys. I hope a bunch of you do not try to cancel on this deal.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)

And many thanks to Shoe for setting up the buy and for subjecting himself to this vortex.

Chris

[SLITS]

Just as a side note, when windshield seals were non-existent, I placed $5K in the hands of a dealer in Germany to buy 50-60 of them.

I waited one year .... when they were finally released, they all went to George and I got nada.

Dealer refunded my money.

I don't need these lenses. I jumped in on the buy to help Shoe out, so I can wait for the eventual outcome.

I understand Phil's frustration and not being able to register a car. I would also get antsy.

George may have a passion and makes money, but normally his communication and responses to problems is lacking. The attacks, while justified, may contribute to this lack.

My suggestion is to ignore the posts by George or AA.

My offer to ship Phil lenses still stands.

[banger]

To me, the customs thing sounds like BS. I have shipped many things in and out of countries all over the world, and have never heard of customs taking over a month. If its taking a month to get something through customs, then you need a new customs broker. Sure, there are customs delays, but rarely more than 3-4 days. This group buy has seriously turned me off to AA. I have never ordered anything from the past, and will definitely not order anything from them in the future after this. Mikey914 probably could have made a mold and delivered these in less than 6 months. Maybe he would have been better for this...

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

If I was waiting for a set of group buy lenses to come from India to register my car when originals from the same company were on the shelf but cost more money, I would just spring for the higher cost rather than letting my car sit. That may just be me though. Maybe I am no expense spared Hussey.
We have always had factory euro rear lenses on the shelf though, at least ten sets but very expensive, over 200 dollars EACH
I myself about a year ago was forced to purchase new factory tail light assemblies at over 800 each our cost to get red lenses for our white and orange limited edition we were restoring. When one gets into a car deeply like this then there is no turning back unfortunately.http://porschebahn.wordpress.com/2008/11/05/1974-porsche-914-best-of-class-winner-at-the-hilton-head-concours/ got some good pr though

The euros are coming along with 1000 sets of others, more italian and more usa be patient and be rewarded with a great deal on them.

For you our detractors, feel satisfied and laugh that this cost our company out of pocket almost 40 grand that will take a long time to recoup as I had to order a thousand sets to get them run. 50 or so sales at the club price did not make a dent, and I will be sitting on stock many years to come.

Also please remember that we are only a phone call away at 800 792 4944 and salesmen are standing by to take your order. I and my staff will be here until the day I die so you can rest assured that there will ALWAYS be a place you can count on for 914 parts even more than the Porsche factory. Love it or hate it, Automobile Atlanta is here for you our fellow 914 enthusiast!

Just as a side note, when windshield seals were non-existent, I placed $5K in the hands of a dealer in Germany to buy 50-60 of them.

I waited one year .... when they were finally released, they all went to George and I got nada.

Dealer refunded my money.

I don't need these lenses. I jumped in on the buy to help Shoe out, so I can wait for the eventual outcome.

I understand Phil's frustration and not being able to register a car. I would also get antsy.

George may have a passion and makes money, but normally his communication and responses to problems is lacking. The attacks, while justified, may contribute to this lack.

My suggestion is to ignore the posts by George or AA.

My offer to ship Phil lenses still stands.

[phillstek]

OK, I'll bite. George a couple of things you fail to understand and still haven't addressed. I'll point them out to you.

The timing of your/shoes offer just happened to coincide with me getting my car back on the road. I expressed an interest in being included in the GB by adding my name. I thought this coincidence was rather fortunate for me, and like 70 odd members decided to take advantage of a great deal.

Shoe then revised the number down to 50 (on your authourity) and contacted me via pm saying it was time to ante-up. After a couple hiccups and some emails, shoe got my payment via paypal within a couple of days.

That was in September, since then I've been continuing to prepare the car to get back on the road after having it sit in my shed for 11 years.

If I'd been told these items could take 6-12 months to get I would not have joined the group buy and purchased them elsewhere.

I've owned the car for 22 years. I've just spent another $12k in that time (since Sept) getting the things done that needed to be done to allow to me to get her back on the road.

I'll still need to throw probably another $20k at to get it to where I want it to be.

If I totaled up the money I've spent on this car over the years my wife would kill me, including mistakes and being taken by the shonks I reckon it would be around $60-70k!! If I want to throw $100K at it that's my choice.

Your lenses are a drop in the bucket. They haven't dented my budget.

You don't have dibs on the passion people have for these cars George. You might have the best, rarest, largest 914 collection on the planet. No doubt you've made a tidy living from these cars. I'm sure your knowledge on 914's is vast and you are an authourity on them.

All I want from you is a straight answer on when I might expect to recieve the goods I ordered and paid for. If you can't provide that, then as the title of this thread suggests it's time to send the money back and I'll take my business elsewhere.

Phil

[96740]

I just want to know why it takes over a month to get from 'released from customs' to 'shipping out' Hell I buy tons of stone from China and it may sit in San Pedro for a few days or a week but once it's released I've got it at my yard within a day and out to the customer a day or two later.

Shoe has done much more than he planned I'm sure. Not much he can do about it. Lesson learned.

As for AA, when I got into this somehow I knew that it was going to be a long wait. I've needed new EURO lenses for a long time. The price on this buy made me pull the trigger.

I think the key to this 'Group buy' is that the lenses had to be made. Not like the GoPro buy.

[Mike Bellis]

I want to thank Shoe for doing this. I don't think anyone is mad at you for this delay. I already have real Euro's on my car. I only got in on this for spares. Although I think the delay sucks, it may not be George's fault either. I does however seem a little too long getting through customs. I will continue to wait without complaints because I don't think George or Shoe is defrauding or theiving from us and someday, some how I will get my lenses.