Automobile Atlanta's dr 914 now onboard! Options

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

T.C. your opinion is shared by a lot of people. You have a right to speak up, and you should. But let's keep the name calling out of it please.

Thank you. I really want to keep my postings positive towards the 914

[carr914]

There I cleaned up my act, but my memory is strong. For the true newbies, buyers beware and if you want 914 knowledge it is right here @914World.

T.C.

[wilchek]

Welcome to the new world George. I am glad to see that you are posting and that you are willing to share your knowledge.

[byndbad914]

WTF Did I just step into a space/time warp. All of a sudden everything is peaches and cream now that Sir George has arrived. Did everyone suddenly forget how many times his company screwed our members. (snip)

T.C.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif) I was literally going to pop popcorn before sitting down to this thread and having a good laugh...

I try to stay positive and seeing George join the forum hopefully means he somehow wants to connect with the community and run a tighter ship and not just try to find a new outlet to vend parts that may/may not ship on time, or ever, or ???

Last time I ordered something (years ago now) I was using AA as a last resort and from experience I actually asked the guy on the phone to please go out to the inventory and really check that the item was there. He assured me it was in his hands. Apparently that didn't mean it was going from his hands to the shipping bench.

I haven't written AA off completely - if I see members touting real performance out of them for about a year (cuz I don't think it could last 1 month really) then I would consider using them quite often.

George - AA is my absolute last resort due to past performance and fortunately I haven't needed a last resort for about 5 yrs now. Not out to bash you - just make sure you really mean what you say this time PLEASE as 914 parts are becoming near extinct and it would be great if a 1-stop-shop solid supplier were available.

[Joe Bob]

Hmmmm, coming into this late...my observations.

I have never actually ordered anything fom AA.
I have never met George.
I have heard all the horror stories.
I have experienced the famous phone order people when "attempting to order back in the early 90s.

MY experience was less than satisfactory. No 800# and when the AA rep heard I was from California he put me on hold...but he didn't press the HOLD button as I plainly heard the little schmuck say to his associates...let the asshole wait, it's his dime and it's long distance....

Now, I too have wondered why I never ran into George over the years. Now all of a sudden we are graced with his "august presence"?

At one time Greg Treadway made and effort to clean up the AA rep....

Problem is, the back up was missing. It was nice that AA was a sponsor of the WCC when a LOT of the major part vendors declined....

But it's followup.....don't bullshit a customer and say...yeah the part is in stock and then backorder his ass, charge the credit card and not give the customer a heads up email or call....just the usual "reach around"....then there's the famous "Lost Wharehouse".....let's talk about the steel flares.....

It's customer service....there are TOO many nice guys out there to put up with AA arrogance....

If you can fix it, George...welcome to the club...if it's the same old shit with a different stink...it's gonna be a rough ride....

The above opinion is my own...it does not reflect the offical 914world position. It was meant as an advisory and not a flame....take it as, just my $.02.

[scotty b]

I've kept my keyboard shut but I might as well say my peace and be gone.

George as you can tell by my sig. line I too have had much trouble with you guys in the past, to the point I will order from GPR on the other side of the country before calling your shop. Yes I know a lot of the $$ goes back to you but I don't care. You have and will provided us with parts no one else will and your knowledge is undeniably at the top. My, and I believe most others, problems all lie with the ordering/customer service. I actually added that sig line several days ago in response to an old thread being re-hashed,and would suggest you do a search on your name or you companies name to see what all of us have experienced. I WILL absolutely buy directly from you again BUT not until I hear from others that things have been dealt with and all is as it should be. I have NEVER had a personal issue with you or any of your employees on the phone and will not call name . T.C. was far out of line and below the belt IMO, but his statements show the frustration/anger many of us have dealt with in the past and apparently still do.PLEASE read the AA bashing threads and make some changes. I truely believe most of us would like to deal with you but the past actions make it impossible. I deal with a lot of vendors in my line of work (auto restoration/powder coating) and have about 3 blacklisted. Strangly one of the others is also in Ga, and is also Porsche parts supplier (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) is going on down there? Jake kinda helps to even things out though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

In closing, thank you for what good you have done for us and what I hope you will do in the future to mend the harsh feelings. Hopefully this will be the LAST AA bashing thread and others can keep their comments professional and above the belt.

[joeav8tor]

guys,
many people have had different experiences with AA over the years...I for one have ordered thousands of dollars worth of parts from AA and have not had a problem within the past two years...George has always answered my emails...(he is the king of the 1 word answers, and sometimes sarcastic) but everyone knows the extent of his knowledge...If you have had a bad experience or bad experiences with AA, then you have the option of shopping elsewhere...I think that is says a lot for the guy that he has joined this site and is posting...there are many people on this site with great 914 knowledge...it doesnt hurt to have as many as possible with similar expertise.

my .02
Joe

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Hello every one! I am very happy to see this new club and am very enthused about becoming an active member! Hopefully we can all keep the squabbles down! Please e mail me at any time you have something on your 914 mind and I will give you an instant reply!

does this mean you're our direct link for parts? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)

I hope to be your direct link for everything 914! (that I approve of of course!!!!)
Seriously though I am here for the most detailed and thorough 914 tech advice that anyone can handle, and a guide for 914 restoration and parts. If we do not have it or we are selling it for too much I will tell you where to get it. I urge everyone however before beginning to ask a bunch of tech questions to read my book "Tech Tips 700" as it will answer most of the commonly asked questions complete with photos! (I can always tell when a question is asked if the caller has or has not read the book! I tried to tell all of my secrets no holes barred when I wrote the book.)

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

guys,
many people have had different experiences with AA over the years...I for one have ordered thousands of dollars worth of parts from AA and have not had a problem within the past two years...George has always answered my emails...(he is the king of the 1 word answers, and sometimes sarcastic) but everyone knows the extent of his knowledge...If you have had a bad experience or bad experiences with AA, then you have the option of shopping elsewhere...I think that is says a lot for the guy that he has joined this site and is posting...there are many people on this site with great 914 knowledge...it doesnt hurt to have as many as possible with similar expertise.

my .02
Joe

Thank you Joe and always great to see that perfect orange beauty. You are one of my favorites along with fellow 914 lover Steve Gaglione as two guys who deeply appreciate the mark and preserve it in a state for all to enjoy and revere!

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

There I cleaned up my act, but my memory is strong. For the true newbies, buyers beware and if you want 914 knowledge it is right here @914World.

T.C.

T.C. next time you are up this way please stop in and we will talk. I will look forward to it.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

I've kept my keyboard shut but I might as well say my peace and be gone.

George as you can tell by my sig. line I too have had much trouble with you guys in the past, to the point I will order from GPR on the other side of the country before calling your shop. Yes I know a lot of the $$ goes back to you but I don't care. You have and will provided us with parts no one else will and your knowledge is undeniably at the top. My, and I believe most others, problems all lie with the ordering/customer service. I actually added that sig line several days ago in response to an old thread being re-hashed,and would suggest you do a search on your name or you companies name to see what all of us have experienced. I WILL absolutely buy directly from you again BUT not until I hear from others that things have been dealt with and all is as it should be. I have NEVER had a personal issue with you or any of your employees on the phone and will not call name . T.C. was far out of line and below the belt IMO, but his statements show the frustration/anger many of us have dealt with in the past and apparently still do.PLEASE read the AA bashing threads and make some changes. I truely believe most of us would like to deal with you but the past actions make it impossible. I deal with a lot of vendors in my line of work (auto restoration/powder coating) and have about 3 blacklisted. Strangly one of the others is also in Ga, and is also Porsche parts supplier (IMG:style_emoticons/default/WTF.gif) is going on down there? Jake kinda helps to even things out though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

In closing, thank you for what good you have done for us and what I hope you will do in the future to mend the harsh feelings. Hopefully this will be the LAST AA bashing thread and others can keep their comments professional and above the belt.

You are very kind to take the time to write. I will personally address any concerns our club has about our actions here as I want every 914 owner to be satisfied with their vendors and fellow 914 enthusiasts.
I too have had problems with vendors of other car lines when I purposely restored another type of car to test vendors and compare to our firm. My experiences have been from fabulous to unbelievable, actually making our company seem fabulous in comparison! (I hate a company that does not know the product or the parts required to do the job and cannot give any kind of tech advice or direction on the phone, yet call themselves a "specialist"
We are certainly not that way here and our best is all of the free tech advice one needs and being the best at working through a restoration problem with the proper parts and going the extra measure to make sure that the problem is solved. (and this has nothing to do with the daily routine of business--shipping, back orders returns etc etc. However our staff is here to go out of their way to help, and help personally. Two great people here are Garrett LeMaster in Shipping and Mia Dejonckheere in customer service. Call either and see what happens!

We have all been "screwed over" by different companies and individuals during the course of our lives, but life is too short to persue the negitive (I was just thinking that when I saw the thread on Restoration Design!) Hopefully the negitives will fall asunder and the positives will remain strong. Automobile Atlanta has survived almost 30 years and prospered and under my management, we will never purposely "screw" anyone ever.
Please feel free to call me at any time about any 914 or automobile atlanta issue. I will personally address it to your satisfaction. Please also remember that I have a New England dry sense of humor but a BIG sense!!!

[Joe Bob]

Why does the tune "Dance a Little Sidestep and Move Along" from the "Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" keep running thru my head????

[Allan]

It's like reading the transcripts from C-SPAN...

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Hmmmm, coming into this late...my observations.

I have never actually ordered anything fom AA.
I have never met George.
I have heard all the horror stories.
I have experienced the famous phone order people when "attempting to order back in the early 90s.

MY experience was less than satisfactory. No 800# and when the AA rep heard I was from California he put me on hold...but he didn't press the HOLD button as I plainly heard the little schmuck say to his associates...let the asshole wait, it's his dime and it's long distance....

Now, I too have wondered why I never ran into George over the years. Now all of a sudden we are graced with his "august presence"?

At one time Greg Treadway made and effort to clean up the AA rep....

Problem is, the back up was missing. It was nice that AA was a sponsor of the WCC when a LOT of the major part vendors declined....

But it's followup.....don't bullshit a customer and say...yeah the part is in stock and then backorder his ass, charge the credit card and not give the customer a heads up email or call....just the usual "reach around"....then there's the famous "Lost Wharehouse".....let's talk about the steel flares.....

It's customer service....there are TOO many nice guys out there to put up with AA arrogance....

If you can fix it, George...welcome to the club...if it's the same old shit with a different stink...it's gonna be a rough ride....

The above opinion is my own...it does not reflect the offical 914world position. It was meant as an advisory and not a flame....take it as, just my $.02.

I appreciate the time you have taken to post Few have met me because I am here all of the time on the phone so rarely get away! My ear has been flattened by 30 years of ten hour a day tech advice!

Two things to address: We have NEVER charged a customers charge card until the parts are on the dock and ready to ship. That is a personal taboo of mine, and we have always had a 1 800 792 4944 toll free ordering number, but many get used to calling the 770 427 2844 tech advice line and continue to do so even for their orders as most long distance is free these days anyway.
Often we hear about personal experiences and form our own opinions without even experiencing it ourselves. That is of course good and bad because maybe we could be hindering our success.
Finally I would like to address arrogance. Would you like your Country's president to be arrogant, or meek and kind? Arrogant in my opinion implies someone who is proud of what they have achieved and of themselves, but act it in a way that puts others down. I certainly am proud of what I have achieved and of myself but would never put anyone down. I think we have received that title here at times because of our dry humor with some who have no humor in their souls, and the fact that we really have a lot of fun here everyday dealing with a very friendly car the 914. ANYONE who over the years who has thought that we were being arrogant was confused about our intentions and to those we apologize!

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Welcome to the new world George. I am glad to see that you are posting and that you are willing to share your knowledge.

thank you very much. I joined the group to truly help with the tech advice. I have seen too much mis information given out over the years and I want to "set the record straight" with the best of 914 tech advice available now at any time to any 914 owner. If not here then on the phone at 770 427 2844 or at dr914@autoatlanta.com. That is it simply. If not one person in this club does not buy anything from Automobile Atlanta that would be fine with me. I have this company solely because of my passion for the 914. I have accumulated the world's best 914 collection because of my passion for the 914. I give tech advice for free all day long because of my passion for the 914.

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

McMark, I respect your opinion and I chose not to use profanity, even though in this case I came really close. The "man" has been around 914s for 30 years, but has always used his flunkies on the forum, probably due to his lack of business morality and now he has finally choosen to show himself. Well if that is the case, he better be wearing a suit of armor as alot more sharper arrows than mine should be flying.

T.C.

I am here proudly standing for all of the tech questions anyone can throw (or shoot) me!! Thank you again for the input T.C. and I will look forward to our meeting. Maybe if you could send me a picture of yourself I could remember you and your visit and then we could talk about it! Sorry you feel so hostile. I am here to answer any 914 tech question!

[SLITS]

Well Mr. Hussey .... Thank you for all you have typed. Most of us have been through the kind words before from your management and staff. While their words mimick yours, the actions did not follow. I will not attack as I have no reason to. I ceased ordering from AA a long time ago .... I will go without before I place an order.

That said, it is for you to step up and correct the situations. I do not really believe you chose to post here / become a non-member to enhance our knowledge base. As a business man you see an opportunity .... so call it like it is.

The response that your New England sense of humor is dry and that is the reason for caustic replies is fully bullshit. This place exists due to our collective sense of humor .... sometimes a little out of hand.

I welcome you to our world .... and now I will sit back and see if you have the desire to really back up your words. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

Well Mr. Hussey .... Thank you for all you have typed. Most of us have been through the kind words before from your management and staff. While their words mimick yours, the actions did not follow. I will not attack as I have no reason to. I ceased ordering from AA a long time ago .... I will go without before I place an order.

That said, it is for you to step up and correct the situations. I do not really believe you chose to post here / become a non-member to enhance our knowledge base. As a business man you see an opportunity .... so call it like it is.

The response that your New England sense of humor is dry and that is the reason for caustic replies is fully bullshit. This place exists due to our collective sense of humor .... sometimes a little out of hand.

I welcome you to our world .... and now I will sit back and see if you have the desire to really back up your words. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

thank you for the post Ron. Please do not think in any way I am here to enhance business. It already provides me a sufficient living and posting takes time from my day. I am doing it purely for the love of the 914 and for the fact that the club management (and the club) for that matter has changed. Please use me for the tech advice and do not use our company. That way you will be always pleased by the service I give! I really want to promote the 914 for what it is not from whom one can purchase parts. If I cared about getting more money I would just sell my 914 collection and pay more attention to my real estate business!
I am here for everyone in the club with the best of tech advice and guidance. Please contact me at any time, even those who may want to get something off of their chests! Call me at 770 427 2844 and hit ext 16! I will be waiting for your call.

[ws91420]

Mr Hussey,
The 800 may be available for ordering but if you have a problem with the parts you recieve or a cust service issue you are told to use the 770 number.

Now I have only ordered once and when I called I needed a sheetmetal piece to repair the outer supension pickup point. I described what I needed to one of your staff and he said I know exactly what I needed. So I paid, got the part in a reasonable time. Now here is wher the fun starts. First when opening the package mixed in w/ the packing newspapers are two of those paper hot dog wrappers /holders w/ dried chili on them. Second the part was the console w/ the inner pickup point. Called and got a RA number and told them about the wrappers and was told it couldn't be from us all our guys are vegatarians. Shipped back using UPS. Waited to see credit back on my card. Time passed and no credit so I called. At this time I was told that you all had not recieved it back. Called the store that I shipped it from, got the tracking #, tracked the package, and called again gave the info that it was recieved and by who. The next words were "Oh the guys are bad about letting us know about returns".

Also in this blame was placed on UPS for the wrappers and some of the problems.

This happend in 1999 and is still pretty fresh in my mind.

BTW I have worked in the cust service industry most of my career w/ a majority of that dealing with auto parts and service.

[Joe Bob]

George...this is a tuff room. Better response would be...yeah, we have had some morons on staff and they are gone or have been advised to change their attitude.

If anyone has a RECENT issue, please come directly to me....THAT would probably convince some people to try use your company for parts....too many horror stories out there to convince anyone else otherwise.

The only other company that has a worse rep on the internet than yours is Motor Meister and to some extent, Dave B from MS Road and Rape...err Race.......do a search on them and over on Pelican Parts.....

Yes, I know...one hears the bad stuff and no one hears the good stuff....but one pissed off customer can screw up ten good touchy feely stories.