Don't know if this is appropriate to post, as this company is a regular advertiser in Practical Classic - that's where I got their number - but I think readers should know how this company deals with their customers. The mods can always delete this if they wish.
Last spring I ordered a full exhaust system for the Gazelle from Alpine West Midlands. They gave the impression it was a stock item and would be delivered within days. A couple of weeks later I contacted them to ask its whereabouts and was told it was on its way. This went on for 3 months, when I started having doubts that they'd be able to fulfill the order and asked for my money back.
Within 5 days the conjured up an exhaust "from a new supplier" which was delivered without the fitting kit which I had paid for.
At that time my wife was diagnosed with cancer, and I had no time or inclination to follow up the missing parts or compare the exhaust. I had to take time off work to look after the kids and the matter got forgotten about as I had other things on my mind.
After more grief in the family, when my dad died in October I didn't get to look at till recently.
The exhaust is from a different vehicle altogether the front two sections do not fit at all, the rear section can be made to fit with a lot of modification.
I now have to look for an exhaust again and pay for it again as after nearly a year I don't stand any chance of a refund.
They are very difficult to contact, they don't answer their phone for days, never reply to email, don't return voice mails either. I don't really what else I can do.
Not recommended.
Comments and suggestions will be appreciated.
Karl
Cannot Recommend Alpine West Midlands
Re: Cannot Recommend Alpine West Midlands
An exhaust should have a minimum garauntee regardless as to wether it was fitted or not.
I would try to get them to sort it out.
If no joy, then a call to trading standards is in order.
Don't sit on this, I can understand you may have other priorities at the moment, but because it's under a year I would force the issue with them.
Most stock exhaust's these days come with a minimum 12 months after fitting, and yours has not been fitted.
Mal.
I would try to get them to sort it out.
If no joy, then a call to trading standards is in order.
Don't sit on this, I can understand you may have other priorities at the moment, but because it's under a year I would force the issue with them.
Most stock exhaust's these days come with a minimum 12 months after fitting, and yours has not been fitted.
Mal.
Re: Cannot Recommend Alpine West Midlands
You could try your luck with the consumer rights act saying goods supplied are not fit for purpose or the sale of goods act saying the item supplied is not as advertised, however as so much time has elapsed you are probably out of luck.
In your situation my first port of call would be Citizens advice to see if they can clarify the "reasnoble time" that you have to notify the seller of your problems. If you have a friendly solicitor you could ask them if you have a case, it would probably kick the supploer in to action if a letter from a solicitors firm hit the mat saying they need to refund / replace the goods.
In your situation my first port of call would be Citizens advice to see if they can clarify the "reasnoble time" that you have to notify the seller of your problems. If you have a friendly solicitor you could ask them if you have a case, it would probably kick the supploer in to action if a letter from a solicitors firm hit the mat saying they need to refund / replace the goods.
Understeer: when you hit the wall with the front of the car.
Oversteer: when you hit the wall with the back of the car.
Horsepower: how fast you hit the wall.
Torque: how far you take the wall with you.
Oversteer: when you hit the wall with the back of the car.
Horsepower: how fast you hit the wall.
Torque: how far you take the wall with you.
Re: Cannot Recommend Alpine West Midlands
There is a post on the Sunbeam Rapier OC forum too. A chap bought a "stock" panel that took 18 weeks to arrive and then considerable adjustments to fit properly. Not what you expect if you pay £180!
Not used them myself but noticed that the parts they list for Fastback Rapiers are a few quid dearer than the equivalent from Speedy Spares. I wonder if they buy from them, add a quick mark up and sell it on again?
Not used them myself but noticed that the parts they list for Fastback Rapiers are a few quid dearer than the equivalent from Speedy Spares. I wonder if they buy from them, add a quick mark up and sell it on again?
1971 Sunbeam Rapier H120
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spiderbloke
- Posts: 87
- Joined: Tue Feb 08, 2011 2:01 pm
- Location: Gatwick - Surrey
Re: Cannot Recommend Alpine West Midlands
Really sorry Karl's had so much trouble from Alpine West Midland. I used them regularly in the late 80's early 90's when restoring my then wife's Alpine and they couldn't have been more helpful.
On one occasion I ordered some parts from them that I was due to collect on my way north on the following Saturday morning. Due to our amazingly effective road network, I was running a bit late (a lot actually) and I rang them from a service station to explain that I was a bit stuck so might not arrive in time to pick these parts up.
Although I finally got to their place a good 3 hours after they were due to close one of their guys had waited around as they knew I wanted the bits to ensure that I had a fully completed car for a SAOC show on the Sunday.
I suppose like many companies that started out with exemplary service to the customer, they are now trading at a level far higher than then and are suffering as a consequence.
Hope you get everything sorted Karl.
On one occasion I ordered some parts from them that I was due to collect on my way north on the following Saturday morning. Due to our amazingly effective road network, I was running a bit late (a lot actually) and I rang them from a service station to explain that I was a bit stuck so might not arrive in time to pick these parts up.
Although I finally got to their place a good 3 hours after they were due to close one of their guys had waited around as they knew I wanted the bits to ensure that I had a fully completed car for a SAOC show on the Sunday.
I suppose like many companies that started out with exemplary service to the customer, they are now trading at a level far higher than then and are suffering as a consequence.
Hope you get everything sorted Karl.
So many broken bits, So little time