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Atkins Rotary - Deceptive Business Practices; Selling non-OEM as OEM Parts and Prices
I'm writing this after some prodding from several long-time members (one has been here for more than 19 years) of the RX-7 community and this forum. For anyone buying OEM-advertised parts from anyone, I advise you to inspect what gets shipped to you and ensure you received what you paid for. On March 29th, I ordered an OEM front wheel hub and bearing assembly from Atkins Rotary. I double checked the part number advertised on their website and compared it to the OEM part number from a Mazda dealership website; they matched. I then called Atkins Rotary and spoke with them to ensure they had at least one in stock so as to not delay my project any further. Their website said they had 985 in stock, but I bet Mazda doesn’t even have that many. I was placed on hold, then a few minutes later, he confirmed they had two in stock. I then made the purchase.
Here’s a screenshot of my order:
Here’s a screenshot of their website page of the specific part I bought. Note the two areas I circled in orange indicating the OEM part number.
It was delivered on April 2. This COVID-19 pandemic allowed me to be home and I promptly opened the box. I immediately noticed the markings, “GSP 113118 P8E” on the front of the wheel hub and double checked it with the part # on my order. They were not a match. Knowing aftermarket wheel hubs are available for the FD RX-7 and not wanting the old bait and switch tactic to be pulled on me, I googled to compare what I received with pictures of other OEM front wheel hubs. No pictures of OEM hubs online had any letters or numbers on the front of the hub.
Here’s a picture of what I received:
Eventually, I was able to determine GSP is a manufacturer of AFTERMARKET parts. I found this specific hub Atkins sent me to be sold on Amazon for $37.89. That is less than 25% of the cost I spent ($164.25) from what Atkins Rotary advertised as an OEM part.
Here’s a screenshot of this hub for sale on Amazon:
I immediately called Atkins Rotary and spoke with an individual telling them I received the package and inquired as to why I received a non-OEM part. The name sounded like “Lane” or “Elaine.” The individual said they were new and passed the phone to Dan. I explained to Dan the part I received was not OEM and that I traced it to an aftermarket part on Amazon for $37. He had no immediate response. I then went on to discuss the outrageous cost of shipping, $39.30. They utilized a USPS medium FLAT RATE box. I knew they gouged the price of shipping at more than double the cost because just a few days prior, I had shipped a USPS medium flat rate box worth more in insurance, at half the cost they charged me. Dan tried to tell me the difference in cost was due to signature confirmation, but I told them USPS just left it at the door AND there was no label indicating “signature confirmation.” Even so, the cost of a signature confirmation is $3.15.
Dan then told me they would send me a UPS return label and would refund the $164.25 for the hub and the $39.30 shipping. He went further and said that is the same part he had been selling for years and that if no one specifies they want an OEM part, he ships that. I responded and told him that receiving an OEM part is implied, especially when they list that part with the OEM part number and pricing it in the realm of what an OEM part would cost. Additionally, their website’s picture lacks the GSP aftermarket part number on it. I then asked if he even has an OEM front wheel hub in stock and he said, “no.” I told him it’s unethical to ship an aftermarket $37 part after advertising it as an OEM part being sold for $164, which is 4.3 times the cost. To further indicate he knew what he was doing, his only other response was that he couldn’t even get it for $37 because his cost is $60. [[b]As of the time of this post, Atkins' website still advertises this part with an OEM part number. To add insult to injury, I noticed the website count of their wheel hubs "in stock" has ticked down by two; inevitably, another victim or two won't receive the OEM part they were likely expecting]
I’ve heard stories of people being charged exorbitant amounts for shipping by Atkins, but having been in the RX-7 world for a while I never would have expected them to treat me, and apparently several others, with the old bait and switch tactic. He indicated that the aftermarket part which can be had for $37 is what he’s sold for years. I can only imagine what other parts Atkins Rotary has done this with. Not only is this false advertising, it’s deliberate fraud and deceptive business practices.
I'm writing this after some prodding from several long-time members (one has been here for more than 19 years) of the RX-7 community and this forum. For anyone buying OEM-advertised parts from anyone, I advise you to inspect what gets shipped to you and ensure you received what you paid for. On March 29th, I ordered an OEM front wheel hub and bearing assembly from Atkins Rotary. I double checked the part number advertised on their website and compared it to the OEM part number from a Mazda dealership website; they matched. I then called Atkins Rotary and spoke with them to ensure they had at least one in stock so as to not delay my project any further. Their website said they had 985 in stock, but I bet Mazda doesn’t even have that many. I was placed on hold, then a few minutes later, he confirmed they had two in stock. I then made the purchase.
Here’s a screenshot of my order:
Here’s a screenshot of their website page of the specific part I bought. Note the two areas I circled in orange indicating the OEM part number.
It was delivered on April 2. This COVID-19 pandemic allowed me to be home and I promptly opened the box. I immediately noticed the markings, “GSP 113118 P8E” on the front of the wheel hub and double checked it with the part # on my order. They were not a match. Knowing aftermarket wheel hubs parts are available for the FD RX-7 and not wanting the old bait and switch tactic to be pulled on me, I googled to compare what I received with pictures of other OEM front wheel hubs. No pictures of OEM hubs online had any letters or numbers on the front of the hub.
Here’s a picture of what I received:
Eventually, I was able to determine GSP is a manufacturer of AFTERMARKET parts. I found this specific hub Atkins sent me to be sold on Amazon for $37.89. That is less than 25% of the cost I spent ($164.25) from what Atkins Rotary advertised as an OEM part.
Here’s a screenshot of this hub for sale on Amazon:
I immediately called Atkins Rotary and spoke with an individual telling them I received the package and inquired as to why I received a non-OEM part. The name sounded like “Lane” or “Elaine.” The individual said they were new and passed the phone to Dan. I explained to Dan the part I received was not OEM and that I traced it to an aftermarket part on Amazon for $37. He had no immediate response. I then went on to discuss the outrageous cost of shipping, $39.30. They utilized a USPS medium FLAT RATE box. I knew they gouged the price of shipping at more than double the cost because just a few days prior, I had shipped a USPS medium flat rate box worth more in insurance, at half the cost they charged me. Dan tried to tell me the difference in cost was due to signature confirmation, but I told them USPS just left it at the door AND there was no label indicating “signature confirmation.” Even so, the cost of a signature confirmation is $3.15.
Dan then told me they would send me a UPS return label and would refund the $164.25 for the hub and the $39.30 shipping. He went further and said that is the same part he had been selling for years and that if no one specifies they want an OEM part, he ships that. I responded and told him that receiving an OEM part is implied, especially when they list that part with the OEM part number and pricing it in the realm of what an OEM part would cost. Additionally, their website’s picture lacks the GSP aftermarket part number on it. I then asked if he even has an OEM front wheel hub in stock and he said, “no.” I told him it’s unethical to ship an aftermarket $37 part after advertising it as an OEM part being sold for $164, which is 4.3 times the cost. To further indicate he knew what he was doing, his only other response was that he couldn’t even get it for $37 because his cost is $60. [[b]As of the time of this post, Atkins' website still advertises this part with an OEM part number. To add injury to insult, I noticed the website count of their wheel hubs "in stock" has ticked down by two; inevitably, another victim or two won't receive the OEM part they were likely expecting]
I’ve heard stories of people being charged exorbitant amounts for shipping by Atkins, but having been in the RX-7 world for a while I never would have expected them to treat me, and apparently several others, with the old bait and switch tactic. He indicated that the aftermarket part which can be had for $37 is what he’s sold for years. I can only imagine what other parts Atkins Rotary has done this with. Not only is this false advertising, it’s deliberate fraud and deceptive business practices.
Wow thanks! I was considering ordering from them but now no way.
Yes, this has been how they operate for some time now. I've ordered quite a few "oem" things from them and the most aggravating part is the INSANE shipping cost and the fact that o-rings and gaskets show up in USPS flat rate boxes with zero packaging. It would straight up be loose o-rings and gaskets in a box. They've been selling "oem" parts for a while now. It seems everyone has kept their mouths shut about it since Atkins basically has an answer for just about every part needed, both oem and "oem". They advertise A LOT of parts as oem but you will receive whatever they send. Some of it actually is oem in own packing, some in a generic clear bag or some just tossed in the box with the rest of what you ordered.
it would seem the "......for years" excuse is the most widely accepted explanation for just about anything. So long as you've been getting away with it for x amount of time, that makes it ok. Nothing will come of this of course but at least it's out there that this is what it is. Atkins is not selling all oem parts. They advertise everything as such but it's not all actually oem.
If you order an "oem" part from Atkins, you will receive what they send. Actually oem or just something they see as oem-ish or oem enough It also seems the time to actually pack the part is factored into the shipping price. It's the only justification I can think of since they don't actually use any packing material.
with that said, I will continue to but things form Atkins. If I'm going to get played, I'd rather it be from them than the local mazda dealer.
with that said, I will continue to but things form Atkins. If I'm going to get played, I'd rather it be from them than the local mazda dealer.
I ended up buying the OEM replacement from a Mazda dealership. Get this: It was cheaper, even after shipping and taxes from the dealership than just the price of the wheel hub Atkins was selling it for! [realmazdaparts.com is run by University Mazda in Albuquerque.] I paid $152 shipped from the Mazda dealership, a savings of $51, and it's actually genuine.
If you think your shipping price around the US from Atkins is high you should see what he charges to ship to Australia . It is s total ripoff some times the shipping costs you more than the parts
Another good reason to buy from Ray Crowe!!! I’m sorry you had to endure that experience!
Email Crowe.Ray@aol.com a description of what you need and he will reply with part numbers and prices. His shipping is $15 flat rate. Ray is the best option for OEM parts!
Another good reason to buy from Ray Crowe!!! I’m sorry you had to endure that experience!
Email Crowe.Ray@aol.com a description of what you need and he will reply with part numbers and prices. His shipping is $15 flat rate. Ray is the best option for OEM parts!
yep, I agree. Ray's a great, reliable, and knowledgeable guy, I actually had this conversation with a long-time member as well a few days ago. I've had Ray's # for a while and have gone through him on procuring several parts previously. Except this time I tried to find a company that had it in stock and ready to ship so I could get the wheel hub and be back on four wheels ASAP. These shenanigans just set me back another week.
I've had my share of issues with Atkins as well. For a few years now if I need parts I try to go with Mazmart.com. I always get genuine Mazda parts from Paul. Or as he likes to say " no artificial ingredients" lol. Paul has always gone above and beyond to get me what I need.
For those who don't have Facebook or are not a member of the RX7 Facebook group, here are Atkins' replies and comments from others in response to Atkins' bizarre defense:
WOW I used their closing kit sans apex seals and am pretty happy with them but this is not right. It would be one thing if they said it is aftermarket or not OEM that would be one thing but using the OEM part number with no other language about it not being OEM doesn't just imply that it is OEM... end of the day they should come out and apologize for the confusing description, state it is non OEM and if the part is truly OEM quality, or the same manufacturer as the OEM part say that and let people make an informed decision.
I worked in a dealer as a repair technician for years and if we used non OEM parts we had to clearly state that to the customer for fear of liability, I guess Atkins is counting on people not noticing then blaming the installer if the part fails or just warrantying it.
and there’s more 😡. the replacement axle nut from Atkins doesn’t fit in the 35mm socket so that’s another misrepresented OEM part. I had to drive into town and pay another $18 to get a new socket for it to fit just to install it. FFS. It ended up being a 36mm for the AFTERMARKET nut Atkins sent even though, once again, their website advertised that part with an OEM part #. The old nut is next to it for reference (see staked mark)
Ever since I came across one of their parts online for an FD that stated something in their description something like, " These are no longer made, we bought all 500 that Mazda had in inventory" followed with a price that was at least double than what I was seeing it online, i've avoided them since which reputable vendor does that? I mean, they could've omitted that quoted section above and left it up to the consumer to make that decision that they're an a**.
About 12 months ago I ordered a pair of front Timken 512118 Hubs from RockAuto. When they arrived they were Timken boxed, but inside they were NTN HUB066 identical to your's supplied from Mazda - $56.99.
04-10-20, 10:50 PM
Atkins Rotary - Deceptive Business Practices; Selling non-OEM as OEM Parts and Prices
It also seems the time to actually pack the part is factored into the shipping price. It's the only justification I can think of since they don't actually use any packing material.
Ships to europe in about 10 days
