rx7roller02

You told him on 7/12 that you would take a photo of the compression test....was this done? That should have been done way back then, we know you already had the engine in your possession. You certainly didnt need to wait for him to do anything to make that happen. And whether you like this or not, "I was too busy" is no excuse. In this same time since 7/12, you have posted more than 80 times, nearly all of those in classifieds threads, conducting business as usual. If you have the time to post that much in other FS threads trying to sell other parts, then you have time to fix this without delay.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

I agreed to:

Take pics of the engine... front, back, left, right, bottom

Take pic of the compression

I agreed that this WOULD be done before I shipped the 2nd engine to Mark.

I NEVER intended to do any of this BEFORE the 1st engine was shipped back to me...Only that it would be done before the 2nd engine was shipped out..

I have said from day one that I would replace this engine...

From day one, I have said the 1st engine must be shipped back to me before a replacement could be sent out..


The last message I had from Mark on 7/12/2010 was that he would get the 1st engine ready to be shipped back to me. This is what I have been waiting to hear from him. Mark never Pmed me saying the engine was ready..

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

On 7/27/2010 I read Mark's post saying "Got pics?"

This confused me as all of this time I have been waiting for a PM saying, "The 1 st engine is ready to be shipped back"

Never the less I responded, saying the soonest I would have time to send him pics would be this week. I do not recall saying to hime, " I was to BUSY"

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

Is there some rule that I have broken?

markusparkus

iTrader: (1)

Ok. To clairfy...

I said
You said

I said
I said
You said
I then posted pics of the reassembled engine asking you to point out anything amiss before I put in on the pallet. You didn't respond. I asked for pics last week, you said it'd be this week. Tuesday I asked you for pics and you didn't respond. Thursday in my email I got these.







I can barely make anything out in two of them. I'm certain that even the digital camera on your blackberry can take better pictures than that.

And now you are yelling about how I haven't kept up my end of the agreement.

Where are the pics of the rotor faces? Apex seals? Turbo? Compression test? Why didn't you take pictures when it was on the engine stand for the compression test?

It is no longer believable to me that you are willing or capable of delivering a quality used engine and as such, I no longer want a replacement engine from you. I want my money back. I want the $1350 for the engine, the $50 for the oil cooler, the market price for the downpipe that wasn't delivered and the $87 paypal transfer fee you shouldn't have charged me.

I'll suck it up and try to sell off the other parts that I won't be able to use myself.

MikePhillips

Might want to reconsider that particular thought.

I'm an old guy who is smart enough to research everything before he makes a purchase.

I'm also new to this forum, and I can tell you with certainty that based on this thread alone, I wouldn't take the chance on any purchase from you right now. I'm not saying that anything you did was deliberate, only that it appears (at least from this thread) you seem a bit lackadaisical in your approach to your business, and utterly uncaring about customer satisfaction. I've been in business for myself my entire life except for the time I spent in the military and law enforcement and I can tell you from experience that when you bend over backwards to make your customer happy, you're putting money in your own pocket.

Here's how I would've handled this particular situation had I been you:

"Dear customer, I realize it has been over a month since you were supposed to receive order you prepaid for, and now having received it, find it unusable. You have my most sincere apologies. In regards to shipping costs (both ways), those will be at my expense. Concerning the engine itself: Please prepare it for shipment and I will make the necessary arrangements, if you can get it to the terminal. I will also refund the money for the oil cooler, as I do not have one in stock at this time. And if you choose to wait until I get one, I will promptly ship it to you at no cost and we can just consider the replacement oil cooler as payment for your troubles. And finally, if you care to wait until I can get an engine ready and shipped to you (again, at my expense), I will guarantee it to be in good shape and ready to run. If you feel you cannot wait, then I will refund the money for the motor, and for any other parts you need to return. My only desire in this is to not leave you with a foul taste in your mouth after having done business with me.

Sincerely,
Japan2La."

And while this would've cost you some money (you win some, you lose some, you can't make a 100% profit on everyone who does business with you) this would've accomplished more than you think. First, it would've made the customer happy. And a happy customer is a repeat customer. Secondly, it would've given that happy customer alot of good things to say about you here on this forum, which would've gotten you at least one more customer, but most likely at least a half dozen more. And then when you turned those 6 into happy customers.....well, you can see where this is going. But instead, you have one guy who's out over 3 grand, is pissed off, and everybody who's reading this thread (especially new guys like me) is thinking that they might just look elsewhere for the parts they need because you don't seem to give a crap what your customers say or think about you. Now this may not be the case at all, but from what I've read here, it seems like it is. And on top of that, you are utterly unapologetic and unwilling to accept blame for what has gone wrong here, when it is so obviously and entirely your fault. Everybody makes mistakes, and everybody understands that. Best thing to do is always own your mistakes and make hasty amends. It will make your life much smoother, you have my word on that.


Mike.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

Thank you Mike for your post.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

"I can barely make anything out in two of them. I'm certain that even the digital camera on your blackberry can take better pictures than that.

And now you are yelling about how I haven't kept up my end of the agreement.

Where are the pics of the rotor faces? Apex seals? Turbo? Compression test? Why didn't you take pictures when it was on the engine stand for the compression test?

It is no longer believable to me that you are willing or capable of delivering a quality used engine and as such, I no longer want a replacement engine from you. I want my money back. I want the $1350 for the engine, the $50 for the oil cooler, the market price for the downpipe that wasn't delivered and the $87 paypal transfer fee you shouldn't have charged me.

I'll suck it up and try to sell off the other parts that I won't be able to use myself."


The pictures were taken with my blackberry..the only digital camera I have.

I said I would pull the turbo off and take more pics.. rotor faces, apex seals, turbo and a pic of the compression test. These pics would be taken with my blackberry.

I said I would do this BEFORE shipping the replacement engine out.

I did NOT say I would do this before the 1st engine was returned to me and inspected.


If now you do not want the replacement engine, I will take the engine back and give you the full refund for it. I will refund the money or the oil cooler ( was only $50.00). I will refund the money for the missing downpipe. I will refund the fee money too. I will do all of this...

In order for me to do this, the 1st engine and oil cooler need to come back to me..

Is the engine and oil cooler ready to be shipped back?

I have already paid the for the return shipping cost. I have the BOL ready to be emailed to you..

mazdaspeed82

Brian,
In response to whether this thread is hurting you or not...

I just recommended somebody to contact you for an engine. Oops! After reading your responses, especially the bs game playing you're doing regarding taking pictures for him of engine compression numbers on your replacement engine (Which isn't too much to ask! You DID send him a **** engine).

No more casual recommendations from me.

djseven

iTrader: (56)

A new Sony digital 7.0 megapixel camera from Wal-mart is $150.00 and takes video. You have th money to pick one up and it takes 10 minutes to get in and out.

We all get busy from time to time and it is difficult to keep the promises we make, I am guilty of this occasionally due to my work load.

However, this isnt the first time you have done something like this, it happens with you more than most are aware. Step up and fix your mistakes and go back to being decently thought of on this forum. At this point the way you are acting is giving any reputable engine seller a bad name.

Once again, as I said, we all make mistakes. It is all about how we correct them that shows our true intentions.

EDIT: I dont want people to think I am chiming in here to earn business. I am NOT currently accepting work for engine builds and dont plan to anytime in the near future so please dont think that is my intention.

GoodfellaFD3S

iTrader: (213)

Guys, if you have nothing to post but garbage, take it to the lounge. Thanks.

P.S. For those of you too obtuse to figure it out, I already deleted the posts in question.

rx7roller02

So, lets recap...

This guy sent you over $3,000 on nothing but your word that you would follow through. You did not ship his engine for over a month. When you finally did, it arrived, at the very least, in very questionable condition compared to what you advertised. At this point, your credibility took a hit....because of how things went up to that point. So, now, you two finally work out a plan to fix this. And you dont think it would be valuable to step up and show him what EXACTLY he will be getting before he trusts you again by sending the motor back? Youre kidding, right? You honestly dont see how important that could be? When a seller sends someone an item that is not as described, it is then upon that seller to do what needs to be done to reassure the customer and potential future customers that you have their best interests in mind. I am not asking or expecting you to go out and buy a camcorder, or anything else of the sort, but dude, come on already. You posted nearly 90 times in other threads, selling other parts to other people, and potentially getting paid a lot of money.....and at that same time, you have this guy's $3000 and youre playing the waiting game?? If you were the customer here, and you saw your seller out there on the forum selling parts and posting dozens of times on other threads, but he didnt send you even one post or PM during that time, how would YOU feel? Forgotten? Taken advantage of? Like your seller wasnt very interested in handling the issue? THINK ABOUT IT....

So, you said to him, "the soonest I can get to those pics is....", and you dont think that saying this shows how busy youve been? Not only that, but your buyer posted this:

No, he PM'd me saying that he was busy last week and would have them this week.

Was he lying? Or did you really tell him that? Because at the time you were "busy", and making him wait, you were posting like crazy on here. Come to think of it, if you thought you were waiting on him, why didnt you say that in your reply to him? you posted to him as if you knew he was expecting those pics, and told him you would get on it. Why is it that you only now, in front of us, say that you didnt expect to send those pics until after he was ready to ship? I am curious why that wasnt voiced when you responded to him....

Is there any legitimate reason why it should be acceptable for you to continue posting dozens of times each week trying to sell other parts, while you couldnt be bothered to send this guy a few pics until weeks after you said you would get them? You werent too busy last week to post all those times trying to get paid by lots of other people, so why should you have been too busy to snap some photos and post them?

Actually, youve broken more than one. First, there's the extra fee issue that more than one of us has brought to your attention. Second, all of your FS threads are in the general classified section, when they should be in the vendor's sections. Here is what the forum rules say about this:

The whole reason we have a vendor section is for our vendors to post their items and services for sale. Of course, you are always welcome to post replies to WTB threads as the rules state.

Third, you have repeatedly insulted moderators on this forum. While the bulk of this behavior is old, you have done so this month. The forum rules make it 100% clear that attacks on moderators are not going to be tolerated. Up to this point, you have been given slack. With all respect to you, that slack has ended. I genuinely am glad for your participation on the forum, and the resources that you make available to our members.....

I intended to have this conversation with you in private, through PM's, but a moderator just tried that with you, and you posted it publicly like the staff here are so out of line. So I figured it would be a waste of my time to go that route. This brings us to another forum rule that I feel you need to be reminded of:

As it says in the rules, this is not a democracy. The decisions of the moderating staff are not open for debate on this forum. If you have a concern about something a moderator has said to you, then PM an admin or super moderator about it. Posting a mod's PM to you and complaining about it was already enough to get you banned, especially when combined with the other issues we are seeing. By the way, this includes your private messages complaining to me in the last two weeks.

I feel the need to also include this--you do not have the right to tell myself or any other moderator when they can or cannot post, in your threads or any other threads. You can feel free to stop that habit at any time now. Do not message moderators and tell them whether or not they should be posting, or should have posted.

Now, lets address the point I made about all these posts you have been making while this issue is still unresolved. You may or may not be aware, but with our members it is common practice for moderators to require that they do not buy or sell any parts on the forum until an open classifieds issue is resolved fully. I believe that you are aware of this at least in passing because you have been involved in the classifieds here long enough and have most likely seen it happen to other sellers. Well, the same applies to you. Vendors are required to follow at the very least the same standard as everyone else here. So the fact that you are selling in dozens of posts causes a legitimate concern here.

Here's the bottom line on this one--the time for something besides talking has long passed. First, the rest of the pics need to be posted. There simply isnt any reason for the delay that makes sense. Second, that first engine needs to be on a pallet and on the move. This needs to happen as soon as the rest of the photos are available. The pics need to be up on here and the first motor needs to be on the move between now and next Wednesday. There is simply no good reason why that cannot be done. Once the motor is sent back, it is up to you two to work out the final details--refund or replacement. Either way, the refund or replacement motor need to be in transit within three days of japan2la getting the first motor back. It certainly cannot take you that long to view the rust.....can it?

These things need to happen, by that timeline. If they do not, we will address what action needs to happen at that time. But I am at the point where a ban will be likely. This issue should have been resolved a long time ago. And I am going to say this here and now--I dont care how busy anyone is. This needs to take priority over other sales. If it doesnt, there wont be any other sales any more.

markusparkus

iTrader: (1)

He's offered me a refund and I want that. I don't want another engine from him. My trust level is below zero at this point.

He has my paypal and can deposit the refund there. I would like to see the refund before I ship anything. My entire experience with him has been one of dragging feet and not delivering. It's impossible for me to believe that after over 60 days of this behavior, that this time it will be different. I feel that it would be criminally stupid on my part to expect otherwise and ship the engine without first getting the refund. I took a chance and trusted him with $3000 and I think it's only fair that he extend me the same trust with the ~ $1500 refund.

If there are any concerns about the state of the engine that are not satisfied by the pics that I've already posted, I will happily take any other pics that are asked for.

rx7roller02

while I can understand your thoughts about trust, I believe that youre expecting too much when it comes to refunding the money before the motor is returned. It is only right that his parts get returned to him before money changes hands. Any store you go to, when you ask for a refund, they dont give you your cash back and then just say "hey, just bring the items back tomorrow, that will do".

He says he's already paid for the BOL, my best recommendation at this point is to ship the motor back to him. EVen if he were to try to scam with that, you have all the proof you need documented in your communications to prove your case. But in the end, I truly dont think that japan2la would be trying to scam you like that. I just dont see that happening. I will say this-I set forth the appropriate timeline. If that timeline cannot be met for legitimate reason, then I need to hear about it. But if no one says anything, and he doesnt come through, then there will be action taken here. This will not go on for another 60 days, or it will end in a ban for someone. Thats the point we are at now.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

100 % complete longblock with the engine harness and ecu $1350.00
Oil cooler with the lines $50.00
Missing downpipe $103.00 (this was not shipped out)
Fee $87.00

Total $1590 ( I have no problem giving the money back)

I am paying the shipping cost to have the parts returned to me via truck freight

The above stuff in bold is returned to me, and I will process your refund thru paypal...

I am not going to refund you the money before the stuff is returned to me

MikePhillips

Alright, listen up and listen good, "Mike Phillips".

This post represents the end of you expressing this kind of sentiment in this forum.

You are new here, so I am going to cut you some slack and explain a few things to you--I suggest that you pay attention. As a moderator here, I have laid out the path that this is to take. It is not up to you or anyone else to keep talking against that. The parts get returned first, then the money gets refunded. If you cannot deal with that, then kindly move along and dont post in this thread.

Next, this is the last time I expect to see you insulting another member here. Go read the forum terms of service, if you cannot follow them, then seek life elsewhere.

markusparkus

iTrader: (1)

I understand your point and generally agree with you. The MAJOR reason that I have been reluctant to just ship it back and hope, aside from the previously stated reasons, is that in all of our discussions of refunds, there's always this caveat
When I ask what the inspection will entail and what bearing the inspection has on the refund, I never get an answer.

I've seen multiple instances of him working a loop hole. For example, regarding the pictures of the replacement:

Compare one of the pics he sent me:


to these that he posted in the FS threads.





and

Seriously? How am I supposed to view this as anything other than manipulative and/or spiteful? So when I see this behavior and can't get answers on other vague, open ended language, I get really really nervous.

I know that if he did scam me that I would have a very clear case. Having a clear case and getting your money back are two different things.

With all that said, I propose a middle ground. I'll post the engine for sale in the FS section as an as-is no-warranty engine with water damage in the front chamber. I will post pics and answer any questions and post more pics as requested. Japan2LA can then buy the engine, arrange for shipping and place the 'purchase price' in an escrow account. He can have his day to verify that the engine was as described. He releases the escrow and has his engine and I have my money and we can finally walk away.

I do apologize if I am being overly paranoid about this. I've just never, never, never ever had this much trouble with a purchase before.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

Jesus Christ....

Do you want your money back or not?

TENAZ

iTrader: (2)

I believe you proof yor claim beyond the reasonable doubt showing the pictures
of the engine received.No reason why Brian when he receives the engine back
won't refund your money.
Besides the engine condition is not in the way you been told before the purchase
Next time if you want to avoid all this hassle when you buy a used engine try to get it from you local Place.So you deal direct with the seller.
Otherways for $3000 you can get fully rebuilt S5 turbo II Short Block. (including the core with one year warranty.)
Good Luck..


Tenaz

MikePhillips

Rx7Roller02,

I wasn't trying to insult the guy. In fact, I was actually trying to help him hang onto some business. And I wasn't trying to step on your toes and get them to do things my way, I was more trying to point out that maybe he should try and be as trusting of the other guy as he obviously was of him. I freely admit, however, to being overly blunt most of the time, and I often say things that can be taken other than how they are meant. I'm this way in person, and while I often feel that I should speak differently online (because it's much easier to take **** the wrong way if you're not standing in front of the person you're talking to), I never seem to manage it before I hit the "Post Reply" button.

And I also admit to being far more flippant than is wise. I always have been, not sure why. I'm a big guy and maybe my size has caused me to be turned that way a little simply because I haven't been punched in the face many times for cracking wise. Whatever the reason, that's just part of who I am.

So, there ya go. No harm intended, but I take your point. If you see me being a dick in the future, you of course have every right to call me out on it, just remember that I'm probably not intentionally being a dick; I rarely do. And I will try and curb the habit I have of saying exactly what I think no matter the circumstances, but I make no promises. At my age...well, you may understand, you may not. But as i said, I will do what I can.

markusparkus

iTrader: (1)

Yeah. You willing to do this through escrow?

Dudemaaanownsanrx7

iTrader: (23)

It's unfortunate this deal turned out the way it did. I too have always worked for myself and it goes a long way to go the extra mile for the customer. At times you will have a customer that is just a pain and expects more then what's reasonable. But in this case I think the buyer was very reasonable in how he handled the matter.

I probably would never have a reason to purchase from japan2la anyways, but after seeing how this panned out, I most certainly wouldn't, even if it meant paying more elseware.

I understand being busy or having to wait due to delays, but it's up to the seller to contact the buyer about unforscene delays. Not leave someone that already payed a large amount of money wondering what's going on. Not to mention paypal transactions have a limited time that you can dispute the transaction.

As far as the pictures go, why wait until the motor is returned? Taking pics is easy and would insure more confidence in an unhappy customer. The customer already feels screwed, so at least try to make it up to him with some simple pictures. The laziness in this regard makes it appear you don't have a good engine to send back. And why should he constanly be on the trusting end? As soon as the other motor was in the shop high quality pics of everything mentioned should have been posted not only for his sake, but for future customers.

At least then the buyer has a better idea of what he's getting in return. Abviously it's gone past this point because the consumer is just fed up. With good reason.

I can understand from a business point not wanting to refund until the product is returned. But from a buying standpoint, after so much hassle I would wonder how long and what excuses there would be on refunding the money.

I've gone to small claims court over non payment, got a judgement in my favor and still didn't get paid. There's just not a lot you can do.

Japan2la is lucky the customer didn't do a chargeback or paypal dispute. I did this a couple times with sellers that wouldn't respond when I got the wrong item and I got a refund and kept the product.

The moderators have already established what's to happen here. But from coming from both a buyer and a sellers view, japan2la could have and still can do much more to make this look a lot better on himself, even if it means putting himself out there and being more trusting of the buyer.

Japan2LA

iTrader: (256)

Escrow...

Hell no!

markusparkus

iTrader: (1)

Because?

rx7roller02

Look,

I thought I made this clear. This has gone on WAY too long. While I understand your concerns, allow me to clarify--there are scammers, and then there is japan2la. He is NOT a scammer. He never has been. He took too long in getting your engine to you. But he got it to you. I do not see the need to get all crazy paranoid over a refund....japan2la has said to me that he would refund your money once he gets the engine back, period. At this point, all you are doing with this is holding it up, to be honest. Its time for this to be resolved.....send him back the motor and he will send you a refund. And then this will be done. I have been around this forum for a long time....and japan2la has had certain issues with members about how he has done some business. But he has NEVER stiffed a customer out of money or parts. NOT ONCE that I can EVER recall. And I hardly think he would do that now. In this case, you had legitimate concern about the condition of the engine, but now youre getting money back, not a new engine, right? you dont have to check the condition of the money to see if it is still good, like you do with a motor. So, that being the bigger concern, it is a moot point when dealing with a refund.

I say send it back. Japan2la knows that he has much more at stake than being banned from a forum--this thread alone provides plenty of written proof, so much that if he DID decide to not refund your money, then he could be looking at jail time over this. Do you REALLY think that he wants to risk that? He's a forum vendor, which means the forum had to verify his true identity and location.....so it isnt like he could hide over the internet. If it came to that, Brian knows that you would have plenty of proof, and he would be a sitting duck. believe me, he isnt willing to risk that. Just send the motor back and keep all progress updated in this thread.