Inventory Rant

That's Ballistic Fab's M.O. every time I've dealt with them. I keep thinking Karma will catch up with them one day but they just keep getting more and more popular, so who knows. :shaking:
 
CarolinaTruggies, I just drove 2.5 hours round trip to your shop and it was empty. Either you don't have a sign on the door, I went to the wrong spot, or the address on your website is wrong. I tried calling you, but nobody answered. This is just about as bad as not shipping product.
 
Chris, I keep forgetting to mention this to people since we've had so much going on this week. We moved shop and we are in a new location about 3/4 of a mile down the road, today was our 5th day. I've been doing so much setup in the shop that I've completely forgot to update the shop. Also I've been interviewing people all day and when I go into the interview I put the phone on silent and that's probably how I missed it. I will make it up to you with work on your Jeep for the huge inconvenience that I have caused.
Fixing website now!

loki_racer said:
CarolinaTruggies, I just drove 2.5 hours round trip to your shop and it was empty. Either you don't have a sign on the door, I went to the wrong spot, or the address on your website is wrong. I tried calling you, but nobody answered. This is just about as bad as not shipping product.
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loki_racer said:
CarolinaTruggies, I just drove 2.5 hours round trip to your shop and it was empty. Either you don't have a sign on the door, I went to the wrong spot, or the address on your website is wrong. I tried calling you, but nobody answered. This is just about as bad as not shipping product.
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Friday around 5pm!? I would've called ahead to make sure soemone was there, and possibly get directions.
 
Just got off the phone with Alex. I've been in web development for almost 8 years, and I couldn't figure out how to get his address changed on one of his website pages.

I'll be back at his shop Wednesday to see about getting the rear suspension seats mounted in the XJ and some harness bars made.

Carolina Truggies might be the first shop to put rear bucket seats in an XJ from what I can tell.
 
I just read all of this thread for the first time and it really reminds me why I'm glad I have never gotten into the retail side of things. I have ordered atleast something from every one of the venders that have been mentioned here. Some have been bad experiences most have been fair to deal with. I have a lot of respect for you guys who have shops like me that do fab work AND run a sales counter or even mail order at the same time. It's more headaches than I care to deal with. Plus as much as forums like this can help us out they can ruin us just as fast. From a customer stand point forums are a great way for guys to talk about vendors, deals they got, great experiences and so on. At the same time you can talk about the bad things and unfortunately that travels a lot faster and deeper. 4 wheel drive guys are a pretty tight group and everybody know who's who in the industry. A shop can very quickly get a bad name from one person piping about how they got screwed in some way or another and unfortunately both sides of the story are rarely heard. And even when the OP was wrong. (in some cases) That negative issue is all people seem to remember about the business.
I have had pretty decent luck with dan at ruffstuff, Mud has been great and I've recently gotten hooked up with Barnes who has been great so far and poly performance hasn't done me wrong. The guys at ballsitic dont seem to have there stuff together. It's like they have 5 guys who all think they run the show and it just isn't working. The guy who does the inventory doesn't talk to the guy that does the site to tell him whats in stock, and the guy that does the inventory doesn't tell the guy who makes the stuff that he's getting low and should be making more before they run out. That company has outgrown themselves it seems and its hurting them bad now. Smaller companies like ruff stuff and mud are a bit more one on one with the customer and that means a great deal to me when I go to place an order for a vehicle I know I need done in a week or two so the customer can have it back.

I'd also like to add something about the barnes brackets with the star cutouts. I really have no issue with the star for the most part. Some businesses may not like to have a star cut out of the brackets they use on customer vehicles because their logo may be a diamond or a triangle. But personally I guess as long as it doesn't effect the strength of the bracket then there should be nothing wrong with advertising barnes 4wd on a vehicle. I'd love to have my logo on every thing I make. Thats business and you cant fault a guy for trying to better his business.
 
loki_racer said:
Just got off the phone with Alex. I've been in web development for almost 8 years, and I couldn't figure out how to get his address changed on one of his website pages.
I'll be back at his shop Wednesday to see about getting the rear suspension seats mounted in the XJ and some harness bars made.
Carolina Truggies might be the first shop to put rear bucket seats in an XJ from what I can tell.
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Shouldn't be a problem.....we have done "firsts" on several vehicles.
Thank you very much for fixing the site too, I was about to throw my computer thru the wall.
 
Chris I understand where you are coming from. It is difficult to run things but too me that's running a business, if it was easy everybody would do it. The goal with Chase's first post was too show that over the years we've grown to handle pretty much every order that the Carolina's/east coast may need. Chase obviously handles everything in a axle you could imagine, I handle almost every custom suspension component and some aftermarket parts on a rig and when our stock orders come in next week we will have 90% of things on the shelves. No more waiting on West Coast Poly for Fox anymore, no more waiting on Ballistic. RIDES supplies a ton of stuff as well. I work very close with ECGS and RIDES, I'm a loyal person and even if I can get it cheaper somewhere else which is rare I'll support these guys cause they support me.
 
loki_racer said:
CarolinaTruggies, I just drove 2.5 hours round trip to your shop and it was empty. Either you don't have a sign on the door, I went to the wrong spot, or the address on your website is wrong. I tried calling you, but nobody answered. This is just about as bad as not shipping product.
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I think it's time for you to buck up and stop complaining on the forum about every single thing that doesnt go your way. If you've got a problem with someone, a site vendor, or an outside vendor, then take it up with them first, and in private. Posting snide comments like this one quoted makes me think you just want to stink up the forum...and it seems to happen very frequently.



Also, who drives for that long without verifying the exactlocation and making sure that someone will be there and available?
 
Problem? Need D30 braced/beefed up
Solution?
We have some Toy 8 trusses or could have one bent up for a 30, I have 5-10 in stock $30
We have D30 HD lower control 5-10 sets in stock $30
We have c gussets in stock for JK and some other stuff that would work- $65
You'll have to modify some of the pieces to fit but thats okay b/c stripping a 30 would be way more work.
Your at $135 shipped to somewhere in NC next day delivery, Alex at carolina truggies is a hell of a welder and is in the charlotte area or im sure others in a 30 mile radius of you.
I would estimate $200 labor to weld these parts on and the 30 would be plenty strong to handle anything the balljoints, unit bearings, and 760 ujoints are gonna handle. you need more than this and the truss will be the least of your concerns.


not to invade his thread but i went on your site and couldnt find these....maybe im looking in the wrong spot
 
Inventory is a very big deal. Not just in this industry but in all industry's. Forecasting is also very difficult. And is more an art than a science. Quite frankly we buy from people who are knowledgeable with 4x4 stuff not their ability to forecast part usage accurately. Although they are running a business and need to know where their profits are going to be.

I do very rarely buy from anybody who doesn't have a part in stock. Especially if in need it by a certain time. On occasion if I'm not in a rush I will buy off a website. But I almost always ask the person on the phone a question or 2. Is it in stock? Can you touch it? If not when will it be? Do you have confirmation of that? By doing this you set and expectation. Then you have something to go on. I am polite and professional on the phone. I don't want them to call back I'll happily wait on hold. I don't get aggravated when it takes a while. I usually have no problem getting parts.

I have read what Barnes posted and it makes me want to do business with him. The fact that he is easily making changes to his based on customer discussion.
 
Send me pm or an email dave@ballisticfabrication.com so I can look into any issues you are having with us. I am more than happy to assist in any way I am able. Dave
 
BallisticDave said:
Send me pm or an email dave@ballisticfabrication.com so I can look into any issues you are having with us. I am more than happy to assist in any way I am able. Dave
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As you requested on PBB, I sent you my order number, and my phone number, I never heard jack. The worst part about dealing with Ballistic fab is the consistent Lack of communication and response to the customer. At least I know what to expect, consistency.
 
I also emailed him after his post on here, to ask about my order that i ordered and was billed for on jan 6, but still havent seen or heard a reason why it has been "on hold" ever since. Here is your chance to redeem yourself to me, BallisticDave.
 
Sic em boys!!!! Funny how they only respond after their service sucks rather than address at order or shortly after. If they responded as quick as they deleted my post on their thread at pbb they would have excellent service.

sent from HTC Droid on tapatalk
 
foreman1063 said:
As you requested on PBB, I sent you my order number, and my phone number, I never heard jack. The worst part about dealing with Ballistic fab is the consistent Lack of communication and response to the customer. At least I know what to expect, consistency.
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I never intentionally avoid answering anyone. If I missed yours, I am very sorry.

awspence said:
I also emailed him after his post on here, to ask about my order that i ordered and was billed for on jan 6, but still havent seen or heard a reason why it has been "on hold" ever since. Here is your chance to redeem yourself to me, BallisticDave.
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Adam,

I'll get on top of your order as soon as I stop typing here. At the very least I will send what we have and get back to you via email. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Dave

BTW - Thought I should mention I somehow forgot to click the add subscription tab before I left the site, so I didn't realize there was any action on this thread until now. Typically I try to be more timely.
 
BallisticDave said:
I never intentionally avoid answering anyone. If I missed yours, I am very sorry.
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I never said it was intentional, but the end result is the same. Shitty service!
------------------------------------------------------------
PBB Thread:

Me, 12-17-10: "I have a set of forged joints that I would be very interested in upgrading the housings. How do I do this?
Thanks"

Ballistic Fab: No response.
------------------------------------------------------------
Me, 1-1-11: "Things seem to get pretty quiet in these threads when these types of questions are asked".

You, 1-2-11: "Guys,It is a holiday weekend. Many of us are out of town, when we all return to the shop after the weekend all questions will be addressed.
Also, as stated many times before the solid nylatron has always been available for the Ballistic Joint. We offer a lifetime guarantee on the solid nylatron."

ME, 1-2-11: "Well Dave, my post was dated 12-17 (page 1), with no response. I also e-mailed Ballistic around the same time and have never received any reply. I got the same treatment earlier this year when I had ballistic bushings fail after 1 day of wheeling. I appreciate the fact That you guys constantly improve your products but a little consideration for the patrons that get the less than desirable, early products, would go a long way in improving customer loyalty. The earlier races, housings and washers were obviously inferior, why not help out the customer upgrade to the newer, better products without making us pay retail to do so?
Thanks "
------------------------------------------------------------
You in a PM, 1-2-11:
"Ballistic Joint-
I am really sorry that I missed your post and apparently the email as well. I have no idea how I managed both of these. Can you send me over your order number, or name so I can look up your order when I am back at the shop.
Thanks! Dave "

Me in PM, 1-3-11:
"Hi Dave, the original order for 8 joints is AB-10485, the other 8 were purchased from RND Customs back in April 2010. Thanks for the reply, and if you need to reach me my number is 919-xxx-xxxx.
John "

You or Ballistic Fab: NOTHING!
------------------------------------------------------------
At this point I Have a bunch of crappy BF bushings that I can't use, I've paid the premium to upgrade to the Nylatron races for the joints and I can't seem to get an answer about the upgraded joint housings.

If you were me would you be happy with ballistic Fab?

I really don't expect anything more from your company but I do want other people on our board to know the facts before they spend there hard earned cash with the wrong people.
 
I still think it sucks that i've waited this a month and a half for my order, but I will give credit where it is due. They were waiting on only one item of my order, so Dave is going ahead and shipping the rest of it to me on 2nd day air, and will ship the joints whenever they are made. Better than nothing, and some of the tabs he is shipping will really help me make some more progress.
 
foreman1063 said:
.....
I really don't expect anything more from your company but I do want other people on our board to know they facts before they spend there hard earned cash with the wrong people.
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They don't care John...... You might as well ordered some Rough Country stuff. :lol: ( No offense to the RC users out there, its all tongue in cheek)

It's a common occurrence when companies hit that next step in sales and business. When ballistic was first starting out they were super easy to deal with, and there was no run around. New shops, new equipment, higher sales, more overhead and that's when the crap starts hitting the fan for most in the industry. A middle ground needs to be sought, and so help me, if Chase gets that way with ECGS, I'm going to beat him over the head with a Dana 35 shaft.

I hope they make it right for you, but I remember the run-around you were given when you had their bushings fail after only two hours on the trail in Moab, and you had to over night 8 joints from Canada<--- That ain't cheap.

I know I've ordered my last bracket from them. I'd rather call Dan, Barnes, Mud etc.
 
HANO said:
if Chase gets that way with ECGS, I'm going to beat him over the head with a Dana 35 shaft.
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It'll break, the shaft that is

HANO said:
I know I've ordered my last bracket from them. I'd rather call Dan, Barnes, Mud etc.
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Me and you both. All three are good vendors in my experience and word of mouth.
 
foreman1063 said:
I never said it was intentional, but the end result is the same. Shitty service!
------------------------------------------------------------
PBB Thread:
Me, 12-17-10: "I have a set of forged joints that I would be very interested in upgrading the housings. How do I do this?
Thanks"
Ballistic Fab: No response.
------------------------------------------------------------
Me, 1-1-11: "Things seem to get pretty quiet in these threads when these types of questions are asked".
You, 1-2-11: "Guys,It is a holiday weekend. Many of us are out of town, when we all return to the shop after the weekend all questions will be addressed.
Also, as stated many times before the solid nylatron has always been available for the Ballistic Joint. We offer a lifetime guarantee on the solid nylatron."
ME, 1-2-11: "Well Dave, my post was dated 12-17 (page 1), with no response. I also e-mailed Ballistic around the same time and have never received any reply. I got the same treatment earlier this year when I had ballistic bushings fail after 1 day of wheeling. I appreciate the fact That you guys constantly improve your products but a little consideration for the patrons that get the less than desirable, early products, would go a long way in improving customer loyalty. The earlier races, housings and washers were obviously inferior, why not help out the customer upgrade to the newer, better products without making us pay retail to do so?
Thanks "
------------------------------------------------------------
You in a PM, 1-2-11:
"Ballistic Joint-
I am really sorry that I missed your post and apparently the email as well. I have no idea how I managed both of these. Can you send me over your order number, or name so I can look up your order when I am back at the shop.
Thanks! Dave "
Me in PM, 1-3-11:
"Hi Dave, the original order for 8 joints is AB-10485, the other 8 were purchased from RND Customs back in April 2010. Thanks for the reply, and if you need to reach me my number is 919-xxx-xxxx.
John "
You or Ballistic Fab: NOTHING!
------------------------------------------------------------
At this point I Have a bunch of crappy BF bushings that I can't use, I've paid the premium to upgrade to the Nylatron races for the joints and I can't seem to get an answer about the upgraded joint housings.
If you were me would you be happy with ballistic Fab?
I really don't expect anything more from your company but I do want other people on our board to know they facts before they spend there hard earned cash with the wrong people.
Click to expand...


John,

It seems I hit the trifecta of screw ups when this was going on. I clearly made an error. I have sent you a pm on PBB as well as here in an attempt to remedy my mistakes. Dave
 
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