I have had a very good experience dealing with Rob, and the people from UUC.

However, I am getting a little anxious for my part. I ordered it on the 14th of January, and now it is the 10th of February. So it has almost been one month. I called them roughly one week after placing the order, and they told me the part was on back order and it would take almost two weeks to get it in stock, but as of today the order status still says unshipped. Now I am a very patient person, but I know most other people out there would not be so tranquil in this matter. I am just happy to know that it will show up sooner or later, but I am starting to get that itch to get the part installed on the car if you know what I mean.

So I guess this is just a heads up, to make sure they have what you want in stock before you order it.

Yeah, i ordered a TSE on Jan 10.
It was supposed to be shipped a week later.

I'm still waiting. And it's supposed to have been built already.

OH well, patience is a virtue. And a big PITA. :D

The quality of UUC's stuff is excellent, but the waiting.......................

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
I have had a very good experience dealing with Rob, and the people from UUC.

However, I am getting a little anxious for my part. I ordered it on the 14th of January, and now it is the 10th of February. So it has almost been one month.


Please contact me directly (rob@shortshifter.com) so that I may determine exactly what has delayed your order.

For some products on backorder, we are about to release major updates or added features. Even if new versions have a price increase, original price on backorders will be honored.

Although we hate to make customers wait, there is consolation in "it's worth waiting for!" :D

Rob,

I am deeply interested in purchasing the TSE exhaust but have concerns over the mounting issues, if they have not already been resolved. I noticed you had left out the "fit rating" in that little comparison article because you had only recieved a 2. I do understand that these were supposedly prototype models and perhaps could have benefitted from some refinement. I am just curious if you have refined this product any since then. Thanks for your time.
Z-man

I will add in for Rob that the TSE's that we have installed have fit perfect. We moreless have issues with the mounting points on the car that are bad, not the exhaust. Installing the exhaust on a 40k mile 99' M3 was perfect, not one single problem, and we have another going on a 98' M3 this week that is going to hop on the Dyno as well.


Wes

If I may, the fit was perfect. The problem came up when the exhaust heated up to temp and it would move towards the drivers side melting the valence. I received a reinforcing brace from Rob that mounts on the exhaust hanger stiffening up the exhaust hanger. Unfortunately my car has been off the road since Nov, so I cannot give any input on whether or not the brace fixes the movement problem.

C'mon spring!!!!!!

Hmmm...

My order is still unshipped, and unbilled.

I did send you an email Rob, but I did not get a response.

So did I. Twice.

Six weeks...how time flies. (the order not the email)

Tempus Fugit! :orangesle

Repeating myself here for the XXXth time... there is NO guarantee that e-mail gets through.

Sending an e-mail does not mean that it was received.

We strive to answer 100% of customer e-mail. However, due to common technical problems and the volume we get, some are sure to be lost somewhere.

Our phone number (908-874-9092) is on our web site and all e-mail order confirmations. We repsectfully suggest that if you have an important question or concern, please CALL.

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
Please contact me directly (rob@shortshifter.com) so that I may determine exactly what has delayed your order.

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
Repeating myself here for the XXXth time... there is NO guarantee that e-mail gets through.

Sending an e-mail does not mean that it was received.

:95

I call bullshit.

However, due to common technical problems and the volume we get, some are sure to be lost somewhere.


As a veteran system and network administrator, I feel pretty qualified to say that if you're routinely finding out that you're losing email you need to hire someone with a technical clue.
You may contact me directly, via email, if you want to talk specifics. My system won't lose your mail :-)

There hasn't been any excuse for any computer system to lose email for at least twenty years. The worst case is that email will bounce back to the sender, so they know something is going on.

I, for one, assume that people are advertising that their office staff are clueless when I see them blaming technical systems for lost email, etc. I hope you get your infrastructure up to snuff, I've heard good things about your products. Best o' luck.

Originally posted by DSK M3/4
Quote:
Originally posted by Rob Levinson
Please contact me directly (rob@shortshifter.com) so that I may determine exactly what has delayed your order.

Quote:
Originally posted by Rob Levinson
Repeating myself here for the XXXth time... there is NO guarantee that e-mail gets through.

Sending an e-mail does not mean that it was received.



I usually only do step-by-step directions for products! :biglaughb

Step A: write e-mail.

The Missing Step B: If you do not get a response immediately, consider why: Could it be a technical error? Could it be an intervening holiday or weekend? Could it even be a problem with your e-mail address (I love reply bounces - effort goes into writing the e-mail and then it's wasted...). Could it be a hundred other factors? No matter what, understand that another legitimate course of communication is in order, and proceed to Step C.

Step C: pick up phone and call.

Optional Step D: realize that direct communication brought about an instant and complete answer to your question, problem, concern, etc.


Guys, we're all adults here. I commiserate with so many other parts suppliers about the ongoing problems with customer communication. It makes us feel so good to see hear about a customer issue on the internet rather than by direct communication. Note the previous sentence was heavy saracasm.

It's like some comedian that had a routine: "What's with women? They're unhappy with their boyfriend, so they tell their momma, their hairdresser, their friends, the bus driver, the dog groomer, even Oprah! What about the boyfiend? He's the one with the chocolate and roses! Tell him!" :D
(anybody want to guess that was Chris Rock, and I left out a lot of >bleep< and >bleeeep< ?)

Folks, when push comes to shove, your product source is your best recourse for answers about your product (nobody on this thread other than myself can answer a backorder question)... and your communication path to your product source has many alternatives. No e-mail? Phone. No phone? Fax. No Fax? Carrier pigeon. Cat ate the pigeon? Yell out the window, you'll get a better answer than strangers on a message board, proven time and time again.

Originally posted by Mickey
I call bullshit.

As a veteran system and network administrator...

Mmmm... nope.

With a long background around IT myself in years past, and with many friends in the business currently, I can say firsthand that it seems harder and harder to keep a network running smoothly.

Virus attacks, hops down, spam attacks, connectivity issues, DNS resolution problems between specific hubs, the list goes on. I don't envy the guys "in the trenches" keeping things running.

Heck, I even detailed earlier where e-mail between me and someone in the midwest wasn't going through. We were on the phone, trying to send a parts list back and forth. Other e-mail was coming in, neither of us could get e-mail from each other. The next day, everything was fine. Anyone can say what they want about network reliability this, routing protocol that... those assurances are the real BS, with no user-quantifiable data other than the realization that (cut and paste this sentence...) not all e-mail gets through.

So whereas I appreciate your offer of assistance, realize that our setup is mostly reliable. It is the very occassional e-mail that does not get through, and that is actually not the problem. It's not technology. It's psychology - we as humans need to NOT rely purely on the latest technology. Phones have worked well for the better part of a century now, and is a "real time" communication.

But in all reality, I have to unsubscribe from this thread now... time spent answering here is time I lose for answering e-mail and speaking on the phone. If a technical question you e-mailed me this morning gets no answer until this afternoon, blame this thread! :biglaughb

For anyone that ordered a UUC TSE exhaust with the DTM tips they are backordered for about give or take the next 2 1/2 to 3 weeks. Hopefully after that time period tack on your shipping option and theres an ETA on your exhaust. *Fingers crossed* I was considering canceling my order for the Eisenhaus DTM exhaust but I figured the UUC is still a better buy for me. Man I hate waiting.:emo

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
[B]It makes us feel so good to see hear about a customer issue on the internet rather than by direct communication. Note the previous sentence was heavy saracasm.


Rob, I sense something more than sarcasm here.

I would like to point out I did not mean to do you any disservice by making this thread. My first sentence was even praise; “I have had a very good experience dealing with Rob, and the people from UUC.” This is not a thread dishonor you, or UUC, but unless something changes it will quickly become that.

I understand that emails can be lost. Keep in mind you have TWO people claiming that you have failed to return emails. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT.

I have called your company, numerous times now. Both before and after this thread, Both times I received news that the products were not ready for shipping.

I ordered a product on the 14th of January, and it is now the 21 of February. I fail to believe that it has taken you over a month to move a product from a shelf to a Fed Ex box and to address it and put it in the mail. There must be a bigger problem; it is that you do not have the product. I also fail to believe that you have in the entire time that this order has been requested that you have not been able to get this product built.

There is obviously something else wrong here! Perhaps you are taking too much time working on new products than you are in getting your current orders filled and out the door. You may think that I am being rude, or inappropriate in this thread, but to me the only thing inappropriate and rude is the failure to accomplish and carry out what you have said you would do.

If you think you are being wrongly attacked here keep in mind, I have only started and made this thread in response to a failure on your part. Every accusation against you is ammunition you have provided me.

Once again, I am not trying to slander you, Rob, or UUC. I simply want my order filled. As stated in my first response I have had up until now nothing but a good experience in dealing with the people from UUC. However, if I am not allowed to talk about my experience, praise, or even in the event of it disappointment in any vendor (Supporting or Non) on this forum, and give my honest unbiased opinion then I really will have a problem.

Oops, thought I had unsubscribed!

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Rob, I sense something more than sarcasm here.

I would like to point out I did not mean to do you any disservice by making this thread. My first sentence was even praise; “I have had a very good experience dealing with Rob, and the people from UUC.” This is not a thread dishonor you, or UUC, but unless something changes it will quickly become that.

In all reality, I was not referring to you or your post when I wrote that, and I apologize for the misunderstanding.

I was referring to the sort of thing that we (and "we" means all vendors) see way too often, and that only applied to this thread in the "customer assistance" theme.

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
I understand that emails can be lost. Keep in mind you have TWO people claiming that you have failed to return emails. THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED EVENT. [/B]

You're right, it's not. Let's say a very small percentage of e-mails gets lost... perhaps 1 in 500 is fair to say, I suppose. I personally receive something in the neighborhood of 100 or more customer-related e-mails a day, and about a third again as many internal communications, materials supplier communications, and faxes that require my attention. Then, there are the weekend e-mails that come in. So if I lose 1 e-mail a week, we should not be surprised. And as the e-mail savvy customers are most likely to be those on the message boards, well then hearing about it here is virtually guaranteed.

Anybody want a job as official e-mail cruncher?

But this is beating a dead horse.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
I have called your company, numerous times now. Both before and after this thread, Both times I received news that the products were not ready for shipping.[/B]

Without being able to equate your Bf.c ID with your real name, I cannot even guess what is the issue with your order. Please send me an e-mail this evening and I will give you an exact answer/reason ASAP.

Rob, thank you for your help.

I have emailed you.

If I do not get a response in two days I will fall back to Plan C.

may i suggest using the "read receipt" feature most e-mail programs have? it will allow rob (or any recipient) to easily fire back a reply that says "i got your e-mail," so that the sender will know whether the e-mail was lost or simply ignored.

i know you're working hard rob, and you offer good products. but it seems lone wolf is making some good points. i'm sure this will be settled by monday.

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
...Let's say a very small percentage of e-mails gets lost... perhaps 1 in 500 is fair to say, I suppose...

Wow. You guys run a loose ship. Some of my clients have included Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Online, Charles Schwab, the Pacific Stock & Bond Exchange, Sun Microsystems, Hewlett-Packard, and if I ever tried to pass 1 in 500 emails lost as a reasonable loss rate they'd hand my ass back to me on the way out the door.

Your tech guys are doing something incredibly seriously wrong if this is what passes for business as usual over there. You ought to be seeing a loss in the hundreds of thousands of email even with a simple setup.

But this is beating a dead horse.

A great message from upper management. Expect mediocrity. Wow.

Rob and I got in touch though email.

He explained what was happening and why the wait was necessary. I appreciate his honesty, and I can live with the wait, I just like to know it is on its way and not lost in shipping some where.

Originally posted by Mickey
A great message from upper management. Expect mediocrity. Wow.

Hey Mickey, come on now - that's not necessary, fair, or accurate... and hardly a good comment when <i>you</i> are soliciting <i>my</i> business! :D

"Beating a dead horse" in that I had given my answer and suggested normal communications alternatives several times, and did not feel repeating it again was required.

Our customer service has always been our #1 priority, and if you don't think these issues are a concern of mine, then you are greatly mistaken.

I am indeed looking into this further, and I think we can let the topic drop for now.

Does anyone know when UUC will get more of their 8.5lbs flywheels? i ordered one and have everything but the flywheel and cant wait to install it.

You should call them up for an exact shipment date. Only they would know the correct and exact date.

You should call them...

I want my Exhaust !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
.....sigh....
My patience is bein worked harder than a three tit whore on a saturday night...:boobies :boobies :boobies

:boink :devillook

Man i need :help


I may just be crazy enough to cancel for a Eisenhaus DTM system.
:az: :dunno

Hate waiting, hate it. :D
This better be worth it......

here are my 2 cents

i had a problem w/a knob
i sent an email......no response

i send another email
and i get a response right away saying they never received an
email from me and i should call

i understand its easier to call but some of us cant be on the phone at work because our bosses keep track of our long distance calls

so anyway rob tells me he will get a new knob to me in a week

it has been probably 2 weeks or more now....no knob

its not the fact of the wait
but its the bs associated

if i knew it would be a month i wouldn't wait

Originally posted by kosta
so anyway rob tells me he will get a new knob to me in a week

it has been probably 2 weeks or more now....no knob

its not the fact of the wait
but its the bs associated

if i knew it would be a month i wouldn't wait

Kosta, your particular situation was not "bs" at all.

We have our Shadow knobs manufactured for us in the E.U., and had shipping confirmation when I told you one week. We ran into an issue where Customs misplaced some paperwork, which delayed the release of the shipment exactly one week... and they arrived at our warehouse yesterday. Note that the item no longer shows "backordered" in our online store.

It is unfortunate and unexpected instances like this that create problems, totally unrelated to the intentions or actions of either the vendor or the customer.

All we can ask is that everyone has a little understanding of "real world" events.

Alan,

Please remember it wasn't UUC's fault for the delays, it was ours. We have compensated you for the wait. We thank you again.

Wesley Camping
U.P. Motorsports Service
(336) 462-6249

My e-mail must have been the one in five hundred!
No response!
May be UUC should just do like Dinan, and NOT have any e-mail communication. This way everyone will know what to expect, and not feel ignored.

Rob - As for customer service, look up the word "Kaizen" then apply it.

I hope things improve.

KAIZEN as originally defined in the book of: "KAIZEN, the Key to Japan's Competitive Success", by Mr. Masaaki Imai, is:

KAIZEN means improvement. Moreover, KAIZEN means continuing improvement in personal life, home life, social life, and working life. When applied to the workplace KAIZEN means continuing improvement involving everyone - managers and workers alike.

Ahhh! Alright Mickey! You wouldn't so happen to work for TMS or TMC huh?

Hey Rob,

Can you hear me now? Good!

Can you hear me now? Good!

I'll shut up now! I know, GOOD!

:blueball

Nope. I'm an independent computer consultant (http://www.geektimes.com/michael/resume/) here in San Francisco. I have no affiliation with anything car-related.

I do, however, have an interest in wabi-sabi...

Guy,

Be reasonable here. You guys have so many ways to get in contact. If you can't get through email, but you are to lazy to call, then write him a PM or BF.C email and ask him for some help. Then there is always the method of calling that works wonders. This is how I do all my business with UUC and so far so good. Noone here can say that they can't spare 5 minutes during the day to call UUC, NOT including the fact that they are open until 6, and most people get off work between 3-5. They fact that you guys won't call just shows how lazy the world is comming to. Come on guys, its not that hard :az:

Worst case scenario, email one of the outside vendors. I am on the phone with UUC several times a day. I WOULDN'T reccomend you do this though. Just another idea.

Wes

OOPS! I think you miss my point.
I realize there are a lot of things that can go wrong or happen that are not planned throughout the day, especially when it comes to customers. Customers don't really care about how bad a day you are having or if your e-mail doesn't work. They just want service, and they want good service and not have to wait, or call back, or wait for an e-mail that may or may not have went through.
My point?
Look for ways of improving customer service, and one way to do that, is to listen to what your customers are saying and find ways to meet their demands. If you do that, your cup will runneth over.
Of course you could also give excuses why service is lacking, and hope that your customers will understand, but this may back fire if they don't, or won't.
In a world where everything is instant, customers expect service to be the same.
I'm not trying to be hard on Rob, I think he is doing his customers a great service by trying to answer as many questions as possible, especially those that are on this forum. But if he can't keep up with the e-mail or it doesn't work for whatever reason, get someone to help with the over-load. He can only do so much by himself.
Calling customers lazy, now there's an idea!
Laziness has nothing to do with it, unless the VENDOR is too lazy to find ways to make their customers happy and coming back for more. Remember if you don't do it, someone (another vendor) else will.
Take care of your customer, before your customer takes care of you!

Mikey: Wuz up B?
Are you talking about that nose burning spice Wasabi?
That's too much for me, but I'll take the fish.
Don't let Isaac get into that stuff, or he'll wake up! (ref. to pic.)

Aloha!

We *love* wasabi. The kids are mostly vegetarians, so not much sushi. Where in Hawai'i are you, thrlls?

I just called and asked when they were getting the 8.5lbs flywheels and they said they should get them in by tomorrow or the next day and i should get it by monday or tuesday. I told him i was really hoping to install it this weekend and he upgraded my shipping for free. Just want to say thx and you have made me a happy customer.

Jason

Hey Rob,


If you're still subscribed to this thread I was wondering if you could throw out an update on the situation of the Twin Silencer Exhaust with the DTM tips. I have a 96 M3 and my order number is 109479. I can also be reached at freddiep007@yahoo.com if for some reason you need to reply personally. Thanks.

speaking of backorder.. took me 1 month and 1 week to receive Tranny Mount Enforcers. At least I got them! :) I'm happy

How long do you think it'll take to receive pulleys once I have ordered them?

Originally posted by BMWg84
How long do you think it'll take to receive pulleys once I have ordered them?

At this point, new orders will be filled in our second production run... shipping about the end of this month.

Awesome

i ordered a RKIII polished shift knob. Both Chris from understeer and Barrett from KS called rob and asked about this item several times. I hear that it is "supposed" to ship by thursday.
weather it does or not
i will not order anymore products from UUC.

I dont feel like my 110$ for a shift knob is worth anything to UUC.
I dont feel like they really care about on time shipment because they just think their products are worth the 1 month plus wait.
Not everyone will settle for this. you should have your products in stock.

As much as I would like to buy their SSK, pedal sets, etc., I am also not buying until my RKIII gets here. Why pay up front jsut to wait?

Originally posted by coleco
i ordered a RKIII polished shift knob. Both Chris from understeer and Barrett from KS called rob and asked about this item several times. I hear that it is "supposed" to ship by thursday.
weather it does or not
i will not order anymore products from UUC.

I dont feel like my 110$ for a shift knob is worth anything to UUC.
I dont feel like they really care about on time shipment because they just think their products are worth the 1 month plus wait.
Not everyone will settle for this. you should have your products in stock.

So it is thursday the day my RKIII was supposed to ship.
the knob hasnt shipped. I hear they will know "for sure" tomorrow. If it doesnt ship by next wednesday i am going to cancel my order. if i do cancel it i will vow to always post how i dislike the lack of respect uuc gives its customers.

Rob --- go to the uuc website and list your products on backorder if they are on backorder.

Damn I feel bad for Rob but at the same time, I've heard too many bad things about cust. service at UUC. So I'm more neutral about it. I'll wait until my product is "IN STOCK" before ordering. And if there's delay then I'll follow the steps as outlined by Rob (1) e-mail, (2) phone, or (3) fax.

Gio

I ordered some carbon fiber pedals back in early December along with just about everything else that UUC offers for my car. Never got the pedals, so I called up last month and spoke to Sunny, at least, I think that was his name. He told me that they would ship the first week in March. To be honest, It has been so long that I have actually forgotten about it. I still have no pedals. I guess I will have to make another phone call tomorrow...

According to this thread (in the BUY-SELL_TRADE FORUM, Bimmer Parts & Accessory, UUC GroupBuy) this guy claims he can get things shipped out same day from UUC because he has a friend there. hmmm.... What are we not doing besides forking over cash?

http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&postid=826703#post826703

Hey EvilM3, if this thread is for real, then that sucks. I'm thinking of then going back to getting the AC Schnitzer accessories. I can go to CEC Wheels in West LA and have the entire pedal set bought and installed (and get my BMW CCA discount all at the same day). yeah I may pay a little more but waiting around for simple items isn't worth it. I can't even imagine people who've paid for big ticket items. No offence to UUC products just the whole stocking of items is getting bad.

Gio

Wonder what Rob Levinson says about it...

:az: :dunno

Update

I ordered a part in very early of January, one week later I called and inquired about the part and I was told that it would take two weeks to get the part in stock and shipped, I gave them three weeks then I formed this thread as a polite warning to others that UUC was on heavy back order. Since forming this thread I have called them many times, and I have even emailed Rob many times. Each time I have received reports that either the part should be done in a few days, or that they would be shipping in a week. Each and every time I have given them the time that they have said it would take to get the part in stock, but each time the date has passed and I have seen no movement on my order status. To this date it has been over two and just shy of three months of waiting. I some how fail to believe that a machine shop could not in roughly 3 months find the time to crank off a few pieces of an order that has gone unfulfilled for all this time. I also fail to believe that it should be my responsibility to continually have to call and question these people about an order that they should be taking care of without any mention from me. And finally after reading this thread realize that this is not an isolated event. There is quite a mob of people on this forum who are missing parts, and would like to see their orders fulfilled! Not to mention the list of people who have unanswered emails, and just blatant out right lied to when it comes to relativistic times that these parts would take. I mean zero disrespect towards UUC, Rob or anyone else, but this problem needs to be taken care of immediately.

Rob, or anyone else, please give me good reasons why I SHOULD NOT be contacting Better Business Bureau and filing a complaint this instant?

Reasons for filing a complaint are as follows:


Misleading Advertising. (saying one week and a month later is misleading, not to mention paying for shipping and expecting a part to be delivered in the time frame of the shipping contract, and not over two months later)
Improper Selling Practices. (the part said IN STOCK when I ordered)
Non-delivery of Goods or Services. (There is an entire thread of people here who have non-delivered goods)
Misrepresentation. (saying one week and a month later is misleading)
Unhonored Guarantees or Warranty. (I expect when you say it will be shipped it will be shipped, and to me your word Is your gurantee)
Unsatisfactory Service. (I am unhappy and will be until my order is filled)
Credit/billing Problems. (if this actually does not ship in the next few months there will be credit problems, because my credit card is going to expire, and I will not be providing them with a new number when they have failed to put the first one to use in almost three months)
Unfulfilled Contracts. (Many people are waiting on parts, and that means contracts are unfulfilled)


As previously mentioned, I mean UUC no disrespect, but I think it is time for them to make good on their word. Rob can go run and hide and say he has unsubscribed from this thread all he wants, but this problem remains unresolved.

It took about 5 months to receive my V2 spring upgrade for my E46.

During those 5 months , I spoke with Rob, Mike and others at UUC many times over the phone and they kept me in the loop on when my order would ship. They never promised me the springs in 2 weeks, but that was their estimate.

Of course, should a business not sell products it doesn't have in stock? Sure, but consider that UUC is in the bleeding edge of product development. Other companies like RD and ACS probably spend months just filling out their distribution channels before products even get announced!

Was it worth the wait? Ask me after I install them but I'm sure I won't be dissapointed. UUC products ROCK!

My advice is, if you cannot wait, do not place your order with any company if they don't have the product in stock.

Later,
Frank

The problem is UUC doesn't say they don't have it in stock until AFTER the order has been placed and the money is paid. I don't see how anybody would start or participate in a GB for UUC products as it seem inevitably some items will be out of stock.

Damn this an awsome opportunity for a competitor to swoop in and steal some/all business from UUC!

well, provided that the competition would have the same quality like UUC. UUC quality is unquestioned; there is just not enough of the items to go around.

Originally posted by Gregg
Damn this an awsome opportunity for a competitor to swoop in and steal some/all business from UUC!

No Sheit my friend I have been hosed over by other companies in the past when I was building up my Nissan Maxima, but I always did what everyone else is saying and bought parts from only places that had them in stock, otherwise it is worthless to waste your time waiting on production if the products are needed now!

Good luck to everyone dealing with UUC, and this has opened my eyes and I may never deal with UUC either due to all these accusations and detailed accounts of bad business with UUC.

Sorry Rob, but business is war, as you have seen that is why I personally never sell something I don't have in stock!

Originally posted by EvilM3
well, provided that the competition would have the same qualifty stuff like UUC. UUC quality is unquestioned, there is just not enough of the items to go around.

So well even if UUC products are "unquestioned" quality wise I know of many people that could make these products honestly, as it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a Short Throw Shifter kit, course I could also be saying this because I threaded my own and made my own for previous cars!

Again no disprespect meant towards Rob or UUC as I have no previous experieince dealing with them at all so I am just going on what I have seen from others and stating a fact due to my own knowledge of making products!

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Rob, or anyone else, please give me good reasons why I SHOULD NOT be contacting Better Business Bureau and filing a complaint this instant?

Mostly because:

1) You have been in constant contact with me and I have explained several times that we are behind in some fabrication. During each conversation, I have used words like should be ready soon, and doing our best to accomodate your needs for quick delivery during a minor design change that will delay your order.

Also, at no time were you ever charged for your order. UUC NEVER CHARGES BEFORE AN ORDER IS SHIPPED.

2) This is a shipping delay over something we have been in contact about. The BBB has better things to do, such as deal with issues of customer rip-offs and outright thefts. Going to the BBB over this is like calling in a tactical air strike because there are dandelions growing in your lawn.

Originally posted by Lone Wolf

Reasons for filing a complaint are as follows:

Misleading Advertising. (saying one week and a month later is misleading, not to mention paying for shipping and expecting a part to be delivered in the time frame of the shipping contract, and not over two months later)

That's not advertising, that was a qualified "should" that we discussed. And, to repeat, you were never charged. I don't have any of your money.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Improper Selling Practices. (the part said IN STOCK when I ordered)

Actually, when your order was placed, our system did not give inventory status.

It was only recently that we have added the feature of saying "backordered" or "preordered", which even results in a pop-up window asking the customer if they understand there will be a delay.

When you placed your order, our system simply accepted your order, no inventory status was given.

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Non-delivery of Goods or Services. (There is an entire thread of people here who have non-delivered goods)

What we see here is a few people out of the literally tens of thousands of orders we fill every year who have had delays.

These are the exception rather than the rule. We also see here many people who have been quite happy with our service and have received everything they have ordered quite promptly.

"Non-delivery" applies to people who have paid for a product or services and not received anything. The critical point which answers most of your complaint is that you were never charged even a penny.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Misrepresentation. (saying one week and a month later is misleading)

No, we have a misunderstanding and misinterpretation. In phone conversations with customers, I have started asking customers to repeat what I have just said because it seems people often hear what they want, instead of what is said.

Example: when I say "we should be finishing production of product X in two weeks, and then it will ship to you and arrive about 5 days after that."

And the customer replies: "So I will have it by the end of this week?"

That's frustrating. So I will repeat, "No, please understand that production is not completed, and if all goes well with our current production schedule and we have no delays with materials, tools, finishing, or packaging, and the projects in front of this project do not have their own delays, then and only then will the product ship, and then you still have the shipping time of 5-7 days to deal with."

Which results in a "So you guarantee 5 days until I get it, right?"

AAAAIIIIEEEEE!!!!!!

I invite anyone to spend a week at my desk. Strike that - one day. As most of our customers are wonderful people, there is a small contingent (not you, I assure you) who may not have the standard communications skill set that most of us take for granted.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Unhonored Guarantees or Warranty. (I expect when you say it will be shipped it will be shipped, and to me your word Is your gurantee)

Again, I have never given a shipping date guarantee on backordered items. I learned my lesson a long time ago that something always comes up.

The re-design on your product is an example that I explained when we spoke. An expected completion date is never a guarantee.

Besides, any lawyer will be glad to explain the concept of "guarantee" and "estimated shipping date" are about as different as two concepts can be.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Unsatisfactory Service. (I am unhappy and will be until my order is filled)

I am very sorry you are unhappy, and we are trying as hard as we can to please you and fill your order.

It won't help at this point, but I had a long conversation with one of my machinists just the other day about your product and how much of a problem the delay was causing.

Trust me, you have not been forgotten.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Credit/billing Problems. (if this actually does not ship in the next few months there will be credit problems, because my credit card is going to expire, and I will not be providing them with a new number when they have failed to put the first one to use in almost three months)

Ummm... so at that time would you expect that I should 1) guess at your new expiration date, or 2) give you free product?

Not that it's a problem though, as your part SHOULD be done shortly. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEE THAT IT IS SHIPPING IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, although it MIGHT be.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Unfulfilled Contracts. (Many people are waiting on parts, and that means contracts are unfulfilled)

See above about contracts and guarantees. We make every effort to deliver product in a timely fashion, and most orders ship within 24 hours and in some cases a week.

Some extreme examples when a product has been undergoing a re-design may have extended delays, but we do our best to communicate this to the customer.

And, as always, one of the statements I will have chiseled on my gravestone: We never bill a customer until their order is ready to ship.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
As previously mentioned, I mean UUC no disrespect, but I think it is time for them to make good on their word. Rob can go run and hide and say he has unsubscribed from this thread all he wants, but this problem remains unresolved.

I make good on my word about 1,000 times a week.

Let me word that differently: I make good on my word 100% of the time.

If I have ever given my word that something will ship on X date, it ships. My word (and this applies to everyone) is all I really have. The rest is just details.

But when I give approximations or possibilities, I rely on the understanding of non-specific statements that our common language can convey.

And by the way, if you knew I unsubscribed to this thread, why would you expect I would see it and answer the questions? I would have appreciated at least a private e-mail asking me to look at the points you raised. That would only be fair, wouldn't it?



Originally posted by ffabbroc
It took about 5 months to receive my V2 spring upgrade for my E46.

During those 5 months , I spoke with Rob, Mike and others at UUC many times over the phone and they kept me in the loop on when my order would ship. They never promised me the springs in 2 weeks, but that was their estimate.

And we certainly appreciate your patience and understanding.

The v.2 spring upgrade (a free product upgrade to existing product, for those that are not aware) became a bit of a nightmare as our fabricator in Europe had delays they did not tell us about - which trickles down the line to our custoemrs, unfortunately - delays which included fabrication, mistaken shipping method, and customs clearance delays. Not a shining moment in our order fulfillment history to be sure, but the exception rather than the rule.


Originally posted by ffabbroc
Was it worth the wait? Ask me after I install them but I'm sure I won't be dissapointed. UUC products ROCK!

Thanks again for your support. I think the upgrade will be quite satisfactory!


Originally posted by EvilM3
The problem is UUC doesn't say they don't have it in stock until AFTER the order has been placed and the money is paid.

See above - UUC never pre-charges for an order. If you order a part through an independent UUC dealer who charges you for something before they can deliver, then that is unfortunately out of our control. All UUC dealers have complete access to information about product availability, and it is their decision whether to charge or to wait to charge. If you have that sort of issue, it is nothing that has to do with UUC directly, and there is no part we play in the commercial exchange. Our dealers do not pre-pay us!


Originally posted by EvilM3
UUC quality is unquestioned, there is just not enough of the items to go around.

Thank you for your kind words.

Be assured that we are taking massive steps to increase our manufacturing capability to reduce backorder situations in the future.

Actually, correct that to say "we are continually taking massive steps...". Our output continues to grow beyond estimations, continually overwhelming our capability increases. Nevertheless, the investment in infrastructure continues, and we hope to provide better and better order fulfillment service as we grow.


Originally posted by EdgePerformance
Again no disprespect meant towards Rob or UUC as I have no previous experieince dealing with them at all so I am just going on what I have seen from others and stating a fact due to my own knowledge of making products!

What you are seeing is a very small minority of customers for whom we have not provided our usual excellent customer service.

Most UUC customers receive their orders right away with no communication issues whatsoever. I believe that this particular thread is a "showcase" for those problems, yet is also the sort of thing where they are magnfied and blown up out of all reasonable proportion.

What I can guarantee you or any prospective UUC customer is that UUC in general and I in specific will do our best to provide the best product and customer service experience we can. We run as fast as we can all the time, and ask that you understand the rare stumble.

Rob, knowing the way that the forum works and that it would be so to speak political suicide to unsubscribe to a thread like this that you were either still hanging around or that if not someone would inform you. Based on your response here I was right on one of the two.

I actually agree with you on many of the points you made. However, you actually do have some of my money. You have a gift certificate; so to speak money has exchanged hands. I know it is not the same thing, but it is money, and it is in your hands.

I could have sworn that it did say “In Stock” when I purchased it, perhaps I was wrong.

When we talked last Rob, you actually provided me insight on how the small business machine industry worked. Which I found funny, since my good friend owns a CNC shop focusing in short runs of 500 to 1000 parts in a single run. Knowing how fast they can produce pieces it confuses me how your entire inventory is not in stock.

I actually re-read though this thread and saw that you did say that some parts were going though a redesign. I did know if you were specifically talking about my part or not. In the individual email to me you did not mention a redesign so I did not think it applied to my specific part.

Which of the following parts are going though a redesign? Your current list of back ordered parts is listed below.

Very Serious Brakes
Ultimate Short Shifter
Aluminum/CF/Deluxe Pedal Sets
RK Magnum Shift Knob (Alum, and SS)
Rob Knob 3 (SS)
E-brake Handle
Oil Center
Alcantara E-brake handle
TME’s Complete Set
UUC Ultimate Baseball Cap
System U Twin Exhaust
System U Exhaust 92
DDE
DDE Gen IV
Replica Motorsport Wing
Tuned Spring Set (E36,M3)
Sway Barbarian E46
E46 Slotcar Package
Even the PFD is on backorder…(I’ll forgive you on this one, quality takes time)

I will admit I was a little angry in my last post. I was not at first, but after typing out my entire experience and having it all fresh in my memory I was a little pissed off. I still am interested in resolving this issue quickly and efficiently.

Do you have anything else to do but look on there site?

Some of the items on there haven't even been advertised yet like the tuned springs for the E36. No one has heard of it as of yet.

I take it you own an E36 and E46.

Instead of posting up thread like this, why don't you call up UUC and talk to them in person.

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Rob, knowing the way that the forum works and that it would be so to speak political suicide to unsubscribe to a thread like this that you were either still hanging around or that if not someone would inform you. Based on your response here I was right on one of the two.

Speaking man-to-man: that's nonsense. If the roles were reversed, you would expect the same courtesy. That sort of thing is particularly the reason why so many companies choose to have nothing to do with message boards. Making time to answer enthusiast or customer concerns here is something that we offer as a special service, honestly not something that anyone should take for granted. You'll notice that many of my posts are in the evening or weekend hours - my private and personal time. I am glad to do it, but please never assume I am on a message board at any time or will see any post, especially a thread to which I have posted my unsubscription.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
I actually agree with you on many of the points you made. However, you actually do have some of my money. You have a gift certificate; so to speak money has exchanged hands. I know it is not the same thing, but it is money, and it is in your hands.

That's a rare exception, and at any time you could have us switch that gift certificate to another order or even request a full refund.

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
When we talked last Rob, you actually provided me insight on how the small business machine industry worked. Which I found funny, since my good friend owns a CNC shop focusing in short runs of 500 to 1000 parts in a single run. Knowing how fast they can produce pieces it confuses me how your entire inventory is not in stock.

I do recall our conversation, and there is one critical part that we talked about that may give you your final insight into this: certain parts, which use specific machinery or tooling, end up being in "extended production" mode when demand increases. Breaking in to the manufacturing cycle simply serves to make two parts backordered, as opposed to waiting until the first process can catch up.

Nevertheless, this is not the case with your part.


Originally posted by Lone Wolf Which of the following parts are going though a redesign? Your current list of back ordered parts is listed below.

Without being in the office to physically check inventory, accept these repsonses as accurate to the best of my off-hand knowledge:

- Very Serious Brakes

On backorder as UBBKs are coming out - this was done deliberately to let the last couple of weeks' worth of customers know about the new system, and let them choose which one they want. I personally spoke with all the backordered VSB customers, all of which were very happy to be made aware of the option.

UBBKs for most 3-series start shipping middle of this coming week.

- Ultimate Short Shifter

Most fitments in stock.

- Aluminum/CF/Deluxe Pedal Sets

Aluminum in stock, regular and deluxe.

CF undergoing re-design.

- RK Magnum Shift Knob (Alum, and SS)

Without being in the office to check right now, I believe most are in stock with the possible exception of polished aluminum.

- Rob Knob 3 (SS)

In stock except 6-speed versions.

- E-brake Handle

In stock.

- Oil Center

Backordered, SHOULD be available within a week or so.

- Alcantara E-brake handle

Backordered.

- TME’s Complete Set

Backordered until approximately Tuesday, 4/1/03.

- UUC Ultimate Baseball Cap

Backordered until approximately mid/late May - slight update and a new color option coming!

- System U Twin Exhaust

Backordered as of 2 days ago, about two weeks for current production run to be completed.

- System U Exhaust

Backordered as of 1 week ago, more in stock approximately 4/2/03

- DDE
- DDE Gen IV

Actually replaced by Gen V, all backorders being upgraded with no change in cost. We have these on order from the manufacturer and I believe they should be in early this week.

- Replica Motorsport Wing

Backordered, manufacturing delay.

- Tuned Spring Set (E36,M3)

In stock.

- Sway Barbarian E46

In stock.

- E46 Slotcar Package

In stock.

_ Even the PFD is on backorder…(I’ll forgive you on this one, quality takes time)

:D PFD v.2 is in devlopment! We may even seek TUV approval. This critical update will be the biggest revolution in BMW enthusiast history!

See http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/PFD


Originally posted by Lone Wolf
I will admit I was a little angry in my last post. I was not at first, but after typing out my entire experience and having it all fresh in my memory I was a little pissed off. I still am interested in resolving this issue quickly and efficiently.

Understood, and no hard feelings. Rest assured that I am doing everything I can to fill your order ASAP, and you will get whatever assistance or even special consideration I can give in future orders.

Alright!!! The Deluxe Pedal set is in!! I just went to the site and things are <b>IN STOCK</b>! I do sometimes take it for granted that Rob responds directly to the message boards.

It's good to see that UUC Baseball cap will come in cool colors so I'll wait. But the pedals is what I REALLY want! :) Also the Engraved UUC E-brake handle is still on backorder. Any timetable on that piece?

I can wait for the Tranny Mount Enforcer (Complete Set). Also I see the UUC Motorwerks trunk badge has been discontinued. How come?

Thanks again,
Gio

Hey Jaramil.. Does your car have BMW CCA decals on the back near the license plate. or an Amsoil racing decal on the side? Do you wear red Oakleys? I Would have SWORN I saw you on the 405north Yesterday afternoon. I hit my gas and we both took off., I was wondering who that person was.. !!

Originally posted by BMWg84
Hey Jaramil.. Does your car have BMW CCA decals on the back near the license plate. or an Amsoil racing decal on the side? Do you wear red Oakleys? I Would have SWORN I saw you on the 405north Yesterday afternoon. I hit my gas and we both took off., I was wondering who that person was.. !!


Holy Shhh**! My identity has been revealed!! Hey man what's up? You got it! That was me. It was a nice day out and I decided to go on a mini canyon run by myself on Mulholland Drive so I left my house in Brentwood and jumped on the I-405 North (Sunset Blvd on ramp).

I remember your car because you had an RMS License Plate Frame and from the sound of your exhaust I knew that either your car was a "wolf" in sheep's clothing 328is or a debadged M3. Too bad there was too much traffic or else I would've ran with you for a bit on the 405. Are you going to Bimmerfest in 2 weeks?

Gio

Dude, i just got stainless steel headers installed and I jumped on the freeway too. What a perfect chance to drive from Long Beach to Valencia! :) I was going to say "hi!" but you seemed like you didn't want to be bothered!! LOL dude, your car rocks. No, i don't have an RMS supercharger. I got the plate at Neowerkes challenge from an RMS rep. I'll see you in Santa Barbara for Bimmerfest man!

BTW, why were you slowing down and speeding up.. multiple times.. i didn't quite know what you were doing :)

Hey BMWg84, I knew you were a "wolf" in sheep's clothing! :) Yeah the stainless steel headers definitely gave you away. They sounded nice.

I didn't look over because it was bumper-to-bumper and knowing me, I'd hit the gas as soon as I'd hear your headers and next thing I know...crash! I rear-end someone. I was speeding up and slowing down just to bait you into a little friendly chase among BMWs but it was too crowded on that I-405. I'll introduce myself at Bimmerfest if we find each other.

Gio

just wear those red oakleys and i won't have a problem finding ya! :D

I have a 1994 bmw 318is. I have been searching for some pulleys for a while now and nobody seems to make them for my m42 engine. I was wondering if your company had plans to do so in the future cause i would surely be interested to get a set and im sure a few others on the board would too. And if I were to get a set of pulleys they would be from you guys first.

Well I figured since I ordered the first tuesday of march that it'd be here by now, but hey, its been a month and a week or two now and what do you know still no UUC pullies. Does anyone know whats going on? Are they just trying to screw us over or something? I mean come on, its been a LONG time and I even ordered THE DAY they came out. I wont even have my car by the time i get the pullies in. *sigh* well Rob if you read this can you please give us some kind of update? This is getting ridiculous.

RoB~

im not in on all this yet, but im kind of confused here....has uuc given any dyno results on their pulleys? how many people have used the pulleys and been happy, there was a thread a few weeks back when i got my evosport pulleys that i was getting ripped off....seems this just proves my point, i would rather pay $400 for a product that is proven to give solid gains, it has been repeated time and time again and made very many people happy and have them in my car the next day, then 200 and be waiting months, for a product that is unknown by most. just my .02 www.evosport.com if this problem isnt resolved soon

Originally posted by Staticx311
Well I figured since I ordered the first tuesday of march that it'd be here by now, but hey, its been a month and a week or two now and what do you know still no UUC pullies. Does anyone know whats going on? Are they just trying to screw us over or something? I mean come on, its been a LONG time and I even ordered THE DAY they came out. I wont even have my car by the time i get the pullies in. *sigh* well Rob if you read this can you please give us some kind of update? This is getting ridiculous.

RoB~

As I recall, you placed your order with one of our dealers, not with UUC directly (please correct me if I am wrong!). Their order was not necessarily placed with us until after the first production run was sold out. That's certainly not anything I have any control over, and we fill orders for a product in a "first-ordered, first-shipped" manner. No preferential treatment for dealers.

Notice that a lot of people have gotten their pulley orders already, the first orders that were placed direcly with us.

Our next production run will be done in a few days.

Please contact me directly to make sure we have your order - and (for about the billionth time!) if you have a question for me directly, write to me directly! A message board is not a direct communication medium to reach me, and should not be viewed as such. My goal is to assist customers as soon as possible, and quite often I will not look at bf.c for several days. This helps neither you nor me in our mutual goal of helping you, right? :D

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
Although we hate to make customers wait, there is consolation in "it's worth waiting for!" :D

... NOT if you dont have your car. I was hoping to put these on and take it to the local car show, but nope didnt get to do that either. So no Im selling my car and by the time I even get these in I wont even have an M to put it on... no consolation for me other then the fact that I have $150 in pullies just laying around somewhere.

RoB~

and yes I will write directly to you from now on

Part received. NOW, I am happy.

Might I suggest that you increase the diameter of the opening for the screw, two of my three Craftsmans sockets were not capable of maikng it into the hole, and the third was a very tight fit.

And is the surface pattern supposed to reverse approx. 1/2 an inch below the groves?

Originally posted by Lone Wolf
Part received. NOW, I am happy.

Might I suggest that you increase the diameter of the opening for the screw, two of my three Craftsmans sockets were not capable of maikng it into the hole, and the third was a very tight fit.

And is the surface pattern supposed to reverse approx. 1/2 an inch below the groves?

which part?

RoB~

O ya and my pullies are for sale if anyone wants them (whenever I get them). I wont have my car by the time they come in so... if anyone wants them, ask and you shall receive :) whenever i do lol ;)

I've given up on Cooper S parts. I was holding off because I think UUC makes quality stuff - they just don't come out fast enough.

I went with someone else.

FYI -

KO Performance (www.koperformance.com) has been stocking UUC's parts!

We currently have the following IN STOCK for those who don't want to wait:

E36 System Us in Round tip and DTM
E46 TSE RND for 330/325
USCE kits with both upgrades
USSE3 kits with both upgrades
Big Boy Clutch Stops
TME kits, and TMEs
E46 DLX pedal sets
RK2 Brushed shift knobs

This is something I see echoed on every BMW forum I come across on the internet. UUC, you have great advertising, great products, but shit, seriously messed up business practices. I guess this is due the fact the your business didnt forecast demand, as you stated earlier. If someone copies your products or makes very similiar products at a competitive price, you will have serious problems.

Well, Ultima Performance has a 15" Brembo kit for the M3, mucho dinaros ($5500 for F/R I( think). I will be ready to buy a BBK and will grow tired of waiting for the UBBK. That goes for the new M3 exhaust as well....Great products and quality stuff but the wait is like buying an M3 back in 2001.

Good thing I canceled my order for the TSE DTM exhaust. I probably still wouldn't have it yet. I went with the Eisenmann exhaust and it's so badass. I love it. I urge anyone considering a TSE/System U exhaust to go to www.eisenhaus.com and take a listen to their stuff. They are pricey but they are worth it. The only issues I have with the exhaust is that it makes me late when people stop me and ask me about it and my car. Guess there's worse problems than that. Anyway, I really like UUC's products but the service is terrible. To me the Clinton Presidency comes to mind when I picture UUC. A lot of decieving talk meant to cover up/prolong/save their asses on why they can't seem to get stuff to their customers in a timely manner. Seriously, its unacceptable that so many people are unhappy and that UUC has not remedied this problem yet. I'm hard-pressed to believe that a solution to UUC's supply problems has not been found or could not be found in a more timely manner. I have acquired UUC's products through other vendors with much success but when I went straight to the company for my exhaust needs I was in a world of hurt. Isn't it supposed to be the other way around ?
Therefore, I will not patronize UUC anymore until they get their shit straight. Sorry for the bitch fest about UUC but I needed to vent.

I completely disagree with you guys. I purchased something from UUC that the fit was a little off. I called them up and explained the problem. They asked my name, asked me if I still lived at the same address, and told me they would ship me a new one no questions asked. I recieved the part the next day. UUC provides us with the best parts at the best prices. Patience is a virtue, sorry you guys simply can't wait a few extra weeks for great products. I will continue to be a customer of UUC for as long as I own BMW's.
Jesse

Originally posted by EvilM3
Well, Ultima Performance has a 15" Brembo kit for the M3, mucho dinaros ($5500 for F/R I( think). I will be ready to buy a BBK and will grow tired of waiting for the UBBK. That goes for the new M3 exhaust as well....Great products and quality stuff but the wait is like buying an M3 back in 2001.

The E46 M3 UBBK is in production right now, availability by the middle of May '03.

Likewise for the E46 M3 exhaust - but we've avoided taking pre-orders specifically to eliminate any "where's my order already?" problems.

And I've got something that I was keeping quiet - E46 M3 swaybars are finished and in our warehouse, the delay at this point is simply some special new end-links that will be provided with the setup.

At least one goal that we can consistently achieve: worth waiting for. :D

When is the first order of the pullies coming in Mr. Levinson?

Originally posted by BMWg84
When is the first order of the pullies coming in Mr. Levinson?

First?

You mean third!

Yet another production run will be completed and shipped early this week as soon as the anodizing is done.

If you've got an outstanding order that you think should have shipped awhile ago, please contact me directly - rob@shortshifter.com

Hurry up and get those RK3s done! I've got customers waiting on one of each finish/material :)

Hey Mr. Levinston, I sent you an email regarding the pulleys that were purchased on 1st Tuesday in March. Let me know what's up -

Originally posted by Rob Levinson
The E46 M3 UBBK is in production right now, availability by the middle of May '03.

Likewise for the E46 M3 exhaust - but we've avoided taking pre-orders specifically to eliminate any "where's my order already?" problems.

And I've got something that I was keeping quiet - E46 M3 swaybars are finished and in our warehouse, the delay at this point is simply some special new end-links that will be provided with the setup.

At least one goal that we can consistently achieve: worth waiting for. :D

Rob,
I hope you don't miscontrue me as bad-mouthing you or your products, which I am not. Just venting off some frustrations of waiting and I guess it proves how in demand your products are. What you revealed was great news. Looking forward to the retail release on all of them.

I am also waiting on the availability of the RK3 SS 6speed.

This is why I never buy anything from UUC without confirming that it's in stock first. Because of that all I've ever had with UUC are good experiences...

The only bad experience I've had is that I was told my part would be machined in 2 weeks....but I was told that every 2-4 weeks for over a year. Good thing I'm patient....the part is finally here and looks great. Everything else I've gotten from Rob has been of just under-average wait times but very good quality and he seems cool on the phone. I learned my lesson about trying to email him long ago....just don't do it....you will never hear back....and speaking of....I'm a programmer...let me know if you want a 'real' web site and data architecture. :) I'll give you a good price