I own a relatively unmodified Lightning and have not worked with any tuners out there as of yet. I just wanted to make an observation both as an L owner and as a business owner. Why is it that only a few tuners/vendors have repeatedly been brought up in regards to problems, while others seem to steer clear of issues like failing to ship products or intalling the wrong parts? I don't know about anyone else here, but I will never buy anything from certain vendors because they continuously come up in reference to problems. Some people will stand on their pulpit and speak in favor of certain aforementioned companies which is fine and dandy. But the question here is why do some people feel so put out by these same few tuners OVER and OVER again. What is the problem-surely it cant be just a simple misunderstanding, but rather shady business principles that have created this maelstrom. Those types of posts are why I tune in to this site as an informative collection of thoughts, ideas, advice, etc. I wont base my opinion and future purchases on one dissatisfied customer or complaint-I WILL however start to adjust my stance when similar issues come up on almost a weekly basis.

As a business owner, I take pride in doing everything possible to remedy problems if they occur. I take MORE pride in applying solid business principles UP FRONT to avoid problems in the first place. To listen to some of the INCREDIBLE circumstances surrounding some unhappy Lightning owners and their experiences, I find it impossible to buy from companies and vendors who don't abide to the same standards as I do.

 

I believe it is a good idea to use these forums to help base a decision on what vendors to use. However, the final decision should not come down solely on what you read on these forums.

As you can see from the thread that likely brought on this post, there are two sides to every issue. If you have concerns about a vendor, talk to them before you make an expensive purchase. Find out what their return policies are. Apply the principles you utilize to operate your business (which I agree with 100%) to the process of purchasing from a vendor and decide for yourself whether they will or will not be able to fulfill them.

Common sense dictates that if you are going to spend thousands of dollars, get something in writing regarding your rights and guarantees, as well as exactly what work is going to be performed. Also know your legal rights before making such a decision. Any purchase from any company can go awry if there is a misunderstanding...which often appears to be the case with what we see on these forums.

The reality is that there have been complaints about nearly every vendor on these and other forums since we launched several years ago. As you have found there is one that is guaranteed to incite others to chime in and pile-on, adding to the negativity. But, with that same vendor, there are those that are more so or equally as happy.

Just my $.02. I don't have a Lightning, nor do I have or have I purchased any product from an SV. Just advice from a conscientious consumer.

 

Well said, and I agree. I find this site to be very helpful, and your advice is something that has come to mind due to the problems people have encountered. My purpose was not to bash, as there were 0 names mentioned. Unfortunately, the best way to learn is to pay attention to the problems of others....

 

swiseuf,

Couldn't agree more.

One observation I have made over the past five months, L owners are very passionate about their investment and pride is strong in the SVT product (whether L brothers admitt it or not). Which is great to see! I believe this is "one" of the reasons we see heated or expressive posts. The repeats (as in poor experiences at certain vendors) are significant in influencing decisions and they should be. How many times does someone need to be bitten before they move on.

One of our challenges is the fact that our sources for mods are limited. He!! the closest "specialized" vendor is a two hour drive for me as one example and that is relatively close compared to other L brother'in.

Can I say I am completely satisfied with the service I have received from Lightning vendors ?, no I can't. That definitely influences my future buying decisions and my course of action is simple I discontinue business with that vendor.

The message is clear and as we all know customer churn is a concern for every business owner. Some take it seriously some don't, but typically our best customers are our existing ones. I personally have spent over $9,000 in mods for my L - in my books that isn't chump change and I will spend more in my quest for faster times down the 1/4.

My investment pales in comparson to many and I certainly respect the opinions and level of knowledge with many of our fellow L enthusiasts! I feel it is important that we allow L owners to express their experiences (as long as they follow the agreed rules of posting).

Business ethics/ practices - what ever you want to call them are what define longevity in this competitive arena and I personally seek out the identical practices I stand for in my business. Easier said than done!

D-Day

 

After reading alot of the threads that have to do with bad business deals with some vendors, I am almost afraid to purchace anything over the phone or internet. I hate that it came to that, but I don't have gobs of cash floating in my toilet to just give away. I have to be a little conservative because I have a nice house to pay for and my wifes car.

 

This is why I think 'anti vendor' threads are good. It allows people some opportunity to see what might be bad or good.

I used 'anti vendor' threads when I first got here to guide me in my selection, and I have never regretted following that method.

 

Anti-vendor threads are good to a point. As they are a means to an end with that vendor. Buyer beware. Its all about doing your research and making the best possible decision, based on a proven, vendors track record. Simple as it may, we all make errors in judgement based upon what kind of a personality front a so called vendor emulates and it costs us time and money. The aggravation from the matter also becomes a significant factor and equates to more wasted time and more money. Bottom line, we all want our trucks to run great, not get ripped off and not have to pay someone else for a job that should of been done right the first time....Is this too much to ask for?????????

 

Pete, proof is in the pudding, so to speak.

The day I watched your beast have a complete turn around was enough evidence for me. Not only that, but my so called bum KB kicked as$, too.

When you pay for a service or part you expect to have that service completed "right the first time" - that is certainly realistic!

What is also realistic is people (that would include vendors) make mistakes...............that's just being human. What separates the men from the boys is accountability................. and as far as any customer is concerned with accountability in the equation we are all more likely to move forward with resolve.

Like I mentioned in another post every supporting vendor has their stengths and weaknesses - that research thing definitely helps us make the right decisions.

Thank goodness for options................. !!!

D-Day

 

The thing that disgusts me is the poor business practices employed by some companies. In the past, I have called many times to get something straight, but as a last resort I have used these forums to shine some light on the issue. In some people's eyes that seems inappropriate, but to me, it was my last ditch effort to get something resolved.... it even worked. I believe that is why so many people post their issues/concerns on here.

 

It's all about being hungry, weather your just starting out,
or your the biggest Vendor out there.
In my Industry, (Wholesale Pluming Supply) it's all about
Product, Price, and Service. You can have one of the three
and be successful, you can have two, or you can have all three.
However when SERVICE is your number one Priority guess what,
you can actually charge "and make" more money.
And have more loyal customers, why ? BECAUSE PEOPLE WANT SERVICE, it's what seperates the good Co's, from the Bad.
I know for myself, I will gladly pay a few bucks more for anything I buy, to recieve the service I DESERVE.

Sure when it comes to needing something for my house,
I'll ocassionally shop at HD, not because they're cheaper (and they usually are) but because the SOB's put all the Ma + Pa Nurserys, Lumber Yards, Electrical Supply's, etc out of business.
And BTW, every since that, their Service Sucks. But at any giving oppurtunity I still shop at the local Hardware Store if they have what I need, why ? Because there's a little hot one working the register well besides that, they welcome my service, they ask what I need, they bend over backwards trying to help me, and in most cases I can get a great deal, be serviced, and happy as hell
shopping there. And if something's wrong I don't have to stand on line an hour to return it.

There's a few great L Vendors out there, and there's a few not so great L vendor's out there, are you taken care of based on how much money you spend, YES YOU ARE, do the hi profile hi money spending customers get better service, YES THEY DO, do they blow off the little orders and projects when it's racing season, YES THEY DO, is that a correct way to run a bussiness,
NO IT'S NOT...

Like Steve and everyone is saying, you can't fully make your decision on a post or two, but when you read enough of them and learn to seperate the personal attacks and customer mistakes they blame the Vendor for, you can clearly see which vendors have service, and which don't.

 

Very well said Rob.