Customer tries to claim 5 TIMES original job price under Warranty, but is it even the…
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In todays video we show how to assemble these N52 BMW cylinder heads with our special tool again, plus, we have another warranty claim, this time for 5 x the amount of original invoice, crazy
Sounds like a different box, and he is trying it on.
If he is so pally with "the independant gearbox specialist", why did he not send the original box to him in the first pace?
If I was in your business, I would stamp each job with a job number, in an inconspicuous place. Gets rid of the muppet claims.
Thats what I've done in the past stamped a star on the casing out the way place, if its not on there i didn't do it.
My thoughts exactly.
He should have contacted you to have any warranty work done.
Can't see his claim holding water myself.
Only answer is "see you in court".
That sounds very much like another box.
@@KevinLee-ww3ny they all say see you in court then vanish
Obviously the "specialist" is his best mate, doing him a favour for a quick bung.
And this is a reason i Photograph EVERYTHING that comes into my shop . I document everything with pictures and Notes, ill verbally record my observations, ill do pictures and video . I do it when i Get the gear dropped off and when its finished and ready to pick up i take pictures . I have a rule and ive mentioned it before . Documentation Beats Conversation . Good luck mate .
Just like previous messages, recording of details is so important...you should always prepare for court..ie ..log everything for that day/time when somebody thinks they are clever(not implying it on this..thats my get out..)keep up the good work..👍👍
Always confirm phone calls with emails. That way there is no confusion.
Also before doing jobs you don't specialise in state on estimate "Done on best endeavours basis" and that you have recommended that customer uses a X specialist.
Finally I know mechanics who check the tyre brand on cars - If you see something decent Q7 XC90 S class with el cheapo tyres, you know they are going to quibble over every little thing, but if you see OEM/Pirelli/Michelin etc with loads of meat you know they want the car taken care of
Numerous comments here already Lee suggesting you document assemblies that come through your workshop and add some marking to them, but I think you should also have a proper look at your terms and conditions of sale and if you don’t already have some get these written down and included in any quotes and invoices going forward. Things like a time/mileage limit on any warranty claim and that any cover is limited to the invoice total and does not include consequential losses etc. Get some legal advice to sign off some standard Ts&Cs.
having worked in the engineering industry for decades this is fairly common scam.
In my mind they're basically saying they don't value another person's hard work, just want something for nothing or worse
I knew a home builder that would not sell to lawyers because of their litigious nature. I am afraid you may have to document your teardowns and work with pictures in the future to defend yourself.
Yeah .If you take work on for a legal eagle expect shit no matter what you do.Remember they dont get their hands dirty but want your blood to cheapen the bill.Site agents hate legal wig men.
Sadly, we have to do this in our shop now when it comes to engines. We even invite customers in to look and make decisions face to face. Sad really you have to proof your self. I always say surely it’s up to them to prove you do it wrong and not us to say we did it right
Not really, but you need a good papertrail to follow up on every phone call. Just documenting what is being done, under what terms is a good way to prevent a lot of these problems developing.
It's a good idea that makes things easy overall. Just put a motor together for a friend and we hit a snag on a fitting missing from the block, while running around town to try and find a new one. I stopped by the machine shop that did the block work to see if it might be there. they pulled up pictures of it coming in for the work and It was already missing when it went in.
While disappointing that it seems we lost it, It made a potentially annoying situation an easy resolution.
I know an architect like this. He already has the UA-cam setup. So recording everything shouldn't be a problem.
Presumably the warranty conditions state any issues, it comes back to you for rectification. His only option is to return the box to you, at his cost for you to do any warranty work. He doesn't have a leg to stand on if he has had work done elsewhere and incurred costs. His first step should have been getting in touch with you if he had a problem. Any other costs will be irrecoverable, let your solicitor deal with it and tell him to do one.
Good point there
Gearbox man is possibly trying to scare you into parting with money. I work in a totally different industry; we have to photograph every single outbound load for evidence of the condition of goods and security of that load. It's now the norm and we can almost every time stop a complaint in its tracks. I love the way you don't get emotional, that must p1ss them right off. Great content, Thanks.
We do exactly the same at our place. Take photos of everything on the trailer before it leaves the yard. Lost count of how many times we've had calls saying stuffs missing or damaged, and I reply with just let me view the hi res photos of the load. Suddenly their story changes 😂
It''s a different box! I ran the repair shop for a large mini computer manufacturer in the early 80s. A couple of our large corporate customers would take repaired items back, let their engineers swap faulty parts back into them and then put the units back into the repair cycle to claim warranty! Until we started security marking every sub assembly, and caught them out. VERY embarrassing for the customer.
I had the very same thing happen. Daughter boards would come back from obviously older batches. When we started marking them it mostly stopped, but we even had a few back trying to copy the marks.
Even got a unit back in a zip lock sandwich bag that had years of dust on it.
Send the fellow's invoice back to him marked "For Suppository Use Only"
You still haven't put your T&Cs on your website. If you are entering into a B2B contract you can always limit your liability and in case of dispute considering adding an arbitration process which avoids "independent gearbox specialists" who use meaningless phrases like "this is the worse one I've seen" it might be the first one he's seen!
If I remember correctly, customer must give the garage/ workshop/ repairers an opportunity to make good any problems first, before sending to any other repairers!
And yes, straight to your solicitor.
Ha ha, Thats just funny. He should have been in touch with you before he sent it to someone else.
No way you have to pay him a penny! Cheers from Sweden!
Yes, maybe the specialist is in on it and switched boxes at the customers request.
Serial numbers don’t lie.
You could do a weekly colab with The Black Belt Barrister 😂
p.s Yeah solicitor time
He sounds like he has a spare box and wants a free rebuild by scamming you.
Mark you jobs internally and externally with a discrete stamping.
There's always someone trying to get someone else to pay for their mistakes! Oh, the crap we got back when I was in the Diesel Engine business was amazing! German metric crankshaft that had been stick welded up and reground, which failed obviously. Customer claimed it was a factory engine, but the factory didn't put any crank in that wasn't to spec. Plus the stampings on the crank in English and imperial measurements to indicate the regrind... Customer, of course, wanted an entirely new engine for free! NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! 🤬
i cant believe how patient you are with these warranty jobs
I would discretely mark the inside of the components you have worked on in future with an engraver, so that if something like that happens again you can prove that wasn’t a box you worked on. No need to tell anybody where, just a note on the file. You should probably include serial numbers in your files if they have them.
No 'nice blokes' or 'friends' in business. Simply can't trust anyone. Agree with the notion of a hidden mark, and documentation of all stages from initial contact through to completed job. Yes, it's a PITA, but compared to the grief of these sort of claims, it's a price worth paying.
....and next time someone insists you do a job you don't specialise in....don't!! Just asking for trouble.
For this case, chuck it at your solicitor. I'd be asking for proof this claim is actually the gearbox you worked on.
I think you should record all phone conversations. The two dealerships I worked for (in the US) recorded everything. It's good for the shop and the customer. Recording can be kept in a file on the computer with other info on the job. This customer is trying to get a different gearbox fixed with your money.
Don't waste time on phone calls beyond "Did you get my email?" and "Yes, I've received your email"
Don't do any extra work before you have sent an email stating what will be done and at what cost, AND have received an accept email.
I might be wrong about this, but I think you will find that here in the UK recording phone calls is illegal unless you warn the other party that you are doing so. That's why so many calls to help lines and such like always start by telling you that 'this call may be recorded for training purposes'.
@@geordiemik72 Don't record conversations. Act only upon written agreements. Half of what he's saying makes no sense anyway, it's hopefully better in writing.
@@geordiemik72 Regardless, if you tell them and they proceed, the other party consented.
I agree, most companies state it's being recorded for training purposes, they just covering their but# ends and in some cases it's really for training and not many people will hve a problem with that.
This guy with the gearbox claim sounds like a complete chancer - what evidence do you have for your lawyer to refute what is, on the face of it, an absurd claim.
I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't the same gearbox. I've seen some shenanigans over the decades.
Old Ben, who I apprenticed under, had his own punch stamp he custom made. He'd stamp his work, then apply an extra thick coat of paint over to mostly hide it. He told me it saved untold grief and caught out many over the years.
Unfortunately, cases such as these are just the cost of doing business.
Some people are unbelievable. How can you charge for an email? It's like me charging you for commenting on your channel. Crazy! By the way Lee you owe me 7 pence + vat T&C'S apply.
You have obviously never had to deal with a divorce lawyer £125 email outbound £40 inbound and £15 to forward it to your email address…..!
@@Man-go-Everywhere Unfortunately you're wrong there. Anyway Lee isn't dealing with a divorce he is trying to get his car serviced it should be a fixed price not making up prices and times as they go.
I think I have said in the past you need to mark any engine and now gearbox you work on. You can do this quite simply with a pointed Tungsten rod from a Tig welder and a car battery. And write/ mark a small, "b e" on the casings and components, Then when you get an engine or gearbox or other component that you suspect may not be the item you have worked on in the past, you will be able to identity your work. Try it a battery, one connection from the battery to the component and the other connection to your pointed Tungsten rod, then use the rod as it were a pencil. If you mark the parts discreetly, the marks will not be easily seen, maybe take a photo using a smartphone also. When I worked way back on engines and gearboxes etc, there were people that would try it on even back then. I expect some people think you have loads of money, and are an easy touch, having a Lambo, kit car and two smart sign written vans!
A warranty claim starts with him returning the gearbox to you for investigation. He cannot go off and get work done and charge you without giving you the chance to inspect and rectify first. He doesn't have a leg to stand on. You should photograph and mark major parts in all your builds.
A very reputable company I worked for used to discreetly put the job number in places and take photos (pre phone camera days) for just this reason. Seen a few times people try to put one over them and it never worked. Taught me a thing or two about saving your bacon and of course making sure your work was always up to the highest standard. Was very mentally and physically hard work but gave me a great foundation from working then on.
Like other comments you may have to take pictures of tear downs and get yourself a small barum engines stamp. I like the warranty stuff.
Agree. 20 yrs ago it would be a pita to photo everything, but with mobile phones & easy photos & cheap cloud storage, it's gotta be something worth considering.
1. Do you refer to an independent arbiration scheme in your Ts and Cs?
2. Did you agree to the appointment of the 'independent expert'?
3. Have you a record of the gearbox S/N? Any photos?
4. Tell him you will see him (and his 'independent specialist') in court.
See who runs out of money first...
I use NEWMAN Cams here in NZ, BEST quality I have ever seen, and the range of oddball stuff on the shelve is gobsmacking good, , great work Lee, John and Issac,
I’m not legally qualified but I’m pretty sure the technical term for your gearbox complainant is ‘Bell-end’.
If that customer has had previous business with you then I would never take him on as a customer again. What a POS.
Really sorry to hear this. I am in the trade and work for a main dealer. We get what I call professional complainers and it hurts. We video things and record all phone calls but still we usually have to cave in. I would get your Soliciter involved as these clowns need to know they can’t mess with decent peoples livelihood.
Couple of things if I may. The Motor in the BMW cylinder head is the valvetronic motor which moves the intermediate shaft to adjust the valve lift. I am certain you know this but misspoke.
I recently purchase a Snap On digital set of digital torque/angle wrenches. Best purchase in years. Not cheap but worth their weight in gold. Please keep the great videos coming and I admire your honesty.
Hello Lee, Great vlog again...unfortunately what ever business your involved in, every now & then a complete 'Bell-End' customer will come your way... it is absolutely unavoidable. Yes you can mark everything, photograph everything, serial number everything, but in the real world that is not going to happen. Can you imagine doing that on every engine rebuild on all components...really don't think so. It has already been said, but legally he has to bring the gearbox back to you first & give you the opportunity to put it right...period.
Having said the above, l think a Barum Engine numbered 'seal' on that gearbox lid would give you a better angle to prove it had been taken off or tampered with, thus automatically making a 'warranty claim' void...
Really enjoy the way you stay so calm with such a 'charming' customer...is he related to your local Lambo dealer.🤔
Get yourselves some go pros and chest harnesses,record what you work on daily and save key parts of the builds,could save a whole world of ballache having to deal with chancer dickheads.
Oh,and get some safety specs for when you guys are faffing around with them spring and circlip thingies,only one chance with the ol' peepers.
Great videos as usual guys.👍👍
I suggest that you mark everything that comes into your workshop in a place that cannot be seen by the customer and when they try to pull a fast one like "different engine blocks or boxes" you can turn round and prove without any doubt that it is not the one you worked on. Then pass the info to the fraud squad for prosecution. Play them at their own game.
A lot of places do this & it's very good practice to defend against chancers. Just a few unique dots with a centre-punch, very hard to spot but crucial if you ever need to prove you've worked on it.
Hi i suggested weeks ago to start stamping, so any claim can be authenticated, its the engine you did, in this case a gearbox.
Hi Can I suggest if not already doing so all invoices emails have the engine number on them in bold and gear boxes if you touch another 1
Steve
I sent a brand new tool in under warranty
The shop marked it on the buddy! I was well pissed off but understand why they do it.
This has been suggested several times before ...
Not sure if this is a new customer due to the YT channel but now you've become a nationwide company, you have to expect this sort of crap so you must protect yourself
- Back up all phone calls immediately by email
- Put your mark on anything you work on
- Record serial numbers and include them on quotes and invoices
- Take photos/ videos.
In this case, as you already had a video of the gearbox, you should be able to use that as evidence to support your case
People will try things on if they think they can get away with it so don't give them the opportunities
Sounds like a couple of blokes looking to fleece you for extra beer money. As soon as the idiot hit it with the hammer, the warranty was void. You can keep fixing the gearbox, but stupidity is irreparable. Blacklist the fool.
The moaning is why I watch. Please don't stop. Everyone has problems, and sometimes hearing someone else's problems makes my problems seem less important.
This problem is definitely for your solicitor to handle.
I once had a cylinder head rebuilt after a water pump failure ended up with a couple of bent valves. The bottom end bearings and pistons were fine, just some light marks, so a pro rebuild on the head was going to sort it.
The repaired head lasted just 200 miles before one of the valve heads dropped into the cylinder and completely f*cked the engine.
Was it a bad rebuild or a dodgy hydraulic tappet.. to be honest there was too much carnage to be able to tell .. but looked like the valve had snapped (maybe the guide was damaged from the previous incident and not replaced?) but as far as warranty went, I took it on the chin.
First step, confirm that is the same gearbox or prove that it isn't. Show the pictures of the gears in the completed gearbox or the acceptance papers signed by the customer that all was completed to his satisfaction, along with the no warranty given statement on original parts. no lawyer needed. Now you know why he asked if you do gearboxes.
Buy a laser part marker. You can quickly mark up every part of an engine rebuild with a reference number. I know an engine builder who does a photo record as he goes as well.
Maybe if you spent more time documenting your work and less time documenting your day you would not have so many problems .
A ten second video of the internals, pre and post work, archived with job number, along with recording engine numbers and more email conversations than telephone conversations would be a good move.
If someone goes into a transaction with the intention of not paying and even sueing for gain , Tel phone conversations and unwritten agreements are perfect for them
I'm sorry but the days of "My word is my bond" are long gone alas.
Telephone conversations should only be used to get email addresses and to inform someone that you've sent them an email.
Sad that it has to be so but everything you say is bang on. Solid Terms & Conditions up front, all communication with customers recorded in a durable medium and evidence of before and after engineering intervention all archived against a job number. Professional business administration.
Gearboxes should have a serial number which you’ve documented, can they show that this was the box you worked on.
Nice to know about the camshafts 👍
It's about time you started stamping everything you build mate, just an asterisk somewhere outa sight.
This gearbox guy sounds like a chancer to me, it's probably a scrapyard box especially saying it's rusty inside.
Yes idealy but stamping certain rotating parts can cause an inbalance at high rpm.Casings yes no issue.
I stamp my work to guarantee and prove that I’ve worked on it, just a small piece of hardened steel with a unique stamping face. There seems to be more and more of people that are coming out of the woodwork recently. Tell the to guy to doo one .
we went so see an engine that we had fitted that had failed, got to the garage only to find it out the van and partly stripped. I looked at the engine and realised its not the one i fitted as there are things i do when i build an engine that wasn't done to this one . we asked to see the van which we was told was at another location. i took loads of photos and left. one solicitors letter later and all was dropped.
Hasn't the gearbox got a serial number that's recorded on your job records?
Re. Newman cams I've just completed a comprehensive upgrade on my Hillclimb/sprint/track day MGZR 1.4. Produced 151 on the RR and runs to 8,600. Used phase 3 cams and they're spot on. Drives like a Cortina around town but is a little beast when it's on song.
You did a video on that box and as we all know videos don't lie do they sounds like he needs some money
In this day and age life is full of people always trying it on he's obviously found another gearbox from somewhere probably pulled it out of a river
When dealing with tensioned springs even me, who refuses to wear a bike helmet, would still prefer to wear SAFETY GLASSES!
You need to start stamping gearboxes you work on, photo's would be good too
Another chancer !!Dont pay him a penny. See ya in court pal.
I'm in the HVAC industry - service and repairs. For the past 5 years I've been taking before and after pics of my work, so sad the world has come to this. Next step would be GoPro and record everything
Good idea in the HVAC business, especially with these cases of Legionairres that pop up now and then. Basically that certain nasty mould build up by neglect.
Unfortunately nowadays where there’s blame there’s a claim, typically American, I see a lot of this and get blamed for a lot even though the customers have been told, I feel for you, customers are always right, I don’t think so!! Good luck
Litigious customers are always serial ones, try it on all the time wherever they go. Pains in harris'. So always be on alert with a new customer.
Ref gearbox you are very diplomatic Lee the bloke is one of many a free loader 👍
I think you should supply a brand new gearbox and a two week holiday to Bali.
Lee, love your videos, Mr gear box man is trying it on, sounds like a different box. Enjoy hearing the good, bad and the ugly, keep it going mate.
I'd suggest ignoring this clown, let him take you to court. If you have all relevant documents that and showing your quality of work in these videos, you'll beat this guy without effort.
I wouldn't take your advice. One comment in this video he states clearly , there not gearbox specialist , this video alone to hang them in court
Working in the machinery repair industry, stuff like gearboxes get stripped, reported, and marked up with job ID numbers, regardless of whether we then rebuild or not.
Too many cases of 'warranty' claims that turn out to be someone try to pull a fast one. When it's a totally different manufacturer you get sent, you do have to wonder ...
Do you take before and after photographs of your commissions?
There is no way all the engineering in that cyl head and the tool for the springs makes any significant difference in the running of the engine over a "normal " single or twin cam cyl head .
This strikes me as an " Emperor with new clothes syndrome "
Basically someones gotta stand up and say " You know what lads ? That's b**locks"
My opinion and we know all about opinions!
Great vid ! Thumbs up !
As you said you don't do gearboxes ,So your first mistake was to look at it...What i find nowdays in a commercial vehicle dealership ,is you now have to photograph video everything ,which you don't get paid for but so many customers drop of vehicles with damaged to the cab panels and then try to claim us for damaging them when picking it up ,note it is usually after they have done a shift in it that they notice it oddly ..So a picture is taken and instantly emailed to them ..We can change a bulb and them 14 days later it comes in with the engine knocking with the , it is now knocking since you had it in ..So it came in with a bulb out and we are to blame for the knocking lol..Hve had a customer with a brand new truck with loads of warning lights we and the truck where slated and he was never buying one again etc etc .Then when pointed out he had when fitting a plate to the grill went right through and in to the wiring 5 times and it isn't warranty was all nice and asked if we could submit it as warranty ,,told no lol..We dont mind helping but not when you slate us lol
Paid for paint expected a brand new box, never going to happen
In this day and age, you need to document everything with photographs as it's built and before you send it out to stop the scammers
Did your invoice have the gearbox serial number on it ? And also did the invoice have a warranty listed ?
The first mechanic I worked for rebuilt a gearbox for Datsun 1200, and within a day of customer collecting it, he called up to say it was broken. We went and retrieved car from where it stopped, and knew exactly how he broke it (slamming gears around 90 degree corner). Removed box and disassembled to find smashed second gear. Told him no warranty and take your car away.
As a suggestion to avoid this situation in the future, keep a photographic record of the work and components. It may be challenged but it would help as the meta code on the photos would show the date taken. Also if geolocation is enabled it would prove it was in your workshop and on unusual engines/gearboxes, the chances of two of the same type at the same time is unlikely.
Technically he probably has wth you tube footage.
the shop looks very busy i am eagerly watching the landrover job as i love landrovers thanks for the video
Hi Lee, it may be a wise move to film all strip downs as proof of its condition as received, before work starts, some car dealers are doing this so people can see whats done to there car in work shop. charging for emails shows he is trying to get as much out of you as he can.
re. Gearbox, it begs the question,why didn't he go to this "gearbox specialist" in the first place, seems like you need to photograph or video every job just to cover yourself?, personally I would tell him to f*ck right off!, they probably think because you are a reputable company with quite a large audience (social media) you will pay up to keep them quiet. Keep calling them out,they are nothing short of chancers & spivs
you can't really claim compensation/punitive damages in small claims court
Watching that cam shaft /spring installation I thought of the WW II battle of Kursk where the Russians kicked the Germans butt in the largest ever tank battle. Of the 1500 tanks the Germans had for the battle, 60% were inoperable due to breakdowns and lack of spares and because they required highly trained specialists with special tools for maintenance. The Russians built the T-34 tank in mass quantities and it was simple, reliable and could be repaired with basic hand tools by guys with no more than auto mechanic skills.
The T-34 was simple and could be mass produced, granted. However calling it reliable is like calling a prostitute faithful.
@@rosomak8244 Well, reliability is a relative term- Compared to a Tiger tank it was extremely reliable, but compared to a Toyota pickup, not so much.
Re the BMW valve springs-- just because you CAN make something complicated does not mean that you SHOULD make it stupid complicated, IMHO
That gearbox episode was great, I just had a bifter in the garden. It's like Eastenders.. Cannot wait for the next episode.
Stick to what you do best and don’t get persuaded to do other work like gearbox’s, even if there was an issue, you should be given the opportunity to rectify it and certainly wouldn’t be 5X the cost of the original repair to resolve, have the solicitor respond, good luck 🤞🏻
Obviously a scam.
My recommendation for this and all transactions.
Email and photo backup.
It takes very little time and effort but pays off in spades against scammers.
I know it's annoying but cover your a##.
Best of luck, love your channel.
Regards,
Paul
Sorry Lee this customer set you up. I record serial numbers. Stamp internal components and photograph all components now. Purely because of a### holes like like this. Amazing how quickly their attitude changes when confronted like this.
I drop so called customers like that, he's not a trained professional in installation, so no warranty. End of
Wreck it Ralph, then he's thought to him self ummmm....I will have 500 pounds discount from every job you have done for him. Thinks the world owes him something. Send it to the lawyers ......bottom feeder.
Lack of accountability is standard fare these days. So....blame someone else, lie, then may as well profit. That's not my standard and so I support Barum Engines and their findings.
Seems clear the gearbox guy is trying his luck with you. It's not the same gearbox. Just reply that to him.
Did you know you have rights? The Magna Carta says you do and so do I. So you'd better call Saul Goodman, Esq., Barrister at law.
Either stick his claim in pending and forget about it....or my favourite for these claims is file 13...👍👍
If you don't record the conversations, don't do business over the phone --- it's sad but the nature of the world today ; record keeping & all businesses are in the same boat (even private/small businesses). Not sure how it is in the UK regarding privacy laws, but here in AU it's required that you let the other party know the conversation is being recorded ...which I believe can be construed down to a beep tone at beginning/during the call. Here I'm just obviating some due diligence is necessary before recording phone conversations willynilly and then relying on same to be evidentiary ....
...great channel btw, that bimmer spring fitting tool is something else....like, chicken and the egg stuff -- which came first? The tool or the valve-gear?
What a Rube Goldberg device that BMW cam setup! WRT the complainant, stamp a number on all your engines, gearboxes, anything else you rebuild. That will put an end to shenanigans like this.
Ive had the same issues with differentials and transfercases on tje Land Rovers on the older ones...discovery 1 and 2, P38A Range Rover, drain the 80W90 gear oil and install 75w90 full synthetic gear oil...drive home and the noise is completely gone!
Also when youre done with the twat that is trying to claim money from you is to tell him to never return to your shop. Sometimes you have to fire customers.
Hi Lee, your honesty regarding complaints etc. You must start recording the content of your telephone conversations regarding your inspection findings and subsequent estimates/quotes In writing. Unfortunately your relaxed and friendly approach is being abused. As with all business you must cover your backside. Love the channel and content, thanks
My dad had a camshaft for a vintage Morris re profiled Newman about 30 yrs ago..... I hope they have learnt what they're doing now, as they turned a worn camshaft into scrap, AND wanted paying for the privilege!
And, re the gearbox.... simple answer for the future.... do what you know, not what someone persuades you to do.... and it's probably worth stamping blocks or gear cases with a number that defines it as one of your jobs, and if necessary, take pictures of where it's stamped so you can request to see pictures of the stamping if a query arises.....
I watched this video again, and I have to say I think you like all the "Notoriety" you get. There is a saying "If you stick your head above the wall, expect it to get knocked down" Still, I guess all your UA-cam stories are good for business, and it gets your name out there. A very cheap way of adverting your services, and you always come out good in the end. Very clever.......
Another oxygen bandit. We rarely deal with this type of client anymore. All clients sign a master contract. We photo document all jobs. Digital cameras are cheap. Download the photos in the client's file. Photo document BE discrete markings. It does take additional time. Far less time than having to deal with scams like this. The world is full of disingenuous people. Sorry you are having to endure this. A waste of time and resources. A perfect example of lost revenues for BE due to lost opportunity. The wasted time working on this instead of revenue generating projects. Have a Deluxe week Lee.
I meet these assholes.
They come into my shop, (auto electrical and mechanical)
Pay for an oil and filter change (cheapest possible, not full service)
Then start asking stupid things like "and how is the alignment?, the brakes? Is my battery good?"
I explain that it takes time to check those, and that is why full service exists.
I wish they would return to whence they came.
Also, a safety inspection on a car. 30 minutes, 50 dollars.
Said people cannot believe we dont rebuild their entire car whilst doing this inspection.
Gotta say it makes me confident that i am superior to many of these 3rd kind roaming this earth.
Explain chapter and verse back to him, offer nothing, it will only be small claims court if he decides to do anything, Usually sat around the table with a judge, very informal, in my experience when this has happened to me the judge very quickly knows when it’s a try on, I think the “hitting the gearbox shaft with a hammer” will show the judge the incompetence of the individual,
Definitely send it to your solicitor,this guy sounds hinky to me. It's funny how after asking an engine builder to look at a gearbox & do work he now finds himself an expert on gearboxes to come after you with. Seems like a scam that requires legal services.
Good luck Lee!!
Yes, agree with others here, they are trying it on, or he has damaged the gearbox again due to a lack of technical knowledge? Bits missing off gears is interesting. Absolutely nobody strips a box and does not closely inspect gear tooth condition, especially when the original complaint was for a whine. I remeber in the 60's we had Chrysler gearboxes that used auto trans fluid in them. If flogged, the oil overheats and loses lubricity. We would use the lightest grade hypoid oil (diff oil) in them as hypoid oil properties were made for high scuffing loads of a crownwheel/pinion design. This would make the shifts a little harder until the oil heated up, but did quieten them down considerably. As for the business stuff, I have said the same as others here previously. Everything backed up in email with customer acceptance before work is done. And yes, many companies identify jobs for this very reason. Photos of distinguishing marks on the product are very easy in this day of smartphones with cameras.
When are you going to learn. The first sign for me would have been when he questioned the cost of the gaskets. Going forward keep away from jobs unless you know the customer intimately. ☘️☘️
The gearbox story reminds me of a young guy I worked with whose kick start lever had come off its spline. He grabbed a lump hammer from the workshop and proceeded to belt it back on. One of the older guys walked past and said, “ is that oil supposed to be running out? The young guy had put the kickstart shaft through the opposite side of the crankcase. Oops!
Do you have video or photos of your original work on that gearbox… it sounds more like the customer might be trying to cover his or someone’s lack of skills in gearbox re-installation back in the car for which you had zero involvement 🤷🏻♂️
Sounds like this gearbox pratt is "The backwards man"! Do the photos show and the report mention the new selector peg bracket. I don't know about freddy but I think this bloke is trying to finger Lee. Putting an ID mark on before it leaves the shop is a good idea.
Totally agree with other peoples comments, get yourself a Barum engines stamp, very small and hide it away,, this guy is Obvs trying to scam you with a different box
I've always thought that the name VANOS sounds like a hairy Greek that wears lots of gold chains.
When you got the gearbox to repair, fot the future it would pay to photograph everything relevant... (serial numbers etc), and even video of the internals before and after so you cover yourself for this sort of complaint. Also, pays to do (as I think you already have started doing) email confirmation of exactly what is required from the 'customer' so that you are covered with that, including documentation of your reccomendations.Obviously the idea of video of the internals is so that can show the condition of all the gears externally, whether complete ot chipped....
Added to this, as also sugeested here by others, make sure you mark in some way the things you repair to prevent substitution.
Re the Gearbox. This is why it's important to record any serial numbers and perhaps make identifying marks on anything that comes through your hands. What's to stop someone sending you an engine and then coming back with a broken one claiming you did the work in it. For a start if this guy did travel all over Europe in the car what's to say he did all the damage himself? You're doing the right thing putting it in the hands of your solicitor. However he will probably ask for a copy of your terms and conditions. I hope you've covered yourselves for this eventuality.