ETD manifold ?
ETD manifold ?
when are they going to ship the manifold ? i order one just after you all had the group buy. they told me that the end of the next they was going to ship them . has anyone talk to them about them? just though i ask to see if anyone has..
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bruinbear714
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NX95240 wrote:yea i hear you i call today and they said that they will ship half of them next wed. and the other half by friday of next week.. i hope they are right . need my manifold and wastegate..
I'd be surprised if it would ship next wed... regardless, I'm going to file a complaint on my credit card and cancel this order
He's long overdue and its unacceptable, especially when there's no status updates via postings. Good luck to those of you who are sticking in this deal...
You know, you have 60 days to file a complaint with your CC to get your money back. Personally, I'd stay in it just to see if it shipped since it was such a killer deal and it'll now take EVEN LONGER if you go and try to get something different 
I know it's a sucky deal but if it's not yet 60 days it might be easier just to wait it out and see if they ship by Wednesday. I'd be calling and on his case like peanut butter on bread, make sure my mani got shipped with that first set. Well, as long as it hasn't been 60 days yet since you paid. Also, according to the CC company, you have to show valid proof of trying to procure a refund from the company and exhaust every avenue to work things out. If your going to file a complaint, make sure you can document what steps you've taken to resolve the issue. Going to the CC company should be the last resort. (I know this because I've been ripped off before, and I DID get my 4100 dollars back).
I know it's a sucky deal but if it's not yet 60 days it might be easier just to wait it out and see if they ship by Wednesday. I'd be calling and on his case like peanut butter on bread, make sure my mani got shipped with that first set. Well, as long as it hasn't been 60 days yet since you paid. Also, according to the CC company, you have to show valid proof of trying to procure a refund from the company and exhaust every avenue to work things out. If your going to file a complaint, make sure you can document what steps you've taken to resolve the issue. Going to the CC company should be the last resort. (I know this because I've been ripped off before, and I DID get my 4100 dollars back).-
bruinbear714
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Nathan wrote:You know, you have 60 days to file a complaint with your CC to get your money back. Personally, I'd stay in it just to see if it shipped since it was such a killer deal and it'll now take EVEN LONGER if you go and try to get something different
You know, after hearing "it'll be shipped next week" for the last four weeks, one starts to think either 1) its a scam and he's playing it off until the 60 days are over, or 2) he's got his work cut out for him and it's taking longer than expected.
Like I said before in the other post, customer relations goes a long ways, and it just pisses me off that there are no updates, no reasons for being late besides "it's taking longer than expected", or "it'll ship next week". It takes less than 5 minutes to make a post to update everyone, especially when several people are calling and asking him to post on here.
For those who jumped in on this deal early and paid with a credit card, remember, the 60 days are almost up so if you want to dispute the charges, make sure its done before then. I know mine's coming up in about a week.
Oh, I understand how it goes with delays and stuff, I was just trying to offer up the advice I have from when I got screwed over myself. Really, I hope that the manifolds DO ship out this time around and everyone comes out of this as happy as possible. It seems though like nobody is really hounding him about it, like I said...I'd give em' hell up until that 59 day mark then say screw it, my money back now or I'll backcharge the card. I'd like to think he's just a little overwhelmed with the volume of the order and is doing all of the manifolds in stages instead of one at a time. Good luck ya'll, I do hope it works out
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WDRacing
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He should have been able to ship the mani's that have been completed. There is no reason to wait until you have the entire order done to start shipping. They should be shipped in the order of purchase. It takes one day of welding to do a really good job, that includes all the porting and sanding required. The math simply doesn't add up right to me.
WD
WD
I called him today and basically got the same story. A certain number (#?) of them will be shipped out this coming Wednesday.
I told him that a significant number of people were seriously going to call their credit card companies for a refund, and I told him that he definetly stood to lose money on this deal unless he made this a VERY HIGH priority for the next couple days. He was actually apologetic for the first time I've ever heard, and said that while he is extremely sorry that it has come to this, if anyone would like a refund all they have to do is call him and he will grant it. Presumably you dont have to go through the credit card company just yet.
I dont know if this guy is trustworthy or not. He makes it sound like he was suddenly overwhelmed by this project, and that these manis are particurally hard to manufacture for some reason. He was telling me about how hes staying late at the shop etc etc etc... I dont know... I myself am giving him until Wednesday to get a tracking number to me. If that doesnt happen, I will be asking for a refund myself. You guys are of course in control of whatever you want to do- like he said, if you want to get your money back, just call and it will be given back.
Guys, I am incredibly sorry that things have turned out like this. I'm really embarassed that something I promoted so heavly and backed up with my own words has been delayed to this extent. Please, if you need your money: get it back. If you can wait for the manifold, than you might as well. I just dont know how to make this right just yet... I'll figure something out.
Thanks guys.
I told him that a significant number of people were seriously going to call their credit card companies for a refund, and I told him that he definetly stood to lose money on this deal unless he made this a VERY HIGH priority for the next couple days. He was actually apologetic for the first time I've ever heard, and said that while he is extremely sorry that it has come to this, if anyone would like a refund all they have to do is call him and he will grant it. Presumably you dont have to go through the credit card company just yet.
I dont know if this guy is trustworthy or not. He makes it sound like he was suddenly overwhelmed by this project, and that these manis are particurally hard to manufacture for some reason. He was telling me about how hes staying late at the shop etc etc etc... I dont know... I myself am giving him until Wednesday to get a tracking number to me. If that doesnt happen, I will be asking for a refund myself. You guys are of course in control of whatever you want to do- like he said, if you want to get your money back, just call and it will be given back.
Guys, I am incredibly sorry that things have turned out like this. I'm really embarassed that something I promoted so heavly and backed up with my own words has been delayed to this extent. Please, if you need your money: get it back. If you can wait for the manifold, than you might as well. I just dont know how to make this right just yet... I'll figure something out.
Thanks guys.
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bruinbear714
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fiznat wrote:I called him today and basically got the same story. A certain number (#?) of them will be shipped out this coming Wednesday.
I told him that a significant number of people were seriously going to call their credit card companies for a refund, and I told him that he definetly stood to lose money on this deal unless he made this a VERY HIGH priority for the next couple days. He was actually apologetic for the first time I've ever heard, and said that while he is extremely sorry that it has come to this, if anyone would like a refund all they have to do is call him and he will grant it. Presumably you dont have to go through the credit card company just yet.
I dont know if this guy is trustworthy or not. He makes it sound like he was suddenly overwhelmed by this project, and that these manis are particurally hard to manufacture for some reason. He was telling me about how hes staying late at the shop etc etc etc... I dont know... I myself am giving him until Wednesday to get a tracking number to me. If that doesnt happen, I will be asking for a refund myself. You guys are of course in control of whatever you want to do- like he said, if you want to get your money back, just call and it will be given back.
Guys, I am incredibly sorry that things have turned out like this. I'm really embarassed that something I promoted so heavly and backed up with my own words has been delayed to this extent. Please, if you need your money: get it back. If you can wait for the manifold, than you might as well. I just dont know how to make this right just yet... I'll figure something out.
Thanks guys.
It's not your fault.. it could have been anyone else who was mediating the group buy, so don't take it personally.
I already made my mind to get outta this deal, so I'll give him a call on Sat if they're open, or Monday to ask for a refund to see if he stands behind his words, and if the refund is issued promptly.
Yashin: if you're close to his place, please check out the shop to see if there are any ka manifolds being worked on for everyone who's in on this deal.
if you're not in a hurry, I'd say lets give Jim more time.I still think Jim is a trustworthy guy, he's just a bit overwhelmed by the orders right now.So far, the only part I need left to complete my custom kit is this manifold. But I'm not going to install the kit before May anyways...so until then, Im going to wait patiently...Im really looking forward in seeing the finished product of this manifold.
Hey Guys. Sorry for being a bit tardy on the internet lately. We really are working are tails off to get these done for you guys. Please don't feel worried because you will all get your manifolds. ETD consists of 3 guys, unfortunately were not a huge 30 man operation so these have gone a little longer than we all would have liked. Ok, here is the scoop.
First off Thanks to Foster for calling me yesterday (Friday 16th) to let me know some people are starting to get concerned. We don't want anybody to feel their money is in jeopardy. This the part of the reason why I have only taken a small deposit from most people (unless otherwise requested) before shipping. We have been around for 8 years and are well respected locally, we would never jeopardize our business or credibility by ripping guys off. I just want everybody to know we are concerned that you’re concerned and really are working hard.
The reason that I now sound "suddenly overwhelmed" is because this has gone longer than we all have wanted, but making this number of manifolds is not easy. Generally I never sound overwhelmed ever, however when Foster called and said people are wanting to back out obviously I’m concerned. We really don’t want anybody to think their money could be lost or we’re forgetting about the NICO members. We had delays with material, then pipes, then the problem of this manifold warping which made us have to buy a machine to plain the surface. The delays are not because we don't want to send them it’s because this is a brand new design and unlike our other manifolds (Miata and Honda) were having to use much larger tubing (bigger motor) which requires more welding. More welding is more heat, and we had to make some last minute changes (like deciding to machine all the flanges now) to make sure the manifold was 100%. I can much more easily deal with a few people upset because they are getting their manifold later than expected than to send a bunch out have fit and quality issues. The wait is forgotten when you get a good piece and it does exactly what you expected vs. getting something on time that is a piece of junk. We have all been on both sides of that story, and the latter sucks.
Originally I anticipated that building the manifolds would be a piece of cake like our other designs, however this obviously has proven to not be the case. Let me tell you first off the manifolds are 90% finished and the really look great. When you guys receive your pieces you will be really happy with what you have paid for. Lets put it this way, I have been spending more time with those manifolds in the last month than my wife. If this keeps up I may need to keep one in hopes it will cook dinner and tuck me in at night. lol…
If anybody wants to call me and talk over the phone please do, I don’t want anybody to feel upset in any way shape or form. Hell I would give you my home phone number, but my wife would shoot me. Believe me when I say, I’m an enthusiast just the same as you guys are and knowing some people are not happy really upsets me inside. I have been ripped off by some BS companies in the past and it really sucked. This is part of the reason why I do what I do now. I used to be a licensed financial advisor for TD Bank/ TD Waterhouse and left all that to work on cars. Sounds crazy but it’s 1000x more rewarding (1000x less money lol..) which is why I hope everybody understands and sticks with us. We really are doing our best and hope you understand.
First off Thanks to Foster for calling me yesterday (Friday 16th) to let me know some people are starting to get concerned. We don't want anybody to feel their money is in jeopardy. This the part of the reason why I have only taken a small deposit from most people (unless otherwise requested) before shipping. We have been around for 8 years and are well respected locally, we would never jeopardize our business or credibility by ripping guys off. I just want everybody to know we are concerned that you’re concerned and really are working hard.
The reason that I now sound "suddenly overwhelmed" is because this has gone longer than we all have wanted, but making this number of manifolds is not easy. Generally I never sound overwhelmed ever, however when Foster called and said people are wanting to back out obviously I’m concerned. We really don’t want anybody to think their money could be lost or we’re forgetting about the NICO members. We had delays with material, then pipes, then the problem of this manifold warping which made us have to buy a machine to plain the surface. The delays are not because we don't want to send them it’s because this is a brand new design and unlike our other manifolds (Miata and Honda) were having to use much larger tubing (bigger motor) which requires more welding. More welding is more heat, and we had to make some last minute changes (like deciding to machine all the flanges now) to make sure the manifold was 100%. I can much more easily deal with a few people upset because they are getting their manifold later than expected than to send a bunch out have fit and quality issues. The wait is forgotten when you get a good piece and it does exactly what you expected vs. getting something on time that is a piece of junk. We have all been on both sides of that story, and the latter sucks.
Originally I anticipated that building the manifolds would be a piece of cake like our other designs, however this obviously has proven to not be the case. Let me tell you first off the manifolds are 90% finished and the really look great. When you guys receive your pieces you will be really happy with what you have paid for. Lets put it this way, I have been spending more time with those manifolds in the last month than my wife. If this keeps up I may need to keep one in hopes it will cook dinner and tuck me in at night. lol…
If anybody wants to call me and talk over the phone please do, I don’t want anybody to feel upset in any way shape or form. Hell I would give you my home phone number, but my wife would shoot me. Believe me when I say, I’m an enthusiast just the same as you guys are and knowing some people are not happy really upsets me inside. I have been ripped off by some BS companies in the past and it really sucked. This is part of the reason why I do what I do now. I used to be a licensed financial advisor for TD Bank/ TD Waterhouse and left all that to work on cars. Sounds crazy but it’s 1000x more rewarding (1000x less money lol..) which is why I hope everybody understands and sticks with us. We really are doing our best and hope you understand.
Thanks for the reply Jim, but one thing is still pretty sorely lacking in your response. What is the ETA for the manifolds?
I appreciate what you said about getting something quality even if it is late, but if I knew it would be this late, I would likely not have bought from you, as I'm sure I could have found a quality product from another vendor before now.
"Only" 2 weeks later than promised to me so far, but I need to get my car running again, and if I can't get the mani from you soon, I really need to look at other alternatives, especially when you haven't really said how soon they might be done, only that they are 90%.
(and you did already charge my card for $456 US... not allowed into the group buy)
Please let me (us) know on the ETA.
den240
[quote=" Jim@ETD This the part of the reason why I have only taken a small deposit from most people (unless otherwise requested) before shipping.
I can much more easily deal with a few people upset because they are getting their manifold later than expected than to send a bunch out have fit and quality issues. The wait is forgotten when you get a good piece and it does exactly what you expected vs. getting something on time that is a piece of junk. We have all been on both sides of that story, and the latter sucks.[/quote]
I appreciate what you said about getting something quality even if it is late, but if I knew it would be this late, I would likely not have bought from you, as I'm sure I could have found a quality product from another vendor before now.
"Only" 2 weeks later than promised to me so far, but I need to get my car running again, and if I can't get the mani from you soon, I really need to look at other alternatives, especially when you haven't really said how soon they might be done, only that they are 90%.
(and you did already charge my card for $456 US... not allowed into the group buy)
Please let me (us) know on the ETA.
den240
[quote=" Jim@ETD This the part of the reason why I have only taken a small deposit from most people (unless otherwise requested) before shipping.
I can much more easily deal with a few people upset because they are getting their manifold later than expected than to send a bunch out have fit and quality issues. The wait is forgotten when you get a good piece and it does exactly what you expected vs. getting something on time that is a piece of junk. We have all been on both sides of that story, and the latter sucks.[/quote]
OK here is the shipping scoop.
We will be starting shipping this week (Thursday probablly depending on my UPS pick up schedule) on a good portion of the manifolds. If you were early in the Group buy you will be early in the shipping. The remainder will go out next week. Just because I have to machine, coat, wrap and box them I can't physically do 20 in one day lol.. So as fast as I can box them and get them out the door they will go. As soon as the first set are ready to go I'll take some pics of them for everybody to see. Rest assured they are gonna look pimp and you'll be happy.
We will be starting shipping this week (Thursday probablly depending on my UPS pick up schedule) on a good portion of the manifolds. If you were early in the Group buy you will be early in the shipping. The remainder will go out next week. Just because I have to machine, coat, wrap and box them I can't physically do 20 in one day lol.. So as fast as I can box them and get them out the door they will go. As soon as the first set are ready to go I'll take some pics of them for everybody to see. Rest assured they are gonna look pimp and you'll be happy.
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GlacierFreeze
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GlacierFreeze wrote:Oh yeah, can't wait to get it.
Too bad this is the first part of my turbo setup bahaha.
Feel free to throw in any of the following: turbo, bov, boost controller, etc, etc... haha jk.
Yeah acctualy I have a turbo were testing, I'll send you one over for you to try. Were working with it around the 90psi level...
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GlacierFreeze
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