*THE HULL TRUTH is the world's largest FREE network for the discussion of Boating & Fishing. Whether you're researching a new boat, or are a seasoned Captain, you'll find The Hull Truth Boating & Fishing Message Forum contains a wealth of information from Boaters and Sportfishermen around the world.
www.1outboard.com Blackbird Industries warranty Claim on my Yamaha F225 4 Stroke
Notices
Welcome to the updated THT!
If you are having trouble signing in, please email feedback@thehulltruth.com with your username and we will help you. We thank you for your patience as we help you access the new site!
Random Quote: Patty Hearst heard the burst from Roland's Thompson gun, and bought it.
Well, true enough that my experience was entirely in Europe, and the US does have the highest interchange fees in the world. Not sure if I'm allowed to recommend someone here on THT, but I would suggest contacting Anand Goel at Optimized Payments Consulting in Atlanta (http://www.optimizedpmts.com/index.php); yes, I have a connection with him - he's a former classmate from grad school - can't hurt to see if he can recommend a better way to get lower pricing here in the US.
Thanks for the referral.
Not to get off topic here but we get solicitied frequently from CC providers and we fax over copies of our monthly statements, and we never get a call back. I take that as our business is either not important enough, or they can't touch our rates.
I have a real good CC rep that runs his own show. I can call him any day of the week on his cell, and he gets stuff straightened out quickly. Hard to put a dollar number on that.
Paypal rates are nuts....did I say that already?
Good CS post up there ^^^^^^^^. Especially the last number. The single thing that is under your control, is your integrity and honesty, business or otherwise. If you live that, those other numbers up there ^^^^^^^ kind of work out themselves. No one company is perfect, certainly not us, honest mistakes happen.
Its not what you do when everyone is watching, its what you do when no one is watching.
__________________ Andy Munao Our new parts site: www.simyamaha.com Yamaha Outboard Sales, Parts and Service 1-800-213-3323 parts@shipyardisland.com Click the logo to see our THT Vendor Forum
As a small business consultant, here is my advice to A1 Outboard.
#1. Hire the nicest girl you can find and pay her to work your phones. Bad news always sounds better when delivered by a sweet voice.
#2. Fast communication is the first key to resolving most customer service issues. Owners and shop managers should be equipped with blackberry’s and cc’d on all out going/ incoming email. Yes, you have time to read every one.
#3. Communicate with your customers as an owner, not as an employee. Your the person who steps in and gets things fixed, you have to be on their side. "We're having an issue with FED EX, I'm super sorry and I'll personally make sure this gets resolved today!"
#4. When things start to get sticky, start to document. Make the phone call and then immediately send a follow up email outlining what was discussed. This helps to ensure that everyone heard the same thing. Customers can get confused during phone calls and innocently misconstrue information.
#5. Contrary to common belief, the customer isn’t “always” right. That said, as an owner, manager or employee you must always take the high road, never use profanity or get upset when speaking with a customer, even when your right and they’re wrong. If you can’t handle your temper, see #1.
#6. As an owner you should definitely come to this site and defend your business and your employees. But do so without flaming your customers, even the bad ones. You’ll never, ever win a mud slinging competition.
#7. Last but not least, reputation is everything. Integrity, honesty and great customer service. The three major components of any successful business.
So did the guy who started this thread ever get his issue resolved?
I asked the same thing, no one can be bothered to answer, everyone is so hypnotised to crucify this A1 outboards, or so far off topic with credit card costs, this whole 14 or so pages can be put to bed with a truthful post from the original guy, or maybe even A1 outboards, who by the way seems to be doing a great job of harming his reputation (whatever his reptutation might be) by getting involved in finger pointing and arguments with customers on a public forum. So, has Airbus got his motor back and working? or was the whole thing just a beat up to get some sympathy from the masses?
I asked the same thing, no one can be bothered to answer, everyone is so hypnotised to crucify this A1 outboards, or so far off topic with credit card costs, this whole 14 or so pages can be put to bed with a truthful post from the original guy, or maybe even A1 outboards, who by the way seems to be doing a great job of harming his reputation (whatever his reptutation might be) by getting involved in finger pointing and arguments with customers on a public forum. So, has Airbus got his motor back and working? or was the whole thing just a beat up to get some sympathy from the masses?
Why don't you send him/her a private message asking that very question...
__________________ 1998 Hydra Sports 2250
1994 Yamaha 225 ss
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.
( Patrick henry )
I asked the same thing, no one can be bothered to answer, everyone is so hypnotised to crucify this A1 outboards, or so far off topic with credit card costs, this whole 14 or so pages can be put to bed with a truthful post from the original guy, or maybe even A1 outboards, who by the way seems to be doing a great job of harming his reputation (whatever his reptutation might be) by getting involved in finger pointing and arguments with customers on a public forum. So, has Airbus got his motor back and working? or was the whole thing just a beat up to get some sympathy from the masses?
Quote:
Originally Posted by vertigo
Why don't you send him/her a private message asking that very question...
No news is good news...
If the OP didn't get a usable motor back he would be all over this thread.
__________________ "Give me your hungry, your tired your poor I'll pee on em
Thats what the statue of bigotry says
Your poor huddled masses, lets club em to death
And get it over with and just dump em on the boulevard"
-L.Reed
"If you don't like it, go to Russia" -Homer Simpson.
So did the guy who started this thread ever get his issue resolved?
His Update on 7/9/2010 stated that his motor was getting ready to ship and that was only 3 days ago. So I am pretty sure he has not even gotten it back yet. But I am very curious if he does get it back how it will run and everything will be over for him at least.
You know its kind of funny we have two vendors on THT on this post. Both A1 Outboard and Andy Jr. from SIM. I have done quite a bit of business with Andy Jr., I admit I have never done any business with A1 Outboard. These businesses could not seem to be further from the polar opposites. I must admit I have never done business with A1 Outboards but just from their own responses on here and all the posts from their prior customers, I would not. A-1 could sure stand to take some lessons from Andy Jr. on how to win over customers by helping them. I live in Florida and Andy gets all my Engine parts business because he is ALWAYS very helpful. I dont think I have ever read a bad post about him or his business and he deals with more people daily than A1 Outboards, most likely... Go figure...
__________________ "I'm suing the THT and the guy that made it."
His Update on 7/9/2010 stated that his motor was getting ready to ship and that was only 3 days ago. So I am pretty sure he has not even gotten it back yet. But I am very curious if he does get it back how it will run and everything will be over for him at least.
oh...I didn't check the dates of the posts.
__________________ "Give me your hungry, your tired your poor I'll pee on em
Thats what the statue of bigotry says
Your poor huddled masses, lets club em to death
And get it over with and just dump em on the boulevard"
-L.Reed
"If you don't like it, go to Russia" -Homer Simpson.
You know its kind of funny we have two vendors on THT on this post. Both A1 Outboard and Andy Jr. from SIM. I have done quite a bit of business with Andy Jr., I admit I have never done any business with A1 Outboard. These businesses could not seem to be further from the polar opposites. I must admit I have never done business with A1 Outboards but just from their own responses on here and all the posts from their prior customers, I would not. A-1 could sure stand to take some lessons from Andy Jr. on how to win over customers by helping them. I live in Florida and Andy gets all my Engine parts business because he is ALWAYS very helpful. I dont think I have ever read a bad post about him or his business and he deals with more people daily than A1 Outboards, most likely... Go figure...
I also deal only with Andy for my Verado parts. I have a local dealer 10 miles from my house and Andy sells me parts and supplies cheaper than my local dealer does delivered to my door and is always willing to answer any questions that I might have. But my dealer only says bring it in I'll take a look at it.
__________________ 2007 Lowe FM 185
2007 Mercury Verado 150
Motorguide Wireless
Lowrance LMS 111 HD
Mercury Temptest Plus prop
I saw an advert on EBAY for a mercury 250 pro XS by a company BlackBird Ind. (1Outboard on ebay ), and I contacted the seller as I wanted two engines.
I sent an email asking the price:
They replied:
I agreed the price, and paid for the motors + shipping as well as ( tax, paperwork, import duty, vat etc etc etc )
When they arrived, they had the following problems:
1) Standard saddles
2) Tourqemaster gearboxes *BOTH* right hand rotating.
I called the company to find out what went wrong, and try rectify the problems, and Mike, the owner told me to 'F&%k off' and said he was not made aware that I wanted heavy duty saddles or that I wanted Sportsmaster gearboxes or that I wanted the counter rotating gearbox. He really did actually tell me to 'F&%k off' !!
He also said that if he knew it was for racing he would not have supplied the motors in the first place.
I have the original emails: I definately stated what I wanted - the email and their reply is directly quoted above, so it can not be clearer in my mind.
What can I do? I am in England, and I dont seem to be able to do anything about it. The company and 'Mike' refuse to listen to me and I have paid in full upfront.
Can anyone here suggest anything?
Does anyone here know the company?
It is BlackBirdInd. Inc.
569 Mahood Rd.
West Sunbury,
Pa 16061
I saw an advert on EBAY for a mercury 250 pro XS by a company BlackBird Ind. (1Outboard on ebay ), and I contacted the seller as I wanted two engines.
I sent an email asking the price:
They replied:
I agreed the price, and paid for the motors + shipping as well as ( tax, paperwork, import duty, vat etc etc etc )
When they arrived, they had the following problems:
1) Standard saddles
2) Tourqemaster gearboxes *BOTH* right hand rotating.
I called the company to find out what went wrong, and try rectify the problems, and Mike, the owner told me to 'F&%k off' and said he was not made aware that I wanted heavy duty saddles or that I wanted Sportsmaster gearboxes or that I wanted the counter rotating gearbox. He really did actually tell me to 'F&%k off' !!
He also said that if he knew it was for racing he would not have supplied the motors in the first place.
I have the original emails: I definately stated what I wanted - the email and their reply is directly quoted above, so it can not be clearer in my mind.
What can I do? I am in England, and I dont seem to be able to do anything about it. The company and 'Mike' refuse to listen to me and I have paid in full upfront.
Can anyone here suggest anything?
Does anyone here know the company?
It is BlackBirdInd. Inc.
569 Mahood Rd.
West Sunbury,
Pa 16061
Wow, hard enough to deal with these jokers here in the States, can't imagine the service and communication this guy is going to experience from across the Atlantic!
Isn't there some sort of internet fraud unit within the FBI that specializes in this type of ''crime''?
__________________ USCG 100 TON MASTER
Pursuit 2870 CC
Palm Beach 161
1984 Mckee Craft 14'
Sunset on the ICW
Madeira Beach, Fl
Honeymoon Harbor
Bimini
"Many times life gives you the test, before you learn the lesson!"
Atleast they are not censoring us on THT while taking his advertising dollars?$
If someone buys anything online or non local without googleing it then thats their problem. There is no such thing as accountability in todays business world. They teach that at Harvard Business school
I contacted this gentleman and gave all the information I had. Attorney Generals Office, State Attorneys Office and the Internet Crime Center link http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx where you can file a complaint. Things are happening through all these Agencys I have contacted. But as you know things move slowly a lot of forms to fill out and a lot of paperwork has to be done. You see a whole lot of people have recieved judgements through small claims courts. That does not seem to bother him any. So I figured I would go a different route - Criminal Charges. Here are the guidelines the Attorney General's Office uses in Pennsylvania where Blackbird is located:
Based upon consumer complaints or investigations, the Bureau is authorized to take formal legal action against persons and organizations who engage in unfair and deceptive conduct in the advertisement or sale of goods or services within the Commonwealth. However, in response to numerous consumer complaints received each year, the Bureau has also developed a statewide mediation program which seeks restitution, refund or other relief for consumers and affected businesses in a fair and impartial manner.
•Upon receipt of a consumer complaint, the Bureau will generally attempt mediation by sending a copy of the complaint to the business involved in an attempt to reach a resolution of the dispute. The Bureau does not act as a judge in these disputes or order any payment or action. In the majority of cases received by the Bureau, Consumer Protection Agents serve as mediators who work to resolve disputes using the mail, telephone and/or personal contacts.
In general, the Bureau is only authorized to file formal legal action where it has reason to believe that a business is engaged in illegal practices and it is in the public interest to do so. "The public interest" may include a pattern or practice of fraud, an important question of law, a significant number of consumer victims, a significant amount of money at risk or a variety of other things.
Sounds good on paper, but I highly doubt it will work. Rules are written by lawyers, and lawyers know how to get around them. I believe you already stated you hired a lawyer, is that correct? If so you should ask him/her prior to posting things up on here. The old saying was "The truth shall set you free" that is not true anymore now than it was when invented. He who can lie,cheat,steal, and be a complete dickhead normally rises above... I had a guy that was my direct competor and only competor in my market, and we were 200ft apart. The he was the "New York used car salesman" and his goal in life was to take every penny out there with no reguard for how much it cost him. What I mean by that is he would have killed his own mother if someone paid him to do it.
He got fired (bought out, and was forced into the deal) because he was caught stealing from his own company. He had partners with him in the business, they were both family (bro inlaws) and very nice guys. For 13 years+ these two guys got to put up with this guys shit, and lose face within the small area we all worked out of with 100+- people because they had to work with this ass bag that everyone hated, when I say "everyone" and "hated" I am not joking.. I could not find one person that liked this guy. He got slapped by female customers due to his antics, and several times guys tried to beat him down only to have this guy say "I'll sue ya" and his sister in law was a lawyer and he used this.
He went after yamaha and got a huge chunk of money as well as new skis for a warranty issue, he got them to cut him a very large check for some BS.
Long story short, the day of good business men are gone. You have to search high and low to find one, and when you do find him/her support him/her. Tell all your friends and family about him/her and keep them around as long as possiable.
I sold out to these guys because I could not stand doing business around them anymore and because they were kicking our ass everyday and offered me a fair number for the business. They kicked our ass by lieing, and bending the rules of the marina we were at.
__________________ Need grouper numbers the Tampa Bay area Pm ME<--- Need advanced bottom fishing lessons in the Tampa Bay area? PM <----ME 1-100 miles offshore I can teach you how to find fish on your boat or mine! 15 years exp fishing gulf waters... Fishing is great!! Rates are very fair PM for details
but we get solicitied frequently from CC providers and we fax over copies of our monthly statements, and we never get a call back. I take that as our business is either not important enough, or they can't touch our rates. 
THT sponsor
