[Anthony1s]

Received my Fabspeed sport cat today. Brand new. Looking for opinions before exchanging it for another. Someone obviously knew about the crack and attempted a repair before I received it. Fabspeed Motorsport

[detroitm2]

If you bought it new I would have it replaced. No sense having a defective unit that could fail.

[cecaa850]

I'd have them swap it out now and send you a shipping label so you're not out that expense. It's not your fault. If it cracks further after a few heat up, cool down cycles they won't pay to remove it or ship it.

[Benzima]

Is the crack in the buffed area? Hard to tell from the pictures. If new and part is confirmed to be cracked, I would have them replaced. If it's just a buffed area, I wouldn't bother if they say it meets their standard and is still under warranty.

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by Benzima

Is the crack in the buffed area? Hard to tell from the pictures. If new and part is confirmed to be cracked, I would have them replaced. If it's just a buffed area, I wouldn't bother if they say it meets their standard and is still under warranty.

Yea, on the buffed area. I can feel the crack pretty well with my fingernail, but can't reach my hand inside to see if it goes all the way through. Here's a quick video which hopefully shows it better. I'll get in touch now for a return label. Kinda disappointing, was hoping to get it installed on Tuesday. But I dunno, stuff happens. ECS was also out of stock on some hardware I needed and didn't tell me until two days after I placed my order, so everything is delayed anyway as is.

[gtaM2]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

Yea, on the buffed area. I can feel the crack pretty well with my fingernail, but can't reach my hand inside to see if it goes all the way through. Here's a quick video which hopefully shows it better. I'll get in touch now for a return label. Kinda disappointing, was hoping to get it installed on Tuesday. But I dunno, stuff happens. ECS was also out of stock on some hardware I needed and didn't tell me until two days after I placed my order, so everything is delayed anyway as is.

if you want to know if it goes through you could use a flashlight in the dark

[Anthony1s]

Well, Fabspeed said they can't help me because I bought it through a third party retailer. The retailer is aware of my issue and I'm waiting to hear back. I was under the impression they only took orders and the DP was shipped from Fabspeed's location, but looking at the shipping label, it came directly from the retailer. From the way Fabspeed worded the email, it seems there is a process (hopefully not lengthy) that x-ph has to go through before Fabspeed will agree on an exchange.

I also stopped by my mechanic for his opinion and he said he won't even install it for me because the heat will expand the crack and he'll have to do the same work all over again. Which I agree with and am not looking to waste his time.

[Happy Motoring]

They make it sound like you bought it off ebay from a vendor in China or something. X Ph is an authorized vendor if I'm not mistaken. What a waste of time.

[nioh_lbbm2]

LOL yet another poorly handled Fabspeed Motorsport warranty claim

[Poochie]

It doesn't look like a major operational issue IMO, mostly cosmetic damage but if I'm paying over $1,200 for a downpipe, F that; I would want it flawless.

So I get your drift..

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by Happy Motoring

They make it sound like you bought it off ebay from a vendor in China or something. X Ph is an authorized vendor if I'm not mistaken. What a waste of time.

So, X-ph cannot accept returns or exchanges without Fabspeeds consent. So I have to wait for them to reply to Mike.

Personally, I think the whole process is dumb and convoluted. I used the example of if I buy a BMW and there is something wrong with the headlight, BMW doesn't have to ask the headlight mfg in Hungary (or wherever it's made) if it's acceptable for them to swap it before they do. Never have I heard that the mfg needs to give permission to the retailer to accept a return or exchange before. I guess a better example would be if I bought an Intel CPU from Amazon or Newegg. Newegg or Amazon doesn't have to check with Intel before they accept a return or exchange. Same as if I buy a video game at Game Stop. Game Stop doesn't need to ask the developers before I can return it... So I really do not see why he couldn't send me a return label when we spoke on Friday and shipped me a replacement when he got mine back. It's just a waste of my time having to wait for Fabspeed to authorize the exchange. X-ph is the one who sent me the damaged unit. They should've inspected it when they received it and before they shipped it to me.

What pissed me off further is Mike told me this is all "standard procedure" and written in their terms and conditions. Which it 100% is not. Mike has been a really helpful member of this forum to so many people, including myself, and even gives great discounts to forum members. So I really hate to put him on blast. It's just that this whole process is extremely convoluted and wastes the customers time for something that really shouldn't be that way.

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by Poochie

It doesn't look like a major operational issue IMO, mostly cosmetic damage but if I'm paying over $1,200 for a downpipe, F that; I would want it flawless.

So I get your drift..

Well, you can stick your fingernail in the crack, so I think it's worse than it looks. On top of my mechanic not willing to install it for me, kinda puts me at a loss. If it does get installed and there is an issue down the line, I'm out more installation time and cost when a replacement gets installed. And if the issue doesn't arise until it's outside of warranty period, then I'm at a lost for the cost of the DP as well.

[Happy Motoring]

Everyone seems helpful when they don't really have to do much and take your money. When shit doesn't work out and how they react is what really counts.

[akkando]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

Well, you can stick your fingernail in the crack, so I think it's worse than it looks. On top of my mechanic not willing to install it for me, kinda puts me at a loss. If it does get installed and there is an issue down the line, I'm out more installation time and cost when a replacement gets installed. And if the issue doesn't arise until it's outside of warranty period, then I'm at a lost for the cost of the DP as well.

I'm sure it'll get resolved, you'll just unfortunately have to jump though more hoops to do it.

[HazChem]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

So, X-ph cannot accept returns or exchanges without Fabspeeds consent. So I have to wait for them to reply to Mike.

Personally, I think the whole process is dumb and convoluted. I used the example of if I buy a BMW and there is something wrong with the headlight, BMW doesn't have to ask the headlight mfg in Hungary (or wherever it's made) if it's acceptable for them to swap it before they do. Never have I heard that the mfg needs to give permission to the retailer to accept a return or exchange before. I guess a better example would be if I bought an Intel CPU from Amazon or Newegg. Newegg or Amazon doesn't have to check with Intel before they accept a return or exchange. Same as if I buy a video game at Game Stop. Game Stop doesn't need to ask the developers before I can return it... So I really do not see why he couldn't send me a return label when we spoke on Friday and shipped me a replacement when he got mine back. It's just a waste of my time having to wait for Fabspeed to authorize the exchange. X-ph is the one who sent me the damaged unit. They should've inspected it when they received it and before they shipped it to me.

What pissed me off further is Mike told me this is all "standard procedure" and written in their terms and conditions. Which it 100% is not. Mike has been a really helpful member of this forum to so many people, including myself, and even gives great discounts to forum members. So I really hate to put him on blast. It's just that this whole process is extremely convoluted and wastes the customers time for something that really shouldn't be that way.

X-ph and Mike needs to stand by the products they sell and give you the exchange. They’re the retailer and this issue is between them and Fabspeed. If Fabspeed doesn’t exchange it, then it’s up to X-ph to file a claim or something but you should not be in the middle of it. This is not how customer service works and I’m surprised Mike hasn’t stepped up given the amount of advertising he does on this forum. Really makes me think twice about ordering anything from X-ph.

[cecaa850]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

What pissed me off further is Mike told me this is all "standard procedure" and written in their terms and conditions. Which it 100% is not. Mike has been a really helpful member of this forum to so many people, including myself, and even gives great discounts to forum members. So I really hate to put him on blast. It's just that this whole process is extremely convoluted and wastes the customers time for something that really shouldn't be that way.

It's in vendors best interests to be helpful and friendly.

[Poochie]

Settling disputes in The Court of Public Opinion is not a amicable method but the most effective.

I am on the fence about getting a sports downpipe but every new bad feedback pushes me further away from the idea. Especially since federal law already has a 8 year/ 80,000 miles mandatory factory warranty on the stock cat and O2 sensors. Which obviously goes out the window with an aftermarket unit.

If the folks at _______ & the manufacture has half a brain and any sort of business acumen, they'll see it's better to absorb whatever loss now for the defective unit, in order to maintain a positive reputation and streamline future, word-of-mouth sales.

Good luck; we'll be watching from the bleachers...

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by Poochie

Settling disputes in The Court of Public Opinion is not a amicable method but the most effective.

I am on the fence about getting a sports downpipe but every new bad feedback pushes me further away from the idea. Especially since federal law already has a 8 year/ 80,000 miles mandatory factory warranty on the stock cat and O2 sensors. Which obviously goes out the window with an aftermarket unit.

If the folks at _______ & the manufacture has half a brain and any sort of business acumen, they'll see it's better to absorb whatever loss now for the defective unit, in order to maintain a positive reputation and streamline future, word-of-mouth sales.

Good luck; we'll be watching from the bleachers...

Wasn't trying to come off as there is a dispute. No one said they wouldn't take the exchange yet, so there really isn't a dispute. At first I was trying to get thoughts from multiple people because the first person I spoke with said the DP was fine, and I'm not experienced enough to make that call myself. X-Ph only gives 3 days to return a defective item too, so I want to get as much knowledge to make a decision as I could sooner than later... The DP comes with an inspection sheet from Fabspeed and it passed all of their inspections. BUT that is dated 6/24, and I placed my order on like 7/10 or something. So either the DP passed inspection with that crack (meaning Fabspeed thinks cracked pipes are okay) OR the crack happened while Mike was in possession of the DP... rendering the inspection sheet meaningless.

Afterwards, I was venting my frustration with the whole process and sharing my experience. But I wouldn't call any of this a dispute.

[thekurt]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

Well, Fabspeed said they can't help me because I bought it through a third party retailer. The retailer is aware of my issue and I'm waiting to hear back. I was under the impression they only took orders and the DP was shipped from Fabspeed's location, but looking at the shipping label, it came directly from the retailer. From the way Fabspeed worded the email, it seems there is a process (hopefully not lengthy) that x-ph has to go through before Fabspeed will agree on an exchange.

I also stopped by my mechanic for his opinion and he said he won't even install it for me because the heat will expand the crack and he'll have to do the same work all over again. Which I agree with and am not looking to waste his time.

At least you know your mechanic is legit as far as not trying to fleece you. I would assume most mechanics would be happy to charge you twice. So glass half full view point, and good luck resolving this!

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

Wasn't trying to come off as there is a dispute. No one said they wouldn't take the exchange yet, so there really isn't a dispute. At first I was trying to get thoughts from multiple people because the first person I spoke with said the DP was fine, and I'm not experienced enough to make that call myself. X-Ph only gives 3 days to return a defective item too, so I want to get as much knowledge to make a decision as I could sooner than later... The DP comes with an inspection sheet from Fabspeed and it passed all of their inspections. BUT that is dated 6/24, and I placed my order on like 7/10 or something. So either the DP passed inspection with that crack (meaning Fabspeed thinks cracked pipes are okay) OR the crack happened while Mike was in possession of the DP... rendering the inspection sheet meaningless.

Afterwards, I was venting my frustration with the whole process and sharing my experience. But I wouldn't call any of this a dispute.

Hey Anthony,

My name is Sean and I am an exotic car specialist over at Fabspeed. I apologize for your "not so great" experience so far with our product. I can promise that our products are thoroughly checked before leaving the door and we would not be in business if this was a normal occurrence. Unfortunately if you purchase through a 3rd party vendor, we cannot directly handle this issue for you due to the fact they have different handling procedures in their facility, warranties, and return policies. I can promise once X-ph creates a service ticket with our team, we will be able to quickly fix this issue. If you cannot get through to X-ph to have your item properly warrantied, please contact me directly: sean@fabspeed.com

Kind Regards,

Sean Zacot
sean@fabspeed.com
267-742-3046

[Anthony1s]

Originally Posted by Fabspeed Motorsport

Hey Anthony,

My name is Sean and I am an exotic car specialist over at Fabspeed. I apologize for your "not so great" experience so far with our product. I can promise that our products are thoroughly checked before leaving the door and we would not be in business if this was a normal occurrence. Unfortunately if you purchase through a 3rd party vendor, we cannot directly handle this issue for you due to the fact they have different handling procedures in their facility, warranties, and return policies. I can promise once X-ph creates a service ticket with our team, we will be able to quickly fix this issue. If you cannot get through to X-ph to have your item properly warrantied, please contact me directly: sean@fabspeed.com

Kind Regards,

Sean Zacot
sean@fabspeed.com
267-742-3046

"I apologize for your "not so great" experience so far with our product"

I know I've explained myself well, so you missed the point totally. I have absolutely ZERO experience with your product because I haven't used it. My point has nothing to do with your product, and I even understand that damaged units sometimes get sent out. Shit happens.

My entire point is around how convoluted the return/exchange process is and how it forces me in the middle of something I have no reason to be involved in. Having to wait for a bunch of people and companies to respond instead of the company I ordered from accepting the exchange on their own. Why does X-Ph need to go through you before accepting a return/exchange? Why can't they accept the exchange themselves without first seeking your permission? Is this your procedure or theirs? Who is responsible here? If I order a Fabspeed product from another retailer, will I be subjected to the same process?

My whole complaint wouldn't exist if Mike accepted the exchange on Friday, when he and I first spoke about the issue, so I could ship it out Friday and have everything done speedily. Whether that's his fault or yours, I don't know. I don't know who's process this is. Instead I'm waiting another 1.5week-2weeks at least to receive an exchange for my damaged product

And what do you mean "I can promise once X-ph creates a service ticket with a team, we will be able to quickly fix this issue" Was one not created already??

"If you cannot get through to X-ph to have your item properly warrantied, please contact me directly"

I wonder if this is the problem... that this is being dealt with as a warranty claim and not an exchange due to receiving a damaged product. Do you have different procedures for those two?

Would you be able to exchange if I drove to your location? I'm somewhere around 2hrs away, so I can do that. That would get things taken care of quickly.

[Fabspeed Motorsport]

Originally Posted by Anthony1s

"I apologize for your "not so great" experience so far with our product"

I know I've explained myself well, so you missed the point totally. I have absolutely ZERO experience with your product because I haven't used it. My point has nothing to do with your product, and I even understand that damaged units sometimes get sent out. Shit happens.

My entire point is around how convoluted the return/exchange process is and how it forces me in the middle of something I have no reason to be involved in. Having to wait for a bunch of people and companies to respond instead of the company I ordered from accepting the exchange on their own. Why does X-Ph need to go through you before accepting a return/exchange? Why can't they accept the exchange themselves without first seeking your permission? Is this your procedure or theirs? Who is responsible here? If I order a Fabspeed product from another retailer, will I be subjected to the same process?

My whole complaint wouldn't exist if Mike accepted the exchange on Friday, when he and I first spoke about the issue, so I could ship it out Friday and have everything done speedily. Whether that's his fault or yours, I don't know. I don't know who's process this is. Instead I'm waiting another 1.5week-2weeks at least to receive an exchange for my damaged product

And what do you mean "I can promise once X-ph creates a service ticket with a team, we will be able to quickly fix this issue" Was one not created already??

"If you cannot get through to X-ph to have your item properly warrantied, please contact me directly"

I wonder if this is the problem... that this is being dealt with as a warranty claim and not an exchange due to receiving a damaged product. Do you have different procedures for those two?

Would you be able to exchange if I drove to your location? I'm somewhere around 2hrs away, so I can do that. That would get things taken care of quickly.

Anthony,

Please give me a call at your earliest convenience: 267-742-3046. I am in the office until 6pm eastern.

Kind Regards,
Sean Zacot