JDL Auto Design
 

I'm just documenting my experience with JDL - I fully expect an army of fanboys to mindlessly defend them. Knock yourself out.

I was going to do a detailed log of what happened and when but I don't think there's much point, so the summary is :-

- Paid for the JDL UEL manifold group buy at the start of May.
- Various emails early on about customisations
- JDL website states 4-6 weeks delivery for manifolds
- Various emails (no more than one per week) chasing up status, some replied to, some not
- Mid-June JDL confirm delays due to no flanges (6 weeks after payment!)
- No ETA available from JDL, I ask to cancel order & receive refund
- JDL do not provide refund, yet come back to me promising shipping within 2-3 weeks (deadline Monday July 8th) - I allow the delay
- Deadline missed, JDL blame delays on ceramic coating company
- I ask for photo of my manifold or refund, no reply

I've had to place a chargeback with my card company to get my money back.

Some people may be happy with this level of service but I obviously am not. I know there are others not happy too, but that's just hearsay as far as this thread is concerned.

Poor show. :sigh:


Advice to JDL: Don't bite off more than you can chew. You took 100% payments in advance (probably $15k+ total) for this group buy without even having the materials in your hands to assemble the manifolds.

I'll take your spot. I'm sorry things didn't work out for you with this, especially when there are delays. I understand what you mean though.

understand the frustration @ft_sjo.

You should have really waited until next week though, as they have made it clear that the first batch would be done and shipping out. I was frustrated as well but I am holding off until next week to see if my header ships out. IF not I might follow the same route as you.

GL I know FR-S Matt will most likely pick up your spot.

A company should offer a refund when a customer asks for one. Especially when the customer never received a service / product.

Sorry you are not happy

First off he was on the tail end of the group buy. He was unhappy with the wait and asked for "compensation" What we did was stayed later at work and bumped him up on the order list. We then sent the header to the coaters last week. He wanted a photo or else I should refund him. Ive been awaiting a photo from my coater. I wake up to an email this morning saying he has filed a charge back. Since its in motion nothing I can do now

Everything we make is built upon order. All materials were bought in bulk with the payments. That is how we were able to offer the cheaper price of the group buy. Sorry if you didnt like the wait time. Hand made quality that surpasses whats out takes time.

Guess this bumps everyone on the list up one ;)

Yes sir


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The end product is worth the wait!

He emailed and said send me a pic of give me a refund. Like I posted above ive been waiting for a pic from our coater. If we didnt get anything today I was going to drive down and take a pic myself

As for the site stating 4-6 weeks thats for a single manifold that we have fixtures to build it out of. This group buy has taken some time and we are stream lining the process so this isnt an issue further down the road.

Since these are new, people need to consider these as one offs since the jig needed to be made and material acquired. I know people are anxious, but if you can't wait you should never have joined a groupbuy like this. They never run on time. I know because I helped get a rare product for a unique and small car community and it took time.

Gave money to JDL full knowing that it was going to take a while. Seeing their quality in this header and past products, I knew I had nothing to worry about.

Original poster needs to take this as a life lesson. If you know you don't have the patience then buy something that is readily on the shelves from a vendor. Communication with a small operation may sometimes be tough.

Most people don't know the difficulties of a smaller shop, but they need to be cut some slack sometimes. Not everything runs as smoothly as a large company.

And word of advice to the boys at JDL. Consistent communication goes a long way, even if it ain't positive. People appreciate it and it shows you value your customers. I personally don't care as much since whatever had been posted is fine for me.

Appreciate the constructive criticism @chutrain

Thanks for your response. It would have been nice if it had some kind of apology and was less arrogant, but I guess that's the theme throughout the whole process to date.

Anyway, I just wanted to put my experience across. Like I said, some people will relate, some won't. I'll leave it at that.