Just have to get this off my mind and warn others.? I am just finishing up the restoration of my Blue/Gray '52 Belvedere.? Eight weeks ago, I shopped around to have my bumpers re-chromed.? The lowest price that I could get locally was $425. each.? I checked with Bumper Boyz (because of their advertising) and they quoted me $350. to $365. each.? I then checked with UPS, and had them ship them out to Bumper Boyz at a cost of $47. for both.? In the shipping pouch was my check to them for $750. to cover the bumpers and some toward shipping them back to me.? Bob at Bumper Boyz called to tell me that they received the bumpers and my check and that they should be ready to ship to me in three weeks.
Three weeks later, someone from there called me (could barely speak english) to tell me that they couldn't ship the bumpers to me until I paid.? When I informed her that I sent a check and that 'Bob' verified it, I was told that she would look for it and call me back.? I waited another week and a half, then called out there only to be told that the bumpers were not yet ready to be shipped.? Another week later, I received an email from 'Bob' telling me that the check was lost and that I should stop payment on it.? He promised to call me the next day to get my credit card information.? I waited several days, and called them.? I gave them my credit card information and was then told that the bumpers would be $415. each.? When I objected, I was told that I did not have a written quote from them, and that was what their price would be.? ?As if that wasn't bad enough, they informed me that shipping and 'handling' was $150. per bumper.? At this date, I am still waiting to receive my bumpers.? Had I had them done locally, I would have had them 5 or 6 weeks ago at hundreds of dollars less.
Needless to say, I will NEVER use Bumper Boyz again.? If anyone out there in POC land needs chrome work done, be really really carful of these guys.
John >:(
sounds like normal operating procedure for them, haven't heard of many unsolicited posiive testimonials.
Just a suggestion,
You may want to take a look at their swap meet schedule, and see when they will be close to you. I know I see them all the time. Facing them, in person can make a world of difference and you should be able to pick your items up at the same time. It is amazing what you can get done in person, in front of a crowd of possible customers! Also, you can inspect your bumpers for flaws, right there, in front of them. If anything is found, you can point this out and have things taken care of, with shipping demanded on their tab ( of coarse everything should be in writting, so bring a pen in the case they don't have one ;)). Frankly, I never would give those fellows my credit card numbers...BTW, was your check ever cashed? Just curious, not being nosey.
I believe that they will be attending the local meet here in S.W. PA. (Butler Parts-O-Rama) over Father's Day. If I attend, I would be more than happy to pick your bumpers up, inspect, and advise you of anything wrong. I'm not sure what is "planned" for me for that day, but would be willing to work something out for you if possible.
Good Luck!
I have heard a similar story on all of the car forums about the Bumper Boyz.........
I prefer to use a credit card, NOT A DEBIT CARD!!! on any transaction I make. Once someone has cashed a check and/or debited your account you have no control over them. If I do send a check, I usually send a written note along with my payment confirming the "conditions of sale",? that were discussed. It is kind of interesting how a persons memory improves when things are put in writing....Bill
I guess you didn't read about them online first.?
Bumper Boyz are EXACTLY like Andy Bernbaum.? They give you a price and specify quality, then the actual price goes up and the quality goes down.? Just wait untill you get your bumpers.? I bet you won't be happy with the finished results.