StreetbeatCustoms.com, Phoenix, AZ - Epic by Nexter Barrier Finish Inside car cover - didn't have inside finish or inside fabric, as explained on Web site - returned cover - told will be charged 20% restocking fee

# 5 for September 25, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on September 24, 2003:

From:

RE: StreetbeatCustoms.com, Phoenix, AZ - Epic by Nexter Barrier Finish Inside car cover - didn't have inside finish or inside fabric, as explained on Web site - returned cover - told will be charged 20% restocking fee

Greetings: I am writing this letter to file a formal complaint against the company StreetbeatCustoms.com. I purchased a new mercedes slk230 and wanted to protect the paint from the environment so I search on your website for companies that sold such a product. It seemed from my search that all of the companies represented the same manufacturer, Covercraft located in Oklahoma. StreetbeatCustoms.com is located in Phoenix, Arizona and I live in Riverside, California so it's not convenient to drop by and argue my cause of action. First, I searched their website and saw the cover advertised as having "Epic by Nextec Barrier Finish INSIDE Fabric". I needed the cover to be lined as I live in an area that has high winds with dust. As this was represented to have a special finish or lining I ordered it. I ordered it on July 8, 2003 and charged it to my American Express card in the amount of $292.71. This is almost twice as expensive than most car covers as it had a five year warranty and it was represented to be lined. Again, it stated "Finish INSIDE Fabric". Weeks went by and I received nothing. Eventually, I found out that it wasn't ordered until sometime around July 25, 2003. More than two weeks after charging my credit card. I called to cancel and they told me I should be receiving it soon. I still wanted the cover so I waited. I eventually received it and it was a nice cover, but it had no lining in it to protect my expensive car and paint. I again called and they stated they would talk to the manufacturer. I called the manufacturer myself and Cindy in customer service told me that it was not lined and didn't have any special finish in the inside. It would in fact as she told me that it would be very tough on my paint if I lived in a winding area. In order to return the item you have to call and get a return order authorization. I did that and returned the item by UPS. It was sent on September 8, 2003 and received on September 10, 2003 at 10:39 a.m.. I've been trying for two weeks to get a refund and now they tell me that they are going to charge me a 20% restocking fee as there is nothing wrong with the cover. They also tell me that the problem is with the website and the manufacturer as they utilize the manufacturer's website with the magic of technology. In the meantime, I've called and spoken to the sales manager Jimmy and he agreed with me that I shouldn't be charged a restocking fee as it was misrepresented on the website. However, the owner of the company a Richard Freeman told him that he is in fact going to charge me a restocking fee as there was nothing wrong with the cover. I want a full refund as it was represented to be lined or have a "FINISH" in the inside. There is not a lining or special finish to protect the paint or car from the environment as I intended to be for. Therefore, it is not my fault that the website's information isn't correct or misleading. I should therefore have to pay any restocking fee. For your information, I've spoken to them at 800-420-5060. I've spoken mostly to the service manager Jeremy Swank. I've spoken to Tommy extension 236. I've spoken to the sales manager Jimmy extension 228 and I've left a message on the owner's voice mail-Richard J. Freeman extension 224 without a return call. I would appreciate it tremendously if you would get this straightened away or else I don't feel secure with Yahoo's shopping service if you can't trust the vendor's on your website to treat you with a fast, courteous and honest manner. They have not done any of what I would expect from a shopping service. If you should need any additional information I can be reached at 909-780-ssss or you can email your response after investigating this issue. I look forward to you anticipated response. Sincerely, Donald D. Chitlik