Just to keep us informed: I ordered a lower South African Grill from Bus Depot and what showed up was a factory second item. The grill had a few dimples from the manufacturing process where the plastic didn't fill the mould and the like. Two of them in spots that were very visible if the grill was installed on the bus. The dimples were even already circled in a white grease pencil when the grill arrived from Bus Depot. I'm assuming the circles were from the factory when the grill was discarded as a blemished item. Two letters to the Bus Depot from me inquiring about why I recieved a factory second recieved no response. So I have no way of knowing if they only offer factory seconds in the South African Grills or if there was a mix up with the one they sent me. I returned the item and recieved a check back for the cost of the item but was out the $35 or so I spent in shipping. And no explaination as to why I ended up with a defective item, if they normally ship South African seconds, or if I was entitled to a refund on my shipping costs since the item was not as advertised. I know some vendors sell seconds, but in my experience they have always been up front about it--i.e. "These are blemished items" and the like. I mention this as a heads up to fellow listees when looking for South African goodies. The item I got from Bus Depot came with a "Just Kampers" sticker on it which is a British aftermarket parts house. So the grill had been through a few hands before it got to me, and that may explain how I ended up with a second. But again if the South African grills from the Bus Depot are seconds as a rule I don't know because two letters of inquiry were ignored. Since negative Bus Depot postings generally create a volley of e-mail I did think twice about posting this. But the truth is I think others on the list can benefit from my disappointment and financial loss in this transaction--and therefore it is worthwhile information to share. I have ordered many parts from Bus Depot over the years and have not had this situation with seconds. But maybe with some items that are of a cosmetic nature it will pay to ask in the future. Jeff 83.5 Westy LA,CA, |
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