Date:         Thu, 21 Feb 2002 16:26:03 EST
Reply-To:     Oxroad@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey R <Oxroad@AOL.COM>
Subject:      I got SA second from BD;and no comment
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

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,