Unbelievable...tell us what you really think.

[BenDF]

Wow someone dug up an old post I made on another forum.

I apologize for the generalized remarks I made on that thread. I was very frustrated with someone that came in the office being VERY rude to Peter, and I vented on a forum that I have been a part of as a non vendor. I obviously should have deleted it once I gathered myself together.

I do NOT feel this way towards all NSX owners. We all say things we don't mean when we are frustrated. Yes, I will admit that I DO feel that there are more difficult people to deal with in the NSX community than others. Generalizing was wrong, and I apologize if I offended any of you.

If I MEANT to offend anyone, I would have ranted here. I ranted there because I am not a vendor there, and just a part of the community. Nevertheless, I definitely should have vented my frustration on a punching bag or something instead.

I think most DF customers would have good things to say about me. No, I don't try to build friendships with my customers, or stroke your ego to get a sale, but I do what I am supposed to do. My job is to get your parts out in an orderly fashion, and make sure each customer is satisfied with the product.

Once again, I am sorry for offending anyone in the NSX community. It was not my intent, and it won't happen again.

Have a nice day.

 

[MashimaroNSX]

Now i'm definitely going to have to rethink about purchasing anything from DF. Although everyone does have his/her bad day, there really isn't any reason to rant against NSX owners at all since we are definitely a huge part of downforce's customers not to mention that most NSX owners are mature enough not to be "prickish". I assume Ben didn't think we would be on any other forum and therefore felt free to say whatever he wanted. Seeing the posts on the other forum is truely a sad thing to watch especially for those who are loyal to DF. Ben, you posting that on other forums because you were part of the community makes us NSX owners look bad in general regardless of how old it was. On another note, I am glad you came and apologized to those who are sincerely loyal to DF.

 

[Ponyboy]

Well Ben, you're big enough to make a sincere apology. I hope the community is big enough to forgive.

At least you're man enough to own up to your mistakes. But there's a quite a bit of goodwill that'll need to be done to overcome the previous negative comments.

 

[kyoeyes]

I think its silly not to buy from downforce from one little thing like that, aww did he hurt your feelings? Please grow up, this is business what he did was wrong but don't put the whole company on his back, what he feels does not relate to the services/products he has provided. Now if he spit on your cf spoiler and scratched it up before sent out thats another story.

 

[BenDF]

Well Ben, you're big enough to make a sincere apology. I hope the community is big enough to forgive.

At least you're man enough to own up to your mistakes. But there's a quite a bit of goodwill that'll need to be done to overcome the previous negative comments.

I can very difficult to deal with when I think I am right. In this case, I know I was wrong. I can't take it back. All I can do is apologize and move forward.

BTW - That post was made last year. I honestly never thought someone would go that far back to dig it up, so I never went back to delete it.

 

[Ski_Banker]

Ben,

For the record, I didn't "dig up" an old post on that BMW forum. I did a search for "NSX" because I enjoy reading the good and bad that others have to say about the NSX. I'm not a member of any other auto forums. But, for someone with such a negative view of NSX owners (however aggitated by an annoying customer), how many other lame remarks have you made about the NSX and its owners? Do you bitch to your friends and others in the auto industry about NSX owners? This is just one random example posted on the Web - I highly highly doubt it is the first and only.



NSX Prick #18,207

 

[MashimaroNSX]

I think its silly not to buy from downforce from one little thing like that, aww did he hurt your feelings?

I think you are missing a point, this doesn't have anything to do with peoples feelings, this has to do with good business practice. Its true that some people like you may not care about his rants however there will be a good number of people who value good and honest business practice with common courtesy and mutual respect for their customers, it just depends on what kind of customer you are. The big question is if you would care to do business with a vendor that feels that way about their customers or not (i'm not referring to DF specifically but all vendors in general).

 

[LJSB]

Ben called me today sounding upset because he made a mistake and shipped some parts to the owner instead of to me at my shop.
Fellow seemed really concerned, albeit frustrated at the goof. He seems like a good guy who is trying to give good service. Things happen.

I think his rant is kind of funny. Everyone has said things in anger or frustration they would be embarrassed of if brought up to them again after they cooled off. EVERYONE. :redface:

If you're not a little prick then don't let it bother you.

I get a kick out of the idea that some people are thinking "Gee I was a prick, wonder if he was talking about me?":biggrin:

 

[MashimaroNSX]

You do have a point there, however i'm just a firm believer that there are just some things better left unsaid.

 

[kyoeyes]

I think you are missing a point, this doesn't have anything to do with peoples feelings, this has to do with good business practice. Its true that some people like you may not care about his rants however there will be a good number of people who value good and honest business practice with common courtesy and mutual respect for their customers, it just depends on what kind of customer you are. The big question is if you would care to do business with a vendor that feels that way about their customers or not (i'm not referring to DF specifically but all vendors in general).

I can see from where your coming from, but if you reread all the posts you will see it comes from the people's "feelings". Who doesn't bitch from time to time, please be realistic here. Yea he's not suppose to say it in public, but still don't create all this unneeded drama over it. As long as I get my product as described for the price I agree upon(their asking price), and have no problems if I need a return then who cares? Now if that all happens, thats good business to me as long as they don't deny returns and other bs. But my "feelings" will get hurt if they think I'm a prick even though I had no problem with my product or it getting to me. Yea this is about "feelings" and "oh this is bad business practice is how you feel". Everyone in return is putting a generalization on DF, if hes saying it, the whole company is bad.

 

[comtec]

I think its silly not to buy from downforce from one little thing like that, aww did he hurt your feelings? Please grow up, this is business what he did was wrong but don't put the whole company on his back, what he feels does not relate to the services/products he has provided. Now if he spit on your cf spoiler and scratched it up before sent out thats another story.

lol,

As Ben said it was from sept of last year and i think since that time he has proven he and downforce are a valueable asset to this community. Everyone has said something they shouldn't sometime or another. How did you find this Ski?

 

[s14_tat]

We all make mistakes. Atleast ben was man enough to admit it and not make excuses about it. pbassjo hit the nail right on the head. If your not one of those "prick" nsx owners, than I would let that concern me one bit.

Don't worry Ben, your apology seems sincere enough to me, and you don't change the way I see your company one bit.

 

[LJSB]

Thou shalt not call us Pricks! We deem that you shall starve and the holy will not cloak themselves in carbon fiber! :biggrin:

 

[TheDeej]

Everyone in return is putting a generalization on DF, if hes saying it, the whole company is bad.

Exactly, that is one of the most important things to remember about business. Every single employee represents the business as a whole, not saying it's right, but that's the way it is. Whether it's a receptionist, salesman, janitor, CEO, doesn't matter, one employee's actions WILL reflect on the business he is representing. That aside, he did make the comment out of frustration which we have all been through I'm sure, and he hasn't let it effect his dedication to the customer according to most on here who have done business with him. I'm not saying it's right or it's wrong, but what's done is done, apologies have been made, and I'm personally just the kind of guy to let things roll off my back, so whatever :biggrin:

 

[Tony Montoya]

God help you if you drive an NSX AND a BMW.

 

[blodi]

God help you if you drive an NSX AND a BMW.

Whats so wrong with that?:tongue:

 

[comtec]

God help you if you drive an NSX AND a BMW.

That would be WingZ for one :smile: . Where you at wingy :biggrin: ?

 

[UnhuZ]

I may be a little stupid to think like this but, when i give my money to a company, i'm buying a product for what it is, not friendship, loyalty, fellowship, etc, etc...

if the product it self is worth the asked money, then it's good business. Moralizing business can get real bad back to you... pride can get you a thing with less quality but expensier...that's a bad business.

all i said was about business.

this won't stop me from buying from DF. after all, and if we look to ourselfs, here and there, all of us have a little prick inside...due to many causes...

let's move on :wink:

 

[comtec]

fyi,

I have read posts on other forums that talked about us alot worse than that and they were posted by current NSX owners / posting Prime members. I never posted them up because as long as they are contributing members to the community (knowledge,etc) it serves no purpose.

 

[fannsx]

God help you if you drive an NSX AND a BMW.

Oh no, I am in this category.

I think we have all done this kind of venting every now and then. I know I have done it myself complaining to friends and family about work or people at the work place.

Ben apoligized. Let's accept his apology and get on with our lives. Let DF do its business and provide good customer service as some of you have indicated.

Business is a compormise. Buyers want to spend the least and sellers want to profit the most. A deal is made somewhere in between. That's business as we know it. It never hurts to ask for a better price.

 

[BladesNSX]

Thou shalt not call us Pricks! We deem that you shall starve and the holy will not cloak themselves in carbon fiber! :biggrin:

ROTFLMAO:biggrin: :biggrin: :biggrin: THAT WAS PERFECT!!!!

Ben apologized. I don't know if it came from the heart or the wallet, but he apologized. I dealt with a rim and tire vendor located in miami that actually called my cell phone, cursed me off, and hung up on me, because I called one of his main suppliers and told them that he gave me very bad service (trust me, I was not the only customer whom he has given gave bad service.). There was a thread posted about this particular retailer and no apologies to date has been posted.

I've never purchased anything from DF however, it seems many NSXers who have done business with them, have had great service.

I am curious though as to WHICH NSX owner got Ben so upset

Someone drop the dime please :biggrin:

 

[JeffShoots]

I think its silly not to buy from downforce from one little thing like that, aww did he hurt your feelings? Please grow up, this is business

I THINK YOU are missing the point. It is a Business and one that a customer might not be a returning one.

Ben, You might have a short fuse? I was interested and bought a wing from you a few months ago. I PM'ed you my info with my personal Cell# for payment (CC info) only as I had stated what I wanted in the PM.

You PM'ed me back later in the day "FRUSTRATED" that I didn't get the phone? and I did have one missed call but no message on my phone.

I called back to give you the info (that day) and after I gave you my forum name your attitude changed immediately and you wanted to talk about my crap cell phone service and how you tried a few times that day (you must have felt put out?).

After you calmed down, I said "I just want the part" and please just take my (MONEY) CC info and get it over with.

I run 3 MICRO businesses and good people are hard to find but maybe sales is just NOT your thing. Get a receptionist to take orders/ payment info.

Don't take things too personally and VENT about what A**HOLES your customers are. People are as a whole buying these items you sell as a TOY....we don't really NEED them like T.P., food, or water.

I would really like your NSX-R under battery tray but I must admit that I have been looking at other Vendors as I just don't want that uncomfortable feeling when I'm buying a NEW TOY for my car.

Just my 2 cents

 

[nsxpowered]

Okay so finally I got word of this post and I am mixed about my initial feelings. I feel that it is bad to vent like that but also something that was over exaggerated. Since none of you guys were there to witness what had happened, it does bring back the bad memories. Ben is correct for calling them douche bag pricks. These 3 guys that had came over to the shop to buy "used car parts" that is not related to Downforce, which I have been doing on the side ever since 1997. However most of these parts belong to customers and friends of mine. I put it up for sale as a favor to them. They give me a product for consignment. Their asking price is $100, so I would put it for $115. My CC processor would take out $3.45 which leaves me with $11.55. Usually stuff like this is a waste of my time and that is why I don't sell used parts anymore. It began to interfere with my real business and caused delays which affects my customers that are waiting for their products. Anyways this guy would come in and demand I sell the item for $25 because his friend has one for $10 and he was doing me a favor buy purchasing it for more, and I said it's not my decision. They kept saying how I was lying and told me to stop the Bullsh*t, and they just don't get it. I was willing to do them the favor of calling the owner of the part and asking them which wasted a lot of time, and is one of the reasons why we get delays. They start rummaging through my shop looking for items to buy without permission, no respect for anyone. They bothered my workers at production and asked them if they could find a certain part or move this or that; and just gave everyone a headache. I did deal with a lot of these people when I was selling used parts and I bet it is the reason why I had gotten ill. I treated everyone with respect, but those guys deserved none. I wish I had told them to leave in the first place, they would stay for three hours and end up buying nothing. Another time they would come back and I would even sell them something under cost just to get rid of them. One guy was a person that bought a crashed NSX for $9000 and wanted to piece it back for $3000 (in reality the cost was more like $20000 it was beyond repairs). The other 2 guys were used car salesman that bought a salvage wreck from an insurance auction. These people do not qualify as NSX Owners! They are "used parts scavengers". I have pretty much invested all of my time and money on DF because the NSX is what started it all. I hired Ben to start up a compact car line from scratch to help keep Downforce afloat. It wasn't until November 11 that Ben started taking over the NSX business for me (because of the engine cover fiasco) so I can concentrate on production time improvements. Ben had cleaned up the place a lot and implemented policies to keep DF more professional. Gotten off the topic again... so here it is... what I really think...


1.) I'm not happy about this, because this has nothing to do with DF. It could also affect the well being of my kids.
2.) Those people were really douche bag pricks and even worse. The nicer I was to them, the more rudely they were treating me. Ben got frustrated just watching them stepping over me. Since he was new at the time he didn't feel appropriate to speak up for me.
3.) Since Ben didn't deal with them, this would be an exaggeration. Infact he didn't get to meet most of you guys until November.
4.) Here is the time-line and make your own judgment about Ben. There is nothing more I can say.

9-25-2006 Ben starts work officially
9-25-2006 Ben sees the used car salesman
9-28-2006 Ben sees the guy who bought a crashed NSX
9-29-2006 Ben sees an auto body shop guy
9-29-2006 Ben rants on bimmer forums
11-10-2006 Ben begins doing the NSX business

 

[CL65 Captain]

Ok.. cool. Now make it up to us by selling me some stuff below cost. :biggrin:

 

[jimbonuttz]

I know everyone must be upset and angered by the remarks Ben made in the past and it's understandable at the very least but I've made numerous transactions with Ben and spoke to him via email, pm's and phone calls along with Ray and I'll be the first to admit they were nothing but fantastic with my personal transactions I've made. I see no reason not to do business with them again. I think it's more of a personal moral that everyones getting upset about and taking the comments very personal as though he was speaking of "you". If he screwd you over during a transaction then I can see why you wouldn't want to do business with him.

If Ben and DF continues to help out the NSX community by offering us high quality parts that everyone wants and gives us more options with low prices and smooth transactions then I'll continue to be a customer.

I see alot of people posting and hating on Ben for what he said, but where are all the people who have done business transactions with Ben? If it was anything like the experiences I've had then you can agree that the transactions went very well and smoothly.

Please do not take this the wrong way, I don't condone what Ben has said in the past but I don't find it all that offensive. He never said "all" nsx owners are pricks so I'll just pretend I'm one of the exceptions lol. Anyways I think Ben,Ray and DF as a whole has done more good in our community to let one old comment haunt him and I hope he continues to help us out.