TAPerformance.com

So far I've had good dealings with TA. When I last ordered they even told me the exact part I needed for my application since I wasn't sure between 2 part numbers that they had listed. My only complaint was the high shipping cost, but that's my complaint with everything these days.

It sounds like maybe the company is just growing a little too big to keep running under their current business model.

 

I've never bought anything from TA. But when I first started a construction business, an old-timer I knew gave me a bunch of advice about customer relations. One of the best pieces had to do with the callbacks that always come no matter how well the work is done. If the client wants something fixed or changed don't argue that it wasn't your fault or it wasn't part of the contract or the warranty has run out , just smile and take care of it. (as long it's not totally out of reason). The good will created will almost always be worth more than the expense and trouble in terms of future referrals and references. One time I bought something (forget what) from Radio Shack that turned out not to be what I needed, so I took it back a couple of months later thinking I'd get a refund. But no, I was told that they wouldn't take it back because it was an item they no longer stocked. I've never set foot in a Radio Shack since. All of which is to say that I think companies that don't just take back things the customer doesn't want with a smile and no hassle or added expense are shooting themselves in the foot.

 

Mike and T/A have been nothing but outsatnding with me. More to the point when I bought my T-code 73 from Ca. The seller trusted a guy to deliver it. (Famous hahah local Drag racer) Forward two months and calls to the seller, racer delivery guy etc. We found it in Phoenix. I called Mike offered a few bucks it was at his shop in 3 hours, he cleaned it, and I got it on tranport to NY the next day. Not many BIG buisness will do that. Mike I will never forget. This was 1995 and I have been buying lots of stuff since.

 

Ive never had any major problems with them, but have had a few "minor issues" with a transaction or 2. Would i avoid buying from them again? Probably not. BUT i have had tremendous luck purchasing their products from other vendors so i go that route when possible. Much faster (and cheaper) shipping. I guess the bottom line is, ive been absolutely pleased with the products, and even more so when obtained through other avenues.

 

TA's stance on cam issues is a big problem for me and i wont buy a cam from them because of it. they say they own the blanks that schneider has in their stock. they specify the grinds on the cams and you buy the cam from TA. yet if there is a problem TA tells you to go deal with schneider. that is bullshirt in my opinion!! TA sold the cam as one of their grinds they need to stand behind it and they can deal with schneider, they obviously have more clout with them than a person buying one cam. at least when i buy a cam from Carmen Faso i know it's ground right because he checks it on the Cam doctor and sends the sheet with the cam. of course you frequent patrons of TA have no issues, losing your business hurts their bottom end immediately. losing the little guy may not make a difference and if it does it's so miniscule that TA wont notice. plus there's tons of people who will step in and say it must be an isolated incident because they have had nothing but great service.

 

Ive never had a bad dealing with TA either and this thread wont stop me from buying from them. Not to say that I am not disappointed in the guy who sold the paint to you. He should have checked before he sold what he was selling you. I would call mike also and ask him to fix the situation

 

ive ordered from them on a few occasions and had nothing but good outcomes, I plan to make another purchase soon

but i'm that kind of guy that if i feel they screwed me i wont ever buy from em again...example probably 7 years ago i purchased headers from poston..was on back order for months...then when i finally recieved the part it looks like a demo/shelf part as it wasnt fresh paint rather lots of rust inside and outside header..look where theyre at now aday..

so as long as TA does their part and supply parts and make customers (majoirty happy) then they'll be around to stay

---------- Post added at 05:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:15 PM ----------

ive ordered from them on a few occasions and had nothing but good outcomes, I plan to make another purchase soon

but i'm that kind of guy that if i feel they screwed me i wont ever buy from em again...example probably 7 years ago i purchased headers from poston..was on back order for months...then when i finally recieved the part it looks like a demo/shelf part as it wasnt fresh paint rather lots of rust inside and outside header..look where theyre at now aday..

so as long as TA does their part and supply parts and make customers (majoirty happy) then they'll be around to stay

 

Yeah and you see what happened to Poston. I think the guy had called TA to talk to them but they did not want to hear about it. This is really not looking good for them. I spent $5000.00 with them and all of my parts were good and service was great. But that was in 1992 and I talked to Mike directly when ever I called them. Looks like a lot has changed since then.

I get really excited when I see they do things like the new 455 block and the alum V6 block I know they are there for us but it is these little things that can really screw it up for the business. The people I see on here have been on here for a long time they are the ones that buy the parts. Maybe not everyday but every couple of years they do. Every couple of years for each person on here is a lot of business. I would rather buy a water pump or a fuel pump from them than going to Auto Zone. So they should put their customers first and quit worrying about the small stuff, We are the ones that make it happen there. Recharging shipping for your mistake on valves is not my way of making things right, that is a slap in the face to me. They need to have a meeting and get this all chilled out, we count on them for our Buick parts.

---------- Post added at 06:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:18 PM ----------

Yeah and you see what happened to Poston. I think the guy had called TA to talk to them but they did not want to hear about it. This is really not looking good for them. I spent $5000.00 with them and all of my parts were good and service was great. But that was in 1992 and I talked to Mike directly when ever I called them. Looks like a lot has changed since then.

I get really excited when I see they do things like the new 455 block and the alum V6 block I know they are there for us but it is these little things that can really screw it up for the business. The people I see on here have been on here for a long time they are the ones that buy the parts. Maybe not everyday but every couple of years they do. Every couple of years for each person on here is a lot of business. I would rather buy a water pump or a fuel pump from them than going to Auto Zone. So they should put their customers first and quit worrying about the small stuff, We are the ones that make it happen there. Recharging shipping for your mistake on valves is not my way of making things right, that is a slap in the face to me. They need to have a meeting and get this all chilled out, we count on them for our Buick parts.

 

My situation wont stop me from buying from TA again if they have what I need. I do agree to some extent we have to support the business that make or niche buick hobby sustainable. But a "we're so sorry about that Mr. Stanley, I'll send out the right part that your receipt shows with a postage paid envelop, please return the incorrect part when you get it" A clause on the end of that to say if they dont get the incorrect part back I'll be charged for it is fine, thats acceptable.

When it comes down to it, my problem will get corrected.. I just hink the onus should not be on me to drive to the post office, line up behind 15 other people and use my bubble envelope and postage to send back soemthing they sent me incorrectly, to avoid being charged/refunded twice.

 

I've never had but the best of service from them. My only disappointment was the fit of the 2.5" exhaust for the 2nd Gen Riviera they sell.
But as far as customer service and advice, no complaints here. I wouldn't hesitate to order again.

 

Restocking fees are total BS. I've had good luck with TA, but I know lots who haven't. they seem to have a high level of arrogance. almost like we should be lucky they even exist, and how dare we question anything they do. For what its worth, I'm glad they do what they do. poor customer service sucks at any level, whether your are buying a cheeseburger or engine parts. its so avoidable too.

 

This is not directed at the OP here but the problem with complaints against venders is, you never know the absolute truth or details. You don't know what was said for sure when the part was ordered, and you don't know what the attitude of the customer was when they contacted the seller. One thing for sure is a little diplomacy goes a long way.
As suggested by others I would talk to the man himself.

Bob H.

---------- Post added at 05:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------

This is not directed at the OP here but the problem with complaints against venders is, you never know the absolute truth or details. You don't know what was said for sure when the part was ordered, and you don't know what the attitude of the customer was when they contacted the seller. One thing for sure is a little diplomacy goes a long way.
As suggested by others I would talk to the man himself.

Bob H.

 

I had a problem with a part I ordered. It was a part that TA didn't make, but carried, and I figured I give them the business. It was a reproduction part correct for a 70 GS but not for a 71-72, but they had it listed for a 70-72. It was going into a 72. I spoke to Mike directly, and I had to pay to ship it back (I was good with that, even though it was big). It went back in the original box and was in perfect condition. I was charged a restocking fee, which left a sour taste in my mouth, but I got over it.

While it is difficult to know what happens during a TA engine rebuild that has problems, complaints on simple parts
ordering is a somewhat different animal. Before the internet, only a few people knew of any problem. Now EVERYONE knows! While you can't expect customer service like Jegs or Summit, sometimes it is wise from a business standpoint to give some of the gray areas to the customer. That's what I do in my business.

 

I did make it very clear when I made the original order that I didn't want the version of paint they sent me. I told them it had to be duplicolor 1608 and I even asked him to verify that the paint can itself said it and he said yes. There was no misunderstanding. When I brought this up to the lady, she was rude and had no sense of diplomacy. The original guy denied me telling him to verify the paint can number. so he point blank LIED TO ME. All I wanted is for them to give me a full refund and return shipping because technically they sent me the WRONG PART NUMBER. And like any other wrong part they send accidentally, they pay for shipping and don't charge a restocking fee.
Bad experience, rude customer service, they lie and I did try to send the email to the owner himself but was ignored.
Again I am more pissed off at their attitude and they way the treated me more than anything else.

 

Hi Todd,

send the info on the warehouse to me and i will contact them and try to buy a larger quantity. then I can offer it here and am sure a lot of people will want 6 - 12 cans and i should be able get it moved and there will be plenty to go around and available.

 

Me too, lets get in on a bunch of red paint. I have about 20 Buick 350s here to paint.

 

Wow,you haters are pissin me off.I talk to Mike Sr often,he's a great guy to deal with.All these post's about"remember Poston....remember Kenne-Bell"? T/A is all we have left.As a business owner one thing i will say (TO TODD)....did you call the owner directly?
If a sad tale falls upon deaf ears,the source that counts might not always hear it.ou:
Mike SR. has so many irons in the fire,he doesnt have time to be on here.Mike JR. need's to speak up.Mike?

 

Not really seeing any "hate" here, just people recounting their personal experiences. Truth is truth, no matter who it "pisses off".

Personally, I would put a LS series engine or a BBC in my car in a second before taking attitude from a vendor who thought they were doing me a favor by selling me parts. Just my take.

 

I agree
Any time Mike was mentioned here it was positive - "Talk to Mike he'll make it right"
Its a shame his employees cant or dont have the authority to make it right.

 

Jamie,
I know you directed your question to Todd, but I think what we are trying to get across here is that we shouldn't have to ask for the owner of the company to get issues resolved. I try to respect the fact that the business owner is busy, and put the right people in place to field the day-to-day running of the business.

Todd answered your question in his first post - "and told her I wanted to talk to the owner or manager and she said, 'Well thats my prerogative but that the owner was not in at that time'. The only number I have to reach anyone at TA is on their website. If the gatekepper doesn't let me talk to Mike if and when I really feel the need, that just adds to the frustration.

I'm not trying to pick a fight with anybody, nor would I consider my comments to be "hater". I want TA to thrive, survive, and continue to innovate as much as anybody. I think they just need to sit down and review their customer service policies and protocols.