K-Gap.
Comments
-
TOMBAR46@MSN.COM0
-
forjack842 wrote:That was a typo - $425 for a set of running board rubber. I'm one click from submitting a Paypal refund claim.
I just escalated my claim to refund with Paypal! I'll take my $490+ somewhere else! Even a case of non delivery can get life out of KGap! Enough is Enough!0 -
I've actually had a couple of successful experiences with K-Gap purchases recently. Ordered and received the parts in short order.
However, based on the content of this thread, and others I've read, I recently sent K-Gap an email offering to purchase their inventory and business. To his credit, I did get a phone call from the owner, Dany just a couple of days ago.
We had a long extended phone conversation about K-Gap and its customers.
I asked if he had been following the comments about K-GAP on the forum, and his surprising response was that he just didn't have time to look on the forum. We talked at length, and I expressed my opinion that any business with a website can't survive long if they don't respond immediately to emails, and if they can't have someone answer the phone during business hours (as most of you customers know, there is no such thing as calling and getting anything other than an answering machine on the phone there).
Sadly, Dany seemed to be more interested in explaining to me how he has another full time job, the wife has to care for an ailing relative, and that the "few" guys who posted unfavorable messages were the exception, and had all been satisfied.
I'm of the impression that these folks have honorable intentions, but just aren't set up to actually operate a business. I don't get the sense that they understand once a business reputation is tarnished, there's not much left.
It's a shame, as the products offered by K-Gap provide a very valuable service to the Hudson community. Unfortunately, unless they can change their attitude toward their customer service practice, I fear they won't last much longer.0 -
I'm having a difficult time accepting the complete lack of concern about his customer base in virtual revolt. I believe the issue is Dany has another revenue stream and KGap has lost its "appeal" to such an extent that in his mind its a pain in the rear. Ok I can understand that. My main concern is where is everyone's money? Alot of us have paid upfront and unless there's an immediate plan to either deliver or refund, then that approaches an intent to defraud. Especially if the money in not escrowed waiting payout as stuff arrives from vendors.
For those off shore and within the USA, I'd get ahold of the nearest authority and file whatever you feel appropiate. When the business owner has no concern for his customers, then its in the best interest of the customer to take action to recover their investment before the business folds completely.
I pray someone in HET or HET itself would be able to acquire KGAP and return it to an usuable enity.
Jack0 -
Original Message
From: keith cubbin <kcubbin@optusnet.com.au>
To: kgaphet@aol.com
Sent: Thu, Jun 3, 2010 4:51 pm
Subject: Re: (no subject)
Hi Kaylene,
I received my White Triangle magazine yesterday read your letter regarding your supply of parts and requesting people to contact you if there was outstanding
parts. Listed below is the parts still outstanding, also I've asked you on two occasions when I might expect to see the Aluminum sill plates for my "49 convertible
and I haven't received a reply as yet. A settlement of my outstanding order would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Keith
Original Message
From: keith cubbin
To: kgaphet@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2010 2:41 PM
Subject: Re: (no subject)
Hi Danny and Kaylene,
Since my last Email dated 25th June regarding my outstanding parts, as of now I still haven't received the remaining items. Listed below is what is still outstanding. Could you please advise me when I might receive the balance of the order.
Quarter window Seal and Gasket Part # 139
"S" shape front door seal Part # 138
Window setting channel Part # 218
Roof antenna pad Part # 165
Oil pressure sending unit Part # 379
Regards
Keith
From: keith cubbin
To: Kgaphet@aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 12:36 PM
Subject: Fw: (no subject)
Hi Danny and Kaylene,
I'd appreciate you advising me when I'm going to receive the balance of my order, which includes the sill plates for the convertible. I'm nearing the stage
where I'll be ready to start assembling the car, so this is crucial I hear back from you so I can plan the assembly.
Regards
Keith0 -
I am surprised they didn't jump at a legitimate offer to buy the business. Doc Hornet you should keep up the pressure see if they will sell.
I think I am like a lot of our long time HET members who did business with the Kales and were used to that level of support from K-Gap so the customer service we now have is quite a shock to the system. I understand times are hard and this is secondary but the taking of peoples money up front and sending product is a business so it needs to be run as such with honoured time lines and delivery schedules.
I have gone from a buy over the phone customer to only buy in person at meets. After spending fruitless hours trying to communicate with K-Gap I only buy when I can see them in person and see the product in front of me. Makes it a real pain as I am in Canada so only get to purchase parts when I head to meets.0 -
When properly operated and I stress that caveat, does or can this operation make a reasonable profit?0
-
Jim Kilday wrote:When properly operated and I stress that caveat, does or can this operation make a reasonable profit?
Sure, why not? Simple stuff. Answer the phone and e-mails and communicate the basics like- Take the order, then tell the customer how much it is with shipping and when it will be sent out. It's that simple.0 -
Can be even MORE profitable when you take the $$$ up front, then just don't follow up on the delivery....slim0
-
It would be interesting to see a dollar figure, On ordered items, paid for in full,and not recieved yet. Plus how long they have waited for the items, with no response from K-Gap. I know not everyone who did this, is on this fourm, but it may shed some light onto how large this problem is, and why people are so upset.0
-
Only two people can say for sure how profitable K-gap is,Press and Danny. Back some years ago Press( as I was told) ran off some red plastic emblems for the grill. Every one wanted one. Until the time came to actually cough up $40. After a run of 100, only sold 20-30. My figures are probably off a bit, but you get the idea. Still has to square up with the suppliers. How many square feet are required for operation and storage + taxes on that property? Records for IRS etc. Small runs from suppliers can be difficult to obtain in order to replenish stock etc. I don't wish to take sides, as I have not had a personal problem with Kgap,but it my be not as profitable as we Hudson BUFFS think. My question, though,is, if Danny is not making money why would he be against selling before revenues decline further. If it is profitable, acording to this forum, it can, and will, go "south" quickly reducing its value, and the price Danny can obtain for the sale. If he takes interest in better service once again today, it might take years to regain customer trust. A sale to a new operator seems logical, as Dan will have a new found cash flow that can be invested to earn interest/dividends that will require little time from the Spring family daily needs.0
-
Ron S.
I appreciate your comments and can agree with lots of it,I myself have quite a lot of H.E.T. parts, I also appreciate the room etc to carry these items for folks who and when they want them, but, we get back to the fact of not suppying goods once paid for including freight and on top of that no communication from emails or phone calls.That in my opinion is common courtesy.0 -
These threads have been going on for a few years, re Kgap. Since they are very much the only supplier for many HET parts this situation has become a grave concern to all Het enthusiasts. More seriously is the legal and ethical question that is presented here. The suggestion I made 18 months ago is that the National develop a position. I received less than favorable response from spokespersons. One reason Ford, Chevy Buick and others have held there value is the terrific after market parts supply. If this Het problem continues it won't be long before news will travel and values will deteriorate. That's becomes a problem for all of us. If no communication is being returned to buyers than action by the buyer must be innitiated and the National must be made aware. As for Danny, a decision needs to be made. That's what I was suggesting in the prior statement.0
-
Jim Kilday wrote:When properly operated and I stress that caveat, does or can this operation make a reasonable profit?
I don't think, at least in the hands of Press and Janet, they made much of a dollar out of K-Gap, nor was it their intention to do so. K-Gap was something they could afford to do, it was a retirement hobby to help others in the Hudson community. I recall Press saying one time to the effect that as long as K-Gap made enough to cover their costs of attending and setting up at the National each year he was happy.
Given the costs involved in having small runs of items made, the small market for HET parts, and the amount people are willing to pay for those parts, I can't see that business model changing much, no matter who runs it.
But back to the focus of this thread, which is customer service.0 -
I see absolutely no reason that KGap must be Hudson only. A single point for many of the orphans' needs seems like a perfectly reasonable business model! Also the source for more than rubber parts. There's alot of parts that could just be gathered and made available as a kit or a set. A single point of stock makes the pain of searching of this and tha so much easier. It may not be Carquest ot Autozone but should provide a decent income.
Just my opinion.0 -
I am always very impressed with the quality of the WTN publication. I would guess this is a profitable venture otherwise it would not continue. The WTN is a HET Club enterprise. Why couldn't a KGAp buysiness plan also exist under HET club banner?0
-
I believe the KFOC ( Kaiser Frazer Club) does some thing like that.0
-
One other thing is the lack of any followup from Dany after there was a set of lengthy discussions by a previous contributer to this thread. Since that member told Dany of the level of discontemt and dissatisfaction I would at least thought there would be a flurry of posts from Kgap with excuses and an offer to make amends. Nothing has come from Dany or Kgap; nothing. It sadly appears that any concern for peoples money in escrow, parts never delivered or guilt for a complete lack of attention given to resonable communications is nowhere to be found. I would at least hope a refund for undelivered parts would be the least that would be offered. I'm almost afraid all the prepaid money is gone. If so I hope the community will press for accountability and repayment via whatever tools are available. Admitting that the overhead of KGAP is more that he can handle, closing and settling all transactions then moving on, would be the responsible thing to do. What's happening now is approaching on intent to defraud.0
-
Poster mentioned how nice the WTN was and assumed it must be profitable.
While it is the best club magazine you could ask for it is far from a profit maker.
As I recal from the club financial reports the dues are mostly eaten up by the cost of the magazine.
But it is a service to the members and is not supposed to make money .I cannot see a parts supply operation run by the club making money,
Roger0 -
All,
What I meant by the WTN example is that a club is a business, its has income, expenses, performs a service, and possibly delivers a product. I presented a possible expansion of the club's activities to include the management of or the direct sale of Hudson parts similar to what KGap has done in the past. I threw it on the table for discussion.
Jack0 -
It is a good thought Jack, but I could never see it happen. My thought is that the HET is a well managed organization that is for the benefits of its members. They watch the budget like a mother bear watches her cubs. Their finances meet their needs but they do not make large pruchases with the idea of once they are sold they would make money.
As far as Kgap goes, I am one of those customers that has never had a problem. I do not buy a lot, but I have bought consistantly over the past ten to fifteen years. For my business I have not noticed a difference between when Janet and Press had the business and now that Danny is running it.
There are a number of good hudson businesses out there. The WTN lists them in the back of their publication and I have noticed a few expanding with each national club swap meet that I attend. Get a hold of one of these folks and see if they want to expand into some of the items that you need. As an example Gene and Myra Eshelman in Weiser, Idaho have been expanding their business and are now having a number of after market parts produced. eshelman@rurelnetwork.net I am sure that they could contact some of the suppliers that make the parts that Kgap sells and make them available provided that there was a profit in it for them... If not, perhaps some of the others could. Or perhaps someone could start a business of their own?
As for myself, I run two businesses. One is going broke (the market changed about a year ago.) And the High End Chrome plating work that I do. I have been doing the High End plating for just over two years now. The first year I lost about 20 percent on all that I did. This year I am running about 5 to 10 percent profit. I have yet to make enough money on plating to pay for one of our weekend Hudson trips.0 -
I would not send anyone any money unless they have the part on hand and are ready to ship ,only then they receive funds.
Never, ever, pay for anything that is out of stock from "anyone". Your just asking for trouble.0 -
The smart (and usual) way to pay! I am a lot more cautious with paying for items with ordinary transactions. For some reason, my guard is down KGap. We all too often over-trust the business because of its connection with HET. This is what makes it so sad...slim0
-
Press and Janet, as mentioned previously, dedicated themselves to providing a service to H.E.T owners, and what profit they got paid for their trips, car restoration, and whatever, rather than made them a great living. I know for a fact they spent many hours each day providing this service. I'm not going to enter into the fray of the current difficulties, except to say that I haven't had problems with the occasional purchase I have made, apart from waiting for some weeks for one out-of-stock item. Dany and Kaylene have probably underestimated the amount of time it would take to run this business, and the profit ratio perhaps. I am listed in the W.T.N. as providing reproduction castings for '28-'29 models. I have the molds, and get them cast as orders come in, and sometimes it takes a couple of months between sending the mold to the foundry, getting the castings, back, then cleaning them up and polishing, getting threads machined, then sending off to the platers, and finally despatching. I make a minimal profit from this, but would not miss it if I gave this service away completely. I never ask for money up front, only when the item is ready to post. And several times, I have been told, "Don't want it now, found an original". So far I have managed to eventually sell these items, but currently have a full set of '29 door handles that the person who ordered has never bothered to reply or pay for. So there can be frustrations on both sides. Finally, for those who haven't had a reply from K-Gap, are you using the correct address and phone number: P.O. Box 33360 Riverside CA 92519-3360 Ph. 951-727-06070
-
Correct email address and phone numbers are being used, when they ring they get the answering service.0
-
I think the main complaint here, stems from the lack of communications. Because it's only when you don't know or can't find out something in regard to an order, does the frustration come into play.
So, regardless of what might be going on personally, a business that accepts orders really has a responsibility to its customers to stay in contact with them. And, if something arises that prevents an order from being fulfilled in a timely fashion, some level of notification is to be made to the customer. This is not a new concept.
So again, while not a customer myself, it appears things will not change and that Hudson folks should consider looking for or creating a new source for these parts. It's clear that the market is wide open for anyone able to provide customer service and restoration materials in a timely fashion.0 -
A reply to Boozer asking how much our guys paid for goods not received from K-Gap.
On the 13th of September the cost for sending the cheque for US $102 for three engine mounts was $142.32 which included exchange fee and stamp duty. I also paid $50 to send this express post in order that there would be no delays or risk of loss!! This is a very bitter experience .
David Monckton.(Australia)
The other guy ( Keith Cubbin Australia) is in for about the same amount for his goods not received.
So all in all quite a few dollars.0 -
As I posted earlier on another K-Gap topic I've had good experiences with them. And it is not like there is no other source for these parts. As I also posted a while back the following business has everything rubber for Hudson (at least stepdown) but be prepared to pay 5-10X K-Gap's prices!
Description:
REO weatherseals, window kits, restoration items, etc. Pat Walsh, 781-246-3266, MA; www.patwalshrestorations.com**40-YR**0 -
I called K-Gap this AM. Danny answered the phone, told me he would check the status of two back ordered items I had ordered and get back with me shortly. About an hour later I got a call updating the status of these items. I hate that some of our HET members have had problems with K-Gap but my experience dealing with them has been much better than I have been reading about. The number I use to contact them is: 951-727-06070
-
It is very disappointing that there has not been any reply from K-Gap on this subject in the forum at present, I'm sure by now they would be aware of what is going on here, maybe they just don't care.0
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- 37K All Categories
- 106 Hudson 1916 - 1929
- 19 Upcoming Events
- 91 Essex Super 6
- 28.6K HUDSON
- 559 "How To" - Skills, mechanical and other wise
- 993 Street Rods
- 150 American Motors
- 173 The Flathead Forum
- 49 Manuals, etc,.
- 78 Hudson 8
- 44 FORUM - Instructions and Tips on using the forum
- 2.8K CLASSIFIEDS
- 599 Vehicles
- 2.1K Parts & Pieces
- 77 Literature & Memorabilia
- Hudson 1916 - 1929 Yahoo Groups Archived Photos