K-GAP? Are they still in business?
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Has anyone had any dealings with K-Gap lately? My phone calls and e-mails haven't been returned. I'm a little concerned because I prepaid an order with Paypal back in May but haven't received but a small fraction of what I paid for. It seems that their business model does not include customer satisfaction. Currently, my recommendation is that one should with proceed with extreme caution in dealing with K-GAP.
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I ordered from them last month, no problems at all and I used paypal for my internet order. Patience will pay off.0
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I'm done with K-Gap and with all the excuses. How long has this garbage been going on? They don't have the common courtesy or the professionalism to return e-mails or phone call like a business they profess to be.
Many on this forum and in the Hudson community are afraid to say anything because they are afraid of being "cut off" or that "well if K-gap doesn't do it then nobody will". Bull crap. Someone please tell me what I have said is not true.0 -
I have ordered from K-Gap about 3 times during the past year and each time I have received my order. I have had to wait sometime while they get something from their vendors, but they do always come through with quality products. I too believe that they need to do a better job of communicating with their clients, but they still are the sole provider of many products for our cars. I for one am willing to work with them while they get through what seems to have been a rough patch in their business & personal lives.0
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Reguardless of what unpleasant expeience some have had, I will continue doing business with KGAP. I and many others in the Hudson club have no problems with their service, and their products are excellent.
In fact I have even encourage three men that were reluctant to buy from KGAP because of what they read about them on the forum. Since then, all three have bought from KGAP and had no problems. In fact one even got his stuff the day after ordering. So apparently they to have good as well as poor service at times. All three have done repeat business with them since.
I have received courtesy and professionalism from other businesses and was sold junk.
I do not get junk from KGAP.
I will not try to persuade someone not to buy from KGAP. However, I do encourage anyone who has not bought from them, give them a chance. You may or may not get the service you expect but you will not be dissapointed with their products.
Perhaps I may be more tolerant then others. I like them and I like doing business with them.
I agree, many of their products are the only game in town. Many on the forum have sworn never to deal with them ever again, only to order again for that needed part from KGAP.
There have also been some who bad mouth KGAP whom have never, never, ever dealt with KGAP. Go figure.
As Frank Sinatra said: "People will believe what they want to believe".
Have a great day and a Merry Christ mas!!!
Lee O'Dell0 -
I have brought from them several times this year no problems.
Trevor NewZealand0 -
I E-mail em about a month ago about what i been hearing on a few different boards about how slow on sending parts & folks not getting returned Emails,
They Emailed me back with in hours,i was pleasantly shocked,since it's been years{8-10} since i did business with em.i'm hoping the stories i read are--just that stories...
It would be nice if they came on here & set the stories straight!!!!!!!!0 -
What Lee O'Dell says....0
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Maybe, if you are not receiving return emails, check your spam folder & settings?0
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Here we go again!0
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Generally I am patient. But what is not acceptable to me is to not return calls or e-mails in a reasonable amount of time. I feel this is discourteous and un-businesslike.0
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I find it all pretty strange. This year I did two orders. The items arrived on time. In each case the email was answered within 30 mins by their daughter. But I know people are having real problems getting the same type of service. Its a head scratcher.0
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Nevada Hudson wrote:Here we go again!
Exactly my feelings0 -
Hello,
I belong to the Hudson club, and I have ordered parts from K-GAP, but I guess I wasn't informed of the secret handshake needed to get parts that are ordered.
In October 2009 I ordered $1,538.00 in parts, and paid in full at that time (I suppose that was my big mistake). I had no problem with the 7 months it took to get the majority of the parts, as I realized this is a specialty-niche business. And I had no problem when I received wrong parts, or duplicates of ones that I had already recieved - I sent them back on my dime, again realizing that this sometimes happens with these types of small specialty businesses.
But I still have not received the running board covers for a 1947 pickup, or a shift knob, even after several phone calls and e-mails. In August 2010 I was told in a phone conversation that running board covers would be poured in 3-4 weeks, but it might be 3-6 months for K-GAP to get the shift knob. I could live with that, even, because I realized that this type of business probably didn't keep a large inventory on hand.
In late-May 2011 I sent an e-mail asking about the status of the remaing parts of my order (running board covers and shift knob). I had also tried calling, but got no answer (nor did I get connected to an answering machine). I decided to stick with e-mails, as I would at least have a record of my attempts to contact them. After no response to the e-mail, I sent it again in early-June 2011 and two days later received a reply that the running board covers and shift knob would ship no later than June 20, 2011. When I hadn't received the parts by late-July 2011, I sent an e-mail requesting a refund for the remaining parts of my order ($340.50). I never received the refund, the parts or even the courtesy of a reply.
I suppose that no one else has received running board covers for a 1947 pickup, or a shift knob, from K-GAP since October 2009, and that I should just suck it up and be patient. I suppose I should just quit whining and be happy that my $340.50 subsidy may have helped someone else get their parts in a timely manner. Hey, it's only money, right?
Take care,
Steve Bryson0 -
"hey, it's only money, right?"
I finally gave up. I tell ya, it only takes one transaction when you get burned, to leave a baad taste in your mouth for a long, long time...slim0 -
Is it possible that someone from this forum could get
K-Gap to give a response / explanation?
Perhaps some one who is getting such great service?
To much difference in service not to be Addressed.
Just my Opinion. ( every body has one )
Roy0 -
Is it possible that someone from this forum could get
K-Gap to give a response / explanation?
Perhaps some one who is getting such great service?
To much difference in service not to be Addressed.
Just my Opinion. ( every body has one )
Roy
I've broached this subject with them on several occasions. In each case, they always seem to want to go on the offensive, claiming that people owe them money for goods shipped, etc... I can't have much sympathy for a business that doesn't understand the basics of collecting for merchandise before shipping.
As full disclosure, I WILL say that I've successfully received 2 or 3 orders from K-Gap, but the process has never been easy... emails and phone calls unanswered, etc... it seems you just have to happen to catch them at "home" to get an order placed. If it's in stock, then shipment is usually forthcoming, but if not, as many have indicated, it's just a crap shoot!
Nor do I have much sympathy for anyone who operates any sort of business in this manner. Yes, K-Gap, when available and when its convenient to them, seem to have some parts that aren't available elsewhere, but if they can't deliver the goods, nor provide the most minimum of customer service and communication, then are they really providing a service to the Hudson community?
I know that the owners have presumably had a number of personal problems in the past, but that doesn't stop someone from bringing on extra help, or at least communicating these issues to their customers. I just don't see any justification for that.
Hhonestly, I feel that those who defend this totally unprofessional approach aren't doing the Hudson community any favors by helping to prolonging what must certainly be the ultimate demise of what could be a great company.
I doubt seriously that ANY of the parts offered by K-Gap are actually manufactured by them... meaning, there are sources, who would love to sell more of these items to another vendor.
It's a shame to see a promising and potentially profitable business be driven into the ground like this. And, they are not the only ones. Anyone tried sending an email to Bill Albright's old company? I'd be curious if anyone has ever gotten a response from them.
Sigh...0 -
DocHornet wrote:Is it possible that someone from this forum could get
K-Gap to give a response / explanation?
Perhaps some one who is getting such great service?
To much difference in service not to be Addressed.
Just my Opinion. ( every body has one )
Roy
I've broached this subject with them on several occasions. In each case, they always seem to want to go on the offensive, claiming that people owe them money for goods shipped, etc... I can't have much sympathy for a business that doesn't understand the basics of collecting for merchandise before shipping.
As full disclosure, I WILL say that I've successfully received 2 or 3 orders from K-Gap, but the process has never been easy... emails and phone calls unanswered, etc... it seems you just have to happen to catch them at "home" to get an order placed. If it's in stock, then shipment is usually forthcoming, but if not, as many have indicated, it's just a crap shoot!
Nor do I have much sympathy for anyone who operates any sort of business in this manner. Yes, K-Gap, when available and when its convenient to them, seem to have some parts that aren't available elsewhere, but if they can't deliver the goods, nor provide the most minimum of customer service and communication, then are they really providing a service to the Hudson community?
I know that the owners have presumably had a number of personal problems in the past, but that doesn't stop someone from bringing on extra help, or at least communicating these issues to their customers. I just don't see any justification for that.
Hhonestly, I feel that those who defend this totally unprofessional approach aren't doing the Hudson community any favors by helping to prolonging what must certainly be the ultimate demise of what could be a great company.
I doubt seriously that ANY of the parts offered by K-Gap are actually manufactured by them... meaning, there are sources, who would love to sell more of these items to another vendor.
It's a shame to see a promising and potentially profitable business be driven into the ground like this. And, they are not the only ones. Anyone tried sending an email to Bill Albright's old company? I'd be curious if anyone has ever gotten a response from them.
Sigh...
I won't rehash K-gap...
No problems with Jason and Val at Vintage Coach...in fact very recently, Jason went out of his way to accomodate my needs. Make sure you have the right e-mail and phone number... they are closed S and M. Phone calls are best. Please contact Jason Fisher at (909)823-9168 or at albrighthudsons@msn.com.0 -
ok yesterday i got an E-mail from- Kaylene from K-gap & she dealing with her mom who is dying from a most horrible disease.& she will ask Dany to address some these issue openly-why there have been delays in orders, phone calls and emails not answered or not answered in timely manner.
i'm not trying to stir up any trouble!0 -
DO "NOT" send any money UNLESS that item is in stock! These things have to be made. Never, never put down a deposit for something that does not exist yet ! It is good practice to do that with everyone!0
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chopperchuck wrote:ok yesterday i got an E-mail from- Kaylene from K-gap & she dealing with her mom who is dying from a most horrible disease.& she will ask Dany to address some these issue openly-why there have been delays in orders, phone calls and emails not answered or not answered in timely manner.
i'm not trying to stir up any trouble!
Well they had an apology posted in the WTN a year or two ago... nothing changed, why the drama or need? They know what the problems are.0 -
I contacted Metro Rubber this morning to see if they had the parts I ordered from K-Gap in stock. No, they didn't have them, it would take 2 to 3 weeks to manufacture.
The price to order direct from Metro is a little higher, but it would have been worth it. I've been waiting about 6 months for even a reply from K-Gap, let alone my parts.0 -
Nevada Hudson wrote:DO "NOT" send any money UNLESS that item is in stock! These things have to be made. Never, never put down a deposit for something that does not exist yet ! It is good practice to do that with everyone!
I would recommend to wait to get a bill on any order from KGAP and not to prepay on any parts. If the item is in stock they typically get it to you in 3 weeks. If not, well sit back and wait. As seen above, typically places like Metro can get your parts made in 3-6 weeks upon ordering. But you first have to place an order to restock your parts and also have the funds availabe to place the order to get the parts on hand which is were KGap has gone wrong in running a business. I have talk to vendors and asked when is that Kgap order going to be completed. There response "we have no Kgap order we are working on".
I offered to buy out Kgap 2 years ago and got a polite no thanks.
So here we sit0 -
Not knowing their situation fully you have to think they have to be sick and tired of all this stuff. With family health issues and such. Might be nice to unload it to someone Like 21st Century who have a proven track record in the Hudson community. :dry:0
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I tried calling K-Gap again this morning about my 8 month old unfilled order. Got the answering machine agin. The message box is full, the recorded voice says. This wouldn't happen with a real business.0
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Rejoice! When Full Line gets up and running again there will be so many suppliers of Hudson pieces and parts that no body will have to buy from K-GAP anymore; Unless they want to.
Everyone can vote with their wallet and there will be no anguish or turmoil in the future.
I never really did understand how anyone could run a business and make a living, catering to a market consisting of a vehicle which hasn't been made in 60 years or so. Also it's not like they're driven so much they wear things out and need replacement all the time.
Seems like there would be all sorts of problems with inventory, and what do you make, how many, and how do you price them to be able to survive and get rich in the process. Then again, who knows?0 -
I for one, can't wait! I need some more goodies.
Sad thing is a while back you couldn't even post about K-gap without getting a fight started. LoL. I feel for the unsuspected, casual restorer who got burned...slim0 -
When Press and his late wife Janet owned K-Gap, getting rich or even earning a living from it was not their goal. Intentions were a modest profit, that could afford to pay for the trips to meets, and most of all, provide a valuable service to the HET community. Call it a hobby, if you must. But an example of how many "do you make": in 1990 Press sent out feelers to Hudson owners, regarding his intention to repop the red illuminated grill crest for the 50 to 55s. WHOW! dozens of guys said they wanted one. So Press ran off @ 100. Guess what after 2 years he sold 40... they were too costly at $40. I may be off on my numbers, but do you get the picture? K-gap is not a kind of company to turn a profit, but a labor of love, just like the cars that we shovel tons of cash at, for our own self gratification. I have never had a problem with Danny or Kaylene, call it luck, whatever, but I'm not sure many in this economy can afford to buy the inventory and deal with the heart break of running a breakeven business. Especially, one that will now face competetion. I know some have offered in the past to buy out K-gap. If it were for sale, would that still stand? We need 2 good suppliers. Dave K and Ken Amman are gone. Full line usually sold items that K-gap did not. There are BIG holes to fill. If they are not filled our old Hudsons will be worth less than Hudson stock certificates.0
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No one is getting any younger. Pretty soon no one will be supplying parts unless others join in. Wow I got a couple of red emblems a while back they were a 100 a pieces. $40 seems like super bargain.0
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Has anyone tried to buy out K-Gap?0
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:P I ordered severial things from K-Gap the other day, I didn't have any problems getting a hold of them. They told me what they had in stock so I paid for it and to my suprize it showed up at my door 3 days before I expected it to. I was very happy with the service and price. Thanks K-Gap..0
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