Edmunds Members - Cars and Conversations (Archived)

snakeweasel

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

I would join if Pitt wasn't a 6 hour drive.

and I know all about doing unpaid labor on the kids house. Usually that did not even include food that I didn't pay for myself, but sometimes I could sneak a beer (though come to think of it, I think I brought most of that too...)

we are in the process of looking at kitchen remodel options. To save money I am sure that will mean us doing everything possible such as taking the old cabinets out (given how shoddy the work was, I doubt it will be hard) and of course painting. I think we will farm out all plumbing, electrical, and installation. Could maybe try the back splash if the kid wants to learn to tile (none of us have ever done that).

Ya know, there might be a way to avoid the driving. If you can recruit some of our poster buddies I'm sure @oldfarmer50 could borrow a school bus and bring the whole gang to the flip party. Could probably knock out all of the demo in one day like that. I'm sure my Son will still provide all of the refreshments too.

jmonroe

Well if all you want is demolition I can get a Civil War era cannon and we can have some real fun. Heck we can even use it to add some windows, remove unwanted stains from walls and remove unwanted walls from stains.

suydam

Somehow I’m not thinking KC and Tenn are playoff games that the big corporations are drooling over for their huge audiences.

cdnpinhead

I've thought PA was a pretty place to drive through back in the late '70s and got to know Pittsburgh a bit in the mid to late '80s, There are many worse places.

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

just curious, but was there enough profit out of the first place to make it worth doing a 2nd? Or is he assuming he learned enough that this one will be a money maker?

To make a long story short he did quite well with the profit. A good bit more than he projected. Mainly because he didn't have to pay a realtor to list or sell it. In fact, before he even had a chance to list it himself he got a buyer by word of mouth from neighbors who knew he was flipping the house. They had come over several times to see the progress. All of them walked away, at various stages of work, saying, "this is going to look really nice when you guys are done". Like I said before, it was essentially a new house on the inside. It would take less time to list what we didn't do than what we did do and I'm not exaggerateing about that. Even all of the windows were replaced along with all new vinyl siding, facia and gutters. As for profit going forward, I doubt he can be that lucky again. He thinks he's pretty good and I guess he is to some extent but he's DAMN good at getting work out of me.

jmonroe

I’m very curious about the Pittsburgh market. If you’re willing to share, how big was the house and what part of town?

I think often of moving back because I can’t think of many places I’d rather raise a family. Won’t happen, but a guy can dream...

According to my Son the market ticked up in the Monroeville neighborhood while we were involved in the flipping process.That is some of the luck I mentioned. It's never been a prime neighborhood even when it was being built in the mid 50's but for some reason people seem to be flocking to it now. That was also easily seen by how fast the "for sale signs" came down.

To catoragize the hood I'd call it an entry level type of place. Neither you or me would want to live there but everyone has to live where they can afford a house. The flip house has a one car garage and is around 1300 square feet. like I have said, it's essentially a new house that is now 4 bedrooms not 3 like when he bought it and is now 2 full baths not the 1 and the joke of a powder room before the renovation began.

Aside from the buying and selling price, I hope I answered your questions.

jmonroe

28firefighter

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

just curious, but was there enough profit out of the first place to make it worth doing a 2nd? Or is he assuming he learned enough that this one will be a money maker?

To make a long story short he did quite well with the profit. A good bit more than he projected. Mainly because he didn't have to pay a realtor to list or sell it. In fact, before he even had a chance to list it himself he got a buyer by word of mouth from neighbors who knew he was flipping the house. They had come over several times to see the progress. All of them walked away, at various stages of work, saying, "this is going to look really nice when you guys are done". Like I said before, it was essentially a new house on the inside. It would take less time to list what we didn't do than what we did do and I'm not exaggerateing about that. Even all of the windows were replaced along with all new vinyl siding, facia and gutters. As for profit going forward, I doubt he can be that lucky again. He thinks he's pretty good and I guess he is to some extent but he's DAMN good at getting work out of me.

jmonroe

I’m very curious about the Pittsburgh market. If you’re willing to share, how big was the house and what part of town?

I think often of moving back because I can’t think of many places I’d rather raise a family. Won’t happen, but a guy can dream...

According to my Son the market ticked up in the Monroeville neighborhood while we were involved in the flipping process.That is some of the luck I mentioned. It's never been a prime neighborhood even when it was being built in the mid 50's but for some reason people seem to be flocking to it now. That was also easily seen by how fast the "for sale signs" came down.

To catoragize the hood I'd call it an entry level type of place. Neither you or me would want to live there but everyone has to live where they can afford a house. The flip house has a one car garage and is around 1300 square feet. like I have said, it's essentially a new house that is now 4 bedrooms not 3 like when he bought it and is now 2 full baths not the 1 and the joke of a powder room before the renovation began.

Aside from the buying and selling price, I hope I answered your questions.

jmonroe

You did. That’s exactly what I wanted to know. Sounds like you guys did it right which is good to hear. Too many fly-by-night flippers.

I think folks are getting priced out of the city, which may be some of it. I was looking at home prices in Lawrenceville and the Strip and it’s staggering. I remember when my buddy bought a newly flipped 1500 sq foot house in lawrenceville for $90k. Now that neighborhood would be 4-5x that price for the same thing.

jmonroe

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

just curious, but was there enough profit out of the first place to make it worth doing a 2nd? Or is he assuming he learned enough that this one will be a money maker?

To make a long story short he did quite well with the profit. A good bit more than he projected. Mainly because he didn't have to pay a realtor to list or sell it. In fact, before he even had a chance to list it himself he got a buyer by word of mouth from neighbors who knew he was flipping the house. They had come over several times to see the progress. All of them walked away, at various stages of work, saying, "this is going to look really nice when you guys are done". Like I said before, it was essentially a new house on the inside. It would take less time to list what we didn't do than what we did do and I'm not exaggerateing about that. Even all of the windows were replaced along with all new vinyl siding, facia and gutters. As for profit going forward, I doubt he can be that lucky again. He thinks he's pretty good and I guess he is to some extent but he's DAMN good at getting work out of me.

jmonroe

I’m very curious about the Pittsburgh market. If you’re willing to share, how big was the house and what part of town?

I think often of moving back because I can’t think of many places I’d rather raise a family. Won’t happen, but a guy can dream...

According to my Son the market ticked up in the Monroeville neighborhood while we were involved in the flipping process.That is some of the luck I mentioned. It's never been a prime neighborhood even when it was being built in the mid 50's but for some reason people seem to be flocking to it now. That was also easily seen by how fast the "for sale signs" came down.

To catoragize the hood I'd call it an entry level type of place. Neither you or me would want to live there but everyone has to live where they can afford a house. The flip house has a one car garage and is around 1300 square feet. like I have said, it's essentially a new house that is now 4 bedrooms not 3 like when he bought it and is now 2 full baths not the 1 and the joke of a powder room before the renovation began.

Aside from the buying and selling price, I hope I answered your questions.

jmonroe

You did. That’s exactly what I wanted to know. Sounds like you guys did it right which is good to hear. Too many fly-by-night flippers.

I think folks are getting priced out of the city, which may be some of it. I was looking at home prices in Lawrenceville and the Strip and it’s staggering. I remember when my buddy bought a newly flipped 1500 sq foot house in lawrenceville for $90k. Now that neighborhood would be 4-5x that price for the same thing.

You are so right about the Lawrenceville section of the Burgh. That area is what other sections of the Burgh aspire to be when they do their renovations. The people who had the vision to see what the Lawrenceville section could become were very much ahead of the curve about 10 years ago. I myself would never want to live in the city but the younger generation loves it.

jmonroe

roadburner

I've been reading Stinger reviews from lots of sources. My friend Sam Smith thinks it drives more like a 3 Series that a 3 Series. Another review called it a four door Mustang GT, while yet another termed it a cross between a 440i and a Charger. That all sounds good to me.Now if I can only find a deal.

jmonroe

snakeweasel said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

I would join if Pitt wasn't a 6 hour drive.

and I know all about doing unpaid labor on the kids house. Usually that did not even include food that I didn't pay for myself, but sometimes I could sneak a beer (though come to think of it, I think I brought most of that too...)

we are in the process of looking at kitchen remodel options. To save money I am sure that will mean us doing everything possible such as taking the old cabinets out (given how shoddy the work was, I doubt it will be hard) and of course painting. I think we will farm out all plumbing, electrical, and installation. Could maybe try the back splash if the kid wants to learn to tile (none of us have ever done that).

Ya know, there might be a way to avoid the driving. If you can recruit some of our poster buddies I'm sure @oldfarmer50 could borrow a school bus and bring the whole gang to the flip party. Could probably knock out all of the demo in one day like that. I'm sure my Son will still provide all of the refreshments too.

jmonroe

Well if all you want is demolition I can get a Civil War era cannon and we can have some real fun. Heck we can even use it to add some windows, remove unwanted stains from walls and remove unwanted walls from stains.

Just get on the bus when @oldfarmer50 comes down your street. It's illegal to bring cannons into our area.

jmonroe

jmonroe

roadburner said:

I've been reading Stinger reviews from lots of sources. My friend Sam Smith thinks it drives more like a 3 Series that a 3 Series. Another review called it a four door Mustang GT, while yet another termed it a cross between a 440i and a Charger. That all sounds good to me.Now if I can only find a deal.

If you can't, sue em.

jmonroe

venture

stickguy said:

I would join if Pitt wasn't a 6 hour drive.

and I know all about doing unpaid labor on the kids house. Usually that did not even include food that I didn't pay for myself, but sometimes I could sneak a beer (though come to think of it, I think I brought most of that too...)

we are in the process of looking at kitchen remodel options. To save money I am sure that will mean us doing everything possible such as taking the old cabinets out (given how shoddy the work was, I doubt it will be hard) and of course painting. I think we will farm out all plumbing, electrical, and installation. Could maybe try the back splash if the kid wants to learn to tile (none of us have ever done that).

Doing tile is not that difficult. You just need the right tools. If you decide on a glass tile backsplash - remember that you will cut yourself a few times no matter how careful you are.

When the electrician is doing the wiring on the backsplash area, let him know that you will be tiling it. That way he can leave the outlet boxes sticking out the thickness of the tile.

venture

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

venture

pensfan83

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

just curious, but was there enough profit out of the first place to make it worth doing a 2nd? Or is he assuming he learned enough that this one will be a money maker?

To make a long story short he did quite well with the profit. A good bit more than he projected. Mainly because he didn't have to pay a realtor to list or sell it. In fact, before he even had a chance to list it himself he got a buyer by word of mouth from neighbors who knew he was flipping the house. They had come over several times to see the progress. All of them walked away, at various stages of work, saying, "this is going to look really nice when you guys are done". Like I said before, it was essentially a new house on the inside. It would take less time to list what we didn't do than what we did do and I'm not exaggerateing about that. Even all of the windows were replaced along with all new vinyl siding, facia and gutters. As for profit going forward, I doubt he can be that lucky again. He thinks he's pretty good and I guess he is to some extent but he's DAMN good at getting work out of me.

jmonroe

I’m very curious about the Pittsburgh market. If you’re willing to share, how big was the house and what part of town?

I think often of moving back because I can’t think of many places I’d rather raise a family. Won’t happen, but a guy can dream...

According to my Son the market ticked up in the Monroeville neighborhood while we were involved in the flipping process.That is some of the luck I mentioned. It's never been a prime neighborhood even when it was being built in the mid 50's but for some reason people seem to be flocking to it now. That was also easily seen by how fast the "for sale signs" came down.

To catoragize the hood I'd call it an entry level type of place. Neither you or me would want to live there but everyone has to live where they can afford a house. The flip house has a one car garage and is around 1300 square feet. like I have said, it's essentially a new house that is now 4 bedrooms not 3 like when he bought it and is now 2 full baths not the 1 and the joke of a powder room before the renovation began.

Aside from the buying and selling price, I hope I answered your questions.

jmonroe

You did. That’s exactly what I wanted to know. Sounds like you guys did it right which is good to hear. Too many fly-by-night flippers.

I think folks are getting priced out of the city, which may be some of it. I was looking at home prices in Lawrenceville and the Strip and it’s staggering. I remember when my buddy bought a newly flipped 1500 sq foot house in lawrenceville for $90k. Now that neighborhood would be 4-5x that price for the same thing.

You are so right about the Lawrenceville section of the Burgh. That area is what other sections of the Burgh aspire to be when they do their renovations. The people who had the vision to see what the Lawrenceville section could become were very much ahead of the curve about 10 years ago. I myself would never want to live in the city but the younger generation loves it.

jmonroe

I wouldn't live in the city either but if I was forced I would look toward Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Brookline.

We frequent the Lawrenceville/East Liberty/Shadyside neighborhoods monthly with our group of friends to dine out at a new place or one of the mainstays. The rebirth is nice for those who bought low and sold high but for the lifers not everyone has bought into the revitalization. Parking woes, traffic, drunks, etc. all add up to a less than desirable neighborhood at times. Still, it's better than driving down Butler St and seeing dilapidated, vacant storefronts. Also, if your son is looking for a solid return on a flip house my bet would be on Hazelwood.

graphicguy

driver100 said:

imidazol97 said:

jmonroe said:

If that steering wheel and dash were in a GM product, the ridicule would be never ending.

Round vents are fine especially if they rotate to allow air to be directed almost anywhere.

I don't think that dash or steering wheel would have been ridiculed if in a GM product. I think people would be pleasantly surprised that GM got so daring and innovative.

Compare a dash from a 2019 Buick Regal. Looks nice but doesn't break any new ground, could be taken out of a 1999 car, but with a media screen added.

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I like the CLA dash....a lot! I guess you have to see it in person. Very high quality was the first impression I had when I sat in the 2020. Still, it had a $45K sticker. And, that’s with a 220 HP (IIRC) motor. Maybe it drives very well. But, there are a lot of really nice cars (including the two that I own) for that kind of money that offer a whole lot more.

You pay for the tech. And, it’s some of the best in the industry, based on the brief demo I got.

imidazol97

Since we talk about TV shows streamed instead of expensive, monopolistic cable, my wife just showed me a Family Feud clip from Canada (yes Canada!). The sudden death guess off had a young lady and a man. The question was what was Popeye's favorite food. The young lady said, "Chicken." Of course that was wrong and the man said "Spinach."

The Popeye's Chicken chain gave the losing young lady $10000--I guess that is great advertising for them.

The prize the two teams were feuding for was $10000.

Only in Canada?

BTW. Family Feud is a show I dislike watching. I dislike Harvey.
My wife watches it and I'm usually reading a C.J. Box book. LOL

driver100

I heard about that and I think the young lady wasn't entirely wrong. She meant Popeye's fast food places, so chicken is probably their biggest seller. They should split the prize money. Popeyes got their moneys worth, $10000 for an ad that has gone viral and national.

suydam

I saw that too. I think the question should have read “what is Popeye the Sailorman’s favorite food?”

stickguy

Entirely possible a young woman these days also has no clue who Popeye is.

jmonroe

pensfan83 said:

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

28firefighter said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

just curious, but was there enough profit out of the first place to make it worth doing a 2nd? Or is he assuming he learned enough that this one will be a money maker?

To make a long story short he did quite well with the profit. A good bit more than he projected. Mainly because he didn't have to pay a realtor to list or sell it. In fact, before he even had a chance to list it himself he got a buyer by word of mouth from neighbors who knew he was flipping the house. They had come over several times to see the progress. All of them walked away, at various stages of work, saying, "this is going to look really nice when you guys are done". Like I said before, it was essentially a new house on the inside. It would take less time to list what we didn't do than what we did do and I'm not exaggerateing about that. Even all of the windows were replaced along with all new vinyl siding, facia and gutters. As for profit going forward, I doubt he can be that lucky again. He thinks he's pretty good and I guess he is to some extent but he's DAMN good at getting work out of me.

jmonroe

I’m very curious about the Pittsburgh market. If you’re willing to share, how big was the house and what part of town?

I think often of moving back because I can’t think of many places I’d rather raise a family. Won’t happen, but a guy can dream...

According to my Son the market ticked up in the Monroeville neighborhood while we were involved in the flipping process.That is some of the luck I mentioned. It's never been a prime neighborhood even when it was being built in the mid 50's but for some reason people seem to be flocking to it now. That was also easily seen by how fast the "for sale signs" came down.

To catoragize the hood I'd call it an entry level type of place. Neither you or me would want to live there but everyone has to live where they can afford a house. The flip house has a one car garage and is around 1300 square feet. like I have said, it's essentially a new house that is now 4 bedrooms not 3 like when he bought it and is now 2 full baths not the 1 and the joke of a powder room before the renovation began.

Aside from the buying and selling price, I hope I answered your questions.

jmonroe

You did. That’s exactly what I wanted to know. Sounds like you guys did it right which is good to hear. Too many fly-by-night flippers.

I think folks are getting priced out of the city, which may be some of it. I was looking at home prices in Lawrenceville and the Strip and it’s staggering. I remember when my buddy bought a newly flipped 1500 sq foot house in lawrenceville for $90k. Now that neighborhood would be 4-5x that price for the same thing.

You are so right about the Lawrenceville section of the Burgh. That area is what other sections of the Burgh aspire to be when they do their renovations. The people who had the vision to see what the Lawrenceville section could become were very much ahead of the curve about 10 years ago. I myself would never want to live in the city but the younger generation loves it.

jmonroe

I wouldn't live in the city either but if I was forced I would look toward Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, or Brookline.

We frequent the Lawrenceville/East Liberty/Shadyside neighborhoods monthly with our group of friends to dine out at a new place or one of the mainstays. The rebirth is nice for those who bought low and sold high but for the lifers not everyone has bought into the revitalization. Parking woes, traffic, drunks, etc. all add up to a less than desirable neighborhood at times. Still, it's better than driving down Butler St and seeing dilapidated, vacant storefronts. Also, if your son is looking for a solid return on a flip house my bet would be on Hazelwood.

Funny you mention Hazelwood because my Son mentioned that area may be the next Lawrenceville but we both agreed that going into a war zone wouldn't be a good idea. Since most flippers sub out for almost all their work, the subs bring their tools then at the end of the day they put them back in their trucks. They may or may not show up the next day because a lot of them juggle a couple jobs at the same time. We leave our tools at the flip and can't afford to have several grand worth of tools stolen. Hell, the 12 inch sliding compound dual bevel chop saw costs $500 by itself.

Thanks but no thanks, we'll just have to stick closer to home which also saves a lot of travel time.

jmonroe

fintail

That was actually on the local news this morning, which shows the priorities of mass media.

On Youtube I saw an episode of Family Feud where it was Dukes of Hazzard vs Waltons, that was marginally funny. The Mama's Family episode linked to the game show was funny of course.

imidazol97 said:

Since we talk about TV shows streamed instead of expensive, monopolistic cable, my wife just showed me a Family Feud clip from Canada (yes Canada!). The sudden death guess off had a young lady and a man. The question was what was Popeye's favorite food. The young lady said, "Chicken." Of course that was wrong and the man said "Spinach."

The Popeye's Chicken chain gave the losing young lady $10000--I guess that is great advertising for them.

The prize the two teams were feuding for was $10000.

Only in Canada?

BTW. Family Feud is a show I dislike watching. I dislike Harvey.
My wife watches it and I'm usually reading a C.J. Box book. LOL

fintail

The tech and the badge of course, along with the promise of good design and high build quality. Historically, not all models have delivered this, but most have.

CLA is considered to be above the A in the heirarchy, but I actually like the A more. I prefer something available with a hood star though, and I think all A/CLA have the "sport" front treatment.

graphicguy said:

I like the CLA dash....a lot! I guess you have to see it in person. Very high quality was the first impression I had when I sat in the 2020. Still, it had a $45K sticker. And, that’s with a 220 HP (IIRC) motor. Maybe it drives very well. But, there are a lot of really nice cars (including the two that I own) for that kind of money that offer a whole lot more.

You pay for the tech. And, it’s some of the best in the industry, based on the brief demo I got.

ab348

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Back when I was a retail exec I had some responsibilities for customer satisfaction, and I gave out $50 gift cards virtually any time a complaint crossed my desk that seemed even partially credible. The goodwill that generated was incredible compared to the pittance it cost us. But the shortsightedness of companies when it comes to customer service never fails to astound me. I had a firsthand example last week.

I like to read something for a few minutes when I turn in for the night. When I don't have a fresh magazine to read I'll grab a book. Lately I have been picking up inexpensive cutouts or used ones online on subjects that interest me.

Last week a person I follow on Twitter but do not otherwise know posted that she had just placed her first order on Bookoutlet and had a $10 discount code for other new customers who signed up for an account. I had never heard of the site before so I browsed it and they had tons of stuff at good prices, so I took the plunge. Picked up 9 or 10 books for my cart and saw that I had enough to qualify for free shipping, so I stopped there and put in her coupon code to place the order.

That $10 off dropped me below the free shipping level though, so I decided to add a couple more books to bring it back up to that point. But suddenly their "security system" interrupted and said that the coupon code had been flagged and could no longer be used. I tried it a couple of times with no success. Thinking this was clearly a system error, I tried to follow their "Open a Ticket" link to report it. But you can't open a ticket without an order number. So I placed the order without the coupon, got an order number, and then sent a support ticket describing what had happened and asking for the $10 they promised as a credit.

The response I got back was astounding. The lady at Bookoutlet whose name was on the email said their security system had flagged my order because it found "too many similarities" between my new account and that of the lady who originally posted the code, implying that we were jointly trying to fraudulently scam them of the $10 (what a devious scheme!). Most of it read like cut-and-paste from a script, and at the end the $10 was not forthcoming. I do not know the Twitter person's actual name, where she lives, or anything else about her. She is a total stranger. But we apparently are close friends. What idiocy.

Needless to say that is my last order at Bookoutlet.

suydam

It might have been a scam.

ab348

suydam said:

It might have been a scam.

How so?

jmonroe

ab348 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Back when I was a retail exec I had some responsibilities for customer satisfaction, and I gave out $50 gift cards virtually any time a complaint crossed my desk that seemed even partially credible. The goodwill that generated was incredible compared to the pittance it cost us. But the shortsightedness of companies when it comes to customer service never fails to astound me. I had a firsthand example last week.

I like to read something for a few minutes when I turn in for the night. When I don't have a fresh magazine to read I'll grab a book. Lately I have been picking up inexpensive cutouts or used ones online on subjects that interest me.

Last week a person I follow on Twitter but do not otherwise know posted that she had just placed her first order on Bookoutlet and had a $10 discount code for other new customers who signed up for an account. I had never heard of the site before so I browsed it and they had tons of stuff at good prices, so I took the plunge. Picked up 9 or 10 books for my cart and saw that I had enough to qualify for free shipping, so I stopped there and put in her coupon code to place the order.

That $10 off dropped me below the free shipping level though, so I decided to add a couple more books to bring it back up to that point. But suddenly their "security system" interrupted and said that the coupon code had been flagged and could no longer be used. I tried it a couple of times with no success. Thinking this was clearly a system error, I tried to follow their "Open a Ticket" link to report it. But you can't open a ticket without an order number. So I placed the order without the coupon, got an order number, and then sent a support ticket describing what had happened and asking for the $10 they promised as a credit.

The response I got back was astounding. The lady at Bookoutlet whose name was on the email said their security system had flagged my order because it found "too many similarities" between my new account and that of the lady who originally posted the code, implying that we were jointly trying to fraudulently scam them of the $10 (what a devious scheme!). Most of it read like cut-and-paste from a script, and at the end the $10 was not forthcoming. I do not know the Twitter person's actual name, where she lives, or anything else about her. She is a total stranger. But we apparently are close friends. What idiocy.

Needless to say that is my last order at Bookoutlet.

That sounds like the outfit that @driver100 sold out to. It looks like they are still following his old business practices.

jmonroe

qbrozen

ab348 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Back when I was a retail exec I had some responsibilities for customer satisfaction, and I gave out $50 gift cards virtually any time a complaint crossed my desk that seemed even partially credible. The goodwill that generated was incredible compared to the pittance it cost us. But the shortsightedness of companies when it comes to customer service never fails to astound me. I had a firsthand example last week.

I like to read something for a few minutes when I turn in for the night. When I don't have a fresh magazine to read I'll grab a book. Lately I have been picking up inexpensive cutouts or used ones online on subjects that interest me.

Last week a person I follow on Twitter but do not otherwise know posted that she had just placed her first order on Bookoutlet and had a $10 discount code for other new customers who signed up for an account. I had never heard of the site before so I browsed it and they had tons of stuff at good prices, so I took the plunge. Picked up 9 or 10 books for my cart and saw that I had enough to qualify for free shipping, so I stopped there and put in her coupon code to place the order.

That $10 off dropped me below the free shipping level though, so I decided to add a couple more books to bring it back up to that point. But suddenly their "security system" interrupted and said that the coupon code had been flagged and could no longer be used. I tried it a couple of times with no success. Thinking this was clearly a system error, I tried to follow their "Open a Ticket" link to report it. But you can't open a ticket without an order number. So I placed the order without the coupon, got an order number, and then sent a support ticket describing what had happened and asking for the $10 they promised as a credit.

The response I got back was astounding. The lady at Bookoutlet whose name was on the email said their security system had flagged my order because it found "too many similarities" between my new account and that of the lady who originally posted the code, implying that we were jointly trying to fraudulently scam them of the $10 (what a devious scheme!). Most of it read like cut-and-paste from a script, and at the end the $10 was not forthcoming. I do not know the Twitter person's actual name, where she lives, or anything else about her. She is a total stranger. But we apparently are close friends. What idiocy.

Needless to say that is my last order at Bookoutlet.

so did you cancel your order?

imidazol97

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

snakeweasel

jmonroe said:

snakeweasel said:

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

I would join if Pitt wasn't a 6 hour drive.

and I know all about doing unpaid labor on the kids house. Usually that did not even include food that I didn't pay for myself, but sometimes I could sneak a beer (though come to think of it, I think I brought most of that too...)

we are in the process of looking at kitchen remodel options. To save money I am sure that will mean us doing everything possible such as taking the old cabinets out (given how shoddy the work was, I doubt it will be hard) and of course painting. I think we will farm out all plumbing, electrical, and installation. Could maybe try the back splash if the kid wants to learn to tile (none of us have ever done that).

Ya know, there might be a way to avoid the driving. If you can recruit some of our poster buddies I'm sure @oldfarmer50 could borrow a school bus and bring the whole gang to the flip party. Could probably knock out all of the demo in one day like that. I'm sure my Son will still provide all of the refreshments too.

jmonroe

Well if all you want is demolition I can get a Civil War era cannon and we can have some real fun. Heck we can even use it to add some windows, remove unwanted stains from walls and remove unwanted walls from stains.

Just get on the bus when @oldfarmer50 comes down your street. It's illegal to bring cannons into our area.

jmonroe

The people that I know with the cannon have a modified school bus where they can load the cannon onto the bus. So they can never see us bring it in.

driver100

ab348 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Needless to say that is my last order at Bookoutlet.

Book Outlet is a huge company dealing in remainder books. We bought $100000s worth a books a year from them, they have a retail outlet in St Catharines Ontario. I doubt it was a scam, I think it was a flukey fake security red flag.

There is a possibility she gave you her same code, so it came up twice. If you go on this site, there are lots of coupons and various discounts available.
https://www.offers.com/bookoutlet/?path=zof-619882-gls-100a1a&adposition=1t1&creative=397062027074&device=c&network=g&source=s&gclid=CjwKCAiAx_DwBRAfEiwA3vwZYiG1R6jNZkw2LlknVt7DtIhuWQ9ni8ktCmWxHy63wu7b23pDjyxt3BoCt4kQAvD_BwE

I think they will be more than happy if you call,,,,they give the number of their U.S. Warehouse but I think they can help you:
If you require further assistance, please call us toll-free at 1-888-402-7323 or create a Service Inquiry and we will be happy to assist you in any way we can.
If you want those books enough I would talk to them, they are an honest company. If you have a problem let me know, I will straighten them out for you.

driver100

jmonroe said:

ab348 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Back when I was a retail exec I had some responsibilities for customer satisfaction, and I gave out $50 gift cards virtually any time a complaint crossed my desk that seemed even partially credible. The goodwill that generated was incredible compared to the pittance it cost us. But the shortsightedness of companies when it comes to customer service never fails to astound me. I had a firsthand example last week.

I like to read something for a few minutes when I turn in for the night. When I don't have a fresh magazine to read I'll grab a book. Lately I have been picking up inexpensive cutouts or used ones online on subjects that interest me.

Last week a person I follow on Twitter but do not otherwise know posted that she had just placed her first order on Bookoutlet and had a $10 discount code for other new customers who signed up for an account. I had never heard of the site before so I browsed it and they had tons of stuff at good prices, so I took the plunge. Picked up 9 or 10 books for my cart and saw that I had enough to qualify for free shipping, so I stopped there and put in her coupon code to place the order.

That $10 off dropped me below the free shipping level though, so I decided to add a couple more books to bring it back up to that point. But suddenly their "security system" interrupted and said that the coupon code had been flagged and could no longer be used. I tried it a couple of times with no success. Thinking this was clearly a system error, I tried to follow their "Open a Ticket" link to report it. But you can't open a ticket without an order number. So I placed the order without the coupon, got an order number, and then sent a support ticket describing what had happened and asking for the $10 they promised as a credit.

The response I got back was astounding. The lady at Bookoutlet whose name was on the email said their security system had flagged my order because it found "too many similarities" between my new account and that of the lady who originally posted the code, implying that we were jointly trying to fraudulently scam them of the $10 (what a devious scheme!). Most of it read like cut-and-paste from a script, and at the end the $10 was not forthcoming. I do not know the Twitter person's actual name, where she lives, or anything else about her. She is a total stranger. But we apparently are close friends. What idiocy.

Needless to say that is my last order at Bookoutlet.

That sounds like the outfit that @driver100 sold out to. It looks like they are still following his old business practices.

jmonroe

If my son-in-law who claims to have an MBA but I doubt he could run a lemonade stand didn't buy the business I would have sold my company to them. They are a major player in the remainder book business.
I was the opposite in business, my policy was to deliver more than expected. If I got that complaint I would have given ab 20% off. And since he is a virtual posting buddy I would give him 50% off. The mark up is so great 10% wouldn't matter....something went wrong....if he contacts them they will fix it.

explorerx4

@imidazol97,
I'm working my way through the Joe Pickett series.

imidazol97

@explorerx4
Then read the Hoyt and Cassie Dewell series in order.

A world far from rural Indiana and Western Ohio exists in his word pictures of Montana and Wyoming.
The Yellowstone mentions are great as well.

explorerx4

@imidazol97,
I really like the series and there are a lot of them left to go.
So far, all of the books have been downloads to my e-reader, but I wen to the bookstore and bought a hard cover, so I probably won't read it for a few years.

dino001

imidazol97 said:

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

Absolute scam. Send you some kind of "invoice" so you click on the attachment/link. Then you get a real "bill", with computer being blocked, or worse, intercepted.

driver100

dino001 said:

imidazol97 said:

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

Absolute scam. Send you some kind of "invoice" so you click on the attachment/link. Then you get a real "bill", with computer being blocked, or worse, intercepted.

I was concerned about that. I thought that wasn't really there site....I think somebody scams from people trying to order from them. Maybe that is how the coupon originated.

ab348

Well, @driver100 , I did contact them through their customer service link on their website and Vanessa at their end provided me with the unhelpful response I mentioned. I am dealing with their .ca site so I don’t know if that redirects to the USA staff or someone in Canada, but either way their response was unsatisfactory.

ab348

qbrozen said:

so did you cancel your order?

Order had already shipped by the time I receiver the reply.

oldfarmer50

jmonroe said:

stickguy said:

I would join if Pitt wasn't a 6 hour drive.

and I know all about doing unpaid labor on the kids house. Usually that did not even include food that I didn't pay for myself, but sometimes I could sneak a beer (though come to think of it, I think I brought most of that too...)

we are in the process of looking at kitchen remodel options. To save money I am sure that will mean us doing everything possible such as taking the old cabinets out (given how shoddy the work was, I doubt it will be hard) and of course painting. I think we will farm out all plumbing, electrical, and installation. Could maybe try the back splash if the kid wants to learn to tile (none of us have ever done that).

Ya know, there might be a way to avoid the driving. If you can recruit some of our poster buddies I'm sure @oldfarmer50 could borrow a school bus and bring the whole gang to the flip party. Could probably knock out all of the demo in one day like that. I'm sure my Son will still provide all of the refreshments too.

jmonroe

Sorry but my access to buses is limited these days. However I could get you a good rate on a 15 passenger van which drives like a school bus.

oldfarmer50

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Didn’t the first repair have any warranty? Don’t they stand behind their work?

dino001

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

imidazol97 said:

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

Absolute scam. Send you some kind of "invoice" so you click on the attachment/link. Then you get a real "bill", with computer being blocked, or worse, intercepted.

I was concerned about that. I thought that wasn't really there site....I think somebody scams from people trying to order from them. Maybe that is how the coupon originated.

Actually, much worse, most likely scenario is a malicious software Installation, either quiet spyware to monitor and steal your logins and passwords, or ransmoware, locking Up your drive and demanding payment.

oldfarmer50

imidazol97 said:

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

I keep getting emails supposedly from banks which I have no relation to claiming my account has been frozen due to suspicious activity. I just forward them to the Phishing fraud desk at each bank.

driver100

dino001 said:

driver100 said:

dino001 said:

imidazol97 said:

Scam?

I just received an email from a Sew-fro website with a statement for $312.07 that I had spent for something. Trouble is, I don't know that site and neither does my wife. I looked online and there's only a fake facebook page for that exact spelling.

But they conveniently provided a "view" and "download" attachment that shows on the right of the message. It also showed that was in a Word format--famous for running scripts to install bad things when clicked...
Hmmmm.

I checked to whom they sent the email and it's an antique address which has been superceded by newer addresses as the local provider changed owners. Address is 25 years old but still maintained as a viable domain so that the old email addresses come to the customers.

Click carefully. I deleted the email. I doubt they have any of my credit cards, but I'll check through them tonight for strange charges.

Absolute scam. Send you some kind of "invoice" so you click on the attachment/link. Then you get a real "bill", with computer being blocked, or worse, intercepted.

I was concerned about that. I thought that wasn't really there site....I think somebody scams from people trying to order from them. Maybe that is how the coupon originated.

Actually, much worse, most likely scenario is a malicious software Installation, either quiet spyware to monitor and steal your logins and passwords, or ransmoware, locking Up your drive and demanding payment.

Yeh, I was in a hurry and I should have thought about it. It isn't really their site....it just uses their name. I didn't think they would get away with that, I thought Book Outlet would close something like that down pretty quickly.

driver100

ab348 said:

Well, @driver100 , I did contact them through their customer service link on their website and Vanessa at their end provided me with the unhelpful response I mentioned. I am dealing with their .ca site so I don’t know if that redirects to the USA staff or someone in Canada, but either way their response was unsatisfactory.

In Canada they go by the name Book Depot, you can try BookOutlet service@bookdepot.com
1-800-801-7193 x229
My sales rep there was Rick M, tell him Driver100 sent you. We always paid our bills upon receipt of the product - way before the due date, the S-I-L paid if they begged him to pay, usually about 90 days late.

venture

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Didn’t the first repair have any warranty? Don’t they stand behind their work?

I'll find out when I call the guy. They sort of washed their hands of the whole thing and gave me the name and phone number of the guy they have that does that kind of work for them. I'm not happy about this.

The GSM is a friend of mine, but I haven't seen him to let him know what's going on and my displeasure.

It's such a small thing.

oldfarmer50

I can totally understand.

https://www.clickondetroit.com/news/local/2020/01/13/gm-engineers-arrested-after-corvettes-spotted-street-racing-in-kentucky/

driver100

venture said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Didn’t the first repair have any warranty? Don’t they stand behind their work?

I'll find out when I call the guy. They sort of washed their hands of the whole thing and gave me the name and phone number of the guy they have that does that kind of work for them. I'm not happy about this.

The GSM is a friend of mine, but I haven't seen him to let him know what's going on and my displeasure.

It's such a small thing.

I suppose they could say that you did the damage somehow.....do you wear pants with metal studs for example? I agree, it seems to be a fault with the material when it wears out like that, but, they could argue it was your fault. Hope they come up with a solution....when in doubt the customer should be right.

venture

driver100 said:

venture said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Didn’t the first repair have any warranty? Don’t they stand behind their work?

I'll find out when I call the guy. They sort of washed their hands of the whole thing and gave me the name and phone number of the guy they have that does that kind of work for them. I'm not happy about this.

The GSM is a friend of mine, but I haven't seen him to let him know what's going on and my displeasure.

It's such a small thing.

I suppose they could say that you did the damage somehow.....do you wear pants with metal studs for example? I agree, it seems to be a fault with the material when it wears out like that, but, they could argue it was your fault. Hope they come up with a solution....when in doubt the customer should be right.

It's not in an area where rivets from jeans would hit it. I don't know if I would say it wore out; more like a piece came loose from the backing. It's hanging on there now like a screen door. This is on the bolster (vinyl part) not on the leather "seating surface". It's a shame because I really liked this car.

driver100

German mechanics are the best!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTq-M-f1to8

venture

Way too much spare time on their hands.

driver100

venture said:

driver100 said:

venture said:

oldfarmer50 said:

venture said:

The outboard bolster on the drivers seat in my Legacy has delaminated a bit. The dealer claims since it isn't a seam coming apart, it isn't covered by the warranty. I had their guy fix it once on my dime, but that repair failed.

After buying 7 Subsrus, and averaging about 1 a year, they may be making a big mistake. I'm asking Subaru Corp. for their opinion.

Yes. It's the principal.

I'll have to open Chrome to show a picture. Grrr

Didn’t the first repair have any warranty? Don’t they stand behind their work?

I'll find out when I call the guy. They sort of washed their hands of the whole thing and gave me the name and phone number of the guy they have that does that kind of work for them. I'm not happy about this.

The GSM is a friend of mine, but I haven't seen him to let him know what's going on and my displeasure.

It's such a small thing.

I suppose they could say that you did the damage somehow.....do you wear pants with metal studs for example? I agree, it seems to be a fault with the material when it wears out like that, but, they could argue it was your fault. Hope they come up with a solution....when in doubt the customer should be right.

It's not in an area where rivets from jeans would hit it. I don't know if I would say it wore out; more like a piece came loose from the backing. It's hanging on there now like a screen door. This is on the bolster (vinyl part) not on the leather "seating surface". It's a shame because I really liked this car.

At worst that section could probably be replaced. It would be nice if they came through and did it for you....a small price to pay to keep up good relations. These days though, companies fight tooth and nail to do as little as possible.