Complaint Review: Auto Accessory Store - Ebay

Upon upgrading my previous car I was interested in making modifications to increase its performance. When searching for a new muffler, I proceeded to buying the "top of the line" equipment. My search led me to eBay where I found a muffler which appeared to be the perfect item for my car. In the description of the item it stated "if you are unsure the product will fit your car, please call our support department." When calling the support department to insure proper fitment, the support representative told me the part was "universal" and would fit any make/model. Assuming the company was truthful about their response, I proceeded to purchasing the item.

When I received the muffler several weeks later it was very obvious the part would not fit my car as the dual inlets leading from my catalytic converter would not fit the single inlet of the new muffler without some sort of adapter, which the description on eBay made absolutely no mention of. When searching for this adapter part, I discovered the Y-Pipe adapter required to fit the muffler to my car would cost me several hundred dollars.

Refusing to pay the charge, I called Auto Accessory Store's support department and explained my problem. When requesting a complete refund for the item they not only refused to pay shipping to/from which was $25 each way, they also instituted a "restocking" fee which also was never mentioned in the item description/return policy displayed on eBay. The restocking fee was %30 of the item's purchase price. The price of the item was $300.

I was screwed $140 including shipping costs, all at the account of their uninformed support representative who insure me the item was "universal." Very disappointed to learn of this, I proceeded to eBay to file a report to their user abuse department and leave a negative feedback report, they had left eBay and were no longer a member before I had the chance to do either of which.

When calling their support department again, I spoke to a representative who appeared to sympathize with my problem. The representative told me they would schedule a delivery pick-up to come to my house and take the package free of charge. I stayed home the next day waking up early expecting delivery men to arrive, they never did.

I called again the next day; they told me they had forgotten to take my phone number which is required by the shipping company, I gave them my phone number and was told they would schedule pick-up as soon as I got off the phone. I stayed home the next day again, no delivery crew showed. Calling yet again, I asked to speak to a manager. The manager explained to me however the muffler did require a Y-Pipe adapter (which he previously knew however was negligent to state on the eBay description); it was "universal" because it would still fit any and all cars with the correct parts. I argued my way in to being exempt of the two-thirds of the restocking fee. Still disappointed, I accepted the charges and was told a check would be mailed to me two weeks later after returning the item.

Taking full responsibility for the shipping charges, I went to the post office and delivered the package. During the process of shipping I carefully followed its progress using an online-tracking number. The package was confirmed to have arrived just over a month ago. Today I called their support department and they told me the item is still being processed and they have not mailed a check as of yet.

All together, I am in the hole over at least $80 (assuming they finally give me my partial refund) and have wasted an abundance of my time and energy. The bottom line is Auto Accessory Store is a poor excuse for a business and makes false promises merely to avoid ratifying their own mistakes.

They make word play to advertise their products as being better and more marketable than they really are. Never once did I receive an apology or acknowledgement that they made a mistake and to this day I have yet to receive my partial refund. The company abandoned eBay before I had the chance to go after them and I fear they may do the same again when I pursue further action to receive my check. My recommendation to anyone interested in after-market car parts would be to avoid this company at all costs as you are in for a world of frustration. Find another more-creditable company and make an effort to ask about their return policy in detail before purchasing an item.

Thomas
Columbia, Maryland
U.S.A.