Complaint Review: S&J Auto Parts - FINE AUTO PARTS

I first learned of S&J Auto Parts through the internet site "UsedPartsCentral.com" by sending out a seek request from that site for a fuel pump for a Volvo Turbo Diesel. I had an email from S&J back within an hour, assuring me they had my part, and asking me to call an 800 number to order.

When I called, I talked to John at extension 121. I've since learned that John is (was?) part-owner of this business. John told me he had the Volvo fuel pump I needed "out in the yard" and quoted me a reasonable price. I must have asked him 6 or 7 times if it was a fuel pump for a DIESEL engine, and he repeatedly assured me it was.

I ordered this part on April 27, 2005, and was told it would be shipped immediately and would arrive within 7-10 days. My credit card was billed immediately. 10 days later it hadn't arrived, and I set off on a long-planned vacation leaving my neighbor watching for the delivery. It still hadn't arrived when I returned on May 18, so I called S&J immediately. They said the part had been shipped on May 10 and gave me a UPS tracking number -- that much, at least, was true, and the part finally arrived a few days later.

Wrong part, of course: What I got was a fuel pump for a GASOLINE engine, and not even a Volvo. PLUS no paperwork, no receipt, not even a return address...just a dirty, stinky gasoline fuel pump wrapped in a sheet of newspaper and stuffed into a stained cardboard box. I immediately tried phoning S&J only to get stuck in their voice mail loop. Same thing the next day, and the next...

I also tried emailing...no response. I did report this to UsedPartsCentral.com and got a nice response from that site's owner, apologizing and saying he would forward my complaint to the owner of S&J.

To try and get my money back, I've had to file a charge dispute with my credit card company. I've found out some interesting things that way: First, they no longer answer their phone as "S&J Auto Parts" -- the new name is FINE AUTO PARTS. Then, when you select customer service from the voice menu, it tells you to hang up and call (518) 583-4125.

If you make the long-distance call (which my credit card company was willing to do for me) you get an answering machine, telling you to leave your phone number and someone will get back to you in 24 hours. Fat chance: There's been no call-back so far, and I doubt there ever will be.

My credit card company is very willing to help me here. They gave me the company address and asked me to send the part back by registered mail, so that someone would have to sign for it. If no one's willing to sign for it, it will be returned to me -- but I'll have proof that delivery was refused.

This is going to cost me another $10 or so out of pocket, but that's better than letting them get away with this! And, once the part has been returned (or refused), my credit card company is willing to refund the amount I paid.

I highly recommend that anyone else who was ripped off by these idiots using a credit card contact their credit card company and dispute the charge. I do NOT recommend that anyone EVER use S&J Auto (or their new name, FINE AUTO PARTS) in the future!!

Helen
Guerneville, California
U.S.A.