The first parts problem:
First I'll say that so far, the bike isn't a total piece of crap. It was inexpensive and so far is still getting me to and from work during the summer (I've owned it now almost 2 years and it has a bit over 2000 miles).
Only 20.8 miles and 2 days old, the speedometer cable broke. To make a very long story short, I ordered a new warranty covered replacement on Sept. 21 the same day it broke. Not until Jan. 25 (4 plus months later) did I finally get the replacement and then 'Sammy' sent me an invoice bill for it plus shipping! Needless to say, I did not pay!
I was 'promised' a new cable within '10 days' at least 3 different times. Of the incomplete records I have kept on this incident I show it took me at least 8 long distance not-toll-free phone calls and at least 5 lengthy emails during that time. I used threats of filing with the BBB and other action, but finally I now have a working cable.
The second parts problem:
On May 20, the entire exaust system falls off the bike! The root of the problem was/is poor design. On May 23 I orderd online, all new parts except the muffler itself (it seemed salvageable). Also note here the two muffler clamps I ordered were listed as 'backordered' because they didn't have them readly available.
What a shock! The parts (minus the clamps and one rubber boot type of item for them) arrived on May 26th! I about fell over. I of course paid up front with a credit card.
By July 10th I figured I should be getting the missing parts. I have seen nor heard nothing from vento at all. So I email them inquiring. July 15th comes and they haven't even replied to the email. I email again. July 17th I get a reply back finally from one David Campbell at Vento - hurray! First a reply and second not 'Sammy'.
Here is David's reply cut and pasted in full if you care to read it:
Hi Buddy,
Thanks for using Vento Support!
I deeply regret for the inconvenience &the delay that has been caused to you..!
This is with reference to your request for the Spares Order. I have forwarded your request for the status to the concerned department. I will let you know on the status from the concerned department ASAP.
Should you require any further assistance/clarification in this regard, Please feel free to contact me at any time.
Assuring you of our best services at all times.
Best Regards,
David
Technical Support
Email: [email protected]
Not the best command of the English language as you can see. Next we get to Aug. 4. Still no parts or explanation so I email again stating I feel they have had more than enough time to fill the backorder and missing parts and that I demand some parts, my money back, or some kind of guarantee that I'll soon be getting one or the other. Again, I say to them, 'do I have to go to the BBB and others, or will you do something to satisify a customer for once'. I told him I would give them until Aug. 9 to do one of the three things.
David calls back that night and assures me I will be taken care of and he will personally handle it - big deal! I tell him verbally I stand by my Aug. 9 deadline. He has a very thick Indian accent, but from asking several times to repeat things, I'm finally sure we are on the same page about my deadline and my customer satifaction issue.
Well, today is Aug. 11 and you guessed it - nothing! So here is one on my threats being carried out on the consumer complaints web site among others.
What ever happend to customer satifation and the customer is always right etc.? Must have been farmed out to some other country like everything else I guess. I anxiously await my third, fourth, etc. Parts orders and fulfillments!
Don't buy Vento products and you won't have to deal with Sammy or David - lucky you!
Thanks for listening.
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