Warning; Buying Pressure washers

Jeffrey B

<br><b>Premium Member<b><br>
About 2 months ago I came online to this Forum and asked about purchasing pressure washers over the internet. The general consensus was that it was fine, you could save money, but expect to do the maintenance yourself. Here is my story so far. I ordered a nice unit from a vendor from TN(who will remain nameless at this point). The unit was prepaid as I am a new contractor. First I was told that shipping would be about 200 When the unit arrived t the dock the shipping was 375(something about being in a metropolitan area) ok kind of annoying but no big deal even though if it was shipped 45 minutes away it would have been 175 less. I come to the dock and there she is. Missing all 400 feet of hose , the coil wrapper dented in at least 4 inches on both sides, scratched, etc.. Of course I refused delivery although I have scheduled 3 jobs next week based on the knowledge that my pressure washer was at the dock waiting to be picked up. I call up the vendor who tells me first I did the right thing by refusing, then calls me back and tells me I should take the delivery because it was a special order(I had a steam option put on it) and I will not get a unit for another 3-6 weeks because the shipper would have to approve the claim. It was made to sound like the shipper may not and as he put it"once the unit is shipped it is no longer our unit it is the shipping companies"direct quote. Also The benefit he explained would be that I could BUY the replacement parts from him and charge the shipper the differrence between list and contractor cost. Now I really do not feel like buying and installing a new coil and buying 400 feet of more hose and waiting for the insurance company to pay me after I laid out 4900 already for this unit. I am now looking at loss of revenue(maybe even an account) and I have a feeling this is just the beginning of a buyer beware story. PS Anyone in the New York downstate area have a pressure washer I can borrow?
 

Jon

New Member
Jeffrey,

Is there a pressure washer dealer within a 100 miles of your home?

I myself would not buy off the internet something like that, not that the shipper can as you found out damage stuff but once you own it the dealer might not be as nice since he did not get your purchase.

If this was me I would ask for a full refund sent ASAP and call all the local dealers and ask your questions about price and such.

I would also ask if they have the unit you want in stock, if so take a drive and buy it.

I think you will be much happier.

Since you have refused delivery find out if the company you bought it from owes you a full refund or if you really have to fight the shipper and their insurance company.

Don't accept the unit, the company just wants to make their money, could be they owe you the refund and they have to fight the shipper.

Good luck with dealing with both of them.
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
Jon is right on the mark, do not accept the PW-regardless of what they offer. You are only asking for problems. This is a good lesson, deal with local firms that can give you the service.

Your new accounts should be willing to waite a week or so long as you are up front with them.

One other thing, the local company should work with you regarding loan equipment so that your jobs can be completed.

Saving a few dollars is one thing, however local service will save more than a few dollars.

Good Luck

David
 

Scott Stone

New Member
I have bought two pressure washers over the internet and had no problem with it at all. That being said, until the pressure washer is signed for as received, it is not your unit. The dealer that sold it to you has a ton more pull with the trucking company than you do. Depending on the trucking company, they could say that the piece of equipment was not packaged right and thus it is not there liability. I also don't think that the steam option should change whether or not you should accept the delivery. That is really not that big a thing.
I don't know but something sounds like we are missing part of the story.
 
G

Glenn

Guest
Jeffrey,
I have bought and buy all of my equipment over the internet and have experienced no problems to date. I have saved a lot of money this way and I can shop from home and not have to travel all over to find what I need. I have a local dealer @15 miles away, but he works when he wants to. I have tried to buy from him in the past but he charges 2 times the amount I can buy over the internet and 1/2 the time I have visited his shop during normal business hours he was closed. If you need a unit now, rent one. Check your yellow pages. As for your unit, let the distributor send you another one even if it takes 4 weeks. While your waiting, shop around local. I think you will find local prices alot higher than what you are currently paying for a comporable piece of equipment. Buying over the internet is not bad advice, at least I don't think so. I like buying things 1/2 local prices and a couple days later it's on my door step and I don't have to run somebody down to give them my money. Just my 2 cents. I'm sure thier are better local dealers in other areas, maybe theres one in yours.
Glenn
 

Mike Hughes

New Member
I too buy nearly everything over the internet. Even an entire trailer rig. I got it from "the place in Texas." No problems whatsoever.

I would insist on a complete refund on the unit you had the problems with. You can't wait that long, and should not be expected to. I hope you get this resolved...... Just get one from somewhere else.........but, locally will cost you big. I am not a big fan of my local dealer. The prices back when I was shopping were tremendously higher for locally bought equipment, not to mention sales tax (well, shipping cost money too). I shopped several local dealers......all were very pricey. I have had no trouble getting my "mail ordered" units serviced locally.

Again, best of luck to you.
 

Clean County

New Member
Jeffrey,
I have to agree with Jon on this one. I purchased many Powerwashing items over the internet but never a powerwasher for fear of what you went thru. I live on L.I. and I have a local dealer who has decent prices and top of the line pw's such as mi-t-m, Landa, Hotsy etc. If any of his pw's breakdown on you then he will give you a free loaner untill the washer is fixed.

They have there pw's and supply store in a fairly large building which is open to the public so you can view some of the machines etc.

You say you live in down state N.Y. well if L.I. is not to far from you check them out. There website is www.indequipment.com

Good luck[tie]
 

Larry L.

PWN TEAM - Moderator Emeritus
<b><font color=green>I too order over the internet with no problems.If paid for by plastic card call and refuse to paid that account."If" they do not make things right I think you should post the name of the company so we all know to beware.</b></f>
 

Dan S

New Member
I ALSO BOUGHT OFF THE NET .... BUT NOT DIRECTLY I CALLED THEM ON THE TELE . THEN WORKED OUT THE DEAL THEN... I SENT THEM MONEY......... I NEVER PUT MY CARD ON THE NET. I CAN TELL YOU SOME BAD STORIES . BUT THAT'S NOT WHAT THIS TOPIC IS ABOUT......

ALSO IT WAS FROM A GUY IN TENN. I DONT KNOW IF YOU GOT YOURS @ THE SAME PLACE OR NOT =BUT THE OUTFIT I BOUGHT FROM IS >>>>> TOP OF THE LINE>>>>>>>

NEVER HAD A PROBLEM . I HAD LOTS OF QUESTIONS AND THEY HAD LOTS OF ANSWER'S.........

I AGREE W/SCOTT HERE..........WHO EVER YOU BOUGHT IT FROM HAS MORE "PULL" THEN YOU ......LET THE SELLER AND TRK. COMPANY HASH IT OUT.....

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN RATHER YOU BUY IT FROM OUTA STATE OR NEXT DOOR........oops sorry about the caps!!!!!!!!

dont depend on starting a job right outa the "box" like in your case right outa shipping..... you should get a real good feel for the equipment that you are working with before you slam into a job.... with a fresh p/wer........ANYTHING CAN AND DO HAPPENS

if you are really in a pinch rent a p/wer to do what ya need........
just my thoughts .........
 

Jon

New Member
Jeffery,

Don't mind Dan S. He was really YELLING at me:)

Truth is he cannot hear himself so he talks loud enough to be sure of what he says.

Seems like most you guys have had good luck buying on the Net, I got screwed big time twice but not with any pressure washing suppliers.

Just not going to try for a 3rd time.

One last thing, if dealing with local guy don't accept his quoted price, they want to make the sale and have your return business so bargain for a better price, just ask him if that is the best he can do and watch most of them come down.
 

johny

New Member
I bought mine off the internet,like Mike said from" place in TEXAS"<after Scott Stone suggested so.I have received excellent service and advice from them,and they really know what powerwashing is about.I bet you money they would have handled it fast,who has 6 weeks.Get a full refund if you can and give'em a call.I only paid $3400 for mine +shipping,love it and it came with a good maintnance tape.Seems like every time i need something i pick up the phone and they always have helped me out
Good luck
Johny
 

David Saulque

<b>PWN TEAM - Hood Moderator</b><br<b><font color=
We are all looking for the right price and the best service, much the same as our customers. I deal with local companies because they are small local people paying taxes-going to church-eating at restaurants that we service. & so on. They are just like us and the guy out of state is in the same fix. What is the gain?

Just on this BB alone we have The Wizzard and Pressure Zone who are local to my company. My units are all Landa and I deal with the local dealer. This customer relationship started before the BB, and if it ended I would go with one of these two people.

I have been with the same bank for 45 years. Relationships with other local companies can be measured olny after the long haul.

David
 

Walt Graner

New Member
I buy all equipment off the net (have for years), no problems getting it or service after the sale. However, things will get bumped around when shipped DO NOT SIGN FOR DAMAGED GOODS! Just be patient, submit claim take pictures your rig will get there. Call your bids and tell them you are having some equipment problems, 95% of the time they will say OK. Main thing is to talk to your bids and keep them informed on your status.

I too would like to buy local , however refuse to pay through the nose. I've had bad experiences from my local dealers both from new equipment, service after the sale and mark up of all the kibbles & bits needed for everything. For me it's just not money smart here.
 

Jim&Shirley

New Member
WHERE IN TN.

Where in TN, did you buy from and who????
Enlighten the rest of us, so we can all learn from your Exspereince


Thanks
JIM & SHIRLEY
 

Jim&Shirley

New Member
WHERE IN TN.

Where in TN, did you buy from and who????
Enlighten the rest of us, so we can all learn from your Exspereince


Thanks
JIM & SHIRLEY
 

Richard R.

New Member
Jeffrey,
Just a thought.
Try and find out who their largest competitor is and call them.
Act as if you are interested in buying one of their machines. Who knows, you may become interested in a deal. As soon as the competitor gets excited about the sale, explain what has happened with the other company. Tell them you can't buy from them until you have resolved the problem with their competitor. Ask them if they have any ideas how to resolve it quicker and find out the laws and regulations for that state. Once you find out this information, call the other company and remind them you know your consumer rights. This should get the ball rolling really quick, then you can get on with another deal.
Don't forget to tell them you are a member of a nationwide powerwash network organization and additional customers for them depend on how your treated on this deal.
This may sound a little crazy for some, but there are several folks on this network that I look up to. If they tell me to stay clear of a particular company, I'm going to stay clear. It's time these company's realize we are rapidly growing in numbers and hopefully our numbers and reputation will eventually make a difference.
If this doesn't help, maybe he has a boss you can speak with.

Who knows, it may work and it's definitely worth a try.
Hope all works out.

Richard R.
 

ron

New Member
Hi if its the co. where i got machine from i have to say, they forgot my extra hose also. I drove 70 miles to the DOCK just to find out it was on a truck being delivered to my house. I had to go to a local buisness and tip the guy to forklift it off me. They mounted the hose reel to the pallet UNDER the unit[skid] Ihad to get 3 other strong guys to lift it to get it out so i could get it out so i could slide the unit off the pallet. Now that said all but one of the problems were because of the shipper not the mfg. my unit was 40% cheaper then anyone around,better, and so far has given me perfect service. it was a pain to get the reel out but being under the skid it could never get damaged. Ill assume yous too was mounted to a pallet with a cardboard box as its only protection. They need to get a shipper that cares. As far as shipping costs they should have been able to give you the ex. price. in my case it was $50 higher then if i had to pay local
tax.
 

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