Pelfreybilt - See Update on Last Page

[Snickel Fritz]

Well, this sucks.
Pelfrybilt was the fabricator that I was considering for my sliders. I guess I am pretty lucky this time, I refrained from ordering out of an abundance of caution and procrastination.

I'm really sorry for all of you that have money at stake, even if you do eventually get a perfect product! This is stress that no one needs to deal with.

 

[rayofsi]

funny thing

i put down deposit on my base rear bumper on 11/3 - half

they shipped on 7/3 or 7/4. they asked me for the 2nd half of the payment... after bumper was already in transit..

i got really lucky.

 

[sn_85]

and this is why i stay away from small boutique fabricators.

Always the same story.....

build up hype on the forums and IG

take your money

give you a promise time that comes and goes

then comes the excuses, and the fanboys who jump in to build more hype for vaporware.

wait months to years for a product to be delivered.


I don't mind risking a few hundred, but a few thousand is too much for me to put on the line.

I did inquire the preorder, and the price they quoted me was pretty shocking and the fact that they wanted payment in full for something that didn't even exist..... I would have dropped the cash if it was half now and half at delivery, but that wasn't a option in the quote they gave me. Sounds like what happened to me and Prinsu prior to them getting bought out...... Fool me once, won't fool me again.

Good luck to those who dropped the cash, but I'd be calling my CC company and if they don't have a resolution, i would be lawyering up.

As someone has mentioned, this is not how you run a business.

Well to be honest, how many big box brands produce aftermarket parts for the 4R? You have ARB, TJM, and Dobinsons and they're only finally getting into the 4Runner market. Then you have the American brands like Nfab and Fab Fours which are mainly show parts and they don't really produce any off-road worthy parts. Everyone else is a small boutique fabricator. CBI, Shrockworks, Relentless, Hefty, SSO, C4, CBI etc etc. Pelfrey was a pretty big name and it's surprising that this is happening to them. Seemed like they had a good range of products for the Toyota lineup with quite the demand and popularity. If this is could happen to them then it could happen to any one of the other companies too.

 

[arthurm]

Yes, this could happen to any small company. But what should NOT happen is total silence from them. I didn't order one but the lack of a response should be concerning to all who did.

I am curious to see how your credit card chargebacks come through - if at all. I would immediately contact my cc company and inquire as to my rights.

As for debit card users, well, I'd hate to be in your shoes. Just another reason I have NEVER had one and NEVER will.

 

[Soccer13]

I don’t think people would be so upset if they had gotten more information or a statement from the company saying what they stated BUT that all who have placed an order or deposit would be getting their bumpers or full refund no matter what the outcome of this weekend meeting holds. I am looking at this from the point of view if I had $3k possibly being completely lost. That’s no chump change and a lot of waiting for this highly anticipated rear bumper. At least have some way people who have orders in are able to contact someone in customer service, sounds like no emails, calls etc are even being taken.

Yes, this could happen to any small company. But what should NOT happen is total silence from them. I didn't order one but the lack of a response should be concerning to all who did.

I am curious to see how your credit card chargebacks come through - if at all. I would immediately contact my cc company and inquire as to my rights.

As for debit card users, well, I'd hate to be in your shoes. Just another reason I have NEVER had one and NEVER will.

 

[mrblah]

Well to be honest, how many big box brands produce aftermarket parts for the 4R? You have ARB, TJM, and Dobinsons and they're only finally getting into the 4Runner market. Then you have the American brands like Nfab and Fab Fours which are mainly show parts and they don't really produce any off-road worthy parts. Everyone else is a small boutique fabricator. CBI, Shrockworks, Relentless, Hefty, SSO, C4, CBI etc etc. Pelfrey was a pretty big name and it's surprising that this is happening to them. Seemed like they had a good range of products for the Toyota lineup with quite the demand and popularity. If this is could happen to them then it could happen to any one of the other companies too.

I guess I should have clarified....

If you are going to drop a large amount of cash, people need to do their due diligence, and how much money they are willing to risk.

When I buy from small boutique fabricators, they either:

1. have a item in stock

or

2. must deliver within a time frame or I threaten to do a charge back.

When the boutique fabricator gives me a build date more than 90 days away, my alarm bells go off.

I still stand by my original post, because I had to deal with that BS with prinsu.

 

[Tejas]

I am just now catching wind of this fiasco, what a shit show. I feel bad for those of you caught up in this mess. I lost $5K in a similar situation with a gun order years back and I chalked it up to never allowing myself to get burned again. It's a shame as they make some of the best products for the 4Runner. I'll stay tuned to see how this shakes out.

 

[comtn4x4]

I had to edit my original post. I'm so frustrated with this situation I wasn't thinking clearly. I suggest anyone who put money down contact whomever it is who will be representing them in this situation, credit card company, Paypal etc. I unfortunately thought I was doing Pelfreybilt a favor by using ACH as they asked, So my path will be more difficult.

 

[LawnDart]

But but Instalanders abroad have said the bumper would be worth the wait

This is clearly a pretty low blow, cheap, and underserved swipe at me. Don’t play it off as you being vague about it.

I’m a friend of the Pelfrey’s and continue to be regardless of how this shakes out. But to intone that I am anything more than a customer who loves their gear and responsible for the current situation is goofy.

I’m not writing Pelfreybilt off, and it’s up to you guys to decide if you want to do a chargeback. I have the rear bumper, and I waited a hell of a lot longer than you guys and I think it’s a fantastic bumper.

I don’t know the specifics of what is going on but I know Pelfreybilt has maintained a reputation for customer service. I do know that by shutting down sales and bringing in cash flow they can get bumpers shipped out. Their quality was never in question.

I don’t predict or feel that Pelfrey is going to leave anybody out in the cold. I do not work for Pelfreybilt at the end of the day. I’m hugely disappointed in how this situation went down. But I know the company well enough not to sit here and think the ship can’t be righted again.

 

[comtn4x4]

This is clearly a pretty low blow, cheap, and underserved swipe at me. Don’t play it off as you being vague about it.

I’m a friend of the Pelfrey’s and continue to be regardless of how this shakes out. But to intone that I am anything more than a customer who loves their gear and responsible for the current situation is goofy.

I’m not writing Pelfreybilt off, and it’s up to you guys to decide if you want to do a chargeback. I have the rear bumper, and I waited a hell of a lot longer than you guys and I think it’s a fantastic bumper.

I don’t know the specifics of what is going on but I know Pelfreybilt has maintained a reputation for customer service. I do know that by shutting down sales and bringing in cash flow they can get bumpers shipped out. Their quality was never in question.



I don’t predict or feel that Pelfrey is going to leave anybody out in the cold. I do not work for Pelfreybilt at the end of the day. I’m hugely disappointed in how this situation went down. But I know the company well enough not to sit here and think the ship can’t be righted again.

You may have waited longer, however, the company wasn't insolvent during your wait. And the clock is still ticking on wait times. I'd bet they were answering your calls and e-mails. The rest of us aren't getting even an e-mail to tell us what's up. Not really apples to apples.
I can't quantify the quality of something I've never received so let's just stop bringing the quality of the product up. And frankly I will be the judge of the quality if I ever receive a bumper.

I can however quantify the quality of their customer service, communication, and respect for their customers.

 

[LawnDart]

You may have waited longer, however, the company wasn't insolvent during your wait. I'd bet they were answering your calls and e-mails. The rest of us aren't getting even an e-mail to tell us what's up. Not really apples to apples.
I can't quantify the quality of something I've never received so let's just stop bringing the quality of the product up. And frankly I will be the judge of the quality if I ever receive a bumper.

I can however quantify the quality of their customer service, communication, and respect for their customers.

And clearly there’s an effort being made to become solvent again and get you guys what you put deposits down on.

I’m not an employee for Pelfreybilt. I know things will pan out for the best for everyone involved.

 

[comtn4x4]

And clearly there’s an effort being made to become solvent again and get you guys what you put deposits down on.

I’m not an employee for Pelfreybilt. I know things will pan out for the best for everyone involved.

I've nothing nice to say about any of that, so as opposed to what most do on social media, I'm going to do what my mother told me and say nothing.

 

[Daohaus]

this sucks. I posted something on the offtopic about the steel tariffs and if that has hurt these small businesses bottom line because they quoted a certain price and the steel prices have jumped so they're taking a loss on these builds.

This may be a contributing factor but probably not all of it. They seemed to be doing really well, moving to a bigger facility and pumping out the orders...but that was last year.

 

[LawnDart]

this sucks. I posted something on the offtopic about the steel tariffs and if that has hurt these small businesses bottom line because they quoted a certain price and the steel prices have jumped so they're taking a loss on these builds.

This may be a contributing factor but probably not all of it. They seemed to be doing really well, moving to a bigger facility and pumping out the orders...but that was last year.

To say that this was a surprise/shock to those of us who knew Pelfrey/Pelfreybilt, would be the understatement of the year.

 

[mrblah]

This is clearly a pretty low blow, cheap, and underserved swipe at me. Don’t play it off as you being vague about it.

I’m a friend of the Pelfrey’s and continue to be regardless of how this shakes out. But to intone that I am anything more than a customer who loves their gear and responsible for the current situation is goofy.

I’m not writing Pelfreybilt off, and it’s up to you guys to decide if you want to do a chargeback. I have the rear bumper, and I waited a hell of a lot longer than you guys and I think it’s a fantastic bumper.

I don’t know the specifics of what is going on but I know Pelfreybilt has maintained a reputation for customer service. I do know that by shutting down sales and bringing in cash flow they can get bumpers shipped out. Their quality was never in question.

I don’t predict or feel that Pelfrey is going to leave anybody out in the cold. I do not work for Pelfreybilt at the end of the day. I’m hugely disappointed in how this situation went down. But I know the company well enough not to sit here and think the ship can’t be righted again.

Your situation is not the same as others. You received a bumper. From Pelfrybuilts FB posts, it sounds like they are financially insolvent. That means you can predict all you want, but currently, there business ceases to exist.

 

[LawnDart]

Your situation is not the same as others. You received a bumper. From Pelfrybuilts FB posts, it sounds like they are financially insolvent. That means you can predict all you want, but currently, there business ceases to exist.

It's not an excuse to throw me under the bus. Like all of you I watched as the situation went from "hmmm" to "yikes."

Prior to mid-week last week I was under the same understanding as everyone else, where upon bumpers would be shipping out. I have no more information than you guys do. And sadly still do not.

If someone is frustrated at the situation, i totally respect that frustration, but don't take it out on me. I paid for my rear bumper, and I too am deeply frustrated and confused by this whole situation. I truly am. I've sent countless texts about the situation, because people have hit me up asking for information, and I wish I could provide them to you guys.

 

[mrblah]

So that excuses someone taking pot shots at me like I had a hand in the situation? Like all of you I watched as the situation went from "hmmm" to "yikes."

Prior to mid-week I was under the same understanding as everyone else. I have no more information than you guys do.

If someone is frustrated at the situation, cool, but don't take it out on me. I paid for my rear bumper, and I too am deeply frustrated and confused by this whole situation. I truly am.

Yea I don't know what that guys motives are behind that post.

Don't let it get to you. The best you can do is clarify your relationship with pelfrybuilt (and which you did) and be done with it.

 

[LawnDart]

Yea I don't know what that guys motives are behind that post.

Don't let it get to you. The best you can do is clarify your relationship with pelfrybuilt (and which you did) and be done with it.

My PM box on instagram and FB has been blowing up. It's a shit show because I wish I could give everyone equal time and console them.

I am not an employee. I've paid full price for my hidden winch plate, front bumper, sliders, and rear bumper. I've stayed with the Pelfrey's a few times, and they're good people. And I 100 percent stand by the belief their intentions are not to screw their customers.

CBI went through a very troubled period before they changed ownership, and I hope the same thing happens here, everyone gets their orders, and this never happens again.

 

[rlarroque]

My PM box on instagram and FB has been blowing up. It's a shit show because I wish I could give everyone equal time and console them.

I am not an employee. I've paid full price for my hidden winch plate, front bumper, sliders, and rear bumper. I've stayed with the Pelfrey's a few times, and they're good people. And I 100 percent stand by the belief their intentions are not to screw their customers.

CBI went through a very troubled period before they changed ownership, and I hope the same thing happens here, everyone gets their orders, and this never happens again.

As I mentioned before on ig good luck with everything, I knew then you weren’t an employee, but people always need a place to direct their anger for things like this. Thanks for always being responsive and super honest with everyone.

I wish the Pelfrey’s the best of luck with this I would love to see them back up and running and I would love to see my bumpers I ordered. I’ve waited this long a few more days isn’t going to kill me while I wait for their announcements.

 

[rpontbriand]

Best wishes to you guys/gals that have outstanding orders with these folks. I have a heavily modified 4Runner and know what it is like to wait 6, 7, 8 plus months for expensive after-market parts. I don't have any Pelfrey stuff but can only imagine what is like to dump a good amount of cash and the uncertainty that is now faced.

Good luck to all!