After getting slammed for one version of a transaction, I've decided to respond but only after Brady agreed. I don't discuss my private business in a public forum normally, but the customer wants everyone to hear my version.
Let's go back a few years to the start.
1. Brady bought a front spoiler from me, asking for a discount due to tight funds with the promise he would be buying more products for his rebuild. I sold him a front spoiler at a discount. What did he do with it? Used it to make a mold and copy it, offering his own version for sale on this site. Unethical? yes, illegal, yes. My fiberglass guy has sued several people over the years for this. I let it go, knowing he was new to fiberglass and figuring his product wouldn't be very good for awhile.
2. Brady bought a set of wheels and lug nuts, lug nuts discounted at his request again. He decided he wanted to trade the lug nuts for a different set and I agreed. He shipped the lug nuts back and didn't use tape on the box. When I received the box it was open and no lug nuts were inside. Instead, a chocolate mold was in the box. If you do a search, you'll find the thread amongs several threads Brady posted about his problems shipping parts. I don't know if the nuts were ever really shipped to me or not. But, I sent him a complete set of lug nuts at my expense, ever covering the shipping because he said he couldn't afford another set. That was an $85 loss to me on the deal.
3. When Brady decided to try building wall art from a Spider nose, he told me he was sending the first one to me. I told him I had no idea what to do with it, but he shipped it anyway, asking for parts that equaled the amount he wanted. $700 worth to be exact, plus I had to pay for shipping. When the box arrived, the bodywork was damaged. I called Brady and he left it up to me to be resolved, but he had his parts. No offer to return the parts or pay for them. I had to file an insurance claim. UPS picked up the box for inspection, and surprise, they denied the claim. They felt the packing job was not adequate. Then, by mistake, they returned the box to Brady instead of me. So, now I'm out the money and have part either. Brady's response was that he would not deal with the package that UPS had left at his house. I filed an appeal on the claim, and only because UPS screwed the delivery up and couldn't retrieve the box, they honored my appeal. This took nearly 4 months to resolve after spending hours on the phone with UPS claims. So I eventually got my money, less the shipping and insurance fees. Not a huge loss, but I value my time since I don't have enough of it. And I didn't have access to those funds for 4 months.
So what did Brady do with the wall art he got back at no expense? He fixed it and resold it. Looks like double-dipping to me. I believe he sold it for $600. Are you starting to see a pattern yet?
4. Now, 15 months after getting a header, at a discount and a dash at a substantial discount. Brady didn't like the fit. Our header instructions clearly state that there is little clearance at the collector and to fit the head pipe before tightening the header flange bolts. Anyway, he returned the header and we modified the collector. We have a mock up in the shop with an engine, crossmember and bellhousing so we can test fit each unit. After making sure the header fit, I had it replated and returned it to him. I covered shipping costs both ways for this. After receiving the header, Brady accused me of intentionally denting the header, having it plated and then shipping it. He told me he was going to buy someone else's header and wanted a full refund. Once Brady accused me of that, our conversation was essentially over. I gave him the insurance info and suggested he file a claim. His last message to me was that he intended to keep the header. I can only suppose since he couldn't double-dip this item he would try another tactic.
5. Over the past 2-3 years, Brady has called me hundreds of times, asking free advice, procedures etc. Any of you that have called or emailed know that I willingly help anyone that contacts me if possible. Some days Brady called 3-4 times, using an hour of my time. How many of you are willing to give up an hour of income daily? More importantly, it takes away from completing projects.
6. After Brady received the header, 15 months ago, he was impressed with the ceramic coating. He started sending me parts to have plated for him. Of course he asked that I only charge him my cost for the plating. The plater is a half hour drive from my shop if there's no traffic. That's over an hour for each trip, dropping off and picking up. Plus time to pack and ship the items. I did this for him at least 3 times. I made nothing on these deals. Cost to me? At $80/hr shop time you can do the math. Still think I took advantage of him?
7. When any member signs up, they agree to guidelines. Commercial vendors are only tolerated here if they post
replies to help members, not merely selling parts. Brady has made the transition to a vendor from regular member. He regularly posts items for sale. I've allowed it since he posts many other replies. Vendors are expected to contribute financially to maintain the site. Brady hasn't donated $1.
8. The site owner has a zero tolerance policy towards flaming other members. I've allowed discussion as long as it's civil. Brady's desire to go public with our dealing has incited several members to cross the line. They've been removed. Brady has only been deactived temporarily, not deleted. Once we get this resolved, and the falsehoods sorted out, he will be reinstated.
Sorry for the long post, I didn't want to go public with this but after seeing that Brady has used mass email to defame my character I felt it was important to air my story