Just thought I would share my experience with Kent Hill and Pontiac Sound. I first contacted Kent on the 19th of Nov. and was told that a center console subwoofer box could be made in 6 - 10 business days. He gave me his email and cell number and appeared like a reputable businessman. Soon after, he said his phone was acting up and that I should contact him through email. I sent him the money on the 4th of Dec. On the 18th of Dec. I tried contacting Kent a few times and he eventually said that he got in a bad accident and that things were a little backed up. He said to contact him on the 22nd of Dec. yet he didn't reply. I waited until after the XMAS holiday and tried contacting Kent and didn't get a reply. Therefore, I waited until after New Year's and tried calling and emailing him and finally got a reply on the 10th of Jan. He said it should be coming any day, that he would check his tracking numbers on the 12th of Jan. Again, no reply. On the 5th of Feb. I was told he had a tracking number but it was showing up as invalid on the UPS site. He said he was trying to contact them, but thought that he might have to build another. On the 6th of Feb. it was confirmed by Kent that he would build another. Another final email on the 25th of Feb. and again he said it should be in any day. Well, it is now the 13th of Mar., which is over 14 WEEKS after I initially ordered. Mind you, throughout this ordeal, approximately 10% of my emails were answered and none of my calls were returned. Definitely something to think about if you're considering ordering from this guy. The products look neat but I think Pontiac Sound needs a new customer service department. On another note, I referred a friend to Kent who contacted him and didn't get a reply for weeks. His excuse was his email was acting up, but this was a time when I received an email from him.........
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07:20 PM
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fieroman87 Member
Posts: 647 From: Lancaster, PA Registered: Nov 2003
i will agree that he took a little longer than expected when it came to the box, but everything else i have ordered from him was perfect, got everything within a few days, he now owns his own store, so that takes up most of his time i would assume. but everything i got from him is top notch.
------------------ Mark Panasevich Black 85GT AIM : Mjpana252 email : MJPana@Comcast.net
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08:19 PM
naskie18 Member
Posts: 6258 From: Commerce Twp, MI, USA Registered: Jun 2002
I myself had a great purchase from Kent, after we'd worked out an agreement, the box was built and I picked it up within a week, he even met me approximately halfway between he and I, we met around Jackson, MI, whereas I was in Clarkston, MI and he was in IN somewhere, Ft. Wayne, I believe.
Quality of the console is great, and I never had a problem getting ahold of him by phone or AIM.
I would not hesitate to do business with him again after my last purchase from him, in fact, I was talking to him a bit ago about a box for my truck, but that's been put on hold on my end because of a lack of funds.
Hopefully you two can get this resolved. Not sure if Kent will see this over the weekend or not, however, I believe he said he was going up to Clare, MI for this weekend.
I didn't post this to start problems. Everything that was posted was accurate. I thought I would share my experiences so that buyers could be aware of what might happen. It is unfortunate that things did not work out like they did for others.
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10:53 AM
rynelson85 Member
Posts: 2178 From: Wichita, KS Registered: Aug 2002
I bought a box from kent and had no problems with him; and have reccomended him to other people as well. The box is slightly bulgy; but it doesnt bother me too much. -Ryan
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10:42 PM
Mar 15th, 2004
MiZer Member
Posts: 1673 From: Chilliwack, B.C. Canada Registered: Jun 2003
About five weeks ago I sent Kent $12 for two cupholders for the Fiero center console. His responses to my five e-mails have been polite, contain plausible explanations, and are apologetic. However, the merchandise has never arrived. Just yesterday, he refunded my money.
Still waiting on my superconsole from Pontiac Sound. Poor Communication, Promises of product shipment, etc... ...It's been a month and a half and still nothing... :-(
------------------ 87GT, Entertaining a 4.9 Caddy swap. Currently sanding/priming/bodywork, and working on suspension...
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06:58 AM
May 8th, 2004
jdwright18 Member
Posts: 25 From: Rio Rancho, NM, USA Registered: Apr 2003
Just thought I would post an update on whats been happening. Its been over 22 weeks now and Kent won't reply to any of my emails. The last time I heard from him was on the 25th of Feb. where he stated that I would have it soon. I'm starting to think that I won't ever see a super console or my money ever again. I asked Kent for a refund three times now and I can't get anywhere. For anyone who plans on buying a similar product it might be good to note that Paypal will only assist you in disputing a charge within 30 days of payment. Also the Better Business Bureau will only help if the individual has a registered business which Kent does not. If anyone has any suggestions on how to "persuade" this matter I would greatly appreciate it.
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04:56 PM
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rynelson85 Member
Posts: 2178 From: Wichita, KS Registered: Aug 2002
That sucks. You've been pretty remarkably polite in this thread given the circumstances. If I paid for something and 22 weeks later I still didn't have the product or my money back I kinda doubt I would be behaving as well.
I was thinking about getting one of those. I think I'll look for another source.
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06:59 PM
Aug 6th, 2004
blakeinspace Member
Posts: 5923 From: Fort Worth, Texas Registered: Dec 2001
I will be posting shortly a phone number where he can be reached its actually the centenial wireless store right beside his shop (I think it actually in the same building). So maybe after several calls over there it might do something I will hope he sees this post so I won't have to.
Nope, no box yet and obviously I won't be seeing it. It's unfortunate that someone would rip people off like this. Just remember that Paypal will only help you within the first 30 days.
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11:53 AM
Convertable Indy Member
Posts: 1644 From: Hanover, IN. Registered: Jun 2003
If anyone has any suggestions on how to "persuade" this matter I would greatly appreciate it.
Would it be possible to file a small claims lawsuit? Check with the local authorities for possible mail fraud, theft, deception or ??? There has to be away. I cant believe that people would beable to get away with this!
Nope, no box yet and obviously I won't be seeing it. It's unfortunate that someone would rip people off like this. Just remember that Paypal will only help you within the first 30 days.
Yeah, but if you paid with your credit card you have (or at leat my Visa had) 75 days from when the product was supposed to arrive. Phone your credit card company and file a dispute. They'll yank the funds right out of Paypal's greedy little hands and you'd better believe Paypal will go after the owner of the account for the money.
Good luck! I hate seeing people get hosed.
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12:55 PM
Oct 14th, 2004
jdwright18 Member
Posts: 25 From: Rio Rancho, NM, USA Registered: Apr 2003
On a more positive note I recently placed an order with Pat Kalsmith (http://www.fibersmith.net/custom.htm) and it was a great experience. He was quick to respond and offered many great tips on assembly, speaker size, etc. The box got here in 15 days as promised. I would highly recommend his service. Thanks Pat!
