Warranty problems with online vendor, what recourse do I have?

Question

Due to high gas prices, we decided to invest in two motor scooters which get high gas mileage. We knew of a dealer in our city who sells them for about $1,300.00 each. We looked on the Internet to research the product and found Olson Power Sports which had a great website. We spoke to the owner Brandon Olson who agreed to not only ship the two scooters to us free, but also provide us with a two year warranty on the motor/transmission plus 30 days on all else.

We purchased the scooters for $850.00 each and they arrived quickly and in good condition. Into the third week, we had electrical problems with both scooters. We called Mr. Olson 15 times at his business phone number, and now all we get is a message that they will no longer be taking phone calls due to their high sales volume, and instructions to email him at: [e-mail]

We have done all of that for weeks with no reply!

Does anyone know what recourse we can now take to get him to honor our warranty?

Answer 1

Well taking him to court is an option. If you have lawyers you might ask them. A warranty is a binding contract and if he violates it (which he has since 3 weeks is under the 30 day limit) then he's breaching contract.

Answer 2

I hate to break this to you, but you got screwed!

In the past I have been screwed by 3 different local motorcycle dealers, it took me a long time to figure out that ALL businesses that sell motorcycles, atv's, scooters, boats, garden equipment are all lowlife scumbag liars, cheats and weasels!  I hate them all!

Any warranty on ANY motorcycle, or scooter isn't worth the paper its printed on and so many people get suckered into buying and extended warranty. All warranties are underwritten by a different private corporation that's run in a run down office by a few lawyers that failed law school!

It written in a way where they can use any excuse they want or dream up to reject any warranty claim.

I just wish I could warn everybody

I wish everybody would listen to me and not make the same mistakes I made in the past

I don't don't how these people sleep at night with the guilty conscience they have knowing how many good people they ripped off.

Call the Attorney General of the state you live in, ask them to send you a complaint form, and fill it out and enclose all copies of bills and receipts, that's the best action you can do right now.

Good Luck

Answer 3

PLEASE, when people ask about buying bikes off the Internet, tell them of your experience.

I keep telling people that what you are experiencing, will happen to them.

I have an idea of what you will be involved with, but I'm not qualified to give legal advice.

Save all paperwork, print out emails for records, keep a written log of dates, phone #s and times you called along with what was said.

Any letters you send to the company - send them registered mail with a "return receipt request" (they have to sign a form when recieving and you have proof they recieved it).

The only thing I can suggest is to consult a lawyer.

http://www.thelaw.com/

Sorry and good luck.

Answer 4

You do not say what brand they are, if you can find a shop to work on them you might be able to go back after Olson and get some from them. Most shops will not work on the Internet scooters. You are a classic example as to why I warn people from ordering the cheap scooters. I looked them up and there is not a name brand on anything. One said it was a Sunl and that is not good. I saw some motors listed as a Honda clone and those have been flooding the market. I would get some good legal advice on how to proceed.

Answer 5

Buy online, you're gonna whine!

Take the scooters back to him for repairs!

Seems having done business with the local guy might have been worth a little more money.

There is a definite advantage to dealing with someone you can actually reach out and touch and has a reputation to maintain within your sphere of influence.

Answer 6

Sounds like he committed interstate fraud.  Call your credit card company and your state attorney's office and see if you can't interest them in Mr. Olson.

Answer 7

Were they NEW? If so, the dealer in your town can do the warranty work and is actually  required to by law. They can't refuse warranty on their product no matter WHO sold it. Contact the BBB if they do. Secondly, if they are used, you need a copy of the warranty the seller gave you or a copy of the website warranty. Provided there has been NO tampering with the units. #0 days on the overall unit is a short warranty but are they still within that time period? I would advise that you pursue getting them fixed and present the seller with a bill. Don't try to rip him off, be honest and chances are he will pay the repairs. If you were in my area I would take a look, as most of the time  electrical problems are fairly simple. Most of the time a blown fuse or a corroded terminal. Look around on the net and see if there is a KNOWN problem with that particular unit and check to see if yours has the same problem. Good luck!

Answer 8

How do you expect someone who had to ship the scooters to you to do warranty work? Do you think he will ship you a mechanic?

Check with your local dealer. Warranty is provided by the manufacturer and any dealer should be able to do warranty work for you. He may be a little reluctant since you didn't buy from him, but he will be paid by the manufacturer.

Good luck.