Since I have been getting most of my "pre-owned" goodies from Sharkwerks, I have grown accustomed to their bend-over-backwards-for-customers ways when it comes to buying stuff that're "on consignment" from other customers (though I think they really should branch out into a Porsche parts exchange on the side, but that's another story).

Anyhow, on Saturday evening, at the spur of the moment, I tried to stock up on some extra parts from a previously unknown (to me) shop that I found on 6speed. I spoke to someone there (who was anxious to deal, even though it was 6 on a Saturday night), who seemed nice enough. We negotiated a price for the said used item on consignment, and came to an oral agreement. Now I asked him to send me some pictures just so I don't spend a couple g's buying something sight-unseen. He said he'd do that Monday morning, and I said fine.

Come eleven o'clock Monday morning, no pictures. At this point, I had to run out to take care of a medical emergency. While on the way to the hospital, I get a call from the guy at the shop asking me if I'm OK with the item. I tell him I'm otherwise occupied and would get back to him at the first chance I got.

By the time I saw the pictures and emailed him my firm go-ahead on the purchase the next morning at 6AM (the first chance I got), it was apparently already too late. After half-a-dozen phone calls later trying to pay for the stuff to no avail (can't get a hold of the guy), I finally got a call from someone else there telling me the item was already sold. Obviously, there's some confusion and consternation on my part. After a few more calls, the explanation I got was basically someone else came in with a better offer in the meantime and so that's that.

Given that these were just going to be extra parts, it's not a big deal either way (Sharky had already outfitted the current car pretty well!!!). After all, no money out of pocket--no harm, no foul. However, the more I thought about it, I realized that what's missing in this experience--and what I've come to taken for granted from Sharkwerks--is the sense of honor and integrity in how they deal with customers. More bluntly, it's the assurance of knowing you won't get screwed over for a quick buck when you're dealing with Alex and James. And this little episode sure was a nice reminder.

Anyhow, the long and short of it is: Thank goodness for Sharkwerks! Yes, they are super-busy and super-popular, but there is a good reason for it!

Now Alex, about those used JRZ's....

 

ALex is a really cool guy...

 

Alex is da man, and when he sells you something its yours and it ships out as promised. He is a businessman with integrity, a hard find.
Word of mouth is the best advertisement is what I have always said.

Bajo

 

it's painfully obvious that alex and james are the authority on modifiying late model porsche's, they live and die with every car they work on, also beyond the technical prowess they display both alex and james are humble, i have a vendor relationship with them and they have worked on my car, so i have first hand experience. some things in life are worth the price, remember they have only been at thier facility about a year i predict a sharkwerks appointment will be even harder to come by in the immediate future. my .02$

 

Well said! Something in life is worth the price and the wait (like a detail from Bob--which I hope/need to get soon!). Despite how busy they are, they still somehow manage to find time for all their customers, even when they show up in non-Porsches (Thanks for the help with the fuel door, James!)

 

They must be busy w/ summer here. I sent Alex a PM a couple weeks ago trying to get car in for some hoses. Never heard back from him. But that's unusual--the other 99% of the time he's been quite responsive. He and James are great and I've had great satisfaction with the products and service. I highly recommend them. I just hope they can keep up w/ their workload while not compromising their attention to detail, which is their hallmark.

 

The only downside to being so good is that the demand quickly outstrips the supply....No easy answers there, unfortunately.

 

Heya man... sorry about the PM's. I've been stacked up with them and some have gone missing/deleted and I went over my limit. I know I've sadly missed some here and there as I do get a few. Have to get a better calling plan! It was easier when you were on AIM

Anyways drop me an Email to alex@sharkwerks.com as it's easier to monitor the load. James did say something about you wanting hoses? Black I take it? Lemme know and we'll figure summin' out... It is summer and we're pretty jammed here and I know you're far away so we'll need to plan it...

 

And guys, I'm at a loss for words (and going very red here!). We're very touched and happy to be here and help you on your way with these crazy cars. Seriously, James and I are really lucky to have worked with you lot- and I'm glad that somewhere our personalities are coming through. We do love this stuff- that much is true!

 

Sorry that happened YoWils I know there are a lot of good places out there that don't act that way so don't let it spoil it for you. I've had a good few bumps, bruises, cuts, knock out blows along the way too so I know where you're coming from.

Oh and the JRZs? Word is they are going to be on the truck (on my car) and arriving Friday night. We'll have to spend some quality time driving it around to see just how it is for you. We can always change the spring rates, adjust the pressures and/or revalve if need be. However I highly recommend air jacks for these....

OK back to work on the white car! James is pulling a motor so I need to get my skates on to finish in time for Saturday...

 

Alex (Sharkwerks) and Arling (Lucent) have always been there to answer all of my questions. Kudos to these guys for excellent customer services.

 

Thanks ever so much Bob. Again, knowing the direction you're going and what you're soon going to unveil you know you always have our full support!

PS Sorry to call you so late- let me know what Ed thinks. Trying to ween him off Italian cars, you know...

 

That's just all the NOS talking now...

 

Alex is top bloke, helps me out when I even have a query! Looking at the original trader (whoever it is!) has acted pretty well according to your write up, it's just bad timing that you had a medical emergency and you have missed the deal. As a business owner, I have had people saying they want something so you hold it for them, other offers have come in, you say no, but the original purchaser has not come good with the cash! Have to see it from traders point of view also!!! Don't get me wrong I know where your coming from but I think this is just down to bad timing! You sound a top bloke!

 

Sharkwerks is worse than Costco, I can't seem to leave either place without spending at least $500. Seriously, I won't take my car anywhere else.