Whats Happening?

DavidH · #1 19th December 2007, 21:53

Does anyone with closer links to Marlin know whats really happening down there?

Having ordered back at the beginning of September, my delivery date has kept slipping from the end of October, due to them having problems with moving. But I regularly get assurances that the building is their No.1 priority to get back in to business and they are working all hours they can to do this, including through christmas.

Imagine my surprise (well partial surprise) when I rang today and found they are on Holiday already through til early Jan...

I am begining to wonder if the problems are more than just an severe inability to estimate the time to build a workshop.

peterux · #2 19th December 2007, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidH

I am begining to wonder if the problems are more than just an severe inability to estimate the time to build a workshop.

Well they do estimate that you can build a 5exi in four weekends!

I'm sure they must be focussed on finishing their move because their cash flow must be going seriously negative.

alackofspeed · #3 19th December 2007, 22:45

Well I hope all is in order, as my car's "expensive tent" should be arriving on Friday.... ! There's my new rear suspension too...... which I was meant to collect at the Exeter Kit Car show.

Have you got their mobile numbers? Try 07967 594 502.

MikeR · #4 20th December 2007, 07:19

Remember this is Marlin you're dealing with!!!

Jon@JNRacing.co.uk · #5 20th December 2007, 07:56

They have had problems with the build and weather, as they are building the new building themselves and its all mainly steel framework.

Not surprised that they have stoped for christmas but like many other say this is Marlin.

Ex-Biker · #6 20th December 2007, 12:37

On holiday already?

I was speaking to another manufacturer today. They are having 3 days off over Xmas as they are too busy to allow themselves and their staff any more time.

It is a shame that there is not a representative from Marlin that frequents this forum.

In their defence, I am aware they are having some issues with their new building . . . . . . but I'm not sure how they can afford to stop or slow down production for so long.

bigrich · #7 20th December 2007, 17:40

David,

Mine's still for sale if your interested........I can guarantee delivery too!

Rich

DavidH · #8 20th December 2007, 18:09

Hi all,

Yeah the bit that got to me about the 3 week holiday was I was absolutely assured by Terry that they wouldnt be taking a 3 week holiday and that every possible hour they would be concentrating on the building instead. Hence why they would not be able to facilitate me collecting the donar parts which is not dependant on the physical building.

Thanks for the offer Rich

but at the moment I am still wanting to build rather than buy.

Although as I have already lost 4 solid weeks of build-time I had the plan is well out of the window for getting it ready for the 2009 season...

If they dont get their act together soon I will due to the way my leave years work not have any leave until September time. In which case I may well add to their financial worries by pulling out and getting my money back and re-evaluating the build later in the year.

Thanks for the mobile number I will give that a try.

craig · #9 20th December 2007, 18:10

As above really it's marlin and too me they have never really come across as wanting to make money.

The amount of business/money they have lost from people going elsewhere must be huge which is why people said on the 'what would you do differently thread' buy as little as possibly from marlin.

alackofspeed · #10 20th December 2007, 18:48

My hood turned up today, 1 day earlier than promised!

DavidH · #11 20th December 2007, 18:56

John,

Thats good news

, gives me hope that somethings happening. Hey who knows maybe the card through my door from parcelforce saying they tried to deliver something means it could be the chassis

Charles · #12 21st December 2007, 08:56

I have been in exactly the same position as you - ordered in Sept, had three delivery dates, none met. Like you, I phoned for an update and got the auto text response 'on holiday 'til 3.1.08'.

I have never tried to do business with a more unproffessional and uncommunicative company in my life. I figured three strikes and your out, so I have cancelled and asked for my deposit back.

I notice your based in Suffolk - me too. I have some bits if you are interested - brand new VVC engine and PG1 box, pedal box, cooling fan, front wheel bearings and front and rear discs and calipers - all brand new never used. Let me know.

Good luck with your order - I reckon you'll see something end Jan.

alackofspeed · #13 21st December 2007, 09:39

Charles,

That's unfortunate reading, but not unsurprising. I think it echos Craig's comments.

Jon@JNRacing.co.uk · #14 21st December 2007, 10:23

Its a shame that this has happened but on the other hand it is poor that you've been waiting since september for the kit.

If Marlin can fit a complete new back-end onto marks race car and swap everything over and have it running 4-5 weeks later, why cant they produce the kits quicker?

Were you told about the move when placing the order and the possible delays?

Charles · #15 21st December 2007, 11:14

I was told when I phoned them on 31/10 when the kit should have been ready! Terry said they were moving and things would be delayed until end Nov. Then that changed a week later to end Dec.

Ex-Biker · #16 21st December 2007, 14:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon@JNRacing.co.uk

If Marlin can fit a complete new back-end onto marks race car and swap everything over and have it running 4-5 weeks later, why cant they produce the kits quicker?

Surely that is quite a long time. They could have completed a whole car in that time - working weekends only!

alackofspeed · #17 21st December 2007, 16:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon@JNRacing.co.uk

If Marlin can fit a complete new back-end onto marks race car and swap everything over and have it running 4-5 weeks later, why cant they produce the kits quicker?

Perhaps that's rhetorical - the race car is prioritised, at the expense of kits?

SDMC001 · #18 21st December 2007, 20:49

Charles

I can understand how irritating it is to be kept waiting as I am sure any of the builders who have been let down have felt. Perhaps this action you have been forced to take will make Marlin consider how they deal with customers in the future. The compant I work for have a clear process in place for compensation when the agreed customer dates are allowed to slip, and for business customers this can be signifant if they can prove loss of revenue due to the delay.

Alas, I feel this will just fobbed off as not thier fault no doubt, but this may start a chain reaction.

Hope you find another dealer who can provide the service expected.

Steve

MikeR · #19 22nd December 2007, 08:28

I've got the impression that the kit car side of the business is taking second place to the race side. Seems a shames as with a little more development and proper customer service it could be a very good product.

bigrich · #20 25th December 2007, 19:19

Charles,

My offer to David H goes to you too. My orange exi is for sale and is already built!..so no waiting for kit delivery.

Pics of it on the gallery here and on Marlin's website.

It would make a great Christmas present!

Rich