Bad K8 stinger store

[Kylothadon]

I want to share my recent experience with David and the K8 stinger store. TLDR below if you don’t want to read…

So, for the sake of trying to save a few dollars I placed 3 different orders, using different payment methods/emails utilizing a $5 off coupon on each order. Shortly after I received a call from David telling me I owed him $10 more if I wanted the spark plugs. He then proceeds to call me cheap for trying to save money so I hung up.

Afterwards, I received emails stating my orders were cancelled and being refunded for $45.02 each. Please note I originally paid $46.90 per order. I responded, asking why I wasn’t receiving the full amount and was told there is a 4% cancellation fee, to which I reminded him I wasn’t the one who cancelled the order and shouldn’t be penalized.

After a few emails back and forth he decided to call me again and offered to give me $10 off if I reordered. He also let me know that I could contact my CC company to get the remaining refund difference back.

I badly needed new spark plugs, so I decided to take him up on his offer with the intent to recoup the lost money from PayPal as I was still $5.64 in the hole.

Fast forward to yesterday I received multiple calls from a blocked number. After finally answering, to my surprise it was David again this time questioning me on why I disputed the transaction and claiming he thought were cool and yada yada. I reminded him that he was the one who said I had to go through CC to get my missing money and his response was “ Yeah but I thought you would just call to speak to a manager, not open a dispute”…. Lol Comical I know.


TLDR: Placed order for new spark plugs using a coupon. Order was canceled and refunded by K8( I didn’t request cancellation). Refund was less than what I paid 2 hours prior. Reached out to K8 and was told by David that it’s a 4% cancellation fee and I would have to contact my bank to get it back. Opened a dispute through PayPal for the difference. I’ve now started receiving blocked calls from David at K8 harassing me about disputing the refund difference.

I admit I tried to game the system originally but all of this could have been avoided if they would have just refunded the amount I originally paid.

So tell me who’s being “cheap” now David?

 

[bfglitch]

While my opinion on this may not be popular, technically this could have been avoided if you just didn't try to game the system, not if you were given the proper refund. It's that kind of behavior that usually winds up screwing stuff up for everyone else. Same kind of thing when people abuse return policies.

While different, a similar thing is going on in my neighborhood. I live on a street of townhouses and out of the many houses, we only have (well now had) 3 guest spots. The guest spots were always taken by people who live in the houses that are closest to them and were never available for guests. They've now been converted to handicapped spots and the people complaining are the people who were abusing the rules of the guest spots.

As for the 4% cancellation fee, I will admit that does kinda suck considering you didn't perform the cancellation and in their TOS it specifically says that the 4% is for cancellation requests, and nothing about forced cancellation, even though it does say they do it because of credit card fees, which makes sense.

TLDR: you tried to game the system and got burned, and K8SS could have handled it a bit better and probably needs to update the wording of their TOS.

 

[Kylothadon]

Listen, I hear you regarding trying to game the system which is why I was fully transparent in my post. But the fact remains I was charged a fee for a cancellation I didn’t initiate and later harassed after trying to recover the money in the way I was instructed by K8. I also don’t recall seeing anything in the TOS that says i can’t do multiple transactions but maybe I missed it.

With that said, how many other companies do you know openly call their customers cheap? How many other companies harass customers from blocked numbers regarding transactional disputes?

Most companies will deal directly with the bank in these situations. Most companies would just eat the $5 loss and do what’s right by the customer. A perfect example, I placed an order through an auto parts store to have something delivered. They were unable to fulfill the order so they canceled it themselves . My refund on PayPal from them was also short as well but instead of giving me a hard time when I contacted them they immediately credited the difference and even gave me a $10 gift card for my troubles. That’s good customer service.

 

[Devin]

You're cheap, but so are they. If K8 had any sense shipping rates would make ordering parts separately more expensive than the benefit of using the same coupon twice. Order cancellations shouldn't cost anything, but also shouldn't be cancellable beyond a certain stage. Coupon codes should stipulate that they are only good for one usage per househould, which has been a staple TOS for decades.

That four percent cancelation fee did not cover the amount of effort it cost to try to recoup the $10, nor did the time you spent dealing with this equal $10 in savings.

I think everyone got what they deserved.

 

[Kylothadon]

I dont considering trying to save money on a part that’s fails annually as being cheap, but if you go through life jumping for joy at paying full price for everything, more power to you ma’m.

At this point it’s strictly about the principle. I couldn’t careless about getting the money back and I only mentioned trying to game the system for transparency sake. At the end of the day, the main issue is this business that’s supposedly worth millions of dollars (his words not mines) is trying to take money from a customer without providing a service which is absurd and straight up theft in my eyes.

 

[Devin]

Don't move the goal posts. This has nothing to do with paying full price. You could have saved $5 on your order. You tried to game the discounts, you said it yourself, and it didn't work.

 

[Kylothadon]

Don't move the goal posts. This has nothing to do with paying full price. You could have saved $5 on your order. You tried to game the discounts, you said it yourself, and it didn't work.

Are you illiterate or something? Because you keep going back to me trying to game the system when in reality my issue, as I previously stated is the fact money was taken from me with no service or merchandise provided.

By your logic it sounds like me trying to game the system means it’s okay for them to just keep my money?

Like I said before I only mentioned that part for transparency sake. But clearly you’re struggling to read so it’s understandable

 

[Devin]

I'm going to go with "or something"!

 

[K8 Stinger Store]

I am sad to see that we have received our first negative review as a vendor here, after almost six years of being in business and on this forum. However, I understand that there are always two sides to a story, so I will share our experience here.

We offer $5 off coupons for new customers to save on orders of $50 or more. These are "one-time usage" discount codes, and our system only allows them to be used once per email address. However, it is possible to cheat the system by using multiple email addresses to place multiple orders.

We sell our HKS M45iL Spark Plugs at a lower price than 95% of the places on the internet with same-day free shipping from the USA. We make a small margin when selling these spark plugs compared to other items on our site. For example, the same spark plugs sold by the KDM Warehouse cost $189.95, which is $35 more than our price of $154.95.

We have been in business for over 10 years, starting with the K5 Optima Store in 2012 and the K8 Stinger Store in 2017. We have never had a customer try to cheat the system by using a single-use discount code multiple times to save extra money on an order. However, when Kyle placed 3 separate orders using 3 different discount codes, I personally called him to explain that we could not honor these orders. He was given the option to pay an additional $10 or cancel the orders. Kyle refused to pay the $10, so we had no choice but to cancel his orders. After he hung up on me he sent a bunch of angry emails mentioning the $1.88 fee we withheld from his refund. I explained that this was not something that we were withholding, but that PayPal charges a non-refundable transaction fee when you place an order or orders on any website. We have a cancellation policy on our site (as does the KDM Warehouse here on the forum) that explains this and informs customers that PayPal and credit card companies no longer refund transaction fees as of March 2020.

I wanted to resolve this issue in an amicable way for both of us, so I called Kyle back, I apologized & offered to extend him an additional $10 discount on the spark plugs if he wanted to re-order them. He accepted my offer and placed a new order for the (6) HKS M45iL Spark Plugs. The $10 discount reimbursed him for the $5.64 he paid in the transaction fees from the original (3) separate orders he placed, and also included an additional $4.36 discount on the new order. I advised Kyle that if was really concerned that he could contact PayPal and explain the situation, and they would reimburse him the $1.88 in transaction fees. He was cool with that, and we both apologized for the way the call 1st went, and we ended up speaking for another 10 minutes or so about random Stinger stuff and building rapport with each other. (At least that's what I thought)

However, yesterday morning (Monday) 2 weeks later, I was notified by PayPal that Kyle opened a case over the $1.88 transaction fee. I was working from home in the morning, and I attempted to contact Kyle from my personal cell phone. There was no answer the 1st time I called, so I called back just one more time a minute later, and on the 2nd call, he answered. When I spoke with him, he became argumentative and irate right away, even though we had already reached a resolution previously. I informed him that it was not worth discussing the issue further, and asked respectfully that he longer shop with us. He responded with vulgar language and told me to $uck his **** & hung up the phone.

Yesterday evening, I explained the situation to PayPal, and this morning they refunded us the $1.88 charge that Kyle disputed and closed the case in our favor.

I appreciate that this issue was posted here, and I hope that everyone can understand that cheating the system to save money is unethical & wrong. As a business owner, I always try to be polite and respectful, and I tried to resolve the matter in the best way possible. We are not perfect, far from it, but we support this small community and offer discounts to our customers, which is not in place to be taken advantage of.

I think the majority of people reading this thread can make a judgment for themselves on what actually happened here.

 

[Kylothadon]

I am sad to see that we have received our first negative review as a vendor here, after almost six years of being in business and on this forum. However, I understand that there are always two sides to a story, so I will share our experience here.

We offer $5 off coupons for new customers to save on orders of $50 or more. These are "one-time usage" discount codes, and our system only allows them to be used once per email address. However, it is possible to cheat the system by using multiple email addresses to place multiple orders.

We sell our HKS M45iL Spark Plugs at a lower price than 95% of the places on the internet with same-day free shipping from the USA. We make a small margin when selling these spark plugs compared to other items on our site. For example, the same spark plugs sold by the KDM Warehouse cost $189.95, which is $35 more than our price of $154.95.

We have been in business for over 10 years, starting with the K5 Optima Store in 2012 and the K8 Stinger Store in 2017. We have never had a customer try to cheat the system by using a single-use discount code multiple times to save extra money on an order. However, when Kyle placed 3 separate orders using 3 different discount codes, I personally called him to explain that we could not honor these orders. He was given the option to pay an additional $10 or cancel the orders. Kyle refused to pay the $10, so we had no choice but to cancel his orders. After he hung up on me he sent a bunch of angry emails mentioning the $1.88 fee we withheld from his refund. I explained that this was not something that we were withholding, but that PayPal charges a non-refundable transaction fee when you place an order or orders on any website. We have a cancellation policy on our site (as does the KDM Warehouse here on the forum) that explains this and informs customers that PayPal and credit card companies no longer refund transaction fees as of March 2020.

I wanted to resolve this issue in an amicable way for both of us, so I called Kyle back, I apologized & offered to extend him an additional $10 discount on the spark plugs if he wanted to re-order them. He accepted my offer and placed a new order for the (6) HKS M45iL Spark Plugs. The $10 discount reimbursed him for the $5.64 he paid in the transaction fees from the original (3) separate orders he placed, and also included an additional $4.36 discount on the new order. I advised Kyle that if was really concerned that he could contact PayPal and explain the situation, and they would reimburse him the $1.88 in transaction fees. He was cool with that, and we both apologized for the way the call 1st went, and we ended up speaking for another 10 minutes or so about random Stinger stuff and building rapport with each other. (At least that's what I thought)

However, yesterday morning (Monday) 2 weeks later, I was notified by PayPal that Kyle opened a case over the $1.88 transaction fee. I was working from home in the morning, and I attempted to contact Kyle from my personal cell phone. There was no answer the 1st time I called, so I called back just one more time a minute later, and on the 2nd call, he answered. When I spoke with him, he became argumentative and irate right away, even though we had already reached a resolution previously. I informed him that it was not worth discussing the issue further, and asked respectfully that he longer shop with us. He responded with vulgar language and told me to $uck his **** & hung up the phone.

Yesterday evening, I explained the situation to PayPal, and this morning they refunded us the $1.88 charge that Kyle disputed and closed the case in our favor.

I appreciate that this issue was posted here, and I hope that everyone can understand that cheating the system to save money is unethical & wrong. As a business owner, I always try to be polite and respectful, and I tried to resolve the matter in the best way possible. We are not perfect, far from it, but we support this small community and offer discounts to our customers, which is not in place to be taken advantage of.

I think the majority of people reading this thread can make a judgment for themselves on what actually happened here.

So you’re doxing customers now?

Everything I said in my post was 100% facts. I even made it a point to be transparent in my review but clearly you’re unable to accept criticism and your lack of professionalism is really showing imo. It was never about the money I just don’t like the way you tried to play me. Turns out you played yourself.

Thanks for admitting you were the one who told me to contact PayPal to get my money back. I find it funny that you got mad enough from me following your advice to call me from a blocked number to complain.

Keep the great work buddy!

 

[Kylothadon]

Lol I’ll let the people decide whether these are “angry emails”. He just didn’t want me to come on here and sour his good name.

 

[Devin]

Why? You're just gonna get butt hurt if folks don't take your side...

 

[Kylothadon]

Why? You're just gonna get butt hurt if folks don't take your side...

See, I usually would take the bait but I don’t want this post to get locked.

It’s not about taking sides. I’m just describing my experience with them. I’m not exactly sure why you’re still hanging out here if you have nothing else to contribute but I’m done responding to you.

 

[JSolo]

@K8 Stinger Store You would be better off to refund the buyer in full for the cancelled order(s), then block future orders from said email(s) and addresses. Advise buyer their business is no longer welcome and move on. I sell on ebay, and occasionally run into the challenging buyer. Not worth the time and aggravation to try to explain. Consider the absorbed fee(s) cost of doing business.

This reminds me of the $120+ shipping fee for air filters from kia.parts. After a chat with their sales rep, he realized such a fee was not really reasonable for items in question. Shipping charge adjustments were made and order placed at a more reasonable $26.xx shipping charge (not including discount from coupon). Products arrived in a timely manner (order placed 10/31 arrived 11/6), well packed.

For sh!ts and giggles I ran the indicated weight/dimensions on the box through my own shipping portal. After their ship20 coupon, the shipping fee was effectively a wash. USPS/UPS rates are insane these days for anything larger than a small item. Companies need to have volume contracts or pass the fee to the buyer somehow.

PS. New USPS online rates coming 11/18.

 

[Kylothadon]

I’m done here. I originally created this post to let people know of my bad experience. It was never about the money but more so the principle and the irony of him calling me cheap but refusing to refund $5. From the beginning I was 100% honest about my part in everything.

David from K8 has now responded with his side of the story; full of exaggerated details & falsities I must admit.

I’ll let others form their own opinions, but I think his post shows how he does business. The evidence is clear, he committed theft by withholding money he wasn’t entitled to. Even his own TOS mentions a fee if the customer request cancellation or changes their mind, which I did not.

Hopefully the mods don’t remove this post, so others can decide whether they want to do business with K8 or shop elsewhere like KDM.

 

[ScottM]

You say you created this post to let people know of your bad experience and it wasn't about the money. In reality, you tried your best to sully K8SS with this post and it didn't work. This wasn't about your bad experience, this was about you not being able to bully. So, once again, you tried to run a 'game' and fail.

BTW, I'm extremely happy that K8SS didn't back down. It's people like you that cause pain for hard working businesses everyday because they want it 100% their way or they whine about a "bad experience". K8SS is good at what they do and they take pride in how they do it. Good on them.

 

[Kylothadon]

Get off your knees man, it’s not a good look for you.

Last I checked this section of the forum is for vendor reviews. That’s exactly what I did, I left a review. You don’t have to agree with my point of view, I don’t care.

Everything I said was accurate in describing my experience, even going as far as being upfront about my own actions. K8 even corroborated most of my details(doxing me in the process), while adding his own inaccurate spin to make himself look better.

Clearly this section is only meant for reviews of certain companies.

My bad.

Peace

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Damn!! All this is for $1.88?? that's a pure drama queen shit.

 

[ScottM]

Get off your knees man, it’s not a good look for you.

Last I checked this section of the forum is for vendor reviews. That’s exactly what I did, I left a review. You don’t have to agree with my point of view, I don’t care.

Everything I said was accurate in describing my experience, even going as far as being upfront about my own actions. K8 even corroborated most of my details(doxing me in the process), while adding his own inaccurate spin to make himself look better.

Clearly this section is only meant for reviews of certain companies.

My bad.

Peace

You do love talking your worthless trash! It's ok buddy! I'm sure you're just upset that we actually know what's what around here and aren't agreeing with your nonsense. Once again, you're cheap and your foolishness got caught and you figured whining about it over here would get you some support. Fail. Your bad.

 

[AtomicGTL]

Regardless.

For $1.88... OP? It is indefinitely about the money, why else would this rant cease to exist?

Frankly, you were better off not venting for nearly two bucks, god forbid If it was $20.

Somethings aren't worth even fighting for, and this situation certainly is one of them.