Poor Service

[hoochie]

I agonized over whether to post this or not and I even asked Jennie for her input on it and promised her I'd stay within the ifish guidelines so here goes.

We hve had some serious service problems with Pick's Cove Marine center in Tacoma and I'd like to make the ifish members here in Washington aware of it.

We've taken our boat in FOUR times for repair /replacement on the trim/tilt motor on my 90hp Evinrude (1999 model) And that doesn't include the other issues we've had with the ECM on the outboard and other problems with the boat as well.

Just three weeks ago we took it in again and were told that it was a battery problem. OK, I thought, took the boat back to Sekiu and had the unit fail again! Called Pick's from Sekiu and was told that they would not take care of the problem because OMC had gone bankrupt and my warranty was no longer valid.
I'm sitting at the dock with a motor tilted out at 45 degrees and cannot go fishing!

I argued that they had installed a new trim motor just 10 months ago and they should be taking care of it. NO WAY!
I was told that because I had criticized them on another forum 16 months ago for their crummy service, I'd not be welcome back at Pick's Cove. I was told that my posts were coming back to "bite me in the a**" and they would not honor any of their work.

I took the boat to another OMC dealer and theyfound that the trim motor had been installed 180 degrees off and that when the big motor was tilted all the way up for travel, the trim motor was being pinched and therefore cracked enough to let in water. Imagine what saltwater does to the windings and brushes of an electric motor! I'm out $388.41 for a new trim unit and will have to take legal measures to get my $$ back.

This dealership has treated us with contempt and rudeness for two years now and I would not recommend them to anyone for service or boat purchases.

Enough of my venting. Anyone else know of such service or lack of service from this dealer?

[Jeffhead]

Hooch,
Take your Rude' down to Tom's Outboard in Olympia. He is the OMC dealer down here and does great work for a fair price and stands behind his work!!! I have nothing but good things to say about Tom and his people.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[hoochie]

That's where I took my motor for repair!

I agree with you in regards to Tom's service and reputation.

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

hoochie - Jeff is one of many people that has said to deal with Tom's Outboard.

hoochie, if you haven't already, consider notifying the Better Business Bureau, and also the attorney general. Post a phone number for me so I can call these guys just to let them know about posts biting people in the *** . Get others to call as well, just so they know not to underestimate the power of the internet.

[FishinMission]

I'd bite their "you know what".. in small claims court. That's ridiculous.

[hoochie]

Here is Pick's Cove Marine center's number and URL. Let 'em know they screwed with the wrong people again! http://www.pickscove.com/
253-572-3625

The general manager is the guy who sold me that boat and then told me my forum posts would come back to bite me in the A#*.

Is that good public relations or customer service????

I already have contacte the attorney general's office and the BBB.

The BBB gave me a song-and-dance that they had talked to Pick's and were told that Pick's was not responsible for the warranty work. They believed Pick's Cove without talking to me personally!!!???

I told them I thought that the BBB was in the business of helping people and settling claims. They responded that they wanted to see the warranty. The warranty isn't being honored by anyone, Pick's or OMC.
Guess I gotta go to plan B.

[FM2]

Don't get discouraged by the system hoochie, most companies believe people will eventually go away because it seems like to much of a hassle. Just think if they did this to you how many others have suffered from their poor service.

Keep up the fight, many people will appreciate it in the long run images/icons/grin.gif

[hoochie]

There's NO WAY I'm giving in to these guys. They've been nonchalant, rude, unresponsive and uncaring for two years.

It all started the day I was to pick up the boat at 10:00 am and didn't leave there until 5:00 pm! It only got worse from there and all they've done is make excuses that they are short-handed etc.etc.etc.

Their attitude is what will jump up and bite THEM in the butt!

[whitewaterbill]

If we all sent 1 e-mail to them (over 1300), That might get some interest.

I will send one right now.

Edit...

This is what I sent them. Good luck Hoochie!

I don't know you and you don't know me. I am simply suggesting that you might consider taking care of Hoochie's problem and getting some good press around the Ifish community. It would seem to me that that might make your company stronger in the future with more of the Ifisher's biz....than to have this bunch of folks saying bad things to everyone they know. You don't need to admit falt....Just provide exceptional service to one of your customers.

Best wishes,

Bill Heater - Vancouver, Washington 360-576-0799

Bill

[ 08-03-2001: Message edited by: SLUTGODDESS ]

[Stz ll]

Hoochie, I just got thru sending them an e-mail also. I wasn't as nice as SLUTGODDESS. I hope everyone e-mails them and you get some satisfaction.

Pete

[whitewaterbill]

Thanks Pete for jumping in...

Going out of Caterpillar in the AM....Hope to see you out there.

Bill

[Trick]

I sent in my email telling them how I feel about their crappy service. I will certainly warn my brothers that live in Seattle/Tacoma to never deal with them. Thanks for the warning.

Stick to your guns and make it hell on them.


Good luck!

[boater]

eastside equipment and marine in issaquah does great work, i would highly recomend this shop.

[fishbait]

Do you have an e-mail address for them so I can tell them that their poor service/support given to my friend has cost them my future business. Lets see whos a## gets bitten..........

[hoochie]

WOW, what a great bunch of replies to our dilema!!!

This really is a great forum and a great bunch of friends.

Many thanks to Jennie for letting me vent and getting my message out.

I'm encouraged by the support and will be fighting this dealer knowing I have the "A-Team" as backup. They haven't heard the last of me and I hope more of you send them a note as well. images/icons/smile.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[fishchaser]

Hoochie, I just sent them a nasty-gram too. I hope they will reconsider your dilema. If not you are better off without them. Good-luck
Tracy

[hoochie]

Let's see, now. That's FOUR e-mails from Ifish members!

Maybe, just maybe, Pick's Cove will start to re-think the way they treat their customers.
They've been doing business this way for so long, I'm not sure they know how to treat a customer with "Customer Service."

They are still pi@#@#@ about my last "forum attack." But they deserved it then and still do now.

Sure hope all your support will have some kind of positive effect.

Many thanks again,

Kevin (hoochie)

[Fin]

E-mail sent.

[Bait O' Eggs]

I also sent an email last week. I told them there are two sides to every arguement, and invited them to explain there side or forever be assumed of being guilty.

Not that I doubt you Hoochie, but I settle arguements everyday at work. And each side always has a story to tell, that is what makes the arguement in the first place. Some closer to fact that the other, but how people percieve things can amaze me. I had hoped they would step up to the plate and either say, I am wrong, ... or, .... this this and this happened which is not our fault.

It will appear to me if they remain silent, they are hiding in guilt. I had hoped they would speak up.

note to self: Dont go to picks, ever.

[bajaspecial]

Email sent!

[Mr. Fisherman]

Email sent too.

Check yours Hoochie.

As far as I am concerned they had an opportunity to rebute and did not.

I feel that if you take a man's money you should give him what he paid for.

I made it perfectly clear that I am shopping for a new boat and their dealership will not be considered.

Thanks for the heads up,

Mr. F.

[ 08-06-2001: Message edited by: Better Business Bureau]

[ 08-06-2001: Message edited by: Mr. Fisherman ]

[STRIKE ZONE]

Funny how this pick's cove thing has been brought to all of our attention.I've been dealing with them for a month or so on an item that I purchased from there.I've had some problems that have come up just with in the past few day's and will keep you all informed on what's up and the out come after the results happen.Thank you for the warning
and good luck.
STRIKE ZONE

[hoochie]

Once again, thanks for the support!

I seriously doubt that Pick's will respond here, but they are welcome to make that attempt.

I have the old trim/tilt motor which is damaged due to their lack of workmanship and they cannot dispute cold, hard fact! I have pictures of the damaged unit and a statement from the dealership/mechanic that installed the new motor.

The issues I have with them have been on-going for TWO years now and I'm sick of it.

I'll keep you all posted.

You are welcome to send e-mails to me at: kevinandniki3@home.com

I rarely use the hotmail system.

[Killertraylor]

Kevin - if you belive this is an important issue that you would like to pursue through the courts, let me know. I'm a lawyer licensed in both Oregon and Washington, and although I don't do plaintiff's work, I would be more than wiling to refer you to a lawyer in your area who might be able to help you. Your best bet is probably to serve them with a small claims complaint - you won't have to pay any attorney fees, the filing fee is minimal (and recoverable if you win) and if they don't respond you can take a default judgment against them. Good Luck - I've been in your shoes before with a boat manufacturer and it's very stressful - especially in August!

[hoochie]

Just exchanged e-mails with Strike Zone (who lives just a short distance from me) and it seems he has had the very same type of crappy service and disinterested BS from Tyler Anderson at Pick's.

HMMMM, makes me wonder what they are up to.

Gotta start sending e-mails to them marked attention: Gordon Pickering (the owner). Maybe if he starts getting some heat, he'll take care of the problems his staff is causing us.

I have made contact with Pierce County Small Claims court and have the papers in hand as I type this.
It's gonna get interesting.

[whitewaterbill]

Hoochie...

I am sure you and the rest of us IFISHER'S noticed that in addition to my e-mail I included my home and cell phone......Have not heard a word from them....Sounds like a great outfit to me!!!???

Go for it!!!!

Bill

[Mr. Fisherman]

Hootchie,

My email was addressed to Mr. Pickering.

Too bad. Kind of have my heart set on an Arima or Sea Swirl Striper.

Keep us posted and keep yer fists up.

Mr. F.

[hoochie]

We sure-as-hell won't be buying our Striper from Pick's Cove.

We already got a good price quote from Auburn Sports and Marine.

It'll have a 115 Yamaha 4 stroke and a bunch of goodies to keep the first mate happy!
'Cause if Momma ain't happy, Nobody's happy!
And she's really not happy with Picks!

It'll be a pretty cool birthday present for her on her 50th, huh?

[hoochie]

A big "thumbs up" to KillerTraylor for his getting out the ol' law books and helping me with the small claims case we will be filing against Pick's Cove.

The guy didn't have to go out of his way for someone he's never met, but did.

I think it would have to come under the category of "we are family!"

I feel confident that we'll be getting a good judgement in our favor.

[Stz ll]

Hoochie, This is what I like about this board. We truely are like a family at times. Family menbers disagree on issues but always stick together when an issue affects a family member.

Hope you knock them out of water!

images/icons/smile.gif

[Ocean]

hoochie:

You might try the BBB again. I had a problem with a Portland area dealer a couple years ago and they were eventually helpful getting it resolved. Their process is slow, but basically fair. You need to make your complaint in writing (they have a form), be very specific and ask for specific damages or remedy.

You should get a formal written response from the dealer. Keep at it until you are satisfied. If you are not satisfied with the response, tell the BBB you are not satisfied and ask that your complaint be kept in the dealer's file.

Just one more way to put some heat on them.

- Ocean

[ 08-09-2001: Message edited by: Ocean ]

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Killertraylor - Question: You say you are a licensed lawyer in both Oregon and Washington. Several days ago, when speaking on the issue of commercial nets, you used the word "our", and other possessive pronouns like you work for them. That brings me to this question, finally. Are you a lawyer for these commercial nets? You can email me if you like.

[fishbait]

I sent them my e-mail.......Mess with one of us will you.......

[hoochie]

Now there's more to add to the on-going saga!

I just received a letter from the Attorney General's Office stating that Pick'Cove has informed them that an adjustment had been made in my claim with them.

NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH!

Now it appears that they have been untruthful not only to me, but the Attorney General and the B.B.B.

The gall/b*** of those people just amaze me to no end.

Guess what the next step is????? I am left with no other choice.

[Seattle]

Hello all. Hope that all is well and you're all enjoying the great weather we've been having.

I do have a LOT of experience with this Marina and have had great service done to my boats (over the years). I guess there are situations that no one wants to deal with, and certainly not a bankruptcy. And it sounds like you're in a "pickle" with OMC AND Picks Cove. My biggest problem are ALL of these people here the have NO clue, no prior working relationship with Picks Cove and are jumping on the bandwagon just for the hell of it. I don't throw stones at anyone just because someone else is.

Hoochie sounds like he has legitimate concerns that I certainly do not blame him for. And I've seen his post (compliants) and also know why it was warrented that he got BOOTED off of the other forums. And now there are all of these people suggesting to go to other service places and PAY money to get a problem fixed. When it really sounds like Hoochie is wanting things for FREE. I'm certain that he doesn't go to work and say, "hey boss, I'm giving you today on me, no charge."

Like I said before, OMC going bankrupt was not ideal for anyone....OMC, Picks Cove, and certainly not Hoochie. But I have also had Evinrudes and have been with companies that have gone bankrupt. When OMC was bought by Bombardier, Bombadier decided to NOT pick up the warrenties for 1999 and earlier. THUS, any work done on their motors were suddenly just like any other old motor. I TOO was in that boat....and I understand that their mechanics do not go to work for free. They gave me great service and a good rate. I also have SEVERAL friends that have bought Stripers and Arimas and they are fantastic boats, rigged as good as I've seen.

So, for anyone that has NOT dealt directly with Picks Cove, my only wish is that YOU have some foundation before you jump into some verbal, email or paper-trailed battle because of something you 'heard'. If you still want to continue with that attitude, just let me know the name of YOUR company and see how you'd appriciate unknown bystanders bashing your company name.

I sincerely feel for Hoochies situation, don't get me wrong. I'm right there with you along with thousands of others that got screwed my the OMC bankruptcy. But until you're ready to go to work for free, I don't see how you'd expect someone to work for free for YOU.

Seattle

[Seattle]

PS.... bonus service.

Just a note, the salesman (Brad) that I've dealt with is wellknown in the industry and I talked to him about the local King fishery and LAST NIGHT I boated a 12 and an 18 off his advice. As most fisherman, I won't disclose my little hole, but I used an apple core squid with 34" of leader behind a pink flasher. He told me this and a hole near Tacoma and to be 65' down on the DR. Well, good eats tonight!

Just thought I'd add that for all those wonderful people "throwing stones" at people they've never even met.

Sincerely,

Seattle

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Seattle - I think YOU need to have the information correct before you go posting away at the mouth. Your 2 posts do not justify a **** thing, and your service in the business world is only as good as your last dealing. Sure you may have had great spankin' it service years ago, but this is a recent problem, and I think it was handled in a very professional way, so therefore, a fellow angler will get my support this time.

If he was just the run-of-the-mill-get-something-free person as you so eloquently put it, then why in the world would he go through all of the trouble in his dealings with them the time before, and why has he contacted the Att. Gen.'s office, and the Better Business Bureau? Sounds just like everybody else who wants something free, to me. images/icons/rolleyes.gif

hoochie, being one of the first people to send an email, I still stand by and support all those people who group together to get an injustice resolved.

I guess I'll leave ya with this analogy, if he was your friend in the past and he sleeps with your wife in the present, are you going to continue having dinner at his house, and having your wife accompany you? Yeah, I didn't think so..... images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[hoochie]

Whew, Seattle's posting sounds JUST LIKE the words I got from Pick's General Mangager when I phoned him from Sekiu with the trim motor problem!

Tyler, are you posting as Seattle? Those are the EXACT words you used with me on the phone.

I haven't been booted from any web-site. I just don't visit that one any longer due to personal reasons. So don't make accusations you cannot back up.
The service department at Pick's Cove has treated me and others with indifference and rudeness for over two years and it started the day I was to pick up the boat you promised to have ready at 11:00 am and I didn't recieve until 5:00pm.
THEN when we were to get the ECM replaced on the Evinrude, each time I arrived to get my boat, it wasn't ready. One time there hadn't even been a technician working on the boat.

When we had the first trim motor problem, Pick's service manager at the time suggested that I take the boat somewhere else.
Is that good customer service?
If you didn't get what you thought you paid for, what would you do?

Yes, I took Pick's to task via another forum, but I had good suport from those forum members too. Including the one who claims to have booted me from his web-site but now takes his boat to you for service. HMMM kinda makes me wonder who is sleeping with whom!?!?!?!?

To all you ifish members, once again thank you!!!!!

Reel hey_yall you got a seat in my boat any time!!!

P.S. If I thought for a heartbeat that I could be wrong on this issue, I wouldn't have gone to the effort I have to get the situation rectified in a reasonable manner.
I am a firm believer in getting what I pay for.

The trim motor was installed incorrectly, why can't they just take care of it and we'll just go on fishin'.

[ 08-09-2001: Message edited by: hoochie ]

[Firedog]

Give em'Hell Hoochie!! Mr Seattle sounds a whole lot like someone who knows your situation and doesnt want to fix it. I sent an e-mail a few days ago just been to busy to post here. Keep it up and good luck.

[hoochie]

I'm finding it curious that they haven't attempted to defend their position here in the forum. In March of 2000, they tried that tactic in the forum I criticized them in.

I hope you all are sending your e-mails addressed to Gordon Pickering. I'm hoping that if he gets wind of what's going on, then maybe he'll do something about his staff and make the proper ammends.

[hoochie]

I'd be willing to bet that if "Seattle's" IP address were traced, it would lead to one of two or three possible computers in locations I could identify but won't name here for obvious reasons.

The comments made in that post were almost verbatim the words I got over the phone and there is only one person who could repeat them here in this forum.

Firedog, you are right, it IS someone who knows the case and thinks I'm just trying to get something for free.

What an absurd statement to make suggesting I give a day or two to my boss. HA!
If he/they only knew how many uncompensated hours I put in for my employer!

He calls it business bashing?!? All I'm doing is trying to get a wrong righted and make others aware that there is a serious lack of "customer service" from that dealer.

[Jellyhead]

It's really funny, Yesterday when I logged on, the newest user was "Pick's cove" I can't recall the user number, but it was at about 4:00pm on the 9th. Try and become a new user and enter pick's cove (in lower case) you can't, because they're already registered here. HMMMM....... I wonder what's up with that.

BTW, "pick's cove" hasn't made any posts to this board that I'm aware of. images/icons/shocked.gif

I smell a rat.

Aaron

[shapshot]

Sometimes we have to resolve a problem on our own, to maintain our integrity and professionalism. Doesn't seem to be the way for Picks. Their hourly rate and markup should be high enough to absorbe some good PR occasionally. Surely they could see the motor was installed improperly and have enough professional courtesy to make it rihgt. Time for a new service manager, one with some communication and customer skills. Someone that cares about their customer. Won't happen from the looks of it.. Hoochie, check on the statue of limitation for a claim in WA. I think it may be one year. Hope not though. The Attny Generals office should know, if not perhaps the lawyer from above would know for sure. Tell "Seattle" he should start looking for another job that has nothing ot do with customer service because he doesn't know what it is all about..... I will send my email to picks landing and tell old Gordo the same....I know lots of people in his area. actuall I am SNAPSHOT. Trying to get jennie to change the spelling for me.....
Go get them. Try for some punitive damages too......

[hoochie]

The battle lines have been drawn and we have gone to "plan B"

Snapshot, you're right, they SHOULD show some Professional Courtesy, but, it ain't gonna happen. They're still mad at me for the last forum-bashing I gave them 18 months ago. They even stated so. HMMMMM?????

[flycast]

I think $50 or so gets you a small claims court suit against them, and a process server is $40 or so, or a friend can do it for you for free -- just not a family member. You can even name the service manager in there to make him show up! mo lawyers allowed in small claims court, just you and them and the judge. Have fun!

images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[ 08-15-2001: Message edited by: flycast ]

[Baldpate Basher]

Hey Hoochie,
Like a few others, I sent off an Email days ago. Just couldn't post at that time, and then forgot to.
Ya' know I'd like to buy a nice Sea Swirl myself and now I know where not to get it. So, Thanks for the info.

[hoochie]

Hey, guys, thanks again for the support. I'm beginning to feel like a family mamber here!

We've gotten all our ducks in a row and will be taking the proper action soon.

Keep sending those e-mails, I hope it's making Tyler's head swim a bit. (He's the general manager and the guy who posted as "Seattle")

This is NOT a frivolous claim and I'm pretty ticked that they had the b@#$ to come into this forum and try to defend their crappy customer service.

[Mr. Fisherman]

Seattle,

Ya know, If we were all just jumping on the band wagon we wouldn't have sent you emails with return addresses or asked for your i.e. Picks side of the issue.

Bad Form, Hiding behind a moniker and speaking in third person.....

Sounds like the warining was well placed.

Friends don't let friends pay for crap.

Nuff said images/icons/mad.gif

[hoochie]

Here's the latest on our ongoing saga:
The BBB of Western Washigton and Oregon now has a complaint on file against Pick's Cove and will keep it on file for three years.

The Washington State Attorney General has contacted Bombardier/OMC and I've been contacted by Bombardier for the serial # and model # of my motor. Decision from them is forthcoming this week. not really holdin out much hope, but they might try to make it right just for good PR.

If that fails, then we go to small-claims.

[bajaspecial]

Keep on 'em hoochie!!

[hoochie]

Just got the letter from Bombardier stating that they are not liable for any motors later than 2000. Mine's a 1999, so guess where that leaves me?

Next step is filing with Pierce County Small-Claims.

We have a letter from the technician wh installed the new trim motor describing Pick's incorrect installation of the previous trim motor.

Y'all cross your fingers, there's more to come.

[Fin]

Hoochie:

Set the hook and tighten the drag.
Good Luck.

[Hamachi]

From my extensive experiences with Johnson/Evenrude owners in So. Cal., your first mistake was purchasing. As for your repair problems, my beliefs are only strengthened. In my opinion EVERYBODY should steer clear of these brands. I trust my life on my engine and would never own one.

[fishinlady97140]

images/icons/mad.gif Now ya tell us Hamachi! We've got a 26' Seaswirl with an Evinrude 15 kicker .. owned the boat 16 months and kicker's been in the shop more than on the boat -- it's nearly a new motor after they replaced the innards -- probably just a matter of time before it dies again :-(