http://www.walkercoach.com/ (http://www.walkercoach.com/)
Thank you for Inquiring about our shop locations in Pennsylvania,
South Carolina and Florida.
Our northern assembly plant is now up and running ...
Unfortunately, none of our southern facilities are open to the public at this time . We are still in the process of combining our skills and talents with a national corporation. It's taking a little while but we believe by using our new modular concept, coaches can be built with a much higher standard of quality, more than 8 times faster, and at a great savings to the consumer.
That's a Helluva site. Who is Sam Walker?
Chaz
Quote from: Chaz on December 02, 2007, 07:52:38 AM
That's a Helluva site. Who is Sam Walker?
Chaz
Umm,
No comment, except to say some of those photos are of other peoples coaches and other pictures are of ABC Sales.
This BB is intended for the sole purpose of sharing conversion and bus related information among visitors to our web site. These rules must be followed in order for us to continue this free exchange of info. No bad mouthing of any business or individual is permitted. Absolutely no items for sale are to be posted. Interested in placing a classified or web ad, please contact our advertising dept. at (714)799-0062 or e-mail to: web@busconversions.com.
Yes, it is.
Click on the walkercustomer link, scroll down to the bottom. Where it says "Sincerely Sam Walker".
Ok Dallas. It's my guess that this dude could be a bit of an unsavory character. ::)
I personally don't think "truth" is badmouthing. Are there some "truths" you can share?? I would consider that a public service.
But I guess if we need to be "totally politically correct" (man, that sux farts out of dead seagulls!!) then we have to leave it alone.
Sorry, but I wouldn't,
Chaz
Quote from: Dallas on December 02, 2007, 08:00:55 AM
This BB is intended for the sole purpose of sharing conversion and bus related information among visitors to our web site. These rules must be followed in order for us to continue this free exchange of info. No bad mouthing of any business or individual is permitted.
Jeez, I didn't think that applied to Sam Walker or Generac
Chaz,
Just search the archives for Sam Walker or Walker Coach, it has been discussed before.
Frank
http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/233/10964.html
http://escapees.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/564607761/m/8371001261
Dallas,
Yes -- that's Sam Walker's web site. And the text you quoted has been on there for several years now. The guy's got brass ones, for sure, to pretend he has additional facilities that are just "not open to the public."
Some folks never learn.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
I don't know the man and have not ever dealt with him but this I do know he is no different than the rest he just got caught. Good example I made a deal with a major converter to install 2 slides on my Eagle about 6 months ago. I took it to Genesis the original converter to remove parts of the interior no problems there, called the Co. and told him I was ready to bring it to him in Florida he informed me that I would have to send him half of the cost upfront to schedule the work no problem yet sent the monies so all would go well and i could have my bus back at the end of Jan. 2008.Got a letter dated Nov 4 2 weeks after i sent the money and now they say the work can not be started till Feb.So i have a bus that has been stripped and not useable till who knows when.Moral of the story is they will all do it if you allow it like I did by trusting some one.But one good thing is I don't worry about losing my money (I Hope ) Sorry about the DEC 4 post it was Nov 4 .I was thinking Dec 4 because thats my birthday Tue
Thanx for the link Dallas. THAT is what I wanted to know............. and MORE!! Now I feel I can be a trial lawyer as well. :D :D :D It also had some good info on what youme/whoever can or should post on a board like this. Apparently, an "opinion", not something that is claimed to be based on truth, can be put forward on boards without any legal problems. (that's my take)
So in my "opinion" the guy sounds like a crook. Again, just my opinion. ;D ;D ;D And I would offer up the links you posted as the basis of my "opinion". ;D ;D ;D
Personally, I'm happy and thankfull that this was visited on this board. It might just help someone. Or at least open their eyes to check this cat out further.
Thanx again,
Chaz
Quote from: Chaz on December 02, 2007, 09:44:41 AM
So in my "opinion" the guy sounds like a crook. Again, just my opinion. ;D ;D ;D
I guess it was the "opinion" of the State of Pennsylvania was that he is a crook, too, as they convicted him. :D
Gumpy,
Thats a SAGE comment. I need to help with a little perspective, however. I was born and raised in Pa. and still have most of my relations back there so I am still current. The people in that part of the world are super. My only gripe with them is that they are so tolerant of /oblivious to the rampant corruption across the state. For that guy to get CONVICTED he must have been sooooo bad!!!!!
Hope this helps,
John
Always get converter work done through a contract, with penalties for late or overbudget.
I don;t see a problem legal or otherwise about stating opinions either way.
If you have a bad experience you should share...even if you know of a bad experience.
I recently had dealings with a rather well respected bus repair shop while under the employ of another comapny.
Did not get a qoted price on labor ( no big deal) but the 2 week job turned into a 2+ month job, New Clutch was installed but the adjustment was not set back to New Clutch position, It was not test driven after significant Fuel system work was done, 130 gallons of 8.00+ a gallon B100 Fuel was bad. New Throttle cable not adjusted properly, Fuel gauge which went in operating came out not
Contacted them several times with no reply.
all in all a good 30k or so spent and I am the company are pissed.
Anyone care to know who it is cn contact me directly.
I will never suggest anyone go to this company ever again.....Just Plain Poor business.
I visited several times while the work was being done.....only to see nobody working on the bus. Keep in mind I scheduled this work months in advance and it was clear we had a time issue ( need by Date) only to have people come off the street and get their bus in and out while mine just sits
I find it interesting that the bus from the travel channel was featured and the show "Aired several times ,.. Most Recently January 18th , 2008". if the most recent airing was a month and a half from now how much of the rest of the site is fact based? same with you 'makemineatwostroke'. you received a letter stating they cant start and our mail service is so good you received it days before it was written. man, I wish my mail came that quick. As was stated this guy is not the only one. In the boat biz we have had more than a few who took monies and made promises only to hop in their new plane and skip town. sucks but happens all too often. some people have no conscience.
if you recieved a letter that was dated after you actually recieved it keep the envelope/postmark.
and go get your money back.
So is the moral here to always have a written contract, deal with licensed contractors and make sure they are bonded. Can't we put the money in escro and pay on delivery? Like the Gummint, pay him the interest on the down payment if it is done on time. Your escro fee would be cheap insurance.
John
most converison companies, outside of ones who build the million dollar units don't have the cash on hand to be able to build without being paid....at minimum like draws on a house loan.
Problem is with doing draws is that if they go belly up or stop working on it you have something that may not be servicable to move or take back.
Contract Contract Contract.......reputable business that has something to lose
I occasionally do some conversion work for other people at our place. Since I am a very small operation, I collect up front for the cost of material only. Labor is not collected until job is finished. I do this for a couple reasons, First, if something happens to me and I cannot complete the job, the customer has only paid for the material (which he still has). If I should get "stiffed" by a bad check when customer picks up his bus and settles up (happened to Fred Hobe), I am only out my labor. Just my way, Jack
Jack, You are one of a kind, everyone should do it that way. But that's not how it works sometime. There are always bad apples in the bunch hiding somewhere.
Paul
When I owned my cabinet shop I always got half down on my jobs. This helped with materials, payroll, overhead and other everyday expenses. Also kept the chances of getting screwed to a minimum or at least 50%. If a customer balks at that I would be scared of him and his ability or intentions to pay at the end. If you don't trust me and my references then go elsewhere.
Guys i didn't have a problem with the Co wanting some cash up front I am going to owe X number of dollars any way.The problem I had was not being told that a contract and work date would not start till a deposit was made I could have done this several months ago and my bus would be finished in Jan. if I had been informed about the deposit.Tekebird even the big guys like i am using want money upfront and you give great advice cross your Ts and dot the I and get everything in black and white,most of all communicate with the Co doing the work
I will put some input here also,
I have done many levels of work on busses that are mostly friends. Mostly HVAC but many times it's
electrical stuff too. I have done thees jobs with no money up front and with their coaches in my shop.
No problems yet.......However, to do work at a larger level it must require a contract to protect both parties.
When I sell equipment on line or over the phone everything is paid for upfront but usually the buyer is protected
by their credit card.
This is what I think should work for an entire build. Detailed wording of the finishes, appliances, and colors should be worded clearly.
Payment schedule
1- Deposit, will secure a build schedule and agreed amount of time to complete the entire project..."very important"
"have an incentive for the builder if he meets the deadlines"
2- Payment #2, Completed rough in of all mechanicals. [If mechanicals are to be done before exterior metal] "inspected by buyer"
3- Payment #3, Installation of mechanical vitals.. including batteries, gensets, inverters, panels, and electronics. "inspected by buyer"
4- Payment #4, Completion of interior finish.. cabnits, partitions, doors, and all surfaces complete! "inspected by buyer"
5- Payment #5, Installation of appliances including seating, and flooring. "inspected by buyer"
6- Payment #6, completed paint job and final delivery.
If something simular to this is not in place, you are just asking for trouble!
Nick-
Quote from: Charley Davidson on December 03, 2007, 07:17:41 AM
When I owned my cabinet shop I always got half down on my jobs. ... If a customer balks at that I would be scared of him and his ability or intentions to pay at the end. If you don't trust me and my references then go elsewhere.
I have a cautionary tale about this:
The cabinetmaker we hired for our bus also requested a 50% deposit, which we paid. We trusted him, and he had good references, and I am sure he had every intention of finishing the job.
He died before he was halfway through.
Despite a project backlog that would have kept his shop open and his 18 employees working for another six months, his widow closed the business down immediately. It turned out, though, that his estate did not have even enough assets to pay his back taxes -- the IRS ended up seizing her house.
Bottom line for us: we never saw a penny of our money, and had to hire a different cabinetmaker to finish the job for nearly as much as the entire original estimate. The whole fiasco also cost us six months of delay on the conversion, so that was six months of additional fixed-home living expense that we had to pay. We ended up filing a claim against the estate, which, of course, was not paid. At least that way we were able to deduct it on our tax return as an "unpaid debt."
I will never again give a sole proprietor a 50% deposit without seeing a surety bond on the results. Your character, trustworthiness, and references aren't worth squat if you become incapacitated in some way before finishing the job, making me an unsecured creditor at the bottom of the food chain.
FWIW, many states now prohibit licensed contractors from requiring a deposit that high. More typical and reasonable is a deposit of around 20%, with "progress payments" as the work moves along.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com