Tong Aik made me sad =(

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

let this kind of bike shop rot.

 

lulz~ imho, I think that an established shop should be customer care driven, instead of profit driven. But you know..... bad times..... funny pattern all come out.

 

Maybe its just a matter of survival. meh~ idk

[m_ho]

Sad to hear these kind of bad experience.

Main question is why u put so much money to them instead of putting them in bank n pay them by nett? U must have bring back a receipt as mentioned. There is no such thing like non-refundable deposit if u din ask them to use all of them fully for ur bike.

And at last, these kind of case u can make a police report cuz they are against consumer rule. If these case is not happened too long, i think u can try to sue them up for doing all these unforgivable things...

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

Sad to hear these kind of bad experience.

Main question is why u put so much money to them instead of putting them in bank n pay them by nett? U must have bring back a receipt as mentioned. There is no such thing like non-refundable deposit if u din ask them to use all of them fully for ur bike.

And at last, these kind of case u can make a police report cuz they are against consumer rule. If these case is not happened too long, i think u can try to sue them up for doing all these unforgivable things...

 

 

.

 

 

I made a report to the police. But I did not chose to take further action, just a statement and some documentation of proof that I will not be specifying about here.

 

I had choice not to pursue the matter and just make a statement to be submitted to the authorities (CASE) to raise a read flag on certain Merchants, in this case Tong Aik.

 

The lady at CASE who took my report actually shared some details about previous cases that she handled and what action would be taken which I think is fair not for me to mention here as well. This really makes me think about how many bad experiences go un-reported.

 

But all in all, I just really want to forget about all this unpleasantness. I think the only way is to understand that times are bad and maybe Tong Aik was just forced to deal with this bad economy time with some unconvetional tactics? idk.. Maybe I look like a newbie ready to be chopped like a carrot? or maybe they had a bad day? Srsly... all this thinking really makes me tired.

 

 

I have already done my part as a consumer, went to the correct channels and now its really just to get that peace of mind so I can sleep better. hiaz~

 

 

.

[deckard]

.

 

 

I made a report to the police. But I did not chose to take further action, just a statement and some documentation of proof that I will not be specifying about here.

 

I had choice not to pursue the matter and just make a statement to be submitted to the authorities (CASE) to raise a read flag on certain Merchants, in this case Tong Aik.

 

The lady at CASE who took my report actually shared some details about previous cases that she handled and what action would be taken which I think is fair not for me to mention here as well. This really makes me think about how many bad experiences go un-reported.

 

But all in all, I just really want to forget about all this unpleasantness. I think the only way is to understand that times are bad and maybe Tong Aik was just forced to deal with this bad economy time with some unconvetional tactics? idk.. Maybe I look like a newbie ready to be chopped like a carrot? or maybe they had a bad day? Srsly... all this thinking really makes me tired.

 

 

I have already done my part as a consumer, went to the correct channels and now its really just to get that peace of mind so I can sleep better. hiaz~

 

 

.

 

just work harder and get back the money

 

remember, revenge is a dish best served cold ~!

[sICkbOi-dOt-cOm]

All they care is money, and not the interest of our passion for bikes... Its RARE to find shops that sometimes may compromise the price when u r really interested in that particular thing. Coz they know how it feels like being a biker itself. They take 1K from you, who knows tmr they loose 10K? Karma Works Like Wonders Especially KArMASUTRA

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

just work harder and get back the money

 

remember, revenge is a dish best served cold ~!

 

 

~ d-.-''b

 

 

Noted.. but now no money to buy any dish liaoz arrrr.

I walk past pasta mania, just pasta mania... down there drooling already.

[m_ho]

Really sad to hear ur experience bro.. Wasted all the money..

But nvm.. Just buy the no plate.. Maybe today strike toto? all come bk d.. lol..jk.. Cheer up...

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

All they care is money, and not the interest of our passion for bikes... Its RARE to find shops that sometimes may compromise the price when u r really interested in that particular thing. Coz they know how it feels like being a biker itself. They take 1K from you, who knows tmr they loose 10K? Karma Works Like Wonders Especially KArMASUTRA

 

 

 

Haha~ that would be in a perfect world.

 

But here in the real world... the evils ones prosper and flourish ...while the poor gets weaker and deeper into porverty.

[ajie84]

wah sure anot? i thought tong aik quite ok one...

 

not quite ok , quite lousy....

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

not quite ok , quite lousy....

 

Ajie84, you seem like you too had a bad experience, well... if you did, I feel for you.

[paper_box]

Dear friend,

 

Your experience is just like patronizing a famous char kway teow stall at a hawker. Being popular, there are many customers, thus there's a queue, however you as a patron is still welcomed to place an order. Note here that it's an option to pay in advance or later when you are served.

 

Whether you pass out from gastric or not while waiting for your food to be ready is not of the char kway teow's boss problem, therefore it is unfair to put the blame on the boss with your personal issues.

 

In your instance, you jumping right in front of the queue with your fury and rage does nothing good for both parties.

 

Just to share a couple touch points:

 

1. It was with the customers consent that you made the deposit, not the shop. The rule of thumb for deposits are that they are always non-refundable, it applies to almost every form of business. Furthermore no one forced you to part with your 1 grand, you could have simple put down a hundred instead.

 

2. It was not right to have raised your voice in such a manner, especially to elders. I believe TA has been operating the same way for the past 30 years and they are probably be damn sure with what they have been doing.

 

FYI. I am in very much the same position as you with the desire to have a nice shiny scooter on the road, I am also in the queue with TA to do my paintwork, I also understand that there is a waiting list for scooters which want to do their paintwork.

 

Personally my experience with TA has been by far the best service I've yet to receive with having rode 5 different bike. Both Mdm Soh and Mr Wee are patient and accommodating to their customers. Seldom you get a bike shop that greets every customer by their name.

 

Ultimately, I strongly urge you to take a step back and relook at things from various perspectives. You are currently in a lose-lose situation with TA and TA has Nothing to lose. I am very sure there is a solution where both parties can benefit from the situation.

 

I wish you the best in your scootering journey.

[mybigshow]

Dear friend,

 

Your experience is just like patronizing a famous char kway teow stall at a hawker. Being popular, there are many customers, thus there's a queue, however you as a patron is still welcomed to place an order. Note here that it's an option to pay in advance or later when you are served.

 

Whether you pass out from gastric or not while waiting for your food to be ready is not of the char kway teow's boss problem, therefore it is unfair to put the blame on the boss with your personal issues.

 

In your instance, you jumping right in front of the queue with your fury and rage does nothing good for both parties.

 

Just to share a couple touch points:

 

1. It was with the customers consent that you made the deposit, not the shop. The rule of thumb for deposits are that they are always non-refundable, it applies to almost every form of business. Furthermore no one forced you to part with your 1 grand, you could have simple put down a hundred instead.

 

2. It was not right to have raised your voice in such a manner, especially to elders. I believe TA has been operating the same way for the past 30 years and they are probably be damn sure with what they have been doing.

 

FYI. I am in very much the same position as you with the desire to have a nice shiny scooter on the road, I am also in the queue with TA to do my paintwork, I also understand that there is a waiting list for scooters which want to do their paintwork.

 

Personally my experience with TA has been by far the best service I've yet to receive with having rode 5 different bike. Both Mdm Soh and Mr Wee are patient and accommodating to their customers. Seldom you get a bike shop that greets every customer by their name.

 

Ultimately, I strongly urge you to take a step back and relook at things from various perspectives. You are currently in a lose-lose situation with TA and TA has Nothing to lose. I am very sure there is a solution where both parties can benefit from the situation.

 

I wish you the best in your scootering journey.

 

Agree with respect dude.

 

Bro 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident, I also think that you are already in e losing situation, as they really nv forced u to put so much deposit. All I can say is settle it calmly with TA, and everything will smooth out.

 

Nothing is perfect, e only perfect point is how u judge yourself.

 

No offence.

 

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

Dear Mr Paper box sir,

 

I understand where you are coming from, you seem like an unbiased and upright guy. Just As I mentioned, only days before, I was in your shoes.. a 100% satisfied customer of tong aik, willing to speak up for them to any young punk trying who claims to have a bad experience... till something tragically bad happened to me while dealing with them.

 

Your analogy of the kuay tiao stall is by beautiful but sadly it does not apply here. I am sure it applies in the scenario you have visualized in your mind. And thanks for the effort of contributing. Do ask yourself... what if the kuay tiao man asks for payment before he is willing to cater? As a sophisticated person like you who have been around, I am sure, you have had such experiences with some people who are plainly out to cheat, rob and steal.

 

For, although there are upright people like you in this world, you cannot turn a deaf ear or ignore the connivers out there. The unjust vanguarding vice would always exist only to again.... steal cheat and rob.

 

But I do not want to argue because I know you mean well to me and I respect your clear-cut black and white ways. But as a victim, I am also aware of the Grey areas as I was in the situation in the flesh. Unless you happened to be there too... I would believe that you would finally see Tong Aik in a different light, one that differs them beautiful rainbow and sunshine you see them in till today. If you could see what I see and feel what I feel, I am sad to say, it only gets gritty and showcases how ugly mankind can be.

 

The only reason why I left a deposit is because..

The Lady said that ... let me qoute her - "NO DEPOSIT NO COMMENCING OF PAINT OR WORK ON YOUR SCOOTER, SOLLIE,THIS IS POLICY" (from the same policy "book" that did not allow deposits of hard earned cash to be taken back if left un-used)

 

 

 

So having already saved for so long and in order not to back out of my decision, I just put my pledge to restoring my dear vespa down. In other words, I was forced into putting a deposit. If I had not put down any money, the idea they painted for me was that no work would EVEN commence.

 

If I had not put down any money, I would still have my heard earned wages safe in my possession.

 

I do not wish to malign anyone here, as I said, most importantly is for me to build up from where I have lost my money.

 

 

I have already forgiven since and have been having better peace of mind. But still, forgiving is a journey.

 

 

 

.

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

Agree with respect dude.

 

Bro 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident, I also think that you are already in e losing situation, as they really nv forced u to put so much deposit. All I can say is settle it calmly with TA, and everything will smooth out.

 

Nothing is perfect, e only perfect point is how u judge yourself.

 

No offence.

 

 

Dear Bigshow,

 

I agree that I am in the losing end. For:

 

- I have lost my hard earned money.

 

- I have lost my faith in a supposedly good vendor

 

- I have lost time and energy that have been to waste

 

 

As mentioned, I expect people to come in and agree or disagree with the out-look of my predicament.

 

Unless anyone was there in person, then they would truly understand.

 

But truth be told, I was indeed forced into putting down a deposit I( how else would I get them to start work on my dear scooter?)

 

I for one, am not a judge. Who am I to even judge? I believe that God would be the judge of any unjust.

And all I have to do now is to make peace with my folly of being too trusting towards others. I did learn a valuable lesson in life with this.

Edited April 19, 2009 by 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident

[joeling914]

hi Bro 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident;

 

i think yr approach to the repair & painting quotes and deposit to commence work were not to any customer advantage. For this case, a budgetary quote should be on hand as a comparison with another. Need no rush as there are plentiful of shops needed jobs than any time around.

A detail work scope should be pen with agreed clauses for any dispute if there is. If deposit is required, a 40% of an estimate quote should be suffice. It is default practise else walk out as another happy customers. The deposit will not be a make or break situation to run their company.

You have make yr point clear to them by filing to CASE & pre-alert to potential customers.

 

Let us move on buddy and enjoy the rides...

 

cheers

joeling

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

hi Bro 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident;

 

i think yr approach to the repair & painting quotes and deposit to commence work were not to any customer advantage. For this case, a budgetary quote should be on hand as a comparison with another. Need no rush as there are plentiful of shops needed jobs than any time around.

A detail work scope should be pen with agreed clauses for any dispute if there is. If deposit is required, a 40% of an estimate quote should be suffice. It is default practise else walk out as another happy customers. The deposit will not be a make or break situation to run their company.

You have make yr point clear to them by filing to CASE & pre-alert to potential customers.

 

Let us move on buddy and enjoy the rides...

 

cheers

joeling

 

 

Dear Joe,

 

I already filed a report to CASE and have been co-operating with the proper channels. Thanks for your advice.

 

And yes,, me having too much faith in Tong aik did have a repercussion leading to an unwanted out come. I will be more wary of vendors even if they have a good rep next time.

 

Lesson learnt.

Edited April 20, 2009 by 7hr-s3x&drugs-incident

[scoobydoo]

The rule of thumb for deposits are that they are always non-refundable, it applies to almost every form of business.

there are refundable & non-refundable deposits... it depends on what is stated in the "contract" (could be written or verbal).

 

examples of refundable deposits range from smallish amounts like the security deposits (between $40~$400) we put at S'pore Power (check the top right side of your utility bills) when opening a residential utility account to larger amounts like rental deposits (few thousand dollars, usually 2 to 3 months of rental) for apartments and much bigger amounts for tender deposits on multi-million construction projects.

 

before paying a deposit, we must find out its nature (what it is for), whether refundable (in full or partial) and get a proof (receipt or contract).

[paper_box]

there are refundable & non-refundable deposits... it depends on what is stated in the "contract" (could be written or verbal).

 

examples of refundable deposits range from smallish amounts like the security deposits (between $40~$400) we put at S'pore Power (check the top right side of your utility bills) when opening a residential utility account to larger amounts like rental deposits (few thousand dollars, usually 2 to 3 months of rental) for apartments and much bigger amounts for tender deposits on multi-million construction projects.

 

before paying a deposit, we must find out its nature (what it is for), whether refundable (in full or partial) and get a proof (receipt or contract).

 

Corrrect, It's like placing a $100 deposit for booking a chalet, only taking the deposit back if everything is in order.

 

I always believe it's the responsibility of both parties to understand the details of the deposit terms.

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

correct, another lesson learnt.

 

The problem is, I asked for a reciept, but the lady said "no need la!~ everything I write of my paper, don't worry!"

 

Fact is, I should have had worried, should have not deposited so much... should not have even gone there. =( in retrospect... I mean...

[m_ho]

Bro, just put all these to ur memory as a lesson learned n dun put it in heart, cuz it's no good for ur health. lol.. Since u have done everything u should, then just wait and see. 1k is not a small amount but it cant make u rich. If this is how they doing their business, i meant if, they will get back their retribution for doing all this. lol..

[skytrek]

I think $700 bucks for a gear box repair is extreme. You could well overhaul your engine with that kind of money. Recently, I have my Phantom gear box serviced and cost me $120 including 2 litres of engine oil replacement, some minor parts serviced.

Furthermore, you don't feel anything wrong but they insisit you should repair it. I find it

very suspicious.

You gave them $1000 deposit with no receipt, they have no right to keep your balance monies. If I were you I will call the police on the spot. But again, they can deny they ever receive your deposit as there is no black and white.

Make it a lesson learnt. Ask the rough quotation next time before repair, or at least they should call you first before commence the job. Don't give so much deposit money.

[Sharpey]

I think it was made clear that the $700 was spent on bonefide repairs... not just the gearbox (which costs nowhere near that)... the OP did not specify exactly what the $700 included... I am sure it is all above board though...

 

The issue here is that there was a communication breakdown between buyer and seller... that is all...

 

If you want to avoid confusion in any shop, get a list of what stuff you want to be changed... simple... the shop won't do any unauthorised repairs and just give you the bill...

[Gerald]

i been going to Tong Aik since I was a kid. My dad bought a vespa from them in 1979 and my family have been patronizing them since then. The lady with a loud voice is prolly ah hua. However i stop going to them for normal servicing because they always change mechanic regularly. They always hire those boys from the boys town etc etc...

 

They always give me an itemised breakdown of the things done. So far no issues.

[7hr-s3xdrugs-incident]

Bro, just put all these to ur memory as a lesson learned n dun put it in heart, cuz it's no good for ur health. lol.. Since u have done everything u should, then just wait and see. 1k is not a small amount but it cant make u rich. If this is how they doing their business, i meant if, they will get back their retribution for doing all this. lol..

 

Thanks bro, I agree that not putting it to heart is best. I cannot imagine how in the world I can even operate normally if I do not forgive. But I still believe in karma.

[samurai8410]

oh well maybe must be recession turns ppl bad and despo hehehe