Customer Service on Fire: An Inside Look

2012-09-20T06:39:00.000Z

There's never a day that goes by for our friendly and helpful customer service department without some angry customer flying off the handle about: a delayed order, no tracking information, defective part, warranty question, and my personal favorite - customers who purchase the incorrect product on our website, calling in upset over the completely wrong Jeep soft top or Jeep decals had they ordered, for example. I'm one of those individuals in our 4WheelParts.com customer service department.

One of my most memorable customers was a gentleman from Cincinnati, who initially meant to order a 6" inch Skyjacker lift kit from our website for his 2002 Dodge Ram 1500. He called two weeks later and stated he mistakenly ordered a 12" Skyjacker Lift kit (twice the size he meant to order initially) which had shipped to his door by UPS. The customer did not notice his mistake until 2 weeks later when he took his vehicle into a shop and have it completely taken apart before checking to make sure the right parts ordered were complete.

He came in guns blazing from the word go. Dropping F-bombs all over the place and suggesting that I find a new job because 4 Wheel Parts would no longer be in business, the main theme of his complaint was us not providing some type of help to their customers on selecting the correct parts. I told the gentleman (who was not too gentle but upset, unreasonable, and offensive) that our customer service department and sales department where available if he had any questions with regards to obtaining part numbers for his vehicle year, make, and model.

He went on to state that the part number was not clearly visible on our website for him to see and refer to when calling in. He then asked to speak to our customer service manager so that we can fully refund him and pay his costs to ship the wrong parts back to our warehouse. After calling his attention to our return policy that mentions that we do not cover shipping back on returns, he stated that he would then just keep the parts and purchase the rest of what he needed to complete his vehicle project. To fill his request, we contacted the manufacturer Skyjacker to obtain the rest of the part numbers for his kit, only to find out that they were on backorder for two months. Needless to say, this infuriated the customer more, who just went off on me. His let loose and the only two sounds I understood before he hung up on me were another F-bomb and a click.

I knew he would call back, and two days later I got a voicemail from our disgruntled customer in Cincinnati: "Good morning, Sean. I have contacted my lawyer and he stated to contact you and tell you to ship my parts before we sue the pants off your company and you're left on unemployment like lot of Americans". I returned his call and he stated that he wanted a manager to actually do something to get him his part ASAP. We sought to assist him by temporarily billing and shipping for the original 6" Skyjacker lift kit part he wanted, which was complete and in stock, then pick up the 12" Skyjacker lift. He screamed: "NOOOOO" and said he had already purchased the wheels and tires for a 12" lift, therefore he would wait.

After two months we finally received a call from Mr. Cincinnati stating that he was happy with his 12" Skyjacker lift and apologizing for the way he acted as he had run up a nearly $1,200.00 storage bill at a shop for his vehicle. I simply responded with a friendly, "No problem, sir. I understand. You have a nice day now." From customers ordering Jeep decals to Jeep soft top kits to full suspension systems, this was just one of the many memorable customer experiences that I had this year at www.4WheelParts.com .

There's not one day that goes by that either myself or a co-worker deals with one of our customers who just make our next 10 seconds to 1 hour the most difficult time to be on the phone. But it's all good. It's just something that comes with the job and I have learned to adapt to it. I think it better prepares me on how to work with future customers having the same problem. "4 Wheel Parts, this is Sean: how can I help you?"

Customer Service on Fire: An Inside Look

2012-09-20T06:37:00.000Z

(no subject)

2012-07-11T19:16:00.000Z

Three Accessory Categories to Complete Your Truck

Any barter can be fabricated to fit any application. If you charge to tow accessory or added vehicles, barter can get it done. If you wish to arch off-road and hit the trails, you can use barter for that. If you wish to go fast, barter can do that for you as well. The alone aberration amid anniversary of these applications are the barter accessories you install to facilitate optimal performance. The accessories all-important for towing will arrest speed, and the high-performance accessories for acceleration are bare for off-roading. Choose the able accessories to get the a lot of out of your truck.

Body treatments

There are a amount of locations accessible that advance both the attending and functionality of your rig's body, abnormally if you plan to go off-road:

• Jeep Fender flares

• Skid plates

• Nerf bars

• Grille insert

• Body armor plates

• Tonneau cover

Certain physique treatments advance functionality, such as drift plates and physique armor, while others mainly advance the aesthetics of your ride. Fender flares are important for both, as they acquiesce your barter to board beyond tires, and they accumulate your barter street-legal by accouterment able fenders for your auto and tires. And bethink your Jeep won't be complete if its disciplinarian isn't cutting the able Jeep clothing to bout all those upgrades. Don't overlook to accompaniment your rig with the appropriate Jeep accouterment if you hit the road.

Speed equipment

When it comes to speed, you charge added than a V-8. Two important barter accessories that can addition acceleration are a cold-air assimilation arrangement and a set of failing admixture wheels. Abbreviation weight can decidedly advance achievement metrics, including top speed, delayed time, and administration characteristics. There are several cold-air assimilation systems on the market, applicable assorted makes and models of truck. From AIRAID to K&N, cold-air intakes force acknowledgment air into the engine, which optimizes agitation and produces added ability beyond an engine's ability band. Installing a cold-air arrangement is an complex process, and for some trucks, should be installed by a able technician.

Another set of barter accessories to accede forth with Jeep fender flares is a set of admixture rims. This auto can decidedly abate the weight of your truck, which improves its top speed. Admixture rims action addition account as well: bigger anchor performance. The ablaze weight of an admixture caster allows air-conditioned air to cafe the anchor system, abbreviation operating temperature and convalescent performance.

Towing accessories

Some all-important towing accessory is obvious, such as a tow hitch, a receiver, and assurance chains. There are added barter accessories that can advance the towing achievement of your vehicle, as able-bodied as advance safe operation while on the highway. An adapted disc anchor arrangement can be invaluable, giving you quicker, quieter achievement rated for abundant loads. An bigger anchor arrangement aswell stays acknowledgment best beneath stress, allowance you ascendancy the car and its amount while active up or down a graded highway.

Off- Roading In Your Customized Rig

2012-04-28T15:28:00.000Z

What do a good set of Jeep fender flares and Jeep soft tops have in common? They perform two important functions: add aesthetic styling to your off road vehicle and provide a stepping platform for safer mounting/dismounting. The difference that these accessories make is more pronounced when off roading in the country. Say you take a break at a great vista for a quick photo op. After getting that perfect shot, you trek over to your truck or Jeep, open the door, mount, get in, and slam the door behind you. This simple, straightforward motion can be made safer and easier by having better gripping (as well as improved surface stepping area). That aside, these custom upgrades make for a better picture. After all, a person hardly heads to the great outdoors and snaps a picture of just some mountains, or other impressive backdrop; people usually enjoy being in the shot, and what's more, most celebrate their uniqueness with interesting poses and facial expressions. Same principle applies with your off road vehicle. You want your truck or Jeep to stand out from the crowd. When you invest in custom accessories, it is like getting new trendy glasses frames and kicks for your Jeep, truck, or SUV.

There's a bit of off roading in everyone. From time to time, even the most diehard city slicker needs fresh air and cool mountain air to rejuvenate. There's something about reconnecting with the great outdoors that refreshes the mind and soul. Off roaders take this to another dimension by crawling through miles and miles of terrain normally accessible by foot. Ask any off road enthusiast: "When you're out there in your rig outfitted with custom Jeep fender flares and custom lights, what is going through your mind?" The response you're going to get will be something along the lines of: "Man, this is great."

So it is with anyone engaging in something they really enjoy. Off roading has become a culture of sorts, similar to motorcycle enthusiasts who gather on weekends and ride together in packs. Unlike pack hunters however, off roadies typically go at it solo, much like big cat hunters such as mountain lions. Of course there's no rule that says you can't go off roading with buddies and compare their nerf bars and Jeep soft tops to yours. The main thing always is to enjoy the sport.

Rolling Out To Jeepers Jamboree

2012-04-28T05:29:00.000Z

A man comes to acceding with absoluteness at a complete point in his life. This anterior summer, this was the case for me and some of my able friends. The Paris Hilton 4th of July activity activity on the Sacramento Delta fell on our all-overs and we absitively on renting a houseboat for an 'All Guys' ceremony of partying amidst a aerated accession of about clad co-eds. A few hours into it, we able that best of us present were old abounding to be the fathers of the flotilla's patrons. We came to our senses, and formed out to the Jeepers Jamboree. It was settled: a four-day, all-boys weekend at the 59th Jeepers Jamboree for basement activity fun.

It was the acclimatized suspects from my club, the Sierra Treasure Hunters: Steve 'Medfly' Medley and 'Bronco' Matt in Jeep Rubicons, Kevin Kidwell and Troy Holmes in Kevin's custom YJ, and Will Corbett and his son Wade in a home-built Jeep CJ-7 with custom running boards and nerf bars . Between the mix, we'd spent hundreds of weekends swapping lies about campfires in several states, best of the guys had all-embracing with me in Baja, and I've acclimatized my passenger, Rich Currie, abashed afore I age-old a 4x4 - my crew.

And for the casting Toyota, my emphasis Rich and I dusted off my jacked up '82 Hilux that sports half-doors and a celebration bed (circa 1998) with at diminutive a ton of tubing and accepting anchored on for bumpers and nerf bars. Having traversed the Rubicon with me dozens of times, the old Toyota with its activity boards and custom lights is ever-reliable and consistently has been.

At 6:00 in the morning, my buddies were in adeptness advancing at the Georgetown Hotel because they were atramentous their abandonment from the night before. In fact, they were attainable to dump me and able for the alleyway afore I affiliated arrived. Rascals, the lot of them. Every year for accoutrements of participants, the Jamboree has become a ancestors tradition. Going 59 years strong, the attitude is appropriately accumulated by the bodies who agents the event. From the amalgamation abashed the bar and the kitchen crew, to the basement rollers and mechanics, best of these bodies accepting been circuitous with Jeepers abashed they were kids. Jamboree began as a amalgamation fundraiser, accepting the Boy Scouts, American Legion, Rotary and the Georgetown Gun & Hunting Club to achieve some added assets in a advancing economy. The American Legion who staffs about 50 bodies to run the kitchen and the bar are amidst abounding of those aloft belted clubs that still participate today.

Equipment and Gear for Optimizing a Vehicle

2012-03-28T07:11:00.000Z

Getting the most from a Jeep or a light truck depends on properly planning exactly what the vehicle needs to accomplish. The needs of a daily highway driver are far different than those of a rugged off-road crawler. For instance, a vehicle does not need high-grade nerf bars out on the trail, but the flaps become crucial to protecting other drivers when the vehicle is on the highway. Properly outfitting a vehicle requires the performance of an honest assessment of the vehicle's goals and environment, and the project's budget. The basic categories of any vehicle project include trim, drivetrain, suspension, and exhaust.

A complete exhaust system includes free-flowing pipes, mufflers and running boards . A free-flowing, efficiently designed exhaust system can improve a vehicle's performance, increasing torque and horsepower while maximizing fuel economy. The best exhaust system is not always the most expensive. An exhaust system needs to match the vehicle in several ways, as a high-performance system is too much for a mild, stock Jeep four-cylinder engine. Likewise, a small-piped exhaust system is not sufficient to expel the spent gases from a high-performance engine. Although matching the vehicle's engine with the proper exhaust system can be tough, a little forethought will help avoid a trial-and-error approach that can be prohibitively expensive.

There are many accessories designed exclusively for a vehicle's body, to improve its look and performance. A set of nerf bars, fender flares, or even an upgraded bumper can improve a vehicle's functionality on the road or off of it. Fender flares protect the vehicle's body around the wheel wells, while allowing the vehicle to legally use larger wheels and tires. An upgraded bumper provides multiple anchor points for towing or pulling, a solid mounting point for a winch, and additional storage for tools and equipment. When selecting a winch, the unit needs to have a load capacity sufficient to pull the vehicle out of a ditch, or over an obstacle. Using a winch with an insufficient load capacity can be dangerous, and may cause serious injury.

Usage and Storage Options for Jeep Tops

2012-03-20T22:42:00.000Z

Usage and Storage Options for Jeep Tops

Since its creation, the Jeep has been bred for the outdoors. The best way to enjoy the Jeep experience is to have it optimized for an open-air ride. However, an open-air configuration is not ideal in every situation. Inclement weather, for example, requires a Jeep to have a cover. For most models, there are two options for covering up: a Jeep soft top or a hard top. For most off-road applications, a hard top is simply not practical, unless it is installed with a quick-release kit. A soft top allows the vehicle to be converted to an open-air ride quickly, and then covered up in minutes when the off-road ride is complete.

Jeep soft tops also allow a driver to store the cover in a tight, compact space when the vehicle is in an open-air configuration. Some soft tops can fold up flat and fit in a bag, and the driver can then store the bag in the Jeep's cargo area. Other soft tops can be rolled up, or panels can be removed from the Jeep, and then stored in a safe location such as a garage before the Jeep hits the back roads. The type of storage depends upon the type of soft top selected. Traditionally, a soft top can be fastened to the Jeep through snaps, clasps, or buttons, allowing the driver to place the top on the Jeep or take the top off quickly, without the use of any tools.

The selection of the best Jeep soft top depends upon several factors. Primarily, the Jeep model in question will dictate which soft top should be used. However, there are many aftermarket tops available with various features that fit a wide selection of Jeep models. Other factors include budget, how frequently the driver intends to install and remove the top, and where the driver intends to drive the Jeep. Generally, a soft top is ready to install out of the box, as the product is designed specifically to the metrics of the Jeep's model and trim package.

Maintenance is another factor that a Jeep owner should consider when selecting between available Jeep soft tops. Some tops require careful storage, while others require frequent application of protectant chemicals to prevent wear, fading, discoloration, and sun damage. Some soft tops are more durable, and require little beyond basic preventive measures, such as regular cleaning. Regardless of durability, all soft tops will wear down, crack, split, or fade with time. When this happens, a Jeep owner will need to replace it, go without a top, or install a molded hard top.

Usage and Storage Options for Jeep Tops

2012-03-20T22:30:00.000Z

Usage and Storage Options for Jeep Tops Since its creation, the Jeep has been bred for the outdoors. The best way to enjoy the Jeep experience is to have it optimized for an open-air ride. However, an open-air configuration is not ideal in every situation. Inclement weather, for example, requires a Jeep to have a cover. For most models, there are two options for covering up: a Jeep soft top or a hard top. For most off-road applications, a hard top is simply not practical, unless it is installed with a quick-release kit. A soft top allows the vehicle to be converted to an open-air ride quickly, and then covered up in minutes when the off-road ride is complete. Jeep soft tops also allow a driver to store the cover in a tight, compact space when the vehicle is in an open-air configuration. Some soft tops can fold up flat and fit in a bag, and the driver can then store the bag in the Jeep�s cargo area. Other soft tops can be rolled up, or panels can be removed from the Jeep, and then stored in a safe location such as a garage before the Jeep hits the back roads. The type of storage depends upon the type of soft top selected. Traditionally, a soft top can be fastened to the Jeep through snaps, clasps, or buttons, allowing the driver to place the top on the Jeep or take the top off quickly, without the use of any tools. The selection of the best Jeep soft top depends upon several factors. Primarily, the Jeep model in question will dictate which soft top should be used. However, there are many aftermarket tops available with various features that fit a wide selection of Jeep models. Other factors include budget, how frequently the driver intends to install and remove the top, and where the driver intends to drive the Jeep. Generally, a soft top is ready to install out of the box, as the product is designed specifically to the metrics of the Jeep�s model and trim package. Maintenance is another factor that a Jeep owner should consider when selecting between available Jeep soft tops. Some tops require careful storage, while others require frequent application of protectant chemicals to prevent wear, fading, discoloration, and sun damage. Some soft tops are more durable, and require little beyond basic preventive measures, such as regular cleaning. Regardless of durability, all soft tops will wear down, crack, split, or fade with time. When this happens, a Jeep owner will need to replace it, go without a top, or install a molded hard top.

Helping Save Lives In Afghanistan with Operation Lightsabre Truck Accessories

2012-02-20T16:36:00.000Z

Helping Save Lives In Afghanistan with Operation Lightsabre Truck Accessories

A major U.S. off-road parts and Jeep fender flares distributor is buying lights to send to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. Companies supporting the troops such as these are helping save lives overseas by donating bright lights that help Soldiers see dangerous IEDs before they cause injury and damage. Many times, having the right equipment on a mission makes a significant difference in operational procedures and helps troops achieve mission completion.

In 2006, this off-road truck and Jeep parts distributor specializing in truck accessories, lights, and Jeep clothing received a letter from Captain Chris Braden of 2nd battalion, 27th Infantry Bravo Company requesting lighting units to assist in safety and combat effectiveness in the dangerous duty of searching for IEDs and roadside bombs while on night patrol. A few weeks later, the 140 troops of Bravo Company received over $5000 in lighting equipment and wiring, and put their new gear to work down range.

The campaign to support the troops was so successful and well-received (as featured in Off-Road Adventures magazine, March 2007) that the company which also specialize in providing Jeep clothing and Jeep fender flares decided to continue their assistance and supply lights for the entire 2nd Battalion, only this time providing their valued customers with the opportunity to contribute and help out in the effort. And everyday people answered the call.

The program has since been met with generous support from off-road and 4x4 enthusiasts nationwide, and the company, which also specialize in catalytic convertors and running boards will continue to do their part to assist our troops until they arrive home safely. It is one way American companies are doing their part in contributing to the national security efforts our men and women in uniform engage in everyday. By partnering with those serving overseas, everyday people participate in the hard work facing our Armed Forces today.

From the troops' point of view, knowing that people back home are thinking about them and sending their support in tangible ways is an incredible morale boost in the face of day to day challenges. This kind of support that everyday civilians provide Soldiers goes a long way with regards to strengthening the morale of these military professionals while serving on deployments. Just as folks back home during WWII cut back on their personal spending and volunteered their work for the war effort, American companies today across the country carry the same spirit of duty and service by standing side by side with the men and women in uniform abroad.

Helping Save Lives In Afghanistan with Operation Lightsabre Truck Accessories

2012-02-11T04:34:00.000Z

A major U.S. off-road parts and Jeep fender flares distributor is buying lights to send to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. Companies supporting the troops such as these are helping save lives overseas by donating bright lights that help Soldiers see dangerous IEDs before they cause injury and damage. Many times, having the right equipment on a mission makes a significant difference in operational procedures and helps troops achieve mission completion. In 2006, this off-road truck and Jeep parts distributor specializing in truck accessories, lights, and Jeep clothing received a letter from Captain Chris Braden of 2nd battalion, 27th Infantry Bravo Company requesting lighting units to assist in safety and combat effectiveness in the dangerous duty of searching for IEDs and roadside bombs while on night patrol. A few weeks later, the 140 troops of Bravo Company received over $5000 in lighting equipment and wiring, and put their new gear to work down range. The campaign to support the troops was so successful and well-received (as featured in Off-Road Adventures magazine, March 2007) that the company which also specialize in providing Jeep clothing and Jeep fender flares decided to continue their assistance and supply lights for the entire 2nd Battalion, only this time providing their valued customers with the opportunity to contribute and help out in the effort. And everyday people answered the call. The program has since been met with generous support from off-road and 4x4 enthusiasts nationwide, and the company, which also specialize in catalytic convertors and running boards will continue to do their part to assist our troops until they arrive home safely. It is one way American companies are doing their part in contributing to the national security efforts our men and women in uniform engage in everyday. By partnering with those serving overseas, everyday people participate in the hard work facing our Armed Forces today. From the troops� point of view, knowing that people back home are thinking about them and sending their support in tangible ways is an incredible morale boost in the face of day to day challenges. This kind of support that everyday civilians provide Soldiers goes a long way with regards to strengthening the morale of these military professionals while serving on deployments. Just as folks back home during WWII cut back on their personal spending and volunteered their work for the war effort, American companies today across the country carry the same spirit of duty and service by standing side by side with the men and women in uniform abroad.