EDIT: Jody Lyell at Budget Exhaust has agreed to give us free shipping on an order of a Budget y-pipe ($25 value). Here is the information she sent me:

"The deal we can give is free shipping on the pipe ($25, Value) With the SS Y pipe they are coming Polished . We include the gaskets for the installation

Product Listing:
SS Mandrel Y pipe "Polished" $250. Can approx $205 US "Shipped" Depends on
the $
Aluminized Y pipe (not polished) $200. Can approx $164. US "Shipped"
Depends on the $
Shipping No Charge ($25. Value)

We have some Pics posted on our web site www.lssexhaust.com"

As of right now, Budget is in the process of getting more y-pipes in stock for cali-spec applications but Jody told me yesterday that they have plenty of Fed-specs in stock.

 

which would be better anyway...budget or cattman?

 

No answer to that... Budget is cheaper... no one has had real problems with it... Cattman is more expensive... no one has had problems with it either.... performance wise, I doubt its been worth anyone's time to dyno both of em since differences are probably negligible...

I have a Cattman....

 

i went with budget for my 4th gen, had no problems with the pipe or their service. Its too bad they blow us off like that. oh well.

 

Ya, they sure as heck didn't score many points with Max owners here considering their response time has been so poor.

 

This behavior by Budget has disturbed me, so I sent them this email:

"Hello,

I’m a member of Maxima.org. I was thinking of buying your product regardless of if there was a group deal or not. Unfortunately, your company has failed to respond to our requests; therefore, I will be taking my business elsewhere. I suspect other members will also be put off by your behavior and do the same.

T"

Edit: If they respond, I'll post it...

 

Good job. Those idiots need to know they're losing business from crappy customer service.

 

Cripes people. How much cheaper do you want it?? Isn't it THE cheapest Y out there right now?

 

The point is they apparently blew us off. Like my email said I was going to buy even if they turned down a group buy.

It doesn't make good business sense to ignore potential customers.

 

Even if they had stated they could not do a Group Buy because of the already low price, or if they had only knocked off $5, it would show highly of their business, rather than just ignoring emails and acting like they did not know what people were talking about.

 

It's too bad they handle their customers, or POTENTIAL customers that way. The thing is, it's not as if they make components for hundreds of cars. I may be wrong, but I only saw systems for Max's and Mustangs?!?! And to blow off a Group deal, meaning a GROUP of people, not just one....interested in purchasing their products.???????

 

Look guys, Budget sell the cheapest quality exhaust for the Maxima period.

They are not internet or electronic wizards, if you have something to ask them call them on the phone and ask, they have an 800 number.

Just because they do not answer their email immediately has nothing to do with their product. Deciding to buy or not to buy a product by how a company answers their email is???

This is a family businesss and they are very friendly folks.

PS I was just talking to Jeff (the owner) on the phone and he said he has responded to the email and did talk to someone on the phone about a group deal. He said the best he can do is free shipping and it could take a couple of weeks because they only produce 15-20 a week.

 

does the budget y-pipe also state that you MIGHT have to extend the O2 sensor wire to fit it?

and puppetmaster, i know you were gonna install your Cattman soon, did you, and did you have to extend the wires?

 

See, the problem here is that they had told me specifically that I would receive an email back with their decision the next day. I never heard back from them. I also left them two numbers on their voice mail to use if they could not get back to me by email, and yet again no contact. I am not saying that they have horrible customer service, just saying that it would have served them better to have at least responded in a somewhat quick manner with their decision on what they might be able to do for us. The biggest part of this is that I had never dealt with Budget before and thus my first impression was not as good as I had hoped.

And in regards to your "PS", I would imagine that the person he spoke with was xlcrew.

 

Well then buy one from Warpspeed or Cattman then. Pretty simple.

 

Yes, Jeff, that's what I planned on doing, but I wanted to let all those members who had posted in the earlier thread about wanting to be part of a group deal that it wasn't going to happen. I had no intention for this thread to become a Budget bashing thread.

 

touche...can anyone tell me quick dyno results for the budget..i read it somewhere else on the thread but i dont know where it is and i dont remember the numbers...

 

I agree with SOONR1, customer service is everything. He's not bashing the product, just the service. Same reason people post about their dealership experiences, some good, some bad.........It's just FYI.

 

From what I've read about people buying the Budget at their NORMAL lower than everyone one else already prices, didn't have a problem. Only the ones that asked for a GD for even lower than their normal lower than everyone else's prices did like 2 (?) people perceived "bad customer service".

I mean do you guys go to Nissan and expect to be treated like you are shopping at Mercedes?

And in the end, these people that are peeved about not getting $1 off on a GD are now suddenly willing to pay ALOT more on principle?

 

I agree with you on certain parts, but none the less, whether it's a Nissan or a Mercedes, or a Kia for that matter, customer service is critical. I think we all can agree that customer service expectations are much higher now, than a few years ago. But at the same time, we as consumers need to be realistic. I would not expect to receive perfect service every time.....it would be nice, but I wouldn't expect it. Nor would I necessarily take my business elsewhere, when I could save a good amount of cash. But, that doesn't give them the right to blow off anybody. I can honestly say that I would still buy from them, but if on that next attempt, if things went wrong, I would seriously reconsider using them again.

 

Okay how many people that have purchased from Budget had a problem so far?? Any more/less than have purchased from Cattman/Warpspeed etc...????

So just because of ONE'S person's opinion/experience, you are going to condem them??

It's great you will buy from them. But really, how many Y pipes are you going to buy? Do they have cat backs now or something? I don't know.

 

Come on now Jeff, you are being a bit drastic. All I asked from Budget was a response, nothing more. If you will read my earlier threads you will see there that I thought a group deal was a longshot but that I would get in contact them to see if it might be possible. When they emailed me back saying that there was a possibility and that they would get back to me the next day, I expected that I would hear from them -- still assuming that they wouldn't be able to do anything for us. I mean, as a consumer, if I have had this much trouble getting in contact with them on something so simple, should I expect the same when I go to order a product from them?

Anyway, this all seems a bit ridiculous and really should not be in the 5th gen forum (vendors/experiences forum) and you are getting a little carried away with my statements by saying that I am "ONE" person who has condemned them, when I never did. That was all done by others who posted in this thread after my original post.

 

You still going to buy from them at their normal lower than everyone's price?

 

I just might, considering they are much cheaper than Cattman and still offer stainless steel. Once again, if you will read my earlier posts, I was very complimentary of Budget's craftsmanship and quality and had planned on ordering from them in the first place.

 

Okay Bran808 and I were having a discussion

 

That's true, I would only purchase 1 Y-pipe from them, and maybe a B-pipe, or resonator, who knows. I think you're missing the point, though. I'm in no way condemning them because of 1 person's opinion. If you were looking to purchase a part, and in the process, had less than stellar customer service. But were still able to get a good deal, so you could overlook the first experience. Now let's say you order the part and once again run into problems. Would you go out of your way to recommend this company to a friend? I'm sure I'm not going to buy 5 different parts, on 5 different occasions from Budget, but how many chances do you get to retain a customer? When do you throw in the towel and say, you know what, I'll take my $$$ and my business elsewhere. And yes, it's a measly $250 part, but if that's the way that you think, or that they think, that's the problem. Nobody here is trying to get things for free, but don't you agree no matter how small a purchase, you 'd want the customer to recommend you because of excellent customer service? Is it bad for business to treat even the smallest of customers like they actually mean something? "It takes months sometimes to gain a customer, but only seconds to lose one."

 

Well why are buying ANYTHING from them if you think their customer service is "bad"? Even though no one that actually purchased from them in this thread has chimed in and said they had bad customer service?

So I guess you want to say they have bad customer service but you will still spend $200+ from them. I say, purchase from them and decide on your own if you want to buy more.

Because it's way to easy just to say, "this company sucks" when you don't know from what reference that person is talking from. Some young kids expect the world for 50% off too. It's unfortunate that businesses lose customers based on unperfect or ill rational behavior.

The "bad service" I've read is the lack of a response on a GD. And that was based on them not replying within ONE day? I don't know but maker's don't always scramble to discount their prices. Especially when the poster didn't show/prove that their would be sufficent interest to warrant one.

 

If you can find a post where it states that I said they had "bad customer sevice" let me know. All I said was that it doesn't seem right for customers or potential customers to get treated that way. And for the record, it was more than 1 day. As far as I know, SoonR1 has yet to hear from them. It's now tuesday, and this was from like thursday, I think. (You can do the math) And I think in anybody's book, you don't say you'll "get back them tomorrow" and let 4 days go by without a response. SoonR1 wasn't even looking to get the bottom line prices, just a simple "yes we can, no we can't, or a maybe....let me get back to you." I don't know if I follow you, it seems like you say "go buy Warpspeed or Cattman, if you don't like the service." Then you say "buy Budget, and see for yourself." I'm not trying to be an -ss, but all we were trying to say was that there service could've been better. And yes, some said that they'd never buy from them again, based on this 1 experience. To each their own, but I personally said I would. But, for me, there is a limit. I work in a retail environment everyday. I'm an auto body estimator. If I told you that I'd call you tomorrow with an estimate on your car, but you didn't hear from me, what would your impression be of me and the place that I work at? Would you jump through hoops to recommend my company to all your friends. "Hey, go see Bran for an estimate, he may or may not get back to you." You feel me? I'm definitely not one to look for 50% off, but yes, like everyone else, I wouldn't mind saving some $$$ if possible.

 

I don't quite understand you either. You don't need to state it. You've implied it more than a few times. It comes down to this. You think their customer service is bad correct? Because you are certianly not implying it's good. Then you state, they should reply asap so not to lose "potential" customers correct? Are you or are you not one of these "potential customers"? But you still admit you want to purchase something from them anyway. Despite your implications of bad customer service(as implied by you stating "it doesn't seem right for customers or potential customers to be treated......." Or am misunderstanding these statements as "good customer service?"

Here is how I see it. You can pester them for a GD. Then wait for them to figure out if they can even do one. Then wait around for everyone else to chime in stating they are interested. Then wait for everyone to pay. Then wait for Budget to receive said payment. Then wait for them to make them all and ship (let's say 15 Y pipes to make it worth their time). Okay let's say this takes at least 3 weeks and then they ship. So let's say 1 month with 1 week shipping.

Let's say you save $15. Now since you are in retail, you should know what your time is worth. To me, these guys have THE cheapest Y out there (or else you wouldn't be ordering from them right?) Now I don't know how much you value $15 but for the great hassle every GD is (and they are), I'd just want my Y now and be done with it. Especially when there is a chance that you could be the 15th person for Budget to ship to.

I only read/saw one person being treated "bad". I think every company in the world has more than just one person complaining about their company. I'm 100% sure not every one of your customers are 100% satsified right? Does that make your company a "bad customer service" company? Of course it doesn't.


But you are right. I'd like to have great CS and extra low prices. But I'm realistic enough not to expect Mercedes customer service at Costco prices.

 

This thread is getting completely OT. But, believe it or not, I'm basically on your side. I don't believe in labeling them as " A bad service company." I never said that. It was not as good as it could've been, which I think we can all agree on. And yes, I realize that it's the cheapest pipe on the market for our car. I'm no fool, (Just don't ask my GF that!) I know you can't knock off big bucks off a $250 piece. But for me, even saving $15 on a ypipe that's already $100 cheaper than the next y-pipe.....that's still $$$. I too am in no rush, which is why I'm not even upset about this. I live in Hawaii, and everything takes longer to get to us. No hard feelings, I never wanted to get into it about something I don't even own yet. Peace!

 

No problem. No hard feelings at all. Just send me your G35 wheels/tires and we'll call it even. hehe.

 

Sheesh, I created a firestorm here.

 

I still agree with you though, service is everything, before and after the purchase...and you're right...THIS THREAD SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

They have good service, I had a couple of issues with my exhaust rattling almost 6 months after I had my b-pipe put on. I went over and they lifted the car up and fixed the problem within 10 mins.
They are also very busy, the majority of their work is just regular people who want their exhausts fixed and stuff.
Also, I doubt you'll get a GD.

 

Yup... the O2 sensor wires have to be extended to reach the bung in the Cattman y-pipe, bearing in mind I have a 2k2... mine are just twisted and taped right now cuz it was 20 degs outside when I put in my y-pipe and my fingers were so damned cold I couldn't hold anything... I'm gonna try to solder the wires ASAP... like when its warmer (30+ degs...haha... ) out...

 

ok, ill make sure either myself of whoever installs it keeps that in mind, thanks man.

 

Btw, be really careful getting the hardware off the cat... where the bolts are actually part of the cat... if ya break one of em... ya gotta have someone weld one back on or worse still, replace the whole cat... so watch it. I took mine to Meineke and had em torch the nuts off and replace em with new ones so I could remove em by hand w/o fear of breaking anything.

 

I took some pictures... if I have time I'll post em for ya...

 

Here's the response I received, I hope this clears up the confusion:




"Good Morning T

In the pass two weeks we have trouble with our internet connections and with our e-mails. We were responding to e-mails but they were not being delivered I think we now have the problem sorted out.I apologize for the delays and I know how fustratrating a no response can be. I understand why you would be upset.
We are going to offer free shipping on our product for a limited time.
SS Mandrel Y pipe "Polished" $250. Canadian approx $205. US Depends on the $
Aluminized Y pipe $200. Can. approx $163. US Depends on the $
Free shipping ($25 value)
We have some pics on our new website www.lssexhaust.com

Again I apologize for the delay in e-amiling

Have a great day
Jody
LSS Exhaust Div. Budget Exhaust
905 681 9502
800 256 4482
www.lssexhaust.com
mufflers@allstream.net"

 

I think Jeff and Bran808 should have a boxing match. I'm selling tickets for $10 each to pay for my budget Y-pipe with or without the group deal.