Benchmade Proper

CONSUMERS BEWARE;
Ref: Benchmade Proper LLC
6350 South Hanover Rd
Suite J, Elkridge MD 21 075
Benchmade Proper is a relatively new enterprise that specializes in custom exhaust systems. The company has begun to establish themselves and their reputation fabricating systems for high end automobiles.
As the result of a competitive bid process and their close proximity they were selected to fabricate a custom exhaust system for a 1987 TVR 280I that is undergoing restoration. They inspected the car with the project manager and subsequently, based upon their bid of $ 2500.00 were awarded the project. On December 10 I discussed the project with the manager and he requested a 50% down payment for parts. Instead I paid the entire amount (Sales receipt 10 012) with understanding that the costs of the project were covered. Subsequently I received a call from the project manager saying the exhaust project was completed but the car would not be released until an additional $ 3187.00 payment was made. This is an inflation of approximately 140% over the original costs and smacks of price gouging.
When the car was returned I noted several discrepancies and the product appearance did not reflect the costs. After much ado the manager of Benchmade jointly inspected the car and agreed to make the required corrections at no costs. After considerable foot dragging and «he said — I said» between the project manager and Benchmade the car was returned.
Throughout this process it became readily apparent that the crew at Benchmade is comprised of talented fabricators but who lack the professional expertise to perform complex fabrications. They reluctantly accept responsibility for short comings in their work and are quick to emotionally find fault and place blame for their inabilities. Throughout this prolonged process there was resistance to interface with me, the customer. Customer service is sorely absent.
Due to their demonstrated immature and unprofessional approach a second fabrication shop was contacted to inspect the Benchmade Proper system and to make corrections.
On Feb. 14, 2012, after a personal request an itemized invoice reflecting a cost of the completed project as $ 5, 512, 00 was received by registered mail. Enclosed with this invoice was a «revised» Sales Receipt dated 1÷27÷2012 Number 745 reflecting the original payment as a deposit. This is an obvious attempt to cover up Benchmade Proper’s previous actions and reflects poorly on their business practices. It should be noted that to my knowledge at no time did Benchmark staff attempt to contact me concerning the excessive cost over ride and or their concerns with the project.