I know this has been discussed before but I wanted everybody to get some current information. On July 8th of this year I spoke with Alex Carvallo of AOE about getting one of his front bumpers for my 80 series Land Cruiser. After agreeing on options (no extras) and price ($900 plus shipping), I paid him with my Visa. I was told at that time, and agreed because of it, that the bumper would ship out in 2.5 weeks. At that point I posted my old ARB up for sale in the classifieds and received an offer from a local buyer. I told the local that I would like to keep the bumper for up to two more weeks in order to have my new AOE ready. I didn't really feel like driving around with no bumper for two weeks.
Week 3: no word from Alex. Searching through the threads I found some others had delayed orders and figured I could wait another week. I also knew that there were at least 3-4 other club members ordering from him so maybe he was just swamped with orders.
After week 3 I began texting Alex trying to get an update on the order status. In what would become the norm, I received no communication back from him. I then got a hold of @socallove via PM and asked if he could get an update for me. He had previously helped us arrange the group buy on these orders, and is actually able to communicate with Alex. At that time I was told the bumpers were shipping the next week.
Week 6: I texted Alex and told him to cancel my order and refund the $900 he owes me. This actually got a response as he tried to call when I was out, then texted and said he would call me the next morning. Of course the next morning there was no call, and I was unable to reach him when I attempted to call.
Week 8: I once again tried getting a hold of Alex through text and call, no answer on the cell and apparently texts aren't going through to his number now.
Week 9: I contacted Visa about there fraud protection. They sent out the forms and I am now in the process of getting everything filed. We will see how this turns out.
Summary : DON'T BUY FROM AOE !. Their bumper may look really great in the pictures, but that's all you will ever see of it. Alex Carvallo may have gotten a few bumpers to a few people over the years but that doesn't make him any less of a fraud. He has blatantly stolen $900 from me and I hope the credit card company takes him to the cleaners.
Week 3: no word from Alex. Searching through the threads I found some others had delayed orders and figured I could wait another week. I also knew that there were at least 3-4 other club members ordering from him so maybe he was just swamped with orders.
After week 3 I began texting Alex trying to get an update on the order status. In what would become the norm, I received no communication back from him. I then got a hold of @socallove via PM and asked if he could get an update for me. He had previously helped us arrange the group buy on these orders, and is actually able to communicate with Alex. At that time I was told the bumpers were shipping the next week.
Week 6: I texted Alex and told him to cancel my order and refund the $900 he owes me. This actually got a response as he tried to call when I was out, then texted and said he would call me the next morning. Of course the next morning there was no call, and I was unable to reach him when I attempted to call.
Week 8: I once again tried getting a hold of Alex through text and call, no answer on the cell and apparently texts aren't going through to his number now.
Week 9: I contacted Visa about there fraud protection. They sent out the forms and I am now in the process of getting everything filed. We will see how this turns out.
Summary : DON'T BUY FROM AOE !. Their bumper may look really great in the pictures, but that's all you will ever see of it. Alex Carvallo may have gotten a few bumpers to a few people over the years but that doesn't make him any less of a fraud. He has blatantly stolen $900 from me and I hope the credit card company takes him to the cleaners.