Some of you may recall that a few weeks ago I published here an open letter to the MD of Bailey Caravans listing a number of issues that had come to light in my new caravan which I purchased in late April. If you missed it you can read my blog which also includes pictures. The link to that is below.
I thought that I would let you know that I have had no response from Bailey or from the dealer Robinsons Caravans of Chesterfield. However, it was an open letter so it could be claimed that no response had been requested. However, you would have thought that any business which is interested in customer service might at least have acknowledged receipt of the letter.
On 9th May I had cause to write to Baileys and the dealer again because I noticed there was an inconsitency with the way the rear roadlights were fitted. There are four pairs, the top ones are red, second pair orange indictor lights but the third pair is clear on the nearside and red on the offside and the fourth pair are red on the nearside and red on the offside. (You can see what I mean on my blog).
The response from Bailey retailer services was:
"I can confirm that the light assembly is correct on the nearside bumper, the offside is incorrect."
So, I wrote back asking if they were legal and who was responsible for this. The reply:
"Mr Stockdale good morning,
I would have to suggest that the lights do need correcting. I am extremely surprised that the retailer did not pick this up during their PDI. I am not sure regarding the legality for travelling on the continent, but I guess that the sooner they are corrected the better.
Regarding other concerns, I have not received any information from anyone else within the business, as and when I do I will be in touch."
So, no apology, no suggestion about how this might have happened but criticism of the dealer for not spotting it. The dealer did not spot it and nor did I. It could be argued that the dealer could have been more thorough with the PDI but my overall view is that Bailey are producing shoddy vans with no apparent quality control. When the faults filter through to the customer it's the dealers fault for not spotting them.
I invite you to make your own judgement about Bailey build quality and their attitude towards their customers.
The usual procedure for rectifying faults is to discuss with the dealer. The dealer will then most probably fix the issues either by bringing the caravan in, sending an engineer out or if the faults are not serious they may be rectified during a routine service.
Going in with all guns blazing, sending "Mr Angry" letters and slagging dealer and manufacturer off online will only make them less helpful.
The tirade on the blog seems to refer to a few rather trivial issues, some on "bought in" equipment
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
My apologies to those contributors who are happy to pay good money for third rate goods. Would you accept this many issues and attitude to customer service on a new car?
Quote: Originally posted by Barsar on 22/5/2015
My apologies to those contributors who are happy to pay good money for third rate goods. Would you accept this many issues and attitude to customer service on a new car?
No I wouldn't but your posts are inaccurate, misleading and based on your experience of one caravan. Hardly the basis to rant like you are. If you put as much effort into negotiating with your dealer you might find you get a more positive result.
If we all posted war and peace on here every time something went wrong with a product we had purchased there would be thousands of posts nobody else wants to read.
Quote: Originally posted by Jesscar on 22/5/2015
I just looked the photos, it really is poor. I would be really p**sed if they gave me a brand new van assembled like that.
me too, however I would address my concerns fairly and firmly with the supplying dealer.
Quote: Originally posted by blueexpo97 on 22/5/2015
Any more for the Bailey defence team?
I would defend any brand against ill founded criticism. One bad product does not make a bad company, nor is the assumption they are all the same based on anything other than assumption from the OP.
Quote: Originally posted by checkley1973 on 22/5/2015
Quote: Originally posted by Barsar on 22/5/2015My apologies to those contributors who are happy to pay good money for third rate goods. Would you accept this many issues and attitude to customer service on a new car?
No I wouldn't but your posts are inaccurate, misleading and based on your experience of one caravan. Hardly the basis to rant like you are. If you put as much effort into negotiating with your dealer you might find you get a more positive result.
If we all posted war and peace on here every time something went wrong with a product we had purchased there would be thousands of posts nobody else wants to read.
In what way are my posts inaccurate. I have even provided photographic evidence.
Well my, now 18 year old, Bailey is still going strong and still giving us excellent service.
Indeed I wouldn't change it for any new van, no matter what spec.
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 22/5/2015Well my, now 18 year old, Bailey is still going strong and still giving us excellent service.
Indeed I wouldn't change it for any new van, no matter what spec.
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 22/5/2015
Well my, now 18 year old, Bailey is still going strong and still giving us excellent service.
Indeed I wouldn't change it for any new van, no matter what spec.
That's great. I am genuinely pleased for you but...perhaps something changed since your van was built. This is my 7th caravan in 26 years. My first was a CI Europa which I sold when it was 12 years old. It was built like a tank. So I know what the benchmarks are.
I think you are doing right to make the forum aware of your issues. After all that is what this site is for, discussing whatever you want to and why its so helpful. I would be very sorry if I received a new van in the condition that you have and if it is such a strong brand then surely the manufacturer would be jumping through hoops to put this right for you ( by giving you a new replacement).
Quote: Originally posted by LobeyDosser on 22/5/2015Well my, now 18 year old, Bailey is still going strong and still giving us excellent service.
Indeed I wouldn't change it for any new van, no matter what spec.
That's great. I am genuinely pleased for you but...perhaps something changed since your van was built. This is my 7th caravan in 26 years. My first was a CI Europa which I sold when it was 12 years old. It was built like a tank. So I know what the benchmarks are.
My van is a 2013 and we've no issues with it. So perhaps nothing has changed and you have a one off you're not happy with?
Most of your minor complaints are nothing to do with the van itself they are generic components bought in which would be used by the majority of brands. Perhaps you should write to them too ?
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Topic: Buying a Bailey? Read this. UPDATE
