I am deeply dissatisfied with my recent experience. Initially, I was eager to engage with this local small business. My interaction began with a call to Wes, who showed utmost professionalism. We discussed applying glossy PPF to a front lip diffuser from Unplugged Performance before its installation on my car. Wes seemed knowledgeable, even looking up the part during our conversation to better understand the installation process. He mentioned a potential three-piece installation but assured me they could handle it and promised a quote within a day.
However, confusion arose when I received texts from Design It Wraps, claiming they missed my call. It turned out to be Letha, their operations manager, who seemed unaware of my previous discussion with Wes. I reiterated my request - wrapping a carbon front lip - she asked for a picture and I sent her the picture from the link I had shared with Wes. She offered to provide an estimate the next day, noting the difference in pricing between a front bumper (which she says they charge $700) and the lip.
The following day, I received a quote of $450 plus tax, including a discussion of seam placements. We agreed on a date for the service at their Nocatee location right down the street from me. Upon dropping off the part, Wes reviewed it and optimistically noted that it looks to be much simpler than anticipated and they could probably complete it that day.
However, an hour later, Letha texted me, suggesting the quote was only for the visible areas and not the underside, labeling it a "splitter instead of a lip."
In the aftermarket car parts domain, "front lip," "front splitter," and "front diffuser" are essentially synonymous terms. While there might be slight design variations, all these terms refer to a supplemental component affixed to the lower front bumper. Regardless of appearance, their primary purpose is to enhance aerodynamics, increase downforce, and contribute to both performance and visual aesthetics. It's crucial to recognize that, despite nuanced differences, these terms essentially describe the same type of modification for a car's front end, which I assume Letha is not very well educated on.
This text was then immediately followed by a call, following my expression of disappointment over the misquoted service, I was taken aback by Letha's response. Instead of an apology, she adopted a confrontational stance, offering a refund of my deposit and suggesting I pick up the piece. This arrogance persisted as she then quoted me $750 for the job, a $300 increase from the original quote and $50 more than their charge for a front bumper--an illogical escalation. In response, I promptly informed her that I would be retrieving the part.
This experience has left me frustrated, especially with the operations manager's approach to customer service and her lack of immediate apology for the misquote. It's disheartening to encounter such an attitude in a customer-facing role, particularly when all I sought was clarity and a fair resolution. A company should do its due diligence to learn what anything is and get a full description of the product if they are unsure before quoting someone on a service.
In light of my familiarity with the paint protection film (PPF) process, it became evident that a shop attempting to overcharge for the bottom of a 23-inch front lip was unjustifiable. The average consumer might not discern the nuances and actual costs associated with such work, prompting my decision to articulate this in my review.
While I initially chose Design It Wraps due to its proximity in Nocatee, I later reached out to three other establishments. During this process, I shared detailed information and images, leading me to discover a shop with over two decades of experience willing to undertake the same task for $250.
For those contemplating business with Design It Wraps, I strongly advise diligence in seeking quotes from other PPF/wrap shops with extensive public-facing experience. It appears that this establishment may be imposing higher charges on customers due to elevated business costs in the Nocatee area. Potential patrons should be wary of shouldering such additional expenses and consider alternatives that prioritize fair and transparent customer service over profit margins.
As a resident of Nocatee, I feel compelled to share my experience widely within the community, both among friends and fellow car enthusiasts. I believe in transparent communication and informed decision-making, and I want others to be aware of my encounter with Design It Wraps, especially considering the involvement of individuals like Letha. I wish the business the best of luck in its endeavors, with the hope that future interactions prioritize clarity, fair practices, and positive customer relations. read more