I just wanted to share my experience with this tint installer. Just some background, my car was already tinted with Formula One Ceramic on all windows, with 5% on all rear windows, and 35% on the front two, before coming to James Window Tinting.
I was looking for a Huper Optik installer who was willing to install the Huper Optik Ceramic 05 on the rear windows of my Subaru hatchback. The reason being is that I wanted more heat rejection in the rear of the car while still retaining the dark look and privacy. This is a very thick film and because of this,hard to work with and install as one piece on curved surfaces. No installer works with the film or even carries it in stock. I called Huper Optik directly to ask them who can install this film on my car. The person I spoke with directed me to two locations, one with whom I already worked with before and who did my current tint and James Window Tint. The former said that he is not comfortable installing it and the latter saying that he can work with it no problem. The former was close to me in Brooklyn (I'm form Jersey City) and James being a little under 2 hours away.
Called James Window Tint and spoke with James himself to set-up an appt. I told him that my car is currently tinted and I have had the film on for about a year. I told him what I wanted and why I wanted. He said that he can do the film without a problem. Saying that he has been in the business for many years and works primarily with Huper Optik films. I told him my concerns with the rear windshield and that many installers don't want to work with it because of ghosting issues. He said not to worry that he has a lot of experience and that it's all about taking your time when heating it. I felt at ease and comfortable so I proceeded with an appt on a Saturday morning as soon as they open at the beginning of August (2016). He explained the cost and I was prepared to pay a little more because I know that it is a quality film.
After install, it looks horrible. It was extremely reflective and not the dark look I was going for at all. It is almost silver. He said to give the film some time to cure as it does take normally 30+ days to fully dry up. I was hesitant but figured that he knows what he is talking about as he has 30 years experience (which he will constantly bring up). I take a look at the rear windshield and it looks okay. So at least no ghosting there..... or so I thought.
The very next day, it was nice and sunny out, better than the overcast day of my install. And what do you know, ghosting all over the back windshield. It looks like some lenticular flames were all over my back windshield. So not only does the film not look dark at all, but now the back windshield looks like garbage. I called him right away and he assured me to give it more time. That it will go away.
I give it another three weeks and there is no doubt about it, there is ghosting and not fading away or looking any better. I asked if I could maybe come in to have it removed and get a refund or even a partial refund as it is not what I was expecting. This is when things went south. All of a sudden, I'm the one in the wrong and being told in a demeaning manner that that is the film I wanted and it is not his fault that it doesn't look like the way I want it. He said that he ordered a $1000+ roll for me and no one else will want the film because there is no demand for it. He said for me to come in again and he will re-do it and if the ghosting happens, he will re-do it again..... again and again until it gets done right. I told him that I do not want to keep driving out there until it does get done right. He then went on to say that he will cut some film for me and mail it so I can have someone else do it. But will not give me my money back as it took four hours to do (three of which involved the black bag and ammonia solution method needed to remove the old tint.... that was less than a year old... really?). This wasn't buyers remorse. I have money but I want to make sure I am getting my money's worth. I don't mind spending more but it has to be done right.
I went to my original tint installer and he agreed, the ghosting will not go away and there is no way that it could properly be done as one piece. He didn't even charge me to remove the film and even gave me a discount to re-do my tints. I went with Spectra Photosync 35% with a layer of Formula One 5% behind it. Photosync doesnt any come any darker that 35% but the numbers are the same as the Huper Optik Ceramic 05. That is customer service. Working with your customer to ensure they return.
I will never go back to James Window Tint while they do have 30+ years in tinting experience, they really need to learn something about customer service and how to work with people. I can understand not getting a full refund but 50% does not seem unreasonable. read more