Purchased a new go-kart from this company last year. Kids being kids, the front a-arm got damaged. I first reached out to Q9 via email in November and didn't get a response. I finally called them in March and they said to email them with pictures, I did that and they responded in a timely manner that they were working on getting pricing and availability together. I hadn't heard anything for a couple weeks so I emailed them again to request an update. They responded rather quickly that they are still working on it. I waiting nearly 3 more weeks and finally sent them another email requesting an update. They finally responded the next day with the list of parts and pricing. I let them know a few days later that I would like to proceed with the order and asked them how long it will take to receive the items. They said 5-10 business days. I received the invoice via PayPal and paid it upon receipt. Fast forward to mid-May, 11 days since items should have been shipped. I still hadn't heard from them, so I sent them another email requesting an update. Emails have been polite between both us and them up to this point, however, this is where things slowly go south. Due note the pattern: they have ONLY responded when they are emailed. They have not initiated any emails to let me know the status (poor customer service). This is where things turn a bit sour. They responded immediately (within 3 minutes) stating "We are awaiting word from the manufacturer on the invoice with tracking and will get that information to you as soon as possible." They are still polite however, they should have had the invoicing figured out so once the items were paid for, they got the final invoice from the supplier with shipping. I responded back stating:
"Thank you, but per a previous email, these were to be delivered in 5-10 business days.
Why is there a lack of followup and still awaiting word from the manufacturer? "
Their response:
"Because the manufacturer handles the shipping and we are unable to dictate their shipping terms and the speed at which the items arrive."
This goes back and forth with Q9 asking if I wished to get the parts elsewhere. I said I'd rather get the parts from them since they are who I purchased the go-kart from (I think it's the right thing to do). I told them I wasn't going to cancel the order but to please send me a response by Tuesday the following week. I waited until Wednesday and still hadn't heard back from them, so against my better judgement, I email them requesting if the items have shipped. It's been 10 days with no response. A dispute was opened the same day with PayPal for non-delivery of purchased items. They have also failed to respond to PayPal.
This review is part towards Q9 and part to serve as a warning for all go-karts (and probably the rest of their line of vehicles) made by DongFang Motors (Ningbo Dongfang Lingyun Vehicle Made Co.,Ltd). These karts are sold under various names: Rambler, Viper, Vitacci Rambler, Captain, and probably other names. Typical model number follows this sequence: DF-engine size-model: DF200GKA.
Admittedly, the karts themselves seem to be well built. Ours has had zero issues (in fact, it started right up a few days ago after not running since November). If you need parts, don't count on it. I've emailed multiple companies that sell this line of karts and only one has responded that said they can't get parts for these go-karts (I do question why companies sell this manufacturers' stuff). I've emailed the manufacturer's office based out of California, which accordingly to their website (www.df-motor.com), they have parts in stock in the warehouse. They haven't responded either.
It should be illegal to sell any type of vehicle in the United States that you are unable to get parts. All dealers should be required to have parts on hand or have quick access to parts through stateside warehousing, which, oddly enough, this kart didn't even ship from Q9. It came from a warehouse in TX, so, that would be a perfect place to house spare parts.
Thanks for reading! I hope you are able to make a better and well informed decision when deciding who to purchase a Chinese made vehicle from and whether or not you are able to get parts. I highly advise you to ask the selling dealer if they can get parts, and if they say yes, make them prove it first, if they can't - run away, fast! I wish I would have had the foresight to have done this.
I'll now have to see if there is a local fabricator that can replicate the part I need so my kids have something to enjoy this summer. read more