1-Star Review for Variety Wraps…read more
I began working with Richard at Variety Wraps in late September to design and install a business wrap on my 2007 Toyota Yaris. At first, things seemed positive -- I provided my logo, and we discussed design ideas, colors, and the heavy oxidation on my car's paint. Richard acknowledged that and said he would determine the right "tackiness" of vinyl to make it adhere properly.
Unfortunately, the project quickly became an ongoing "big experimentation," in his own words. He repeatedly mentioned how difficult the oxidation made the job but never recommended the proper preparation steps -- such as sanding or priming -- that other reputable wrap shops later told me are essential for adhesion and longevity. Several shops confirmed that a car with significant oxidation should never be wrapped without those steps. Instead, he continued trying to apply pieces of wrap directly to the oxidized paint, saying he was "testing different materials."
After delays, scrapped pieces, and constant complaints from him about how challenging the job was, it became clear he didn't have the expertise for this situation -- or any real timeline. At one point, he admitted he couldn't say when the car would be finished because of the "special situation." I needed the car for work and had planned to bring it back, but when I picked it up, though the roof had been completed, the cuts were uneven in places making it look unfinished. At that point, I decided I couldn't continue.
He later invoiced me for "a la carte" fees, including $300 for artwork, $150 for prep/experimentation, $250 for the completed roof, and $250 for partial installation -- charging me half of the quoted price, even though not even half of the car had been completed. I paid to close the chapter, but I regret it.
He texted me several times afterward asking to finish the job, but I simply couldn't risk it. Would you? When I asked why he didn't sand the car first, his response said it all: "I'm not a paint expert." He even began questioning me about how other companies handle sanding and rust prevention -- which made it clear who was actually lacking expertise.
Worse, when I asked for the design files I had already paid for, he stopped responding to my messages. To date, I have never received them.
I've went to a more professional shop that confirmed the problems with his work: uneven cuts, no protective lamination, and improper preparation.
I strongly caution anyone considering Variety Wraps -- especially if your vehicle has paint wear or oxidation. Richard kept saying he was trying to "educate" me about the issues, but after he used my car as an experiment, I'm not sure I was the one who needed the lesson. What should have been a simple business wrap became an expensive and frustrating "experiment".
