SMS Auto Fabrics

v8fordman

v8fordman

Well-known member
Just wondering if anyone has any experience with SMS Auto Fabrics? I placed an order months ago and haven’t received it. When I call they chastise me for not putting my inquiry into an email. They tell me the owner will get back with me, but only once has anyone ever responded. Customer service at its finest I guess?
 
They are likely in a state of flux right now since they are trying to purchase the LeBarron Bonney holdings. Hopefully they will get back on line sometime this century.
 
In my experince, organizations with a multi-year history of misleading and disappointing customers don't get better; they tend to just get more desperate. Stay away.
 
Only had one experience with SMS and it was horrible. Had them make a sewn to fit carpet for a 49 Dodge Wayfarer Convertible. All I can say I wouldn’t have them make me a door mat after the fiasco I went through.
 
Hmmmm….Makes me wonder if it's not a ploy to acquire the remnants (mostly the name) of LB to use in future advertising as fake bragging rights to bilk MORE folks out of their hard-earned dollars.... before the ultimate expose of their true MO. DD
 
I bought some material twice and had no problems. They sent me samples the first time with no problems either.
 
Actually, I am only buying material. First, I was told it was in stock and would be shipped immediately. Last week, I was told it would be shipped after the first of the year. By the way, the order was placed in May. It must be difficult to find what was in stock. I've also been told they were having it made; then it was made, but the color didn't meet their quality control. I wish I had asked you guys before ordering. I'll keep you informed.
 
v8fordman said:
Actually, I am only buying material. First, I was told it was in stock and would be shipped immediately. Last week, I was told it would be shipped after the first of the year. By the way, the order was placed in May. It must be difficult to find what was in stock. I've also been told they were having it made; then it was made, but the color didn't meet their quality control. I wish I had asked you guys before ordering. I'll keep you informed.
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Sounds like things haven’t changed, and they want 100% payment upfront. Once they have your money you no longer matter. They usually don’t t answer the phone, you leave a message on the answering machine, send e mail that never get answered.
 
Sorry for your poor service and order uncertainty. I ordered some SMS material that fairly closely matched stuff in my Ranch Wagon about a dozen years ago, and I don't recall any problems with them sending the product, but that was a while ago. I thought they sold mostly NOS material. Apparently not. If you ordered NOS, there's no reason in heck why it shouldn't have arrived by now. If you ordered replica material and they're waiting on the manufacturer, there really isn't much you can do, I guess. I doubt they're actually trying to rip you off.
 
Eight months just to get two small swatches of vinyl of in-stock material hoping for match (neither was close to the piece that I sent them); some service. If the existing staff isn't up to the task either through inclination or lack of experience or insufficient numbers, will adding adding the LeBaron Bonney materials and patterns result in a turnaround in customer service? That has to be the worst bet of 2020.
 
Better to find a local upholstery shop and view their samples, then get them to order what you need.
Works well down here.
Chris.NZ.
 
FortyNiner said:
In my experince, organizations with a multi-year history of misleading and disappointing customers don't get better; they tend to just get more desperate. Stay away.
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I agree 100%.
This is sad as they are one of two bidding on the remnants of the lebaron business. Unfortunately, the other is Ecklers, and if Pete is correct, we are all in trouble - Ecklers doesn't exactly have a stellar reputation.
 
I have had dealings with both companies in the past. SMS took over 9 months to make a set of seat covers for a Z 28 but they had the original comfort weave materiel and they look great. I have in the past bought from LB for numerous 40/36/35/48 Fords and before Lee Atherton let his son in law run the business had no trouble, the few I bought from them after that was like pulling the proverbial hens teeth. Ecklers has the same reputation. Maybe a Chinese company could do better!!!!
 
Some years ago SMs had a decent reputation. it all comes down to who is running the company now. Exactly what happened to LB.
 
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