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Coastal Customer Service?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by chipdowns, Jan 18, 2007.

  1. chipdowns

    chipdowns New Member

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    I'm a newbie 2005 Prius owner (just drove to Massachusetts - 1500 miles round trip loaded down with winter items and five people...46 MPG :) ). I am interested in some of the Coastal Tech products (auto door lock, electric only mode, and one of the lockpicks). I e-mailed Coastal about 10 days ago and called twice and left a message (once) during business hours, but have not heard a reply yet. :(

    I seem to see a few people on the forums complaining about communications from Coastal. Is this a normal behavior for the company?

    I have a couple product questions as well. I have the navigation system (version 4.1). Which lockpick would be most helpful for me? I am thinking the blue lockpick. Am I correct in understanding that it is just a one time install that will then allow the passenger to access the locked out buttons?

    More importantly for me...Are there any warranty concerns with using the products like the electric only mode?

    With the endorsement that the products do show up, I'd feel comfortable placing an order online since phone and e-mail do not seem to work with them. B)

    Thanks,
    Chip
     
  2. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    Vehicle:
    2022 Prius Prime
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    Limited
    Patience is important with Coastal. If it's in stock it's pretty quick and they generally don't hit your credit card until it ships.

    I ordered their Nav kit (this is a pre-Lockpick) and Auto-Lock kit in April '05. I got the Auto-Lock in September '05 and the Nav kit in January '06. I ordered their EV mod in February '06 and it arrived 8 days later (from Florida to California).

    Do you really have a 2005, that's a #5 package? That has neither the NAV or the BT. If it's a #6, then the blue one should cover it all. It's a one time attachment that will allow your passenger to use the buttons. I ended up cutting the speed sensor wire on the very rare occasion a call has to be made that isn't in the one-touch.
     
  3. bbartel

    bbartel New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(aaf709 @ Jan 18 2007, 04:26 PM) [snapback]377513[/snapback]</div>
    I've been waiting since Christmas for the replacement of a defective component for my LockPick 3. The other parts of the LockPick are working fine, but the NAV over ride is totally inoperative.

    It is very frustrating getting CoastalETech to answer their phone, or return an email.

    I hope to soon enjoy the rest of the system for which I paid over a month ago ...


    Bruce
     
  4. bbartel

    bbartel New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bruce B @ Jan 20 2007, 06:32 PM) [snapback]378465[/snapback]</div>

    Still waiting ...


    Bruce
     
  5. nicoss

    nicoss New Member

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    In Mahayana Buddhism, patience is one of the six (or ten) paramitas that a bodhisattva trains in and practices to realize perfect Bodhi (enlightenment). :lol:
     
  6. txav8r

    txav8r Senior Member

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    IV
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ChipDowns @ Jan 18 2007, 06:05 PM) [snapback]377507[/snapback]</div>
    Chip,

    I think many have felt your frustration in todays environment of immediate gratification. The short answer is yes, this is normal for coastaletech. I have had similar experiences but in the end, I did get my questions answered and received good products. I have an 07 and my signature below will provide a list of my coastal products. My observation is that they are a small "mom and pop" company trying to support an "internet demand". I think they must feel put out that so many people don't just order and not ask questions. They have a nice website that must seem perfectly fine to them but with so many models and differences, it is confusing to some including me. I think they don't see that or don't have the manpower (or woman) to answer the phone or demand. So be patient if you want their products and maybe they will see our patience and realize the generous amount of leeway that their customer base is extending them. Who knows, maybe it (customer service) will improve! You can feel comfortable ordering, and waiting from my experience. They filled my order and shipped within 12 hours of my placing the order. I did not pay for anything but ground shipping so it took about 7 days to reach me but that is UPS, not Coastal. Your questions might get answered on here better or faster. I think someone aswered you already that the blue lockpick will remove the "i agree", unblock the nav, and unlock the bluetooth. If you have other questions, post them, or you are welcome to email or pm me. Look forward to helping as others have helped me.

    Mel
     
  7. dzucc

    dzucc New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(ChipDowns @ Jan 18 2007, 06:05 PM) [snapback]377507[/snapback]</div>
    Chip,
    This is "normal" for Coastal Tech. I don't think you can go wrong ordering their products though. I have the ultimate lockpick 3 and the EV mod and they work great. I am going to order the auto lock next. That being said, they are in dire need of a lesson in customer support 101! When you finally do get a hold of someone ( usually Kelley ) they are pleasant and helpful to deal with. Email works only if you "rapid fire" them a few. Don't worry, you will get your product....eventually and it will work as advertized.
    Stay away from the Valor I Link.
     
  8. bbartel

    bbartel New Member

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    Yesterday, February 17, I finally received a replacement cable assembly from Coastal. The problem with a defective under seat NAV cable was reported to them on December 25. The LockPick 3 is now fully functional, after *only* 8 weeks of multiple unanswered emails, multiple unanswered voice mail messages, and one shipment of the wrong replacement part. Altogether, an unsatisfactory buying experience.

    I suppose the bottom line is that the correct part is now here, the LockPick 3 is working, and I should be glad of it. At least I got two extra bags of Jelly-Bellys" ...


    Bruce

    .
     
  9. RaleighMatt

    RaleighMatt New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Bruce B @ Feb 18 2007, 01:42 PM) [snapback]392422[/snapback]</div>

    I suggest you do not do business with this "organization". They do NOT respond and have no customer service. I have made it my job to go through Priuschat and make sure any threads that mention them also point to this thread:

    http://priuschat.com/Bad-experience-with-c...ech-t29730.html