Problems at Grippatank???

[GrippaTANK]

Good Morning,

Firstly, we would like to thank you all for your patience in awaiting our response. This is for two reasons - (a) we are extremely busy as we  have a full order book and (b) the relevant legal advise has had to be sought before we respond.

In response to “Wiseman Windows” first post on the other forum - This information posted is not correct and is out of date. We have had some issues with a few suppliers including failure to supply goods to the correct quality (or at all), but only one remains outstanding and we believe that this will soon be settled in court in our favour.  It is sad that a competitor would choose to post such information without the full picture, in order to discredit our brand which we have worked very hard as a family to develop over the last 10 years.

The issue with long lead times is not in anyway related to the suggestion that GrippaTank is “going down” or as suggested that “we owe suppliers a lot of money”. Whilst 2019 has indeed been an interesting year for trading, as the Brexit political situation has caused an element of uncertainly, we are blessed with having a very full system order book, along with having a very active parts and consumables fulfilment team. 

This thread however has certainly given us some really useful feedback and shown we have to take drastic measures to improve the way we fulfil our customers parts and consumable orders. As a company, our growth and reputation has been built off the back of the GrippaMAX Crash Tested systems we build and supply, and this is what we specialise in. As the business has grown, our web/telephone smaller sales orders has grown steadily along side the system building side of the business. However in the last 18 months, our parts dispatch side of the business has grown to a size that has meant we have struggled in some cases to fulfil dispatch orders on time. Most of our products are “not off the shelve” items, but involve some form of workshop time to configure to the customers requirement before they can be shipped. 

In September 2019, we appointed a new head of strategy, who is tasked with streamlining our dispatch side of the business, so that this is run efficiently allowing us to focus on what our passion and strength is - the crash tested system installations along with premium bespoke vehicle builds. 

As a result of this we are working very hard to develop a new management system, implement training within the team to implement clearer communication amongst ourselves, and ensure better communication to the customer.

With 6500+ customers on our books, we have a large number of loyal and happy clients. However, we would like to apologise for any customers who have experienced issues with order delays, and would actively encourage you to contact me directly to discuss your feedback. We would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued trade and support, and also taking the time to place their positive feedback as well.

If anyone wishes to contact me to discuss directly the comments above or any additional feedback you have - I would be very happy to do so. 

Oliver 

Managing Director

[email protected]

——————————————————————————————————————

In response to specific comments:

• PJJ - Thank you for the concern - we are very busy with a order book taking us into the new year ?
  

• Iron Giant - We are sorry to hear this. Whilst I do not expect you to change your mind, I would appreciate your email / or call as we working really hard to work hard on feedback given to ensure our service matches our product
  

• Scottish Cleaning Service - we appreciate your support and continued customer. We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend. The issue is not with Clean it up, but with the competitor who has actively chosen to publish information in an attempt to discredit our brand.
  

• Cleanco - This is a very good point about sometimes managing growth in a sustainable fashion. We are a family run business with a total of 15 staff, and we are working hard to ensure our business maintains a good reputation. I can assure you, myself or the rest of team do not take massive bonuses ?
  

• DMW - We really appreciate your continued loyalty and custom.
  

• Brianbarber/CGH Window Cleaning - You are spot on with your analysis. 
  

• RWCleaning - We would be very happy to help you with this enquiry ?
  

 

[steve garwood]

I had my system fitted by grippa and they were very helpful ?.

On a side note, I had a call from grippa yesterday, think it was a lady called‘Paula’?

Anyway, I recently made an enquiry about a diesel hot water system as my fogwash has finally packed up.

The one surprise that got me, was the answer to my question ‘doe’s it need servicing?’

The answer being ‘we recommend it’s serviced once a year to change the glow plugs etc. The price is £460 plus call out charge depending where you are’ ??.

Do you guys with the diesel hot pay this every year? Seems extremely expensive!

I had my fogwash for over nine years and only expense (apart from gas) was two new batteries at £4!!

 

[RWCleaning]

Nice one @GrippaTANK

That was a proper mic drop ? ? 

 

[Pjj]

I had my system fitted by grippa and they were very helpful ?.

On a side note, I had a call from grippa yesterday, think it was a lady called‘Paula’?

Anyway, I recently made an enquiry about a diesel hot water system as my fogwash has finally packed up.

The one surprise that got me, was the answer to my question ‘doe’s it need servicing?’

The answer being ‘we recommend it’s serviced once a year to change the glow plugs etc. The price is £460 plus call out charge depending where you are’ ??.

Do you guys with the diesel hot pay this every year? Seems extremely expensive!

I had my fogwash for over nine years and only expense (apart from gas) was two new batteries at £4!!

  I have had my diesel heater from Grippatank it’s now 5 years old and done over 10,000 hours run time and never been serviced , a local marina that fit them on boats and are a wabasto  agent told me there is nothing to service it either works or it doesn’t , the glow pins and screens and burner only need changing when they go wrong or chuff out white smoke , they could have easily sold me a service but didn’t . I love the boiler and I have the stainless steel cabinet very pleased with it 

 

[spruce]

I had my system fitted by grippa and they were very helpful ?.

On a side note, I had a call from grippa yesterday, think it was a lady called‘Paula’?

Anyway, I recently made an enquiry about a diesel hot water system as my fogwash has finally packed up.

The one surprise that got me, was the answer to my question ‘doe’s it need servicing?’

The answer being ‘we recommend it’s serviced once a year to change the glow plugs etc. The price is £460 plus call out charge depending where you are’ ??.

Do you guys with the diesel hot pay this every year? Seems extremely expensive!

I had my fogwash for over nine years and only expense (apart from gas) was two new batteries at £4!!

This was very good advise that would be given as a blanket service instruction by Webasto in view of the drama they had around 10 years ago in the marine industry.

In those days the quality of red diesel supplied into some marinas was rather suspect and created a lot of black suit which prevented the Furnace for starting and burning properly.

There is a Youtube video showing how much soot came out of a Planar diesel air heater. This is something that the marine industry experienced but it was down to the quality of the fuel rather than slow burning.

 

[Pjj]

Good Morning,

Firstly, we would like to thank you all for your patience in awaiting our response. This is for two reasons - (a) we are extremely busy as we  have a full order book and (b) the relevant legal advise has had to be sought before we respond.

In response to “Wiseman Windows” first post on the other forum - This information posted is not correct and is out of date. We have had some issues with a few suppliers including failure to supply goods to the correct quality (or at all), but only one remains outstanding and we believe that this will soon be settled in court in our favour.  It is sad that a competitor would choose to post such information without the full picture, in order to discredit our brand which we have worked very hard as a family to develop over the last 10 years.

The issue with long lead times is not in anyway related to the suggestion that GrippaTank is “going down” or as suggested that “we owe suppliers a lot of money”. Whilst 2019 has indeed been an interesting year for trading, as the Brexit political situation has caused an element of uncertainly, we are blessed with having a very full system order book, along with having a very active parts and consumables fulfilment team. 

This thread however has certainly given us some really useful feedback and shown we have to take drastic measures to improve the way we fulfil our customers parts and consumable orders. As a company, our growth and reputation has been built off the back of the GrippaMAX Crash Tested systems we build and supply, and this is what we specialise in. As the business has grown, our web/telephone smaller sales orders has grown steadily along side the system building side of the business. However in the last 18 months, our parts dispatch side of the business has grown to a size that has meant we have struggled in some cases to fulfil dispatch orders on time. Most of our products are “not off the shelve” items, but involve some form of workshop time to configure to the customers requirement before they can be shipped. 

In September 2019, we appointed a new head of strategy, who is tasked with streamlining our dispatch side of the business, so that this is run efficiently allowing us to focus on what our passion and strength is - the crash tested system installations along with premium bespoke vehicle builds. 

As a result of this we are working very hard to develop a new management system, implement training within the team to implement clearer communication amongst ourselves, and ensure better communication to the customer.

With 6500+ customers on our books, we have a large number of loyal and happy clients. However, we would like to apologise for any customers who have experienced issues with order delays, and would actively encourage you to contact me directly to discuss your feedback. We would also like to thank our loyal customers for their continued trade and support, and also taking the time to place their positive feedback as well.

If anyone wishes to contact me to discuss directly the comments above or any additional feedback you have - I would be very happy to do so. 

Oliver 

Managing Director

[email protected]

——————————————————————————————————————

In response to specific comments:

• PJJ - Thank you for the concern - we are very busy with a order book taking us into the new year ?
  

• Iron Giant - We are sorry to hear this. Whilst I do not expect you to change your mind, I would appreciate your email / or call as we working really hard to work hard on feedback given to ensure our service matches our product
  

• Scottish Cleaning Service - we appreciate your support and continued customer. We are looking forward to seeing you this weekend. The issue is not with Clean it up, but with the competitor who has actively chosen to publish information in an attempt to discredit our brand.
  

• Cleanco - This is a very good point about sometimes managing growth in a sustainable fashion. We are a family run business with a total of 15 staff, and we are working hard to ensure our business maintains a good reputation. I can assure you, myself or the rest of team do not take massive bonuses ?
  

• DMW - We really appreciate your continued loyalty and custom.
  

• Brianbarber/CGH Window Cleaning - You are spot on with your analysis. 
  

• RWCleaning - We would be very happy to help you with this enquiry ?
  

Hi Oliver 

it’s none of my business but ime glad you have posted this , there has been a lot of speculation as to what is happening, hopefully now you can make some adjustments as needed it takes a bigger man to admit that this needs to happen rather than just blundering on , I wish you all the best with your business expansion keep up the good work 

Paul 

 

[Part Timer]

This isn't the first, and definitely won't be the last, company that has expanded to quickly. Very easy to take, what looks like, easy money with out doing the correct planning beforehand then finding out they're in to deep and can't get out. Hopefully this negative experience will prove positive in the long run. 

 

[Iron Giant]

@GrippaTANK aka Oliver, for me your website and lack of information on consumables and other items is a let down and when I have phoned or emailed for details and had questions no one has ever got back to me, personally your site needs sorting out with product specs so I and others can instantly see the information and make an informed choice on what I am looking to purchase at anytime. ?

 

 

[Den]

4 hours ago, spruce said:



This was very good advise that would be given as a blanket service instruction by Webasto in view of the drama they had around 10 years ago in the marine industry.

In those days the quality of red diesel supplied into some marinas was rather suspect and created a lot of black suit which prevented the Furnace for starting and burning properly.

There is a Youtube video showing how much soot came out of a Planar diesel air heater. This is something that the marine industry experienced but it was down to the quality of the fuel rather than slow burning.

Mels world I have been a subscriber of his channel for a while I use heating oil for my diesel heater works perfect burns nice and clean and really cheap.

 

[Brianbarber]

I had my system fitted by grippa and they were very helpful ?.

On a side note, I had a call from grippa yesterday, think it was a lady called‘Paula’?

Anyway, I recently made an enquiry about a diesel hot water system as my fogwash has finally packed up.

The one surprise that got me, was the answer to my question ‘doe’s it need servicing?’

The answer being ‘we recommend it’s serviced once a year to change the glow plugs etc. The price is £460 plus call out charge depending where you are’ ??.

Do you guys with the diesel hot pay this every year? Seems extremely expensive!

I had my fogwash for over nine years and only expense (apart from gas) was two new batteries at £4!!

No, after advice from a guy on here , he runs all day every day, 5 plus years, no issues...

Mr B

 

[NoName]

Grippatank set me up with van fitted system, guttervac and power washing kit - overs 5 years ago  - no company is always going to get everything right all of the time - but in my experience Grippatank are akin to John Lewis - Great quality, Great Service any issues sorted asap - yes they are humans but I've called them many times with 'how' do I's' especially in the early days and the team ALWAYS has supported me with info, answers, step by step hand holding!  

Might not be the cheapest but time and time again they have genuinely tried to assist wherever they can. Whether than means on the way back from Amsterdam Window Cleaning show - dropping of a tall pole I needed for a rush job (even though I'm not enroute, by long shot), or finding a space in their schedule to rush job fit a system move from my previous van (when it died - RIP) to my new van.

For me I value service highly - time is money and any down time is annoying - I'm glad I've got them backing me.

All the guys are excellent to deal with and pleasure to conduct business with.

Not at all surprised, Oliver honestly admits they are experiencing a little growing pains, once you experience great customer service combined with great products it's inevitable success and hence growth will follow.

 

[scottish cleaning service]

There's a problem going on with small businesses retaining staff. You take on a new member of staff and train them up to fit wfp systems. After a few years they can set up their own company fitting systems. I have even heard a few building their own system and leaving to take up window cleaning. There is little loyalty being an employee now, in a fast capitalist world we live in.

 

[Part Timer]

Not at all surprised, Oliver honestly admits they are experiencing a little growing pains, once you experience great customer service combined with great products it's inevitable success and hence growth will follow.

He's actually admitted that the problem is poor customer service and they've left where they're strong at. CCJ's aren't growing pains, they're a company not doing what they've promised. Hopefully, for him, he's learnt his lesson and moves on. 

I asked for a quote from them 6 months ago and their offer of a discount if I paid upfront actually scared me off. My instinct was obviously correct. 

There's a problem going on with small businesses retaining staff. You take on a new member of staff and train them up to fit wfp systems. After a few years they can set up their own company fitting systems. I have even heard a few building their own system and leaving to take up window cleaning. There is little loyalty being an employee now, in a fast capitalist world we live in.

Pay peanuts you get monkeys. This hasn't changed in the 30+ years I've been in business. Good staff should be paid well. If you're lucky enough to find one then pay them accordingly 

 

[Shammy Davis Senior]

My experience buying from Grippa was horrendous. I had to chase them for delivery and was given conflicting information by them. It took 3 weeks to deliver some poles and then they were the wrong ones. By this time I’d had enough and had lost confidence in them so I sent them back and asked for a refund. The refund took over two weeks.

My advice from my experience is steer clear. I suspected they had cash flow problems and the CCJs add to that suspicion. 

 

[scottish cleaning service]

Grippatank were here and had a look at my hot water. The Webasto setting was wrong which should be correct from the factory, anyhow all working fine and so are my electric reels. Asked Oliver to remove a reel and bolt on top of another one and he was happy to obliged. Got some freebies because of my wait and worked out well for me. He did say, to comply with the Webasto warranty i need to get it serviced next year. After the two year warranty runs out then its up to me if I want to continue. ? 

 

[Part Timer]

Grippatank were here and had a look at my hot water. The Webasto setting was wrong which should be correct from the factory

Surely they should've checked everything when they installed it. Don't like people blaming others when ultimately it's their fault. 

 

[scottish cleaning service]

Surely they should've checked everything when they installed it. Don't like people blaming others when ultimately it's their fault. 

If I remember right it was 7pm Friday night and I wanted to drive home so when it started up I was happy with it. Only when I used it the next day and it started up and eventually cut out. It was a blessing in disguise for me because some of my customers now want the wfp if its hot water they see the merit in it.

 

[P4dstar]

If I remember right it was 7pm Friday night and I wanted to drive home so when it started up I was happy with it. Only when I used it the next day and it started up and eventually cut out. It was a blessing in disguise for me because some of my customers now want the wfp if its hot water they see the merit in it.

Your fingers will feel the merit in it during winter, especially up your neck of the woods.

 

[spruce]

Mels world I have been a subscriber of his channel for a while I use heating oil for my diesel heater works perfect burns nice and clean and really cheap.

The garage he used in this video doesn't advertise that they sell Gas Oil. None of the service stations do. I'm still looking out for one who that does in our part of the world. The one we do have is sells diesel for off shore boating and causes lots of soot in Webasto boilers.

 

[Den]

Where I live there is no gas mains, I have a oil boiler for our hot water/central heating plus a log burner and immersion heater covers all bases lol

I order a minimum of 500l of heating oil at a time then just siphon off what I need for my CampervN it as it’s own fuel tank. 

There is a garage local to me that sells red diesel and also heating oil from the pumps as where I live it’s very agricultural.

think my last order worked out approx 47p a litre. 

 

[scottish cleaning service]

Your fingers will feel the merit in it during winter, especially up your neck of the woods.

Aye, can feel my luck changing now. Have a first clean today for £40 will let you know how i get on with hot water and dip brush in degreaser. Once I have scrubbed and rinsed them all i will go over again with clean brush.