American Regulators Cracking Down


American Regulators Cracking Down 
On the heels of the Federal Trade Commission's attention to deceptive dealer advertising and unfair and deceptive trade practices, State Attorneys General have been busy lately, filing and settling a raft of enforcement actions against car dealers across the country.
 
There are lessons to be learned for car dealers from
these actions, key among them is to keep claims
honest and true.
 
To read the rest of this article, reprinted from the summer issue of The Dealer Standard, DOWNLOAD THIS ARTICLE IN PDF

Xvipers.com true story - august 2012

If you ever do business with xvipes.com
I suggest to go there, choose your parts, pay and leave.
My overal buying experience from xvipers.com was not as easy as online shopping should be.

My 1st online transaction with xvipers owner Michael Nouri went very smooth and with no issues.
Parts arrived few days later and all was the way it supposed to.

Second transaction was not as good:

I ordered a rear clip for 2010 prius in JUNE 2012, THEY HAD it , price was not lowest on the market but they offered to cut clip the way I want and promissed that they will include all internal parts, tail lights and bumper and hatch doors for 2010 toyota Prius with matching interior and exterior colors.

I called few days for payment, Michael took my CC numbers over the phone.
Unfortunatelly my CC ( had a limit ) and would cover only amount for parts without shipping charges.

I called day later and told him, that I want to pay shipping with other CC. He said it will be taken care by secretary and that she will call me soon.

3 months later, no phone from secretary or from Micheal and me calling every second day at different times, no one is picking xvipers toll free or regular phone up.

No one is answering emails at sales@xvipers.com either, and I am on my way with empty trailer to little city of: OWENSVILLE in Missouri where Xvipers are located.

I checked their address via google maps and it shows a building with warehouse and many salvage vehicles around. I thought that if between the time then the satellite picture was taken and now nothing happened they should be still there. I searched  for business in the area and called local Auto parts store just accross the street. They did not know who Xvipers is but they knew who the guy with Toyota Prius parts is so I was very confident that someone is there.

Well,  unfortunately when I arrived to Owensville all invenotry of salvage cars was gone.  As I was told by Police officer later that day, Xvipers.com moved away to enclosed warehouse 5 miles away from the town.

When I talked to local police officer he told me that city officials kicked Xvipers out from the city due to large amount of complains from outside customers. Police told me that there are hundreds people like me comming/calling/sending letters to Police/city of Owensville annually beginning in 2008 until now ( AUG/2012 ) to get their money back or purchases. Unfortunately they ( Police/City) cannot do much. I heard stories about several russians  flying there with their own translator to recover their about 30k USD  investment in Viper parts and someone else flying from Sweden to get their money back.

Reason for no Police action:
All transactions are done via Internet not cash register so police cannot prove anything to xvipers.com
Showing your online transactions won't work. Xvipers uses Australian credit card company to process their orders. I tried to call/email/mail that company and never got answer. Try for yourself:


Police officer told me that he submit bunch of complains to FBI for investigation year ago but they refused it because it is not cost effective for them unless each case is worth more than 100k USD

He told me that the only remedy is to hire local lawyer and open civil suit against xvipers.com , he told me these things happened in the past and at the moment Michael Nouri coughs out money or parts to his customers.

Below are few pictures of what I saw  in Owensville, Missouri on August 2012.
Shop name is Eliteauto not Xvipers. there are approximately 4 workers there. I had no privilege to meet Michael, and he could only communicate over the phone with his workers.

They pretend as they do not know what is going on. Once I showed then an INVOICE and proof of payment on my credit card statement where it says Xvipers.com then they could give me what I came for.

If you need any more info, please email me. I will be happy to share my thoughts.

I was LUCKY !  I got my parts and I left as quickly as I could.Here some pics from the site:







Extened vehicle warranty in Ontario Canada

Please keep in Mind, AutoexportAuction provide warranties on vehicles

imported from USA into CANADA

Insured Warranty Providers in Canada for Vehicles

Dealers are required to ensure warranty contracts comply with all requirements under the new Motor Vehicle Dealers Act (MVDA).
An extended warranty is a contract whereby a person, other than a motor vehicle manufacturer, agrees to provide coverage of the costs associated with the repair or replacement of components of a motor vehicle, including the labour necessary to repair or replace those components, that is in addition to a warranty supplied by law or implied by the operation of law.
Dealers can only sell extended warranty products that are insured, or for which a letter of credit to the Compensation Fund has been provided.
Note: Letters of credit are drawn against in the event of a failure of the extended warranty provider which results in claims to the Compensation Fund. If the extended warranty provider is no longer in business and the letter of credit is exhausted dealers are responsible for any Compensation Fund claims paid out over and above the letter of credit. As a result, dealers need to make inquiries with their warranty providers on a frequent basis to check on the status of their security or insurance.
The following list is provided as a courtesy to dealers to assist them with compliance under the new MVDA requirements set out in Regulation 47. OMVIC does not regulate extended warranty providers nor will OMVIC recommend any particular extended warranty provider.

SECURED - LETTER OF CREDIT ON FILE
1159274 Ontario Ltd. o/a Bayview Auto Sales and Leasing/AAAP Warranty
1230906 Ontario Ltd. o/a Automax Centre
1353974 Ontario Inc. o/a Newstart Canada
1393151 Ontario Ltd. o/a Be Safe Warranty
1552799 Ontario Inc. o/a Suzuki of Newmarket
1716858 Ontario Inc. o/a Cambridge Kia/ My Car Deal Online
1757259 Ontario Inc. o/a Canadian Auto Warranty
A-Protect
Auto Motion Used Vehicles Inc.
Coast to Coast Warranty Corporation
Chris Taylor Auto Sales Ltd. o/a Automaxx Pre-Owned Car Centre
Davey Auto Sales Ltd.
First Canadian/Millenium
Haishang Investments Ltd. o/a Haishang Auto Sales
Haldimand Motors Ltd.
Lafreniere Auto Sales & Service Ltd.
Mark Wilson's Better Used Cars Limited
NAAWA Corp (Autogard)
Rideau Valley Motors Inc. o/a My Car/RVM Simply The Best Warranty
SAL Marketing Inc.
Wright Auto Sales Inc.
SECURED - INSURED THIRD PARTY WARRANTY COMPANIES
Automobile Protection Corporation (Easy Care)
Coast to Coast Dealer Services
Cornerstone United Ltd.
CoverageOne
Global Warranty
INDS CANADA Corp.
Integrated Warranty Systems Inc.
Lubrico Warranty
Lyndon-DFS Administrative Services Inc. (Protective-Asset Protection Division)
Nationwide Auto Warranty Corporation
Omni Warranty Corp.
People's Choice Warranty
Premier Dealer Services (Tricor Automotive Group)
Note: This list is deemed accurate as of April 23, 2012. Changes may occur in the meantime
so dealers should confirm the status of their extended warranty providers directly and periodically.

Extended Warranty Disclaimer
The companies above have provided the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council ("OMVIC"), with sufficient evidence of full insurance from an insurer licenced under the Insurance Act in accordance with subsection 47 (1) (a) of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act, 2002 (the "MVDA 2002"), or have provided the Motor Vehicle Dealers Compensation Fund with an irrevocable letter of credit as set out in subsection 47 (1) (b) of the MVDA 2002. Please note an issuer of a letter of credit may have the option not to renew the letter of credit upon 30-90 days written notice.
The list above is provided by OMVIC as a courtesy only and is current as of April 23, 2012. OMVIC does not make any representation or warranties of any kind whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise with respect to the extended warranties listed above and takes no responsibility for any claims, products, or services offered by the vendors of the extended warranties. Please direct any related questions to said vendors. In no event shall OMVIC be liable for any claims loss, demands or damages of any kind whatsoever with respect to the service, the material and the products offered by the vendors of the extended warranties including without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damages, whether arising from loss of profits, loss of revenue, and whether or not the possibility of such loss has been notified to OMVIC. The foregoing will apply whether such claims, loss or damages arise in tort, contract, negligence, under statute or otherwise. For more information please contact OMVIC.

Canadian Ports of Entry - for vehicle import 2012


Before you leave the US with your vehicle, you must ensure that the vehicle is properly exported. US Customs requires all documentation to be submitted at least 72 hours before you intend to export your vehicle. At this point US Customs ensures the vehicle is not stolen or has any liens against it. Once you are cleared, the ownership paperwork will be cross-checked for accuracy and stamped for export by US Customs. While Canada Customs checks for the US Customs export paperwork, many consumers have reported this step is routinely bypassed by Canada Customs agents. In other cases, the importer was turned back to the US. It's best to ensure your vehicle is properly documented for export.

Most Canadian ground-based ports of entry permit vehicle importation 24/7 but some US Customs facilities only permit exports during certain business hours.

Note, this list is subject to change. For the most current list check this the
US Customs site

Please contact the US Customs office where you wish to cross with any updated requirements.
The Vehicle Export Offices are typically closed on Federal Holidays and weekends

The most popular crossings include:

 

Calais Maine / St. Stephen New Brunswick Crossing
You need to physically deliver (couriers accepted) original Certicate of Origin and two copies of the bill of sale to:
3 Customs Street Calais, ME 04619.
Faxes are NOT accepted. Open 24/7. Contact them at (207) 454-3621

Montana crossing at Sweetgrass
Send documents to Port Of Entry-Whitlash, MT
General Fax: (406) 432-5528. Provide MCO, bill of sale and any related paperwork.
Documents have to arrive 72 hours before export.
General Phone: (406) 432-5522
to confirm reception of documents. They will also confirm when vehicle is ready for export.
Google map link
Map

Washington Blaine crossing
DO NOT CALL, email or fax documents only.

Vehicle Export Office
Phone: 360-332-2632
Fax: 360-332-2639
Operational Hours: 0800 - 1530 PT
Weekdays (Monday-Friday)

e-Mail: BLAINE-OFOEXPORT@dhs.gov
ONLY fax to (360)332-2639

Location of export office, exit on the I-5 on truck crossing. Anything else you will be heading straight to Canadian border.

Quebec crossing at Lacolle
(also applies to Philipsburg / Highgate Springs crossing)
Documents needed for vehicle exportation: Original certificate of title, 1 complete photocopy (front and back) of title and a copy of the bill of sale. 72 business hours (3 business days) wait prior for the export process.
Faxed documents are not accepted.You can contact them for more information.
1515 East Service Road,
Champlain, NY 12919
Office open Monday to Friday, 0600 - 2200ET
General Phone: (518) 298-8335
They enforce the 72hrs processing timetable.

Queenston/Lewiston (Lewiston Bridge Cargo Facility) crossing
This is the only crossing on the Niagara River
(between Ontario and New York) that can process both exports from the US and imports to Canada. The US side only processes cars Monday to Friday 0800 - 1600ET. Canada Customs can process cars 24/7. US Customs will accept faxed documents 72 hours prior to export. The US export office is the first building on the left as you leave the US but requires you to cross 12 inspection lanes coming toward you. Google Maps view of US Customs export office at Queenston/Lewiston bridge
Contact them by phone: (716) 843.8359E-mail: buffalovinnyoffice@dhs.gov. CBP personnel will confirm receipt of your email and provide additional instructions if required
.

IMPORTING CAR INTO CANADA - PORTS OF ENTRY

In order to expedite your importation through US Customs and Border Protection, you must submit your import documentation to the export office at the border you wish to cross at least 72 hours in advance (three working days) of bringing your imported vehicle into Canada. You should also note that not all borders accept vehicle exports and that some require that you submit original documentation in person or by courier. We encourage you to verify the requirements at your selected crossing in advance.
To assist you, below is listing of many of the border crossings, as well as their unique export instructions. You can also check out the border crossing information listed on the CBP web site.

Alberta & Montana

  • Aden - Aden, AB & Whitlash, MT
  • Carway - Carway, AB & Piegan, MT
  • Del Bonita - Del Bonita, AB & Del Bonita/Cut Bank, MT
  • Sweetgrass - Coutts, AB & Sweetgrass, MT
Sweetgrass
LocationCoutts, Alberta & Sweetgrass, Montana
Export HoursAs per web site (link below)
Telephone(406) 432.5522 (you will reach the Whitlash Office, which processes the documentation for vehicle exports through all Idaho and Montana border crossings. However, you will still cross through the address below.)
Fax(406) 432.5528
E-MailWHITLASHEXPORT@dhs.gov
Web SiteClick here
AddressInterstate 15 N at Canadian border, Sweetgrass, MT 59484 (Map)

  • Wild Horse - Wild Horse, AB & Wild Horse/Havre, MT

British Columbia & Idaho

  • Kingsgate - Kingsgate, BC & Eastport, ID
  • Rykerts - Rykerts, BC & Porthill, ID

British Columbia & Montana

  • Roosville - Roosville, BC & Roosville, MT

British Columbia & Washington State

  • Laurier - Cascade, BC & Laurier, WA
  • Oroville - Osoyoos, BC & Oroville, WA
  • Pacific Highway (Peace Arch) - Surrey, BC & Blaine, WA
  • Sumas - Huntingdon, BC & Sumas, WA
  • Metaline Falls - Nelway, BC & Metaline Falls, WA
  • Boundary - Waneta, BC & Boundary, WA
  • Frontier - Paterson, BC & Frontier, WA
  • Danville - Carson, BC & Danville, WA
  • Ferry - Midway, BC & Ferry, WA
  • Port Angeles - Victoria, BC & Port Angeles, WA
  • Aldergrove - Aldergrove, BC & Lynden, WA - No vehicle exports allowed
  • Chopaka - Chopaka, BC & Nighthawk, WA - No vehicle exports allowed

Manitoba & North Dakota

  • Boissevain - Boissevain, MB & Dunseith, ND
  • Cartwright - Cartwright, MB & Hansboro, ND
  • Coulter - Coulter, MB & Westhope, ND
  • Crystal City - Crystal City, MB & Sarles, ND
  • Goodlands - Goodlands, MB & Carbury, ND
  • Gretna - Gretna, MB & Neche, ND
  • Lena - Lena, MB & Saint John, ND
  • Lyleton - Lyleton, MB & Antler, ND
  • Pembina - Emerson, MB & Pembina, ND
  • Snowflake - Snowflake, MB & Hannah, ND
  • Windygates - Snowflake, MB & Maida, ND
  • Winkler - Winkler, MB & Walhalla, ND

New Brunswick & Maine

  • Houlton - Belleville, NB & Houlton, ME
  • St. Stephen - St. Stephen, NB & Calais, ME

Ontario & Michigan

  • Ambassador Bridge - Windsor, ON & Detroit, MI
  • Blue Water Bridge - Sarnia, ON & Port Huron, MI

Ontario & New York State

  • Alexandria Bay - Lansdowne, ON & Alexandria Bay, NY
  • Lewiston Bridge - Queenston, ON & Lewiston Bridge (Buffalo), NY
  • Peace Bridge - Niagara Falls & Buffalo - No vehicle exports allowed
  • Rainbow Bridge - Niagara Falls & Buffalo - No vehicle exports allowed

Saskatchewan & Montana

  • Big Beaver - Big Beaver, SK & Whitetail, MT
  • Climax - Climax, SK & Turner, MT
  • Coronach - Coronach, SK & Scobey, MT
  • Monchy - Monchy, SK & Morgan/Loring, MT
  • Regway - Regway, SK & Raymond, MT
  • West Poplar - West Poplar River, SK & Opheim, MT
  • Willow Creek - Willow Creek, SK & Willow Creek/Havre, MT

Saskatchewan & North Dakota

  • Carievale - Carievale, SK & Sherwood, ND
  • Estevan - Estevan, SK & Noonan, ND
  • North Portal - North Portal, SK & Portal, ND
  • Northgate - Northgate, SK & Northgate, ND
  • Oungre - Oungre, SK & Fortuna, ND
  • Torquay - Torquay, SK & Ambrose, ND

Quebec & New York State

  • Champlain - Champlain, PQ & Champlain, NY