Just Found Out About Advantage Lifts

[paulinMI]

Hi. Joined this party just to add my all too similar story about Advantage / BB / RGL. Ordered in Nov 2025, worked with Tim. Thankfully paid with a credit card and working through that process. I was told by the CC company that since I had written indications of shipping dates right into this month (emails), that I stood a decent chance of retrieving at least something. He was good about replies into June. Same as the others - manufacturing coming state side, delays with tariffs, etc. Joining the tread, monitoring, will report back about the credit card situation once settled.

 

[bdowne01]

Hi. Joined this party just to add my all too similar story about Advantage / BB / RGL. Ordered in Nov 2025, worked with Tim. Thankfully paid with a credit card and working through that process. I was told by the CC company that since I had written indications of shipping dates right into this month (emails), that I stood a decent chance of retrieving at least something. He was good about replies into June. Same as the others - manufacturing coming state side, delays with tariffs, etc. Joining the tread, monitoring, will report back about the credit card situation once settled.

Sorry to hear you are in the same boat.

Over here, the chargeback already closed in my favor, thank goodness. But it was much more recent (June 2026), so I think that greased the wheels.

Per the other comments, not a lawyer at all, but based on light research does seem there may have been unlawful behavior.

I opened a complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General office this morning to cover those bases, but made it clear the money situation was resolved privately with the credit card company.

 

[gt3911]

Steve -

Some inside info that I learned :
Guardian’s founder was the original engineer who designed the advantage lift and boxed columns. He left in 2020 after many years and eventually started his own company. I don’t know anymore past that point other than it’s the original designing engineer from advantage. I’m sure they don’t want to advertise that fact given what slime ball Mack did now. You can’t hold it against them as I’m sure he is far more ethical.

I ended up buying a wildfire and I will say that the customer service is incredible. They sent me all kinds of extras and had the lift ready and scheduled assembly within a few weeks. They are very very knowledgeable to work with and the lift is worlds apart from any other lift. The Ali cert is a bit of a joke because it does nothing to protect you from a failure. If it fails, Ali won’t step in at all. It’s a bit of a relic from a different era and really means nothing in 2026. The wildfire lift itself isn’t as “polished” as advantages were regarding the welds and powder coating. It’s maybe 90% but not exactly the same. But of the 2 remaining companies, I’d choose both. I can’t speak for guardian’s supply chain or customer service though.

I purchased a lift from Halo Lifts. Customer Service was amazing...they answered my call after business hours and I got my Wrap Around lift that they call their 10K pro within 2 weeks. I chose them simply because they had a 10 year full warranty and 23" wide runways.
Steve

Whats interesting

 

[gt3911]

I just found out about the Advantage lift fold-up. I have read the other thread regarding the bankruptcy, and saw the letter from Stacey Mack. I too am one of the victims, and actually feel a little ashamed for allowing myself to be led along for such a long time. I ordered my 9000 HD back in October of 2025, just when Advantage was supposedly changing over to US manufacture. I was originally promised a delivery date of January 2026, which slid to March, and then May, and finally July. Tim, the salesman couldn't be more optimistic that delivery was just around the corner, all the time knowing it was a sham. Silly me, I tried all of the phone numbers for Advantage/Real Garage Life and got nowhere obviously. Tim's "direct line" was surprisingly out of service...go figure. They got me for half the total price: $3700.00, apparently up in smoke...
My purpose in this post is to see if anyone has gotten a hold of the correct government/ business agency to see if filing a complaint is possible and which state I should do it in. The closest office they had to me was the Hanover PA facility, but not sure where the parent company is located.
I would appreciate any contact info or more information on exactly who to contact regarding getting on the list of creditors perhaps, even though there is little hope of ever seeing any of my deposit back.
Thanks,
Steve

Something else worth mentioning here: I recently heard representatives from Guardian Lifts state that they were formerly Advantage Lifts.

If that is accurate, I think customers deserve a very clear explanation of exactly what that means.

Advantage Lifts apparently took deposits from customers—including people like the original poster—and then became insolvent without delivering their lifts or refunding their money. Some customers are now out thousands of dollars.

So if Guardian Lifts is representing itself as formerly Advantage Lifts, I would personally be extremely cautious about sending them a deposit or purchasing from them until they publicly explain the relationship between the two companies.

Is Guardian under the same ownership? Same management? Did they acquire Advantage's assets or operations? And most importantly, what happens to the customers who paid Advantage and never received their lifts?

I'm not making any accusations about Guardian beyond what I've personally heard them say. But given what happened to Advantage customers, I think those are completely fair questions that should be answered before customers are expected to trust the new company.

 

[kngelv]

Something else worth mentioning here: I recently heard representatives from Guardian Lifts state that they were formerly Advantage Lifts.

If that is accurate, I think customers deserve a very clear explanation of exactly what that means.

Advantage Lifts apparently took deposits from customers—including people like the original poster—and then became insolvent without delivering their lifts or refunding their money. Some customers are now out thousands of dollars.

So if Guardian Lifts is representing itself as formerly Advantage Lifts, I would personally be extremely cautious about sending them a deposit or purchasing from them until they publicly explain the relationship between the two companies.

Is Guardian under the same ownership? Same management? Did they acquire Advantage's assets or operations? And most importantly, what happens to the customers who paid Advantage and never received their lifts?

I'm not making any accusations about Guardian beyond what I've personally heard them say. But given what happened to Advantage customers, I think those are completely fair questions that should be answered before customers are expected to trust the new company.

As i understand it the people who run Guardian Lifts are not connected to the owners of Advantage Lifts. Once Advantage stopped using the Chinese manufacturer, Guardian stepped in. This is why their lifts look like carbon copies. Advantage never actually made the lifts. They just contracted someone in Shanghai to do so. My info came from a conversation with Tony who was rep of Advantage and who I bought my Backyard Buddy from 2 1/2 years ago. He is in most of their YouTube videos.

James

 

[carcruse]

As i understand it the people who run Guardian Lifts are not connected to the owners of Advantage Lifts. Once Advantage stopped using the Chinese manufacturer, Guardian stepped in. This is why their lifts look like carbon copies. Advantage never actually made the lifts. They just contracted someone in Shanghai to do so. My info came from a conversation with Tony who was rep of Advantage and who I bought my Backyard Buddy from 2 1/2 years ago. He is in most of their YouTube videos.

James

Looks like Guardian Lifts became an LLC in Minnesota on 8-17-25. There is no Registered Agent listed.

 

[notacarguy]

You inadvertently hit on the level of scamming from the big Mack’s: Lucy imports. Normally that would not be of interest except that in 2020, the Mack’s got a dog and named her Lucy. She has her own insta account under Lucymack_advantage lifts. This dude created a company in his dog’s name and I’d bet anything named “her” as the executive of Lucy imports/ lefevre7 llc. This type of grift was common in the financial crisis of people filling out fraudulent mortgage applications. It also happened during the gold rush of the COVID money in 2020/21. This dude is a bad dude. Doesn’t take a genius to see he is scum.

They are OBSESSED with Lucy, their dog. Lucy has her own small office type space in the office. A futon and coema dressed in dog sweaters on the daily. Normally I would say who cares. But, they are psychotic humans.

 

[notacarguy]

My Advantage lift has the ALI Certification sticker on it.

ALI solely means that it was inspected. ALI is a purchased inspection. Lots of other companies do these inspections.

 

[Ohioan]

I bought an Advantage DX-9000XLT five years ago. Been mostly happy with it.

Well ****. Guess this means parts are no longer available?

Guess I shouldn't complain, though, seeing how many folks got ripped off. Sorry to hear that.

 

[Skyman]

Given the number of posts that indicate the apparently identical lifts from Wildfire and Guardian, I'm thinking parts for Advantage lifts might be available there. It's the first place I would try if I needed any.

 

[717owner]

I bought an Advantage DX-9000XLT five years ago. Been mostly happy with it.

Well ****. Guess this means parts are no longer available?

Guess I shouldn't complain, though, seeing how many folks got ripped off. Sorry to hear that.

The copies are nearly identical and looks like most structural parts are interchangeable. The hydraulics and cables can be sourced at hydraulic shop or machine shop. The motors are plug and play with basically any electrical lift motor. You should be fine I’d think.

 

[jeostang]

I ordered a rolling jack that I was told would be backordered for several months. I was finally able to place the order in June and paid by credit card, including a 3% fee. I’ve since disputed the charge and hope to get my money back.
Fortunately, my lift was delivered and installed in February. Does anyone know whether this rolling air jack will work with the Advantage Lift? It looks almost identical and is cheaper, but I’m hesitant to deal with Guardian now.
https://guardianlifts.com/products/rolling-air-jack

 

[717owner]

Think twice about rolling air jacks. I’ve had them and sold them :

The arms won’t go wide enough for supercars, sports cars or many classic muscle cars. Trust me, they won’t reach to the proper frame points.

Also they are massive and if you plan to do any repairs on your car, they will 100% get in your way. Also, there is a certainty of you smacking your head on it at some point.

Finally they sit a few inches above the runways so if you have a low car it will not fit over top of them.

In my case, airbag jacks on the runways are 100% more effective but you may have different use cases than me.

 

[kngelv]

I ordered a rolling jack that I was told would be backordered for several months. I was finally able to place the order in June and paid by credit card, including a 3% fee. I’ve since disputed the charge and hope to get my money back.
Fortunately, my lift was delivered and installed in February. Does anyone know whether this rolling air jack will work with the Advantage Lift? It looks almost identical and is cheaper, but I’m hesitant to deal with Guardian now.
https://guardianlifts.com/products/rolling-air-jack

I have the exact jack that I bought last year from Advantage/Backyard Buggy except mine is black. Mine supposedly has USA steel but I find that unlikely. I paid $2100.00 for mine. It works fine but I don't like the rollers/wheels that much. The metal oxidizes and just looks kind of bad. I think any of the jacks from Bendpak, Wildfire etc. would work just fine too. All of them are adjustable as far as the roller width in relation to your ramp spacing. I highly recommend getting a rolling jack tray too. I use the jack to raise one end then roll the jack tray in place and put a couple of jackstands in it. I then roll the jack to the other end and raise the vehicle. This gets me all four wheels off the runways.

James

 

[racecougar]

Sliding bridge jacks are excellent, IMO. I use them for everything from late-models, 4x4's, muscle cars, stuff from the '40's, etc. The arms definitely reach out wide enough. Compare the specs for whatever jack you're looking at to the vehicles you'll use it on.




As far as drive-over height goes, even my really low stuff clears them.

 

[kngelv]

Think twice about rolling air jacks. I’ve had them and sold them :

The arms won’t go wide enough for supercars, sports cars or many classic muscle cars. Trust me, they won’t reach to the proper frame points.

Also they are massive and if you plan to do any repairs on your car, they will 100% get in your way. Also, there is a certainty of you smacking your head on it at some point.

Finally they sit a few inches above the runways so if you have a low car it will not fit over top of them.

In my case, airbag jacks on the runways are 100% more effective but you may have different use cases than me.m

I disagree with this. See my post above as to how I use mine. You are correct that sometimes the arms are not wide enough for ideal lift points but there are workarounds using the rolling air jack. Prior to getting mine I used airbags and they took longer to use and you still have to block things in case a bag collapses. Also on very low cars you can't fit an airbag jack between the runway and the rocker. Plus if you want all four wheels up you will then have to move your airhose around multiple times. Airbags are a pain. I have also never had an issue where I could not access something because the air jack was in the way. You are right though about watching out so you don't hit your head on it. Spatial awareness is key under a lift.

James

 

[717owner]

Hey if they work for you then use em ! But you obviously don’t have any Italian supercars lol. Trust me they. Do. Not. Work. On. Supercars . They aren’t low enough or wide enough. Most have jack points at the extreme outer runway edges and are only 2.75-3.5 high for clearance.

I’d love if ones could be made for the niche category ……

 

[finn]

ALI solely means that it was inspected. ALI is a purchased inspection. Lots of other companies do these inspections.

No. ALI is the certification issuing outfit.

They aren’t in the inspection business.

If you want a lift to be certified, you document the performance vs the performance criteria, send your paperwork in, along with the fee, and get the certification certificate.

It’s not much differe in concept to API certification for motor oils, ISO certification, etc.

There’s pretty much an honor system involved.

EPA emissions and CAFE requirements are along the same line, but you are subject to government audits In those cases.

 

[racecougar]

Hey if they work for you then use em ! But you obviously don’t have any Italian supercars lol. Trust me they. Do. Not. Work. On. Supercars . They aren’t low enough or wide enough. Most have jack points at the extreme outer runway edges and are only 2.75-3.5 high for clearance.

I’d love if ones could be made for the niche category ……

What airbag jack are you using?

 

[jeostang]

Think twice about rolling air jacks. I’ve had them and sold them :

The arms won’t go wide enough for supercars, sports cars or many classic muscle cars. Trust me, they won’t reach to the proper frame points.

Also they are massive and if you plan to do any repairs on your car, they will 100% get in your way. Also, there is a certainty of you smacking your head on it at some point.

Finally they sit a few inches above the runways so if you have a low car it will not fit over top of them.

In my case, airbag jacks on the runways are 100% more effective but you may have different use cases than me.

Thanks for the info, I had not thought about any of this. What airbags would you recommend?

 

[jeostang]

Sliding bridge jacks are excellent, IMO. I use them for everything from late-models, 4x4's, muscle cars, stuff from the '40's, etc. The arms definitely reach out wide enough. Compare the specs for whatever jack you're looking at to the vehicles you'll use it on.




As far as drive-over height goes, even my really low stuff clears them.

In my case I'll be working on a C6, vette, F10 M5, and F250, and wife's Tesla Model S. Hopfully the vette would clear it. Would you trust buying one from Guardian?

 

[racecougar]

In my case I'll be working on a C6, vette, F10 M5, and F250, and wife's Tesla Model S. Hopfully the vette would clear it. Would you trust buying one from Guardian?

I have no experience dealing with Guardian. I bought mine thru Home Depot. I prefer to source large items like this (lifts, bridge jacks, etc.) through sources where I can pick up in person.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

The bridge jack pictured at the Guardian Lifts site is identical to the one I purchase from Advantage a couple years ago.

 

[thegreeneacres]

Wow, I am shocked but glad I found this post. We are yet another victim of Stacey, etc. all. We ordered a triple stack side by side in March and have been strung along for months now, with all communications going silent after July 16th. Nijim had confirmed on July 16th that our install would be Sept and David Hendrix was acquiring the company from Stacey. He confirmed "The company's not in financial trouble. Stacy and his wife are trying to scale back the companies they own because his wife want to retire and just spend tie with the grand kids. Advantage lifts after the sale completes will be making lifts at a rapid pace with newer automated equipment and will be expanding the type of lifts we make."

I am hoping its fortunate that we paid the deposit by credit card and we have filed a dispute. I have documentation with both Nijim and Stacey and now need to figure out who to order the lift as I am completely out of space and really needed it in May when it was expected to be delivered.....

I see Guardian has the triple but am now a little hesitant with the associations to advantage. If anyone has any insights into the triple stackers I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[firebirdparts]

Though this is for another thread, the issue now is how are we to trust buying another lift? I think we all still want a lift.

That to me is the greater issue. I think I would try to get it loaded on my trailer at this point. Just accept no shipment promise ever again. Don't do that until you're ready to install it the next day. Just my opinion.

 

[carlaisle]

Have it shipped COD or use an escrow service and prepay the freight company directly.

 

[racecougar]

Or buy from a local distributor.

 

[finn]

I bought my BendPak through Summit Racing. The price matched the best internet price while I was on hold on the telephone. Took less than a minute.

I know at the time Home Depot was a source for some models, and Amazon should be a safe route. Amazon has several pages of imported lifts with various names. I imagine Walmart is the same.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I bought my BendPak through Summit Racing. The price matched the best internet price while I was on hold on the telephone. Took less than a minute.

I know at the time Home Depot was a source for some models, and Amazon should be a safe route. Amazon has several pages of imported lifts with various names. I imagine Walmart is the same.

If you were to buy from Summit and a Summit Speed Card (their cc) you could pay for it over 18 months.


Probably about the same with using a HD card. Just more ways to create more options in buying and finding a lift distributor.

 

[Westicles]

Thankfully my garage build was delayed by a year, or I would have been in the same boat as many of you guys... I hate slimy people, and it sounds like Mr. Mack and his wife are among the slimiest.

 

[GABGuy66]

Having worked for Stacey Mack and Automotive Lift Services in the past, this is not surprising. Stacey has a long history of stealing from his customers. He ran Garage as a separate company, but all the money flowed into ALS. He moved production from China due to the tariffs, which put pressure on margins. He continued to take deposits on orders he knew he could not fulfill. The whole organization is a joke, just ask the dealership groups that have left him.

A side note...their operations are at 33 Amy Way, Hanover, PA. The Wilson address is offices only I believe.

Do not do business with any of his entities...you've been warned!

What is his core business ? I mean it’s a myriad of LLCs to hide **** but what is his actual business other than manufacturing?

He runs Automotive Lift Services out of Hanover, PA. He's grown the business faster than he can manage and this is a direct result; he took deposits on product he knew he was not going to produce. The collapse of the business stemmed from being forced to moved his production from China to Ohio, due to tariffs, and his margins collapsed.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I know there are several that have lost money, others that have recently joined to post their experiences but please keep it civil. If you can't keep it civil, the thread will be closed down.

Thanks for the cooperation.