Dannmar...No Warranty!!!

[Rodbuilder]

Bend Pak has bought out Dannmar. I have a warranty issue with my new MaxJax M6 (it goes up but not down). I got a hold of Bend Pak and was told that at this time they are not offering ANY customer support or service and would not tell me if they plan on honoring Dannmar warranties.

If you are considering buying anything Dannmar...IMHO DO NOT DO IT!

Fortunately I have found a couple threads here talking about this problem and a possible fix.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Thanks for the heads up.
Will make me think twice about Bend Pak also

 

[Firebrick43]

Whoa. Hold on here.

Did you call dannmar?

The announcement came just a few days ago AND like the rest of the country/world we are dealing with the corona virus.

Buying and absorbing a company does not happen at the snap of a finger. Calling bendpak the employees quite correctly may not have any plans in the near future to service dannmar products. They may let the current dannmar employees do so for the time being.

 

[Rodbuilder]

Thanks for the heads up.
Will make me think twice about Bend Pak also

I have a Bend Pak 4 poster, no issues with them on it.

Whoa. Hold on here.

Did you call dannmar?

The announcement came just a few days ago AND like the rest of the country/world we are dealing with the corona virus.

Buying and absorbing a company does not happen at the snap of a finger. Calling bendpak the employees quite correctly may not have any plans in the near future to service dannmar products. They may let the current dannmar employees do so for the time being.

Of coarse I called about 10 times goes right to voice mail that says all mail boxes are full then disconnect. As for the virus excuse, most if not all have tech and customer support working from home, like most of the rest of us. At this time there is No warranty or customer support available for Dannmar period. I have also emailed at least 5 or 6 times. But thanks for your input. I'm going to say that this transaction was very poorly done.

I believe that within a month 2 Bend Pak will be up to speed and will be handling things as normal.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Thanks for the heads up.
Will make me think twice about Bend Pak also

Yeah, very nefarious business practice at best!

 

[infinkc]

wow crazy, hope they still support them.

odd your lift will go up and not down, seems like it would just be an issue with the release valve on the pump.

 

[Kev442]

Danmar is the only company I can recall that has no access to a parts list for ordering from them. Maybe bendpak will actually remedy this. Glad I bought my 4 post used, never had to worry about a warranty.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Bend Pak has bought out Dannmar. I have a warranty issue with my new MaxJax M6 (it goes up but not down). I got a hold of Bend Pak and was told that at this time they are not offering ANY customer support or service and would not tell me if they plan on honoring Dannmar warranties.

If you are considering buying anything Dannmar...IMHO DO NOT DO IT!

Not the first time I've heard of issues. One more reason not to buy, what a shameful way to conduct business.

Whoa. Hold on here.

Did you call dannmar?

The announcement came just a few days ago AND like the rest of the country/world we are dealing with the corona virus.

Buying and absorbing a company does not happen at the snap of a finger. Calling bendpak the employees quite correctly may not have any plans in the near future to service dannmar products. They may let the current dannmar employees do so for the time being.

As I have said before and will repeat again: sometimes the rationalization on this board for piss poor service beggars belief.

Of coarse I called about 10 times goes right to voice mail that says all mail boxes are full then disconnect. As for the virus excuse, most if not all have tech and customer support working from home, like most of the rest of us. At this time there is No warranty or customer support available for Dannmar period. I have also emailed at least 5 or 6 times. But thanks for your input. I'm going to say that this transaction was very poorly done.

What an absolute joke. If I was a customer, I'd be pissed. Having seen this thread though, that will never happen.

I believe that within a month 2 Bend Pak will be up to speed and will be handling things as normal.

I guess Dannmar customers will have to hope so. Were it me, I'd toss their product and find a replacement where hope wasn't part of the warranty process.

 

[finn]

Reading the Dannmar Facebook page, it looks like they abruptly shut down on March 20. They blamed the shutdown on them not being an essential business, per the California business shutdown mandates, but also stated that they are suspending all customer service activities, which seems strange, since customer service could easily be handled by anyone with a cell phone and laptop.

The Bendpack press release from last Thursday or Friday clearly describes the acquisition of Danmar assets and trademarks, and makes no reference to ongoing business activities.

Sounds to me like Dannmar folded, ie went out of business, and Bendpak bought the remaining intellectual property and trademarks, not the warranty liability.

If that’s true, they would be under no obligation, legally or morally, to offer technical support to customers of a company that no longer exists.

That’s how I see it, anyway.

 

[Higgins]

That's the same thing that happened when GM filed for bankruptcy.

If you had a new car or truck the warranty was voided!

Was not a happy camper !!!

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Reading the Dannmar Facebook page, it looks like they abruptly shut down on March 20. They blamed the shutdown on them not being an essential business, per the California business shutdown mandates, but also stated that they are suspending all customer service activities, which seems strange, since customer service could easily be handled by anyone with a cell phone and laptop.

The Bendpack press release from last Thursday or Friday clearly describes the acquisition of Danmar assets and trademarks, and makes no reference to ongoing business activities.

Sounds to me like Dannmar folded, ie went out of business, and Bendpak bought the remaining intellectual property and trademarks, not the warranty liability.

If that’s true, they would be under no obligation, legally or morally, to offer technical support to customers of a company that no longer exists.

That’s how I see it, anyway.

Bend Pak bought them to kill off some of the competition. Why would BP want someone else to pick it up and make a successful business venture.

 

[Firebrick43]

As I have said before and will repeat again: sometimes the rationalization on this board for piss poor service beggars belief.

The only BS is your pontification.

I asked about contacting dannmar because the OP did NOT mention that he already done so in the original posting. I was just making sure that people were not throwing the baby out with the bath water. I can only read minds in person not over the internet. The OP clarified everything, and yes it appears is poor customer service.

 

[ixlr8]

I have a Bendpak 4 post lift, based on my after the sale service... I will never buy another Bendpak product. This just adds to my resolve not to buy from them again.

 

[Jeff95TA]

That's the same thing that happened when GM filed for bankruptcy.

If you had a new car or truck the warranty was voided!

Was not a happy camper !!!

You're saying the 3 yr / 36K mile warranties were all void? Where are you coming up with this?

 

[Higgins]

Purchased a 2005 GMC Box truck from Avenue Chevy in Batavia, IL

A yr. after i purchased it, it started to occasionally having issues shifting. Dealer said they would look into the issue more in detail at the next oil change...... When the dealer looked into it, they said they would have to replace the trans under war. Several wks passed and GM said nope to war. Had to purchase a rebuilt trans. As I recall the cost was around $5K.

Had a local truck repair shop look at it. Turned out it was a twisted "O" ring on one of the solenoid in the trans. They had the part in stock, replaced solenoid within an hour, filled trans fluid, and was fixed and out the door for around $500.

I've been with GM for decades, and this was the start of reasons we've moved away from GM. The there was the issues of defective engine mounts (leaking fluid), steering wheel locking problem (3 times) had to be towed twice while out of town, leaking gas tank, then there was the idler pulley disintegration and flying apart.

 

[finn]

Purchased a 2005 GMC Box truck from Avenue Chevy in Batavia, IL

A yr. after i purchased it, it started to occasionally having issues shifting. Dealer said they would look into the issue more in detail at the next oil change...... When the dealer looked into it, they said they would have to replace the trans under war. Several wks passed and GM said nope to war. Had to purchase a rebuilt trans. As I recall the cost was around $5K.

Had a local truck repair shop look at it. Turned out it was a twisted "O" ring on one of the solenoid in the trans. They had the part in stock, replaced solenoid within an hour, filled trans fluid, and was fixed and out the door for around $500.

I've been with GM for decades, and this was the start of reasons we've moved away from GM. The there was the issues of defective engine mounts (leaking fluid), steering wheel locking problem (3 times) had to be towed twice while out of town, leaking gas tank, then there was the idler pulley disintegration and flying apart.

I recall at the time of the GM bankruptcy, it was a big deal because the “New GM” did, in fact decide that they would honor warranties even though they were not legally obligated to do so.

Your story doesn’t make sense. There must be more to it.

 

[vavet]

Personally, I think when a company purchases the name and IP of a defunct business, they should also incur the liabilities of that company. I don't know how that would work legally. I'm not a lawyer, just a dumb engineer. But you shouldn't be able to get just the parts you want without the parts you don't want. It's effed up in my mind.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Personally, I think when a company purchases the name and IP of a defunct business, they should also incur the liabilities of that company. I don't know how that would work legally. I'm not a lawyer, just a dumb engineer. But you shouldn't be able to get just the parts you want without the parts you don't want. It's effed up in my mind.

Buddy of mine is the president of a company his grandpa started. They've been successful at times when some of the competition hasn't been and they had the opportunity to scoop up a competitor for pennies on the dollar. They were still manufacturing, just bleeding money from poor management, pricey suppliers and slow sales. When he bought them the primary objective was purchasing materials and assets. He didn't really want the liability of ~30 employees, taxes and warranties but he leveraged a deal with the city to eliminate all taxes owed and get some heavy duty abatements lined up for a specified period of time if he were to retain a certain number of employees from the bought company for a minimum time. He did that and saved lots of money having to add onto his facility and move several hundred tons of iron across town. He also made sure he would be held in no way liable for any environmental issues with soil or water contamination as the bought company was sort of sloppy around the outside of the facility. It ended up working out well for everyone involved.

 

[Higgins]

I don't care what people think GM said, it's what happened on the dealers floor that counts!!! Sorry I brought up the matter....

 

[rjacobs]

Purchased a 2005 GMC Box truck from Avenue Chevy in Batavia, IL

A yr. after i purchased it,

So you purchased a GM in 2005(lets even give the benefit of the doubt that it was put in service in 2006)... one year later is either 2006 or 2007(depending on in service date)... GM did not go into bankruptcy until 2008...

So your issue with GM has zero to do with bankruptcy and everything to do with GM's way of doing business(which hasnt changed) and that is to deny deny deny.... Still going on to this day with brand new cars.

 

[joel]

I have a Bendpak 4 post lift, based on my after the sale service... I will never buy another Bendpak product. This just adds to my resolve not to buy from them again.

I too have a Bendpak 4-post lift. It is OK for the money and the service (several years ago) was actually pretty good. I was a satisfied customer.

Fast forward to today shopping for a second lift. Sadly, they did a great job convincing me never to do business with them again. Never. Ever. It's a shame. As for their supporting Dannmar customers? I haven't a clue as to what Bendpak will ultimately decide. But I do know first hand, Bendpak is perfectly capable of ignoring customers if they want.

 

[jdm5]

I emailed Bendpak, and provided a link to this thread. Here's is what I got back (verbatim):

Thank you for contacting us.

At this time we are not providing any technical or warranty support on previously purchased Danmar products.

 

[Lassen Forge]

What could be a problem is people wanting warranty relief for companies that have gone under. Imagine buying that new Studebaker back in 1965, having the motor go out for a bonafide manufacturing defect a year later, and well, sorry, pal... there ain't no company left. The many iterations of Indian motorcycle went through the same thing before Polaris bought their assets and brought them back... and even then Polaris isn't building any parts for the original Hendee bikes...

What happened with Danmar seems like that - they folded the sheets, latched the gate, buried the hatchet, the baby got thrown out with the bathwater... Bendpak bought the manufacturing assets of the former company, but that was it. They MAY decide to make parts for the former competitor's units (if it fits in with their business plan), they may even sell them at a cut rate to owners of the former company's lifts... or they may not. It's up to them. Don't be pissed at Bendpak for buying Danmar's assets... be pissed at Danmar for going under and leaving you hanging. Hell, had they NOT sold their assets, you'd still be high and dry...

 

[boatshoes]

Well, this *****. I haven't even had my Dannmar D-7/X a year yet.
I would go Direct-Lift or Forward if I was going to do it again.

 

[jdm5]

And I got another response which said "Please review the link below: https://www.bendpak.com/dannmar-maxjax-ges-liquidation-announcement/"

 

[Firebrick43]

What could be a problem is people wanting warranty relief for companies that have gone under. Imagine buying that new Studebaker back in 1965, having the motor go out for a bonafide manufacturing defect a year later, and well, sorry, pal... there ain't no company left.

The last car rolled off the line in December of 63’. Father has one of the last built around the 15 th December, a hawk GT and had the 13th Avanti off the line as well(uncle owns it currently) Canadian production lasted until 66. But anyways studebaker did not go bankrupt (only car company to just stop production)and according to my father parts and service was no issue for the year warranty.

 

[58Yeoman]

I don't care what people think GM said, it's what happened on the dealers floor that counts!!! Sorry I brought up the matter....

The last gm product, new or used, was an 88 Chevy K1500. Should've known the first year problems, but it was a nice truck. For the first owner, gm replaced the heads at least once, worked on the brakes a few times and rebuilt the auto trans to where the only thing original was the trans case. That was the major stuff.

15,000 miles/one year later, I bought the truck. More brake problems and more minor stuff. What killed me ever buying another gm was when a mechanic friend of mine told me that there was a recall on the brake booster; too small from the factory. It cost me $100 for a new brake booster under warranty.

Let me see...company installed unsafe too small brake booster at the factory, and I have to pay $100 to fix it? The only generous motors product to grace my driveway is my 58 Chevy, which I've already owned. Won't be another, though.

 

[Jagmandave]

As the OP said, there have been a couple of threads on how to fix the issue he's having with his M6 so I'm confident he'll get his sorted and usable soon...it's too bad about Danmar but they won't be the only victims of the current situation, the dominos are only beginning to fall IMHO.

And you can't fault Bendpak for not supporting Danmar customers, they bought the assets but not the liabilities.

 

[Rodbuilder]

As the OP said, there have been a couple of threads on how to fix the issue he's having with his M6 so I'm confident he'll get his sorted and usable soon...it's too bad about Danmar but they won't be the only victims of the current situation, the dominos are only beginning to fall IMHO.

And you can't fault Bendpak for not supporting Danmar customers, they bought the assets but not the liabilities.

Thanks Jag I'll get it fixed with some of the great info on this site, thanks.

the dominos are only beginning to fall IMHO. 110%

 

[nadogail]

Thanks for the warning about the Danmar hoists.

 

[eyeball]

...Don't be pissed at Bendpak for buying Danmar's assets... be pissed at Danmar for going under and leaving you hanging. Hell, had they NOT sold their assets, you'd still be high and dry...

It really ***** for lift owners still under warranty. However, this man makes a lot of sense...

Afterall, Bendpak has not not seen a dollar for any lift sold by Danmar.

I think I would just cross my fingers that they find it is a good business decision to support the lifts with replacement parts.

 

[MileHighRover]

That's disappointing to hear. I've had my MX6 for less than a year. I love it and haven't had any issues at all. This is my first lift so I purchased the three year warranty just to be safe (I'd read some stuff here before purchasing). Guess I can throw out all the paperwork since there is no warranty anymore.

 

[vision8]

And the Studebaker Factory building was still standing in Hamilton , Ontario until last year !

 

[Rodbuilder]

That's disappointing to hear. I've had my MX6 for less than a year. I love it and haven't had any issues at all. This is my first lift so I purchased the three year warranty just to be safe (I'd read some stuff here before purchasing). Guess I can throw out all the paperwork since there is no warranty anymore.

Could you please do me a favor? Check the paint finish on the inside of the posts, would you say it is slick smooth or does it have heavy orange peel finish?
Thanks

 

[Scthomas7597]

Any one have the shipping company asking for transport payment because they can't get it from dannmar?

 

[Jagmandave]

Danmar's been out of business for months now, how would you be buying a Danmar lift now and needing it shipped?

My buddy has a new M6 and it's been great - works perfectly and he's thrilled to have it. He was one of the few at the end that they replaced his uprights. If he still has the old ones, maybe someone could use them to replace theirs?

Once you sand off the insides to a smooth finish, my understanding is they work just fine.

 

[89MustangGX]

No dog in this fight, but I'd love a lift someday, so I read the thread and the websites.

Don Henthorn, President of BendPak, stated, “... This deal further establishes our customer-centric strategy..."

...said Jeff Kritzer, Executive Vice President of BendPak. “We are very pleased with the prospects of this acquisition and are confident that this transaction will deliver immediate and substantial value to our customers..."

Sounds like they meant to say future customers. Not seeing current/past customers that are as excited.

 

[nadogail]

When I read about this I no longer feel that I am deprived because I don’t have a lift.

 

[Scthomas7597]

Danmar's been out of business for months now, how would you be buying a Danmar lift now and needing it shipped?

My buddy has a new M6 and it's been great - works perfectly and he's thrilled to have it. He was one of the few at the end that they replaced his uprights. If he still has the old ones, maybe someone could use them to replace theirs?

Once you sand off the insides to a smooth finish, my understanding is they work just fine.

I purchased my M6 on black friday last year, didn't get it til late February. Central Transport delivered it and apparently didn't get paid for shipping when dannmar folded 30ish days after I received it. I've told them to kick rocks for a few months now. Only problem is I had it delivered to my work address and now they are sending legal letters to my work asking for three hundred and some odd dollars.

 

[mcbane]

I purchased my M6 on black friday last year, didn't get it til late February. Central Transport delivered it and apparently didn't get paid for shipping when dannmar folded 30ish days after I received it. I've told them to kick rocks for a few months now. Only problem is I had it delivered to my work address and now they are sending legal letters to my work asking for three hundred and some odd dollars.

It is probably cheaper to pay the $300+ before the amount being sought also includes legal fees. Unfortunately precedents related to shipping give the freight company the upper hand in this sort of dispute.


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