Story first, tips after...
Our bottles need a hydrostatic test every 5 years. And, that counts for the 480cc & 580cc rifle bottles as well! Last week, I had 2 supply bottles that were due for hydro. I also had a 480cc that was only a year out. I decided to be proactive and get the 480 done as well.
Cost would be $50ea for the supply bottles and $30 for the 480. $130 total. These prices seem to be the common price point for this service. I'll pay that without batting an eye to have the peace of mind to know I'm safe!
I had a very full day scheduled so, I called ahead and had things set up so that I could drop the bottles off and basically wait for them to be done. Of course, this wasn't passed on to the workers and I had to explain the whole story to them all over again. I got a bit of an uneasy feeling from the older gentlemen that took my bottles from me to start the testing. But, judging from the work load, I could tell these guys stayed busy with this type of work every day. I put some blue painters tape on the 480 to highlight the area that I did not want him to put the sticker on, due to barrel clearance issues, and he understood. I had other errands to run that would eat up some time so, I left. When I returned the owner was there and he renewed my faith in his shop.
The process took about 1.5hr. I was given my bottles back a little early with the warning that the epoxy was still tacky. No problem. When I saw the tape on my 480, I was surprised at what it looked like and happy that it was not removed.
I showed it to the owner and the expression on his face completely changed from a smile to a painful look like he wished he hadn't seen it. Originally, I thought this showed the amount of expansion during testing but, I realized later that it was more likely due to some kind of clamp and twisting force.
Here comes the bad part.... I called him up later that day and asked why he made that face. He proceeded to tell me that ALL stickers, tape, and other coverings are required to be removed in order for a visual inspection to take place. I reassured him that I would take the tape off and call right away if I saw anything when I got home. I was about to pick the bottle up to perform this inspection when I saw this...
Disappointed? Yes. End of the world? No. But, it did cause me to begin that inspection. Look again at the 1st picture. See it? Left side of the tape about 2-1/4" down. there's 2 little white areas of damage to the outside of the bottle. End of the world? No but, I'm going to have a chat with him and he might owe me a re-rehydro test. I continued my inspection....
End of the world? YUP! Now, I've got a serious issue. I brought in a pristine bottle and got one back with scratches, plier jaw marks, and gouged fiberglass. I called and was immediately presented with you took possession of the bottle, we're not liable, you can't prove it, you accepted its condition when you left. I replied with my history in airgunning, price and condition of my many rifles, and many other reasons why I knew this bottle was pristine when I brought it in. Back and forth we went. A few times he told me that our conversations were recorded both over the phone and at the shop so, he has proof of me saying I inspected the bottle and it looked good. I said, that's great because what I actually said was that I would inspect the bottle later on. It also means that you have it on tape that you allowed a bottle to pass hydro inspection without a visual inspection taking place.
I offered to bring the bottle down for a re-inspection but, he only said that he would condemn it due to the damage. *Deep breath* I said, Ok. How about this instead. I'll take the bottle to the Dept. of Transportation, who holds your certification, to show it to them so that they know what condition you are allowing bottles to leave your shop in. Furthermore, I can inform them of your recordings that you just threatened to use against me in which you acknowledge that you did not do a visual inspection due to the tape being left on the bottle.
The story is longer and goes on with back and forth arguing. One question I did enjoy answering was, Do you have proof that it wasn't like that when you brought it in? Sure, I do! I'm a you-tuber and just did a video with this rifle in it. Is it time stamped? Yup, sure is! Would you like photo's or videos or both? There's also a splinter of carbon fiber hanging off the bottle right now that would have fallen off over the course of 4 years.
This conversation started to wrap up with, At the end of the day, your the customer and your right. I don't want to lose your business. How can this situation be rectified? I told him I'd need to have the bottle tested again, and be reimbursed for the damages to a $300 (new) bottle. Ultimately, and to simplify the whole process, he offered to buy me new bottle. I told him it should be pro-rated since it was a 4 year old bottle which really confused him. I explained in as simple a way as I could... You hand me a new bottle, and I give you some money towards the purchase of it. And, I also hand you this damaged bottle. I'm not trying to scam you out of a bottle, fella, and I think that would be fair to both of us.
I got a text later on that day asking me for my address. He decided to just send me the $300 for a new bottle and I agreed to send him the damaged bottle. This would save us both time, $, and aggravation. I'm not going to sweat the shipping costs. I just want my rifle up and running again.
Did I make a mountain out of a mole hill? No, I was actually willing to live with it as long as it was re-hydrod, deemed safe, and I got some level of financial restitution for the damages.
Lessons learned: Take pictures before you drop off your equipment to be worked on! If you get an uneasy feeling, strongly consider walking away. Know what you say and say what you mean, you're being recorded! If you have decals on your bottles, expect them to be removed during a hydro test.
Photo's are good, especially with something like a newspaper cover page showing the date. Video can be even more helpful showing a piece of equipment from multiple angles and working properly. Make sure to have identifying numbers or marks included in your pictures.
Currently, I'm waiting on the check to arrive. Just like a sale item here, I'm going to wait for the funds to clear before sending the bottle!
Some of my other reasons to help prove I didn't do the damage... I have 7 other bottles just like this which are all in pristine condition. My rifles cost ~2K a piece and are too big of a financial investment to treat that way. I have a reputation to uphold within the industry and this does not line up with the reputation I have built. I have no conceivable reason to remove the valve assembly. These rifles are rarely exposed to anything more than a bipod. There is a fiberglass shard (splinter) which could only have been done recently. I'll admit, I did enjoy twisting what he thought was his own evidence into something I could use very effectively against him.
Happy Shooting!
Tom
Our bottles need a hydrostatic test every 5 years. And, that counts for the 480cc & 580cc rifle bottles as well! Last week, I had 2 supply bottles that were due for hydro. I also had a 480cc that was only a year out. I decided to be proactive and get the 480 done as well.
Cost would be $50ea for the supply bottles and $30 for the 480. $130 total. These prices seem to be the common price point for this service. I'll pay that without batting an eye to have the peace of mind to know I'm safe!
I had a very full day scheduled so, I called ahead and had things set up so that I could drop the bottles off and basically wait for them to be done. Of course, this wasn't passed on to the workers and I had to explain the whole story to them all over again. I got a bit of an uneasy feeling from the older gentlemen that took my bottles from me to start the testing. But, judging from the work load, I could tell these guys stayed busy with this type of work every day. I put some blue painters tape on the 480 to highlight the area that I did not want him to put the sticker on, due to barrel clearance issues, and he understood. I had other errands to run that would eat up some time so, I left. When I returned the owner was there and he renewed my faith in his shop.
The process took about 1.5hr. I was given my bottles back a little early with the warning that the epoxy was still tacky. No problem. When I saw the tape on my 480, I was surprised at what it looked like and happy that it was not removed.
I showed it to the owner and the expression on his face completely changed from a smile to a painful look like he wished he hadn't seen it. Originally, I thought this showed the amount of expansion during testing but, I realized later that it was more likely due to some kind of clamp and twisting force.
Here comes the bad part.... I called him up later that day and asked why he made that face. He proceeded to tell me that ALL stickers, tape, and other coverings are required to be removed in order for a visual inspection to take place. I reassured him that I would take the tape off and call right away if I saw anything when I got home. I was about to pick the bottle up to perform this inspection when I saw this...
Disappointed? Yes. End of the world? No. But, it did cause me to begin that inspection. Look again at the 1st picture. See it? Left side of the tape about 2-1/4" down. there's 2 little white areas of damage to the outside of the bottle. End of the world? No but, I'm going to have a chat with him and he might owe me a re-rehydro test. I continued my inspection....
End of the world? YUP! Now, I've got a serious issue. I brought in a pristine bottle and got one back with scratches, plier jaw marks, and gouged fiberglass. I called and was immediately presented with you took possession of the bottle, we're not liable, you can't prove it, you accepted its condition when you left. I replied with my history in airgunning, price and condition of my many rifles, and many other reasons why I knew this bottle was pristine when I brought it in. Back and forth we went. A few times he told me that our conversations were recorded both over the phone and at the shop so, he has proof of me saying I inspected the bottle and it looked good. I said, that's great because what I actually said was that I would inspect the bottle later on. It also means that you have it on tape that you allowed a bottle to pass hydro inspection without a visual inspection taking place.
I offered to bring the bottle down for a re-inspection but, he only said that he would condemn it due to the damage. *Deep breath* I said, Ok. How about this instead. I'll take the bottle to the Dept. of Transportation, who holds your certification, to show it to them so that they know what condition you are allowing bottles to leave your shop in. Furthermore, I can inform them of your recordings that you just threatened to use against me in which you acknowledge that you did not do a visual inspection due to the tape being left on the bottle.
The story is longer and goes on with back and forth arguing. One question I did enjoy answering was, Do you have proof that it wasn't like that when you brought it in? Sure, I do! I'm a you-tuber and just did a video with this rifle in it. Is it time stamped? Yup, sure is! Would you like photo's or videos or both? There's also a splinter of carbon fiber hanging off the bottle right now that would have fallen off over the course of 4 years.
This conversation started to wrap up with, At the end of the day, your the customer and your right. I don't want to lose your business. How can this situation be rectified? I told him I'd need to have the bottle tested again, and be reimbursed for the damages to a $300 (new) bottle. Ultimately, and to simplify the whole process, he offered to buy me new bottle. I told him it should be pro-rated since it was a 4 year old bottle which really confused him. I explained in as simple a way as I could... You hand me a new bottle, and I give you some money towards the purchase of it. And, I also hand you this damaged bottle. I'm not trying to scam you out of a bottle, fella, and I think that would be fair to both of us.
I got a text later on that day asking me for my address. He decided to just send me the $300 for a new bottle and I agreed to send him the damaged bottle. This would save us both time, $, and aggravation. I'm not going to sweat the shipping costs. I just want my rifle up and running again.
Did I make a mountain out of a mole hill? No, I was actually willing to live with it as long as it was re-hydrod, deemed safe, and I got some level of financial restitution for the damages.
Lessons learned: Take pictures before you drop off your equipment to be worked on! If you get an uneasy feeling, strongly consider walking away. Know what you say and say what you mean, you're being recorded! If you have decals on your bottles, expect them to be removed during a hydro test.
Photo's are good, especially with something like a newspaper cover page showing the date. Video can be even more helpful showing a piece of equipment from multiple angles and working properly. Make sure to have identifying numbers or marks included in your pictures.
Currently, I'm waiting on the check to arrive. Just like a sale item here, I'm going to wait for the funds to clear before sending the bottle!
Some of my other reasons to help prove I didn't do the damage... I have 7 other bottles just like this which are all in pristine condition. My rifles cost ~2K a piece and are too big of a financial investment to treat that way. I have a reputation to uphold within the industry and this does not line up with the reputation I have built. I have no conceivable reason to remove the valve assembly. These rifles are rarely exposed to anything more than a bipod. There is a fiberglass shard (splinter) which could only have been done recently. I'll admit, I did enjoy twisting what he thought was his own evidence into something I could use very effectively against him.
Happy Shooting!
Tom
