When the top is down, can you fit ANYTHING in the trunk, or only that little space in the front?


Also, sometimes when i am putting the top down.. it wont put the actual trunk part down, i hear the motor working, but no action.. Think its time for a trip to the stealer.

When the top is down, can you fit ANYTHING in the trunk, or only that little space in the front?


Also, sometimes when i am putting the top down.. it wont put the actual trunk part down, i hear the motor working, but no action.. Think its time for a trip to the stealer.

Stealer? :jester ... well, that's probably a typo .... but verrrry funny!

That's right, Mikey .... that's all the room you have for storage ... I have got packing down to a science now .... roll your clothes ... plastic bags for everything else! :banghead

Ruth Ann
.

The duffel bags they sell at XLR Gift boutique are just about the right size. This past weekend, I went to my local Coach Outlet store and purchased two of their duffel bags. Very nice, and they were 40% off the outlet price. They fit perfectly, now I know exactly how much I can bring along if I want to leave the top down on a trip. PS, the cargo area also fits one cart bag and golf clubs, if you take the driver out and lay it on top of the bag.

Has anyone installed an exterior luggage rack such as the early Corvettes and Sports Cars of old? Seems like it would be a decent idea if weight on the lid was kept to a minimum during up and down procedures?

Jester:jester

Go to Walmart's sport department and you will find, for about $10, several sizes of cloth bags. Two of the largest will fill up the space left with the top down. They come in several colors and are really durable. Note you will not find them in Walmart's luggage department, only in sports. For "dress" clothes, a suit bag will fit under the lowered roof. Remeber to put the bag in after top in down and take it out before raising it. Even though as there is about 6 inches space under the folded top, the manner in which the top is lower or raised almost "scrapes" the trunk floor and will bunch up your clothes or, worse, screw up the convertible mechanism. Lastly, such a suit bag will also fit behind the driver or passenger seat hanging from the hole in the back rest via tie strap (the kind that closes a loft of bread which which we men disregard and replace with a quick flip of the loft and jam it up against something.

The duffel bags they sell at XLR Gift boutique are just about the right size. .........

Hmmm, this is a very timely topic for me .... I actually ordered those bags from the XLR Gift Boutique ..... the embossing quality was very poorly done - to be almost non-existent. I returned the bags to the Boutique in JANUARY, and have yet to recieve my refund or credit, although both the owner and the manufacturer agreed that the bags were substandard, and I was assured that the credit would be done. All I have to show for my $$$ is many excuses and emails.

I agree with the Gambling Man .... go to your local retailer.

RA

Oh wait!!! Let me guess; the reason you have not received your refund is the age old; "I'll refund YOUR money when the manufacturer refunds MY money".....Right?

Bingo

You guys are so fun................under the B 12................Bingo
Would this be Allens Boutique on the forum?Bingo

Yea - lucky guess............what I don't understand is, if the seller and the manufacturer agreed they were crap; why were they shipped in the first place?

One thing about specialty or nick market suppliers - once their quality comes into question, it's hard to get customers to come back.

Doris and I thought about the same bags, but we opted for two, matching MCM bags that fit perfectly.

We went to a luggage outlet and found a couple of leather bags that fit perfectly into the small area for about half the price of the Boutique bags and the qualify of them is great.

I, eventually, did the same. Now we have a his and hers .... mine is RED!! Very chic! :rolleyes

I have a receipt for $471.90 to the XLR Gift Boutique, and that was with a 30% discount, for 2 of those bags .... hmmm, now you can see why I'm a bit anxious for that credit??

RA

Bring your receipt to RIII. Maybe will be "someone" there you can talk with.

If enough XLR owners at RIII were to ask "certain XLR merchanise vendors" about his customer service policies, I'm sure they may become more responsive ...........don't you think? It seems to work with reputable suppliers like Cadillac. :rant

Wow! Nearly $500 of your money in their hands for nearly five months while you work it out.

In my book that's prima facie evidence of a very lop-sided customer service incident.

They have a customer who in good faith;

- purchased two items.
- paid the requested price.
- received and rejected the obviously inferior merchandise.
- the seller and the supplier both agree the merchandise is inferior.
- they have individually/collectively withheld re-payment for nearly five months.

Hhmm.....................let me guess - were you offered any "tickler" merchandise to keep you happy while you play mushroom??? I like keychains!

I'm in sales. Customer service HAS to be #1. Why wait until RIII? You know who owns the Boutique and how to contact him.

I would prefer to believe that this is either an oversight, or, that someone else handles this for him and he may not be aware of the problem.

RichH............and Ruthie. Damn, now I have to go to BG to see how this plays out. Allen wanted to know why he hadn't been added to the list. Daaaaaah, because he was flying into Bowling Green and thought he didn't have to pay the $75 to be in our group.
If I'm not mistaken, someone posted to him that he needed to pay to ride the train.
OK, Allen your on the hot seat.
Standby, mad as hell.I'm in sales. Customer service HAS to be #1. Why wait until RIII? You know who owns the Boutique and how to contact him.

I would prefer to believe that this is either an oversight, or, that someone else handles this for him and he may not be aware of the problem.

I'm in sales. Customer service HAS to be #1. Why wait until RIII? You know who owns the Boutique and how to contact him.

I would prefer to believe that this is either an oversight, or, that someone else handles this for him and he may not be aware of the problem.

This is not an oversight. I have been in regular contact with the Boutique and who I believe is the owner. I have many emails that confirm this purchase/return/intent to credit. Believe me, I too, would have preferred to have had this resolved weeks ago. I did not intend for this to become a public issue..... it has been going on since last December .... but, when someone suggested that another forum member buy the bags from the Boutique, and this still wasn't resolved, it just needed to be said. I did not want one of my friends to maybe have the same problem. What is interesting is that during all of this posting, I have had no contact from the Boutique.

RA

I guess I should just add one thing. It's true that there has been intent to refund/credit my account .... for more than a few weeks. My question was, and continues to be WHY it hasn't been done. If that had happened, this wouldn't have.

RA

RichH............and Ruthie. Damn, now I have to go to BG to see how this plays out. Allen wanted to know why he hadn't been added to the list. Daaaaaah, because he was flying into Bowling Green and thought he didn't have to pay the $75 to be in our group.
If I'm not mistaken, someone posted to him that he needed to pay to ride the train.
OK, Allen your on the hot seat.
Standby, mad as hell.


Bob - you have to own one to drive one. Nuff said.

Ruthie, Don't loose sight of the fact that this has been going on for five months. You do not need to apologize.
BoboI guess I should just add one thing. It's true that there has been intent to refund/credit my account .... for more than a few weeks. My question was, and continues to be WHY it hasn't been done. If that had happened, this wouldn't have.

RA

How about interest on the investment?? Let's see, if you should owe $$$$ on your credit card and the balance isn't paid. . .18% sound reasonable?

Floyd

No balance .... if there was, I would have canceled the payment!! :jester

RA

Good morning Floyd,
Well, what do you know, we got Floyd out of bed. Now things are really gonna heat up.
BoboNo balance .... if there was, I would have canceled the payment!! :jester

RA

No balance .... if there was, I would have canceled the payment!! :jester

RA

No, no misunderstanding!! You're due the interest--he has the $$$$, you should have had it refunded by now--you've, in effect, made him a loan (18%) of the $$$$!

Floyd

Good morning Floyd,
Well, what do you know, we got Floyd out of bed. Now things are really gonna heat up.
Bobo

Evening, Bobbbo!

Well, what's right is right!!!

Bed??? Far too early!!!

Floyd

You carriage is going to turn into a pumpkin.:iagree Evening, Bobbbo!

Well, what's right is right!!!

Bed??? Far too early!!!

Floyd

No, no misunderstanding!! You're due the interest--he has the $$$$, you should have had it refunded by now--you've, in effect, made him a loan (18%) of the $$$$!

Floyd

What a great negotiator you would be!

I'm still hoping that this will be resolved shortly or is in the process of being resolved now. I have asked for and am waiting for confirmation from the Boutique ... I will keep you posted.

RA

Good News!

Here is part of what I received in my private email this morning ...

"...was told that the credit for the bags were set into motion on 5/2 by the boutique. I was explained that the all the paperwork was done and they were reimbursed from the bag mfg also on 5/2."

This was sent from the XLR Gift Boutique.

Just to make sure that this is a smooth process and that there is no further problems, I have asked to have the account numbers confirmed.

I will definetly keep you all up-to-date ....

Boy, will I be happy to put THIS is the past.

Now I can exchange that $472.00 for about 7 tanks of gas to go to Bowling Green! Hmmm, well that will maybe get us there! :eek

RA

Well what a coincidence after last nights turmoil.
He waits until he gets reimbursed? Then you get your money? I really don't think business is done that way.
You take back a product that you didn't like to the grocery store, and they tell you they will have to wait and get the money back from the manufacture?
Any good business will stand behind their product.
What time was the post to your PM...............after the Donny Brook last night. (sp)
by the way, $472 will only get you to BG, I guess I'll have to tow you home............anyone know who wants to sell their hitch?:lol :glol:glol:glol
Good News!

Here is part of what I received in my private email this morning ...

"...was told that the credit for the bags were set into motion on 5/2 by the boutique. I was explained that the all the paperwork was done and they were reimbursed from the bag mfg also on 5/2."

This was sent from the XLR Gift Boutique.

Just to make sure that this is a smooth process and that there is no further problems, I have asked to have the account numbers confirmed.

I will definetly keep you all up-to-date ....

Boy, will I be happy to put THIS is the past.

Now I can exchange that $472.00 for about 7 tanks of gas to go to Bowling Green! Hmmm, well that will maybe get us there! :eek

RA

I agree with everything you said .... :banghead

The message came in early this morning ...
It was a very plesant surprise.

Well, Bobby .... it's not too late for us to convoy over ... you know.
Being the last-minute- Susie that I am known to be, I still haven't made our motel reservations ..... I do know that we want our first stop to be the Nativo Lodge in Albuquerque .... you spoiled me last year by introducing that hotel (most comfy beds in the WORLD!!) .... AND it had a Cracker Barrel right next door! :jester

Yes, for sure I will have to get one of XLR Ken's hitches .... who knows what the price of gas will be by that time! :eek

RA

Good News!

Here is part of what I received in my private email this morning ...

"...was told that the credit for the bags were set into motion on 5/2 by the boutique. I was explained that the all the paperwork was done and they were reimbursed from the bag mfg also on 5/2."

This was sent from the XLR Gift Boutique.

Just to make sure that this is a smooth process and that there is no further problems, I have asked to have the account numbers confirmed.

I will definetly keep you all up-to-date ....

Boy, will I be happy to put THIS is the past.

Now I can exchange that $472.00 for about 7 tanks of gas to go to Bowling Green! Hmmm, well that will maybe get us there! :eek

RA

I'm sorry; but that is a crock - five months to get your money back on a product that I would not have given my worst enemy as a gift. After looking at the photos and seeing the runaround you received from the seller................email after email full of double-talk, excuses and blaming everyone but the true source of the problem - the seller who was in full control of the issue.

All you wanted was to be made whole. If the seller valued the relationship, a credit would have been made immediately. The seller opted to sacrifice the relationship for the total price of $472.00. I guess we now know the break point for at least one vendor.

The purpose of these forums is the exchanging of ideas and information, including information (pro or con) regarding vendors who specifically target the group as potential customers. The relationship only works if the consumer is allowed a feedback channel, a function this forum also provides.

Keep in mind vendors have the opportunity (and an obligation) to defend their business practices, allowing consumers to make informed choices in the future.

So true, Mswaim ....

The forum has provided us with lots of opportunities to exchange information, frustration, and ideas; but to your credit, the administrators make it a fair playing field. I have seen several posts removed when no backup could be provided to substantiate a negative post.

That just makes the forum a better and better place .... and a place where we can come to get the straight-up information we want. :thumbs

All of this and great people ... :grouphug ...

RA

would like to know.

Ruth Ann - Have you received your refund? I believe Allen told you the refund reached the "seller" on 5/2/08 so I would think you would have your money by now. Afterall, we do live in a world with an internet and everything! You can actually send money via this thing called the internet and the recipient will get it the same day!!!!!! Oh My God! What a concept!

So - are are any richer tonight? Hey; at least you have a bright shiny new keychain to remind you of this memorable business transaction!

I'm thinking all of the weekend transactions should clear tonight. I will check my statement of account tomorrow and let you know ....

I am actually still waiting for the Boutique to confirm my account numbers. That shouldn't be to hard to do ... would you think??

Shiny keychain? Well, now, I did receive one for the delay of my last order ....

RA

In other words; you have nothing but more empty promises. Wow; BG is shaping up to be quite the Rumble!!!! Heck, I'm thinking Doris and I should drop in just to cheer ya on. I'll bring the wine....................Oh wait, you've heard enough whining by now. :jester

In other words; you have nothing but more empty promises. Wow; BG is shaping up to be quite the Rumble!!!! Heck, I'm thinking Doris and I should drop in just to cheer ya on. I'll bring the wine....................Oh wait, you've heard enough whining by now. :jester

Now, don't tease us, Mswaim .... you know we've been trying to get you to come with us all year .... I'm sure there's several people who would just love to see you there ... and maybe a few who wouldn't :jester :jester

RA

If you do not have your refund by tomorrow; perhaps it's time to speak with Cadillac concerning the business practices and customer service of a store that utilizes their product's name. :cheers

If you do not have your refund by tomorrow; perhaps it's time to speak with Cadillac concerning the business practices and customer service of a store that utilizes their product's name. :cheers

Hmmm, now there's a thought.... we will keep that in mind!

RA

I don't want to get into the details of RuthAnns transaction, but it has been a nightmare of an issue between the boutique and the GM vendor that supplies the bags.

This has been very frustrating for me, as I have tried to help out the boutique because of the people I personally know. I dont agree with some of their ideas, but it's not my business. I do know they do about 10/15 orders a day without any issue, but once in a while a nasty situation can pop up in any business.

When I asked them to be a vendor on the forum, I thought it would be helpful to everyone here. Overall they have taken care of many XLR owners with only a few issues. These usually happen when the GM suppliers that make the products have difficulty getting the item to the boutique.

For individuals I know on the forum, have time to time contacted me regarding a purchase, since I have positive relationship with the majority of the people here, I would many times simply take the information and forward it to the boutique. I believe it has put a comfortable face to the boutique, but when an issue arrises its frustrating.

Thanks
Allen

The "boutique" is the source of any frustrations related to the RA transaction. They sold the mechandise, collected payment and delivered a poorly branded piece of inferior merchandise.

Once it was returned to the "boutique", the refund should have followed immediately, not when they finally were reimbursed by the manufacturer. This is not a case of a shoddy manufacturer; this is a classic case of extremely poor customer service.

The moment the "boutique" realized there was a problem, they were quick to get the bags back into their hands, but took five months to validate RA's conplaint and refund her money - or at least you told her they have initiated the refund. The least they could have done was send her proof of that, but again - it's all about customer service; or the lack thereof.

Allen; the "boutique" may not be your business, however if RA were to post up all of the emails and pictures of the bags, I am quite sure all would agree you should have leveraged "the people you personally know" since their actions clearly indicate their indifference for a forum member who is still waiting to be paid back after being ripped off.

But hey, that's just my two cents worth. I don't have a dog in this fight - I'm just frustrated because this involves "people I personally know"................and I generally support my friends; not rip them off.

Let me start with this: an email I received 2 days ago .....

Hi Ruthann,
I was told that the credit for the bags were set into motion on 5/2 by the boutique. I was explained that the all the paperwork was done and they were reimbursed from the bag mfg also on 5/2. they explained it's not like running a credit card through a machine, it actually goes through a banking process. But they assured me (Boutique) that it is in process.

Allen (4 weeks to go)

Now read the last sentence again .... slowly ... see the word "me" there?

I'm not sure how this issue has gotten so out of control. Never have I had to publicly air my private issues .... I think it is extremely embarrassing. I don't know how it isn't just absolutely humiliating for "the Boutique." (read "me" from the last sentence, once again.)

All of my communication about this transaction has been with Allen. I have nothing to suggest that anyone else has been involved.

I believe that the above email was an assurance of refund.

I would like to know what "details" between the Boutique and the GM vendor should not be addressed.

I don't believe I am the only person who has had problems with merchandise, whether it be defective, or delayed, or whatever. I have seen posts here that I assume were deleted because there was lack of a back up trail. And, to the Forum's credit, I believe that was fair. That is not the case here. I have months and months of emails. And I am getting an enormous amount of support from Forum members. Believe me when I say, that the Boutique would be very surprised at what is going on behind the scenes.

Since this letter, I have asked to have the account credit verified. (twice) I have received no response. I have been advised that it is not unreasonable to have expected a copy of the credit transaction, just as a good faith assurance that the credit has been made. I think Allen, since he has been my only and direct contact, and who has represented himself as the owner of the Boutique, should have done that immediately following the sending of this latest email.

I would like to hope that the credit has been done, and that the "Boutique" can salvage it's integrity. Or what is left of it.

If it were my name, and reputation that was linked to such shoddy mistreatment of a fellow Forum member's transaction gone bad, I would have already written the check, and solved the issue privately with the vendor's involved. But, that is me. And definitely I would distance myself from a company that has such a poor customer service policy. You know, you are judged by the company you keep.

So, it doesn't matter what kind of spin you try to put on this, the facts speak for themselves.

RA

PS - thank you to all of you guys in the background that are our support team. I don't think anyone would like to be out almost half of a thousand dollars ....
You know, maybe the Boutique just doesn't have the money (capital) to credit. Wouldn't that just make you more inclined to purchase something from them???

To update:

I received a call this morning, around 10, from Allen: He has ASSURED me that payment would be made through my PayPal account and reflected by tomorrow. I have just become aware that the credit would appear almost instantaneously when it is effected. (I did not know that!!!) We discussed that I would be making this post. It is now after 2PM and the credit has not appeared.

He now has all the information that is needed to do this credit immediately.

There seems to be a dispute on the amount of the refund. But we will resolve that when I receive my hard copy statement from the credit card company that I used. If I am in error, I will say so (first time I would have made an error since 1965 - ha-ha) .... :lol

We have agreed that this needs to be settled ... which has been my thought for a very long time. I don't think that there is any reason left for this to continue.

I hope my next post on this issue is a positive one, don't you??

RA

.
.

NOW WAIT A MINUTE --- :nono :nono

On 5/2/08 you received a written communication telling you a credit was being applied to your credit card.

Now; on 5/6/08 you are told the credit will come in the form of a Paypal deposit?

I guess the question that begs to be answered is; ------ which version is a lie???


AND - you are owed a refund for the shipping both ways, since you paid to have the bags shipped to you and then paid again to return the bags for review. Once all parties agreed the merchandise was crap, you should have received a refund for the bags and the shipping.

My God - how more ridiculous can this get? I've seen some customer service nightmares in my time, but this one takes the cake for sure!

Allen - for a guy who claims not to own the boutique or to represent it in any way - you sure spend a lot of time making B.S. excuses on their behalf.

Sorry, but just calling them like I see them.

I guess the thing that gets to me is, hey, we're not talking a fortune here!

With that in mind and with RIII just around the corner I would think that any business that will be represented there would have, long before this, bent over backwards to keep huge smiles on the faces of their present customers so as not to jeopardize any potential business they were hoping to do at the Rally.

Wouldn't you think???

GEEZ!!

Floyd

Allen,

I was very surprised by your last post. I actually thought that you owned the Boutique, or at least worked in some way for them. If you look at the Forum tonight, you will see that there is another problem ( see XLR GIFT BOUTIQUE BEEF)

Maybe it would be good, since you must have some kind of "connection" with the Boutique, but are not the actual person that should be contacted for problem resolution, to list a contact name, phone number and email address for a person at the Boutique who can make a decision and actually take positive action to get a refund to member in a timely fashion if it is due.

I was in retailing for 10 years and if someone came in to my business with a problem, it got resolved on the spot. If we owed them money, they got it on the spot. I've never heard of the kind of shabby "customer no-service" that seems to be going on with the Boutique.

One thing is for sure, the problems that have been presented, and not resolved in a timely manner will make me think twice before ordering anything from them.

Rick;

I too was surprised by that admission. I got involved after reading all of the evidence Ruth has amassed concerning her nearly half-year long battle to be refunded money she paid in good faith, for what were extremely poor quality merchandise - branded merchandise at that; bearing the worst example of a Cadillac emblem I have ever seen. Better items can be purchased at any flea market. To add insult to injury, Allen (not the Boutique) requested she send them back for inspection - at HER expense!

And at the end of the day she still waits for the funds, and Allen has been her ONLY point of contact throughout this entire ordeal!

This forum exists for the purpose of exchanging information that is pertinent to the subject matter - the Cadillac XLR.

Supporting vendors choose to do so in order to have access and contribute to the forum's health - a great concept. HOWEVER - If a vendor cannot deliver and their presence is more predatory than contribitory; well, then that needs to be discussed too.

Has the gold come off yet? I know how you love pewter.
BoboI'm thinking all of the weekend transactions should clear tonight. I will check my statement of account tomorrow and let you know ....

I am actually still waiting for the Boutique to confirm my account numbers. That shouldn't be to hard to do ... would you think??

Shiny keychain? Well, now, I did receive one for the delay of my last order ....

RA

Thanks Allen???????????????? For what? Double talk?.............So are you just the shill or front man or back man? Just what is your function?
You lead us to believe all along that you where the owner of said company and you never once implied you weren't.
And............... we don't need any information from you about the hotel accommodations.
Standby----Blue Bunny from the original six cars from the very first RI in Albuquerque:puke
Bobo:banghead


I don't want to get into the details of RuthAnns transaction, but it has been a nightmare of an issue between the boutique and the GM vendor that supplies the bags.

This has been very frustrating for me, as I have tried to help out the boutique because of the people I personally know. I dont agree with some of their ideas, but it's not my business. I do know they do about 10/15 orders a day without any issue, but once in a while a nasty situation can pop up in any business.

When I asked them to be a vendor on the forum, I thought it would be helpful to everyone here. Overall they have taken care of many XLR owners with only a few issues. These usually happen when the GM suppliers that make the products have difficulty getting the item to the boutique.

For individuals I know on the forum, have time to time contacted me regarding a purchase, since I have positive relationship with the majority of the people here, I would many times simply take the information and forward it to the boutique. I believe it has put a comfortable face to the boutique, but when an issue arrises its frustrating.

Thanks
Allen

Yesterday I stated that I hoped that my next post would be a positive one.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I saw that my PayPal account was a bit healthier.

An amount was deposited this morning, less the shipping costs from my end back to the Boutique. Maybe they just "forgot." :rolleyes

This transaction had a message attached to it - signed by "Tom" .... no last name, no initial, no title. This must be "someone" affiliated with the Boutique. It is the first name other than Allen's that I have seen.

The drama attached to this whole episode has just been overwhelming. I can't imagine that anyone else should ever have to endure this.

My opinion is that this would not have been resolved today had it not been for the very vocal and active support of my forum friends and members - both in the postings and the behind the scenes activities. It is you that we would like to thank so much. I think this will show the vendors that we do expect them to stand behind their company and merchandise with integrity and good faith if they are going to solicit our business.

But here is just one little suggestion ..... when you are doing business with the vendors .... make sure you keep a paper trail and pictures ..... you never know when you may need it! :D

Again .... love you guys (and girls!) .... :grouphug
you are the best .... how wonderful to see you stand up for what you believe in..... that says a lot about your characters - it is my pleasure to call you friends.

RA

I don't believe this issue is behind you until you get a peek at the credit card statement indicating how much you were actually charged for those flea market quality bags.

And of course the "boutique" ripped you off AGAIN by not reimbursing you the shipping costs for returning their flea market quality bags!

The real sting is the fact there is easily a 100% markup on those bags, so while they sat on your money for months waiting for a refund from the manufacturer, they were sitting on the profit they made.

Hope they enjoyed the money...............:reddevil

Well Ruth Ann; any word on the shipping fees yet? I would think the Boutique is now well aware of the "mistake" they made in not reimbursing you up front for shipping back their merchandise.

Well Ruth Ann; any word on the shipping fees yet? I would think the Boutique is now well aware of the "mistake" they made in not reimbursing you up front for shipping back their merchandise.

Well, as a matter of fact, just yes.

I had a phone call from Allen about 15 minutes ago. He is making sure that is going to be taken care of .... For me, it was not about the postage (what, $10-$15$???) , you know, it was about the customer service and lack of response.

I think today both of us have a real clear understanding, on and of, both sides of the issue.

And .... done.

RA

Done it is. And that only took six frustrating months of your time (and money)!! :cheers Have fun at BG!!