Vanbitz Motorhome Alarms. End of an Era?

[Rugbybull]

Having read through six pages of comments (and never having used Van Bitz), I do hope that ‘gardening leave’ doesn’t become the inevitable outcome of whats gone before! Just an observation from an impartial observer!

 

[Jim]

Having read through six pages of comments (and never having used Van Bitz), I do hope that ‘gardening leave’ doesn’t become the inevitable outcome of whats gone before! Just an observation from an impartial observer!

Not sure what you mean. I imagine that the inevitable outcome will be that Vanbitz will stop fitting alarms as all the installers and over half a century of experience has left. It's a specialist job that takes quite a time to learn, anyone who has watched the fitters build the looms will appreciate that. They can't just advertise for an auto electrician, they would have no idea.

This was why I was pleased to see that Wattguardz will look after ex VB customers, very many of whom are Funsters.

 

[pandas]

I have been following this quite strange post simply as we are a Vanbiz customer and I would like to understand what I might do for future product support. It seems the tone of this spat has started to devalue the goodwill of the brand which is unfortunate- surprised one would want to air their washing on a forum particularly as it has been quite a personal exchange.

My read is that MF are recommending that the breakaway group would be their recommendation for any future business relationship for this product. Or I may have it all wrong?

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I have been following this quite strange post simply as we are a Vanbiz customer and I would like to understand what I might do for future product support. It seems the tone of this spat has started to devalue the goodwill of the brand which is unfortunate- surprised one would want to air their washing on a forum particularly as it has been quite a personal exchange.

My read is that MF are recommending that the breakaway group would be their recommendation for any future business relationship for this product. Or I may have it all wrong?

I don't think that MHF is recommending anything at all. It is the individuals who are making their own decisions

 

[pandas]

I don't think that MHF is recommending anything at all. It is the individuals who are making their own decisions

That’s what I thought should fair and independent but post 183 surprised me.

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[Phill D]

I

I have been following this quite strange post simply as we are a Vanbiz customer and I would like to understand what I might do for future product support. It seems the tone of this spat has started to devalue the goodwill of the brand which is unfortunate- surprised one would want to air their washing on a forum particularly as it has been quite a personal exchange.

My read is that MF are recommending that the breakaway group would be their recommendation for any future business relationship for this product. Or I may have it all wrong?

don’t see any spat between the parties concerned, all seems quite grown up, sensible and amicable. Neither party has criticised or bad mouthed the other.

Yes there are lots of individuals giving their personal opinions. None of which has been officially endorsed by any group.

If you look back over the thread it’s is quite clear who is responsible for warranty support and what is being offered to existing and new customers by each party concerned going forward.
Your choice.

 

[Dolmen]

I have been following this quite strange post simply as we are a Vanbiz customer and I would like to understand what I might do for future product support. It seems the tone of this spat has started to devalue the goodwill of the brand which is unfortunate- surprised one would want to air their washing on a forum particularly as it has been quite a personal exchange.

My read is that MF are recommending that the breakaway group would be their recommendation for any future business relationship for this product. Or I may have it all wrong?

The family behind the original vanbitz are great friends of the owner of this forum and it seems this forum is being used to promote the new business and cast doubts on the future of the existing vanbitz business. Members allegiance to the forum means they all follow the lead, doesn’t sit right with me, but hey ho, it will get dark tonight and light again tomorrow.

 

[Tombola]

That’s what I thought should fair and independent but post 183 surprised me.

Your own post surprised you ??

 

[Coolcats]

Not sure what you mean. I imagine that the inevitable outcome will be that Vanbitz will stop fitting alarms as all the installers and over half a century of experience has left. It's a specialist job that takes quite a time to learn, anyone who has watched the fitters build the looms will appreciate that. They can't just advertise for an auto electrician, they would have no idea.

This was why I was pleased to see that Wattguardz will look after ex VB customers, very many of whom are Funsters.

In fairness Jim we have no idea what knowledge or intellectual property (IP) has been retained by Vanbitz, my guess is if they brought the business they have all the plans and details of the product and suppliers. It is not beyond the possibility that the IP is still in good hands and Vanbitz continue to support the community.

Now you may believe or have detailed knowledge or inside knowledge regarding Wattguardz but the community may have the benefit of two organisations to choose from, just how cool would that be. Only time will tell and to be honest we the consumer may benefit from this. Along with two enterprising organisations.

Just one further thought in that it was Eddie’s dedication and innovation that made the business which he sold, it will now be down to both organisations to prove which is the best.

Personally I wish both business the best of luck.

 

[Abacist]

Crikey…. I can’t be the only one who feels uncomfortable with this ?
A butcher in a town where I used to live sold his shop/business and then promptly set up across the road taking all his old customers with him , the poor young man who had in good faith, bought the business , went bust
Buyer beware but …
And yes I am/was a customer of both

Then he was very poorly advised on the business transfer agreement or perhaps he did not take advice. It is normal for the vendor to contract with the purchaser not to set up in competition within an agreed distance and within an agreed number of years and not to poach customers.

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[Minxy]

I have been reading this thread with interest, I don't have a Vanbitz alarm so have no 'skin' in the game.

I have been quite surprised by the comments being made by some. I'm not saying that views should not be stated however it is certainly coming across as a bit of 'undermining' of Vanbitz. There are now questions being posed about how well the new owners can continue to provide the service people have become accustomed to without any evidence to back this up other than some of the staff are leaving because they are not content to stay for whatever reasons.

Vanbitz has always been well regarded and that hasn't changed since Eddie retired and despite staff now leaving to set-up independently this doesn't necessarily mean that those still at Vanbitz are incapable of providing the same quality service, a company isn't made up of just one or two people and I would suggest it's insulting to those who are remaining to imply that they are not capable of continuing on - I wouldn't think they'd still be employed if they weren't! Some comments especially along these lines are very uncomfortable to read and I am surprised that this level of undermining, without any proof of issues, is being permitted, it actually leaves a very bitter taste in my mouth.

I wish Ash et al well in his new business venture and also that Vanbitz continues to thrive as well, but let's lay off the undermining that's going on as it doesn't show either businesses nor funsters in a good light.

 

[Minxy]

Then he was very poorly advised on the business transfer agreement or perhaps he did not take advice. It is normal for the vendor to contract with the purchaser not to set up in competition within an agreed distance and within an agreed number of years and not to poach customers.

The vendor wasn't Ash though, that was Eddie who hasn't got any input in to the new company therefore there is no case to answer. It's been 2 years anyway so Vanbitz has been supported by existing experience staff for that period of time and for whatever reasons (some given in this thread) some staff now want to go elsewhere, that's nothing new as often happens when companies are bought as new owners don't necessarily have the same vision as existing staff/previous owners. If the existing staff wanted to have control of what goes on then they should've bought the company themselves, in this case that didn't happen so you can't expect the new owners to still do what the staff want when they no doubt have their own plans. It also doesn't mean that the new owners' plans are wrong, just different maybe, so lets see how things pan out and support both companies as it can only be a good thing for MH owners overall.

 

[eddie]

The family behind the original vanbitz are great friends of the owner of this forum and it seems this forum is being used to promote the new business and cast doubts on the future of the existing vanbitz business. Members allegiance to the forum means they all follow the lead, doesn’t sit right with me, but hey ho, it will get dark tonight and light again tomorrow.

Jesus, some of you on here could look in an empty tin can and see a conspiracy!

Ash who works for a business that seems to be leaning towards selling motorhomes and caravans, and developing the touring park into a park home site, decides that’s not the direction he wants to go in.

Perhaps he wants to fit alarms and power systems, not sell vans (his other two brothers do that already) and perhaps the highly experienced workshop staff don’t want to be doing PDI’s and fitting awnings who knows?

He makes plans, as an employee, so not a butcher selling his butchers shop, nor a kit car manufacturer, simply an employee wanting to start his own business no big deal, nothing to see here move along!

He discusses his plans with the owner of this site, a site, who’s members Ash has had huge involvement with since it’s inception, and knows hundreds of the members personally.

Asking permission to do so and discussing your plans is the way it works on MHF, if you don’t your post gets pulled and that gets the Geese hissing even quicker

The owner of the site, always looking to protect the interests of his members asks about warranty and service moving forward, and great news, members of MHF can if they wish take advantage of the free registration scheme with the new business so “if” you’d prefer your security or electrical system looked after and maintained be the actual, people that physically installed it you can, what a “win” for MHF members

If you feel uneasy, uncomfortable or any other concern you simply do nothing.

As for using the site to promote business, surely business’s that offer big discounts AND the people involved have a fantastic reputation, over many years, for looking after MHF members, that these are the sort of businesses that a forum owner would want to promote for the members?

I have only read polite professional interaction between Ash and Darell, and if you want to know how Machiavellian it is! the staff are working their notice rather than take gardening leave, I know, as I called in today as some idiot had ordered a new laptop and forgot to update the delivery address

 

[AshWattGuardz]

If I may I would like to say a few words.

I would like to start by saying that I have the upmost respect for both Darrel and Jessie and there are no ill feelings between us. We are currently working together to create an amicable separation where both companies can operate side by side and work with one another. This is the benefit you, our long standing customers.

I apologise if it has come across if it was a “them or us” scenario. That was never my intention and I apologise if it did.

When these situations arise, there will always be sides that customers feel that they need to take, and this is out of loyalty that I truly respect. However on this occasion that is not the case.

These types of breakups are extremely difficult and there will be things that are done and said out of emotion.

With that being said I truly wish Van Bitz all the success as they truly deserve. As we know more with this difficult transition, we will keep everyone informed. We will start a new thread within the next couple of days to advise what has been agreed and how we are able to work together to provide the best service for all our previous and future customers.

Kindest regards

Ash

 

[Abacist]

The vendor wasn't Ash though, that was Eddie who hasn't got any input in to the new company therefore there is no case to answer. It's been 2 years anyway so Vanbitz has been supported by existing experience staff for that period of time and for whatever reasons (some given in this thread) some staff now want to go elsewhere, that's nothing new as often happens when companies are bought as new owners don't necessarily have the same vision as existing staff/previous owners. If the existing staff wanted to have control of what goes on then they should've bought the company themselves, in this case that didn't happen so you can't expect the new owners to still do what the staff want when they no doubt have their own plans. It also doesn't mean that the new owners' plans are wrong, just different maybe, so lets see how things pan out and support both companies as it can only be a good thing for MH owners overall.

Will you kindly read the post to which I was replying which was to do with a butcher who sold his business and then got shafted because the vendor then set up opposite the purchaser and kept all his old clients resulting in the purchaser butcher going bust - nothing to do with Eddie, Ash, Vanbitz, Darrel apart from the principles of some aspects that must be included in a good business transfer agreement on a sale/purchase. Thank you!

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[Abacist]

From what one might surmise the new owners are into Campsites but not into the provision of alarms etc hence why Ash and the team are leaving but remaining in Taunton and setting up a new business and its all amicable with Darrel. Perhaps Ash or Darrel could confirm this before speculation gets out of control? Of course I might be wrong as I've had a couple of large Bells's as I'm wired tonight and can't sleep and have come down to try and work myself to sleep!

 

[CazPaul]

Not sure what you mean. I imagine that the inevitable outcome will be that Vanbitz will stop fitting alarms as all the installers and over half a century of experience has left. It's a specialist job that takes quite a time to learn, anyone who has watched the fitters build the looms will appreciate that. They can't just advertise for an auto electrician, they would have no idea.

This was why I was pleased to see that Wattguardz will look after ex VB customers, very many of whom are Funsters.

They can advertise for an alarm fitter/fitters, there’s loads of companies throughout the UK that fit alarms to a whole myriad of vehicles including specialist vehicles and motorhomes.
Van Bitz aren’t the only Motorhome alarm fitters around.

 

[Jim]

They can advertise for an alarm fitter/fitters,

I'm sure they could, but they'd be starting from scratch. Electronics is only half the story. I'm guessing it would take 6 months just to learn the best cable runs on British vans; let alone the majority. And to learn that, the vans to be coming through to practise on. Only when they know that can they start building the looms. I'm sure if Vanbitz want to continue with alarms, of course they could, but practically, it would not be as easy as advertising for a fitter.

 

[Jim]

My read is that MF are recommending that the breakaway group would be their recommendation for any future business relationship for this product. Or I may have it all wrong?

MHF is not recommending anything, so yes you do have it all wrong.

The family behind the original vanbitz are great friends of the owner of this forum and it seems this forum is being used to promote the new business and cast doubts on the future of the existing vanbitz business.

I'm just reporting what is happening and adding my twopenneth. If VB have no fitters, then they are not likely to be fitting alarms any time soon. That is not casting doubts, it's telling it like it is. If you want to cast aspersions about my character and read anything more sinister into it than that, then fill your boots, it's water off a ducks back.

 

[Ditcha]

You should apply for the salesman's job Jim

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[eddie]

They can advertise for an alarm fitter/fitters, there’s loads of companies throughout the UK

Not many of them live in Taunton, it’s a long commute otherwise

Van Bitz aren’t the only Motorhome alarm fitters around.

We know!

Keep up, there’s WattGuardz

 

[carolyn]

From what one might surmise the new owners are into Campsites but not into the provision of alarms etc hence why Ash and the team are leaving but remaining in Taunton and setting up a new business and its all amicable with Darrel. Perhaps Ash or Darrel could confirm this before speculation gets out of control? Of course I might be wrong as I've had a couple of large Bells's as I'm wired tonight and can't sleep and have come down to try and work myself to sleep!

I can’t imagine for one moment either are going to say that as it would be very bad for Darryl and inappropriate of Ash! However I am sure that now we know it’s Park Dean who bought out Vanbitz in 2022 you are not the only one who is thinking that Vanbitz alarms is going to just be a sideline to a huge Campsite empire.

I think they’ve both said all they can at this stage. They’ve told us all we “need” to know. Both will honour the warranties on our current products. There’s a deadline to let Ash know your details. It’s all earlier in the thread. Darryl at Vanbitz will have them.

 

[Shrimp]

People do get wound up about other people’s business……why, surely it’s down to Ash and VB.
Good luck Ash and I’m not recommending anything!

 

[pandas]

That’s what I thought should fair and independent but post 183 surprised me.

yes sorry 182! wasn't surprised at the response of course

 

[ShiftZZ]

You know what, when we go away, parking on a site or an aire or a supermarket car park, there us nothing more satisfying than pressing the remote on the alarm, those flashing blue lights telling the whole world to leave you alone.
It's a bit like a comfort blanket.
Rolex, iPad, dog all safe from being gassed in France.

I've known Eddie and Ash for some time, trust, banter has grown and developed. I've always been impressed with their knowledge (besides rugby) so I will be sticking with Ash. There you go, line in the sand.

The last time I was at Cornish Farm I noticed a change.the Campsite was full, looked like some were long term.

Anyhow, it matters not, I'm with Ash, a boyo from Newport. Us Welsh boys must back each other up..

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[haganap]

jeez, This is better value than "eastenders" for some.... it's just business fgs. many businsess grow out of seperation.. whether it be Jones and Jones the Plumbers who become Jones plumbing & Jones plumbing & heating to Aldi and Aldi Sud.

Good luck Daryl Vanbitz, it's a lovely site you have and as I come to Taunton to visit family, I will definately stay there.
Good Luck AshWattGuardz I'm sure you will be a great success.

And just for clarity, before any of the above two ring me.... I can't fit alarms....

 

[Phill D]

I apologise if it has come across if it was a “them or us” scenario. That was never my intention and I apologise if it did.

Ash,
You have nothing to apologise for, all you have posted has been very balanced and supportive of both businesses.

You are not responsible for the opinions and comments from forum members and how a thread gets dragged off in many directions ( often coming to incorrect conclusions).

I have posted previously that all seems to be grown up and sensible between the parties concerned and that is good to know.

 

[bigtwin]

There’s a deadline to let Ash know your details. It’s all earlier in the thread.

I think that we’re going to need a new thread AshWattGuardz as that information will get lost as this thread develops.

Ian

 

[Gellyneck]

And just for clarity, before any of the above two ring me.... I can't fit alarms....

Ah, but which one of them are you going to grant exclusive rights to your photo to stick on a windscreen as a huge deterrent?

 

[Just smiffy]

Jesus, some of you on here could look in an empty tin can and see a conspiracy!

Nothing to see in here…

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