Admin, please delete this thread. Problem got resolved

yoda33073

Well-known member
Founding Member ⚙️
Joined
May 28, 2024
Messages
702
Media
41
Reaction score
827
Current Ride
2022 Ram 1500 Built to Serve
I bought hood graphics on Etsy from Apex Auto. I thought the price was right. I can tell you the graphics are identical to the factory ones. I wouldn't doubt if they do Ram's graphics work at their facility. HOWEVER. I purchased hood graphics on Etsy, and they came in a roll package and the edges are completely creased. To the point, it is unusable. I have tried several times to reach out to them, but have not been able. So I'm flat out $200. I have heard about the creased graphics in the past but figured I would try them and be able to return if they were. DO NOT buy Apex Auto graphics and have them shipped to you. Very upsetting.
 

Attachments

  • 173850211048770962757023029766.webp
    173850211048770962757023029766.webp
    176.4 KB · Views: 85
I bought hood graphics on Etsy from Apex Auto. I thought the price was right. I can tell you the graphics are identical to the factory ones. I wouldn't doubt if they do Ram's graphics work at their facility. HOWEVER. I purchased hood graphics on Etsy, and they came in a roll package and the edges are completely creased. To the point, it is unusable. I have tried several times to reach out to them, but have not been able. So I'm flat out $200. I have heard about the creased graphics in the past but figured I would try them and be able to return if they were. DO NOT buy Apex Auto graphics and have them shipped to you. Very upsetting.
From other post:

Wait, so even after you applied a heat gun while laying it flat, the creases didn't relax? That doesn't sound right. What temp did you have your heat gun on and what method(s) did you use to relax the vinyl?

It's not uncommon for vinyl to arrive in a creased or almost damaged looking condition. They sell to all people with assumption that if you are buying vinyl then you know how to work with it. Now, that doesn't mean that it will relax 100% every time but probably 99.9%.

I wouldn't put a company on blast until I was certain the issue wasn't user error and I'm not entirely certain that isn't the case here. I'll post a video of working with hundreds of feet of vinyl mess when I finally get around to fixing my dent and wrapping.
 
Might be a bit harsh by the OP, but I'm probably more on his side. If you have to be "vinyl professional" to do this properly, they are going to get a bad rap very quickly. I was anticipating buying both the bedside and hood graphic and saving about $1,000 - but I don't have a heat gun and I'm certainly not a pro. These are basically stickers for the average Joe - if they require true expertise to apply, they should warn their buyers. Plus, the non-response by them is not OK!
 
Might be a bit harsh by the OP, but I'm probably more on his side. If you have to be "vinyl professional" to do this properly, they are going to get a bad rap very quickly. I was anticipating buying both the bedside and hood graphic and saving about $1,000 - but I don't have a heat gun and I'm certainly not a pro. These are basically stickers for the average Joe - if they require true expertise to apply, they should warn their buyers. Plus, the non-response by them is not OK!
Installing a vynl is like installing tint or wrap. Companies sell it to anyone but everyone is left to find an installer, learn how to do it professionally or be happy with a bubble filled, maybe askew uneducated install.

From the company's perspective, this isn't a credential filled industry and it wouldn't make sense for them to question every order.

More food for thought, anyone can buy claybars or ceramic products but without knowledge those can do as much harm as good. Again, people review those products harshly when they have giant swirls and streaks.

Last thought:

I make baseball bats, you bought one without any idea how baseball works, then went to batting cage and took a 90mph fast ball to the chest. Who's at fault? Batmaker, bat seller, MLB, batting cage or the guy that thought he knew what he was doing and bought the bat?
 
Multiple people have reported not being able to get ahold of the company, though.

Whether or not we should expect them to be able to ship a sticker without creases, picking up the phone seems like a pretty low bar that they've consistently been unable to clear (reportedly).
 
I had a similar issue. Mine arrived looking nearly identical to how the OP's looks. There was another post a couple of weeks ago that looked quite a bit worse than ours does. I peeled back the backing to see if it was just creased or torn, and it does not appear to be torn. These large decals get banged around in the shipping tubes, and the creases happen as the whole decal slams suddenly down to one end numerous times on its trip.
I reached out to Apex and got an immediate response that wrinkles should be no issue on the install. They asked for pics, and I provided them, and have not gotten a response since then. So, their communication is spotty for sure.
Mine is being installed on Feb 12 by my ceramic/PPF installer. They don't think it's going to be a big deal.
However, to hedge my bet, I ordered the same decal from Rumble wraps last week. It should arrive Tuesday, and I'll open and see if they package theirs any differently and if there is similar damage.
The folks at Rumble Wraps are really cool. I ordered at night, then sent a follow up email the next day asking about timing. They got back to me within minutes, and we emailed a few times that afternoon; they responded super fast and they're so friendly. I ordered Tuesday night, talked to them Wednesday. My order shipped Friday. Arrives tomorrow or Tuesday.
Anyway, I'll have 2 hood stickers to take to my installer. If the Apex one works, I'll sell the Rumble Wrap. If Apex can't be applied, they'll use the Rumble and I'll follow up with Apex and or Etsy.
I may be out a few bucks, but I want the install to happen without a hitch. And this can be a litmus test for the 2 companies to see the difference in their products and packaging/shipping care.

I also ordered the rhino head bedside graphics from Apex, along with the RHO bed graphics, because I wasn't sure which one I liked best. They both showed up in the tube unharmed, along with the hood sticker. Only damage was hood sticker, due to its large size and weight. I'm going to go with the rhino head, and will post some pics, since I haven't seen anyone do this one before.
I'll also have the RHO bedside decal and possibly a hood decal to sell once install is complete.
 
Well there it is.
 
I had a similar issue. Mine arrived looking nearly identical to how the OP's looks. There was another post a couple of weeks ago that looked quite a bit worse than ours does. I peeled back the backing to see if it was just creased or torn, and it does not appear to be torn. These large decals get banged around in the shipping tubes, and the creases happen as the whole decal slams suddenly down to one end numerous times on its trip.
I reached out to Apex and got an immediate response that wrinkles should be no issue on the install. They asked for pics, and I provided them, and have not gotten a response since then. So, their communication is spotty for sure.
Mine is being installed on Feb 12 by my ceramic/PPF installer. They don't think it's going to be a big deal.
However, to hedge my bet, I ordered the same decal from Rumble wraps last week. It should arrive Tuesday, and I'll open and see if they package theirs any differently and if there is similar damage.
The folks at Rumble Wraps are really cool. I ordered at night, then sent a follow up email the next day asking about timing. They got back to me within minutes, and we emailed a few times that afternoon; they responded super fast and they're so friendly. I ordered Tuesday night, talked to them Wednesday. My order shipped Friday. Arrives tomorrow or Tuesday.
Anyway, I'll have 2 hood stickers to take to my installer. If the Apex one works, I'll sell the Rumble Wrap. If Apex can't be applied, they'll use the Rumble and I'll follow up with Apex and or Etsy.
I may be out a few bucks, but I want the install to happen without a hitch. And this can be a litmus test for the 2 companies to see the difference in their products and packaging/shipping care.

I also ordered the rhino head bedside graphics from Apex, along with the RHO bed graphics, because I wasn't sure which one I liked best. They both showed up in the tube unharmed, along with the hood sticker. Only damage was hood sticker, due to its large size and weight. I'm going to go with the rhino head, and will post some pics, since I haven't seen anyone do this one before.
I'll also have the RHO bedside decal and possibly a hood decal to sell once install is complete.
Your installers won't have a problem. Every decal I've ordered or even picked up local has looked similar. Maybe the vinyl guys play tube football to pass the time? As long as there isn't a fold over crease section it comes out with heat. Folded creases are a whole other thing, thus the reason for tube shipping.

I've installed a whole lot of vinyl but it was certainly a learning process and I'd hate to count the amount of money lost in poor installs when I was younger or got lazy when older, lol.

For reference, I knew the owners of Apex many years ago, not sure if same people but they were fantastic people that were buried in running and maintaining the business and not so great with email. Had better luck over phone and in person.

*edit* different Apex. No clue about the customer service of company you all went through.
 
Last edited:
I purchased the hood & bedside decals from Apex also. I received my order on Friday and when I opened the tube I saw that they sent the wrong set. I ordered the "Hurricane style and received the "OEM" style. I immediately sent Apex a text from Etsy and waited. I finally received a response early Monday morning (I guess they don't work the weekends) They wrote back stating that they were sorry for the mix up and said that they sent a new set of decals 2nd day air and told me I could keep the "OEM style" When I received the new set (Hurricane Style) I had concerns with the way they looked. I sent them a few pictures and asked if I should be concerned about the slight creases in the vinyl backing paper. They got back to me in less than an hour and told me not to worry just make sure I used a lot of soap and water when I applied the decals . I applied the decals yesterday and didn't have any problems. They came out great!
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4136.webp
    IMG_4136.webp
    614.1 KB · Views: 77
  • IMG_4138.webp
    IMG_4138.webp
    582 KB · Views: 78
I purchased the hood & bedside decals from Apex also. I received my order on Friday and when I opened the tube I saw that they sent the wrong set. I ordered the "Hurricane style and received the "OEM" style. I immediately sent Apex a text from Etsy and waited. I finally received a response early Monday morning (I guess they don't work the weekends) They wrote back stating that they were sorry for the mix up and said that they sent a new set of decals 2nd day air and told me I could keep the "OEM style" When I received the new set (Hurricane Style) I had concerns with the way they looked. I sent them a few pictures and asked if I should be concerned about the slight creases in the vinyl backing paper. They got back to me in less than an hour and told me not to worry just make sure I used a lot of soap and water when I applied the decals . I applied the decals yesterday and didn't have any problems. They came out great!
Nice install!! Here's my question for you: Apex includes the small hood decal for the section forward of the hood scoop. Did you install that? Or is the the factory decal? How does the texture of the Apex decal match the texture of the small factory hood decal? I'm wondering if it's best to keep the factory small decal on when installing the large decal, or remove it so they're exactly the same.
Thanks!!
 
Nice install!! Here's my question for you: Apex includes the small hood decal for the section forward of the hood scoop. Did you install that? Or is the the factory decal? How does the texture of the Apex decal match the texture of the small factory hood decal? I'm wondering if it's best to keep the factory small decal on when installing the large decal, or remove it so they're exactly the same.
Thanks!!
I left the factory installed decal in front of the hood scope on, I think they are almost identical in color.
 
I left the factory installed decal in front of the hood scope on, I think they are almost identical in color.
Perfect. Thanks!!!
 
Hey everyone,

I also wanted to provide an update from my recent experience. I was one of the persons that initially shared the images of the apex hood decal arriving with some corners kind of beat up. I’ll attach the picture to show you . To my surprise, I took it to my installer and he said “not a problem” . The install is complete and I’m hella happy with the results. I had also purchased a second decal as a backup from Anchor Room. Didn’t need it ! 😂 I really wanted the Apex one to work for me since it was the hurricane version with that modified “O”.

Lastly, Apex customer service did respond last Monday and did refund me for the mest up decal. But again, if you guys received something similar to what I got, your installer should be able to handle it ! See a pic for the corner results !
 

Attachments

  • IMG_4495.webp
    IMG_4495.webp
    90.7 KB · Views: 64
  • IMG_4492.webp
    IMG_4492.webp
    283.9 KB · Views: 63
  • IMG_4561.webp
    IMG_4561.webp
    245.5 KB · Views: 63
  • IMG_4560.webp
    IMG_4560.webp
    261.8 KB · Views: 65
Hey everyone,

I also wanted to provide an update from my recent experience. I was one of the persons that initially shared the images of the apex hood decal arriving with some corners kind of beat up. I’ll attach the picture to show you . To my surprise, I took it to my installer and he said “not a problem” . The install is complete and I’m hella happy with the results. I had also purchased a second decal as a backup from Anchor Room. Didn’t need it ! 😂 I really wanted the Apex one to work for me since it was the hurricane version with that modified “O”.

Lastly, Apex customer service did respond last Monday and did refund me for the mest up decal. But again, if you guys received something similar to what I got, your installer should be able to handle it ! See a pic for the corner results !
Very nice!! I didn’t see that hurricane O version listed when I got mine. I would have gotten that for sure!!
 
I purchased the hood & bedside decals from Apex also. I received my order on Friday and when I opened the tube I saw that they sent the wrong set. I ordered the "Hurricane style and received the "OEM" style. I immediately sent Apex a text from Etsy and waited. I finally received a response early Monday morning (I guess they don't work the weekends) They wrote back stating that they were sorry for the mix up and said that they sent a new set of decals 2nd day air and told me I could keep the "OEM style" When I received the new set (Hurricane Style) I had concerns with the way they looked. I sent them a few pictures and asked if I should be concerned about the slight creases in the vinyl backing paper. They got back to me in less than an hour and told me not to worry just make sure I used a lot of soap and water when I applied the decals . I applied the decals yesterday and didn't have any problems. They came out great!
If anyone is looking for a set of these decals I do have any extra set of the"Oem" style Hood & Bedside decals. Let me know if you are interested, I'm sure we can work something out.
 

Attachments

  • Extra Decals.webp
    Extra Decals.webp
    505.5 KB · Views: 34
  • Extra Decals3.webp
    Extra Decals3.webp
    452.4 KB · Views: 34
  • Extra Decals2.webp
    Extra Decals2.webp
    513.9 KB · Views: 34
Hey everyone,

I also wanted to provide an update from my recent experience. I was one of the persons that initially shared the images of the apex hood decal arriving with some corners kind of beat up. I’ll attach the picture to show you . To my surprise, I took it to my installer and he said “not a problem” . The install is complete and I’m hella happy with the results. I had also purchased a second decal as a backup from Anchor Room. Didn’t need it ! 😂 I really wanted the Apex one to work for me since it was the hurricane version with that modified “O”.

Lastly, Apex customer service did respond last Monday and did refund me for the mest up decal. But again, if you guys received something similar to what I got, your installer should be able to handle it ! See a pic for the corner results !
Can you send me contact info for Apex? The number and email I have gets no response. Thanks.
 
Can you send me contact info for Apex? The number and email I have gets no response. Thanks.
Apex did replied my last email. I basically replied the order confirmation email and they said they are going to send me a refund. They also said their big cutter was down so sending a replacement will not be an option. I will keep you all posted as long as I get the refund I am happy with that.
 

Trending content

Back
Top