High Performance Fuel Cells- One Customer's Negative Experience
The purpose of this website is to inform people of my less than satisfactory experience with Jim Tarantola of High Performance Fuel Cells of Tampa, Florida. High Performance Fuel Cells is owned by Jim Tarantola. The company manufactures hydrogen fuel cells designed to improve the fuel mileage of a wide variety of motor vehicles. I had spoken with Jim on April 19, 2010 about ordering a fuel cell for my motorcycle. Jim took my information and said that he could build a fuel cell for this application. I sent Jim a check for the price of the fuel cell which came to a total of $650.00 for the fuel cell and all of the necessary components to install it. He stated to me that the product would arrive within a couple of weeks. Jim quickly and promptly cashed the check as my bank records indicated (It should be noted that this was the only thing that he has done promptly during the whole process). When the product did not arrive in the 2 week time frame, I began to place calls to Jim. It was very difficult to get ahold of him. When I placed messages on his voicemail, they were not returned. I eventually reached him on June 8th (almost 2 months later) and he stated that it was boxed and ready to be shipped and that things had been so busy due to relocating that he had forgotten to ship the box. I also had to remind him that the product was for a Honda Silverwing and not a Goldwing as he had stated that he thought it was. He assured me that it would be the correct product. I did not receive it in the next few days as was promised and placed phone calls to Jim on June 15, 21,22 with no success in reaching him. To make a long story short, I finally received a product in mid July. The product was way too big and would have produced far more hydrogen then my little 600cc motorcycle engine required and would have necessitated some creative mounting techniques due to its size. To verify this, I took the product to Hydroclub U.S.A who also manufactures Hydrogen Fuel Cells. They stated that while this cell would produce Hydrogen, it was too large for my bike and would not help the bike since it was making to much hydrogen with no way to regulate the amount of hydrogen going into the engine. I called Jim and expressed to him that it was the wrong product and he admitted that he was thinking that it was a Goldwing and not a Silverwing. It would appear that he doesn't take down information correctly and doesn't listen. I stated to him at this point in time that I wanted a refund. He pleaded with me to let him build another cell that would make the correct amount of hydrogen for a Silverwing. Given that he made the incorrect product, the difficulty in reaching him, his lack of professionalism in taking down information, and that I had to wait so long for it, I simply told him that i wanted a refund. He agreed to refund my money but said it would take a month to send a refund. I stated that this would be fine. It is now December many months later. I have not received a refund. He has not attempted to contact me although I have attempted to contact him (to no avail). I went through the process with the Better Business Bureau and he has not responded to their letters or phone inquiries. On two occasions when he answered his phone, once he realized who it was, he kept saying that he couldn't "HEAR" me. I could see this happening once, but not twice. I have left numerous messages and still no returned call. There is a very definite pattern of poor business behavior and a complete lack or professionalism. Essentially, Jim has stolen $650.00 from me. I am afraid that I have been had. I am hoping no one else will have to go through this experience which is why this site is here. I do believe in Hydrogen Technology, just not that from Jim Tarantola of High Performance Fuel Cells who is not a professional in terms of my experience. Save your money and look elsewhere! With that said, if Jim should call me to rectify this situation and make it right and send me a refund as he stated that he would, I will be sure to update this site with that information (although I'm not holding my breath). Jim and his company currently have an "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau as a result of my experience and his failure to reply to my complaint. Below is an e-mail transcript that I recently received from the BBB.
Complaint ID#: 67184843
Business Name: High Peformance Fuel Cells
The Better Business Bureau has made several attempts to contact the business regarding the above referenced complaint. We regret to inform you that we have not received a response from the company.
The Better Business Bureau develops and maintains Reliability Reports on companies in our service area. This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. In the case of your complaint, the company's failure to promptly give attention to the matter will be reflected in the report we give to consumers about them.
If the company has contacted you in the interim, please notify the BBB immediately.
The following is pasted straight from the BBB website with important notes highlighted in red.
BBB Rating for High Peformance Fuel Cells Based on BBB files, High Peformance Fuel Cells has a BBB Rating of F on a scale from A+ to F.
Reasons for this rating include:
Back to top Business Contact and Profile for High Peformance Fuel Cells Name: High Peformance Fuel Cells Phone: (813) 789-0137 Address: 1305 W. Humphrey St.
Tampa, FL 33604 Website: http://www.highperformancefuelcells.com/indexjimtarantloa.html Principal: Jim Tarantola Customer Contact: Jim Tarantola - (813) 789-0137 File Open Date: November 2010 Type of Business: Motorcycle Part Suppliers BBB Accreditation: High Peformance Fuel Cells is not a BBB Accredited business.
The BBB develops a fullreport on a firm based on inquiry or complaint activity. This company first came to our attention in November 2010. We are attempting to develop more information on the company. At the present time we do not have enough information to issue a full report. The BBB suggests you read and understand company promotional materials and contracts and check company references and licensing, where applicable.
Back to top Customer Complaint History for High Peformance Fuel Cells When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB processed a total of 1 complaint about High Peformance Fuel Cells in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 1 complaint closed in 36 months, 1 was closed in the last year.
Refund or Exchange Issues No Response 1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.
Back to top Government Actions
BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.
Back to top Advertising Review
BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.
Back to top BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.
BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB ReliabilityReport is believed reliable, but not guaranteed as to accuracy.
BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.
If you choose to do business with High Peformance Fuel Cells, please let them know that you contacted BBB for a BBB ReliabilityReport.
ID: 90089031
Report as of December 16, 2010 06:12
Copyright© 2010 Better Business Bureau
NEW UPDATE... 1 Year Later 12-22-2011. I have yet to be refunded the money that Mr. Tarantola said he would refund. He failed to answer any call that I placed to him. Upon more research, I have discovered that he was arrested for committing a sexual crime and later arrested for failure to report his new location to authorities upon relocating. This guy is really bad on many levels beyond theft. I hope people find this and don't do any buisness with this guy. His mugshot is below! Along with the info, previously referenced, from the website that I found.
http://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/James_Tarantola_4583935/
James Don Tarantola Age : 35 Years Old Sex : M Birth Date : 6-16-1969 Race : W Weight : 175 lbs Eye Color : BLU Height : 5'11" Hair Color : BRO Block : 5300 Ruth Morris Rd Birth Place : NY City : WIMAUMA, FL Occupation : SELF EMPLOYED CARPENTER Arrest Information Arrest Date : 8-25-2004 Arrested By : HCSO Time Booked : 14:12 Arrest Location : 508 33RD ST SE, Hillsbourgh, FL
Charge 1 STATUTE: RAPE8055
CHARGE: FAILURE OF SEX OFFENDER TO REPORT
NOTES: JD HEINRICH 082604
Complaint ID#: 67184843
Business Name: High Peformance Fuel Cells
The Better Business Bureau has made several attempts to contact the business regarding the above referenced complaint. We regret to inform you that we have not received a response from the company.
The Better Business Bureau develops and maintains Reliability Reports on companies in our service area. This information is available to the public and is frequently used by potential customers. In the case of your complaint, the company's failure to promptly give attention to the matter will be reflected in the report we give to consumers about them.
If the company has contacted you in the interim, please notify the BBB immediately.
The following is pasted straight from the BBB website with important notes highlighted in red.
BBB Rating for High Peformance Fuel Cells Based on BBB files, High Peformance Fuel Cells has a BBB Rating of F on a scale from A+ to F.
Reasons for this rating include:
- BBB does not have sufficient information to determine how long this business has been operating.
- BBB does not have sufficient background information on this business.
- Failure to respond to one complaint filed against business.
Back to top Business Contact and Profile for High Peformance Fuel Cells Name: High Peformance Fuel Cells Phone: (813) 789-0137 Address: 1305 W. Humphrey St.
Tampa, FL 33604 Website: http://www.highperformancefuelcells.com/indexjimtarantloa.html Principal: Jim Tarantola Customer Contact: Jim Tarantola - (813) 789-0137 File Open Date: November 2010 Type of Business: Motorcycle Part Suppliers BBB Accreditation: High Peformance Fuel Cells is not a BBB Accredited business.
The BBB develops a full
Back to top Customer Complaint History for High Peformance Fuel Cells When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
BBB processed a total of 1 complaint about High Peformance Fuel Cells in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 1 complaint closed in 36 months, 1 was closed in the last year.
Refund or Exchange Issues No Response 1 - Company failed to respond to BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.
Back to top Government Actions
BBB has no information regarding government actions at this time.
Back to top Advertising Review
BBB has no information regarding advertising review at this time.
Back to top BBB Copyright and Reporting Policy
As a matter of policy, BBB does not endorse any product, service or business.
BBB Reliability Reports are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information in this BBB Reliability
BBB Reliability Reports generally cover a three-year reporting period. BBB Reliability Reports are subject to change at any time.
If you choose to do business with High Peformance Fuel Cells, please let them know that you contacted BBB for a BBB Reliability
ID: 90089031
Report as of December 16, 2010 06:12
Copyright© 2010 Better Business Bureau
NEW UPDATE... 1 Year Later 12-22-2011. I have yet to be refunded the money that Mr. Tarantola said he would refund. He failed to answer any call that I placed to him. Upon more research, I have discovered that he was arrested for committing a sexual crime and later arrested for failure to report his new location to authorities upon relocating. This guy is really bad on many levels beyond theft. I hope people find this and don't do any buisness with this guy. His mugshot is below! Along with the info, previously referenced, from the website that I found.
http://florida.arrests.org/Arrests/James_Tarantola_4583935/
James Don Tarantola Age : 35 Years Old Sex : M Birth Date : 6-16-1969 Race : W Weight : 175 lbs Eye Color : BLU Height : 5'11" Hair Color : BRO Block : 5300 Ruth Morris Rd Birth Place : NY City : WIMAUMA, FL Occupation : SELF EMPLOYED CARPENTER Arrest Information Arrest Date : 8-25-2004 Arrested By : HCSO Time Booked : 14:12 Arrest Location : 508 33RD ST SE, Hillsbourgh, FL
Charge 1 STATUTE: RAPE8055
CHARGE: FAILURE OF SEX OFFENDER TO REPORT
NOTES: JD HEINRICH 082604