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Check "similar threads" below these posts. Several people in the past have asked the same question, and as far as I can tell usually (eventually) get a reply/sorted out.
Just from previous posts this year asking the same thing people were told that three members of their team covered the emails etc. Maybe that's changed, no idea.
I was just highlighting the fact that this company is the one I see the most "are they still in business?" posts about, and that the question has been asked and answered previously.
Essential MINI remains a thriving small business passionate about MINIs .. but nevertheless is a 'one man band' and as such customers should be prepared to allow a little more time for responses to emails and calls, but can expect a personal and dedicated service of top quality .. however, as Specky has already pointed out, the man behind the business has recently had some bad luck with an accident, also the Essential MINI website highlighted that the business was closed for annual holiday up to and including Tues July 17th.
I am happy with all modifications on my MINI done by Essential MINI ao am happy to recommend this business to other MINI owners .. just remember 'all good things come to those who wait!'
Pheeeeeeeeew .. rant over, will get down off my soapbox now .. it's just that small businesses really do rely on positive word of mouth to survive .. so this comment seems a little harsh to me.
I just don't see this level of dissatisfaction with other "one man" (who are the three man team covering the email address?!) business like Whalen Shift Machine, MINI Pirate, New MINI Stuff etc.
The only other one seems to be MTH and I think that was a change of ownership or T&Cs that lead to confusion I believe.
This just crops up quite frequently is all (relatively speaking), and as with a BMW dealer that gets multiple complaints I think "buyer beware" and these issues should be highlighted. As well as compliments where they're due,of course.
Si is a good chap. Give him time...He was off from beginning of July till the 17th and has also had some issues with customs holding up consignments from the US (I believe he has a few k worth held-up there)
I am just waiting for him to get back to me about my M7 ultimate hood scoop which I ordered just when he went away..soon as I hear anything more I'll let peeps know!
Well I've had stuff off Si had to wait and posted on here that i couldn't get through all ended in me being a satisfied customer hoping to get me interior lights done when i get around to it.
it's all about communication - sure people get ill or have time off but if it has not been communicated to customers waiting for goods then it becomes poor service and you have an unhappy customer and get a bad reputation for your business. And if you are a one man band then it is even more important to get it right!
The issue over M7 stuff is likely to be resolved by Monday 13th. he hopes to start sending orders of M7 stuff out around the early part of next week...so hopefully things will arrive soon after that
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.. it's just that small businesses really do rely on positive word of mouth to survive .. so this comment seems a little harsh to me. 
