Not my type of post, but....

[TomG]

I’m new to turning and have asked my fare share of repeated questions which could have been answered by a simple "site search". But like most new comers I like to ask questions, because new ideas are always surfacing from old and new members.

I just placed 2 decent size orders 2 reputable companies which I will not name and found them both to be less the polite.

Typical answer was all the info you need is either in our catalogue or on our website. That is all fine and true but when I place my first order and want to clarify my items a little patience would be nice.

My first experience ordering blanks and kits was not great. I will be sure to understand the basics ASAP so I can order using the web and avoid the human element.

I apologize in advance for this crappy post, but I have found all of you to be more then accommodating since I began to be part of this group. I thought it would have extended to the suppliers as well.

Tom

 

[Dario]

Tom,

Sadly that happens more now. My way of handling that is taking my business elsewhere. IF I have no other choice then I continue dealing with them...but the least possible amount.

On the otherhand...we have suppliers that really excel in customer service and to top it of, they also support the site on some of of our fundraising campaigns, etc. I deal with these outfit as much as possible. [^]

 

[Gary Max]

Tom----I buy from folks who are nice to me---plain and simple. Service is high on the list of things I want. I could tell you to try company B instead of A but I ain't going there either. So my thought would be----don't give those folks anymore of your money and try another company.

 

[dfurlano]

These companies are typically small organizations and they do get a lot of questions. And also Monday's are a killer because they process all the weekend orders and things get real busy.

But I will tell you if you ever have a problem you will enjoy the attention and speed at which they respond.

I guess what I am saying is that they are trying their best and I think you will find that overall your buying experience will be very positive.

Dan. (I have no affiliation with any of these companies).

 

[TomG]

Thank you both, I thought I was going to get some crap for posting what I did. I thought it was going to be a "good" learning experince talking to someone with the knowledge I am looking for. I will take your advice.

On a good note I should turn my first pen by the end of the week if all supplies show up early.

Tom

Originally posted by Gary Max
<br />Tom----I buy from folks who are nice to me---plain and simple. Service is high on the list of things I want. I could tell you to try company B instead of A but I ain't going there either. So my thought would be----don't give those folks anymore of your money and try another company.

 

[gokartergo]

I have bought some stuff off of ebay.. I also have been to a few stores. There are two companys that stand out to me.. One is http://www.beartoothwoods.com/ and the other is http://www.woodnwhimsies.com/index.html I am not with either one of these companys.. But there customer support and super fast shipping are great.. Just me .02 []

 

[AFTim]

I agree with the guys here...customer service is so much more important than price. I have worked with CSUSA and based on my order $$$, they were extremely accomodating on items out of stock and even went so far as to give a discount deeper than those advertised in their catalog. There are a few out there that I deal with only as a last resort and they were the ones that got me started on this "theraputic" hobby.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Tom, as long as you are truthful and stating facts, please tell us the companies you dealt with. We all want to hear experiences, good, and not so good, about vendors to help with our decisions on future purchases. Of course, there may be times you won't be able to say who your negative experience was with for fear of reprisals. I'm in that situation now. Had a bad experience with a business owner who has proven to be a total whacko. If I (truthfully) castigate him there could be problems. Other than that, let us know about your learning experiences.

 

[mdburn_em]

I've gotta agree with you Frank,
There's a company that gets a lot of praise here and most rightly so. But the few times I've actually spoken with... the tone was extremely condescending. I may be new but I'm not stupid. I will eat the bad kits before I go through that aggravation again. And yes, If I want certain kits, this is the only place I can get them. Everything is fantastic as long as any interaction is solely via internet.

 

[Ron Mc]

Tom,
All I can say is that we have all been there and done that. There is nothing at all wrong with your post.
Now go have some fun in the shop and make an amazing pen!

 

[TomG]

I truely appreciate all your comments. Yes, I am "truthful" but it was "my" experience with the companies. Others my not find that type of behavior out of the ordinary.

I was frustrated and needed to vent and where else to vent but here. Not like my wife would understand why ordering wood could be so stressful[].

I believe you need to make your own judgements, and I have made mine. If you are interested in who I ordered from send me a PM. But I do not wish to post to the site and stray other new comers, they need thier own observations.

Tom

 

[darbytee]

Good post Tom.

I hope that the vendors who profit from the members of this site read this post. And if you think there is a slight chance you may be one of the ones that Tom or Frank or Mark is talking about, remember that there are probably a lot of members here who feel the same way but haven't posted on this thread.

 

[wudnhed]

Hey Tom, no worries, everyone has bad days - good days. I will agree that Mondays can be very hectic for retailers trying to get weekend orders together. I try to do all my business via the net and get my turning info from this site. You will be so excited to get your orders and get going, have fun!