Slow to ship

**TFC Rick** · 07-27-2011, 11:34

I think these threads are looked at the wrong way. In my opinion this guy came in the locker room to complain to his buddies that his new "toy" wasn't coming to him as quickly as he wanted (or told it would). I don't think he is slandering the company (or not intending to at any rate) and is blowing off steam.

I think we defend the brands we like and have good experience with.

My suggestion would be to just leave them alone. If this particular thread had only one post in it, it would be long gone and forgotten by now.

My thoughts.

**NCPatrick** · 07-27-2011, 11:41

Originally Posted by TFC Rick

I think these threads are looked at the wrong way. In my opinion this guy came in the locker room to complain to his buddies that his new "toy" wasn't coming to him as quickly as he wanted (or told it would). I don't think he is slandering the company (or not intending to at any rate) and is blowing off steam.

I think we defend the brands we like and have good experience with.

My suggestion would be to just leave them alone. If this particular thread had only one post in it, it would be long gone and forgotten by now.

My thoughts.

I do sympathize with the toy not coming when expected. I once waited 6-10 weeks for a toy submarine that used baking soda tablets to sink and rise in the bathtub. Worst wait of my life. I'm permanently scarred now.

**TFC Rick** · 07-27-2011, 11:43

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

I do sympathize with the toy not coming when expected. I once waited 6-10 weeks for a toy submarine that used baking soda tablets to sink and rise in the bathtub. Worst wait of my life. I'm permanently scarred now.

Like the week before christmas!

**Ramblinrev** · 07-27-2011, 11:47

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

I do sympathize with the toy not coming when expected. I once waited 6-10 weeks for a toy submarine that used baking soda tablets to sink and rise in the bathtub. Worst wait of my life. I'm permanently scarred now.

Not to mention the time it took to collect the box tops and save the allowance before the 6 - 10 weeks.

**Ewker** · 07-27-2011, 12:12

Originally Posted by NCPatrick

One late shipment does make or break a company. On the contrary, this particular vendor has a stellar track record. I don't see this issue worth worrying about unless a pattern of shipping delays were to emerge.

I'm sorry but this isn't the 1st time we have heard of their bad customer service. From not answering emails to phone calls to shipping.

It is what it is and hopefully they will take it to heart and do something about it...just sayin

**JaxHiker** · 07-27-2011, 12:18

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Not to mention the time it took to collect the box tops and save the allowance before the 6 - 10 weeks.

They've solved this problem now. A lot of times you can just buy the item outright.

I miss opening the box and expertly extracting the toy. They don't put much of the stuff in the boxes anymore.

Originally Posted by Ewker

I'm sorry but this isn't the 1st time we have heard of their bad customer service. From not answering emails to phone calls to shipping.

It is what it is and hopefully they will take it to heart and do something about it...just sayin

I think one issue people don't think about or realize is that many of these cottage folk are 1- or 2-man operations. I can imagine it doesn't take too much of "life" to throw things off. Imagine you're one person and you get hit with a rush of orders. Sure, you might have some inventory so the first people get a great turnaround. Then you run out and you're scrambling to make the gear for the remaining orders. Perhaps you have a day job. Maybe a small child. Your SO gets ill. Any number of things can happen to derail the best laid plans. I doubt anyone is purposely setting out to deceive their customers.

**NCPatrick** · 07-27-2011, 12:24

Originally Posted by Ewker

It is what it is and hopefully they will take it to heart and do something about it...just sayin

Could be that it might offer such an opportunity.

**Ewker** · 07-27-2011, 12:30

Originally Posted by JaxHiker

I think one issue people don't think about or realize is that many of these cottage folk are 1- or 2-man operations. I can imagine it doesn't take too much of "life" to throw things off. Imagine you're one person and you get hit with a rush of orders. Sure, you might have some inventory so the first people get a great turnaround. Then you run out and you're scrambling to make the gear for the remaining orders. Perhaps you have a day job. Maybe a small child. Your SO gets ill. Any number of things can happen to derail the best laid plans. I doubt anyone is purposely setting out to deceive their customers.

I think 99.9% of the people on here know that the cottage folks are very small operations and have normal lives to live.

I have dealt with a quite a few cottage companies and they have let me know when things come up that disrupts their schedule. (kids being sick, vacations, work load,etc).

Communication is key and when a cottage company doesn't get back to you after emails and phone calls it will come out.

I haven't used any of the TTTG but folks on here have spoken highly on their product which is a good thing. Just sounds like their customer service needs work...IMO

**R00K** · 07-27-2011, 12:31

Meeting Dale - he was a friendly guy, so I'm sure if there's been a delay it's for a reason.

That being said - it's completely fair to say "I was told X by one of our cottage vendors and it didn't happen," on the forums. Reputation and quality products are what make people go cottage, so posts like these help to maintain balance. If failing to hold up to your word damages your reputation, something fair actually occured in the world. If it was a misunderstanding or some sort of private crisis, I'm sure Dale will clear it up, do his best to make right by the customer, and in doing so he's given an opportunity to show potential customers that they can still feel confident in choosing him.

**NCPatrick** · 07-27-2011, 12:47

Originally Posted by R00K

it's completely fair to say "I was told X by one of our cottage vendors and it didn't happen," on the forums. Reputation and quality products are what make people go cottage, so posts like these help to maintain balance. If failing to hold up to your word damages your reputation, something fair actually occured in the world. If it was a misunderstanding or some sort of private crisis, I'm sure Dale will clear it up, do his best to make right by the customer, and in doing so he's given an opportunity to show potential customers that they can still feel confident in choosing him.

I agree with holding the cottage industries responsible for good customer service, as long as we are not holding them to a higher standard than that of their bigger competitors due to the access we have to them.