Need advice on a vendor review, very long post!!

[longbridgehealey]

OK, here's my problem. I want to make a statement about a vender, it is negative, and I don't know how to phrase it. For now lets let the vender remain nameless, and here's the situation. He is fairly well known in his (limited) field, and I've been very happy with items purchased in the past. He is also very high end as far as cost and quality. In late March I contacted him, asked for a quote on an item, and a time estimate. I was given a price, and told three weeks. So I went ahead and ordered it. In late April I was told that they ran out of an item necessary to complete my order, and I said no problem, let me know. In late May I was told that the resupply came in, and it should be a week or two. I received an invoice, and paid it immediately. I was given a shipping date of early June. Then I didn't hear anything until late June, when I called him. I was told there was a problem with the resupply that he received, and it was being reordered from England. Time went by, and now it was mid July. I called, and was told it was clearing customs. Then for a month, I could not get anyone to answer the telephone, or respond to emails. In early August he answered the phone, and told me that he had returned to England because his mother had died. He also said my order would be shipped out to me that week. A week later he told me that he had to return to England to tie up some family business, and I said just send me a check for my payment, which he did. I thought about it for a couple weeks, didn't cash the check, and called him when he returned. He assured me that he could ship the item by Labor Day if I still wanted it, so I agreed, and did not cash the check. Now he is not answering his telephone again, and I don't know what to do. I want the product, he does great work, I don't know if his check is any good, and he does not respond to messages.
Do I give up, try to cash the check, and move on? I know it sounds like I've gone way too long with this, but he has a great reputation, and I just do not understand what is going on with him. Truth is, I want the product done by him. Give me some suggestions...

 

[tony barnhill]

I'd cash the check...this does happen from time-to-time when getting products from England...I've been waiting for an MGA TRIPLEX windshield forever (it seems) for a good customer...Moss is also waiting for it...the container was lost, then found, then in Cincinatti of all places & finally - I hope - in CA this week...but its been about 3 months getting this thing!

I keep in contact with my customer & answer all his questions - he recently telephoned me while I was on my short trip to visit an ailing aunt...when I got home today, because I hadn't returned his phone message, there was a PM from him which I immediately answered & will follow up with a phone call tonight when he's home....quick communication is important when these things occur.

Talk with Basil via PM to see what he thinks about naming the vendor.

 

[longbridgehealey]

Thanks, Tony - I'll pm Basil. I like this guy, I've recommended him to others, and now I think I'm just frustrated by the lack of communication.

 

[GregW]

I'll also say cash the check. That doesn't mean you can't buy the item at a later date, just that the book keeping is square for now. As far as leaving a negative review, that's a tough call. Sorting out an estate (if that is what's happening) can be a real mess, especially long distance.

 

[longbridgehealey]

I think there is a possibility that he is sorting out the estate, my problem is not so much the time delay, as it is his lack of communication, and unkept promises. The negative review is a tough call, because we have a lot of members, and a reputation is very important to a small business. I guess that's why I'm asking for advice. I might just cash the check, and if it is good, keep quiet about the whole thing. Maybe contact (or try to contact) him again in a month or so asd see if we can start over.

Larry

 

[martx-5]

I'll also say cash the check. That doesn't mean you can't buy the item at a later date, just that the book keeping is square for now. As far as leaving a negative review, that's a tough call. Sorting out an estate (if that is what's happening) can be a real mess, especially long distance.

Once he sent you the check, he did his part in making things right. I don't think this situation calls for a negative review in my opinion. Stuff happens that is sometimes not the fault of the vendor. Cash the check and keep in touch with the guy and see how things sort out.

 

[rick_ingram]

Once he sent you the check, he did his part in making things right. I don't think this situation calls for a negative review in my opinion. Stuff happens that is sometimes not the fault of the vendor. Cash the check and keep in touch with the guy and see how things sort out.

 

[longbridgehealey]

So I've thought it over, I've corresponded with Basil, and here's where I'm at. Basil thought it would be fine to post the review, as long as I kept it factual. I've read what Tony and others have had to say, and thanks to all of you for the imput. I am not going to post either a negative or any other review until this finally plays out. I am going to cash the check. I am going to continue to attempt to get in touch with him - he has to answer his phone sooner or later, he might have had to go back to England. I would very much like him to do the work, but I would also very much like to finish my 100-6. And you are all correct, other than the non-communication, he did his part to make things right by returning the money. So I'm off to the bank to deposit the check, and I'll continue to try to get him on the telephone. Someday I'll let you all know how this ends up, but for now thanks for all of your advice. I think I was just frustrated and needed to vent, then put things into perspective.

 

[bugimike]

THAT is what is SO great about this forum...keep us posted! :thumbsup:

 

[longbridgehealey]

Yep, it sure is! I keep you posted as it unfolds...

Larry