When does not good become Bad or Ugly?

Lost Dog

Lost Dog

Feedback: +0 / =0 / -0
Joined
Jul 12, 2001
Messages
131
Hello All,

I need advice please :confused:

I purchased a beautiful custom fixed blade at the end of October from a fellow forumite. The deal went smoothly. Moreover, I was so impressed by the workmanship and value, that I commissioned another knife from the same maker.

While discussing the particulars of the project, the maker was sometimes slow getting back to me, claiming e-mail problems. I have had e-mail problems before, and could empathize.

In the last e-mail from the maker (11/15/2001) he said the blade was already in heat treating, that the knife was a go, and that I could pay via PayPal or check. I transfered funds, in full, same day (11/15/2001) via PayPal, and the transaction status is 'complete'.

That was the last I have heard from the maker. I have since e-mailed the maker twice (11/21/2001 & 11/26/2001) at two e-mail addresses, requesting a confirmation of receipt of payment, and a status on the knife. In my e-mails I explained that I understand that during the holday season things can get hectic, but to please respond. I have not received a response to date.

Normally, this would not raise a warning flag due to the fact that the maker has, possibly is, experiencing e-mail problems. However, the maker was able to post to a thread on these forums 11/26/2001. Noticing this, I sent the maker a private message @ 1106 (EST) 11/26/2001 which he read @ 1233 (EST) 11/26/2001. The content of the private message was similar to my e-mails, "Hey what's going on...are you having e-mail problems. I haven't heard from you. Did you receive the payment...what's the status of the knife...etc" I was not accusatory, nor did I use inappropriate language. I was looking for facts/status not trying to intimidate or aggravate a busy maker.

To me the situation/lack of communication is simply not good.

When does it become Bad/Ugly?

Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated, I value the opinions/guidance of more experienced forumites...LD
 
I'd send another email. Send another private message, perhaps mentioning this thread. If you have a phone number, call. If you have a mailing address, send a registered letter (or some letter that needs to be signed for). Give your phone number, and request that they call it. It sounds like you've remained polite, and that is really excellent, and I'd maintain that same tone. In the emails and the letter, give a reasonable time you'd like to hear back from the maker. Say, December 10th, or something like that. That's plenty enough time to get back to you. If you still haven't heard back by then, I'd say it's definitely ugly. Frankly, I think right now it's gotten already gotten a little ugly seeing as this person hasn't responded in a timely manner, but it's usually best to give people every opportunity to make things right before smearing their name.
 
Hey Burke,

I have sent another private message today (a little earlier).

Thanks for the advice. I do believe I have a phone number, so I'll give it a try if there is no response to todays private message.

I don't want to mention that I posted here in GBU, that seems a little aggressive at this point. In my opinion that would appear as if I am trying to leverage the maker. I also don't want to name names either. I don't want to escalate this to the next level...yet.

My wish is simply for a little feedback from the maker. A simple reply, even if it's to say there have been problems/delays, will go a long way.

Thanks much...LD
 
Originally posted by Lost Dog

I don't want to mention that I posted here in GBU, that seems a little aggressive at this point. In my opinion that would appear as if I am trying to leverage the maker.
Click to expand...

I think Burke gave you some very good advice, and you do want to get leverage on the maker to make him deliver. Besides you've remained a gentleman about this and showing him this thread will show that you're being honest and upfront with him, and that the ball is now in his court. It's up to him if he wants this to get ugly or not.

I hope it works out for you, but don't wait to call him.
 
Hey Phil,

I agree that I should call the maker ASAP.

However, my posting here was to get some feedback about when to push the panic button. When is this an Ugly matter, rather than just not good. I still believe it to simply be not good.

I'm sure there is a story behind this, and that, most likely, can be had by phoning the maker.

Sometimes you don't have to beat a dog, just brandishing a stick can be enough to elicit a cower. If, in fact, things go UGLY, I'll name names...ect. As is, I don't want to threaten or leverage because at this point I still expect a good outcome/resolution (of course I will post that as well).

The problem with doing something right the first time is that no one will appreciate the difficulty involved. Now, what a person does when things go wrong (Recovery) seperates the Excellent from the just so-so.

Thanks for the advice...LD
 
LD, of course it's your call. Frankly I would have called him before posting anything here, but I'm sure as long as you keep a cool head everything will work out fine for you.
 
Well, I dont know who it is, nor do I want to....but I think you have everything on your side. You know his name, address, email and phone number.....and if things get ugly......You can put his name up here for the whole knife world to read......a little note to this effect might do a world of good!! :):p:)
I hope you have a receipt for whatever money you have sent him!
 
I might add.....being late on a knife is VERY common in the knife makers world...but not responding shouldnt be tolerated by anyone, especially with the circumstances as explained above!
 
Thanks again Phil/Thanks Tom

Phil, you're right I should have called 1st. I didn't even think to look for a phone number until Burke suggested it. My Bad.

Again, the purpose of this thread was to get feedback from other forumites with more experience as to wether or not the situation would be considered Ugly.

The maker has had e-mail problems in the past...nuff said. I would not have posted at all, however, the maker did read my private message sent 11/26/2001 within an hour and a half of my sending it, and did not respond. That's what promted me to post this thread seeking advice.

Tom, payment was made via PayPal, so yes I have record of the transaction. In part my e-mails to the maker were to confirm receipt of payment (in addtion to a status on the project). I do not have a written receipt.

I will be calling the maker shortly, and fully expect to post a happy ending to this thread.

Thanks again...LD

Edited for spelling...Ooops.
 
My thanks to Burke, Phil, and Tom,

Contact has been made :D .

Thanks again for the advice.

I should have phoned before posting anything here.

Let this thread die in peace....

LD
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top