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Originally Posted by Histiletto  I didn't want to make an international telephone call until I could get some assurance that Cos was still in business and there was at least another heeler (hopefully in the proximity of Burlesque Blue), who has had recent dealings. There is so much internet fraud that this non-communication is a bit up-setting. If Cos is going to do business over the internet, he has to get his site more functional to accommodate his patrons and not leave them in the lurch, like I am at this time.
Thanks again for the help in this matter. |
I'm sure many here would make sincere offers to help, and that would include me.
While adequate internet comms might suit international buyers, convincing an aged craftsman trading in what is a cottage industry that investing $100 a page for his internet site is money well spent, will take some doing no matter how good a salesman you might be.
Missed delivery dates are symptomatic of a one man band, subjected to the demands of phone calls, ordering/receiving goods, making and dispatching finished product. And often, mistakes. It's not unusual for me to spend half a day answering calls, and offering guidance on what I hope will convert to an order.
Thankfully, I buy in or sub-contract everything. But I've promised availability of parts in a week, that are normally turned around in 3 or 4 working days, only to find there's a 3 week queue for manufacturing time.
Put a couple of delays like this in the process, and completion dates slip quickly.
In my field, a 6 month wait is typical for 'semi' or fully custom goods, and 12 months isn't that unusual. Once an order goes delinquent, some like me, will advise the customer ASAP. Others cope less well with inviting stress, and avoid it. Far from ideal.
In fact, this very situation has led to several US suppliers no longer shipping to the UK, where they used to. I don't blame them. Even with 100 or 200 happy customers, one bad one can undo all the goodwill generated from the previous sales. The worst of this, is that the 'bad one' probably isn't. Emails and other forms of the written word don't often carry inflections and tone of voice. They certainly don't show facial expression that reveal humour or sincerity experienced in a face to face conversation. An innocent enquiry poorly worded, can read as a condemnation. I'm certainly guilty of it...
If there's anything I can do to ease 'a situation', I'm
happy to help. I'd like to see a lot more two-way shoe-traffic across 'the pond'. Possibly this will show it can be done by the HHplace members, rather than relying solely on commercial outlets for a service?
I await a PM.
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