I wanted to give a heads up to people on the board. On July 1st I ordered a holster from Alessi with their statement of 8-10 weeks for delivery. On Sept 20 I emailed them and received a canned response about leather issues. On the 21st I called them and got a machine. Left a message asking for a call back. An additional call has also resulted in no call back. Today I emailed them demanding a refund and got the same exact canned email. I called again and got their machine once more. Tomorrow will be 15 weeks since the order. They charged my card immediately but wont answer the phone, return calls or actually respond to an email after reading it. I have filed a complaint with the Postal inspectors and my credit card company. Dont know what the real problem is there but use extreme caution in dealing with them. The holster I ordered was their GHOST iwb which they claim fits 40 different handguns all in one size so it isnt some exotic one.

Lou died in 2009 and there's no telling what might be going on there.

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Centennial Every Day

Sorry to hear that they may be tarnishing a great guys legacy there

Lou was a great guy and very approachable. I thought someone in the "family" took over the business after his death. It's unfortunate if they turn out to be deadbeats.
I have a few of his holsters made when he was still around. They are very functional and comfortable.

Let us know what happens and good luck.

Thanks for the heads up. I was debating ordering a couple holsters, but found the website so confusing that I decided to call instead (when ordering online that offer no reference to barrel length, odd attention to -x variations in weapon selection list, the same stock holster picture used for basically everything).

I have not been able to get someone to answer or return a phone call yet. This is very disappointing because I have a couple Hard Shell Talons that I have been using for 16+ years and love.

I think either a SIL or somebody who worked with Lou took over. Maybe even moved to a different location.
Haven't heard much since then.

I'm sorry to hear that. Lou made great products and was a gentleman to deal with. I've read elsewhere that the quality hasn't held up to Lou's standard as well, but I don't have any direct experience with the company after Lou's passing.

Family and friends try to do things, but they just are not THE MASTER, or even close. Time causes things to end unfortunately.

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NRA Pistol/Rifle Inst. RSO

I've been trying to contact them off and on for several weeks (since late August) via e-mail with a question about which holster to order for a 3953 and to then actually place the order for a holster and mag pouch. I'd heard great things about them and thought it odd that a company with such a great reputation for quality products had such poor customer service.

I guess I can cross them off the list...that's too bad.

Received some info from the Better Business Bureau in their area. Alessi isnt answering the phone or returning their messages. Also email attempts have resulted in the same canned email I received......the exact same message I got in Sept and this month.

Sounds like the Tyler T-Grip saga..

Deja Vu all over again...

(Yogi Berra)

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-jwk-
US Army '72-'95

This is awful news! I guess I will just give Lawman leather a try.


I don't get it. As a member of this forum you have access to top notch holster makers who are also members of this site. This is a good reason to go with Lefty at Bell Charter Oak Custom Holsters and Ray at Lobogunleather. They have time honored holster designs that work. You really can't reinvent the wheel.

Allessi was a great holster maker, God rest his soul. I understand going with that company, but unfortunately things change. I am not knocking the OP, he probably cherishes quality leather. Good heads up without the vitriol.

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Fidelis Ad Mortem

Lobo gunleather does great work.

If you want something as close to Lou's work as you can find, you might try Ritchie Leather. They are as close as you'll get to Lou's work since they worked with him and at one time Skip was a partner.

Thanks jtmo3, Lou and I were partners fro 1984-96. I came back to help him out in November of 2008. After my pal passed, my brother Bob and I decided to continue making holsters. In addition to the standard line that Louie and I designed, we have added about 12 new variations of holsters with more on the drawing board. We are in the old shop and still have the old phone #, 716-691-5615. Please check out our website @ Ritchie Leather Co., Inc: Amherst, NY. Out turn aroud time is 6 -8 weeks and any of our custoners can verify that. Thanks to everyone for their support. Skip Ritchie

So many explanations are possible in such a case. I've seen this happen so many, many times over the years with small custom shops. One or two person operations do not have staff to take over when illness or deaths take them. I understand this perhaps, better than most. But you have to cope with these things if you want to stay in business.

I knew Lou for many years. He was a great guy, a master craftsman and generous in so many different ways. I don't know what has happened to the business, but his operation was a bit larger than a one man shop. I believe he also sold volume to wholesalers and retailers. I thought a nephew continued the business with Mrs. Alessi, at least that was told to me by someone who said they read it on their website shortly after Lou died. That's just hearsay of course.

At the very least, whatever has happened, they should have made a public announcement explaining and apologizing for any delays or interruptions, contacted customers and offered refunds. Most reasonable people would expect that. I think not knowing the facts of the matter makes people feel worse and gives rise to a good deal of negative speculation. I am very, very sorry to learn of this.

Lefty

Lefty has said it all here. Communication is always the key. People usually understand when unanticipated problems arise, but when left dangling without an explanation folks tend to feel neglected and/or abused.

I sincerely hope to hear that this situation is resolved to everyones' satisfaction. The Alessi reputation has always been one of excellence, and I would like for that to continue.

He worked for MR L and makes the same holssters, my neighbor has 2 and they are great with very fast delivery, if i had extera money id buy Ritchie holsters, but my cheap police pension wont let me right now...

You'll like working with Lefty. A real gentleman and his leather is very well made..

Drew

When a master such as Lou Alessi passes, those left to carry on the company name often fall short, and usually not on purpose.

Please don't even say Lawman in the same breath as Lou Alessi..The family may be having problems with out Lou, but Mary Lou will step in and make it right..unless they have sold the name....I hope not, Lou was one of the best...On the other hand we all know what kind of operation Lawman is.....I would give Alessi the benefit of the doubt. I think they have earned some leeway, Lou was such a worker and developed so many great designs I hate to see his name besmirched...Just my opinion!!

Don't know the family relation, I got the impression there was one, but "Ritchie" took over, and supposedly worked with Lou for many years- and was maintaining the quality work done previously. But that's according to an 'expert' in a magazine who had one provided to him for a gun test. Gotta say, I just got a Mitch Rosen and talk about quality work..they got it.

I just called Alessi Holsters at 716 706-0321, and they answered and assured me they are alive and well and still making holsters. I live close to Buffalo and saw them at a gunshow last fall, I wouldn't hesitate to do business with them.

Thanks for the heads up and please keep us posted on hiw this turns out and if the situation gets resolved in a reasonable fashion.
Unfortunate things happen sometimes and it's how a company handles such situations that really makes or break their reputation.

xcop.....................

make sure that you contact your credit card company in writing, and get those charges reversed.

I made no mention of this "Lawman" in my post, I was merely pointing out that try as they may, try as they might, sometimes those who take over for a true craftsman aren't able to perform up to the same expectations that were previously held.

We haven't heard from the original poster on this thread, I wonder if his issues were resolved?

Cheers;
Lefty

Let your credit card company know, and they will do a charge back.

Then watch how fast you get a call.

Just do that and be done with them.

Well I did finally receive a refund from Alessi after the BBB called, sent emails and a letter. Never did receive my holster obviously. To this day never got a phone call from them either.

Hmm. That's not good...

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Centennial Every Day

I placed an order August 30th. Same 10 week delay. I was in no hurry, just wanted a Alessi holster for my Detonic CM. Yes, I'm a big fan of John Rourke. And, I bought into the Alessi name, knowing the master had passed, but the "family" would carry on. I've been checking the web site and it's Down for repair. I don't know how long. I was charged for the holster when I placed the order. A little unusual..... I'm hoping they get their act together. Really don't want to go to the credit card company.

I ordered a holster from Alessi on May 30th of this year and received it in the time quoted on the website. I'm sorry to hear about the troubles of others.

I first read this thread and had concern, since I had a pending order since Aug. 2011. When I placed the order via the alessi web site, I understood that my account would be charged right away and the delivery would be out to 12-16 weeks. When I found the web site down for a period of time, I was even more concerned. Well, the site came back on line and I sent an email requesting to know where by order was in line. I got a couple of responses and was immediately assured that all was going OK. That was just before Christmas and I was told that Alessi was just shipping orders from September, 2011. I received my Detonics Combat Master holster a few days ago, and couldn't be happier. It's a perfect fit, the quality is obvious, and so comfortable a fit. I received, on the same day, a Colt Officers model Alessi holster, made by the master himself, 20 years ago, won on a web site auction. It's like new, and a very tight fit. The workmanship has not changed. All I can say, is it was worth the wait. I think I would buy a second stainless Combat Master, if Alessi would make me a double setup like the Survivorlist, John Rourke. I might be kidding......than again....it would be soooooo neat..

Thanks for the heads up.

It's been awhile since i bought anything from Kramer, though they are expensive, they have always been quick and top notch designs.
They also answer their phone.

Emory

I've had recently very good service from Galco, Don Hume and excellent service from High Noon holsters - you may want to look at them as an alternative.


Pete

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Don't tread on me

Just got through reading this post and thought I would take a moment.

While Lou Alessi is no longer building the holsters, a long time Alessi employee, Tom is building them. He is a nice guy and easy to talk to.

They recently changed locations so there was a period of time where there was quite a bit of confusion. They seem to be past that now and back to the normal business of holsters.

Within the last year I have purchased two Alessi shoulder rigs, one a bodyguard and the other a guardian. Yes, they took a while to get but they were both worth it.

They are only open M-F 10-5 eastern time. I would call them rather than email.

I am happy with my holsters and the customer service that I received during the process.

Just my .02.

First of all, they have contract with the military, and I believe California Highway Patrol uses Alessi. They had to move locations. They are also a business in the Democratic People's Republic of New York. You think the Feds have paperwork and are a pain? You don't know New York. This state punishes people who try to start businesses. I am surprised the have not moved like everyone else in Buffalo. I knew Lou, I left NY years ago to get away from the Marxists who run the state. I have seen many people try to start businesses, and the state is hostile to anyone who may be able to take care of themselves. New York has the highest disability, unemployment and worker's comp insurance rates in the nation. I bet his business insurance is also high in a state run by ambulance chasing trial lawyer. Be happy they are still in business.

Still no excuse for not delivering a product in the time promised.

When was the last time you got a new car you ordered on time and under budget? When did the traffic barricades ever come down on time in road construction? Did you ever wait in line at the post office or drivers' license bureau and have the window close just before your turn?

Alessi holsters are hand made to order, using the finest materials and craftsmanship. The results are well worth waiting for, even if it's a little longer than anticipated. Surely you can find a Kydex holster (or a generic Galco or Bianchi) to tide you over during the wait. I kinda' got to like my plastic Blade-Tech UCH holsters while watching the mail

You can also try "5 Shot Leather". Good guy, good stuff.

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NHI, 10-8.

About 10 times each week, we receive calls from folks who ask "Do you have this in stock?" The answer of course is no. I fail to understand why anyone would imagine otherwise. We operate a custom shop, offering thousands of potential combinations of holster models and firearms models.

Our turnaround time is usually 6 to 8 weeks. We inform the customer of that when they place their order or if they simply inquire. If we're backed up due to volume, we tell you when you place the oder, not afterwards. That too, is clearly stated on the ordering information page, yet just the same, the callers inquire. The response for many is "HOW LONG?"..... which we all find amusing, all things considered.

There are a handful of custom makers whose work will cost you a fair amount and the turnaround is several months to sometimes years, as many of you know. The reasons vary. Some are slow, some are overwhelmed with orders in a one man shop, others have short hours and don't want to work all day having retired from another career.

The only thing Alessi's should have done was let their customers know what was happening before they accepted the order, but that probably was complicated by the automated ordering system "shopping cart" feature of the website. That's another reason why we don't use that feature on our website. In hindsight though, they should have given them the option of a refund or told them how long it was realistically going to take to deliver, in light of moving the company. I'm glad to hear they're back to normal operation and this has all been resolved.

Cheers;
Lefty

Lefty, the oldflatfoot, hit every note on this one.

I take all orders via e-mail, responding to hundreds of inquiries every week. Each response includes an estimated production time so the customer knows what to expect.

Some customers are just like kids in the back seat on a long car trip (Are we there yet? When are we gonna get there? Are we there yet?). If I were to publish my phone number and take calls during the business day there would never be any time for production work.

11 holster designs, with or without 4 common options, in 4 finish colors, for 137 different handguns results in over 24,000 possible variations (not counting left-hand versions). I still get requests for others every day. Open-stock inventory for immediate delivery? Not possible.

Tell the customers 4 to 5 weeks for production, some of them will start sending follow-up inquiries at 2 to 3 weeks and continue at least twice each week until they receive their orders.

15 to 20 hours per week responding to e-mails, 25 to 30 hours at the bench, 10 to 15 hours per week working with my assistant and building her skills. 5 days off in the past 3 years, 2 in the hospital, 2 recovering from a recluse spider bite, and 1 single day fishing with a grandson. What fun!

What?! A girl making gun holsters?! Oy vey! Next thing you know, they'll be voting and riding motorcyles!

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Centennial Every Day

Really hate to hear about problems at the Alessi plant. I had hopes that Lou's son-in-law would keep up the tradition. However, I sure am glad to hear about and from Mr. Ritchie. I might own one of those lovely shoulder rigs yet!

I hope it's worth it! That's why I'm retired....see my grandson every day!
Seriously though if a guy wants to start asking about delivery on a four week lead time after two weeks...he should order from Bianchi or Galco, JMHO.

fwiw, I'd be a little worried about ordering a holster that claims it can accommodate 40 different handguns like the OP mentioned...that sounds a bit far fetched and misleading. I cannot imagine its retention is anywhere near perfect on more than one but what do I know..I always subscribe to buy the holster that is fit to one gun.

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God Bless Our Troops.

on gun forums there never is any shortage of people who make excuses for holster makers who take your money, give unrealistic time estimates, dont communicate with you when they have a problem that will prevent meeting that timeline, dont answer phone calls or emails.
IF you are operating in that manner expect to get some grief from the customer, bad mouthed in person and online, have legal action taken against you.

Its just like any other business, put up or shut up.

There are no shortage of people who have no clue what custom work is.They shop at walmart.

if you dont communicate with your customers and are very late on orders you are going to get grief.

i have a number of custom holsters. only had a problem with one holster maker who tried to rip me as well as many others off. ohio attorney generals office put a stop to those plans.

its too bad that not every state's attorney general office is as proactive, as witnessed by Oklahoma and Lawman Leather.

no holsters from Walmart by the way. i do have a couple of De Santis though.

Guys, I just registered today because I felt compelled to Dispurse anything negative in regards to Alessi.

I Live in Buffalo and have been lucky enough to walk into Alessi Holsters whenever I Like. I am in there several times a month.

Without going into their personal business... or into the ongoings after Lou's Passing... Let me give you the facts as of today March 6th 2012 ;

1.) Fact: Alessi Holsters has settled in to their beautiful new location at the end of 2011. It is a wonderful facility with "secured" areas of manufacturing and many "old-school" machines that Lou has always used to manufacture his second-to-none holsters. The Processes are exact and protected. These "processes" were set up long ago and followed to the tee.

2.) Fact: There is only 1 owner of Alessi holsters today - and his name is Tom. Tom and Lou were best of friends - and Tom has produced holsters along side Lou for, what I remember, 15 to 20 years.

3.) Fact: Lou Alessi DOES still have family who work there.

4.) Fact: Most if not all of the same fabricators continue their craft as Lou had taught them.

5.) Fact: I Have Never called them and not had the phone answered... EVER. ( Not that it hasn't happened to someone but Never to me)

6.) Fact: Alessi Holsters had an outstanding booth at this years "Shot Show" in Las Vegas back in January. For those of you lucky enough to have attended - chime in to confirm with me.

In Closing - If any of you ever get the chance or fly thru the Buffalo Airport - Drive around the corner to Alessi Holsters Located at 247 Cayuga Rd, Cheektowaga NY 14225 - Walk in - and you will meet the proudest group of people who would never sacrifice quality - and would treat you like family in the first 10 seconds!

I can only imagine there may have been a bump or two durring the difficult transitions and then moving the manufacturing to a new location... Is it possible something got lost? Sure - however no one over there would ever intentionally ignor or avoid one of their loyal or new customers! Its never about the money with them... it has always been, and always will be about doing the right thing.

If ANYONE has any problems, call their main number at :
(716) 932-7497 ; Ask for Tom... He will absolutely make sure your taken care of!

Arop

Three words: Ritchie Leather Company.