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Warning on Alessi Holsters

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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.
 
george minze said:
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!!
Click to expand...

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.
 
TANKER said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
alessi

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.
 
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
 
Alessi holsters alive and well

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.
 
Reasons why Alessi may be having trouble.

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.
 
rcbloom2 said:
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.
Click to expand...

Still no excuse for not delivering a product in the time promised.
 
Kanewpadle said:
Still no excuse for not delivering a product in the time promised.
Click to expand...

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 :)
 
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
 
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