Warning on Alessi Holsters

[xcop]

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.

 

[photoman]

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

 

[szuppo]

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.

 

[revolvergeek]

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.

 

[Iggy]

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.

 

[M1911-66]

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.

 

[Moonman]

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

 

[budgeteer]

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.

 

[xcop]

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.

 

[TAROMAN]

Sounds like the Tyler T-Grip saga..

Deja Vu all over again...

(Yogi Berra)

 

[27145]

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.

 

[M1911-66]

Lobo gunleather does great work.

 

[jtmo3]

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.

 

[Skip Ritchie]

RitchieHolsters.com

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

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

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

 

[LoboGunLeather]

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.

 

[coltgun]

RE RITCHIE

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.

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...

 

[Sebago Son]

Bell Charter Oak...

This is a good reason to go with Lefty at Bell Charter Oak Custom Holsters....

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

Drew

 

[Armed Babysitter]

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

 

[george minze]

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!!