So I sent two 1911 slides and an AR lower/upper set to get some work done on them. I was getting some laser engraving's on the AR parts and then some serrations done on the 1911 slides. Well I sent them to XXX at the end of Feb, 2013. They had the AR stuff done a couple months later. But I always had a hard time getting the guy to reply to emails so I could figure out what to do on the slides. Even when I flat out told the guy what I wanted him to do in an email and then called to make sure he understood, it was like he never read my email. And we did this several times. And then I hear nothing for weeks, maybe months. So about 4 weeks ago I get through to this guy on the phone and he tells me he's got it all straight and should have them done next week, that was 3 weeks ago. I haven't heard nothing from the dude since then, I've called and left messages with no response. I finally sent an email last week telling him that If he hasn't started on my 1911 slides to not and we'll settle up and I want my stuff back. Well still haven't heard anything from him. He's busy and I get that, but the communication is just non existent and I just don't know what I can do at this point.

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What you should do depends upon what you think is going on...

The web site says they are extremely backed up, and will take 2 - 3 days to respond to emails and phone calls. If you think that's true, you might want to wait a little while longer.

If this guy is just eccentric, one of these 'artistes' who can't be bothered to talk to his customers because he's too busy working on their guns, then I suppose he'll get back to you eventually. (Personally, I have no patience with that argument; a businessman should answer his customers' calls and emails, or hire someone to do that for him.)

If you think there is deliberate fraud going on, or that he does not intend to return your gun, you might want to contact law enforcement.

No matter what, I would suggest your next step should be to send him a registered letter, one that he has to sign for and cannot ignore. Tell him what you want, and ask him to do that asap.

Good luck!

XXX, the owner, has had my parts since late February, I knew going into this that it would be a couple months wait. And I was fine with that because his rep was good. I don't think he's trying to fraud me or anything like that, but your right about the customer service. And that's the big problem I have here, I've been pretty damn understanding for months and now I want to know what is going on. I know he's had issues with employee's leaving him and it's only been him and his son getting product moving. But come on, you gotta take care of your customers or they become paranoid that you're robbing them. And on the topic of "3 day" period, I've sent emails upon emails without any reply at all until maybe I get an phone call which I couldn't take because I was at work. And he leaves a message like he doesn't even know why he's calling. I've been understanding for at least 6 months now and now I just want my stuff back and if I can't get in touch with the guy then what can I do?

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This is normal according to my gunsmith experience with different guys. I had one guy work on a mirror polished colt 1911 who said he would refinish everything back to factory when he was done. He had it forever. I just wanted a c more installed and front strap under cut and checkerd. That was done but the high polish was turned into a brushed finish. I try to avoid smiths but some things are beyond my ability, then I know it's a wait. I haven't gotten stolen from so that's one good thing. Best of luck. I hope it turns out the way you want.

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A republic if you can keep it

Sounds like a lot of the "talented craftsmen" you run into in the custom car-parts community... communication (and often, basic business sense) is not their strong suit.

Good luck with the situation.

Louie,
We've talked a quite a few times. And first and foremost I apologize for the delay. Your original lowers were done and I ve asked on numerous occasions if you want me to ship those back to you now and then the 1911 slides when they are done. Again I apologize, but I have offered. Yes I have been tough to get ahold of, we finally got someone new in the office again. Its been a tough year in the office, we have gone through several employees ( one being my son who just went to college ). No excuses, just letting everyone know we are trying to fix the situation, but hiring people hasn't been easy. I don't know where all the jobless people are that want jobs, because by me, there are none.

But bottom line you can call 586.232.3422 anytime leave a message and please be patient and someone will get back to you. Email also at [email protected].

And again I apologize, I am trying to fix the situation with communications and I think we have someone that is finally going to help us out. Its only been a few weeks, but things are falling into place slowly but surely.

Thanks
Todd

Personally I wouldn't do business with someone that spells creations with a "z".

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Pray for Gridlock

No worries now man, we got some communication going and a plan and I'm cool now. This post wasn't to slam you in anyway, please don't take it that way. I probably shouldn't of used your business name though in retrospect, that's my bad I should of left it anonymous.

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I'm glad you did Sandman because I wasn't aware of this site and it appears they do very nice work. Of course, the workmanship must be followed up with timely turn around and an open line of communication.

Seems like they are working on it. Sometimes the "business" of business is a total bear. I'm very sympathetic to both parties here!

Please post pictures of your finished pieces and your final thoughts.

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paws for friendship

If you look at the website, there's some awesome stuff there and that's what attracted me in the beginning. And he also has a youtube page with video's of his products and some projects he's worked on.

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It's full of pitfalls because when the founder (who cares) ends up in the office when he should be on the floor and on the floor when he should be in the office. Sounds like his personnel problems have worked against him pretty bad.

After talking to him on phone the other day I'm in good spirits about this deal.

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