Appaluse for Shopsmith customer service

[bobgroh]

Had a great customer experience with Shopsmith and I wanted to post it here for all and sundry to see.

I just received my new bandsaw table upgrade 2 days ago (see Maintenance forum for more on this) and I had a couple of problems - one easily worked around, the other a bit more of a problem. I emailed SS last night and outlined what I had found, my solutions (if any) and asked for their help. Imagine my surprise when the phone rang this morning and it was Linda on the phone to discuss my problem! Wow, I did not expect that!

We discussed my concerns and she suggested that I make a quick further check on the table. I did so and reported back via email that, yes, the problem still existed and, while that was bad news, it was good news too - all I really needed was a new (i.e. correct) miter slot extrusion.

Linda called back later, said she had gotten my 2nd email and that a replacement (and double checked!) extrusion would be in the mail Monday.

Now that is really great customer service. Thanks, Linda, and thanks Shopsmith.

[a1gutterman]

Had a great customer experience with Shopsmith and I wanted to post it here for all and sundry to see.

I just received my new bandsaw table upgrade 2 days ago (see Maintenance forum for more on this) and I had a couple of problems - one easily worked around, the other a bit more of a problem. I emailed SS last night and outlined what I had found, my solutions (if any) and asked for their help. Imagine my surprise when the phone rang this morning and it was Linda on the phone to discuss my problem! Wow, I did not expect that!

We discussed my concerns and she suggested that I make a quick further check on the table. I did so and reported back via email that, yes, the problem still existed and, while that was bad news, it was good news too - all I really needed was a new (i.e. correct) miter slot extrusion.

Linda called back later, said she had gotten my 2nd email and that a replacement (and double checked!) extrusion would be in the mail Monday.

Now that is really great customer service. Thanks, Linda, and thanks Shopsmith.Yay, ShopSmith!!!

[mickyd]

What do you think your chances would be getting that kind of service had it been an "off shore" purchase.

[a1gutterman]

What do you think your chances would be getting that kind of service had it been an "off shore" purchase.Yay ShopSmith!!!

[qtndas01]

I am all in favor of suppoting Shopsmith since I don't want them to go out of business anymore than anyone else but the backorder situation is getting hard to handle. I placed an order for sanding supplies (velcro pad and drum sanding discs) and was told that some had to be backordered until made by the supplier but what was in stock would not be shipped until the order was complete. Was told it would be 3 weeks and its now 5 weeks and have not been shipped. I finally went to Woodcraft and got what I needed within 2 days. I am making a cradle for my first garandchild and could not wait any longer. I'm sorry but things like sanding supplies should be in stock or available in a couple of days. I would have second thoughts on ordering anything from Shopsmith unless absolutely necessary. Now I have to wait:
1. for the supplier to manufacture
2. for the supplier to ship to Shopsmith
3. Shopsmith to process the order
4. Shopsmith to ship to me.
All of which I can't find out how long it will take until processed. If they can't keep small supplies in stock it doesn't give the impression our business is important or appreciated. Without customers there will be no Shopsmith. IMHO it was a real mistake letting the sawdust sessions terminate. I'm sure they also created alot of sales that they are missing now.

[a1gutterman]

I am all in favor of suppoting Shopsmith since I don't want them to go out of business anymore than anyone else but the backorder situation is getting hard to handle. I placed an order for sanding supplies (velcro pad and drum sanding discs) and was told that some had to be backordered until made by the supplier but what was in stock would not be shipped until the order was complete. Was told it would be 3 weeks and its now 5 weeks and have not been shipped. I finally went to Woodcraft and got what I needed within 2 days. I am making a cradle for my first garandchild and could not wait any longer. I'm sorry but things like sanding supplies should be in stock or available in a couple of days. I would have second thoughts on ordering anything from Shopsmith unless absolutely necessary. Now I have to wait:
1. for the supplier to manufacture
2. for the supplier to ship to Shopsmith
3. Shopsmith to process the order
4. Shopsmith to ship to me.
All of which I can't find out how long it will take until processed. If they can't keep small supplies in stock it doesn't give the impression our business is important or appreciated. Without customers there will be no Shopsmith. IMHO it was a real mistake letting the sawdust sessions terminate. I'm sure they also created alot of sales that they are missing now.It is a problem for them, but according to what I have been reading recently on these forums, it seems to be improving. For all our sakes (including ShopSmith's) I hope that is true. I am glad that you did knot wait, and got your supplies elsewhere so that you could complete your project, but I am hoping that you do knot give up on buying those same supplies from SS in the future! I too miss the Sawdust Sessions, but they can knot share with us all the reasons that they have for making their decisions and I am sure that they did what they felt they had to after weighing all the factors. May the future look brighter for all of us!

[fjimp]

I am all in favor of suppoting Shopsmith since I don't want them to go out of business anymore than anyone else but the backorder situation is getting hard to handle. I placed an order for sanding supplies (velcro pad and drum sanding discs) and was told that some had to be backordered until made by the supplier but what was in stock would not be shipped until the order was complete. Was told it would be 3 weeks and its now 5 weeks and have not been shipped. I finally went to Woodcraft and got what I needed within 2 days. I am making a cradle for my first garandchild and could not wait any longer. I'm sorry but things like sanding supplies should be in stock or available in a couple of days. I would have second thoughts on ordering anything from Shopsmith unless absolutely necessary. Now I have to wait:
1. for the supplier to manufacture
2. for the supplier to ship to Shopsmith
3. Shopsmith to process the order
4. Shopsmith to ship to me.
All of which I can't find out how long it will take until processed. If they can't keep small supplies in stock it doesn't give the impression our business is important or appreciated. Without customers there will be no Shopsmith. IMHO it was a real mistake letting the sawdust sessions terminate. I'm sure they also created alot of sales that they are missing now.

Wow that's quite a post. I suppose the good news is you lived up to your responsibility to procure needed supplies on a timely basis. This will allow you to meet your important deadline. The unfortunate bottom line here is the condition of our worlds financial stability is nearing the critical state. Last week I viewed an advertisement for a local furniture specialty shop. In that I wanted to view a chest they had in inventory for measurements so I could better plan for building one I drove 40 miles to check it out. In less than one week from the ad the building is empty. In fact I counted 16 other empty buildings that were occupied six weeks ago when I drove up the same road. Yes I personally am having better luck with Shopsmith recently. In fact I ordered the Oscillating Drum Sander on Sale. I was thrilled to see it arrive here 48 hours later. In fact most of the woodworking vendors I have used recently seem to be enjoying somewhat improved inventories. I trust from now on you will have great luck getting everything you need or desire.

[keakap]

All of which I can't find out how long it will take until processed. If they can't keep small supplies in stock it doesn't give the impression our business is important or appreciated. .



Good thing you found another source! Good luck with the project.