Folks,
SHORT VERSION:
Last week, I made 5 molds and shipped 24 orders. This week, I made 3 molds (they did not cure) and shipped 13 orders. Since the first of the year, I took my open orders from 186 down to 126 and I’ve made 18 molds (15 of which are now in production). I am still on track to finish by the last day of February — barely! Any more delays and I’ll probably miss the target date.
LONG VERSION:
I’m just going to give it to you straight: this week was a frustrating mess. I had a different dealer drop-ship me a bad batch of rubber (again), so I have a mess on my hands with molds that will not cure and masters under that mess that I HAVE to have! Also, I did not have enough time in the day to capitalize on the work I did do. I literally have 19 orders poured and ready to package, but most of them contain large kits or conversions. A 9/1 Famo conversion or M8 HMC conversion can take as long to pour, package sand ship as a normal $250 order! Well, I am working to ship 5 of those! Here are the pictures of the parts waiting to be packaged, but I still have to put the accessory sets together (no fun).
FAMO PARTS
M8 HMC Parts
M10 Diver’s parts
Orders that have been poured and just need to be packaged and shipped
RANT:
I have and continue to do everything I can to communicate with my customers, but some of you are testing my patience. Why do you still keep asking me to put everyone else aside to tell you that your order, placed in the middle of December, is not ready because I am still working on that last monster order from October — the $1,500+ order! I think his patience deserves more attention than your worry that I might take your $50. Honestly, I am thinking about just refunding and canceling every order who emails to ask where is my order — especially after you tell me you received the confirmation email TELLING YOU TO ASK FOR A REFUND IF YOU CANNOT/WILL NOT WAIT!
I know this is ALL MY FAULT! I was stupid. However, had I known how much trouble I was taking on by trying to be nice to my customers, I’d have done this entirely differently. I’d have just shut the doors and thrown TMD in the local dump. But it’s too late now. Now, the only thing I can do is keep pushing forward until this forced-march is over. So, for THE — VERY — LAST — TIME!!!
YOU WILL GET YOUR ORDER!
I WILL MAKE SURE YOU GET CLEAN CASTINGS FROM GOOD MOLDS!
I WILL SUPPORT THE PRODUCT LINE UNTIL I SELL THE COMPANY OR AUG1 (whichever comes first).
BUT I AM DONE ANSWERING EMAILS THAT KEEP ME FROM FILLING THE ORDERS OF PATIENT CUSTOMERS!
B3A, OVER AND OUT!
I am really saddened to know that TMD is shutting down.
Just a quick note for those who are struggling to wait …….. I have bought from Joe for a number of years now. Your orders are in HONEST hands, of one of the best resin makers out there in our hobby. Is it tough to wait – yes it is. Is it worth the wait – for me the answer is YES.
Joe has offered you an out – if you can’t wait, take the offer of a refund. In the meantime let’s leave the man alone to get his work done.
TY 🙂
100% agree with Greg. Have patience or let Joe know you don’t have any and he’ll refund you order, as he’s stated multiple times. For those with patience, you’ll be so glad you did. Joe’s work will be missed. 🙁
What Greg Neufeldt said…..^^^^^^
I’ve been doing business w/the ‘old’ Tiger Models and now the new Tiger Model Designs since 2009.
Joe will do what he says!!!
Semper Fi Marine from the Air Force Dude…….:)
I was patient, I received my order. I thought model builders bred patience. Joe is the man, an honest man. You will receive your order. Build a model and chill!
TY 🙂