why is it so hard?

[Tall Paul]

If you gave the bowyer written instructions-as you said in your first post- and the limbs are not as you specified, then you need to find a new bowyer.

Some people are just not capable of running a business. He may be great at making bows, but if he can't handle WRITTEN INSTRUCTIONS, then it's time to move on.  A clear sign of incompetence.

[BD]

That sucks! I've owned a bunch of customs and the only one I ever had a problem with was Mike Palmer. His workmanship and customer service left a lot to be desired.

[Dave Lay]

Sounds like they are moving some limbs they had already

['46]

Best to go with the bowyers who have been around for years and do it full time for a living. Most have other jobs and depend on bows to supplement their incomes and are always a little behind on time. A full time outfit (and a few part timers) should/would take a complaint like this seriously and began work on the replacement the day after receiving the call. I've been I surfing these boards for many years and have seen a
lot of bowyers come and go, only a few are in it for the long haul and service is the key. Good luck.

[Roadkill]

I feel for you.  I work contractors daily:  you do not get what you pay for, you do not get what you contract for, you get what you supervise or demand.
Send it back
Auzou, would not blame you for naming names.  You were definitely gipped.  That bowyer needs to man up.  None of us want to deal with a person like that

[ozy clint]

been offered a refund. seems i have to pay to for return of limbs. ordered a set to be made as per original order. they are now 5 pounds more expensive and i pay shipping. i'm back on the standard 10-12 week wait.

would you consider it rude to ask if they at least pay shipping of the new order?

[Matty]

Originally posted by ozy clint:
been offered a refund. seems i have to pay to for return of limbs. ordered a set to be made as per original order. they are now 5 pounds more expensive and i pay shipping. i'm back on the standard 10-12 week wait.

would you consider it rude to ask if they at least pay shipping of the new order?

NO! Sounds like you're still not getting what you want and youre still paying shipping?
   
If this bowyer IS AWARE of what you're original order is.  Is also AWARE THAT you didn't get what was ordered.  He should be MAKING IT RIGHT.  How does he expect to keep YOUR business, or get new business from the people you tell of you're unpleasant experience to?

[Bill Sant]

Sounds like time for a new bowyer.

[SKITCH]

Just let him know how upset you are with his "customer service" get your refund and move on to a reputable/professional craftsman.  Let him know that you will not recommend him in the future and that you will pass on the story of how you were treated to those that you speak with. Doesn't have to be vindictive or mean...just honest and straightforward.  Make sure he knows your level of frustration and what your fair and honest expectations were..... Then just move on and reward yourself with a truly great bow built by someone else.   Cut your losses and learn from the experience. No need to put yourself through the continued torture and stress when you could be getting EXACTLY what you want AND a truly great experience from another bowyer.

Just my thought.

[wixwood]

If the options are a refund or him making it completely right, pick and be happy.
If the options are a refund or semi right, get the refund and then let him and others know what you think of their customer service.

Originally posted by ozy clint:
been offered a refund. seems i have to pay to for return of limbs. ordered a set to be made as per original order. they are now 5 pounds more expensive and i pay shipping. i'm back on the standard 10-12 week wait.

would you consider it rude to ask if they at least pay shipping of the new order?

Rude?

You're kidding right?  

Your limbs were not made to your order, now you have to pay to send them back, a correct set will be more expensive, AND you get sent to the back of the line?

If it were me, I would take this as sign as to how this particular bowyer treats his customers and I would run for the hills.  There are too many good businesses, with exceptional customer service to ever have to put up with stuff like this.

I can see if it was just a matter of you not liking the limbs, but you did not get what you ordered.  You should not have to pay shipping either way...period.  

Honestly Clint, it surprises me that you would give them another chance.

[Tall Paul]

Wow, that's terrible customer service. Whoever this bowyer is, he must not know about the Internet. He's telling you that he doesn't want your business.

[Caughtandhobble]

Wow!!! I was hoping this would have been taken care of by now.  

Like Paul stated "has this fellow ever heard of the WWW?"

Not only would I ask for return shipping, I would demand it. I cannot image the headaches that this has caused you.

Take look at my signature, if you have any problems with any of these bowyers I would be very surprised. Good luck my friend.

[ozy clint]

well a phone call has cleared things up. seems like a simple finishing mistake. they can refinish the limb and have it the way i wanted it.
they will pay shipping both ways and it is a simple job that won't take long.
sometimes email just isn't the best way to communicate. there are times where a phone call clears things up straight away.
they were most helpfull and had absolutely no dramas with making things right.
i feel much better about my purchase now.
it seems to be a simple mistake and a misunderstanding that almost soured a transaction for both parties.

i feel like a bit of an idiot now for ranting like i did. i just don't seem to have much luck with this stuff and when this happened i got a bit hot under the collar.

hopefully soon i'll be hunting with it.

I hope it works out for you as promised Clint.