[stevenind]

I ordered an "Empire Builder" bag from Ton Binh on May 8, 2004. I received an email after the order was placed saying the bag was out of stock and could not be shipped until early July. I just called on July 6 and asked about the order. They said it was delayed further until late July.

A couple of things here. I sent in an email in May asking if they had other alternative, colors, bags, etc that might ship sooner. No response. They send me after that date a strap for the bag (yea, helpful strap but no bag). When I called, they said I should have received an email saying that it was delayed.

So, I am not sure if this is standard procedure for this Company or not but I wanted the ask the forum. Should I be getting worried?

TIA

[kafoochy]

Originally posted by stevenind:
I ordered an "Empire Builder" bag from Ton Binh on May 8, 2004. I received an email after the order was placed saying the bag was out of stock and could not be shipped until early July. I just called on July 6 and asked about the order. They said it was delayed further until late July.

A couple of things here. I sent in an email in May asking if they had other alternative, colors, bags, etc that might ship sooner. No response. They send me after that date a strap for the bag (yea, helpful strap but no bag). When I called, they said I should have received an email saying that it was delayed.

So, I am not sure if this is standard procedure for this Company or not but I wanted the ask the forum. Should I be getting worried?

TIA

You're timing it perfect since Apple just said that you won't be able to buy an iMac until September! Now that's a wait. If you're used to Apple, you know that you should expect to wait for the latest and greatest sometimes well beyond the target date. I had never seen Tom Binh before and I really like some of their bags. The BrainCell and Smart Alec are particularly unique and nice. I think I can top your wait though. Someone ordered a Griffin radioShark for me for Christmas and I still have yet to receive it. I call them every month to hear that it has been delayed until next month. I've been waiting seven months. It's unfortunate though that you have to wait for a laptop case since proper protection is vital for your PowerBook. Can you use anything in the mean time? If so I'd wait patiently as the bags look very nice and could be worth the wait. I'd try to call them and ask them specifics about who manufactures the bags, where they come from, when are they actually expecting to get them in (more specific than "late-july"), where you are in the queue to get a bag and if it would be best to order a different color/style. Don't hang up until you have all of the questions answered. Don't feel bad about asking to talk to someone's manager if you can't get a good answer. Ask for someone higher up until you can get your answers. If that doesn't work, ask them why they can't tell you and threaten to cancel your order and at that time ask for a discount for all of the trouble you've been through and poor communications. Goodluck!

[reneb]

Sorry to hear you've had some trouble with Tom Bihn. It's only a sample size of one, but here are my experiences with them (I'm only a long-term satisfied customer)>

1) Several years ago I purchased a Monolith for a G3 PowerBook. It worked well, held up well, and I was happy with it.

2) So, I get a brand new PB and what do I want for it? A nice, protective carrying bag. I looked over a bunch and after all my research decided to stick with the Monolith. This was because of quality of construction and level of protection. I call and order one.

3) While I am waiting for my order to arrive, I see that their webpage gets updated and now they offer a carrying strap to clip onto the Monoliths.

4) The Monolith I saw on the web page and the one I owned didn't have the abilit to have a strap clipped to it.

5) I call up Tom Bihn and ask about this. They tell me the product has been updated and the own I ordered should have the clips for a strap. I told them I wanted to order a strap, and that I would have ordered it with my Monolith if it had been available. They send it to me free shipping. .


In my experience, they are an above board outfit. Call them and tell them your problem and I bet they will somehow make it right.

good luck!

[stevenind]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I contacted them. They said the July 2004 ship date has slipped to August 2004. I noticed on their web site that they are saying the Empire is out of stock and will ship in October 2004. I hope the ship date hasn't slipped again. I sent another email request to confirm. I wish they would keep people who have active orders in their system informed by email. It would be easier than me writing so many emails to request new information.

Originally posted by reneb:
Sorry to hear you've had some trouble with Tom Bihn. It's only a sample size of one, but here are my experiences with them (I'm only a long-term satisfied customer)>

1) Several years ago I purchased a Monolith for a G3 PowerBook. It worked well, held up well, and I was happy with it.

2) So, I get a brand new PB and what do I want for it? A nice, protective carrying bag. I looked over a bunch and after all my research decided to stick with the Monolith. This was because of quality of construction and level of protection. I call and order one.

3) While I am waiting for my order to arrive, I see that their webpage gets updated and now they offer a carrying strap to clip onto the Monoliths.

4) The Monolith I saw on the web page and the one I owned didn't have the abilit to have a strap clipped to it.

5) I call up Tom Bihn and ask about this. They tell me the product has been updated and the own I ordered should have the clips for a strap. I told them I wanted to order a strap, and that I would have ordered it with my Monolith if it had been available. They send it to me free shipping. .


In my experience, they are an above board outfit. Call them and tell them your problem and I bet they will somehow make it right.

good luck!