ANOVOS issues (ANOVOS ONLY discussion)

I've started to make comments regarding their lack of fulfilling orders on social media. Every time I see an IG post by them advertising a sale I make a comment about lack of fulfilling orders. If enough of us publicly shame them it's a start.
 
I recently finally got my Anovos Premiere TFA Stormy helmet second hand and man what a piece. Even better than EFX's line as it has nice trim at the bottom and I think nicer done padding. I could not be happier with this helmet.

What sucks is EFX and Anovos make such great stuff it's really too bad their business practice is so horrible.

I am only going with Big Bad Toy Store for Anovos (and EFX if they ever make anything again worth a darn). That way you don't shell out anything, except maybe a fully refundable deposit, until the item ships.
 
For what it's worth, I just sent the following to Chris Holm who manages the Lucasfilm Licensing.
If you're so inclined you may wish to do the same... Maybe enough squeaky wheels...
chris.holm@lucasfilm.com

"Hi, Chris.

I will be brief as I'm sure your time is quite valuable.

I am writing to you to day to inform you of the poor business practices and overwhelming lack of customer service at one of your licensed manufacturers. From what I have gathered from the community of enthusiasts like myself it will come as no surprise to you that Anovos productions is operating on the edge of fraudulent. I am a reasonable person and completely understand that the process companies like Anovos must go through from conception, to license approval, production, and eventually shipping is daunting. I have ordered numerous items from them over the years - not a single one was received on schedule. And I'm not talking about a delay of a month or two... I'm talking about years. That said when the item is delivered, I have been quite satisfied with the products.

Specifically today I am writing about an item that I purchased - A Han Solo Gun Belt, which I waited nearly a year to receive only to have it not fit when I got it. I immediately initiated an exchange process where they requested I send photos of the item to show it had not been used. I complied with all of there requests including holding on to the item for nearly 6 months while I waited for new items in the correct size to be in stock. When I received notification through a general website inquiry that the items were once again available I contacted my customer service rep to request my replacement. At that time I was informed that the items were not "IN STOCK" but that they were simply taking more pre-orders for a new production run. I was once again told to wait and would be informed when the new items arrived in my size. 10 weeks ago I received that notice. Within 24 hours I had packaged up the return item and shipped it to them and Paid for the shipping on the replacement. It has now been over 8 weeks since they received it and well beyond the 10 days processing their website states for shipping IN STOCK items. I have been in constant contact with my customer service rep and continuously given no legitimate excuse other than they are doing "everything they can to ship my item." I am nearly at the end of my patience. I would ask for a refund but I would really just like them to ship me my gun belt which they have IN STOCK.

I understand there is probably nothing that Lucasfilm can do about this as I'm sure you have much more important things on your desk. I just felt as a lifelong Star Wars fan it was my duty to inform you of how one of your licensees is treating your brand in respect to your fans and customers.

Thanks So much for your time."





Just a couple thoughts here - that you sent this is GREAT and, everyone else, perhaps well thought out emails (maybe a couple thousand of them to Chris that are respectful and real) will get attention. And I disagree with your last line here only in that an issue such as this is automatically at the TOP of his important things. We fans are the only source of income for Lucasfilm. Licensing is for us only.
 
Wait, have those been shipping already? Has anyone here received one? I ordered mine when they first were announced and I've yet to hear anything further. How could they have extra?

I think it was more like the factory was going to ship more, or some people dropped out. Not that they recieved them and had extras. Here's they actual line from the email:

I noticed that you were interested in the STAR WARS: Luke Skywalker Rebel Pilot Helmet from our catalog and I am not excited to say that we currently have a reservation available.

So someone canceled is my guess.
 
Just out of curiosity has anyone contacted the police about Anovos clear fraudulent practices? One will most likely have to contact police in Anovos HQ home city. And even if the police are not the ones to contact, I'm certain they will know whom to contact to file a complaint and/or press charges. Also if more than a couple of people who were/are being "ripped off" from said company file with the complaint as well it will help tremendously with the charges. Keep in mind however that all must see it through until the end and not accept a refund after the charges have been served to Anovos otherwise the police or the company filing charges will not be able to proceed against them. But this is extremely important to follow this through to let Anovos and any other Prop sellers(whether individuals or companies)know that this fraudulent practice will not go unpunished. Because as far as I know(and I could be wrong if course)no one/no company has had anything happen to them because of these practices. So what is their deterrent? This needs to stop, and those of you who have been lied to and money taken from are in a position to put an end to this. It's up to all of you. In my opinion this is the best thing to do...unfortunately. But in the end it could really go a long way in changing this practice that now seems to be all too common and frequent throughout the prop community. Please do what is in your right for everyone's sake.
 
There are plenty of reasons to not do what Ed Nigma is suggesting. Anovos IS delivering product just not in the times that they are advertising. They refund money, although that can take some time too. If someone sues and then Anovos goes under, then any chance of getting the product or the money probably go with it. Also, all of the logistical knowledge that they have been building and their supply chain are also wasted. Then hopefully a new company comes along after Anovos and they take up the license and start producing. And then magically, they start running into the same logistical issues that Anovos currently has because producing what Anovos is currently producing is probably pretty difficult. Let's not throw all of that knowledge and experience away.

What I would like to see is Anovos improving communication and accurate timelines. I absolutely DO NOT want to sue them or cause them any distractions that would take them away from fulfilling orders.

I currently have $2100 sitting with them so trust me that I feel the frustration.

I just don't think starting a legal dispute with Anovos is the right way to deal with that frustration.
 
There are plenty of reasons to not do what Ed Nigma is suggesting.

There is every reason not to do what Ed Nigma is suggesting.

Anovos is seemingly poorly run (can't say why without facts as to why) but there's nothing illegal in how they operate - at least certainly nothing worth contacting the police over. The police already have much more important things to do.

Ed, if you really want to punish Anovos, don't buy anything from them. That's the best, most efficient business punishment.
If you have bought from them and, like us, are still waiting: we feel your frustration and welcome to the club. All I can say for now is hang in there, your merchandise will eventually get to you.
If you haven't bought anything from them, then you have nothing to worry about.
If you're simply frustrated by what you read here: we understand.
If you want to help: there are other ways to solve this than proposing "pressing charges".

I suspect that when (if) they manage to complete their orders, people will forgo pre-ordering anything else until the merchandise is in stock and ready to ship.
...

Maybe they should drop the concept of taking pre-orders altogether.
Announce a new product, provide an availability date (change it as often as you want), then make it available for full purchase once the stock is in the warehouse. That would solve everything.
 
Wow, just about two weeks left in this current window and just silence again.

One of the weirdest things to me is that Anovos seems also to have no interest at all in improving their image.
 
Wow, just about two weeks left in this current window and just silence again.

One of the weirdest things to me is that Anovos seems also to have no interest at all in improving their image.

I messaged them early last week since we are getting close to the end of the season again to see if they had an update. They told me that they would be sending a "positive update soon".

Couldn't or wouldn't give me an exact date but I would assume before the 21st haha.
 
Maybe they should drop the concept of taking pre-orders altogether.
Announce a new product, provide an availability date (change it as often as you want), then make it available for full purchase once the stock is in the warehouse. That would solve everything.

I don't think they can drop the pre-orders because I think that is how they finance the research, prototyping and initial factory tooling for their products. I also think they run pretty lean for cash so they can't front the money ahead of time so they have to support it from the front end.

What they really need to do (which I think they are doing) is get better control over their production.

All speculation though. I just want my Kylo stuff haha!
 
"positive" update?

I doubt it.

The update will be that they plan to deliver in the next quarter for sure or some such crap.
 
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I said this in another thread. I will never pre-order from them again and if that means I miss out on something then so be it. The only way I'm going to buy any of their products is if they are already in stock or from a reseller that you don't have to pay until they are ready to ship it to you.
 
It amazes me that if a fan operated business would get banned from the community for this type of service but time and again Anovos gets a pass. Seems unfair to me and hypocritical. Their products might be stellar but if they can't /don't deliver then they are no better than the scammers on ebay. Just because they have the lisence to make items from Lucasfilm properties doesn't excuse the unreasonable wait some have been put through.

Stop making excuses for them. If they can't get their act together then their business will fail. Stop giving them your hard earned money.

I've never purchased from them, though I have long been tempted to, but with all of the nightmares I've heard I would never risk it. I've kept my mouth shut on the subject but enough is enough. You can only defend poor business practices for so long before you have to call a spade a spade.
 
See, that's what gets me. As a Kylo, and a part of the Kylo communities and groups, it baffles me that anyone buys from this company when we've got sooooo many talented makers who cost half as much, look just as good, (or better? I mean, we haven't seen an Anovos in person) and get you your product in a matter of weeks or days. Why are people so hellbent on owning an Anovos product that they're willing to put down that kind of money up front and wait over two years at this point in the most extreme cases, for a product that not one person has even seen yet? I just don't get it. I built mine sourced from a handful of makers who each excel at their piece and am extremely happy with what I have. Plus I've owned it all for over a year, and it cost a lot less...
 
Wow, just about two weeks left in this current window and just silence again.

One of the weirdest things to me is that Anovos seems also to have no interest at all in improving their image.

They used to be much more open and much more communicative about everything. They even used to do in progress pics to let people know how things were going etc.

Disney put the kibosh on that. Their first project IIRC got delayed months because of legal nitpicking over the packaging. So, i'm sure there are things they don't/didn't know that cause delays, the small order size from the manufacturer causing delays, internal corporate politics causing others, etc. And to top if off, they're not allowed to say squat on any of the matters or give much in the progress updates etc.

None of that excuses delays in refunds, but sadly, i sorta get the rest.

And, is there even anyone here from Anovos in an official capacity? If not, there's no one to ban if you want to go that far.
 
The two Founders are members here.

As soon as they had to deal with the Mouse I and a few others here knew they were gonna be in for the ride of their life.

As you pointed out though there is no excuse what so ever for the delay in refunds and lack of customer service.


And, is there even anyone here from Anovos in an official capacity? If not, there's no one to ban if you want to go that far.
 
Definitely, slow to react to refunds are un-excusable. As are the multi-year delays. But I've read every page of this thread since I joined. Over 4500 posts and nothing has changed significantly. But I have read several times on this thread, that when they do receive their item, they're extremely happy and even mention 'it was worth the wait" etc. So for the new folks waiting for products or thinking about ordering, if you really want it it directly from Anovos, just be patient. It will arrive. And you'll forget about everything negative you typed here. And enjoy your new purchase. I waited for two original Stormtrooper helmets, one Darth Vader helmet, and currently waiting for a Luke X wing helmet. This is meant to be a "pick me up" post.
 
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