ANOVOS issues (ANOVOS ONLY discussion)

[StevenBills]

RotJ EE-3 up for "pre-order"

STAR WARS™: RETURN OF THE JEDI Boba Fett™ EE-3 Blaster Kit (Pre-Order) - ANOVOS Productions LLC

 

[darthjones]

Today, my preorder for that Jyn Erso costume ensemble for my wife turns EXACTLY 2 years, 1 month old. In that time, I got engaged, got married, and am celebrating a 1st anniversary. And still no costume? I mean, consider that there's been no less than 4 delays since the initial WINTER 2017 delivery date projection... Think about it. That's almost a year and a quarter since the projected delivery date.

I think they even gave up on updating their Jyn Erso page on their website, because as of writing, it is still showing a March 19, 2019 delivery date. At this rate, I can only assume they're hoping people will simply either cancel or forget their orders, so that this project quietly goes away...

-

By the way, taking a look at several other costume ensembles released around the same time, this made me laugh.



So you're saying that THE FABRIC is the reason this costume ensemble got delayed? Okay, fair enough. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt there.

Then tell me this: Why is it that every other costume ensemble from that date is also backlogged since Feb '17? Do they all use the same color-matched fabrics? Or is this magical fabric holding up production of all the other costumes as well?

What I love is that they are trying to save so much money (from the outset it seems) that the Rank Badge is "queued" to begin after something else is finished. They are not working on things simultaneously.

 

[darthjones]

Wow - I just went through every Star Wars item on their site. Only the Rey Jakku costume says "Now Shipping" And maybe that sandtrooper. But beyond that there is no wording even close to shipping on any other major, outstanding item. So?

Well my conclusion is that this "shipment" a few of you seem to have extra knowlege of, a shipment that was supposed to clear out tons of pre-orders, was nothing but Rey costumes and maybe some trooper helmets.

Nothing else.

Am I right?

Was that story about actually getting product just more lying?

 

[Fett_Ish]

I understand people being upset that their order has been delayed or inferior product received. I want my helmet and armor I understand. I have seen people get angry over not getting things from runs on the RPF, I understand that as I have had to force GK makers to send me what I paid for. What I don't understand is the pleasure people take in beating the horse if they aren't even riding it (I do not condone beating animals). I say it isn't really helpful and it clearly is creating ill feelings as innocent posts are seen as offensive. Can't we keep it to comments by folks who have an outstanding order (or many) commenting on the status or lack of communication or heaven forbid, arrival of an item or email citing a shipment or return? I visit in the hopes that there is some sort of news I didn't know about and its always 'Anovos is a bunch of lying Ponzi schemers etc,etc" whcih I suppose is fine, except it seems to be the job of some to respond to every post with some variation of 'they suck". Perhaps a new thread that is for those who are going after refunds and those that want to bash with no dog in the fight. Something. _Puts on Fire Retardant suit_

 

[Leeway]

I saw that Anovos won't be at Wondercon this weekend but they will be at Celebration. What does the board here think of doing a meet up at the Anovos booth to demand some answers as a group or at least show unity that we're done with accepting their business practices. I won't be at Celebration but I'll be at SDCC so I'd be willing to organize something there. Nothing threatening, just a presence so they can't give us the same answers (check the website)when we come up to their booth as individuals.

 

[Halliwax]

I saw that Anovos won't be at Wondercon this weekend but they will be at Celebration. What does the board here think of doing a meet up at the Anovos booth to demand some answers as a group or at least show unity that we're done with accepting their business practices. I won't be at Celebration but I'll be at SDCC so I'd be willing to organize something there. Nothing threatening, just a presence so they can't give us the same answers (check the website)when we come up to their booth as individuals.

Good idea, keep it civil. They have the upper hand at the con and could have you guys thrown out real quick

I’m not defending them one bit, but just trying to protect you guys at the con

Me personally? If they had thousands of my hard worked dollars, I’d be picketing every event they were at until I was refunded in full..

..This picket would be outside on the public street.. can’t do anything about that

 

[Castor Dioscuri]

I understand people being upset that their order has been delayed or inferior product received. I want my helmet and armor I understand. I have seen people get angry over not getting things from runs on the RPF, I understand that as I have had to force GK makers to send me what I paid for. What I don't understand is the pleasure people take in beating the horse if they aren't even riding it (I do not condone beating animals). I say it isn't really helpful and it clearly is creating ill feelings as innocent posts are seen as offensive. Can't we keep it to comments by folks who have an outstanding order (or many) commenting on the status or lack of communication or heaven forbid, arrival of an item or email citing a shipment or return? I visit in the hopes that there is some sort of news I didn't know about and its always 'Anovos is a bunch of lying Ponzi schemers etc,etc" whcih I suppose is fine, except it seems to be the job of some to respond to every post with some variation of 'they suck". Perhaps a new thread that is for those who are going after refunds and those that want to bash with no dog in the fight. Something. _Puts on Fire Retardant suit_

You know, I would agree completely if it were just abusive ad hominem attacks directed at Anovos. Those types of arguments do nothing but detract from the message.

However, if someone who doesn't have an order presents a researched case against Anovos (i.e. review the records and state that not a single costume preorder has been released in two years), which is what has happened in several instances, I would be all for it. You don't have to be directly affected to objectively call out mistreatment.

What is amazing to me is that the wait time for these orders (including my own) is now almost as long as the wait for my Adventurebilt back in 2008-2010. And that was with a SINGLE person working on those orders BY HAND, being deluged by orders since he was one of two hatters responsible for an iconic screen-used wardrobe component.

 

[darthjones]

All sounds good - I have now gone 3 Halloween seasons without this particular costume and was told that the wait was over and that this thing was in physical transit - no "season" crap, no "anticipate" - just "in transit": So - why are the Rey costumes shipping (it says) and why is Anovos not responding to my emails with anything other than, "there will be an announcement in about 2 weeks," with regard to Kylo costumes or anything else?

3 years this month.

So meeting as a group at Celebration sounds great - can we start a new thread? Maybe someone here can draw up questions and present them by hand at the Con. Stay civil of course and stand there until there are specific answers given.

Anyone have an idea as to questions?

Someone else better write them because all I have is, "your mom must regret having you and I'm taking your car today - oh wait, that's not a question, sorry."

 

[Castor Dioscuri]

What scares me is the Jyn Erso gloves that finally shipped after similar numerous delays:

Anovos Jyn Erso Gloves Received, Horrible Quality! PHOTOS

I'm sure most of us have read that horror story. But for those that haven't, the wait was definitely not worth it. Take a look at the thread... Basically, what looked like a rush job by a preschooler after almost two years of waiting.

I still remember at the last Celebration, I stopped by the Anovos booth. They really tried to sell me and my then girlfriend (now wife) into buying the Jyn gloves and scarf to go with her ensemble preorder, but refused to let us take a closer look after checking with the guy in charge. So glad I took that as a red flag.

Honestly, once our (fifth?) delay notification comes in, I'm cancelling this preorder. I mean, I'd be happy to wait if the end product is decent, but given what we're seeing, it's almost a certainty that it'll be badly constructed and just plain unusable. Why suffer through another round of waiting when all that's going to get you is a shoddy product that can't be returned? And anyway, how relevant will Rogue One be in two more years (or whenever Anovos may or may not release this product).

I apologize, but this just irks me. I understand waiting over two and a half years for a hat. Most people's head sizes don't change significantly in that amount of time. But for an entire costume ensemble?

 

[Apollo]

Do not expect much except more BS from them, ie excuses which they have PLENTY of.

Their reps at those booths are not given any more info then their customer service reps

The only message A no gos will understand is not doing business with them

I saw that Anovos won't be at Wondercon this weekend but they will be at Celebration. What does the board here think of doing a meet up at the Anovos booth to demand some answers as a group or at least show unity that we're done with accepting their business practices. I won't be at Celebration but I'll be at SDCC so I'd be willing to organize something there. Nothing threatening, just a presence so they can't give us the same answers (check the website)when we come up to their booth as individuals.

 

[JOATRASH FX]

What scares me is the Jyn Erso gloves that finally shipped after similar numerous delays:

Anovos Jyn Erso Gloves Received, Horrible Quality! PHOTOS

I'm sure most of us have read that horror story. But for those that haven't, the wait was definitely not worth it. Take a look at the thread... Basically, what looked like a rush job by a preschooler after almost two years of waiting.

I looked through it when it was posted and it's pretty shocking- definitely not anywhere near the quality level of the soft goods I have from them (5-6 uniforms, a jacket, two helmets, patches and emblems from Trek, Wars and BSG). If they knew they were that bad and sent them out anyway, it's shameful. But it also strengthens my suspicions that they are having major problems finding reliable manufacturers that can deliver quality on time and on budget, which has taken a toll on their organization (and possibly finances), leaving them in a bind as what to do about it- perhaps ashamed to admit it publicly in case it would make things worse.

3 years this month.

So meeting as a group at Celebration sounds great -

That's a crazy amount of time! I think my longest wait was 2-ish years for either the TNG or the first edition of the Monster Maroon, both of which were well worth the wait.

I really hope a few people get the chance to speak with them at Celebration. I'll be with you in spirit! And yes, as Halliwax noted: keep it civil and courteous. I am always civil with their customer service reps- they are just the buffer to our frustration after all (as will be most of their people at Celebration) and I usually have a good conversation with them.

Perhaps the main question to ask might be what's really going on with the delays and HOW they are working to fix things. They need to give some reliable answers instead of the usual BS where they just send out vague press releases that say nothing.

A few days ago I sent an e-mail to the 'top dogs' asking them to give me a reason to not cancel all my orders. They have yet to respond and I'm not really expecting an answer. If I knew for certain what was going on and that the issues will be fixed, I'd be willing to wait the extra year it seems like most of my stuff is going to take; everything can and would be forgiven, but they need to start communicating.

They now have less than a week left to send out the update info that was 'promised'. In the Anovos facebook group, someone apparently got hold of the license rep at Disney that handles them and she apparently promised to escalate the issue. Maybe that will light a fire somewhere.

 

[patrickivan]

Print up t-shirts for the conventions Stating: ANOVOS ORDER DATE: XXX/ EXPECTED DUE DATE XXX/ NUMBER OF DELAYS XX/ STILL WAITING AS OF TODAY

It's passive, informative, and is a protest. Plus everyone loves to read a T... Front and Back.

 

[mluder]

Just posted this in the Jyn Gloves thread about my experience with differing quality...
Anovos Jyn Erso Gloves Received, Horrible Quality! PHOTOS

Cheers
Steve

 

[Castor Dioscuri]

Just to help folks, here is mulder's review:

Not to hijack your thread but I had a similar experience with what appears to be a rush job to ship a product. I had ordered a size medium Han Solo gun belt kit about a year and a half ago... When I finally got it it was beautifully finished and nicely weathered with pretty accurate gradations in the leather color... unfortunately it was too big. Through a long process of exchanging it (it appears Anovos doesn't order any spares when they do a production run - bad business practice if you ask me as there will inevitably be some exchanges needed for a number of reasons) the item I got in return looked very little like the original I had received. There was no weathering at all - the belt was all one color. Easy enough to fix myself but it was clear that they rushed production or found some sample they had lying around to send me. At that point I had been waiting nearly 8 months for the exchanged item.

One other note - while the belt now fit fine the leg strap on the holster was not adjusted for size so it is way too loose. In fact I'd guess the snap spacing is the same on every one they ship regardless of waist size. Also something I can fix but when something is $500 you'd expect better care.

Finally - I am still waiting on my Han Force Awakens jacket. I am probably mistaken here but as I check the site for updates it almost looks like the image of the product have changed from when I ordered a number of years ago. I know the images are sometimes prototypes - that's typical - but the jacket just seems to drape differently and the leather surface finish looks different. I guess I'll know for sure when/if I ever get it.

Cheers
Steve

Interesting experience, and highly worrisome quality. How hard up must this company be to be pinching pennies that badly?

FYI, a quick read of the "project updates" for that jacket reads like a hilariously shammy advert. Notice the constant use of fluffy adjectives (i.e. "this ruggedly beautiful jacket...", "this wonderful jacket..."), and notice how the last update changes the delivery estimate while still claiming they're still on track, despite the change from Spring to Summer to Summer to Winter.

By the way, just to clear the record, it doesn't look like the prototype image was changed. Looking around at various sites that reported on the launch of that jacket show the same photo used originally. Take for example EntertainmentEarth:

A New Jacket for a Scruffy Looking Nerf-Herder

 

[mluder]

Just to help folks, here is mulder's review:



Interesting experience, and highly worrisome quality. How hard up must this company be to be pinching pennies that badly?

FYI, a quick read of the "project updates" for that jacket reads like a hilariously shammy advert. Notice the constant use of fluffy adjectives (i.e. "this ruggedly beautiful jacket...", "this wonderful jacket..."), and notice how the last update changes the delivery estimate while still claiming they're still on track, despite the change from Spring to Summer to Summer to Winter.

By the way, just to clear the record, it doesn't look like the prototype image was changed. Looking around at various sites that reported on the launch of that jacket show the same photo used originally. Take for example EntertainmentEarth:

A New Jacket for a Scruffy Looking Nerf-Herder

Thanks for the clarification on the images. Glad I was wrong...

In regards to the penny pinching - I think nothing is more telling then the fact that it seems the product runs are literally made to order. In other words if they get 57 orders they make (or have made) 57 of them... they don't just make 75 or a hundred in various sizes to round up and have some available for exchanges due to size or even defects in original craftsmanship. It's as if every dollar taken in is accounted for somewhere else already...
That's just poor planning and management.

Cheers
Steve

 

[masterjedi322]

Some of the FOTK Facebook groups are showing that kits are being delivered sans helmet and gaskets. Apparently, Anovos gave folks the option to receive their armor first (and the helmet and gaskets would ship later), or wait for everything to ship together.

Sean

 

[mluder]

BTW - Back on March 5th I took advantage of the sale they had on in-stock items and ordered a Storm Trooper neck seal. Just got notification that it shipped last night... So much for shipping in-stock items within 10-14 days... BTW - it looks like they have removed that language from their website so they can't be held accountable to it.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Kal Argos]

BTW - Back on March 5th I took advantage of the sale they had on in-stock items and ordered a Storm Trooper neck seal. Just got notification that it shipped last night... So much for shipping in-stock items within 10-14 days... BTW - it looks like they have removed that language from their website so they can't be held accountable to it.

Cheers
Steve

That's great to hear... my January in-stock buy has yet to ship... so hope i get an email soon.

Looks like they are prioritizing shipping of certain stock maybe?

 

[Yorkie Fett]

Just as a matter of interest, still waiting for a refund from October 2018.
Someone please tell me I’m not the only one.
Anyone getting replies from Anovos- someone seems to be manning the system as they keep sending out the new product and discount offers emails?

 

[cboath]

Some of the FOTK Facebook groups are showing that kits are being delivered sans helmet and gaskets. Apparently, Anovos gave folks the option to receive their armor first (and the helmet and gaskets would ship later), or wait for everything to ship together.

Sean

Well, the also had a secondary offerring...

First offering was full kit with helmet
Second offering (just after the first ended) let you order 'just the armor' as I think they had made helmets available earlier, or someone did. So you were able to order seperately back then as well - and it was actually cheaper.