Would you pre-order from eFx?

[Alan Castillo]

Love to see your resume when you get a sec.

Kiss, kiss,

-Rylo

....my opinions based on 25 + years of experience working in consumer / customer - orientated enterprises, and with trumpets sounding full blast shamelessly here, was amongst the most successful in the field, allowing me to retire at age 40, ....

kiss kiss

 

[Rylo]

Fair enough on that one, man. :thumbsup

Agreed, there's always room for more communication...

My point is, regardless of every update under the sun or no matter what you do, there's always gonna be someone with an agenda or something to say.

You just can't please everyone.

I don't know about the posters original motivations, and I honestly don't really care, but he has brought some facts to light that I was unaware of until he started this thread. I wasn't aware that people have put down $350 as a preorder on some replicas and are now waiting 1-2 years to receive the replica. I wasn't aware communication was a problem with this company until now.

That makes me reconsider whether or not I want to take a risk with the company, and yes, it is a risk any time you put money down on something and there is no product in hand to ship. Someone around here has a signature that goes something along the lines of 'don't sell something you don't have.' None of us know what may transpire between now and delivery date of the Avengers replicas. Is it likely that eFX will suddenly go out of business? Probably not. Is it possible? Yes, even if remote.

And Rylo, I don't think I've ever seen you have a run where there was 5 months between updates and payment from people ordering something during which there was no communication. That's the difference here between you and them. I'm not familiar with your life out side of props, but you seem to manage to keep people up to date with the status of your runs, and you don't have a company with multiple employees to do that for you.

 

[BoboFatt]

What they are doing is being the only ones making high-end desirable replicas.

The 'Don't like it, don't order' doesn't really hold water in the argument, as fans have no other choice, exactly because they are excellent replicas. The best from what many say.

Therefore, no communication also gives the impression of arrogance.

Not hold water? YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.

Regarding no communication = (impression of) arrogance. Do you really think that's what this is? It's a small company, Bryan IS pretty much eFX. The guy didn't just have the sniffles from what I gather. I highly doubt he’s sitting in a mansion somewhere thinking “oh man, I got these suckers right where I want them”.

From my few interactions with him and from the many accounts that I’ve heard from others, he’s a real stand-up guy. Fact is, he runs a small company that he’s passionate about. He had an illness that took him out of commission for a while. He’s back and said he will catch up on everything as soon as he can.

Everything we do in life is backed by a reason. I put on pants this morning because if I came to work without them I’d probably get fired. I brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me because I’ll be working late. There is a reason for the delays and lack of communication and I can tell you I don’t think it’s arrogance, I don’t think eFX is trying to steal your money, and I don’t think it’s because eFX doesn’t care about its customers.

 

[Alan Castillo]

.........
Regarding no communication = (impression of) arrogance. Do you really think that's what this is? It's a small company, Bryan IS pretty much eFX. The guy didn't just have the sniffles from what I gather. I highly doubt he’s sitting in a mansion somewhere thinking “oh man, I got these suckers right where I want them”.

From my few interactions with him and from the many accounts that I’ve heard from others, he’s a real stand-up guy. Fact is, he runs a small company that he’s passionate about. He had an illness that took him out of commission for a while. He’s back and said he will catch up on everything as soon as he can.

Everything we do in life is backed by a reason. I put on pants this morning because if I came to work without them I’d probably get fired. I brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me because I’ll be working late. There is a reason for the delays and lack of communication and I can tell you I don’t think it’s arrogance, I don’t think eFX is trying to steal your money, and I don’t think it’s because eFX doesn’t care about its customers.

In case you didn't notice, impression (which I stressed in italics), means just that - an effect, feeling, or image retained as a consequence of experience. It does not mean it is true.

I cannot for the life of me understand why vendors just cannot understand the simple concept of constant communication = happy clients.

That's what this whole argument is about.

Clients are idiots ? Like, DUH ! Alot are.

So just play along & you'll do much better.

Why the resistance to send out ANYTHING via email, that takes no more than 1 minute, cannot be understood to equate to good PR, is beyond me.

 

[Kerr Avon]

Not hold water? YOU ALWAYS HAVE A CHOICE.

Regarding no communication = (impression of) arrogance. Do you really think that's what this is? It's a small company, Bryan IS pretty much eFX. The guy didn't just have the sniffles from what I gather. I highly doubt he’s sitting in a mansion somewhere thinking “oh man, I got these suckers right where I want them”.

From my few interactions with him and from the many accounts that I’ve heard from others, he’s a real stand-up guy. Fact is, he runs a small company that he’s passionate about. He had an illness that took him out of commission for a while. He’s back and said he will catch up on everything as soon as he can.

Everything we do in life is backed by a reason. I put on pants this morning because if I came to work without them I’d probably get fired. I brought breakfast, lunch, and dinner with me because I’ll be working late. There is a reason for the delays and lack of communication and I can tell you I don’t think it’s arrogance, I don’t think eFX is trying to steal your money, and I don’t think it’s because eFX doesn’t care about its customers.

I don't think anyone here has suggested eFX is actively trying to steal anyone's money. Just that an uncomfortable long term silence legitimately breeds doubt and concern. I'll go with the opinions of some people for whom I have respect in the hobby, and I'll believe that the owner of eFX is a standup guy. That said, even a post about a personal illness affecting his ability to update people on a regular basis would have been more welcome than just silence though. Just a 'personal issues are taking up more of my time than I like, but rest assured that work is continuing on these and progress is being made' beats a long period of silence any day. Sure, some people won't be reasonable, but to any reasonable person that'd at least let them know there's a reason why nothing is being said.

Also, while it probably doesn't apply in this situation, how many times have we seen people banned from the RPF for their dealings in the Junkyard, where one of their many excuses why something wasn't being delivered/shipped/made was because they were sick. We've probably all developed a bit of a knee jerk reaction to that.

 

[OldKen]

Side note... Any thread that has the words 'vader helmet' In it... destined to start a riot?

Curse-C?

:lol

 

[Rylo]

By the way. Aren't all eFx pre-orders refundable, anyway?

So, you order from them and don't dig the way they roll; you get a refund, right? It's not like they're holding you hostage...there's really nothing to endure if anything rubs someone wrong.

Am I wrong regarding policy?

-Rylo

 

[Alan Castillo]

Side note... Any thread that has the words 'vader helmet' In it... destined to start a riot?

Curse-C?

:lol

Apparently, it is :lol

In fact, my comment of having 'little choice' was made while I was thinking of the eFx Vader helmet, and how it is, I believe from what I read, the best that will ever be made.

 

[Timmythekid]

It's ironic that someone thinks that is childish when half the posts here reek of "are we there yet, are we there yet, are we there yet"...."I want an Oompa Loompa now!"

Wow, really? I, and I'm sure at least a few people who deal with the company would really like to know if you are speaking (as you seem to be trying to with your communication regarding delays) for Bryan and eFX with that tripe - customers are acting spoiled and childish if they expect product delivered when they're told it will be delivered? We aren't discussing some charitable organization or freebie, or something else being demanded by over-entitled jerks, you're talking about paying customers throwing down a thousand bucks at a minimum. You're really sure you want to take that tack? How about 'are we there yet, are we there yet...you HAVE MY MONEY.' Sheesh, you might just want to check and see if eFX want s you posting that stuff.

As to your points about you addressing the reasons for the delays and the reasons for no communication, as someone pointed out, that's nice - it should be coming from the company, not some maybe-sorta-kinda-connected yahoo. And trust you, they're well aware of all the threads taking issue with the delays and poor communication? Soooo...what you're saying is that they're spending time lurking on boards rather than actually writing a two sentance update in a mass-mailer? Again, if you want to be as good a friend to the company as you seem to be, maybe you need to check to see if you're posts are actually helping or hurting.

 

[Alan Castillo]

By the way. Aren't all eFx pre-orders refundable, anyway?

So, you order from them and don't dig the way they roll; you get a refund, right? It's not like they're holding you hostage...there's really nothing to endure if anything rubs someone wrong.

Am I wrong regarding policy?

-Rylo

Now I know I belong in the OT :lol, and I am honestly not out on a mission to offend you, but that way of thinking is customer-unfriendly.

It basically says "If you don't like it, take your money back and get stuffed. I don't need you".

All I am trying to portray here is that it takes next to nothing to show one's clients that they mean something, and that their business is appreciated.

Absolutely that simple, and nothing else.

 

[OldKen]

They never gave an exact date for vader OR the TIE...

As far as I know... Out of all their stuff... These are the only two gripes. The only big delays... Both have been addressed and answers given...

Oompa loompah doompaty doo Ive got a really good question for you...

Oompah oomph doompaty dee, do you have anymore questions for me?

:lol

(sorry, had to!)

Wow, really? I, and I'm sure at least a few people who deal with the company would really like to know if you are speaking for Bryan and eFX with that tripe - customers are acting spoiled and childish if they expect product delivered when they're told it will be delivered? We aren't discussing some charitable organization or freebie, or something else being demanded by over-entitled jerks, you're talking about paying customers throwing down a thousand bucks at a minimum. You're really sure you want to take that tack? How about 'are we there yet, are we there yet...you HAVE MY MONEY.' Sheesh, you might just want to check and see if eFX want s you posting that stuff.

As to your points about you addressing the reasons for the delays and the reasons for no communication, as someone pointed out, that's nice - it should be coming from the company, not some maybe-sorta-kinda-connected yahoo. And trust you, they're well aware of all the threads taking issue with the delays and poor communication? Soooo...what you're saying is that they're spending time lurking on boards rather than actually writing a two sentance update in a mass-mailer? Again, if you want to be as good a friend to the company as you seem to be, maybe you need to check to see if you're posts are actually helping or hurting.

 

[teecrooz]

I have received numerous updates on the Legend Vader via email as well as therpf and rebelscum. Many more than any other company I can think of.

 

[Timmythekid]

Double-pooooost

 

[Timmythekid]

(sorry, had to!)

Even if you say 'shipping Q3!', that's a date. And my point mostly being that the attitude that paying customers are acting like spoiled brats when they expect to either get their stuff, or be kept informed about items they've already put down cash for, deserves to be business suicide. That's a disgusting way of looking at your clients.

 

[h3pilot]

C'mon now...complete nonsense.

There is no established track record of anything except delivering quality product. You don't really consider a couple threads on RS or the RPF a track record do you? The boards represent the minority when it comes to overall sales.

I believe Tony's point is, while there may be a few people with legitimate gripes (that's normal) the people you tend to see pop up in these threads don't do business with, nor would they ever order from Efx in the first place. They have no first hand exp. of anything to do with the company.

As for all this other dribble about build blogs, etc. This suggestion is just a testimonial to how little people really understand what it takes to land a large run. I mean, nothing that could be written would ever tell you what you wanted to hear, anyway which is, your **** shipped yesterday and they're knocking off 10% because you didn't get a return e-mail in 1 hour.

This threads author had an agenda which is what bugs me. He wasn't soliciting an opinion in an effort to have his changed. He was attempting to change that of others when he asked the question,: "Would you pre-order from eFX?" It was a transparent, punk move. Sadly, these threads just make for silly pile-ons from those who never intended to order a thing anyway.

Yeah, GRRRR; I was gonna order all their ****, too! Okay, pal...sure ya were.

-Rylo

Wow. Literally sat with my mouth open for a bit.

No track record? Delays with Vader Legend & TIE are fact. Unanswered email is a fact. Lack of web site or email updates to paid customers is a fact. (Granted the Vader did finally get an update on 6 May.)

With regard to the TIE fighter here are a few additional FACTS:
When eFx took my pre-order $ the advertised ship date was Q1-2011 (14 months ago) Yes, I am a paying eFx customer.
There has been ONE official update 25 SEp 2011 (6 months after the first missed deadline).
The second ship date was Q4-2011 (5 months ago).
There is currently not a second update on the eFx site.
I have personally sent email to eFx that has gone unanswered. No response at all.

Are you seriously suggesting that people should NOT be dissatisfied? That they don't have a "legitimate grip"??

Please tell me how long customers need to wait after paying for a product, that has not been delivered as advertised, before they can complain.

As for starting the thread, sorry if you don't like my question. I still think it is valid.
Great products, poor communication, possible long delays.
Do I risk tying up my $ vs. not getting (or paying a high aftermarket price) for a replica?

Yes or No, I'm not sure there is a right or wrong answer. Just wondered what others thought.

As for your personal attack on me and my "agenda", if you look at my posts you'll see that I do stick up for what eFx does well and asked for accuracy not exaggeration in posts. You seem very adverse to any eFx criticism.

Do you have a $350 TIE order with eFx?
Would you pre-order from them in the future? (Yes is a perfectly valid answer.)

 

[h3pilot]

By the way. Aren't all eFx pre-orders refundable, anyway?

So, you order from them and don't dig the way they roll; you get a refund, right? It's not like they're holding you hostage...there's really nothing to endure if anything rubs someone wrong.

Am I wrong regarding policy?

-Rylo

The eFx web site states the $350 deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE.

 

[OldKen]

So you just basically took the problem from 2 products to 1...

Are you saying we should brandish our pitchforks over one product out of several?

1 problem?

Granted that's the one you have money on...

I think it's more unfortunate than diabolical...

More bad luck, than bad business.


Seems a lot of nay saying, name calling, hurrumphing, and rabble rousing going on... For one setback in an operation that is the first of it's kind concerning accuracy and quality

Just sad really.

Potato... Potatoe? :angel

 

[h3pilot]

They never gave an exact date for vader OR the TIE...

As far as I know... Out of all their stuff... These are the only two gripes. The only big delays... Both have been addressed and answers given...

Oompa loompah doompaty doo Ive got a really good question for you...

Oompah oomph doompaty dee, do you have anymore questions for me?

:lol

(sorry, had to!)

Doesn't Q1-2011 mean JAN-MAR 2011?
In APR 2011 the product is late right?

Delays addressed?
Just checked the eFx web site. 25 SEP 2011 is the most recent TIE update.
Just checked my email in-box, nothing.
There is currently NO third estimated ship date at all.

Does that mean it isn't late anymore? :lol

 

[OldKen]

All I'm saying... You NOW have your answer as to why they are so late.

So... What are you wanting?

An update to the page that says, expected shipping: Q??? 20??

Or maybe they just have a factory worker build and ship yours real quick? Just slap it together?

Me?

I'll hold out for quality and accuracy!

I'm sooo glad they didnt go with the first couple of factories! It is unfortunate... But I'm gonna live!

 

[h3pilot]

So you just basically took the problem from 2 products to 1...

Are you saying we should brandish our pitchforks over one product out of several?

1 problem?

Granted that's the one you have money on...

I think it's more unfortunate than diabolical...

More bad luck, than bad business.


Seems a lot of nay saying, name calling, hurrumphing, and rabble rousing going on... For one setback in an operation that is the first of it's kind concerning accuracy and quality

Just sad really.

Potato... Potatoe? :angel

We've really gone off topic to complaining and defending.

But, it's not just ONE problem. There is a pattern of conduct by eFx at issue.
Having only one product at a time be late isn't OK because it's just ONE product. (It's still at least 2, since nobody has a Vader helmet in hand yet.) There is the history of product releases to consider too.

Delays are also a separate issue from communication in my opinion.

Who said pitchforks?