A problem with Wargames manufacturers

It is a sad day when after ordering something over the internet you find the service wanting without knowing the reason. Recently I have purchased, or had purchased on my behalf, some wargaming items.
After extolling the virtues of Sarris-precision (http://www.sarissa-precision.com/) I asked my son for a fathers day present of the lovely Japanese 28mm range of buildings. Fair enough, he was on holiday for a couple of weeks, so we waited, and waited. An email solicited the response that the items would be posted the next weekend. And so we still wait. I am very disappointed as I looked forward to progressing with the Ronin project.
I suggested to my son that he cancels the order and takes up the issue through his card provider.

On the 14th July I ordered a Hittite army from Rapier Miniatures (http://www.rapierminiatures.co.uk/index.html). I received the confirmation email but since? Nothing. I followed up with two emails of enquiry since and still no reply. I am waiting one more week before raising the issue with PayPal.

lastly, I bought a Neil Thomas book (Napoleonic Wargaming) to add to the collection and see if I enjoyed them as I have the other rules. The seller (on eBay UK) was kind enough to email and say that the book was imperfect and would I like a refund. He did say he was expecting a new delivery at the end of the month. I was happy to wait I informed him. Only, he despatched the book two days later and low and behold an imperfect copy appeared. I took issue with him regarding this and have sent the book back for a refund. Unfortunately, Royal mail have misplaced the 1st class, signed for parcel so I now have to wait to make a claim.

It does make you wonder. After all the years of good service from manufacturers and suppliers that these instances should all come about in the space of 1 month. Disappointment doesn't cover it really.

Please, suppliers of wargames accessories and armies, make plain your postage and despatch  policy. When you would expect to despatch an order is as important as the acknowledgement of the order itself, and if you can't meet the time frame inform the customer as the reason and offer a refund where appropriate.
It is after all the polite customer service we expect.

Greek v Persians (6mm warfare conclusion)

The battle continues with the Greeks confident after chasing away the light cavalry and not suffering from the Persian infantry bow fire as they thought they would.

The Persian light cavalry have evaded to a safe distance, the Greek heavy cavalry resisting the impulse to follow up.



The Persian Heavy cavalry charge the Greeks taking no casualties before contact and inflict little on impact.

Arrows flying from the Persians miss their target more than they find them. But the numbers dwindle, if too slowly, against the Psiloi.

The Persian light cavalry return to inflict casualties on the heavy cavalry.

 The picture as seen from the Persian left flank. The static Persian infantry firing arrow after arrow against the Psiloi whilst the Greek phalanx grinds ever so slowly forward. The Greeks hoping, that their Thracian allies can keep the cavalry from encircling their left flank before they can rout the Persians.

Stalemate on the Greek left flank.

The Psiloi are withdrawn to allow the phalanx an uninterrupted view of the Persians who gladly let loose an arrow storm though not to much effect.
Persian Peltasts are given the order to attack to prevent the Thracians  from turning on the Persian heavy cavalry.

Arial view of the battle as seen from the Persian side.
Hoplites are in charge reach, the heavy cavalry are under great pressure from the Persians. Can the Hoplites rout the infantry before it is too late?

The Hoplites attack but fail to penetrate the shieldwall. (The Persian saving throws saving almost all the casualties?

 The Persians inflict more casualties on the Hoplites.

The Greek heavy cavalry have routed or dispersed and the Persians now manoeuvre on the Greek left flank. The light cavalry with javelins charging the exposed Thracian infantry flank.

The Hoplites are proving ineffectual against the Persian infantry who stand resolute in defence.



 Persian light and heavy cavalry now behind the Greek lines causing mayhem and death.

Thracian infantry collapsing under pressure from Peltasts, light and heavy cavalry. Psiloi taking casualties from the heavy cavalry and the Persian infantry inflicting more casualties than they are receiving. Persian light cavalry assault the Hoplite left flank whilst the heavy cavalry attack them from the rear.

 

 Hoplite casualties are too great and the units start to die.

The end is nigh and the Greeks surrender to the mighty Persians.

I liked this battle immensely. The Greeks had a powerful ally in the Thracians who brought along some quality heavy cavalry and ferocious Peltasts. Who, unfortunately, were massacred after being virtually surrounded. The Psiloi gave a good account of themselves inflicting almost as many casualties on the Persians than the Hoplites did.
The disappointment was the hoplite performance against a static defence of bowmen.
I expected a breakthrough here quite quickly to save the day for the Greeks.

The Persian heavy cavalry made hard work of the Greek heavy cavalry but overcame them in the end. The light cavalry performed well but might not have if the Greek heavy cavalry had followed up to rout them from the field.
Of the Persian infantry the Peltasts were efficient, if seemingly reluctant. Whilst the Persian infantry fought heroically from behind their shields.
If this is the best of the Greeks I'd better ask for earth, water and fire.

Now, how do I build a bridge across the Hellespont?