Monday 10 August 2015

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.

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