RobbW

Ray, Please allow me to expand upon what FRT007 wrote.

There is plenty of forgiveness here on this forum. Eric got himself in a bind, similar to Gary, and many of us are now impressed with the way he is turning a very difficult situation around. He is EARNING our respect by communicating openly about his situation, and working off past orders with integrity. I give him credit for doing the right thing when it is hard. That's a real mark of character.

Gary was in a similar situation of getting behind on orders way past due. Instead of asking patience and forgiveness, he spent over two years making excuses (too many orders, too many phonecalls, too many emails, no good leather [not confirmed by other top makers], "your order is finished and shipping", "your order is going into acrylic dip this weekend", "your order is 1 week out", "your order is 2 weeks out", etc.--everything and everyone but Gary are to blame according to him). I thought it was just me, but he reported being hundreds of orders behind. Other customers are reporting similar experiences to mine.

Instead of coming clean and working off old orders, Gary deliberately took new orders and new money. Next he started filling new orders for CCA ahead of private customers! CCA is receiving entire shipments, while customers who have been waiting a LONG time are left dangling in the wind.

Then, after over 2 years of waiting and a minimum of inquiring emails on my part, Gary cancels my order with him. Apparently it's not "convenient" for him to be reminded of just how far behind he is. It's easier to run from the situation, rather than face it with integrity like Eric. I get the sense Gary is in denial about the nature and extent of the situation when he fills orders for CCA ahead of private customers. Everyone seems to "get it" but him.

Gary would have our respect, and this thread never would have needed to be created, if he had earned respect by admitting mistakes, and communicating in an open and HONEST way what he was doing to catch up. Instead there has been a wall of silence, and the brief communication that does come through are Remy and Gary playing "good cop/bad cop" ("the order's on it's way", "I'm forcing Gary to work out in the shop"--then no order appears.

I saved all of the correspondence Gary/Remy and I have had. Gary is not responding here because he cannot deny the facts which have been reported by many, and which are 100% true.

Forgiveness is definitely granted here, but not to those who continue to abrogate personal responsibility, dig their own holes and make things worse for themselves, their customers, and the community.

mtsusean

First post but I talked with Lightning Arms today because I wanted a VM II for a 1911. The fella I talked with was nothing but nice and suggested I contact and order through Sparks instead of guessing and waiting on when they might receive a shipment. ymmv.

slimjim

I've personally done plenty of business with LAS. I have never heard anyone complain about their customer service. I have heard negative comments pertaining to the prices they charge. That's the beauty of living in America, no one is forcing you to buy from them. This thread clearly has nothing to do with LAS.

__________________
A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity.
-- Sigmund Freud

Gunnutty

Guys I'm not QK, but please don't bring our moderators into this link. Bumper was good enough to open this up for us to air our grievances and we will be able to keep it if WE do't go off topic. Our MODS should not have to explain themselves epecially for trying to keep things within the rules of the forum.
It has only been with the Eric Larsen thread and this one that we had a truly open forum to share our views.
Please guys let's not start down this track.

QK; I'm not speaking for you as you don't need me to!!

__________________
We will be much better off when we learn to deal with things as they really are, instead of how we wish them to be!

T. Kanaley

cd,
I'm not a moderator here, nor do I have have 4,5, or 6 stars, but I don't see any reason for you to pick a fight with QK. I have found QK to be more than fair in my dealings with him. Even the time I found myself on the receiving end of his ire (which I might add, was well deserved on my part).

Be thankful that the staff on this forum is allowing you a conduit to vent your frustration. Since you are new to the forum scene, you probably don't realize that most forums would not even allow this type of thread. Take it in the wrong direction, they just might change their minds.

__________________
Milt Sparks Holsters, Inc.
www.miltsparks.com
Second Best is not an option

T. Kanaley

Gunnutty,
I was writing while you were posting and we practically said the exact same thing. I guess brilliant minds think alike!

__________________
Milt Sparks Holsters, Inc.
www.miltsparks.com
Second Best is not an option

cdwolf

Sorry guys, I found this site 20 mins after this thread was made. The only purpose I had was to vent over my holster order. The only person I have a problem with is gary and how I was treated. Great site no more problems out of me once again Sorry

Gunnutty

From you sir that is a compliment!! However if that is the case how come I can't make a decent holster????

__________________
We will be much better off when we learn to deal with things as they really are, instead of how we wish them to be!

Eric Larsen

Being the "Brunt" of this and many OTHER threads...I agree with Tony. Let people air their point of view....it isnt gonna hurt anyone!

The facts are the facts, regardless of how much I or any other makers dont want to hear it!

I like what I do and allot of people seem to think I do ok at it...the fact that I can make a holster, doesn't mean I still don't have allot to learn about business. I feel like I'm back in Kindergarten sometimes...but thats where my actions put me.

What else can I say...that wouldn't be complete BS? Shoot well and god bless.......Eric

Gunnutty

Hey my friend many of us have been, and still are, where you're at.
We understand the frustration believe me. Hang in there.

__________________
We will be much better off when we learn to deal with things as they really are, instead of how we wish them to be!