Rifleman1776 said:
This thread reminds me of an experience I had with George Schumway some years ago. George was a well known publisher of books on muzzle loading rifles and their history. I met him several times and he was the definition of a gentleman.
I placed an order for one of his books and heard nothing. I called, talked to him and got assurances of shipment soon. Weeks went by and I heard nothing. Finally, I wrote a letter of complaint. Shortly afterwards his wife phoned me with many apologies. What happened was George was very ill and in late stages of Alzheimers disease. She had found my original order and promised to ship when she could as there were many others waiting also. I felt badly about George but understood the situation. Eventually I did get the book. It wasn't long afterwards he passed away.
The ml community is pretty small, and, if you haven't noticed, many of the vendors are far from young.
You are entitled to refunds from Mr. Turner but do keep in mind he simply may not be able to fill the order, no need for anger. It is still a business transaction but compassion and understanding are always appropriate.
I understand completely and very aware how small our community is. I've been attending Friendship since 1986, and continue to see it shrink annually. I've also had the pleasure of chatting with Mr. Shumway on several occasions at Friendship before he became unable to attend.
I feel I was very understanding, after all I waited 5 months for an item that the website said would take 10 days. 2 separate emails (one in January and one in March) asking for delivery estimate, that were responded to the next day with a reply of "They should ship shortly" I then waited until May to cancel my order. When I did, I never received a response back.
Please understand, I'm not mad or angry. I never was. I understand health issues. I also know good business means if you promise something, and you can't deliver by your promised date, that needs to be communicated to your customers. I can't speak for his other customers, but it never was with me. One of the orders I placed was a gift. I specifically ordered the gift based on the reviews of his hawks and delivery timelines. When the time came, I had to scramble to come up with something.
Now, I want to make this completely clear and I am not insinuating anything against the owner, however, once several years ago I was ripped off by a gun maker, that being said, after no response to my request to cancel my order, I waited until the very last day that I could to file a dispute with Visa. I really don't know how I could be more understanding than that.
I even called, no answer, and left a message, asking him for better communication with his customers. I also wished him well with his health issues and that "I bear him no ill will".
I still wish him the best and hope he recovers from his health issues to continue his business and I still bear him no ill will. I sincerely wish him the best.
