Quote Originally Posted by jason_ladouceur View Post
I've got to say as someone that runs a business, and also has a full time job that it's far from easy. I can certainly understand a small company missing the odd inquiry. I try as hard as possible to avoid it but I'm sure I've been guilty of it myself. But constantly not returning inquiries, taking people's money and then breaking off communication. 8-12 week lead times on orders? Seriously? How does a company stay in business with that kind of thing happening over and over again. I've built hundreds of cages in the last 6 months. And I've never make a client wait more then 2 weeks, even that seems to long to me. I don't understand why you would even take an order if you weren't going to be able to fill it for 3 months.
Well Jason, since people continue to give them business, they aren't being forced to up their service.

Again, not to beat a dead horse, but AP was super nice on the phone and always commiserated with my "impatience". When 8 weeks became 10 weeks, it was me who called. They were very pleasant. They were pleasant every time I called. I called often as my 8 weeks became 14 weeks. They credited me the shipping charges. That was nice, but I would have rather paid the $50, got an unsolicited update on the delay and got my cage in a reasonable period of time.

Now in contrast, in December I called Jeff Johnson of Freedom Breeder and ordered a rack. Lindy brought it home from work with him that night and I picked it up at his house. I have called Lindy and Jeff countless times and have always had them bend over backwards to deliver me their product.

Same with Rich Goldzung. Same with Doug (Barr's). I purchased a cage from CNW a few years ago and Ed's communication was excellent and the cage was shipped quickly and flawlessly. I am amazed that people put up with delays, poor communication and long lead times when there are other options out there.

I am floored that people actually defend or make excuses for these delays and the bad communication. Absolutely floored.