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Ordered a custom bass, 15 mo's later...still don't have it.

#163
Soon as you start getting the new and different excuses rolling in every time you ask about progress, a BIG RED FLAG should pop up along with GET A REFUND immediately. This is usually the way it goes when you are getting lied to and jerked around. I learned a long time ago to not give 2nd chances when this behavior pops up. You are being played. And obviously...........you are not playing their bass.
 
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#166
Let it be known that I did ask for a refund today, on 18 Feb. (I know I should have done this long ago)

Anyone want to make a wager on how long it will take to receive a reply?

All jokes aside, if anyone would like more details about this situation feel free to send me a message.
 
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#167
shal1234 said:
Let it be known that I did ask for a refund today, on 18 Feb. (I know I should have done this long ago)

Anyone want to make a wager on how long it will take to receive a reply?

All jokes aside, if anyone would like more details about this situation feel free to send me a message.
Click to expand...

I'm guessing they'll point to this page: Halo Custom Guitars' Shipping and Return Policy and Procedures

"Halo Custom Shop orders cannot be cancelled, returned or refunded."

I also checked back in 2013 on archive.org and that clause was there at that time.
 
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#171
UPDATE

Looks like I got some attention. I just received a reply from them:

Hi xxxxx,

I know I haven't been great at the updates and I'm so sorry that you never felt valued as a customer. That's all on me.
I think it is a shame that if after all this time, and being so near completion of the re-build, that if we were to go the route you're asking.
I would much rather at least get this bass into your hands, and if there is something I can do to help make the situation better, like including a Nordstrand 3-band preamp upgrade for free, or something else, I would like to do that for you.

I just need a few more days before I can get a status update on the rebuild...

My response:

Xxxx,

I understand. It is a shame. I could tolerate waiting an extended amount of time for a bass that was meticulously crafted by a seasoned bass luthier, even with maybe one error, so long as I was briskly informed and updated. But that is not the case here. We've had some MAJOR hiccups, and I was left in the dark.

I will propose this: Issue the full refund. If you are confident the bass is near completion and up to standards, you can send it to me and if I like it I will buy it at a heavily discounted price. If you aren't comfortable with that, then just issue the refund and we'll call it quits.
 
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#172
shal1234 said:
UPDATE

Looks like I got some attention. I just received a reply from them:

Hi xxxxx,

I know I haven't been great at the updates and I'm so sorry that you never felt valued as a customer. That's all on me.
I think it is a shame that if after all this time, and being so near completion of the re-build, that if we were to go the route you're asking.
I would much rather at least get this bass into your hands, and if there is something I can do to help make the situation better, like including a Nordstrand 3-band preamp upgrade for free, or something else, I would like to do that for you.

I just need a few more days before I can get a status update on the rebuild...

My response:

Xxxx,

I understand. It is a shame. I could tolerate waiting an extended amount of time for a bass that was meticulously crafted by a seasoned bass luthier, even with maybe one error, so long as I was briskly informed and updated. But that is not the case here. We've had some MAJOR hiccups, and I was left in the dark.

I will propose this: Issue the full refund. If you are confident the bass is near completion and up to standards, you can send it to me and if I like it I will buy it at a heavily discounted price. If you aren't comfortable with that, then just issue the refund and we'll call it quits.
Click to expand...
Nice!!!!!Keep pressing them until something gives one way or the other. You paid in full and I don't care about their "policy"... Keeping the heat on them forces a response. On their part I have only one word.....PATHETIC....
 
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#173
Halo Guitars?

oh man op i am sorry to hear.

a guy in my home town ordered a guitar from a similar size company/builder and it was absolute junk.

Invalid Link Removed

hope everything works out well for you.
 
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#174
shal1234 said:
So I ordered a custom 4-string from a smaller company (which will remain private for now). I ordered it in Nov of 2014. The original "earliest ship date" was March 2015. It's nearly a year later and I still don't have it. It has been 15 months total.
Every time I contacted the company I got "we need more time". Then I was informed that the bass was damaged during the build, and so they needed to rebuild part of it. Then in December 2015 I contacted them and was informed that the build was not up to their standards and another mistake was made, so they decided to rebuild the entire bass. I told them I either wanted a refund or a killer bass better be on its way. They replied by saying I would have to wait a week for an update because their staff was on holiday. What would you do? I've already waited this long, I was thinking about just continuing to wait and if im not 100% satisfied with it send it back and demand a refund. If I could find a bass I liked somewhere else, I would just ask for my money back but I haven't found anything that meets my needs, and I've tried all the commercial basses available. That's why I ordered a custom in the first place.
View attachment 802214 View attachment 802214 View attachment 802216 View attachment 802218
Click to expand...

I'm in the exact same position. I ordered a 6 string in November 2014. I was originally told it would be 12 months.

I've had plenty of photos and emails so I have been very happy with the progress. Then....


There was a natural disaster that happened which was obviously out of the luthiers control and the shop closed for a month, then there was a problem getting replacement timber after that. He was completely honest and straight up said I could get a refund if I wanted. I want a bass so I just have to wait. I won't get mine until the start of April.

The wait is torture but it's going to be so worth it.
 
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#179
Sounds like this builder should go into business with that dude who used to make Dr. Bass cabs. But, seriously man, I hate to hear of things like this. It seems to me custom bass building is a very difficult business model...the builder has to purchase materials up front, the labor etc. Months go by before product is shipped so it would really be difficult to get a consistent cash flow going. I am not making excuses for this outfit...this stinks. Cut your losses and get your $ back. Then, if you haven't already, post who this is. They need some bad press.
 

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