Re: List of Lummi orders still unfulfilled
I'm waiting for a light from Rob as well.
And believe me I' not happy with the situation either.
But still, considering CPF rule #12 Reposting privat communications, I think it's not allowed to post privat emails here
If I'm wrong
please let me know :shrug:
under most circumstances, i would not post a pm or email. however, in this situation it certainly speaks as to the character and intent of who we are dealing with.
it would seem he is well aware of all the negative postings here and on other forums, but has yet to offer a reasonable solution. based only on the information in this thread, he is in possession of almost $3000.00 usd for products not delivered, or perhaps not even started. yet he is able to buy parts to make products and sell via facebook or other avenues. in and of itself, this is not only problematic, but unethical and immoral.
we also must take him on his word he intends to fulfill all the outstanding orders. additionally, unsuspecting consumers are still able to pay via his website. there is nothing to indicate delivery times may be very extended. the right thing to do would be to close his website to new orders.
my only real frame of reference here is the custom knife world. makers like scott cook and rick hinderer, who are in great demand, have closed all custom orders. if one is lucky enough to have been on the list, the wait could be as long as two years. payment would not be made until the knife is finished.
brad duncan, a well respected knifemaker for many years, fell under similar circumstances. he ended up working in the red, and was taking payment before knives were finished. ultimately, he was unable to fulfill orders, and said he was quitting the business. yet new knives were showing up on ebay and internet dealers. as far as i know, most of those who had placed custom orders and paid never received their knives. his reputation is now well earned, and his knives are difficult to sell on the forums, and he, his wife, and his "business partner" are no longer welcome.
it now appears we find ourselves in a nearly identical situation. much like the world of custom knives, the world of custom flashlights is a tight knit subculture, and it is imperative collectors and consumers allow information to flow freely in order to prevent those of questionable character from becoming a fixture in the communities.
i want to believe mr. cheetham is trying to right the ship. but from having seen the results of similar business models, he must accept he is only further tarnishing his already shaky reputation.
unfortunately, i did not learn of the problems with lummi until very recently, almost five months after i had paid for a light. it would be my hope that others may learn from my interactions with the company and will choose to buy from someone else.
