I have a question , I want you all to think about it and give an honest answer... How long is to long? How long before its ok, before its perfectly reasonable to be really pissed off. Lets say you hired someone to make something for you (could be anything), paid them in full upfront and got an estimated time of 3 to 4 months construction time. Then they disappeared totally dropped off the planet no text, no email, no FB leaving you with nothing to show for it but their word. How long past the estimate do you wait before its perfectly acceptable to be really pissed off. I know delays happen, but how long? 2x 3x 4x, when is it fair to them and yourself, when can they not blame you for being mad because they would be mad too if someone did it to themThis is a really good question, and I will say that the answer is a little subjective. I have been part of the prop making community for a decent amount of time, and have been involved in a few custom part runs over the years. I would say custom "artisnal" goods generally come with a little bit of a lead time. Some project runs may not start until 30 people buy in to the project. For example R2D2 aluminum domes might start a run after 50 people buy in because that is when it becomes economically viable for the maker to rent the required tools. Another example could be items that are individually made, like an ESB lightsaber kit may take 2 weeks to assemble and the maker may have 8 orders in front of you. So, you have a bit of a wait ahead of you.
All that being said. This should be part of the maker/buyer contract. If I buy a custom kit and the maker says "please allow 8-10 weeks for delivery". That is fine, it is what I bought into. Even if the maker told me "hey, I am a little behind and I have some orders in front of you, I am going to need an additional 6 weeks", am I going to be happy with that? No, probably not, but I will accept it. I have a new idea of what to expect. The maker could have even said "please allow 8-10 weeks. However, it may take longer, actual arrival time will be provided after 4 weeks", that would be fine. I still have expectation. That is what is important.
What happens here with Proton Props UK is the complete disregard of that expectation. If I had any form of communication that gave me that level of expection, it would go a long way. It really feels like a breach of that social contract. I held up my part, I provided the money upfront for my goods and services, and the other side has not been upheld yet. In my case I have been waiting for a DIY kit for about 7 months, and in that 7 months I have not had any contact with Proton Props. I have tried the website, I tried emailing directly several times, I have tried replying to my sales order, I have tried Facebook, maybe 10 letters with no reply at all.
To answer your question a little more directly, if Proton Props said "will take 8 months", and it took that long, I would be fine with it. It was expected. The problem is I have been waiting almost that long and have not even had a single correspondence returned. Not only do I feel upset because I am currently out 1000 dollars with nothing to show for it, but I also feel disrespected because I put my trust in someone without that courtesy bwing returned.
Statistics: Posted by Bobdor — January 16th, 2024, 2:18 pm