No First Choice Box Blade

[gusg]

Still waiting for my box blade. Gave the dealer $100 so he could order it. I have been waiting over a month. The dealer said that the First Choice guy was coming and would bring it with him. That was two weeks ago. He showed up minus the box blade. He said the demand is so high that they are having trouble keeping up. Talked to a Jack at First Choice on Thursday. Said he would call on Friday with status. No call.

The dealer has a red BB20-48 on his lot that I am about to go and get. I really wanted orange to match my Kubota. I have to get to grading the driveway so that the concrete can be poured.

 

[justractors]

Been there done that.
I extremely dislike being told that "I'll call ya." and not getting the call.
Maybe they are trying to grow a little too fast and in the end want you to suffer for it.
A month is plenty of time to keep their word. I would get my money back and find someone who is willing to keep their word.

When I was a Drill Sergeant, I had a partner by the name of Horace Key from Tennessee. His favorite say was something like, "If I tell you a chicken can pull and elephant, then hook them up cause I am well aquainted with either the elephant or the chicken."

Point is my word is my bond and if theirs isn't I'll find someone whose is.

 

[Will]

Maybe the dealer has an old old box blade he can let you use while you are waiting for the new one? I heard they got swamped with orders after a show they were at a few weeks ago. I think First Choice has been trying to grow by impressing people with their equipment, prices, and their willingness to adjust the design of their products to match what people here are suggesting. In other words, they are counting on making a good impression on people who spread the word. So I'd say give them a call see what the story is, and let us know what happens.For the record, when I ordered my 2410, I got stuck waiting 3 months for it. That was really frustrating.

 

[Scott_in_WVA]

Gusg,
I kind of sensed what you are talking about would happen,with someone along the line.I would tell them I want my money back.

 

[Will]

Gus - just one more thing about calling First Choice. Pieter is sometimes around on the weekends, so you can give them a try today. Even if that doesn't work, if you add an e-mail address to your profile, you'd make it possible for him to contact you (he keeps on top of e-mail and he reads this forum). I think if you cut the middleman, Jack, out of the line of communication, you'll get straight answers quickly.

 

[JimMc]

FYI, there is no Jack at First Choice. As a suggestion, I would clarify the lines of communication and talk to Pieter or John.

 

[bmac]

Jim, seems like a technicality regarding the persons name. I have spoken to many folks on the phone and didn't remember their name right after they hung up. Only when you need to recall the name later is this an issue. And, you don't always get it right. I would offer that whoever spoke with him should have returned the call when promised.

It also seems like the product availabiliy problem is fairly widespread now. Of course this is understandable with a new company making a quality product where there has been a early demand that exceeds production. It sounds as though there are many frustrated customers who want the First Choice products who can't get them in a reasonable time period. A bittersweet problem for any company. I think the customers will be more patient and understanding if there is effective communication with accurate estimates on availability.

 

[Will]

I think the problem was that Gus was in touch with an independent sales rep who isn't too concerned about the reputation of one of the companies he represents (even better, represented?) and isn't too concerned about one customer who is never going to buy anything from him again. I agree totally with what bmac said about effective communication and accurate estimates on availability. He hit the nail on the head.

 

[JimMc]

We have had numerous situations where people have represented that they worked for First Choice when in reality they are buying the product and reselling it, driving up costs to the consumer, slowing response time and creating other difficulties. This should resolve itself as our dealer network expands. I believe in this case, Jac is or was an independent rep. I found out today that the order wasn't even sent to First Choice until this Friday. Very frustrating for us as the manufacturer, as we have taken great pains to keep response to order time to a minimum. In the future, if any of you have any difficulties in getting product, please don't hesitate to contact me via email or the private message feature here at TBN. In addition, I might add, if you are wanting to speak to someone from First Choice, call 888/945-3102. If anyone tells you they work for First Choice, they can be reached from that number. No one else has the authority to speak for First Choice. Or I can be reached at 618/252-3275 if you have questions about the equipment we manufacture. I am travelling a fair amount, but will do my best to get back to you. I know there are a couple of you waiting to hear from me and I will be in the first of this week before hitting the road again. Thanks to all of you for your understanding and help in our growth.

 

[bmac]

Jim,
Thanks for the explanation and clarification. I wish you and First Choice continued success with your fine products and hope you can develop a widespread network of reputable authorized dealers.