contract lead time?!?!?!

[tommyslt4]

If you order a rifle and in bold print on the front of the order contract it says 16 week lead time do you A) think that's how long it should take to get my rifle or B) think oh that's how long it will take to build it once the manufacturer has enough orders? (It has been six months since I placed the order and the company just now will start the build process)

Maybe I am an idiot but I have always thought (A). But, today I was told by the manufacturer after six months of waiting that it means (B). And the lead time will take effect in a few weeks when they have the orders to build a batch of rifles. Meaning i will have to wait anther 4 months to get my rifle!

Keep in mind that the lead time statement has no notes next to it stating this term of the contract. But deep in the fine print there is a statement as follows, "Delivery date for the purchase of these specified products are projected to take place within 14 weeks.... from the date of filling capacity of the specified products minimum production quantity"

So I guess I am screwed and forced to wait because the company will not refund my deposit.

 

[scimitar2]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

Unless they have one to ship immediately, I just kind of assume that all time quotes are guesstimations at best and that they all should be doubled before you start worrying about it. Not necessarily right, but it is the way it is. Not refunding the deposit after the stated timeline is blown would get me fired up though.

 

[Km22]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

every time that i've been told 12 weeks, it has turned into 6 months.

 

[L3IRQ]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

I don't order custom rifles anymore because the last 4 times I did the guys promised anywhere between 1-4 months, and the fastest delivery I got was 14 months. From now on it's just AI's.

 

[tommyslt4]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

I have traded a few emails with him today, and what really irks me about the whole situation is that when I ask questions on my $3000 plus weapon and why it is taking so long he treats it like it is a waste of his time to deal with the people who pay him premium prices for his handy work. Maybe it's me but I think it is bad business when you imply that I am not patient because I am upset over the misleading writing on the contract which is leading to an extra long wait. By the way the person is Corby Hall with FD Defense, I can honestly say do not buy from him if you want good customer service. Oh well I will wait and get my rifle in a few months and most likely sell it and get a REPR.

 

[ORD]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

The large print giveth...the fine print taketh away!!

Never forget that! (Nor to READ THE CONTRACT and ask questions BEFORE entering into the contract if you have any questions...never "assume" anything).

The contract, while we're only getting bits and pieces of it, sounds like it clearly spelled out that you wouldn't be getting your rifle until roughly 14 (or 16) weeks from the date that the minimum number of rifles for the batch in question were ordered (albeit in the "fine print"...which is just as much a "term" of the contract as anything in bold font on the front page). It doesn't sound like there were any guarantees (or even estimates) of the timeframe for meeting that minimum number of rifles. While I know that waiting for any custom firearm (regardless of the smith/company, or the type of firearm, or etc.) is a pain in the butt that NOBODY likes (we all want instant gratification), it is the nature of the business. I've been there (for a hell of a lot longer than 6mos) and I know how much it sucks, but that feeling quickly fades once you have your new rifle in hand and is long gone by the time you send the first round through it. Hang in there, brother...you've waited this long and its only a few more months (hopefully).

If you don't like it or can't live with the long waits (and unforeseen delays from parts shortages, work stoppages from equipment going down, etc.), then stick to off-the-shelf stuff or buy customs that are ready to roll out the door.

As for not refunding your deposit, I assume that was spelled out in the contract too (which again...you agreed to). If not, you MAY have some legal recourse...but I assure you you'll have your rifle in hand long before you can bring any meaningful force to bear from filing a civil suit (or even a small claims court case) and WAY before you'll actually see any payment assuming you can win said case. Again...I know it sucks...just hang in there a little longer.

 

[tommyslt4]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

Thank you for the advice. I am going to try and take it to heart. I know it sucks cause I am more mad at myself then anything if I had known any of the information I know now I would have never ordered the rifle.

 

[Km22]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

i have now adopted the buy and forget strategy, but it's hard to forget!

 

[tommyslt4]

Re: contract lead time?!?!?!

Well he has agreed to refund my deposit! Thank you Corby. I wish the disagreement did not happen but FD defense came through and worked with me.