WLC Ventures

[g2ktcf]

Hello Everyone from WAYYY UP North. I got sent off on short business trip to St Johns Newfoundland, Canada! Rain...Cold....110 km/hr winds expected today. I will be back on Thursday so don't fear, the usual truckload of shipments will head out on the weekend.

I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you for your wonderful support. This year is been totally unexpected. :shock: At the begining of the year I expected to take about 200 orders total...we now have 500+!!!! Needless to say, this has us behind on shipping with some folks waiting literally 6 weeks or more for stuff that is in stock (simply due to all the customers ahead of them). I am catching up and hope to be into the newer orders by this weekend.

The real reason for this note is that I have discovered that there has been a very large amount of deceit and downright theft by some supposed "Christmas Vendors" out there. I had no idea until I was literally accused of this a few days ago. I really screwed up on one order (yes I do make mistakes) and the customer literally thought I was trying to take his money and not deliver anything. I started asking around and it seems that this "dishonesty" is not so isolated. :disgust: For those of you who know me, I will ALWAYS get you what you ordered. I am not happy with a 1 week wait for items that are in stock...but as of right now I can only do so much each day. It is standing policy that I will happily refund your money if you cannot wait (Paypal disputes are not that way to make it a "happy refund"). Please remember that I cannot answer "order update" emails just yet until I can catch up...I know this sounds terrible but I cannot ship stuff if I am answering emails.

On a side note...I have found that the name "WLC Ventures" is already incorporated by a horse ranch in California so I am going to have to make a name change soon. I have not figured out what I am going to do on this but it will be before 2012 so stay tuned. I am open to suggestions should you wish to chime in! :thup:

Thanks!
Chris

[Jim Curtis]

Your efforts are appreciated!!!!

[glaforce]

1+ on Jim's comments. Got luck on the back log of orders.

Gary

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk

[underdog]

I'm not too familiar with other non-scrupulous vendors but for anyone trying to get a handle on this hobby or purchase through Chris (aka g2ktcf, patriot of DIYC, and WLC Ventures owner/operator), I would highly recommend him, in fact, I may be guilty of turning a few people your direction. If you happen to be the person who's order was mistakenly incorrect, I assure you this has been an isolated case and his reputation here is sterling. I've done business with Chris before, and will absolutely be doing business again. Chris, keep up your good work! (Also Chris, don't plan on me buying anything before December 26th this year...:biggrin2:) I've learned how to plan this year, sequencing takes much more time than I thought, and its the cheapest part of the hobby, and I don't need hardware to do it! I'll be ordering first, sequencing and building fixtures second, and once I get my order (a few months down the line) I'll assemble it in the final stages! Keep up the good work Chris! I'll be thinking of title for a shortcut on my desktop, because WLC Ventures is on it now!

[ukewarrior]

Chris,

It sounds like it's time for a CONTEST !!!! Whoo Hoo !

What will be the Grand Prize ????


On a side note...I have found that the name "WLC Ventures" is already incorporated by a horse ranch in California so I am going to have to make a name change soon. I have not figured out what I am going to do on this but it will be before 2012 so stay tuned. I am open to suggestions should you wish to chime in! :thup:

Thanks!
Chris

[chesterspot]

Chris,

You've done a great job and I have to say that the quality of all the parts I ordered from you were top notch. What impressed me the most was the wiki build tutorial in component height order and the terminal blocks on the SSRez's (Hey, they small things get me smiling).

[DIY Sparks]

Your website is clear on the "be patient" factor.
Have done business with you once, would certainly do it again!

[OregonLights]

I've always felt Chris has been great with communications...
I sent in a lowly question last week and got an answer in a day.

[LabRat]

"CHRIS"-mass Ventures? ;)

[THurrle]

Read this information.

http://forums.lightorama.com/forum81/28446.html

[Aurbo99]

Cool!

If your stopping in Halifax, bring wire.. I'll bring Timmies..

=)

[g2ktcf]

Read this information.

http://forums.lightorama.com/forum81/28446.html

I am not perfect...but I can tell you that the compliant there is about 100 times larger than the $25 order that is being discussed. I made a mistake here and apologized for it. However, it seems that it is not enough.:er:

[g2ktcf]

Cool!

If your stopping in Halifax, bring wire.. I'll bring Timmies..

=)

Oh, I can see me trying to load 28# wire spools on the x-ray machine now....

then being led off in handcuffs afterward!!!!

[chesterspot]

LOL I think it's funny, I bought and paid for my RENSS stuff in Feb/March and didn't receive it until June. Then I had the same issue with the REN64/SSR stuff, only because both had to deal with a sleezy vendor that screwed up. I understand what Chris is going through, as we have a family business that's run in addition to our day jobs and get the same types of complaints. We have a vested interest, are honest, and will make things right but we'll never be able to please everyone.

Keep on truckin' Chris.

[underdog]

I agree, my mother always said "Son, poor planning on your part does NOT constitute an EMERGENCY on mine." I bought my boards and BOM last August or September...and assembled them last Christmas, then jumped on board with Chris and bought two ren64's and SSR's early this year. It's all about planning, if these people would have been purchasing say June or July I could see the frustration,...a few weeks or months? Childs play in my opinion, enclosures are very common, this isn't like you can't go purchase one at HD or Lowes (you may pay more), or a novel idea DIY case!

[Materdaddy]

I've made a few purchases from Chris and have received all items in a manor described. I know there was a wait attached with ordering from him due to the fact that he has a day job where he travels a lot, and he also has a lot more orders than expected.

Thanks Chris for everything you do to help us newbs get going, and helping those veterans to get good deals too!!

[dirknerkle]

One of the problems with written, public Internet-based communication is that the Internet never forgets. People are discovering that the written word never carries the original inflection/intention along with it -- it's just a series of naked words that often has a very sharp, cutting edge. It's so unfortunate it works out this way... (sigh)

Given the relative immediacy that Internet communication provides, it seems as if humanity has lost its collective aura of patience. There's no way for an Internet store owner to anticipate activity on his/her store portal. Yet the expectation on the part of the customer is virtually that of a face-to-face, over-the-counter situation: we want delivery right now. We're all morons to expect this, of course.

Chris, keep on keepin'-on and doing what you're doing. You're the best!

-dave

[rush44oh1]

Got my stuff today top quality thanks for everything I know you work hard on your off time to help us all and I am very thankful for your efforts

[Greg in Canby]

I'm happy as well.

Thanks Chris.

Greg

[zztopmo]

You hang in there Chris....Hey if running a small business by yourself was easy everyone would be doing it!


Rick

[CaptKirk]

Happy with Chris here in Placerville!!

And Dave, as far as "naked words" being misinterpreted- been there big time!! <sigh>

[klyneshouse]

Cool!

If your stopping in Halifax, bring wire.. I'll bring Timmies..

=)

How much Timmies will one spool get me ? :freak:
Im checking luggage, and will be there Thursday the 3rd.

Ill need quite a bit for the drive back to Dallas.

[Imperialkid]

One of the problems with written, public Internet-based communication is that the Internet never forgets. People are discovering that the written word never carries the original inflection/intention along with it -- it's just a series of naked words that often has a very sharp, cutting edge. It's so unfortunate it works out this way... (sigh)

Given the relative immediacy that Internet communication provides, it seems as if humanity has lost its collective aura of patience. There's no way for an Internet store owner to anticipate activity on his/her store portal. Yet the expectation on the part of the customer is virtually that of a face-to-face, over-the-counter situation: we want delivery right now. We're all morons to expect this, of course.

Chris, keep on keepin'-on and doing what you're doing. You're the best!

-dave

I was just gonna say "Boo Hoo, L.i.M." .... but Dirk says it so much more eloquently.

[kychristmas]

Why do I get the feeling that at one time this started out with "Dear Kelly,"


One of the problems with written, public Internet-based communication is that the Internet never forgets. People are discovering that the written word never carries the original inflection/intention along with it -- it's just a series of naked words that often has a very sharp, cutting edge. It's so unfortunate it works out this way... (sigh)

Given the relative immediacy that Internet communication provides, it seems as if humanity has lost its collective aura of patience. There's no way for an Internet store owner to anticipate activity on his/her store portal. Yet the expectation on the part of the customer is virtually that of a face-to-face, over-the-counter situation: we want delivery right now. We're all morons to expect this, of course.

Chris, keep on keepin'-on and doing what you're doing. You're the best!

-dave

[g2ktcf]

why do i get the feeling that at one time this started out with "dear kelly,"

roflmao

[i_wannabe]

Chris is number one in my books, he took good care of me. I think the number one word here is patience, the world on the whole has forgotten about this word.
Keep up the good work Chris and don't let the few discourage you in your endeavors. Thanks again.

[Livermore-Dad]

Just a note

I've bought a few things from Chris and while things have taken a bit. I understand that the volume is 1 million times what he was expecting. He started out to give us access to parts that were being taken away (Enclosures) and added other things.

My latest shipment which is in transit, didn't take as long as the first, but I would guess that as time goes on, he will find some efficiencies and speed up the process. But again he does have $DAYJOB. If he actually started trying to make some money on this, maybe he could quit that but then we would all whine and moan.

Chris is a good guy in my book, no issues with WLC Ventures as there shouldn't be for those that have been here and watched him pick up the torch for vital tools of the trade.

Just one newbs opinion

Tory

[JamesElliot]

Chris your a top bloke.
Keep up the good work.

Thanks again.

[buymyemu]

Chris, This is not a complaint

1) Thanks Brian for letting this thread continue
2) This is not a complaint
3) I do not want my money back

I am a project manager and a procrastinator. A bad combination.

I was possibly the last person in the wire group buy, jumping in on June 30, . Not smart, but I was busy and did not think ahead.

Fast forward to today.

I am just getting off of 2 months out of town, with 100+ hour workweeks. No planning time at all. I am behind.
I work best under pressure
I need to plan now.

I have almost everything I need (only 104 channels anyway, first year).

I need wire and connectors in about 3 weeks.
If my group buy can make it, then great.
If not, I need to order wire NOW elsewhere for use this season.

I checked the homepage, last update is 9/21, over a month ago (Please correct me if I missed something).

This is sounding like a complaint, but really is not. I can use the wire next year if it does not make it in time for this year.

Just need to have information so I can plan: any chance the wire will make it in 3 weeks? I can not tell from the posts here nor the website homepage.

Here is what would be useful:

Group buy participants are given a number (protects their identity) based on their entry into the group buy. It is sent to them at the start of the group buy.

Lets say 200 did the wire group buy.

In my case I would probably be 200.

Each week a group buy host updates their website: (I prefer a weekly entry here),

Samples
week 1) product ordered
2) at grandma's house
3) product arrived
4) Visiting santa at north pole
5 shipped 1-10
week 6) Shipped 11-18
Week 7) In south America
week 9) shipped 19-20


Now if I know I am 200, and it is 3.5 weeks to thanksgiving, I do not need to bother anyone, I know my product will not make it and I need to find an alternative.

I am sorry for posting. I typed this, then deleted and went to my son's soccer game, but still felt like I had to say this.

Please do not refund my money, just give me an idea if I need to order something elsewhere for this year.

Communication is the key. I understand that Chris is a good guy, I have been reading posts here for nearly a year and have seen nothing but positive's coming from him. But there is still some obligation even on the part of a volunteer host, there are a lot of people relying on that person, most of those people are good also. I don't think jerks would spend any lasting time at a place like this..



Thanks, and sorry again,

Frank

[a158946]

I totally understand where you are coming from. More communication (or more streamlined communication rather) would make things much easier, and would result in less emails / PMs sent to the GB host. What I don't know, is if it is even reasonable to ask for more from the GB Hosts. I will also say that it has been a pleasure buying from Chris, but even still, I have sent a couple of emails requesting status after what I thought was a reasonable time without seeing any relevant information updated.

Chris, thank you so much for your attention to detail...you have an A+ in my book.

[Materdaddy]

@wlcventures on twitter? :lol:

[g2ktcf]

Chris, This is not a complaint

1) Thanks Brian for letting this thread continue
2) This is not a complaint
3) I do not want my money back

I am a project manager and a procrastinator. A bad combination.

I was possibly the last person in the wire group buy, jumping in on June 30, . Not smart, but I was busy and did not think ahead.

Fast forward to today.

I am just getting off of 2 months out of town, with 100+ hour workweeks. No planning time at all. I am behind.
I work best under pressure
I need to plan now.

I have almost everything I need (only 104 channels anyway, first year).

I need wire and connectors in about 3 weeks.
If my group buy can make it, then great.
If not, I need to order wire NOW elsewhere for use this season.

I checked the homepage, last update is 9/21, over a month ago (Please correct me if I missed something).

This is sounding like a complaint, but really is not. I can use the wire next year if it does not make it in time for this year.

Just need to have information so I can plan: any chance the wire will make it in 3 weeks? I can not tell from the posts here nor the website homepage.

Here is what would be useful:

Group buy participants are given a number (protects their identity) based on their entry into the group buy. It is sent to them at the start of the group buy.

Lets say 200 did the wire group buy.

In my case I would probably be 200.

Each week a group buy host updates their website: (I prefer a weekly entry here),

Samples
week 1) product ordered
2) at grandma's house
3) product arrived
4) Visiting santa at north pole
5 shipped 1-10
week 6) Shipped 11-18
Week 7) In south America
week 9) shipped 19-20


Now if I know I am 200, and it is 3.5 weeks to thanksgiving, I do not need to bother anyone, I know my product will not make it and I need to find an alternative.

I am sorry for posting. I typed this, then deleted and went to my son's soccer game, but still felt like I had to say this.

Please do not refund my money, just give me an idea if I need to order something elsewhere for this year.

Communication is the key. I understand that Chris is a good guy, I have been reading posts here for nearly a year and have seen nothing but positive's coming from him. But there is still some obligation even on the part of a volunteer host, there are a lot of people relying on that person, most of those people are good also. I don't think jerks would spend any lasting time at a place like this..



Thanks, and sorry again,

Frank

Frank...you have missed two things. First off, you need to check your spam box or other as your shipping quote has mold growing on it its so old lol. Secondly, we moved the updates over the the online store a few months ago and that is where the updates are....

[scootchu]

My package is set to arrive today. It took a bit, but I understand as Chris is a one man operation and I probably would have received it faster if you all weren't so fixated on stupid wire and plugs.
I am hoping though, that Chris did indeed include my Ren64 kits with my SSR order shipment. :) If not it will give me time to solder my SSR's.
Thanks Chris.

[shaunkad]

I just wanted to say 3 CHEERS for Chris! Please do not get discoraged by the few. If I under stand everything the biggest issue is your vendor can't count and you have had to re count everything. have you thought about a scale or vibritory bowl and counter set up. I know the cost money but would gladly add 10 dollars to my order to offsetthe cost of such tools

[dpitts]

I also just wanted to say that Chris is an awesome DIYC member. Thanks Chris for the enclosures, ssrez's , Ren64, wire and plugs. Without your help it would have been difficult to get going my first year. I also what to think James for all the work on the SS group buys. You guys rock and are the epitome of what it means to be a good neighbor.

[WireWrap]

"CHRIS"-mass Ventures? ;)

Keep that up and you'll be sent to the PUNitentiary, where you'll be severely PUNished ! :omg: ! :omg: ! :omg:



:)

[WireWrap]

Somehow it duplicated... Oh, well!

:)

[g8rfn]

It's hard to give perspective on this topic without it being viewed as "unappreciative" on this forum... So, I'll first say that I DO appreciate everything that everyone contributes to this site. And, that definitely extends even further to people like Chris who go out of their way to help people get the products we need.

Personally, I am far less concerned with the amount of time things are taking... then the fact that I have no earthly idea where things stand with my order. And havent for over 7 weeks now. I would imagine that notion extends to the vast majority of folks who have been caught up in this. I think that opinion is getting very LOST in all the discussion... and quite frankly, some better communication early on in the process would have gone a LONG way.

All that said... I presume you dont do this 100% just out of the goodness of your heart, and therefore it's also a business at some level. So, consider this constructive criticism on how the situation could have been handled better IMHO. To give perspective, I ordered a ren 64 with all the accessories, etc from the Renard 64Xc Kits w/PCB thread:

1. The first post is very simple: "I have 30 of these at WLCVentures.com....don't wait as I do not expect them to last long."
2. No mention anywhere here OR on the website (at the time of order) that you were involved in other group buys that were taking away from your time. One simple added sentence would have gone a LONG way here to set expectations from the very start! I've been a part of several group buys on here... and fully understand all the time it takes. But again, this wasn't a group buy. It was for in-stock items and we were never told otherwise?
3. I ordered and paid on 9/13, and again was simply sent a note paraphrasing "thanks for your order, you will receive a shipping quote when packed and ready to ship." Again, one additional sentence here would have gone a long way...
4. Fast forward about 3 weeks when everyone is starting to get frustrated, and a post is added to the WLC site that basically comes across as offensive to many. Again, paraphrasing "If I see another email from you asking about status, your order will be cancelled and money returned." I'm not even going to get into the philosophical debate on this approach other than to say its totally inappropriate for someone running a business on any level. Again, when you are the one that never set clear expectations, this makes it even more unacceptable, IMHO.
5. On 10/20, approximately 5 weeks later... I get another single line email asking me to pay for shipping. I pay immediately once again, and at the absolute minimum at least expect to get a response when the money has been received. Perhaps even a tracking number? Or perhaps if any of that is too much... just a note of when it WILL ship?
6. Here I sit on 10/29 still not having the first clue when, or if, my order will be shipped?

It's all very simple really... Additional information alerting people of how busy you are in the very first thread. And, a simple spreadsheet posted on your webpage that has order #, and 4 or 5 types of status. I'm not asking for you to respond to 5000 emails, and I get that providing status even in SS form takes time. But, in the long run, people would be much less irritated which is a much better long term solution than the short term "duct tape it" solution you chose to go with.

I hope you can use this feedback in a constructive manner moving your business forward. It's not my intention to come off as disgruntled. But, the fact is... there is certainly a lot of frustration that has built up over time. So apologies on that.

[g2ktcf]

It's hard to give perspective on this topic without it being viewed as "unappreciative" on this forum... So, I'll first say that I DO appreciate everything that everyone contributes to this site. And, that definitely extends even further to people like Chris who go out of their way to help people get the products we need.

Personally, I am far less concerned with the amount of time things are taking... then the fact that I have no earthly idea where things stand with my order. And havent for over 7 weeks now. I would imagine that notion extends to the vast majority of folks who have been caught up in this. I think that opinion is getting very LOST in all the discussion... and quite frankly, some better communication early on in the process would have gone a LONG way.

All that said... I presume you dont do this 100% just out of the goodness of your heart, and therefore it's also a business at some level. So, consider this constructive criticism on how the situation could have been handled better IMHO. To give perspective, I ordered a ren 64 with all the accessories, etc from the Renard 64Xc Kits w/PCB thread:

1. The first post is very simple: "I have 30 of these at WLCVentures.com....don't wait as I do not expect them to last long."
2. No mention anywhere here OR on the website (at the time of order) that you were involved in other group buys that were taking away from your time. One simple added sentence would have gone a LONG way here to set expectations from the very start! I've been a part of several group buys on here... and fully understand all the time it takes. But again, this wasn't a group buy. It was for in-stock items and we were never told otherwise?
3. I ordered and paid on 9/13, and again was simply sent a note paraphrasing "thanks for your order, you will receive a shipping quote when packed and ready to ship." Again, one additional sentence here would have gone a long way...
4. Fast forward about 3 weeks when everyone is starting to get frustrated, and a post is added to the WLC site that basically comes across as offensive to many. Again, paraphrasing "If I see another email from you asking about status, your order will be cancelled and money returned." I'm not even going to get into the philosophical debate on this approach other than to say its totally inappropriate for someone running a business on any level. Again, when you are the one that never set clear expectations, this makes it even more unacceptable, IMHO.
5. On 10/20, approximately 5 weeks later... I get another single line email asking me to pay for shipping. I pay immediately once again, and at the absolute minimum at least expect to get a response when the money has been received. Perhaps even a tracking number? Or perhaps if any of that is too much... just a note of when it WILL ship?
6. Here I sit on 10/29 still not having the first clue when, or if, my order will be shipped?

It's all very simple really... Additional information alerting people of how busy you are in the very first thread. And, a simple spreadsheet posted on your webpage that has order #, and 4 or 5 types of status. I'm not asking for you to respond to 5000 emails, and I get that providing status even in SS form takes time. But, in the long run, people would be much less irritated which is a much better long term solution than the short term "duct tape it" solution you chose to go with.

I hope you can use this feedback in a constructive manner moving your business forward. It's not my intention to come off as disgruntled. But, the fact is... there is certainly a lot of frustration that has built up over time. So apologies on that.

This is one of the orders that has dragged out...I have about 10 others just like it that I am trying to work through today. This is due simply to the backlog as I have processed over 500 orders.

Now Matt has indeed not pummeled me with request for updates and I appreciate that...HOWEVER, I have about 50 others who not complied with this request. These 50 people have sent me a combined 400 emails.....so if you are offended by the #4 maybe you can consider this.

ON #5, I never said nor implied that I would ship within X days of receiving the shipping funds. This is done a week or so in advance as some of my customers are VERY slow in paying this.

BTW...Nothing can be constructive when worded as "when, or if, my order will be shipped?" This once again as I stated in the first post that I am stealing someones money.

[buymyemu]

Frank...you have missed two things. First off, you need to check your spam box or other as your shipping quote has mold growing on it its so old lol. Secondly, we moved the updates over the the online store a few months ago and that is where the updates are....

Chris,

I found the Website update at WLCventures.com:

# Currently Processing Order 005
# Shipping Quotes Out for Orders #118 and below (unless backordered)

Does this apply to the Wire Group buy?

If so, my order is 228 on my sales receipt dated July 1.

If this IS wire, then I do not have any mold in my inbox. If it is NOT the wire group buy, then maybe my spam filter got it and deleted it, which is entirely possible given my work schedule. (although the earlier emails in June/July got through, maybe something changed)


Either way, please send me another invoice, my credit card is standing by.

And, for the record, my counts are: Emails 0, 1 PM last week (so as to not air dirty laundry), and then 2 posts here.

[Samj435]

As someone new to this obsession, I appreciate what Chris has done. From my understanding WLC Ventures is quite new, starting from YBBS closing and no one being able to get enclosures in single digit quantities. Getting a store online is hard to begin with, but this was done along side the incredibly large group buy of wire. While I was not a member when the group buy occurred, the overstock from the transaction allowed me to acquire some wire through his store. I understand that some of you with large displays need these items long before the start of October, and it appears as if most of those participating in the group buy did receive theirs before then. Without Chris taking his extra time, where would the majority of us get enclosures (some of us aren't DIY handy with making our own) or our SPT2 wire at rock bottom prices? It is not his full time job running the store, and after all, this is just a hobby. That being said, I do not expect the level of customer service that I might receive from somewhere like Amazon.

As for me, my package with the wire was just shipped this weekend, and is set to arrive on Nov 2nd. This will be more than enough time for me to get my display running. I however, do need to purchase a few more items. My FM transmitter I currently have will not be able to work for my show. This means that I might be buying an FM-02 (and an additional enclosure) from his store. My concern is the time that it might get to me. December is closing in fast, and I would actually like to have a show. From the numbers I have seen, I suspect current orders are going to take a little more than a half month to be filled. That's fine with my order, but my biggest question is when will it really get to me?

There is really no time frame posted anywhere as to when current orders might be shipped. This concerns me a bit with a order this late, and any type of status updates on the store page such as "Current orders expected to ship around 28th of November" would really answer a majority of the questions that most people have. Using invoice numbers has been slightly confusing with the multiple systems from the group buy and the store. My first order was #10, but that was from the store itself. So when I see that numbers 150-180 are shipping, I don't know from what invoice system that was from. When it came time to pay my shipping costs, it came in a second invoice #. So that's two separate invoices with just one order (I'm just confused with a second invoice as I didn't "order" anything, just paying shipping for my first order). This also leads to skewed numbers in the store.

Will I order things from Chris in the future? Yes. I'm about to place a second order in the next few hours, hoping that it will make it to me in a reasonable time. Either way, I need the items, and It's like the wal-mart of blinky-flashy supplies. The time it saves me hunting down what I need is worth the wait time in my opinion. I also understand that the less Chris has to do to update us all means the more packages he gets shipped. I have never tried to contact him for this very reason. The last thing he needs is 410 emails :mellow:. So lets hope that we all learn from this year, when next year comes around things are a bit less confusing, and the process is a bit smoother for all of us.

[PYoung]

It is good to hear all the happy customers. I may be too easily persuaded by the media, just last night on the news was a report about web scams and my concerns jump 200% in less than a day. I agree more communication is the key. This seems to be a tall order for a man with a traveling full time Job. It must consume all his spare time. Thanks for the dedication.

I like to add commit about the poor planning. I had a plan. I bought a renard ss24 in February and started by purchasing a soldering iron then populated the PCB then learned how to burn the chips purchased a chip burner all for a small July 4 display. If I could accomplish that I would have the confidence to do a good a show for Christmas. I have been looking for a 64xc since July. For my first run at this I missed the group by didn’t know where to get the PCB and was a little unsure of the construction of SSR. I thought I was in luck when Chris added the 64 kits and SSR kits to his web site I think I was one of the first to order them. I too travel for work almost every week and have plenty of time to solder sitting in a hotel room, Just as soon as I get something to solder on.

I have received shipping invoice and sent payment hopefully I will be a satisfied customer real soon.

Thanks Phillip

[g2ktcf]

As someone new to this obsession, I appreciate what Chris has done. From my understanding WLC Ventures is quite new, starting from YBBS closing and no one being able to get enclosures in single digit quantities. Getting a store online is hard to begin with, but this was done along side the incredibly large group buy of wire. While I was not a member when the group buy occurred, the overstock from the transaction allowed me to acquire some wire through his store. I understand that some of you with large displays need these items long before the start of October, and it appears as if most of those participating in the group buy did receive theirs before then. Without Chris taking his extra time, where would the majority of us get enclosures (some of us aren't DIY handy with making our own) or our SPT2 wire at rock bottom prices? It is not his full time job running the store, and after all, this is just a hobby. That being said, I do not expect the level of customer service that I might receive from somewhere like Amazon.

As for me, my package with the wire was just shipped this weekend, and is set to arrive on Nov 2nd. This will be more than enough time for me to get my display running. I however, do need to purchase a few more items. My FM transmitter I currently have will not be able to work for my show. This means that I might be buying an FM-02 (and an additional enclosure) from his store. My concern is the time that it might get to me. December is closing in fast, and I would actually like to have a show. From the numbers I have seen, I suspect current orders are going to take a little more than a half month to be filled. That's fine with my order, but my biggest question is when will it really get to me?

There is really no time frame posted anywhere as to when current orders might be shipped. This concerns me a bit with a order this late, and any type of status updates on the store page such as "Current orders expected to ship around 28th of November" would really answer a majority of the questions that most people have. Using invoice numbers has been slightly confusing with the multiple systems from the group buy and the store. My first order was #10, but that was from the store itself. So when I see that numbers 150-180 are shipping, I don't know from what invoice system that was from. When it came time to pay my shipping costs, it came in a second invoice #. So that's two separate invoices with just one order (I'm just confused with a second invoice as I didn't "order" anything, just paying shipping for my first order). This also leads to skewed numbers in the store.

Will I order things from Chris in the future? Yes. I'm about to place a second order in the next few hours, hoping that it will make it to me in a reasonable time. Either way, I need the items, and It's like the wal-mart of blinky-flashy supplies. The time it saves me hunting down what I need is worth the wait time in my opinion. I also understand that the less Chris has to do to update us all means the more packages he gets shipped. I have never tried to contact him for this very reason. The last thing he needs is 410 emails :mellow:. So lets hope that we all learn from this year, when next year comes around things are a bit less confusing, and the process is a bit smoother for all of us.

Sam,

thank you so much for the input as you have really said it better than anyone. As for when things will ship...all the items that have shipping quotes paid for will ship this weekend/Monday. I have to send out about 30 more invoices next week. If I can get these paid quickly, then we should be completely caught up in just a bit over a week.

Thanks
Chris

[nirad68]

Guys I think Chris is doing an outstanding effort to help us all out! Doing what he does on top of work is a great blessing to us all. Merry Haloween everybody. Also Chris looks like my package will make here on Tuesday. Thanks again.

[g8rfn]

ON #5, I never said nor implied that I would ship within X days of receiving the shipping funds. This is done a week or so in advance as some of my customers are VERY slow in paying this.

BTW...Nothing can be constructive when worded as "when, or if, my order will be shipped?" This once again as I stated in the first post that I am stealing someones money.

No, you are absolutely correct. You certainly never said or implied that anything would ship within x days. Thats the entire point of my posting. You've never said or implied anything at all? Some very simple and basic communication would do wonders for the situation you're in. You've taken a counter-intuitive approach in dealing with the onslaught of status requests, and in my opinion... have made it more stressful on yourself. Had you just spent a couple minutes a day keeping a spreadsheet up to date with people's status, you wouldn't be getting pummeled with emails. And, instead of threatening people that by asking for an update you would cancel and refund their order (which in many cases would mean no show for this year, I'm sure), you simply could have pointed everyone to a spreadsheet to see where they stood.

I apologize for the "or if" comment as I do expect it will get here at some point. You must understand that its hard to remain positive after 7 weeks with no communication from a seller on "in-stock" items? Surely this is not a surprise that your customers would be a bit irritated by this? But, I do find it amusing that people keep using an "expectation to amazon level customer service" as though thats even remotely relevant in this situation? There's a rather large divide between Amazon service and what we're talking about here.

[Greg in Canby]

I just made an order today . . . my strategy is this:
I received the invoice that I payed. I'll forget about it by around Tuesday.
I'll get an email in the future telling me I owe Chris for shipping - I'll remember I ordered something (not sure what) and pay for the shipping, then I'll probably forget about that too.
A package will come in the mail (somewhat of a surprise as I don't remember ordering anything), my wife will give me "the look" and I will scurry off to the garage - another happy customer!

Thanks Chris!

[OregonLights]

LOL Greg! :)
P.S. I just placed an order too! :happy:

[THurrle]

Received my enclosures Friday Chris. Three days ahead of schedule. Thanks for supplying these. Keep up the good work.
Terry

[Jrd]

Don't let the nay sayers get you down Chris, you're doing a great job!

"CHRIS"-mass Ventures? ;)
That's a good one! I was thinking "Chris's Store" or "Chris Mart".

[PinakBERT]

Got my stuff Friday. Thanks.

[g2ktcf]

LOL Greg! :)
P.S. I just placed an order too! :happy:


geez you guys are killing me!!! :w00t:

Thanks for your support. I actually think we will catch up to within orders of 10 days ago by Friday. However, I still have 29 shipping quotes outstanding for orders. If you expected one and have not gotten it, then we have an email issue and you need to get with me.

Thanks,
Chris

[scootchu]

Chris,
I am afraid to email you. LOL
Scott

[g2ktcf]

Chris,
I am afraid to email you. LOL
Scott

not I tell you too! ROFLMAO

One thing is I did read all the emails...I just did not have time to reply to them. Some people are like you and would not send anything at all....others sent me emails every week and some even more often than that.

[g8rfn]

"I actually think we will catch up to within orders of 10 days ago by Friday. "

Chris, again this is the kind of communication that is so frustrating. I received my shipping quote and paid over 14 days ago? All total, we're at day 51 now for "in-stock" items and I still have no idea when my order will arrive? Could you please spend a couple minutes getting your customers up to speed on status updates since you're clearly starting to get out of the weeds?

[g2ktcf]

Could you please spend a couple minutes getting your customers up to speed on status updates since you're clearly starting to get out of the weeds?

The comment about Friday stands on its own...You clearly have NO IDEA the order of magnitude that your "spend a couple of minutes" means. I have over 100 orders right now. If I spend 3 minutes replying with an update to each one of these people, I lose over FIVE HOURS of time spent packing and shipping orders...THEN I am guaranteed to NOT be caught up on Friday which BTW includes you. In fact, given that your order is the older of the ones outstanding...I have basically said yours will go out by Friday (see the note on my website about the diode issue that cost me about 4 days)

SIDE NOTE: Due to the way the store handles "out of stock" items...In stock does not mean its actually sitting on my shelf waiting to ship. It means 1. On the shelf 2. On order with the vendor. This is the only way it will handle "pre-buys" without also selling items that are not in stock. I will be adding this to the FAQ today.

[ukewarrior]

I would like to chime in.

I have ordered a lot of stuff, for the DIYC Community, from China.
This includes parts, FM transmitters, and PCB's.
So far, I have ordered almost 400 FM transmitters, over 30,000 PCB parts and about 1,000 PCBs, ALL for this community.
You'd be surprised to learn what all I've sourced for other folks running group buys. (No, I won't share those details)
(I have business contacts in China that allow me to get great price)

All that is to say this:
Sometimes it works slick as a whistle and sometimes it is a real pain.

This is the price we pay to get the prices we want.

Sometimes we can ONLY get a product from a chinese vendor. (for example, the FM02 transmitters)

IF this doesn't suit your style, then I very kindly suggest you source your own products.
Almost everything can be ordered on your own that is sold and group buy'ed by others.

You can't expect to get good prices, for a very weird and small niche market and not expect some delays.

If you are ordering product, after August, for this years show, then you have set yourself up for an unrealistic expectation.

Perhaps the community needs to do a better job of emphasizing to folks that you have to get your stuff together early if you don't want heartache and frustration in November.

[g2ktcf]

I would like to chime in.

I have ordered a lot of stuff, for the DIYC Community, from China.
This includes parts, FM transmitters, and PCB's.
So far, I have ordered almost 400 FM transmitters, over 30,000 PCB parts and about 1,000 PCBs, ALL for this community.
You'd be surprised to learn what all I've sourced for other folks running group buys. (No, I won't share those details)
(I have business contacts in China that allow me to get great price)

All that is to say this:
Sometimes it works slick as a whistle and sometimes it is a real pain.

This is the price we pay to get the prices we want.

Sometimes we can ONLY get a product from a chinese vendor. (for example, the FM02 transmitters)

IF this doesn't suit your style, then I very kindly suggest you source your own products.
Almost everything can be ordered on your own that is sold and group buy'ed by others.

You can't expect to get good prices, for a very weird and small niche market and not expect some delays.

If you are ordering product, after August, for this years show, then you have set yourself up for an unrealistic expectation.

Perhaps the community needs to do a better job of emphasizing to folks that you have to get your stuff together early if you don't want heartache and frustration in November.

Very well put David! Thanks!

[barbotte]

The comment about Friday stands on its own...You clearly have NO IDEA the order of magnitude that your "spend a couple of minutes" means. I have over 100 orders right now. If I spend 3 minutes replying with an update to each one of these people, I lose over FIVE HOURS of time spent packing and shipping orders...THEN I am guaranteed to NOT be caught up on Friday which BTW includes you. In fact, given that your order is the older of the ones outstanding...I have basically said yours will go out by Friday (see the note on my website about the diode issue that cost me about 4 days)

SIDE NOTE: Due to the way the store handles "out of stock" items...In stock does not mean its actually sitting on my shelf waiting to ship. It means 1. On the shelf 2. On order with the vendor. This is the only way it will handle "pre-buys" without also selling items that are not in stock. I will be adding this to the FAQ today.

hey Criss i have a solution for your problem.. i have a 12 yeard old kid that is givig me so much hard time that i could ship it to you for a week or 2 ..to help you sorting out all that stuf ..you can put her to work and maybe she will apreciated what is life about lol
let me know...lol
cheer ..

[g2ktcf]

hey Criss i have a solution for your problem.. i have a 12 yeard old kid that is givig me so much hard time that i could ship it to you for a week or 2 ..to help you sorting out all that stuf ..you can put her to work and maybe she will apreciated what is life about lol
let me know...lol
cheer ..

I have my own 7 year old and 13 year old...why do I want another????? :hmm:

[g8rfn]

As to my ignorance of the magnitude of what I'm asking... It shouldn't take you 5 hours to make a simple 2 column spreadsheet that shows (of the remaining 100) what orders will definitely be shipped out on Friday. If it does, there are much bigger issues. Again, nobody is asking for you to reply to 500 emails. Just simple, clear and concise communication. Then, we aren't left guessing at ambiguity like: "I have basically said yours will go out by Friday." I am now at the point of not being able to open my show on time. Perhaps "you have NO IDEA the magnitude" of frustration that causes.

[n8huntsman]

I'm contemplating ordering 16 TA-200's and 8 SSREZ kits with PCB's. For those of you who have been following this more closely, are these stocked items that I could expect to see in, let's say, 3 weeks? And do I just place my order on the newer http://wlcventures.com page or is there a way to do it from the old http://foleyfamilychristmas.com page?
Thanks

[erm213]

As to my ignorance of the magnitude of what I'm asking... It shouldn't take you 5 hours to make a simple 2 column spreadsheet that shows (of the remaining 100) what orders will definitely be shipped out on Friday. If it does, there are much bigger issues. Again, nobody is asking for you to reply to 500 emails. Just simple, clear and concise communication. Then, we aren't left guessing at ambiguity like: "I have basically said yours will go out by Friday." I am now at the point of not being able to open my show on time. Perhaps "you have NO IDEA the magnitude" of frustration that causes.

<sarcasm>Well, at least you have passed the frustration on to someone else, congratulations.</sarcasm> Poor planning on your part does not constitute and emergency on WLC Venture's part. You probably don't see it as poor planning by ordering what you need in the last half of the year, but it is. If you got your shipping invoice 14 days ago, you ordered too late for this season to guarantee being done. Period. It might work out, but you'll be getting lucky. I'm sure WLC Ventures would give you a refund, and then you can find another vendor who will meet your communication and speed demands, but I am sure there will be a large premium on the cost. Personally, if I were running WLC, I would cancel your order, and refund your money, and close your account. For your sake, lets hope Chris is nicer than me. This is a very blunt message, as I am sick of hearing people complain endlessly.

Erik

[chelmuth]

When I'm in a rush. Mouser provides same day shipping on most orders, a customer service dept that will answer your calls and respond to emails as many times as you feel to check your order status, a order status checker on the website, and detailed emails of each step of your order. I am sure Chris would be more then willing to cancel your order so you could go to Mouser and get the level of support you noted as required. Of course all that will cost you a bit more but you will know every step of your order!!!

[Hunter310]

This thread is beginning to turn into another thread about people that are VOLUNTEERING to get you better pricing, not doing a good enough job. I hate to see this turn ugly, as I think it is heading, but I have to agree with some of what the other members are saying. Chris (WLC Ventures) and other group buy organizers are not doing this to make a buck, or to be a side business. They do this because they are passionate for helping out the community of DIYC’ers with organizing cheaper pricing.

That being said, I will acknowledge that, sure, communication could be better. But truth be told, that is in anything we do. In most instances, I think the process works. The catch is, as others have stated, order early. You should know going into the buy that things take time, especially if it is coming from China. If the lack of updates, lack of “prompt shipping”, etc bothers you, then perhaps a group buy is not something you should participate in. Perhaps a Mouser or other vendor is your better choice.

My final thought, not that it matters, is this. I am quite appreciative of those that help us fellow DIYC’ers get better pricing. I am willing to wait a few extra days, weeks, months to ensure I get the most bang for my buck. If I were placing an order now (or any time after July/Aug) for this year’s show, a group buy is not where I would be looking.

Thank you Chris and all the other group buy organizers. I fully appreciate the momentous task of putting on a group buy for our benefit.

Steve E.

[g2ktcf]

This thread is beginning to turn into another thread about people that are VOLUNTEERING to get you better pricing, not doing a good enough job. I hate to see this turn ugly, as I think it is heading, but I have to agree with some of what the other members are saying. Chris (WLC Ventures) and other group buy organizers are not doing this to make a buck, or to be a side business. They do this because they are passionate for helping out the community of DIYC’ers with organizing cheaper pricing.

That being said, I will acknowledge that, sure, communication could be better. But truth be told, that is in anything we do. In most instances, I think the process works. The catch is, as others have stated, order early. You should know going into the buy that things take time, especially if it is coming from China. If the lack of updates, lack of “prompt shipping”, etc bothers you, then perhaps a group buy is not something you should participate in. Perhaps a Mouser or other vendor is your better choice.

My final thought, not that it matters, is this. I am quite appreciative of those that help us fellow DIYC’ers get better pricing. I am willing to wait a few extra days, weeks, months to ensure I get the most bang for my buck. If I were placing an order now (or any time after July/Aug) for this year’s show, a group buy is not where I would be looking.

Thank you Chris and all the other group buy organizers. I fully appreciate the momentous task of putting on a group buy for our benefit.

Steve E.

Steve,

One correction here....I do run WLC Ventures as a business. The business model is based upon small but reasonable profit but giving this community what they cannot get elsewhere. See http://wlcventures.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=page_2

T (http://wlcventures.com/zencart/index.php?main_page=page_2)hanks!

[Hunter310]

One correction here....I do run WLC Ventures as a business.
Chris,

My apologies. However I stand by my original response. :biggrin2:
I appreciate what you and everyone else do to get me the stuff I need, for the best prices possible.

Sorry for any confusion.

Steve E.

[g2ktcf]

Ok...this was not meant to get ugly like it has become. If anyone has an issue that they would like to discuss, lets take it offline.

Thin original intent of this thread was...we have lots of orders...and we are catching up. Of course, I am working to prevent this from happening again....!

[Macrosill]

Thread locked at the request of the OP.