Phantom wait time

[EL34]

Originally Posted by JJGray

Thanks for the replies, guys. That makes at least four of us still waiting. Any of you remaining from the third batch of the fourth run, or are you all from the fourth or fifth batch of the Fourth production run? Anyone put their deposit on the Fifth production run? Just curious.

I paid for mine in full last January after Tim's wife Laura said over the phone that I'd be receiving mine by sometime around April.

And yes, I'm still biting my lip, and waiting.

And Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

You and I placed our order around the same time. To be honest, third or fourth (or fifth or tenth) batch of the fourth or fifth production run...it really doesn't matter and it doesn't make any sense. Their terminology of "production run" of 100 or 125 is misleading at best, since they actually build in much smaller quantities than that (which I guess they refer to as a batch). It would appear that their "production run" concept is just a way to collect at least 100 deposits of at least $450 each, before they start parts procurement and production. Think about it, they collect at least $45,000 before they even start producing units (this number is probably even higher since many guys paid in full up front). I guess if you're a rock star, you get a unit with priority since this helps fuel demand. Yet, what's the point if they can't deliver?

It's interesting that the quoted lead time was 4 months when you and I ordered in Jan/2011, yet magically shrunk to two months in Aug/2011 when little to no product was being delivered. WTF?

[doralin]

Anyone successful in getting a refund?

[Truamp]

I paid deposit in April 2011 and was in the 5th production run. Fast forward to 3rd-4th week of October 2011 when I decided to request a refund from Faustine due to the worsening situation. As of November 25, 2011, I still have not received any refund after initially being told that a few weeks were needed to refund my money. Best I can tell, the guys/gals who requested their money back in early Oct 2011 did receive a refund. From what I've deduced, mid Oct appears to be the point where Faustine could no longer pay out refunds. If you are awaiting a refund, standby for rough seas.

[Vanhalen5150]

I didnt put any money down, because I just didnt want to wait. However I was told in late August that 5th run would be mid January 2012. I'm sure you guys will get them eventually, just not the way to do business these days. Anyways.....

[J.T. Guitar]

I'm still waiting... originally told July 2011. Is it July yet?

[Leftyman]

I have seriously never heard of a company who has given so many broken promises. You just can't do business ths way and think you are going to be around for the long haul. He has to realize he is cutting his own throat. It's really sad. If he had his s**t together he could be making some serious money. 80% of this could have been avoided had he just told everyone the wait is a year.

[jp1977]

If u are still thinking of sending payment up front for the phantom believing that then I have a bridge to sell you in brooklyn, and some lottery tickets from last week also for sale!!! Seriously though, get a refund from your credit card company before its too late. Nothing like being the last one to ask for a refund beat for your money and stuck holding an I.O.U. and a bag of worthless promises and excuses.

[J.T. Guitar]

A friend sent me one to demo... Against the Alex's it is more natural sounding. Too bad they are not readily available.

[scuff]

Originally Posted by J.T. Guitar

A friend sent me one to demo... Against the Alex's it is more natural sounding. Too bad they are not readily available.

Did you try it against the Rivera?

[J.T. Guitar]

Originally Posted by scuff

Did you try it against the Rivera?

Never played the Rivera...

[Scott Whigham]

Originally Posted by jp1977

Seriously though, get a refund from your credit card company before its too late. Nothing like being the last one to ask for a refund beat for your money and stuck holding an I.O.U. and a bag of worthless promises and excuses.

I took your advice - thank you for the prompt. I'd been waiting a month for Tim to refund my money and he did not refund it. He also quit responding to my, "When can I expect my refund?" emails. He told me on November 3 that it would be "a few weeks". I waited two weeks and then gave him two opportunities to answer my emails. He didn't, so I called my credit card company right after I saw your post. I received the "refund" from my credit card company today. I hate that - it seems like a great product.

Back story for anyone who is interested: I spoke with Laura on August 11 and she told me that, if I placed the order that day, I would get my Phantom in either September or October at the latest. After reading this thread, I have every reason to believe that it was all just BS. No one responded to my emails in September and October asking, "When can I expect my order?" either. I finally did a "Please refund my order" email on November 1 and Tim wrote me a form letter response on November 3 that basically said, "We can't refund you right now - it will be a few weeks before we can." I waited a few weeks and then nothing but silence from them.

[JDutch]

Hey guys, I really wanted a Phantom based on several reviews and recommendations. However, I was a too nervous to send any money after I couldn't get in contact with anyone at the company.

I ordered an Aracrom PRX150-DAG on Thursday of last week, and it shipped on Friday. I should receive it by Thursday of this week, and I'll try to post a review in case anyone's considering it as an alternative.

[EL34]

Originally Posted by JDutch

Hey guys, I really wanted a Phantom based on several reviews and recommendations. However, I was a too nervous to send any money after I couldn't get in contact with anyone at the company.

I ordered an Aracrom PRX150-DAG on Thursday of last week, and it shipped on Friday. I should receive it by Thursday of this week, and I'll try to post a review in case anyone's considering it as an alternative.

Please do, I'd really like to hear your impressions of the Aracom. thanks.

[Dave_C]

Originally Posted by Jon C

predictable response ... the anger is at Faustine ... but they can't send PMs there so it's easier to insult & attack someone who is here who they disagree with ... displaced anger is often directed at a less than appropriate target (for example:"Anger displacement occurs when you direct your angry thoughts and feelings at someone or something that is safe or convenient, rather than the actual source of your anger.").

I'm not gonna play that game. I'm as unhappy as anyone about the process & issues w Phantoms but I don't need to stoop to personal attacks.

Well said!

[J.T. Guitar]

Disagreeing with a man's business practices is not disagreeing with the man himself... Is it?