LakeLady

Initial Business Response / [redacted] (1000, 6, 2015/11/02) */ ***response has been scanned in and converted to text below (original document is available using the online complaint system) Preface: Complainant is approximately years old, "...was a machinist for 22-years, is very well off, much better than most of his friends" (all his words), is changing careers, now studying to become an attorneyThis elegant custom rod is to be a birthday gift from his wife The last communication from Complainant was received on 10/24/15, days after he filed this complaint, where he said in this email, "It's not a personal vendettaonly a matter of businessone of us has been listening to too much country music." This certainly does not describe Business as we are not in any way a fan of country music Business sincerely challenges the validity of this entire complaint as to whether it is a "college class project" or the real dealWe may never know the truth Response: Initial contact by Complainant via 8/19/email requested an elegant high end custom built fishing rodSeveral emails and at least one phone conversation through order commission date 8/21/and down payment of $325.00, balance due upon completionWe had a valid enforceable commission contract A top of line USA made 6'-8" rod blank rated for 12-20% line was requested for the commission and is to be modified to a 6' finished custom traditional casting fishing rodComplainant understood that modification by cutting this blank would void the warrantyExotic burl wood was requested by Complainant for the handle systemAll component parts and pieces of exquisite Turkish Walnut burl wood ("the most beautiful burl walnut he (my supplier) had ever seen") were ordered for the rodThis wood was not in any way miss ordered as indicated by ComplainantWhen the invoice arrived, Business was surprised by the high cost, called the supplier to verify, then contacted Complainant by phone to obtain agreement to the additional charge for this wood or it could be returnedComplainant was advised and agreed to the actual cost up-charge of the woodThere are only known pieces of this wood in the United States, two of them are on this rodThe top of line expensive rod blank was modified and cut to 6', as was the expensive special aluminum reel seat at Complainant's requestThe finished rod serial #9105, was shipped on 9/14/and the balance paid by credit cardComplainant on 9/18/emailed that "the rod arrived in great shape, nicely doneThanks." He later phoned stating there were problems with the rod, such as a small overlooked scratch on the wood (which was later quite easily removed), voids or chips in the wood, the shape and look of the handle, and problems with the guide shapes, and tip top size ________________ ________________ Please note, unfortunately the wrong rod blank was ordered and installed on this rod by the Business, my fault, no excuses Complainant was requested to send the entire custom rod back for complete re-buildingThe big complaint here was the error in using the wrong agrerod blank Complainant then requested different new guides, a new modified special reel seat (as the original would likely be damaged in reclamation) and a different rod blank than what was discussed in the initial conversations and quote, rejected a wood handle for the new handle system, and now requested burl cork with no wood trim Over change orders have been requested and documented from the ComplainantEach of these changes can be provided as necessary The new rod serial #was completed and shipped on 10/7/ This new rod utilized a top of line USA made 7'4" rod blank rated for 14-25+ line that was to be modified by cutting the butt back to 6' per Complainants requestComplainant, again, understood that this modification of the blank and reel seat, would void the warrantiesUpon receipt of the replacement rod, Complainant again rejected this rod for a variety of issues, mostly shape of the handle and measurement complaintsThis rod was also returned to the Business for modification After at least or attempts to build a handle system to Complainant's verbal specifications, along with many changes due to indecision, including the addition of wood trim pieces, and other Complainant requests plus the exchange of photos and drawings from the Business, Complainant was requested to submit mechanical measured drawings, since in his words, "...he has the ability" Complainant has refused to assist with these drawings, yet continues to change his mind's vision of what this rod is to look like Complainant did send a relatively inexpensive factory manufactured rod which differs greatly in size, scope, and quality of what the commission calls for to duplicateAgain a request for drawings was made, without Complainant assistance The new rod serial #(shipped on 10/7/15), with no additional payment due, was likewise rejected by Complainant, "...as the handle was not what I expected" Enclosed with this rod #10065, was Business' check for $238.23, the actual cost of the Turkish Walnut buri, plus sales tax on the originally built rodThis check cleared our bank on 10/21/15, two weeks later Complainant agreed to send an off-shore manufactured over-the-counter rod for comparison and duplication along with the second rejected rod serial #for duplication There is no comparison between the two rods other than they both are fishing rodsThey cannot be duplicated with the verbal and written instructions given by ComplainantHe would not be pleased with this either, ________________ ________________ Since Complainant has failed and refuses to submit mechanical drawings with accurate measurements including a list of materials to be used in this rod, we are at an impasse On 10/19/15, Business sent Complainant a check for $refunding the entire amount of labor in the calculated original agreed upon quoteThe previously check, as noted above, to refunded Turkish Walnut burl ($238.22) for a total refund of $ The Business suggested he would send yet another moof a proposed handle system, but before this could occur, a threat of sending the matter to the Revdex.com was offered in a voice mail from ComplainantSubsequent to Business receiving on 10/26/this complaint dated 10/22/15, (Case # [redacted] from the Revdex.com), Complainant had also advised he has requested his credit card company to defer a $payment The US Internal Revenue Service considers Business to be a manufacturerIf one were to contract with a manufacturer to build a widget, and after attempting to construct this widget with only verbal description of size and scope, and failed, the manufacturer would likely request some sort of additional confirmation as to what is required or cancel the contractIn the meantime, all materials consumed or modifed would be at the expense of the requestor, Our warranty statement is very clearOne must be satisfiedBusiness is unable to satisfy this Complainant(Please see copy of the written warranty document that was sent to Complainant along with each rod.) In this case Business has gone above and beyond expectation and has refunded over $of the previously paid amount to ComplainantBusiness has researched how to resolve this complaint with several sources both domestically and internationallyEach source has indicated Business has gone well out of its way to satisfy Complainant Errors in Complaimant Statement: 1) The commercial rod vsa custom rod are two very different things2) Even the references to the model commercial rod have changed(Bronzeback to Mossyback)3) Complainant was not forced to purchase anything, only options were given for consideration4) Absolutely no mistake was made in ordering the exquisite exotic wood5) Business did err in installing on wrong blankThis was corrected at no additional charge6) Small scrape on wood handle was easily removed7) Chips/inclusions are a natural part of growth in burl woods, and cannot be removed8) Business declined off the shelf rod, as it is not appropriate to the commission agreement9) Inverse is a new word that appears only in this complaintThe 26th change order! 10) Off shelf rod has a 2-1/2" fore grip, 4-1/2" rear gripCommission rod has a 4-1/2" fore grip, 5-1/2" rear grip 11.) Offshelf rod has a much different reel seat12) Commission rod has a special reel seat that must be matted and matched to the custom grips13) A longtime (22-year) machinist should certainly be able to make a simple drawing14) Business will not reuse 'used' or 'modifed" parts for someone else's custom rodThat simply is not right ________________ ________________ Business Counter Claim: Business now submits a counter claim of $1,for work done, offered, rejected, modified, phone calls, clerical, etc., beyond the original accepted quote, not including materials expended and destroyed Business has built custom fishing rods for well over 2,clients the world over, from Governors, Senators, CEO's, professional fisherman, and every day fishing anglers just like you and meThis is the first client in years Business has been unable to satisfyBusiness has never had a Revdex.com complaint Initial Consumer Rebuttal / [redacted] (3000, 10, 2015/11/02) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) After reading this, I firmly believe Mr.K has spent more time typing this than actually building my fishing rodI will however, respond by hitting the highlights of his response Yes, I am nearly years old, but I have not been a machinist for over years, after countingFor that time, I was an investigator for State Farm Insurance CompanyYou may Google my nameI doubt many machinists or Tool and Die Makers testify for the BATF, Nevada Atny Generals Office, or the Nevada Transportation Authority as part of their job duties MrK seems to incorrectly focus on my past education and training, because I have accused him of unfair treatment in that he has not ever required this of a previous customerI also might add that a machinist is not a draftsman, nor do I even have the equipment to undertake the "precise mechanical drawings" that MrK currently demands I am not sure why MrK seems to focus on income so much, except that I believe it either helps him to better understand the kind of rod the buyer demands, or perhaps to set the price The details provided by MrK are clearly erroneousI did order a burled walnut material for the handles on this fishingHowever, MrK ordered the wrong materialNot once, did anyone mention a Turkish Walnut in the planning of this rodMrK simply ordered the wrong material, but since he had it, it was there, I approved the extra amountI will also add that the machine turning on the wood material was unacceptableThere were tears, that could not be turned out, and if in fact there were scratches as described by MrK, why were they not sanded out before sending the completed product? Why would MrK not say, that the wood will not turn well, and may have several imperfections? MrK has also failed to mention several small imperfections in the assembly itself, which I will not go into here The short of it is, I offered numerous times, and referred to numerous times, the rod I was looking forThe measurements and design of this rod were available to MrK on the GLoomis website, as well as available in person I understand if he isn't able to reproduce the rod I am looking for, but had he really looked at this "offshore commercial rod" before taking my money, we would not have this disagreement todayThis is not the personal vendetta MrK makes it out to beHowever, if he cannot build the rod I am looking for, then a refund is in orderLike I said earlier, we could have reached this conclusion months ago, had he researched the rod I was looking for (note, both the Bronzeback and Mossyback have the same exact handles, I sent him the more expendable of the two rods I own because one is a spare, the other is my wife's favorite rod)I made this clear to MrK on more than one occasion MrK, they are the same rod handle, mounted on a slightly different action I will also ask MrK to stop sending me e-mails with stupid cliche like "Let the chips fall where they may"Such correspondence is inappropriate and unwelcome at this point in our dealings Sincerely, [redacted] Final Business Response / [redacted] (4000, 12, 2015/11/04) */ Below is Business' response to Complainant's issues dated 11/2/15: Business is focused on Complainant's education and experience for sureIt is impressiveHe knows exactly what he wants; Business has attempted to figure it outIt would be most helpful to have exact specifications from someone who has the experience to give those specifications, yet Complainant refuses, claims he has the ability, but rather refers to a very small photograph from an internet file showing linear dimensions of a very different handle system that what he verbalizes It is true that Business has never requested mechanical drawings from anyone elseThis was requested only after several rejected iterations attempting to build and shape the system without successAll other clients of Business have been satisfied without this drawn out constant changing targetThis is the first unresolved complaint in years of business Business is not at all focused on income, but rather attempting to satisfy Complainant with an elegant custom fishing rod built to his exact specificationsOver hours of unanticipated labor alone were consumed to lathe turn a wood handle system only to be rejected by Complainant Complaint claims "...details provided by (sic) Business are clearly erroneous." This could not be further from the truth Business, in initial conversations, suggested he would search his "stash" for suitable burl wood for the handle systemThis search did not reveal anything suitableThus Business' wood supplier was contacted on 8/31/He offered two pieces of Turkish Walnut Burl along with pieces of Black Ash BurlComplainant was contacted by phone on 9/3/to discuss the cost of the exquisite rare Turkish Walnut Burl, noting that it could be returned if he rejected it due to the costComplainant agreed to an up-charge of $for the Turkish Walnut Burl, it's actual costBusiness sent an email to Complainant on 9/3/explaining there are only three pieces of this wood in the USAIncluded with this email is a pencil drawing prepared by Business showing several suggested handle shapesThus it is a statement that there was no discussion in the planning of this rod The oversized block of Turkish Walnut Burl did not reveal on the surface any visually unusual inclusions or flawsAll wood burls are caused by injury or growth issues of the tree which produce amazing figured wood that is in high demand by artists and craftsmen of many trades, and owners of fine, elegant goods created from these burlsThe blocks of wood selected for this custom fishing rod handle were 6x1-7/8" squareThe finished diameter after several hours of exceedingly careful lathe turning became 1.18" diameter at its largest circumferenceComplainant was sent pictures of this handle system, made some suggestions for additional shape changes which were attempted by BusinessIn the end a very small tool scratch was overlooked by Business that later took only a few seconds to correctComplainant complained that natural inclusions deep within the block of wood were unacceptable, as was the small scratch Complainant's reference to measurements being available on the G.Looms website are of little value while attempting to construct a very different handle system, previously approved by drawings provided by BusinessIndecision and changes by complainant have been dealt with times in this projectThe G.Looms web photo shows a 4.5" rear handle and a 2.5" fore gripThe Complainant's specifications call for a 5" rear and a 4" fore gripThe rear grip was later changed to 6" or more This entire sequence of events result in two complete custom rods being built took only weeks, not months Recent additional issues have been raised by Complainant On or about 10/30/Complainant contacted his credit card company stating that Business was not authorized to charge his credit card, requesting a $immediate refundThis amount was electronically debited from Business checking account on 10/30/There is a "hold" placed on $by Business's credit card processing company accountThis is akin to electronic shoplifting It would be unethical and a crime for Business to attempt to charge Complainants' credit card without his approvalComplainant did provide the proper credit card numbers in two phone conversations on 8/21/($325.00) and again on 9/13/($586.03) for a total of $No record of these numbers has been retained by Business other than the last digits (0103) Business has refunded on 10/7/by check #$for the Turkish Walnut Burl installed incorrectly by Business on the original custom rodAlso a refund on 10/19/by check #7867, $representing the difference in the total amount charged less labor (and a previous refund,) charges for the build outThese refund checks totaling $have been cashed by Complainant The difference in the amount paid, $and the refund, $408.80, equals $Not $as Complainant has demanded from Business' credit card processing company Business is tired of the wasted time, wasted effort and wasted rod building material that Complainant has caused during this entire project although Business has attempted to satisfy Complainant at every turnThis feckless Complainant is not ever going to be satisfied but apparently enjoys creating issues for Business that are totally beyond its control Business demands immediate refund of the amount of $taken from its bank account Complainant by email on 9/19/offers "I am happy to pay for new double footed eyelets"This was never requested by Business, nor was Complainant additionally charged Business on 10/19/offered to attempt to sell the second rod #to recover parts costs and reimburse this amount to Complainant Business will immediately upon Revdex.com approval return to Complainant all of the used parts in the rejected custom fishing rod, less, of course, any identification to the Business, its original signature, and the destroyed cork and wood trim pieces that cannot be salvaged Final Consumer Response / [redacted] (3000, 14, 2015/11/05) */ (The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.) The electronic shop-lifting is a phrase to be coined for sureI am happy to contact my credit card company and see if it is possible to instead dispute $502.23, rather than the amount that was originally disputedI must add that the aforementioned checks just show-up, without an advance notice, and even have sat in a brochure sent (along with a bunch of other paperwork) that accompanies the mail received from Lake Lady Personally, I feel that I should be entitled to any additional overages, given the $plus I have spent shipping the rods back to the builderHowever, I certainly don't want to be guilt of electronic shop liftingThe credit card company is still investigating, but I may be able to change the amount disputed Thanks, ***

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2015/11/02) */
[redacted]response has been scanned in and converted to text below (original document is available using the online complaint system).
Preface:
Complainant is approximately 50 years old, "...was a machinist for 22-23 years, is very well off, much...

better than most of his friends" (all his words), is changing careers, now studying to become an attorney. This elegant custom rod is to be a birthday gift from his wife.
The last communication from Complainant was received on 10/24/15, 2 days after he filed this complaint, where he said in this email, "It's not a personal vendetta... only a matter of business... one of us has been listening to too much country music." This certainly does not describe Business as we are not in any way a fan of country music.
Business sincerely challenges the validity of this entire complaint as to whether it is a "college class project" or the real deal. We may never know the truth.
Response:
Initial contact by Complainant via 8/19/15 email requested an elegant high end custom built fishing rod. Several emails and at least one phone conversation through order commission date 8/21/15 and down payment of $325.00, balance due upon completion. We had a valid enforceable commission contract.
A top of line USA made 6'-8" rod blank rated for 12-20% line was requested for the commission and is to be modified to a 6' finished custom traditional casting fishing rod. Complainant understood that modification by cutting this blank would void the warranty. Exotic burl wood was requested by Complainant for the handle system. All component parts and 2 pieces of exquisite Turkish Walnut burl wood ("the most beautiful burl walnut he (my supplier) had ever seen") were ordered for the rod. This wood was not in any way miss ordered as indicated by Complainant. When the invoice arrived, Business was surprised by the high cost, called the supplier to verify, then contacted Complainant by phone to obtain agreement to the additional charge for this wood or it could be returned. Complainant was advised and agreed to the actual cost up-charge of the wood. There are only 3 known pieces of this wood in the United States, two of them are on this rod. The top of line expensive rod blank was modified and cut to 6', as was the expensive special aluminum reel seat at Complainant's request. The finished rod serial #9105, was shipped on 9/14/15 and the balance paid by credit card. Complainant on 9/18/15 emailed that "the rod arrived in great shape, nicely done. Thanks." He later phoned stating there were problems with the rod, such as a small overlooked scratch on the wood (which was later quite easily removed), voids or chips in the wood, the shape and look of the handle, and problems with the guide shapes, and tip top size.
________________

________________
Please note, unfortunately the wrong rod blank was ordered and installed on this rod by the Business, my fault, no excuses.
Complainant was requested to send the entire custom rod back for complete re-building. The big complaint here was the error in using the wrong agreed-to rod blank.
Complainant then requested different new guides, a new modified special reel seat (as the original would likely be damaged in reclamation) and a different rod blank than what was discussed in the initial conversations and quote, rejected a wood handle for the new handle system, and now requested burl cork with no wood trim.
Over 25 change orders have been requested and documented from the Complainant. Each of these changes can be provided as necessary.
The new rod serial #10065 was completed and shipped on 10/7/15.
This new rod utilized a top of line USA made 7'4" rod blank rated for 14-25+ line that was to be modified by cutting the butt back to 6' per Complainants request. Complainant, again, understood that this modification of the blank and reel seat, would void the warranties. Upon receipt of the replacement rod, Complainant again rejected this rod for a variety of issues, mostly shape of the handle and measurement complaints. This rod was also returned to the Business for modification.
After at least 4 or 5 attempts to build a handle system to Complainant's verbal specifications, along with many changes due to indecision, including the addition of wood trim pieces, and other Complainant requests plus the exchange of photos and drawings from the Business, Complainant was requested to submit mechanical measured drawings, since in his words, "...he has the ability".
Complainant has refused to assist with these drawings, yet continues to change his mind's vision of what this rod is to look like.
Complainant did send a relatively inexpensive factory manufactured rod which differs greatly in size, scope, and quality of what the commission calls for to duplicate. Again a request for drawings was made, without Complainant assistance.
The new rod serial #10065 (shipped on 10/7/15), with no additional payment due, was likewise rejected by Complainant, "...as the handle was not what I expected".
Enclosed with this rod #10065, was Business' check for $238.23, the actual cost of the Turkish Walnut buri, plus sales tax on the originally built rod. This check cleared our bank on 10/21/15, two weeks later.
Complainant agreed to send an off-shore manufactured over-the-counter rod for comparison and duplication along with the second rejected rod serial #10065 for duplication.
There is no comparison between the two rods other than they both are fishing rods. They cannot be duplicated with the verbal and written instructions given by Complainant. He would not be pleased with this either,
________________

________________
Since Complainant has failed and refuses to submit mechanical drawings with accurate measurements including a list of materials to be used in this rod, we are at an impasse.
On 10/19/15, Business sent Complainant a check for $170.57 refunding the entire amount of labor in the calculated original agreed upon quote. The previously check, as noted above, to refunded Turkish Walnut burl ($238.22) for a total refund of $408.79.
The Business suggested he would send yet another mock-up of a proposed handle system, but before this could occur, a threat of sending the matter to the Revdex.com was offered in a voice mail from Complainant. Subsequent to Business receiving on 10/26/15 this complaint dated 10/22/15, (Case # [redacted] from the Revdex.com), Complainant had also advised he has requested his credit card company to defer a $500.00 payment.
The US Internal Revenue Service considers Business to be a manufacturer. If one were to contract with a manufacturer to build a widget, and after attempting to construct this widget with only verbal description of size and scope, and failed, the manufacturer would likely request some sort of additional confirmation as to what is required or cancel the contract. In the meantime, all materials consumed or modifed would be at the expense of the requestor,
Our warranty statement is very clear. One must be satisfied. Business is unable to satisfy this Complainant. (Please see copy of the written warranty document that was sent to Complainant along with each rod.)
In this case Business has gone above and beyond expectation and has refunded over $408.00 of the previously paid amount to Complainant. Business has researched how to resolve this complaint with several sources both domestically and internationally. Each source has indicated Business has gone well out of its way to satisfy Complainant.
Errors in Complaimant Statement:
1) The commercial rod vs. a custom rod are two very different things. 2) Even the references to the model commercial rod have changed. (Bronzeback to Mossyback). 3) Complainant was not forced to purchase anything, only options were given for consideration. 4) Absolutely no mistake was made in ordering the exquisite exotic wood. 5) Business did err in installing on wrong blank. This was corrected at no additional charge. 6) Small scrape on wood handle was easily removed. 7) Chips/inclusions are a natural part of growth in burl woods, and cannot be removed. 8) Business declined off the shelf rod, as it is not appropriate to the commission agreement. 9) Inverse is a new word that appears only in this complaint. The 26th change order! 10) Off shelf rod has a 2-1/2" fore grip, 4-1/2" rear grip. Commission rod has a 4-1/2" fore grip, 5-1/2" rear grip.
11.) Offshelf rod has a much different reel seat. 12) Commission rod has a special reel seat that must be matted and matched to the custom grips. 13) A longtime (22-23 year) machinist should certainly be able to make a simple drawing. 14) Business will not reuse 'used' or 'modifed" parts for someone else's custom rod. That simply is not right.
________________

________________
Business Counter Claim:
Business now submits a counter claim of $1,369.72 for work done, offered, rejected, modified, phone calls, clerical, etc., beyond the original accepted quote, not including materials expended and destroyed.
Business has built custom fishing rods for well over 2,000 clients the world over, from Governors, Senators, CEO's, professional fisherman, and every day fishing anglers just like you and me. This is the first client in 18 years Business has been unable to satisfy. Business has never had a Revdex.com complaint.
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 10, 2015/11/02) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
After reading this, I firmly believe Mr.K has spent more time typing this than actually building my fishing rod. I will however, respond by hitting the highlights of his response.
Yes, I am nearly 50 years old, but I have not been a machinist for over 25 years, after counting. For that time, I was an investigator for State Farm Insurance Company. You may Google my name. I doubt many machinists or Tool and Die Makers testify for the BATF, Nevada Atny Generals Office, or the Nevada Transportation Authority as part of their job duties.
Mr. K seems to incorrectly focus on my past education and training, because I have accused him of unfair treatment in that he has not ever required this of a previous customer. I also might add that a machinist is not a draftsman, nor do I even have the equipment to undertake the "precise mechanical drawings" that Mr. K currently demands.
I am not sure why Mr. K seems to focus on income so much, except that I believe it either helps him to better understand the kind of rod the buyer demands, or perhaps to set the price.
The details provided by Mr. K are clearly erroneous. I did order a burled walnut material for the handles on this fishing. However, Mr. K ordered the wrong material. Not once, did anyone mention a Turkish Walnut in the planning of this rod. Mr. K simply ordered the wrong material, but since he had it, it was there, I approved the extra amount. I will also add that the machine turning on the wood material was unacceptable. There were tears, that could not be turned out, and if in fact there were scratches as described by Mr. K, why were they not sanded out before sending the completed product? Why would Mr. K not say, that the wood will not turn well, and may have several imperfections?
Mr. K has also failed to mention several small imperfections in the assembly itself, which I will not go into here.
The short of it is, I offered numerous times, and referred to numerous times, the rod I was looking for. The measurements and design of this rod were available to Mr. K on the GLoomis website, as well as available in person.
I understand if he isn't able to reproduce the rod I am looking for, but had he really looked at this "offshore commercial rod" before taking my money, we would not have this disagreement today. This is not the personal vendetta Mr. K makes it out to be. However, if he cannot build the rod I am looking for, then a refund is in order. Like I said earlier, we could have reached this conclusion months ago, had he researched the rod I was looking for (note, both the Bronzeback and Mossyback have the same exact handles, I sent him the more expendable of the two rods I own because one is a spare, the other is my wife's favorite rod). I made this clear to Mr. K on more than one occasion.
Mr. K, they are the same rod handle, mounted on a slightly different action...
I will also ask Mr. K to stop sending me e-mails with stupid cliche like "Let the chips fall where they may". Such correspondence is inappropriate and unwelcome at this point in our dealings.
Sincerely, [redacted]

Final Business Response /* (4000, 12, 2015/11/04) */
Below is Business' response to Complainant's issues dated 11/2/15:

Business is focused on Complainant's education and experience for sure. It is impressive. He knows exactly what he wants; Business has attempted to figure it out. It would be most helpful to have exact specifications from someone who has the experience to give those specifications, yet Complainant refuses, claims he has the ability, but rather refers to a very small photograph from an internet file showing linear dimensions of a very different handle system that what he verbalizes.
It is true that Business has never requested mechanical drawings from anyone else. This was requested only after several rejected iterations attempting to build and shape the system without success. All other clients of Business have been satisfied without this drawn out constant changing target. This is the first unresolved complaint in 18 years of business.
Business is not at all focused on income, but rather attempting to satisfy Complainant with an elegant custom fishing rod built to his exact specifications. Over 7 hours of unanticipated labor alone were consumed to lathe turn a wood handle system only to be rejected by Complainant.
Complaint claims "...details provided by (sic) Business are clearly erroneous." This could not be further from the truth.
Business, in initial conversations, suggested he would search his "stash" for suitable burl wood for the handle system. This search did not reveal anything suitable. Thus Business' wood supplier was contacted on 8/31/15. He offered two pieces of Turkish Walnut Burl along with 2 pieces of Black Ash Burl. Complainant was contacted by phone on 9/3/15 to discuss the cost of the exquisite rare Turkish Walnut Burl, noting that it could be returned if he rejected it due to the cost. Complainant agreed to an up-charge of $220 for the Turkish Walnut Burl, it's actual cost. Business sent an email to Complainant on 9/3/15 explaining there are only three pieces of this wood in the USA. Included with this email is a pencil drawing prepared by Business showing several suggested handle shapes. Thus it is a false statement that there was no discussion in the planning of this rod.
The oversized block of Turkish Walnut Burl did not reveal on the surface any visually unusual inclusions or flaws. All wood burls are caused by injury or growth issues of the tree which produce amazing figured wood that is in high demand by artists and craftsmen of many trades, and owners of fine, elegant goods created from these burls. The blocks of wood selected for this custom fishing rod handle were 6x1-7/8" square. The finished diameter after several hours of exceedingly careful lathe turning became 1.18" diameter at its largest circumference. Complainant was sent pictures of this handle system, made some suggestions for additional shape changes which were attempted by Business. In the end a very small tool scratch was overlooked by Business that later took only a few seconds to correct. Complainant complained that natural inclusions deep within the block of wood were unacceptable, as was the small scratch.
Complainant's reference to measurements being available on the G.Looms website are of little value while attempting to construct a very different handle system, previously approved by drawings provided by Business. Indecision and changes by complainant have been dealt with 26 times in this project. The G.Looms web photo shows a 4.5" rear handle and a 2.5" fore grip. The Complainant's specifications call for a 5" rear and a 4" fore grip. The rear grip was later changed to 6" or more.
This entire sequence of events result in two complete custom rods being built took only 5 weeks, not months.

Recent additional issues have been raised by Complainant.

On or about 10/30/15 Complainant contacted his credit card company stating that Business was not authorized to charge his credit card, requesting a $586.03 immediate refund. This amount was electronically debited from Business checking account on 10/30/15. There is a "hold" placed on $565.37 by Business's credit card processing company account. This is akin to electronic shoplifting.

It would be unethical and a crime for Business to attempt to charge Complainants' credit card without his approval. Complainant did provide the proper credit card numbers in two phone conversations on 8/21/15 ($325.00) and again on 9/13/15 ($586.03) for a total of $911.03. No record of these numbers has been retained by Business other than the last 4 digits (0103).

Business has refunded on 10/7/15 by check #7860 $238.23 for the Turkish Walnut Burl installed incorrectly by Business on the original custom rod. Also a refund on 10/19/15 by check #7867, $170.57 representing the difference in the total amount charged less labor (and a previous refund,) charges for the build out. These refund checks totaling $408.80 have been cashed by Complainant.

The difference in the amount paid, $911.03 and the refund, $408.80, equals $502.23. Not $586.03 as Complainant has demanded from Business' credit card processing company.

Business is tired of the wasted time, wasted effort and wasted rod building material that Complainant has caused during this entire project although Business has attempted to satisfy Complainant at every turn. This feckless Complainant is not ever going to be satisfied but apparently enjoys creating issues for Business that are totally beyond its control.

Business demands immediate refund of the amount of $586.03 taken from its bank account.
Complainant by email on 9/19/15 offers "I am happy to pay for new double footed eyelets". This was never requested by Business, nor was Complainant additionally charged.
Business on 10/19/15 offered to attempt to sell the second rod #10065 to recover parts costs and reimburse this amount to Complainant.
Business will immediately upon Revdex.com approval return to Complainant all of the used parts in the rejected custom fishing rod, less, of course, any identification to the Business, its original signature, and the destroyed cork and wood trim pieces that cannot be salvaged.
Final Consumer Response /* (3000, 14, 2015/11/05) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
The electronic shop-lifting is a phrase to be coined for sure. I am happy to contact my credit card company and see if it is possible to instead dispute $502.23, rather than the amount that was originally disputed. I must add that the aforementioned checks just show-up, without an advance notice, and even have sat in a brochure sent (along with a bunch of other paperwork) that accompanies the mail received from Lake Lady.
Personally, I feel that I should be entitled to any additional overages, given the $100 plus I have spent shipping the rods back to the builder. However, I certainly don't want to be guilt of electronic shop lifting... The credit card company is still investigating, but I may be able to change the amount disputed.
Thanks, [redacted]