Originally Posted by
gghaggis
Hi all,
Okay, I'm back and yes, I've been off the grid for a few months due to a funeral and associated family issues, and my and my daughter's worsening conditions. However I'd like to keep the details private at this time. I apologise for the lack of communication on my end - it sounds like such a simple thing to do, but when you're in that headspace, the trauma just swamps everything else. If not for my wife, I don't think I'd have coped enough to return to work. Even so, I've had to resign from my day job, as I am just not well enough to do it justice.
Thanks to all that have sent condolences and offers of help - it's really appreciated, even if I don't take you up on them.
Let's start with rims (a bit long-winded, but gives some context):
I lost half a shipment in January (and still haven't had the insurance resolved). That's a lot of money down the toilet, as well as a lot of stock. For those that are unaware, the PD1881 rims are not a stock item - they're made in a custom production run that is booked in at the factory between their normal production dates. When I originally specc'd the rims and hawked them around to various manufacturers, there were none willing to take it on, due to the very low numbers (relatively speaking) involved. Compomotive were the only ones who agreed to setting up a custom production, in part due to their relationship (at the time) with Bowler LR.
So we generally book production runs for Autralasia, the US, SA and UK markets, at a max of 150 rims per run (although only the Australian and SA shipments get close to that). Trying to fit in an extra production to make up for my lost stock is difficult. The factory had some backup stock which they sent, but that wasn't enough. By the time they located additional unsold stock (from various dealers etc in the UK) it was too late to ship them over, so I made the decision to start airing them here at my cost. This is coming in dribs and drabs as the rims are returned to the factory. Unfortunately they have all so far been black, so no greys right now.
At this stage, there are still 4 sets of grey and 5 sets of black outstanding. If you're one of those clients, please PM me for an estimated ETA or a refund. I note that Carl Of The Blunt Axe didn't mention that he talked to me last Thursday and asked if he could have a refund, which of course he can. Referring to a previous post, I don't "sit" on anyone's money. As soon as the rims are ordered, I pay for them, so refunds take a little while as I either claim the money back or onsell the order.
The next production run was scheduled for the end of May, but the factory have managed to slot one in for April, just after Easter. This should bring everything up to date and we will still have the end of May production as well.
Other Products:
All compressor plates and rods are now ready and are being posted out Express Post. Transmission plates are also ready, but going via courier. Most EAS kits are ready, I think there's two large and 1 small kit not yet assembled and tested, but that should be done by the end of the week. Deluxe kits and front bash plates are all waiting for powder-coating and will ship via courier next week.
If there's anyone I've missed out, please PM me.
Again, thanks for everyone's patience.
Gordon
