While I don't have an Orion on order, I did just receive a brand new
Argonaut V, and in the past year or two I have purchased two Pegs, and
a Jupiter. The folks at the factory have always been friendly,
courteous, and eager to chat awhile about their products. I was at the
first annual TT Hamfest and had a ball. In fact, my wife and I
traveled to the Smokies just to go to that Hamfest and we liked the
region so much that we have visited the area twice a year since then
and never fail to visit the factory when we make the trip.
The TenTec Web page is regularly updated and I dare say *WAY* more up
to date than any of the Far East manufacturers. A glance at the Yaesu
Web site reveals what is "New for 2002" (here in Feb 2003) with nary
even a mention of their new FT-857 (follow their link to NEWS and
CURRENT ISSUE and you will see it was last updated Dec 6, 2000). If
you follow this mailing list you have seen how Scott has been very
open about the status of almost everything and he posts frequently.
I've never seen that from other manufacturers.
I don't know much about the TT service department because I have never
had a problem (that includes a Scout, Omni C, Argosy 525, 2 Pegs, a
Jupiter and the Argonaut V) but I hear that they deliver fast and
friendly service.
I consider the TT gear that I have owned over the years to have been
well worth what I paid for it and then some.
For whatever reason, I really feel like I have a "friend" inside
TenTec (even though they don't know me from Adam) and I am always
ready to send more of my hard earned dollars their way whenever I need
something, and I don't hesitate to encourage others to do that too.
When I put it all together, I get innovative technology, reliable
service, friendly and knowledgeable sales people, open and frequently
updated information, plus a friendly atmosphere that makes me feel
like I am a part of the TenTec "family".
People often talk about doing business "the old fashioned way" and it
sure seems to me that when you look at TenTec you are seeing the
epitome of that. If there is a better way to run a business, I'd sure
like to hear about it.
It seems to me that the good folks in Sevierville have done their
homework well, and will be around for as long as they want to be. I
have no doubt that those waiting for their new Orion (patiently or
otherwise) will be well pleased when the UPS truck pulls up one of
these days soon.
--
Vy 73 de Jeff, Ke9v
|