[TowerTalk] 1st Call

[dick@pobox.com]

6 AUG, 2000 - 2150 CDT

I can only speak of my experience, so far, with First Call Communications.

I have ordered and received, through Joel, an Orion 2800 rotor, and with
his assistance, a pair of Force12 antennas - a Mag 2/2 and a C3-E/D.
They are components of a complete replacement antenna system that was
destroyed on March 27th when the remote-controlled electric winch on my
Tri-Ex DX-86 parted the lift cable (inspected three weeks prior to 
failure).  The tower was 11 years old.

I also ordered a replacement DX-86 from First Call on April 10th, paying
50 percent down, with a delivery date of late May.  As of this date, I
still have not received my tower.  But this is only indirectly the
fault of First Call.  Joel has sold a hundred plus towers since becoming
the Tri-Ex distributor this year and Tri-Ex production can not keep up.

The fault really lies with Tr-Ex's inability to rapidly respond to sales
of its products.  First Call's "advertisement" on this reflector was to
inform everyone that there are production delays and that Tri-Ex is working
to double their production rate.  But they also have a shortage of skilled
welders and only recently overcame a parts shortage.

Yes, I am very unhappy with the multiple shipping delays of my tower.
My latest (the 5th promised date) is that it will be shipped on August
22nd.  But there is not a lot I can do about it.

I think it is unreasonable to shoot the messenger.  Joel is just as
frustrated as his customers.  His profit is locked up in delivered
merchandise, not ordered merchandise.

- Dick Isely, W9GIG


--
FAQ on WWW:               http://www.contesting.com/FAQ/towertalk
Submissions:              towertalk@contesting.com
Administrative requests:  towertalk-REQUEST@contesting.com
Problems:                 owner-towertalk@contesting.com