The Rudest Service I’ve Ever Had…
Monday April 21 2008
—was definitely from Frederich Weiner.
I ordered 1 pound of Glotin oboe cane for $200/lb. It was shipped and I received it.
First I weighed it to make sure it was 1 pound, which it was.
Then I cut open the Fedex envelope that it came in and inspected the tubes. Unfortunately, they had worm track marks, which you could actually see from the outside. So I called them—
They said they came prepackaged, and they don’t get shoved into a FedEx envelope, so they didn’t want to accept the return. I insisted that this was they way it came, so after about 15 minutes of discussing it, and checking with the manager, they agreed to accept it back—
So I shipped it back—
And two weeks later my credit card wasn’t refunded—
So I wrote them to ask if they had received it—
And they said they had, but it hadn’t been “opened yet”.
And two days later they send me an email saying:
We came across 14 pieces that have inside the cane a white fuzzy thing. When the cane comes to us the cane is in a big box in some sort of packing. It is possible the packing gets caught in the tubes ad just stays there. We will give you a refund.
So I called them to speak with the manager and explain to her the problem with the cane and why she shouldn’t send it out to anyone else.
And the manager (named Sharon) said she didn’t see what I was talking about. I explained the worm track marks which were in over 50% of the tubes. She ARGUED… with me, and was insistent that “We don’t see what you see.” which was ridiculous because she obviously doesn’t know oboe cane or doesn’t work with it if she couldn’t spot it. Finally she said they would refund my money, and HUNG… UP ON ME. This is the CUSTOMER… SERVICE… MANAGER… who is hanging up on the customers.
So unfortunately from the whole experience, I am out $20 for shipping, and a bunch of shipping time. I ended up just ordering Grimaud from Mr. Weber.
I will NEVER… order again from Frederich Weiner again. And oddly enough, they are no longer selling the cane. Hm— I wonder why. Could it be because— IT’S INFESTED…!?!?!?!?
Rude rude rude.
john towle
Apr 21, 2008
Cooper,
I had a problem when I ordered a Barrett Oboe Method from them in 1998. Their website & catalogue showed the book for $27; they badgered me for about a year wanting six dollars more, for $33. They kept saying well, it’s $33 now. I kept saying yes but your website & catalogue says $27. That’s why I ordered it from you; you had the best price. I stood my ground. Never paid them a penny more on principle & told them I would never order anything from them again, which to this day I haven’t. You are right. They are shysters of the first water. Certainly to be avoided. However, I do have to give them credit for this: before the donnybrook re Barrett, I ordered a tuner from them, Korg, a great machine. Lasted ten years before it finally died. The tuner sold for six or eight bucks less than any other vendor. As I recall, if you prepay by check or money order they will ship for free. Funny thing though, after the dun notices stopped coming, I continued to receive their chintzy catalogue for about five years longer. Bottom line: how they’ve managed to stay in business all these years is beyond me.
David & Vendla Weber, by contrast, couldn’t be nicer. They stand by their quality products. I agree that their cane is terrific, as is David’s 1B oboe shaper tip. I get really nice reeds from it. It is well engineered & beautifully machined.
Break a leg at your upcoming recital. I know it will be beautiful.
Best,
john
Apr 21, 2008
Hmmm… and their grammar isn’t too hot either: “This item does not exists”!!!
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