Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I feel as I am a pretty easy going guy..I understand that there are issues that come up in real life and to take it all in stride...but when you order a product from a fellow BoTL/retailer on the forums you call home you expect a lil better than average service...at least I do maybe I am spoiled....I ordered a Sampler from a retailer in Oct. and after a week I hadn't heard back about the shipping..so I emailed..got a response that there was an issue and it would be on its way shortly. After 2 weeks of it not showing I again emailed the retailer...I have a scatterbrained Mail person who has on a couple occasions delivered to the wrong block...to see if there was a shipping number or what...again I was told that there was an issue and it would be sent asap...my wife ran an online company for 6+ yrs and I helped her..I know of the lil supplier, mail, and what not that can interfere with a business and I am a pretty laid back guy..I mean its just money and cigars...2 things I do not need to survive..just nice to have..2 weeks later again no package and I ask for my money back or the cigars..I really just wanted the cigars..LOL..and was told it he would have a refund in the mail for me...another 2 weeks and nothing...so I email him and explain that I am done waiting...he again assures me that he will take care of this....in 2 months I have had to email him 1st..and never got a confirmation that anything shipped...I explained to him that to be honest and I don't feel as anyone else in my "family" should be affected by him.



Please before you purchase or support Eric with Kioki Cigars.


He maybe a great guy and a good Vendor..but he really dropped the ball on this one.





Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I have never ordered from him but I may have discussed this with the mod team before posting. Trader feedback may be appropriate if you found the deal through her though.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I probably should of PMed a Mod on this but I didn't. I have all the emails between us if anyone on the Mod team should feel the need to look into it. I do not believe the Mod team needs to be involved as this is a retailer issue and not a forum. again this is my opinion.



Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Hey, we're just the underpaid janitors :)

Sorry to hear about your experience. I've never had any dealings with kiokicigars personally.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

That sucks. Is he a member here? I know he was at cs. Hopefully he will make this good and maybe reply here with some explaination. I hope it works out for both of you. Please keep us informed.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Awww..I consider you more than the Janitors...more like the Housekeepers.:r




I just want to make others aware of the situation...nothing against Eric I just don't feel as this was handled well.




Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Shawn,

Sorry to hear you got burned by this vendor. I have actually heard of several case of similar things happening with this vendor. I'm not sure why he is so behind or slow on his orders but it doesn't speak well for his customer service.

Thanks for the heads up on avoiding him. I will definitely steer clear!

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Sorry to hear that Jordan. That's a sorry excuse for service. I haven't used them, and don't plan on it now.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I've ordered a couple of times from Kioki back on CS and never had anything, but excellent service. I'm sorry to hear about your experience.
I would of PM'd him, letting him know that if the problem wasn't resolved in 7 days, you felt that other BOTL/SOTL deserved to be informed/warned of your experience. Sometimes a mild warning of public notification will get a retailer to jump a little quicker.

I don't blame you for being a bit upset, two months is more then enough time to get an order out. If there was an inventory issue, the retailer should be the one to inform you the customer of a delay or give other options (in a reasonable time frame).

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

IMHO i feel you did exactly what should have been done.

trader feedback is sent when the dude is late 2 weeks, some negative bumps to show that it was inapropriate.
but the amount of time and the amount of BS this guy kicked your way here.......

i would be pissed if this was a regular member, yet a vendor?

sorry to hear about your mishap. i am glad it was posted.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I disagree... This is more then a slip up... The community should know this kind of stuff...

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

:tpd:

I have almost ordered from him before b/c he has had some great deals. I am much more impatient than you Shawn so I'm sure I would have handled this with much less tact and grace. I think this should be for all to see.

If this were some unknown website then we would not think twice about posting about it. Just b/c you're a member here and seem like a good guy doesn't mean that you get a free pass and don't have to come through as a retailer. It's not personal, just business.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I've only ordered from Kioki one time, on a "pre-purchase" of sticks he was going to sell. He had a great price and a decent rep on CS, so I went and ordered from him.

When he received the order from me, he arranged to have them drop-shipped from some other supplier - but to my billing address and not to the requested delivery address. Packages left at my billing address by delivery people sometimes seem to walk away, so I have everything delivered to my office address.

After not receiving anything for 2 weeks, I contacted Eric, and he put a trace on the package, which consisted of a FedEx guy beating on my door asking for a package (that had never been seen here) so he could redeliver it to the correct address.

I contacted Eric again, and he had another box of cigars delivered to the correct address - probably at his expense.

I can't complain on his service much, but it did take over a month and a half to get my sticks. But consequently, I haven't ordered from Kioki again. I know they are a small kitchen table operation (I think), and it's easier to get great service from some of the big mail order operations. Anyway, that's my :2


:dance::dance::dance:

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

No excuse for 2 months, thats just piss poor customer service. I think you handled it appropriately, sounds like you were polite and gave him enough chances to make things right. He deserves a public burn.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I myself ordered a cigar sampler from Eric at Kioki awhile back and did not receive anything. I did pm and emailed Eric and he assured me that he will get it shipped... he even asked me what cigars I liked! still haven't received it :-\ Eric is a great guy but he does drop the ball :-\ I have ordered from him before and the shipment came on time with no problems. I guess we are the lucky ones :-\

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

This is the perfect way to handle this,We are always glad to hear of a great deal . Well this is the same thing in reverse. I wont purchase from them . Thanks. Pat:ss

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

In fact, I have heard some bad remarks about this vendor in the past. That is why I have never pulled the trigger, even tho I was tempted a few times. I am sorry for your luck, but grateful that you posted- this vendor has too many negatives in my book!

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

:tpd: I agree. Thank you for bringing this to our attention Shawn. You're post proves you were more than patient and diligent in handling it.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Sorry to hear about this.

I agree. A trader comment is definitely appropriate, but things like this should be brought to the attention of the community. Thanks for letting us know! He's got some 'splaining to do.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I would tend to agree as well. I currently have an issue with a vendor, albeit non cigar related. I ordered some software a couple of weeks ago, and it was supposed to be in stock, now it seems, according to them it is on the way to them and now they will expedite once it reaches them. I did reach customer service on the phone and was told the info in the previous sentence, but have also sent two emails that have not been answered yet. So I can certainly understand the frustration you are feeling.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

thx shawn!!!
Posted via Mobile Device

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Thanks for letting us know Shawn. I never ordered anything from Eric, but he always did seem a little off for some reason.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Vendors get the benefit from board membership so they must deal with the other side which is rapid and possibly negative feedback.

That said, I've only ordered from Eric once and the deal went fine and shipping was quick.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

I agree with this,,,customer service is paramount in any industry and to get jerked around is the worse thing you can do to your customer and to let others know about it is a service to your BOTL so we don't get burned.

Ditto. I order from a lot of sources and have visited this site as well but with this knowledge,,,forwarned is forearmed.

Consistancy is what any customer wants and if not received then the least thing that should happen is an apology. 2 months is unacceptable and his order should be completed and sent free of charge,,,no matter what the order was.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Yup, one the "services" of these forums if for guys and gals to share honest information and experiences about retailers. Valuable information from a trusted source! Thanks!

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Had a small issue as well with eric, Was slightly overcharged for some reason. He did offer to refund the amount but the amount was so small i declined.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Thanks for the info, I will not support this retailer with my hard earned money

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

When I joined on CS, may last year, the first person to pm me was Eric, asking for my address to ship me a welcome package and he did wonders bombing me.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Eric did the same for me shortly after I joined CS. I bought two samplers from him and did not have any issues.

Sorry to hear about your experience.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Want to make a public apology to Shawn for such a wait on the cigars he ordered. He was 100% correct in his post and because of financial issues with me right now and issues with a charge on my card that was not ok'd by me ...it put me into a hole.

This matter is being taking care of today and Shawn can update if he wishes once he feels this matter has been corrected.

One thing to point out is my intention was never to slam Shawn over and this much I think he would agree to....did I drop the ball many times in finishing this deal out.....YES!!!

Thank you once again

Eric Davis

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Thank you eric for posting.


Just so everyone is clear...Eric seems to be a stand up guy, always emailed me back with in hrs if not mins and had an explanation. He has done well by others but on the same hand has had issues. I just want people to know my experience with this situation.



I have never wished anything against Eric because in my opinion money and sticks do not make my world go around. I wanted a sampler he put together.


Again Thank you al who have posted and I am impressed on how everyone has handled it.

Eric I wish you the best and hope all works out for you in the New Year.







Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Eric is a member here and he logs on pretty regularly.

I have ordered a couple times from him and everything went well, no hassles for me. I applaud you bringing this to the CA Forum, hopefully he will see this and contact you directly though if it were me I wouldnt be too enamored with a supplier that only steps up after a public mention.

Just my :2.

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Eric,

I wish you would have come clean with me as well. Instead, you consistantly inform me the smokes are shipped. That's what pisses me off, I don't appreciate being lied to. This is in regards to the Intro. Sampler you ran on CS at the end of Sept. "because of financial issues with me right now and issues with a charge on my card that was not ok'd by me ...it put me into a hole." Had you let me know about this, we'd worked it out as I've not once asked for a refund I just want what I paid for.

I truly hope you get off on a better foot in 2009 and repair the damage so you can move forward.

Best Regards

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Eric and I have had contact through out this order. It was just after 2 months I wanted others to know the issue I was having so that if they too were having the same issue they weren't alone and if they had thought about doing business to know he has had issues with shipping and such. Again this is not a shot at Eric its just in my opinion he has bitten off more than he can handle. I wish him them the best in 2009.




Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Gwags,

I understand and unlike Shawn where I did not send his, I know yours was sent and will send another for you...which is never an issue. With all the into. samplers sent a few did get lost, one returned.

PM me again here and I will send another on top of the ones that went MIA.

Thank you once again,

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Shawn,

I hope all goes well in 09' and with starting a business up off the ground it is not an easy task. I think you for wishing me the luck and I know all will be better next year. I sent your package today and because of the issues as stated before added a bunch extra and know you will be more than happy.

Merry Christmas to you and your family!

PS. IF I OWE ANYONE ANYTHING, PLEASE PM ME SO I MAY TAKE CARE OF THIS ASAP!!!

THANK YOU!

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

It takes a man to admit when he is wrong and try and correct it. You may not have my business Eric, but you have my respect in that regard. :2

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Darrell,

Thank you very much and I agree. I have no problem explaining that I have having money issue, I am one of the 2 million plus... lets hope 09' is better.

Bless you and Happy Holidays to everyone!!!

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

My favorite part of this thread, when a guys who's screen name is GrumpyOleTroll says

irony at it's finest

Glad to see you guys working this out, but Shawn, youre gonna have to be less easy going if you want us to call you grumpy :r:r:r

~Vitis

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Thanks but if you really knew me my moniker fits perfectly!! My daughter gave all of us in the house Dora the Explorer names and since I am the "Mean One" out my wife and I..well it just fits.





Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

OK...Like Eric posted he did send and I have recieved and I am happy. I wish him the best in the next year. This will not stop me from ordering again..just maybe a bit!



Shawn

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

glad it all worked out for ya

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Eric,

Sorry to hear about the financial situation. It has been a tough several months for a number of small businesses. I feel for you and I understand. You need to take you customers to the side and explain the situation at a high level and get them back on track as quickly as possible. You want to build a solid customer base and give them all you got to correct the situation.

I hope things turn around for you soon. You are not alone in this situation. Best of luck in this volatile market. :2

Re: Just a warning to my fellow inmates...
 

Shawn,

Thank you very much for re-posting and thank all of you for the support and suggests. All will be better next year and just looking forward and thinking positive. Happy Holidays to you all!