[Bountiful Waters]

What is a legitimate time allowance in your opinion to complete a custom mold? I was expecting 2-3 months tops and was told that, now into the 5th month of waiting. I am pretty aggravated at this point. If I had known it was going to take this long, I would have had someone else work on it. What do you think is a reasonable time to complete?

[Riverrat]

This is kinda a tough one. How back logged is the person? Is this a full time gig? How complex is the mold? I would say four to six weeks. But if the person told you 2-3 months and you both agreed to it, and now you are into the 5th. I would be getting in touch and finding out what is going on. I know how frustrating this can be waiting on other people to do things. Have you tryed calling? Hope ya get your mold.

[dampeoples]

I've waited and waited on molds, still waiting on one I ordered in August. They always come, though.

The important thing to remember is that these folks do this as a side job, machine time is valuable, and there isn't a single mold cutter that does that full time that i'm aware of, should give you a hint to the amount of money they're really making. But yes, it is aggravating for them to have your money, and you have squat. I would contact the person/place in question before smearing any names, though, there might be a good reason, might not.

[Bountiful Waters]

As you probably noticed, I mentioned no names. I have left repeated emails and calls recently with no response. Last contact was about 3 weeks ago. I understand this is a side job, but I am also under a time frame and when someone says 2-3 months, and it's five, there is no excuse in my opinion. If they did not have the time, and stated so, I would have looked elsewhere.

[Spike-A-Pike]

I have a few additional questions...

How did you make contact with the other party? Email, referral, on-line, or an actual brick 'n mortor business?

- How was the deal struck? Verbal, handshake, written contrant?

- Did you already pay for the molds????

- Is it possible that it was more complicated than the individual anticipated and they can't/won't admitt it?

Only you know how long you're prepared to wait. It sounds like a simple "X - Y plot".

I think I would attempt one last contact and explain by email, phone msg, or both, that if you have not heard from them by "x", you will be forced to take action "y" and the plot begins.

If he's already got the money, you may be stuck waiting. Small claims court is always "fun". I'm 3 for 3 myself; and you don't need a attorney there, anyone is free to "prarctice" (why isn't it a perfection?) and make them look silly in the eyes of the judge.

Good luck

[dampeoples]

Originally Posted by Bountiful Waters

As you probably noticed, I mentioned no names. I have left repeated emails and calls recently with no response. Last contact was about 3 weeks ago. I understand this is a side job, but I am also under a time frame and when someone says 2-3 months, and it's five, there is no excuse in my opinion. If they did not have the time, and stated so, I would have looked elsewhere.

Trust me, I understand completely! Like I said, I'm still waiting myself, part of that is my laziness, but not really. Once I pay, it's on them to provide the goods. There really is no excuse, I'm pretty much out of ideas, just trying to keep someone's name from being dragged through the mud, although some probably deserve it.

[Delw]

Don't use emails they suck, I find myself after going through 100's of emails including spam forgetting the email I had just read.
don't use pms nothing electronic other than the phone.

Use the phone and call them.
it much easier and a lot easy to understand one another.

I myself have a bad thing about remembering stuff especially when I get busy.

I don't think this one is me but if it is call me and chew my butt as I am here now and will be for another 3-5 hours.

I only fu-Bared on 8 custom jobs this year, 4 of which I took money on( and they were in the machine running) and was going to ship the next day, but completely messed the program and the part up so had to remake them and the program,( 2 I am just finishing up) and I did a good 80-100 of them this year too.

I personally never make someone pay for a custom mold until its going to ship the next day, just cause I know how things go.

[gcl58]

my first mold took one year. i no longer use them.

[robbor]

Im sure thats highly subjective depending on who you deal with. The guy I had make one did it in probably 2 weeks or less and did a practice pour and sent it to me to make sure I was happy before he sent the mold. I was really please with his professionalism. To many people out their give incorrect/unrealistic lead times and then never deliver on time.

One my mold, I contacted a person here on the board.
He did not ask for money up front, but rather on completion.
He contacted me promptly upon receipt of my samples. We discussed the easiest was the mold could be to make, and he asked about the changes to make sure they were ok. He price was very good and the mold was 16 cavity as I recall vs all the other manufactures wanted to make a 2 cavity for more money.

[jmik26]

I have had it take up to 6 months for custom molds after it was promised in 2 months. Being the impatient person I am it is nerve racking. Give them a call and try and search for the good in the situation. The list of CNC guys willing to cut lure molds for a $100 is short.
The guy I use now is three times that much and thats with AutoCad drawings. I asked him if he needs me to spread his name around and his exact words were, "you trying to run me out of business". Alrighty then, I'm just glad he takes care of me...