[turkeylegs1246]

Here is an old link to another website that claims to make custom molds. It's an old link and all that I know about him is the information provided in the link!

http://www.hitechluremolds.com/index.html

[Mags]

I just gave up after repeated calls and emails over a four month period. I tried calling different times of day, different days etc. I heard you could reach him on Fridays, but to no avail. I even had friends call as I thought maybe he was avoiding my calls with caller ID. It was all very frustrating, and what I wanted was a very simple mold. I have seen his work, his molds are great, but I am in business to make money, and get customers what they want. I can't wait 6 months for a mold that was promised in two weeks. Waiting for a product that may never show up, don't even know if it was ever in the mix, and telling cutomers the product is on the way, and then it doesn't arrive on schedule makes me look bad in the end. You can't complain to him, because he never responds to anything. What do you do, as I'm afraid he is about the only game in town??????? Hate to complain, but I see other small businesses are needlessly experiencing my pain.

[heavycover]

Originally Posted by HookUp

Guy makes some great stuff and if he's so busy to get back to clients on new orders, more power to him.

Are you kidding??? I hope yall can find someone who takes care of their customers. I have been in a similar situations. Honesty and communication goes a long way.

[HookUp]

Y'know, I do see your point heavycover.

I've been in buis before and have had enough business to keep busy 7 12-hour days. Sometimes it's hard to find time to pick up the phone and communicate.

If someone is this fortunate, they need to think about either hiring more people or simply turning work away.

I'm defending Shawn because I know of a business in a similar position now. Heavily demanded product, long backlogs and never meets the promised deadlines. And because I've used Shawns product and its second to none. IMHO.

[heavycover]

Understandable, and I've been snowed under too. But word of mouth is everything in this business. I would rather give someone an honest answer and have them go elswhere if I cant meet a deadline than have them mad at me and posting about it on a forum.

[smallmouthaholic]

Originally Posted by heavycover

Understandable, and I've been snowed under too. But word of mouth is everything in this business. I would rather give someone an honest answer and have them go elswhere if I cant meet a deadline than have them mad at me and posting about it on a forum.

That's the proper way to treat customers-especially those who give you their c.c. info to keep on file and charge when necessary.Commercial accounts w/repeat business are the lifeblood for the small shop. I am investigating other sources for future custom mold work. No one is that good that they can treat customers so poorly and continue to stay in business-long term. The internet is a powerful tool.

[reeves]

I agree with Heavycover ont his one. There is no question about the quality of the product he makes, no one has challenged that. The customer service is his downfall. This is not the first post about him on the same subject. Like heavy said, he would be better off turning down the business he is unable to keep up with, rather than have this type of conversation going on about him. I am in business to make a buck and have satisfied customers. Meeting deadlines is very important to me as I figure it is to my customers. I try to be very honest about my ability to meet an expectation of a customer, if that is not good enough they have the option of going elsewhere. I would rather lose a customer this way than by not meeting commitments.

So, it is agreed that he is the best at what he does. And if I am reading this thread correctly, it is also agreed that he has terrible customer service habits. Does the end justify the means? I think not.

[smallmouthaholic]

Shawn has e-mailed me yesterday concerning the 2 molds I've been waiting for.(5 weeks)This morning we exchanged 5 prompt e-mails concerning final details w/both of these custom molds.They are being cut and will ship early next week. Needless to say,I'm greatly relieved

[champb]

I have purchased 4 molds from Collins, I think he makes a great mold. I had good service from Shawn but havent purchased any molds in roughly 12-18months. I am sure the word of mouth is catching up to him. I also agree that if he doesnt have time for the new business he picks up he should be upfront about it and keep his name clean. I am just happy to have some of his molds.

Also, the molds that I have gotten from him are lead slab spoons (jigging spoons). I have since started using some of the guys on here for there spincasting efforts. I have been using George Reeves now for going on 9 months I believe. I commend him for his service. The baits that he has made for me have made my job much easier and I am pleased to work with George. Makes a fine bait as well!
I recently over the past couple months have also started working with Chuck from Tight Line Angler Products on a few molds and baits. Awesome mold work and good communication. I am not a big business,but my business is growing and I really do like the fact of knowing that my casting is for the most part taken care of by these two gentlemen. I may be a little weird by using both guys, but I like to have a backup for things I do to protect my business, just good business to me. Thanks to this website for helping me find these guys!!! I appreciate George and Chuck. I hope things workout for Shawn and he gets things going good for you guys as he is a great mold maker.

[redear]

Guys, I just registered a few minutes ago, and I recieved a collins mold last week.It was several weeks late, and ther were times when he didn't return my emails, but when I would email back and ask if he had recieved my email, he would respond. He admitted he was too busy. That being said, the mold is beyond my expectations. It is beatiful! I was going to order another one, but after hearing how many there were backlogged, maybe I'll wait till fall, hoping he catches up. It was a 1/16 oz. crappie jig mold called the flame, for tying hair. pinkie style jigs