Jeff Boatmann - CDW - MIA?

[mikeadamski]

I don't want this to be a flame.  I realize that things can happen in people's lives, but it has been a long, long time, and I can't get any communication from the guy.  I've had an order with Jeff at Carousel Design Works since the first week of November.  At the time, he said it would be 8 weeks.  Well, it has been substantially longer, and I can't get any communication out of the guy.  No response (zero) to 4 emails and 2 phone calls over the last two months.  Just tried to call again, and now there is now voicemail at his number!  I've been polite.  Hey, I like/want the product still.  Hoping this post gets me somewhere.  Has anyone had recent contact with him?  Does anyone have any info?

[RikPerry]

Recived my bags just last week from Jeff... He has been busy in the last months with the Alaska ultrasport racers. It had been tough to get hold of him but i kept sending the odd email and he did get in touch and thank me for being patient with my order.

Rik

[mikeadamski]

Thanks for the info, Rik.  I'm optimistic now.

[zafash]

Jeff will come through, I had a similar experience of incommunicado, but the order has arrived, a couple of months later then expected, but arrived non the less. Superior product, it was worth waiting, and Jeff is the nicest guy.

[keywee]

OK, I am in the same boat. November the deposit was paid and it should have been shipped in January. The communication I have had has been very good, it's just a shame I don't know where I stand with my planning. If the bags aren't on time, I can't ride. Fingers crossed for a quick resolution.

[Mr.Pink]

I was in the same boat(man) until yesterday. I had a handle bar bag on order for 12 weeks and finally got it . He said 8 weeks and no replies to e-mail. I ripped open the package and put it on the bike and went for a ride. I have to say it was worth the wait. It fit great and was the perfect size. The craftsmanship is awesome. The limbo in communication was a real bummer if he could get that sorted out the sky is the limit for his business.
I also have a epic seat bag and I had no problems with it or the delivery date or communication.I would recommend epic, or what ever the new name is.

[keywee]

OK, good to hear production continues. I just can't imagine that my bags will arrive without paying the remainder.

All I can say is: "I can't wait!!"

[Mr.Pink]

I sent a email 4 days ago and he replied. I then paypaled the money and his bag was in the mailbox yesterday when I got home. His bag was in my mailbox,hehe.

[keywee]

OK, cool. I have a full set (bar, seat, frame, fuel cell) so there's a bit more to make. I'm also on the other side of the Atlantic so shipping time is also something to bare in mind for me.

[mikeadamski]

So, 4 emails and 4 phone calls (no voicemail available) in the two weeks since my original post.  ZERO communication from Jeff.  It's now been 25 weeks.  Original quote was for 8 weeks.  I knew that was optimistic, but come on... triple the time?

[Mr.Pink]

I feel for you. But if you can wait his stuff is really good.I just did a weekend out with his handlebar bag and it worked flawlessly. Perfect size and the little strechy pocket on the front was perfect for my camera.Hang in there.

[DiDaDunlop]

Hang in there?

Nah 25 weeks without communication why it took so long is not good.

Because of these stories I ordered my bags at Eric's. Absolutely no probs and quick replies to my, sometimes stupid, questions.

[Mr.Pink]

well he is sorta stuck after paying his deposit,or just forget about the money and get on another list?

[sherpaxc]

I know most people on here are looking at this thread and not saying much because they don't want to speak out against someone who has really pushed the design envelope and helped with the development of our sport, but come on...there have been 3 threads about CDW already and none of them have started off positive.

I have a seatpack and handlebar bag from him, yes, they are very well made and I'm totally happy with them but I tried contacting him twice as well and never got a call back (or email) when I was inquiring about a full frame pack.  I don't know about you, but that isn't very inspiring.

If I were you I'd cut my losses and email Eric.  I think someone like Eric who is not only a great creator of gear but who is involved in these boards (without ever pushing his product) is someone who I'd want to support with my money.  I mean, the guy by far has the best threads on here!

I'm not trying to be negative but I think we as a community owe it to ourselves to be upfront about the gear makers.


Travis

[keywee]

Well, I figure I'll eventually get my bags (x4), but in the mean time, I've cut my losses (mainly time), and started making my own packs. The first framebag prototype is done and the next project is a seat bag. It's actually quite fun. I have a load of fabric and hardware arriving this week hopefully.

[freemech]

In the same boat, no pun intended. I ordered my bags in Oct 2009, don't have them yet and haven't had any success in making contact in over 4 months with probably over 30 attempts. Does anyone have pointers on ways to get through to him? I'm getting desperate as I'm now too close to my month long trip to order bags from someone else.

Thanks

[mikeadamski]

Freemech, I'm in limbo like you.  If I could get some communication from Jeff, I may know of the bags are just a week out or still months out.  That way I would know if I should just cut my losses ($250 deposit, so far), and move forward with other options, or continue to wait.