Triode USA?

[davidjon_99]

Thought I'd post a follow-up since I've now received the transformers from Triode. They didn't ship on Wednesday (05/06) as Jan at Triode told me. In fact I never got any kind of noticed they shipped. I just happened to decide to look at the USPS tracking for the second shipment they had on my online invoice. That tracking info showed "Label Printed" since 4/23. On Wednesday it still showed that same status. Then, late Thursday it changed to saying the package arrived at the originating post office (or something like that). I ended up getting the package on Saturday. The transformers were very well packed in multiple layers of boxes, cardboard and padding.

I guess one of the things that kind of irks me about my experience is that on their FAQ page they say "If we are out of stock or back-ordered on any item, we will let you know at the time you place your order. The occasional backorder [sic] is hard to avoid, the length of back-orders is usually short, and you can always email us for status." Not only did they not tell me the transformers were on back order, but I was also ignored when I tried to find out the status of the rest of my order. Ok, so I'm whining a bit and maybe I should just be happy I got the rest of my order. On the other hand, I'll make it a point to buy from someone else next time.

[Structo]

Maybe there is only one person at the 'office'

[img::]http://www.inc.com/uploaded_files/image ... p_5252.jpg[/img]

[davidjon_99]

Maybe there is only one person at the 'office'

...................

[RWood]

I have to take up for these guys even though I too have had a few problems. Couple years ago I had a small order around $100 and got a substitute postman day it was delivered and went to wrong address. My address is kind screwy anTriode's mailing system had changed my address so carrier delivered it to right address but it wasn't MY house. Called Triode and actually talked to a nice lady and they re-sent order next day.A lot of places wouldn't do that and to me that's what counts. How someone does business when things go wrong is to me more telling than when things go right. They have always made things right andI am glad to have them as vendors and their website is a good source of info as well and will continue to order from them when feasible.

I'd sure like to know how you managed to speak to Jan. I've tried at least 20-30 times on several different days with no success. Never even once have I gotten a human being!
I wish they browsed here to see when I post that I have ordered 6 times since last doing business with them without even considering them because of their customer service. If I can't find a part elsewhere, I'll order from them, but only then.
Appearantly they make enough money that they don't need mine.

[davidjon_99]

I'd sure like to know how you managed to speak to Jan. I've tried at least 20-30 times on several different days with no success. Never even once have I gotten a human being!
I wish they browsed here to see when I post that I have ordered 6 times since last doing business with them without even considering them because of their customer service. If I can't find a part elsewhere, I'll order from them, but only then.
Appearantly they make enough money that they don't need mine.

I never got anyone on the phone either, but Jan was the person who emailed me. All-in-all I got two emails from her after sending them 4-5 emails. I called them 4-5 times and after I realized they weren't going to answer I left two messages. As far as I can tell, they never actually answer the phone. Maybe they used to, like 2 years ago or something. One of the messages I left asked them to call me. Instead, she emailed me a couple of days later.

Maybe two years ago their customer service still existed. Now, well...

[dorrisant]

Sent Triode an email... One hour later:

Just thought you guys should read what is being said about your customer service.
Inbox
x

anthony dorris
https://tubeamparchive.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight= Some of the best builders on the planet should have some influence on how you conduct your business.
7:11 AM (1 hour ago)

Triode USA via yahoo.com
8:33 AM (3 minutes ago)

to me
thank you for this, we will address these issues

From: anthony dorris <*****@gmail.com>
To: questions@triodestore.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 12, 2015 7:11 AM
Subject: Just thought you guys should read what is being said about your customer service.



So, they do read the emails!

[davidjon_99]

Well, just when I thought it was over I got an email last Thursday from Triode saying that part of my order has shipped once again. This is the third shipping notice I've gotten for the order I placed on April 16. The USPS tracking info for this latest shipment only shows that a label has been printed. My second shipment from Triode showed that tracking status for three weeks before it actually hit the post office.

The first shipment contained a majority of the 5e3 kit I ordered, but did not include the transformers. Once I got the transformers I thought the kit was complete.

I missed my window of time to work on this kit (meaning that my wife only lets me take over the kitchen counter every once in a while) and instead I put together a 5f1 Boothill kit I ordered after I ordered the Triode kit. David at Boothill ships very quickly and is very helpful, by the way. I had not done an inventory of parts after I got the Triode kit. Shame on me for not doing that. So, once I got the latest shipping notice I decided to go through everything in the kit to see what was missing.

Before I get into what is missing I should also say that neither of the two additional shipping notices said anything about what was being shipped. Also, Jan at Triode said in an email on May 4 that the balance of my order would ship on May 6th. The transformers actually shipped May 7th. I assumed (yes I know what that means) she was truthful and the kit was complete once I got the transformers.

So, what is missing are the three 16uF filter caps and the 250 ohm 5 watt resistor. Not sure how I missed the filter caps since they are pretty much the largest items in the electronics part of the kit. Instead of using the 16uF caps I plan on installing 22uF filter caps, which I have already. I have a spare 250 ohm 5 watt resistor also.

So, this pretty much cements the fact that I will not order from Triode again.

Looks like I'll have another window to take over the kitchen counter this coming weekend. So, with any luck I'll have it complete by next Monday.

[Structo]

Consider also that many companies in the US take the Friday before Memorial Day off for a four day holiday.

[vibratoking]

Pretty much NO acceptable excuse for that kind of customer service. I haven't had big issues with them, but I don't order when I am in a hurry. I say vote with your wallet.

[davidjon_99]

Consider also that many companies in the US take the Friday before Memorial Day off for a four day holiday.

I have a theory. They saw my comments here and instead of sending me the rest of my order they are collecting used cat litter in a USPS flat rate box. Once it's full (and ripe) they will send it. Although, the package won't ship for a few more weeks, the shipping notice is just a way to get me excited thinking they are actually sending me stuff I ordered. (Ok, just kidding, I'm paranoid but not that paranoid)

However, I really don't understand the reason they create the shipping label long before they actually ship the items. As mentioned previously, they took about three weeks from the time the USPS label was printed to when the transformers were shipped. I keep checking the status the this recent shipping notice and its still in the "printed" stage. At this point I'm not waiting on anything from them since I have everything I need to finish the amp, I'm just amazed...and, well, amused.

[Structo]

Yeah, I can't figure out if they have any stock or perhaps they are made on demand.

Regardless, strange way to run a business.

[jam-mill]

Had contemplated ordering some parts from Triode USA, but the comments here have scared me away.

Does anyone here have positive dealings with them?

Regards,
-jack

[jelle]

Well, I am glad they are around. The alternative for getting the Classictone transformers would be buying them per dozen.

Also, look at if from their side: the amount of profit per order quickly goes to zero if several emails have to be sent about every single order.

Just plan ahead.

^

Nothing wrong with these companies. Just plan ahead. If you go in with the Millennial mentality of 'I want an update ever 5 minutes or I will die' then plan to be disappointed.

Nothing wrong with these companies. Just small operations that help small buyers buy from a factory that otherwise only sells per dozen. This ain't Amazon.

I am glad they are around. I cannot see them making huge margins on the transformers, so bugging them ultimately drives prices up.

[jam-mill]

Well, I am glad they are around. The alternative for getting the Classictone transformers would be buying them per dozen.

Also, look at if from their side: the amount of profit per order quickly goes to zero if several emails have to be sent about every single order.

Just plan ahead.

^

Nothing wrong with these companies. Just plan ahead. If you go in with the Millennial mentality of 'I want an update ever 5 minutes or I will die' then plan to be disappointed.

Nothing wrong with these companies. Just small operations that help small buyers buy from a factory that otherwise only sells per dozen. This ain't Amazon.

I am glad they are around. I cannot see them making huge margins on the transformers, so bugging them ultimately drives prices up.

I'm from the 'boomer' generation and don't need instant gratification or constant updates. A simple affirmation of receipt of the order and a subsequent ship notification are sufficient. Regardless, additional communication is appreciated when the situation warrants it (delayed order, etc).

[jelle]

My understanding with Triode is that they pack well, and that they may not have all in stock when the order is placed. They will inform you via automated system that order came in. At some point in time, the parts are shipped. The end.

Could be better, but given the margins, it is what it is, and it works for me.

If you can do better, I am all ears, where do I order?!

jelle