TM Axe-II Waitlist Update

[brianj]

Hmm...so, a purchase order has to be placed...does that have to happen every month? I was under the impression they were j ust supposed to get 25 a month...???

Also, if several purchase orders have to be placed, then have they? Or will we need to wait another 8 weeks for the next shipment?

Also, I just read that there were 15 units in the first batch and 16 in this batch for a total of 31 units. Guess what number I am...31. However, apparently not all 15 units in the first batch went to the TM waitlist...is this true?

Brian

 

[Avenyr]

Out of the 15 units sent. Only 12 people in the list got theirs. I don't know what happened to the other units.

Guess you'll be part of the third shipment like me

 

[brianj]

I've got another question...what exactly happens when someone "sells" their spot in line? I just saw a post over on the Fractal site where a guy was "selling" his spot on the first TM run and saying that he would be included in this current shipment to TM. Here's a quote of what he said...

"I'm offering up my spot on the Tone Merchants waiting list. I'm on the first run, so it will be included on the Fractal shipment going out this week. The only thing required is you can't already be on TM's waiting list and you need to send them a $1,100 depost (total price with shipping $2,249.00). The only thing I get in return is my $1,100 deposit back from TM. PM me if interested."

Now, here's what gets under my skin a little about this... "The only thing required is you can't already be on TM's waiting list"...why not? Why can't the people who have been on the list all this time, (who were patient through all the screw-ups), have a chance at moving up the list?

Here's a guy that just decides he wants out...fine. But why not give the guys that have been in line with deposits down for MONTHS a chance to move up instead of moving someone else in who hasn't even been on the list. Idk...something about that just doesn't seem right.

I may get flamed, but whatever. I'm starting to get annoyed.

 

[Avenyr]

brianJ

I replied on the Fractal Forum regarding this.

 

[Tone Merchant]

So I put my winnie the pooh pajamas on, jump into bed hoping I can sleep without having to think of Cameron Amplifiers for a few short hours. Then Friedman texts me and tells me I need to read and respond to this blog.

first with regards to keeping deposit money. I have already sent Fractal a huge sum of money from deposits ive taken. I also kept some of the deposit money because I new that the second fractal started their own list, guys who were already on my list would immediately jump onto fractals list, because they dont care who they get the unit from, they just want the unit no matter how much customer service I provided for them. And thats exactly what happened. I was immediately getting asked for refunds from guys like one from last week who said "sorry bro, thanx for all the time youve spent answering all my questions etc, but i just want my unit." That guy came to my shop at least 3 times and blasted our ears playing the Axe 2. I always sat with him, answered all his questions and made him feel like he could stop in as much as he wanted. Ive issued several refunds even though it says no refunds on the invoice, because at the end of the day I want guys to get their hands on this awesome piece of gear, I just feel privileged that Cliff and I work together and Im the only U.S. dealer besides Fractal.

Regarding the Purchase order. I found out their was going to be an Axe FX2 two days before everyone else found out. This shocked the hell out of me and a few of my clients who I had just sold ultras to who were now pissed at me, because i told them there was no new model coming out. I had to issue two of those guy refunds because i felt so bad. Needless to say, I was really pissed and let Cliff know about it. Long story short, cliff is a class act and he listened to my grievances and we reached a new agreement. I cant speak of all the details, but there were mitigating circumstances internally with Fractal, that prevented proper communication with myself and Cliff. And it was only until Cliff told me to deal with him directly has there been no communication issues. Before I dealt with Cliff directly, i would ask the Fractal representative for units and they would get them to me. sometimes their were purchase orders and sometimes not. After Cliff and I resolved the issues and we reached an agreement of our business relationship I was basically expecting the units that we agreed upon verbally and in emails. At some point cliff and I spoke and he told me how his business operates and that he needs a formal purchase order. Now in the boutique world of the gear I sell, there is rarely any purchase orders issued. If I call suhr, I tell them what I need and they will send me an invoice. Today I ordered some pedals. I sent a simple email and they are shipping them out tomorrow. Thats mostly how it works with the small boutique companies. After cliff told me he needed a purchase order, he received it a few days later after I had the time to try and figure out how many units I would need for a year. So I never forgot anything and never mislead any body and we are not getting fat and happy

now with selling and swapping spots. last week 3 guys were trying to swap spots for one reason or another just like some guys are trying to do with the cameron amps. I was so confused and I still am at what they were trying to do. If a guy gets on my list and puts down a deposit then thats his spot. If he wants to sell it off and be replaced, thats his prerogative. What I wont do is if someone falls off the list is replace that person with a personal friend or someone that trys to offer me an extra 500 bucks, which happens almost every day. I will just move everyone up the list. So if one day your #24 and a few days later, your #18. That could mean several different things. Theres no conspiracy

As Cliffy said, hes sending me 16 units. Fourteen of those will immediately go to the next batch of guys on the list. The other two are for big wig producers.

any questions please send me a pm as I dont discuss my business policies or operation on an open forum.

now its time for an Ambien

 

[Tone Merchant]

Some of you guys really need to get out and meet women or something, last time I saw this shit happening was when IBM released the PCII and nerds were jumping out of windows due to backlog..............................

Nail on head.

I don't know what is more entertaining, AXF2 or anything having to do with with Cameron. Glad I am not interested in either!

Im stuck deep in the middle of both

 

[Tone Merchant]

Do you guys think that it's beyond the realm of possibilities, that Fractal may have taken offense to the deposits scenario and the"we'll get the units the same time Fractal corporate gets them". May be they want to catch TM's wiener in their zipper. I don't know how vindictive Cliff is.

Cliff has never brought up the fact that I take deposits. I think thats because he knows my business is established and theres no history of shady business practices and were friends who trust each other. I take deposits because its strategically the right thing to do. I have explained myself to Cliff and he agrees, so theres no issues.

 

[glip22]

Do you guys think that it's beyond the realm of possibilities, that Fractal may have taken offense to the deposits scenario and the"we'll get the units the same time Fractal corporate gets them". May be they want to catch TM's wiener in their zipper. I don't know how vindictive Cliff is.

Cliff has never brought up the fact that I take deposits. I think thats because he knows my business is established and theres no history of shady business practices and were friends who trust each other. I take deposits because its strategically the right thing to do. I have explained myself to Cliff and he agrees, so theres no issues.

You wear Winnie The Pooh pajamas.

 

[biggness]

You guys on the TM preorder list must not be doing something right. I have already taken delivery of not one, but two Axe-II's.

 

[brianj]

Biggness, um, what the point??? ^^^


Rob,
Thanks for that response. Sorry if I came across as harsh, this whole thing has just been a complete hassle since day one. You guys have always responded to my emails and what not and I've never asked to jump ship because of the service I was getting, and I'm still not going to. It's just been frustrating, and when I saw people were able to "get in line" to get a unit right away from the list allotment it just kind of tweaked me a bit.

Thanks again though for the service...I do wonder though if you can share if you will be getting units again soon or if it's going to be another 8 weeks or whatever...?

Thanks!

 

[brianj]

Double post

 

[Tone Merchant]

I never read this blog until last night. Brad had asked me a while ago to respond and I didnt for a few reasons.

first I believe everyone has the right to say what they want and I wouldnt infringe on that right unless they were being inappropriate and we are all grown ups so we all know what those topics are.

I could easily have had the blog taken off or I can sit on the computer all day on rig talk or fractal forums and get into these huge discussions to address all your guys silly speculation, "tone merchants must of known this, tone merchants let fractal take the fall, cliff must be pissed at rob taking deposits etc. COME ON GUYS REALLY? This really isnt the JFK conspiracy are a Sasquatch or its north american cousin the Yeti sighting is it? Stop with the endless irresponsible speculating. I know you guys dont mean any ill will and are just speaking out loud. But now I know what gave cliff an ulcer and hemroids the size of a small bowling ball I ask you guys to read this blog in its entirety and put yourself in me and cliffs shoes and you cant help but get pissed or hurt. Everyone just needs to chill. But like I said, Brad and I will not censure you guys even though your just speculating and trying to come up with conspiracies and theories that could hurt our business and damage me and cliffs friendship.

Cliff and I have a business agreement, when cliff is in full production, im to receive a certain amount of units per month. This hasnt happened yet because its a new product and the demand is so over whelming that he cant build them fast enough and theres such a volatility with the clients its a really weird and stressful situation. I have guys pissed they have been waiting 4 weeks. I tell them I had to wait 9 months to get my a ultra a few years ago, so just chill and the product is worth the wait. This isnt a cure for cancer Cliff has or food for all the people dying in Somalia. Its a preamp/effects processor. It is pretty bitch-en and is the best at what it does. But, the attacking of Cliff needs to stop. What would really suck is if one day soon Cliif says to himself. I really love creating this stuff but its not worth my health and he leaves the business. Then were all screwed and wont get to see the axe3, 4, 5 etc.

I have guys through email and on the phone telling me that I should be calling cliff every day and getting updates. My answer is always "huh, are you serious." If it was brother Brad he would probably say, "What kind of stupid question is that, you need to stop hitting that glass pipe."

cliff and I speak about every other week. he gives me a rough time line and I relay that to anyone who is on the list that asks. And I always tell them what cliff tells me, its really that simple. Its a rough estimate because cliff is manufacturing a product and anything can go wrong when you manufacture your own product. I know this because Im a partner in two amp companies and something like UPS losing your chassis and it takes them a week to find them, can delay your production weeks. It took me two months to get an iphone4 and Apple is one of the biggest companies in the world. So lets all relax a bit and have a good day.

thanx for letting me vent

 

[lester]

Do you guys think that it's beyond the realm of possibilities, that Fractal may have taken offense to the deposits scenario and the"we'll get the units the same time Fractal corporate gets them". May be they want to catch TMz wiener in their zipper. I don't know how vindictive Cliff is.

Cliff has never brought up the fact that I take deposits. I think that's because he knows my business is established and there's no history of shady business practices and were friends who trust each other. I take deposits because its strategically the right thing to do. I have explained myself to Cliff and he agrees, so there's no issues.

Rob, we were knocking some stuff around trying to figure this stuff out. Then finally Cliff told us "no P.O". No offence certainly. As for your deposits practice-from a customer perspective:I think the deposits can work if 1. the list is honored numerically 2. if both parties fulfill their commitment. Hypothetically-if you require a deposit and I give one to you when you ask for it you are obligated to act accordingly as well. If there are delays, if there are other issues that prevent you from delivering timely, then the deposit agreement is broken. It should be up to the customer, at that point, if they want to continue with you. Communicating that option to them when and if that happens is the right thing to do.

 

[Jack Napalm]

You wear Winnie The Pooh pajamas.

They probably had feet too..

 

[lester]

Suggestion for honoring the list-invoice numbers correspond to the invoice numbers posted on here, TM website or wherever, stating
1101 -delivered
1102- "
1103- "
1104 - 1111 Estimated delivery 4 weeks
1112 - 1130 Estimated delivery 6 -8 weeks
ect.
guys can look at it know where they're at. No calls, no fuss, no muss.
But if bigness or someone gets one out of turn the deposit agreement, once again, is broken.
Or you can have guys wondering, like Cliff does all the time, and once in a while you can come down from your mountain and tell us what indignant whiners we all are.

 

[dudemanguy]

I never read this blog until last night. Brad had asked me a while ago to respond and I didnt for a few reasons.

first I believe everyone has the right to say what they want and I wouldnt infringe on that right unless they were being inappropriate and we are all grown ups so we all know what those topics are.

I could easily have had the blog taken off or I can sit on the computer all day on rig talk or fractal forums and get into these huge discussions to address all your guys silly speculation, "tone merchants must of known this, tone merchants let fractal take the fall, cliff must be pissed at rob taking deposits etc. COME ON GUYS REALLY? This really isnt the JFK conspiracy are a Sasquatch or its north american cousin the Yeti sighting is it? Stop with the endless irresponsible speculating. I know you guys dont mean any ill will and are just speaking out loud. But now I know what gave cliff an ulcer and hemroids the size of a small bowling ball I ask you guys to read this blog in its entirety and put yourself in me and cliffs shoes and you cant help but get pissed or hurt. Everyone just needs to chill. But like I said, Brad and I will not censure you guys even though your just speculating and trying to come up with conspiracies and theories that could hurt our business and damage me and cliffs friendship.

Admittedly I don't know the details of the interactions between FAS and TM, but you could have just as easily told us what the deal was, then this thread wouldn't even exist, as there would have been no "silly speculation" on our part. You even say you were asked by Brad to respond, but you chose not to. What's the conspiracy? Why not just tell us what the problem was? You also say that you did not want to get into huge discussions, but it would have been one fact filled line, what's the discussion?

I don't mean for this to sound overly harsh, but if Cliff had not come forward and posted, we would all still by in the dark with nothing but silly speculations.

 

[Tone Merchant]

You wear Winnie The Pooh pajamas.

They probably had feet too..

i wish

 

[Tone Merchant]

Do you guys think that it's beyond the realm of possibilities, that Fractal may have taken offense to the deposits scenario and the"we'll get the units the same time Fractal corporate gets them". May be they want to catch TMz wiener in their zipper. I don't know how vindictive Cliff is.

Cliff has never brought up the fact that I take deposits. I think that's because he knows my business is established and there's no history of shady business practices and were friends who trust each other. I take deposits because its strategically the right thing to do. I have explained myself to Cliff and he agrees, so there's no issues.

Rob, we were knocking some stuff around trying to figure this stuff out. Then finally Cliff told us "no P.O". No offence certainly. As for your deposits practice-from a customer perspective:I think the deposits can work if 1. the list is honored numerically 2. if both parties fulfill their commitment. Hypothetically-if you require a deposit and I give one to you when you ask for it you are obligated to act accordingly as well. If there are delays, if there are other issues that prevent you from delivering timely, then the deposit agreement is broken. It should be up to the customer, at that point, if they want to continue with you. Communicating that option to them when and if that happens is the right thing to do.

I just spoke with cliff and he agreed the PO had nothing to do with when I was getting units. I sent a po and cliff and i had agreements before the axe fx 2 was even close to coming out. The list is honored numerically, Ive substituted 2 guys into the first list that i sold ultras to right before the axe 2 was announced. They had a legitimate complaints and I agreed with them. Everyone else has been by when they placed their deposit.

 

[Tone Merchant]

Suggestion for honoring the list-invoice numbers correspond to the invoice numbers posted on here, TM website or wherever, stating
1101 -delivered
1102- "
1103- "
1104 - 1111 Estimated delivery 4 weeks
1112 - 1130 Estimated delivery 6 -8 weeks
ect.
guys can look at it know where they're at. No calls, no fuss, no muss.
But if bigness or someone gets one out of turn the deposit agreement, once again, is broken.
Or you can have guys wondering, like Cliff does all the time, and once in a while you can come down from your mountain and tell us what indignant whiners we all are.

Ill be happy to tell u gain if u want

 

[lester]

"just spoke with cliff and he agreed the PO had nothing to do with when I was getting units."

here we go again ... I'm out. You guys have fun...