Checkering Tools

[Larryjk]

Can anyone givre me information on J & R Engineering in Athol, MA.? They are the folks that make (or have available) the carbide checkering cutters for the MMC and Diorion checkering machines. I sent them an order for a 90 degree cutter 0.040 wide in June (19th). The order wa accompanied by a check for payment in full. I haven't been able to reach them and get a "run around" telephone message that they will return my call.
I really need the new cutter and they have been in business a long time. What is their problem? Is this what lack of competition does to a company?

[Rapier]

Larry,
Did you ask your bank to see if the check has been negotiated? Most of these companies will not ship until a check has cleared and regardless of the Fed Reserve 4 day rule, some still require 10 days or more to get notice of the funds actually appearing in a customer's account. If you add 4 days for mailing, you get two weeks of down time, even before they would think of processing the shipment.

If you do not have proof of mailing, you can get a simple slip of paper from the USPS for free and it gives the postal inspectors a start point if you need to file a complaint. I never send funds in any other manner except credit card or through the USPS and always get a proof of mailing slip from the USPS. I learned that the hard way.

The stop pay is not worth a diddly as it costs money and is only good for 30 days now. At least with a card you can cancell a charge and that will stick, when done with reason.
Ed

[Larryjk]

After I sent another e-mail asking for any kind of a response, I received a notice that the cutter had been shipped and I should have it in a week (UPS). I will ship him my other cutter in that size to have it sharpened. I don't mind along delay if I can keep in busness. I think it was a case of simply not communicating. My check had been cleared back in June. I guess I will send a postal money order when I send the cutter for sharpening. I know what it is like to get behind in work. I will accept that reason if it is given.

[Rapier]

Many small business owners fail to understand the requirements involved in good customer relations:

1) Always open and close at the same time, custiomers or no.
2) Communicate with the customer
3) When there is a problem, tell the customer and be straight forward about it, take the blame, never ever lie.
4) Never, I mean never, promise anything you can not deliver either by work or time.

It is always best to say two week and take ten days than to say two weeks and take four weeks. So many folks tell a customer 6 weeks and take 8, creating their very own problems and for no reason.

I have been doing this for 47 years and it is amazing to me how many folks just do not grasp basic business/customer relations.

Hope it all works out for you.
Ed

[Larryjk]

Rapier, I got the checkering wheel I was waiting for. Maybe he was out-of-stock. I got the wheel, no explanation. Good enough for me. He is the only game in town.