Brand new broken Schlumpf

[napalm]

I admire Florian for the way he is dealing with the hub upgrades. I understand that there are teething problems with the first generation of any product and have been willing to go through the process of shipping it half way around the world to be fixed. I am disappointed, however, with his communication on repairs. According to my shipping tracking code my hub arrived in Switzerland a month ago and i have not heard anything form him at all. You must admit that is a little disconcerting when it is something that I have spent my years savings on. It would only take a minute or two to allay peoples concerns about their investment. I really love the Schlumpf hub and want them to sell well. It opens up so many possibilities for riding but a little effort in the communication department would keep his customers so much happier.
Mark

[SloMo]

It's sad to hear so many negative comments. So far I sent him three e-mails and couldn't be happier about his response times, the longest being five hours, the shortest being two minutes.

I sincerely hope he can handle all the critique (and improve with it) and keeps producing and improving this amazing hub, despite it being low volume, time consuming and obviously a lot of trouble (as can be expected from the first such product on the market).

[jogi]

when I reed this thread I suppose the problem is that the Schlumpf Hub is to good
there are so many people who want hubs that there is a problem to serve all of them in just in time.
If there where serious problems with the hub no one would order them.
so we all want them and we just have to wait.
Its an excellent hand made part and that causes some problems you wouldn´t have with ordinary stuff.

If you order a ferrari you will have more problems and need much more time for delivery and service than with an audi.

to change things the better way needs some time.
Just see it as an honor to get a schlumpf and calm down.
we need this master of his trade and we should make it easy for him. - than it will be easy for us.

[hugo]

Hi Jogi, I don't think that anybody wants to make it difficult for Florian and you can read that everybody really respects and loves his high quality products and understands his situation.

But I have to agree with Munirocks.

Just imagine you have a severe Problem with your Ferrari, need to ship it back to the factory, and they do not confirm that it has arrived. Would you be happy?

It is just that small piece of (missing) communication, which can have a big impact. And I would hope that Florian can take the comments as constructive feedback.

For sure I want him to continue his business - I am already saving money for a second hub, some time next year........

[napalm]

good news (for me at least) from Florian tonight. My hub should be on its way back to me within the week which is a relief (will have my best unicycle set up ready to go for Unicon). Plus i get a complimentary laser etching on it- i'm just going to get my name engraved on it for the sake of security.

Have you heard back yet about your hub Munirocks?

mark.

[munirocks]

Yes, I got another personal reply after all that kind of explained the situation a little more.

And today I got the same "good news" e-mail as you did.

I'm really looking forward to riding the geared 36er again!

About the laser etching I haven't made up my mind yet.

It would be good to have my name on it in case it got stolen , but on the other hand, if I ever wanted to sell it that would be a disadvantage for the new owner.

I think I'll do it, though.

[Dave Cox]

phew. been a long time since I've been around here, but I'm chiming in because of this whole long wait issue.

just got an email from florian this morning about the new hubs, and I was frankly at the end of my rope with regards to mine, and I am normally quite a patient person. However the hub had been out for repair since I believe the end of May until now, which is a very long time to wait without even a hint as to when the thing would be ready.

the only thing that I had a problem with was the lack of updates as to when I might expect them. if I had been told in may, or even in september, that I would have to wait until mid-november to get my hub, I would have been way less frustrated with the whole thing.

that said, I am beside myself that it's finally getting shipped back to me. I can start real training for UNICON! might even order a new seat to celebrate..

woooooo!