|
Customer Comments
| Actual
messages of what my customers are saying....both good and not so good. |
Hello Bill & Kathy,
I just opened my pen cases that I ordered and
was greeted with a nice gift from you. Thank you! I appreciate
the way you get your orders out very quickly and
professionally. I will be referring my other wood turning
friends to your site. Thanks again.
Tyler Q. in Mountain Green, Utah
Dear Bill,
I just received my order today. It was very prompt as usual. I want
to thank you very much for the Christmas card and the incredible
Winchester Knife set. It was very thoughtful and it is much
appreciated. I want to wish you and everyone at Arizona Silhouette a
Very Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous, and healthful New
Year.
Sincerely,
Wayne W. in Wilmington, DE
Thank you so much for the flashlight as I will
use for sure as that was so thoughtful of you to do. I consider you
my top source for pens kits as you do a great job of filling my
orders so timely. By the way on your inlay kits have you ever
thought about using military emblems like the Marine Corps, etc.
Merry Christmas
Clem S. in Gainesville. TX
Bill,
Thank you for not only having great products, but the website has
been so informative. I am making several pens for Christmas (as are
several people I am sure) but after seeing the video's and looking
at the finished products I can't help but to try to take it to the
next level. I am one of those people that would much rather have a
quality product when available and you have given us that choice.
Thanks again.
Larry H. in Rose Hill, KS
I would just like to take this time to thanks you for the quality of
your products that I have ordered and the speed in which it was
processed.
Sincerely,
Tom F. in Lenoir City, TN
Hi,
I just wanted to let you know that i received my order and am very
pleased with it! I took some time to make a drawbar to keep the
mandrel in place, then last night turned my first stopper. It's not
as fancy as the ones on your site, but I sure had fun. I must say,
that mandrel is very nice - both quality wise and a great way to
hold the stopper while turning.
Thank you for the extra blank you sent too, when I get more
experience I will give it a shot.
I am sending two pictures, one is the set of tools you sent and
the other is my fist piece.
Thanks Again!
Steven in Ankeny, Iowa
Bill & Kathy,
Just a quick note to say thanks for the great service. I just
received my first order from Arizona Silhouette and couldn't be more
pleased. The website was easy to use, and the prices are very
competitive. I placed my order Wednesday evening and had it in FL
Saturday morning; Wow! I've paid twice the shipping at other
suppliers and waited twice as long for the package. Keep up the
great work. I'll definitely be back.
Warm regards,
John B. from Palm Coast, FL
I just received my order. Thanks for your
prompt service and as always awesome support. This is the first
order I've placed with you folks in about 2 or three years as I have
been busy with no time for turning but that has changed. I've
cleaned out my garage and am back in the turning mode again.
You folks make it a pleasant experience. Thanks again!
John M. D. in Battle Ground, WA
Bill. Its been several years of error free
perfect service from Arizona Silhouette Inc (you and Kathy) since I
last wrote. I just spent almost 40 minutes reading all the praise in
your customer comments section hoping to find a vein of unexplored
adjectives that would allow me to contribute my appreciation for a
job well done. The pen blanks I receive are always exceptional.
Responses to my questions and pleas for more specialty items are
always answered immediately although you are almost always sold out
of the really really really good stuff. I guess there are too many
other highly satisfied customers out there who lurk on your site
waiting for the cream to rise. Keep up the great work. You've found
the key to success. Keep the
customer happy with superb products and they will always return. By
the way my last order placed September 22 was received September 25
and yes the box was well sealed. Who said the post office isn't
fast? or maybe you knew it was my birthday and just wanted it to get
there on time. Stay healthy and stay in business for a long
time.
William D. in Garden Ridge, TX
Bill,
I guess all of us are getting older. Before, when I would place an
order on Monday, I'd have my merchandise on Tuesday. Last week it
didn't come until Wednesday!
Of course, I ordered some hand tools from another company and over a
week later I received an email that they will ship them tomorrow.
How do you provide such outstanding service?
I work for the government. As I cover for absent co-workers I find
that they they have requests involving medication or other critical
issues that are two weeks old and haven't been read yet. I wish my
unit had a customer service orientation as strong as yours is.
I just went through my "favorites" list and deleted all of the pen
kit suppliers except you and CSA (Craft Supplies USA).
Perhaps the new definition of insanity could be paying the same
price for poor service that Arizona Silhouette charges for
outstanding service.
Scott F. in San Bernardino, CA
Bill,
Just received my package today...couldn't wait to open it. I'm
really looking forward to making some bottle stoppers. Thanks so
much for the wood blanks ... especially the Screwbean mesquite and
black palm. I haven't had a problem turning gemstone at all-- makes
beautiful pens. I've sold more than enough pens to pay for my Jet
var. spd. lathe. My other half used to say, a pen is a pen as long
as it writes...Not Anymore. Every time I go to open the box you
send, I think of dynamite or C4. Great packing!
James R. M. in Charleston, SC
February 13, 2008
I have received many, many compliments as well as a few 'hate-mails'
over the years but this one totally took me by surprise.
Anyone who knows me is acutely aware of my loyalty to the men and
women who have served and are serving in our Armed Forces.
Some have described my patriotism as being 'over the top' but what
the Hell do they know. Today I received the following email
and I'm posting it just as it was sent to me.
just wanted you to know i placed my first order with you last
week, and i'm excited about making my pens! my good friend got me
into wood turning, and gave me your web address. when i browsed your
site and seen your support for our troops, i knew i was going to
order from you. i served in iraq dec.04-05 and was injured. i
sat around for two years thinking of what i had to do and what i'd
seen. your products have helped me get my mind off bad times. thank
you very much. steve. (Galax, VA)
Steve's message is the greatest compliment that I could ever
hope to receive. If what we provide can help a veteran
rehabilitate and get his mind off his injuries then I will go to the
grave a very happy man. Semper Fi!
I was awoken this morning by my wife with
a boxed order received from Arizona silhouette company that I
ordered. The box must have arrived late last night but we didn't
hear the mailman deliver it. Was so impressed that my order had
arrived in just 2 business days from me ordering it late last
Thursday. I torn into the box an found the most beautiful blanks
I have ever ordered. I couldn't wait immediately went to the
workshop and turned a black palm pen. I was so pleased with the
quality and the beauty of these blanks. I used to order all my
stuff from craft supplies but will definitely change and have
your company be my main supplier of pen accessories. Thanks so
much for the wonderful service. I am looking forward to doing
more business with you in the future.
Charles Jones
Smyrna, GA
Writewood Pen Creations
Just wanted to let you know I have recently purchased a few items
from your company and have been EXTREMELY impressed with your
expediency, and accuracy. I have dealt with several companies
in reference to these type of orders, but I have yet to be more
satisfied.
Thanks for your great job.
Greg L.
Surprise, AZ
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bill Baumbeck,
Just a little note wishing you and yours a very Peaceful and Serene
Holiday Season. May your 2008 be prosperous and busy.
Your way of dealing with me every time I order items for my hobby
is tremendous and not found in all businesses. Every time I order
from your company I know you will get it right or you personally
call to get things just right. Any and all items I may need for my
Pen Making will be
purchased from you!
Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Dr. Rolando G., Jr
Laredo, TX
Hi Bill (and friends),
I know you're busy, and I'm a pretty wordy guy when I got a lot on
my mind, so please read this at your leisure (you know, if you ever
get any)! I wanted to take a little time and let you know how
much I appreciate the quality products and service that you offer.
After the past few months of trying new/different suppliers, I've
come to realize just how great you guys are. I won't mention any
company names, but
there's been a lot of quality control issues that I've been having
to deal with regard to PSI-clone products, and even some of PSI's
stuff has been funky.
Based on what I've learned from and participated in on XXXXXX, there
seems to be some 'alternate' (translate: cheap, crappy, substandard,
...well, garbage to put it succinctly!) sources out there for pen
kits, and quite frankly I've been bitten in the pahookie a whole
bunch lately, plagued by really poor plating and machining,
resulting in much time lost and many returned products. I try to
give these companies my best, patient, understanding side, but that
only goes so far with me. I'm too busy to coddle, you know?
For the stuff that I've ordered from you, Arizona Silhouette has a
100% perfect track record in customer satisfaction from me, and I've
heard very little negative in the turning community about your
company, which says a whole bunch, because there are a lot of us
whackos! :) Aside from XXX at XXX, I open any packages that I get
from other suppliers with a fair amount of loathing lately, which is
unfortunate, because...well, who doesn't get like to excited about
opening boxes of new and wondrous goodies?! Heh :P
The things that I've been really impressed with from you have been
the adjustable mandrels, the closed-end mandrels, all the kits
(plating is perfect!) and even the freebies you send along, which I
love, it's like opening wax packs of baseball cards when I was a
kid, you never know what cool thing is going to pop out! The
machined parts that I get from you are stellar, I've had great
comments from all kinds of people (including the guys at XXX, where
they sell 'alternative' versions of the tools you offer) about the
quality and precision of the machining. I don't know who your
tooling guy is, but hang onto him, at all costs! Most every 'real'
turner I know is willing to pay a few extra bucks for something they
can actually get excited about using.
Anyways, I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate the
attention to detail that you guys offer, it makes this whole
business worthwhile for me.
With all the hullabaloo on XXX lately about "Yeah, but they have
great customer service, there's no hassle on returns, they're nice,
I like them, blah blah blah", it seems to me that everyone is
forgetting that at some point, someone either neglected to check
their product for quality, which is bad, or actually made a
conscious choice to pack up a piece of crap and ship it out, which
is just spitting in my face, as far as I'm concerned.
It seems that over the last couple of decades the 'proven,
successful' business model made a transformation from "Give the
best, be the best" to "Geez, how much do you reckon we can get away
with and still make money quick?". It seems the companies who
stick to the traditional quality product supply method are getting
eaten up by the cherry-picking, fast-talking, creative-marketing
companies that look and sound great, but ship out crappy products
and then 'patch' the rest in after they've hooked the initial money
from the end user by offering 'great customer service'. I spent
years in the corporate world at Microsoft and other tech companies
that use this shoddy (yet successful) business plan. To me,
customer service should be 90% quality control out the door, 10%
fixing the occasional mistake, or to put it another way, 90%
PRO-active and 10% RE-active, and you guys got that down like no one
else out there.
I got a real kick out of reading on your website, Bill's little
blurb that basically summed up to, "Listen, if you call and ask
stupid questions without doing a little bit of research first and
end up taking time away from the real goal here (sending out great
product), I'm probably going to be a little short with you."
'Nuff said!
Keep up the 100% performance, my friend, and you can be as rude with
me as you want - you earn that right, especially when I earn the
right of a good reaming when I call first, think later! I promise I
will do every thing I can to learn as much as I can about any
problems I might have before calling. :)
I recently read a response to some post on XXX where a member said,
"I called and talked to Bill on the phone, and he was rude and short
with me, so I won't do business with him again.". My first though
was, "Yeah, and what was the moronic reason you called about? Ahhhh,
can't figure out why the lathe turns instead of oscillates, then?"
Knuckleheads make the world go 'round, don't they? I can't
imagine that Michelangelo would've been real happy to hear, "Hey,
how do you cut that stone?" while he was in the middle of his famous
David statue. Can you imagine Einstein's reaction to, "Hey, I
was trying to divide by zero, and I keep coming up with this same
stupid number...what gives?", while he was working on the last
loose-end while figuring out how to split an atom?
Well, Bill, you've placed yourself in with some pretty elite
company, so the first time I see 97% instead of 100%, expect me to
read you the riot act!
Unless, of course, you give me another ten orders or so (which I'll
gladly give) that are as perfect as all the other stuff I've seen,
and then I might cut you a little slack. The way I see it,
though, if I continue to order more and more from you without the
proverbial stupid question, I'll earn some slack, too. The way
things are going for me, gimme a minute, and I'll be able to place
those ten orders! Things are going well, and while I'm almost too
busy to keep up, that's always a good thing right? I take comfort in
the fact that when I'm selling $150 pens, I can trust that the kits
I buy from you will uphold my good name. Er, at least as soon as I
make myself a good name. :P
Hey, thanks for listening, please don't change a thing, and I look
forward to a long and prosperous business relationship, and I will
continue to give
you as much support as I can on the forums!
Karl K. in
Lancaster, PA
This was my first order with you and let me start by saying, it
was THE FASTEST turn around time I have ever seen on an order.
Placed on January 9th online in AZ and in my hands by 1400 hrs on
the 12th in NE. All I have had time to do is verify the accuracy
and glance at the quality. The later two things seem flawless.
By now I have read nearly every word on your site and for those who
criticize the site and/or your service, well I got only a couple
words for them. As they are not very kind words I'll leave it to
the imagination. My words however I will state clearly. I am VERY,
VERY impressed with my 1st order and look forward to all in the
future.
Sincerely,
Landon S. in
Chadron NE
Bill:
I just want to let you know what a pleasure it is to buy from you.
1. I ordered on Thursday and am using the items on Saturday. I have
other orders out 5 days prior to yours that I still do not have.
2. You have to be the KING of flat rate mail. The Post Office must
love you. I get a laugh out of the precautions about shipping
on your website. People would be way ahead if they just left the
choice to you.
Yes, I do use some of you flat rate methods when I ship the things I
sell. The PO must love it when I ship a box just about full of
Corian. About 40
pounds. Hey they are the ones with the 70 pound limit. My carrier
has asked are you shipping rocks?
I also try to get my shipments out quickly and keep the customer
informed like you do.
3. Your new (adjustable) pen turning mandrel - GREAT Item! Every
penturner should have and use it!!
Almost forgot to tell you - Yes again like you I try to include some
free item when I ship my orders. The customers love it.
Thanks again!
Pete Simmons
Wood Pen Man.com
Hi Bill:
Perhaps it seems like no one ever writes except to complain about
something. Well, I wanted to take a minute to just thank you for
the excellent service that you provide in the processing and
shipment of my orders. They always get to me fast and complete.
Thank you so much for your quality service and products.
Jerry K.
My Father's Pen
Sturgeon, MO
Hi there,
This is such a great website! It's very user friendly, great prices,
great selection of items and easy, secure checkout!
When I spoke to Bill today he was so nice, very helpful and patient
even though he was up to his neck in orders! Thanks again Bill!
May Arizona Silhouette and everyone associated with the company be
blessed always.
Susan S. in Baltimore, MD
I guess that some people don't appreciate my support for God
and Country....
I received an order from an individual and he added the following
comment in the order form:
"All of the military/religion references on
the site are really offensive. I don't inject politics into my
business for obvious reasons...it is not the place. This is a good,
well-organized site for your products. I am offended by the God and
Country th"
His message was cut off due to the fact that the "Comments" section
in our old shopping cart program had a space limit. I
responded:
Dear Mr. E.,
Thank you for your comments although most of them were cut off :
"All of the military/religion references on the site are really
offensive. I don't inject politics into my business for obvious
reasons...it is not the place. This is a good, well-organized site
for your products. I am offended by the God and Country th.."
As a former active duty Marine (1965-1974), my loyalty is with the
men and women in uniform - past, present and future. Since my sense
of patriotism is obviously different than yours I see no reason why
you would purchase merchandise from a company that offends you.
Thank you for submitting your order but for the reason stated in the
second paragraph I respectfully decline to fill it.
Bill Baumbeck
Arizona Silhouette Inc
His response:
Why was the order cancelled? Please have the decency to at least
tell me outright that you won't sell to me because I questioned your
over-the-top God and Country patriotism on your business site. If
so, that is a horrible business practice and for sure the Better
Business Bureau in Yuma as well as other referenced Internet sites
and suppliers will hear of your bias and prejudice.
Ed E.
I received a further communication from Mr. E.:
Bill,
My sense of patriotism is obviously different in that I don't think
it is appropriate to display it as overtly with Christian tie-ins as
you have on your page. I would strongly reject any idea that I am
any less patriotic or care less about our sons anddaughters being
killed and injured in a war we never should have started.
This difference of opinion has nothing to do with whether I want to
order from your company or not. I have received materials from you
in the past without making my opinions known about the structure of
your site. I imagine many folks have purchased my woodwork in the
past who have radically different values from mine. It is just not
appropriate to make one's political and religious beliefs such an
obvious part of their presentation.
To cancel my order because of my comment is, in my opinion, an
over-reaction and, quite frankly a surprise. I'm sorry that you
cannot accept my comments without going to the extreme of denying
service.
Ed E.
To All,
I am who I am and I doubt that I will ever change. I
won't apologize to anyone for who or what I believe in.
As the owner of this business I have every right not fill an order
if I should choose not to. This fact is also stated in our
Shipping Terms & Information page.
It might be of interest that Yuma is home of the busiest Marine
Corps Air Station in the continental United States (we have 360 days
per year of perfect flying weather). We are also the home of
Yuma Proving Grounds - The Army's premier all-weather test station
in the United States. Only Fort Greely, Alaska is larger in
land size.
BB
Howdy Bill:
Just was making my 20th or so order with Arizona Silhouette and
thinking about those great "extras" you throw in with the box and
wondering what goodies will come with my order this time. I also
took the time to read several of the customer comments, and had to
advise you that my wife, Barbara had her own embroidery business
until this July, and hung it up after 9 great years in business.
Your notice on shipping was a great resource when she started having
some problems with the US Post office misplacing orders to her
customers. She was upset about it all, and wasn't sure what to do,
and I turned her eye to the way you do it as the most reasonable,
and glad to tell you that, along with being an outstanding wood
working supply business, you and your business policies are great
examples as well. Thank you for helping her by, well, just being
there, having such a terrific website and business policies, and for
making all my orders appear within 3-7 days just like promised! By
the way, I just sold my very first 4 pens, and they loved them. All
made from your wood, and mostly from the burl samples you've been
sending me for free. One was made from some Mesquite I managed to
salvage from some neighborhood trees, but the others were 2 colored
burls, and one cocobolo blank. All made to order. Now I even have
enough confidence to try and start selling them to businesses in
downtown Glendale where I work and see if I can make a name for
myself too. I also ordered a mess of things from you and other wood
supply places before Christmas and wound up making 274 different
pieces for my family and friends...wheeeeeee was I busy last year on
the weekends. I look forward to more business with you in the
future and thank you again for the great service and little bit
"extra" you always throw in.
It is truly a pleasure!
Bryan H. in Phoenix, AZ
Hello Bill,
I wanted to thank you for your past shipments to me over the last
couple of years. You have an enormous inventory of products that are
used by pen turners like myself, many that are unavailable anywhere
else. The quality and variety of your products is excellent and
allows the turner to find his/her niche in the market. You also
respond to emails quickly to answer any questions that I have. I
always appreciate the samples that you include with orders; it's a
great way to try new woods for turning that I would probably not
have tried otherwise. I'll be ordering some of these (also the pen
pouches) in the near future. Your shipping by priority mail is
great! Everything is very well packaged and I have never received a
broken or damaged part. I will continue to order from your company,
and look forward to any new products you may introduce to the pen
turning community. Have a great 2007!
Roger D. in Grand Prairie, TX
www.PenDesigns.com
Bill and Kathy,
I just wanted to say thanks. I've been ordering from you for a
couple of months now. Every order I've received has been prompt and
complete, just what I wanted.
Although your shipping boxes are extremely well packaged, I enjoy
opening them every time. I admire the quality of pens and blanks
that you have to offer, and then finding those extra blanks that you
send is a great treat. By the way, great choices, everyone of them!
Just last week I had a pretty good size order. I followed the
package through UPS website. As soon as it hit my front door I knew
it, yes, I knew the package was here and I had to get home as
quickly as possible and open it up. I left work a couple of hours
early that day and spent a few extra hours in the garage that night.
First I turned the blanks you sent me, then a couple different ones
that I had ordered, like I said before, great choices.
In short, I would like you to know that you have a long term
customer in me. Keep up the good work. I'm already starting to think
about my next order.
Thanks again,
Scott in Forest Lake, MN
I have stated that the 'bad comments' would be displayed along with
the 'good comments'.......
Here's one I think you might enjoy. I thought I had lost it
due to a hard drive crash but I was able to retrieve it. The
email only had a first name and a location (I am not sure if either
are 'legit'). I have no idea who she is and this message was
sent to me on August 5, 2005.
Some background: The first time this lady called was early
afternoon before we were open and I was packing boxes for that day's
shipments. I explained this to her and informed her of our
business hours but I could sense she wasn't at all happy with my
explanation. She called again (I believe the next day during
our business hours). During our conversation I could hear a
gentleman in the background asking questions which she would repeat.
In a joking manner I asked her why she wouldn't let him speak on the
phone and that's when 'all hell broke loose'! :>))
She hung up. Here is her message exactly as she sent it to me
capitalized words and all:
Comments:
I am the person that called on Friday evening to place an order.
This was my second call, as you were too busy to speak with me
during the first call. I let that one go and decided to call back.
Then when I had a question from my husband, you had the NERVE to
rudely respond and ask why my husband wasn't the one calling. Then,
you were rude with sighs and an an obvious unprofessional attitude
about the question. I hung up and will NOT be calling back. In
answer to your first question - I AM THE BOOKKEEPER! I MAKE
MOST OF THE FINANCIAL DECISIONS FOR OUR PEN MAKING BUSINESS.
Perhaps it was only a small amount for someone with such a pios
attitude, but I did plan on purchasing 100 of your pens. Berea will
profit from your arrogance and stupidity! I recommend that you let
your wife handle the business from now on, or perhaps you will find
that you put yourself right out of business.
Laura from Keizer, OR
Hello,
I placed an order with you a few weeks ago and with the order you
sent a couple of pieces of Curly Poplar Blue. I finally got around,
and the time, to turn one of the pieces and made it into a
rollerball pen. I was amazed on how good the color and the grain on
the wood stood out.
I do a couple of Farmers Markets here in my area. I make and sell
things like cork screws, letter openers, pill boxes, magnifying
glasses, toothpick holders, and so on, along with several types of
pens. The very first day, the pen sold. I have to admit though that
it didn't surprise me. I turned the other sample piece into another
rollerball that I may just have to keep for myself.
The main reason I'm sending this note is to say Thank You very much
for sending me those 2 samples. Even though I've always stayed with
natural woods and Deer and Elk horns for my projects, you have
opened my eyes to the stabilized side of turning.
Thank you,
Steve A. in Portland, OR
Bill;
I received my order today and was very pleasantly surprised to find
the 2 extra blanks in the box! Thank you so much, I was wanting to
try a redwood burl but just had not gotten around to buying a
blank. I appreciate doing business with a well run business and
yours is the best This was the fastest I have ever received an order
from anyone and the email notification is a wonderful touch. I will
continue to be a customer as I build my business, once again, Thank
You.
Mike Robertson
www.americanhandcrafted.com
Bill;
I received my order today and was very pleasantly surprised to find
the 2 extra blanks in the box! Thank you so much, I was wanting to
try a redwood burl but just had not gotten around to buying a
blank. I appreciate doing business with a well run business and
yours is the best! This was the fastest I have ever received an
order from anyone and the email notification is a wonderful touch.
I will continue to be a customer as I build my business.
Once again, Thank You.
Mike R. in Albuquerque, NM
Hello...I'd first like to say that you're products are top notch and
your customer service and shipping times are GREAT. However, it
almost takes a stick of dynamite to open your boxes. They seem to
be glued and taped. I had to completely destroy a box today
from you to get it open. I DO appreciate the good packaging but
it's not a pleasure to open.
Ken C. in North Richland Hills, TX
My response:
Hi Ken,
You are not the first to comment on my packaging methods. However,
we have shipped over 30,000 orders and have only had to file an
insurance claim on two orders - one which was delivered to the wrong
address and one that was stolen.
Sorry to make it so difficult but I pack every order that we ship.
My responsibility is to get your merchandise to you in a safe and
secure
manner.
All I can suggest is that you keep a sharp knife handy. Nothing is
going to change with the boxes that you will receive.
Bill Baumbeck
Arizona Silhouette
Bill,
I just wanted to say that doing business with you has been a
pleasure! My orders have been filled accurately and shipped promptly
and that in and of itself is very refreshing. I am new
to the pen turning craft but am enjoying it immensely, in large
part, due to the quality of the products I have received from you.
BTW, the "challenge blank" (spalted alder) you threw in with one of
my recent orders turned out great!
THANKS AGAIN!
Jay P. in Lubbock, Texas
Mr. Baumbeck,
I am very impressed and satisfied with my first experience with
ordering from you. First of all, your website is absolutely
fantastic. Large variety of goodies and resources. Best of all, the
site is easy and simple to navigate and purchase. The shipping was
super fast. My package made it here in Indiana from California in
two days! I was excited to see how well your stabilized blanks
turned. I turned a double dyed box elder blank today. Super
product. The oversized blanks allowed me to relax more when
drilling up for cigar pens. I can't wait to experiment with the
crushed turquoise stone you sent me. You will have my business from
here on out. You passed the muster! Thanks again for offering such
a variety of goodies.
Dave S. in New Palestine, OH (Jossen-Bella Handcrafted
Pens)
I don't know about Yuma, Arizona, but
Christmas ends in December here in New York, until today that
is. Thank you for the timely shipment of things I ordered, and a
real big thank you for the surprise of the pieces of stabilized
woods. I will certainly enjoy turning them. It is always a
pleasure doing business with you, and I hope to be ordering more
from you soon. I hope this finds everyone well and I hope I can
make the chat tonight. Thanx again.
Joe P. in Wantagh, NY
Hi Bill and Kathy,
Thanks for another great order, and thank you for the included extra
blanks, particularly the pradauk, as that is one that I have been
considering trying. I know that the wood from you is going to be
great, and is well described, but it is still like Christmas morning
to actually open the shipment and see the pieces in person.
Thanks again,
Until next time,
Fred and Lynn B. in Port Huron, MI
I just turned my first blank
that I got from you. It was a double dye box elder. I am
more than happy with the pen. I just wanted to take a min, and
thank you for the blank and the fine service that I got. You
got a steady customer here. Thanks again.
Robert J. in Pampa, TX
I just received the order you
all shipped me on the 9th. AWESOME! Thank you for the extra pen
blanks. After turning my first black chrome cigar last night out of
an Afzilia blank I bought from you a while back, a guy here at work
offered me $30.00 for it - SOLD! Then, someone else saw it and
wanted one made out of corncob. With these two along with the
original order I had for an Amboyna Burl El Toro, I've made back
almost 2/3 of my order cost!!! You guys are AWESOME!!!
Thank you and get ready for another order!!!
Tom C. in Jackson, MO
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Baumbeck,
I received my order yesterday, and just wanted to let you
know how pleased I am. I do probably 90% of my shopping via
the Internet, and it was a real pleasure to find a retailer
that is fast and fair. The quality of the products, and the
efficiency of your order processing is absolutely first
rate. I couldn't believe how quickly I got the order!
If I'm ever in Yuma, I'll be sure to
visit, and in the meantime, I look very forward to doing
business with you again soon.
Bill,
I just received my order from you. Thanks for the prompt delivery,
and for the burls you sent. You are definitely the DUKE OF BURL. I
don't order a lot but when I do 90% of my things I get are from you.
It is a pleasure dealing with someone like you.
Thanks Joe S. in Harrison Township, MI
Hello, Mr. & Mrs. Baumbeck
I have just received my order from you which included your
instructional DVD. You are now my new supplier. Your customer
service and straight forward advice reminds me of the country store
(it had a dirt floor and was owned and operated by the Farmer family
no less) I grew up with. I mean every compliment by that. My father
and I are looking to turn turning pens and other small products into
a full business, and it would be invaluable for me to speak with
someone such as yourself about it. In your video you claimed not to
be an expert, but there is no doubt you are successful, and my
father and I appreciate the quality of business you offer (you know
how nervous old-timers can be about ordering over the internet).
Thanks again, happy new year, and God bless America!
Clint H. in Ovet, MS
Bill - Your delivery service was not good - it was fantastic. I
guess they guy whipped up on his pony all the way to El Paso.
The only thing I found wrong was that I didn't know of your
operation a year ago when I got in to turning pens. Your service
is outstanding and I really appreciate the Arizona Olive wood
blank. For what it is worth, I retired from the Air Force in '68
and taught high school classes until '92 - and then retired -
again. The Air Force brought me to El Paso in the same way the
Marines brought you to Yuma. I am 74 so I don't turn fast. I
guess you could call it half fast
 .
You will be hearing from me again and thanks again for the great
service. Nice to do business with a fellow military retiree.
John B. in El Paso.
Bill,
Just wanted to thank you for all of your great help. It has been a
great surprise and wonderful joy falling so deeply entrenched in pen
making this year. Your guidance, professionalism, and great products
are unmatched anywhere else. Without your care, I'm sure I would not
enjoyed the success that I share with my customers.
Sincerely,
Todd U. in White Plains, NY
Dear Kathy and Bill,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank both of you for your
prompt attention to my order. I have never received an order that
was so precisely packed. Everything was in excellent shape. I have
been wanting to try pen turning for some time and had bought your
DVD previous to my order. The DVD gave me the incentive to try it. I
would like to also thank you for the extras (pen blanks and pen
boxes) it is most appreciated. I will be returning with future
orders as my skills improve. You have a customer that will be
returning in the future. I look forward to some of the eye candy
that you have. Again, thank you both for your time and effort. It is
appreciated.
Dave S. in Foxworth, MS
Bill,
Just recieved my order. First I want to thank you for your quick
service. Also thanks for the extras. Next time I go on vacation
could you come help my wife pack? Could not believe how much
you got into that box. Thanks again for the wonderful service. You
have a customer for a long time to come.
Don K. in Phoenix AZ
Bill,
I just wanted to drop you a quick note and say thank you for the
lighting fast shipping on my most recent order. Also a
quick Thank you for the freebies in the box. The Bahia Rosewood
turns like butter and finishes great!! I also want to say that from
now on when I think of Pens Arizona Silhouette will be the first name that
comes out of my mouth.
Thank You
Robert C. in Brooklyn, OH
I received your shipment of the
pen kits I ordered from you. Talk about lightning fast shipment!!.
Thanks a lot and I will definitely be doing my business with you in
the future as well as letting a few of my turning buddies know of
the super service you offer. Also, thanks for the Walnut Burl pen
blank sent with the order. Can't wait to turn what looks to be a
magnificent pen from it. Again, I thank you for prompt and efficient
service.
Rick K. in San Angelo. TX
Bill,
Just wanted to drop you a quick line to say how impressed I am with
your service. I just placed an order with you on Friday, 10/21 and
received it on Monday, 10/24!! Unbelievable! I was also surprised by
the quality of the FREE blanks you sent along. Beautiful stuff.
Thank you and I will be back for more "goodies"...with this kind of
service, who wouldn't?
John F. in Spokane Valley, WA
Just wanted to thank you for
your excellent service on my recent order. Everything arrived
promptly and your wood is beautiful. Just made my first Atlas with
Zebrawood and it's a beauty. I'm going to practice a bit more before
attempting the Rattlesnake Baron. Again, thanks and I look forward
to doing business with you soon.
Ed P. in Falls Church, VA
Dear Sirs,
Just a note of thanks. I placed a very small order and when I
received it there was a bonus. Thank you very much for the stick
of Koa. This is a very beautiful wood. Thanks again, your
guys are the greatest.
Have a GREAT DAY!!!
A&M Woodcrafters
Mark A. in Round Lake, IL
Bill,
I just received my order today on schedule as was the other orders
I placed with you. I just recently returned to pen turning
after a long absence from it and I am very pleased with your
business and I am very thankful for the freebee blanks you sent. I
frequent the penturners.org website and had heard that you do that
for customers on occasion. Thank you for the great service.
Look for a large order in the near future. I will be getting a
quarterly bonus check this week and my wife said its all mine for
pen supplies - gotta love her !!!!
Thanks again for the great service.
Ray T. in Macomb, MI
Comments:
Received my order 1267 this morning. Very fast service! The two
Bahia rosewood blanks were an unexpected bonus. Thank you very
much!! Also, the instructions for the Baron pen are the best written
and easiest to understand that I have seen. You provide great
service and can expect more of my business!
Harry M. in Akron, OH
Comments:
I received my first order today. What great fast service. I am so
new to pen turning that I haven't turned one yet, have been afraid
to. Was delighted when you included information about the pen
turning video. When the weather cools down we are going to come down
and look your store over. Thanks for the great service.
Bob B. in Sun City, AZ
Comments:
Bill,
I've been ordering from you for about six months now. Every order
has been perfect. Always complete, always accurate, and always
timely. Every time I order from you I wait with bated breath for
the goodies I ordered and the little extras I always get. Anytime
someone visits my website and asks for any advice, Arizona
Silhouette is always at the top of the list.
Thanks,
Ben F. in Sierra Madre, CA
My order arrived today. You guys have the fastest service! And I
always appreciate the little "extras" that you include.
Thank you!
Lynn A. Manteo, NC
Comments:
I just wanted to say thank you. I understand if you
do not have time to read this, but I felt I needed to send it
anyway. I have only ordered from you two times now, as I just
recently found your site. I have a Woodcraft store in town, and a
Rockler very close by. I don't think I will be doing much business
there anymore, unless it is an emergency. Your prices are excellent.
I was a little skeptical of ordering blacks from you at first, but
the quality of grain patterns I have gotten has been better that
anything I have hand picked myself at other places. Thank you again,
keep up the good work.
Additional
Comment:
I just finished sending a thank you letter a few minutes ago, and I
did not mention the extra blank you had included. I thought this was
a mistake and did not want you posting the message saying I had
received a free blank if it was not intended to be free. Then I saw
the customer comments section and began to read. I see this is a
rather regular occurrence. When was the last time any of us went to
our local "wood supplier" and got anything for free. Not to mention
that fact that my orders are usually 25%-50% less than the "wood
suppliers prices, even after you include shipping. The personal
touch you add is worth any wait for the mail.
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
Robert C. in Homer Glen, IL
Dear
Bill and Kathy
I don’t write suppliers. Ever.
Until today, that is.
There are reasons. I place extreme
demands on how I expect suppliers to behave. I expect top quality
merchandise. I expect excellent service. I expect to be treated
respectfully on every call and with every order. I expect fair
prices. If my suppliers meet my expectations, they keep my
business. If not, I go elsewhere. I keep things simple.
In recent months I have found both
the number of orders and the amount of the orders with you to be
increasing. It’s made me stop and think. Why? I’ve dropped
several vendors. They missed the point. Some have delivered less
that satisfactory merchandise. Some have been lax in their
deliveries. Some have treated me or my friends in a condescending
manner. I don’t make a big deal about it. I just remove their
business card from my Rolodex.
But why have I maintained and, in
fact, increased my business with Arizona Silhouette. It’s actually
quite simple. You carry an excellent variety of top quality
merchandise. You are professional in every aspect of business, from
the website/shopping cart right through to order tracking via the US
Postal Service. Your prices are more than fair and your sale prices
are fantastic. You go the extra mile for me every time.
But, it’s more than the business
side. You have, from day one, provided me with a great deal of
information and education on how to improve my craft and how to
enhance my skills. You take time to talk with me when I need
explanations or when I need recommendations. You personalize your
service. That carries a lot of weight with me.
Over these past few months I’m
pleased to have had the time to talk with you and even share an
all-too-brief visit in Provo. The friendship that has developed is
meaningful and will be long-lasting.
I know you get many sincere letters
of support. This is just one in a long line. But it is heartfelt
and quite possibly the only one I will write this year. Thank you
for all you do.
Warmest regards to both you and
Kathy,
Lou M. (DCBluesman)
Washington, DC
Bill and all,
I'm very pleased and surprised. I completed my first order over the
internet, then I called in (as suggested on the website) another
order for blanks the next day, Saturday morning. Here it is
Wednesday afternoon and I have everything. Very quick.
But here is the real kicker... Enclosed with my first order is one
blank of Thuya Burl... At no charge! What a treat. Today I received
my second order and what do you know... There was a blank of Dessert
Ironwood enclosed, also at no charge. Another Fine Treat.
Hmm, I was getting ready to call and ask if it was included by
mistake. I certainly hope not. (It was not
a mistake).
Bill didn't say anything about this over the telephone, it was a
straight forward & friendly business conversation. But if this is
how you treat customers I WILL CERTAINLY COME HERE FOR ALL MY
SUPPLIES.
THANK YOU!
Mike J. Castro Valley, CA
Thank you for the outstanding
customer service. I will be frequenting your store again due to the
terrific service and products. It is nice to see that there are
businesses out there that still provides
customer service.
Scott B. in Forsyth, GA
Comments:
Just want to say thanks. Your recommendations and help in our deciding
what pen style, material, etc was very helpful. The pens that we are
making are for some very high up type political people, and I'm sure
they will be as pleased as I am with these commemorative pens. We'll
have to send you pictures when we are done and see what you think.
One small note to help you sell a little more in the future, remind
people about getting the pen mill to fit the pen kit they are
purchasing. Luckily for us, I have a really nice chop saw that puts a
really good edge on the blanks. (At least good enough in an emergency)
Also, thanks for recommending the Micromesh, that stuff is great. It
will save us a lot of money spent on sandpaper in the future, and we've
never been able to put a finish on a pen like we have so far on these.
Troy & Kelly L. in Richmond, VA
BB
That doesn't
seem likely (the unhappy thing), I got my second order today and
your professionalism and speed are outstanding!
I am a very
active turner, making 10-30 pieces a day as a result I am always
lookout for a great supplier. I am very value conscious and
appreciate the lengths you go to providing us with such high
quality goodies.
I have a
large juried show coming up, hopefully depleting a lot of my
inventory, look for more orders from me.
Bill,
Hi! It is truly a pleasure to do business with you. Your prompt
shipment of my order (which I received Monday) was a godsend. We are
just starting our business and I have several pen orders, one of which I
was able to complete for a co-worker of my wife. He ordered it for his
wife as a gift and wanted a medical symbol clip for it. My wife will
only see him tonight for another week as they work 3 12's at the
hospital and they only have one night a week together. Once again thank
you and we will be doing future business together.
Mike R.
American Handcrafted Specialties
Hi Bill.
Thank you so much for going out of your way to ship my order so quickly,
it arrived yesterday 17/06/05 and has given me all this weekend to get
my guitar rubbed out. It has been an absolute pleasure to do business
with you guys and I will not hesitate to refer people to your site
should they be in need of anything that I know you stock.
I look forward to next time, all the best to you and yours, kindest
regards.
Kim H. in Rockingham, Australia
Posted
on WoodCentral.com
Subject: Bad experience
Posted By: Bud Gabaree
Date: Wednesday, 11 May
2005, at 1:25 p.m.
I know we don't slander vendors here, but its not really
slander if all you speak is the truth, right?
I made a nearly $100 order from Az. Silhouettes on the 29th of
April. Still have not received it though there is a USPS tracking
order that says it was delivered on May 2nd.
All I know is that I did not get my order and the "proprietor" could
only offer this sage advice; "shoulda had it insured". Perhaps there
are vendors for whom insurance is absolutely necessary.
Apparently, customer service is shipped out the door with the
package. I was told I have no choice but to eat the loss.
Bottom line - buyer beware. I know I'll never grace that doorstep
again.
Good luck to those of you that do.
Posted
on WoodCentral.com
Subject: Re: Bad experience - a
rebuttal
Posted By: Bill Baumbeck
Date: Thursday, 12 May
2005, at 9:37 p.m.
In Response To: Bad experience (Bud Gabaree)
I would like to address the post made by Albert
Gabaree concerning the way Arizona Silhouette conducts business.
Mr. Gabaree placed an $81.50 order through our
website, asked for the cheapest method of shipment (in this instance
Priority Mail) and declined insurance (insurance would have cost
$2.20). Our shipping terms are very clear when it comes to Priority
Mail ("Orders shipped by Priority Mail do not automatically include
insurance - INSURANCE MUST BE ASKED FOR BY YOU AT THE TIME OF YOUR
ORDER. Should an order shipped via Express Mail, Priority Mail, air
mail/parcel post or regular parcel post, without insurance, become
lost or damaged we are not responsible for that loss or damage!").
Our complete shipping Terms policy can be viewed at
http://www.arizonasilhouette.com/Shipping_Terms.htm .
As for being chastised about the time of day
Mr. Gabaree phoned: he called at 5:10 in the morning and I did not
chastise him - I simply asked him not to call that early in the
future.
As for my attitude on the phone: after
listening to his complaint I suggested that he contact his mail
carrier or the post office in which his mail is dispatched from to
see what they did with his order. That idea fell on deaf ears. After
a few more moments of conversation with him I came to the conclusion
that he wanted us to replace his order at no additional cost to him.
I even asked him if that is what he wanted us to do and he replied
“Yes’. His reasoning was that since the Post Office did not
successfully deliver his order we were somehow responsible for his
loss. I totally disagreed with his reasoning. He refused to buy
insurance and now he wants to be compensated for his loss. Try that
with life or car insurance.
As for us not caring about his problem is
ridiculous. Mr. Gabaree was plainly not hearing what he wanted to hear
and did not want to accept responsibility for his lack of not buying
insurance. We don’t have any personal contacts within the Post
Office nor do we have additional ‘tools’ other than the delivery
confirmation number in which to track a package. Customer service is
just as important as customer responsibility.
Just for your information: we have shipped more
than 10,000 packages and we have never ‘lost’ an UPS shipment but we
have now ‘lost’ three Priority Mail shipments (one was delivered to
the wrong address, another was stolen and now we have Mr. Gabaree’s).
None of these ‘lost’ shipments were insured.
Thank you for your time.
Bill Baumbeck
Arizona Silhouette
www.arizonasilhouette.com
Follow-up:
Mr. Gabaree's order was returned to us by the
Post Office and we received it Friday, June 3, 2005. Mr.
Gabaree did not, to the best of our knowledge, contact the post
office from where his mail is dispatched from to see if his package was
there (May 2 - May 12). He filed a complaint with his credit
card company on May 12 to dispute the charge and he was issued a
refund. His order was there and sat at his post office for ten days waiting
for him to pick it up. The post office tried again to deliver
and/or notify him that a package was to be picked up on four
separate occasions (May 20, May 25, May 29, and May 30) but since he
'canceled' his order on May 12 with his credit card company he made
no attempt to retrieve it.
As stated in the ordering process, right above where a person would
indicate whether or not insurance is wanted *, is the following
statement:
Shipping Insurance: We pack each shipment very carefully but
sometimes items are damaged in transit or lost. When this happens,
the only way that we can replace your items is if they are insured.
If indicated, shipping insurance will also be added to your invoice.
UPS shipments are automatically insured to $100 at no cost to you.
To read our Insurance terms and see examples of Insurance costs
Click Here.
* It is necessary that a customer enter "Yes" or "No" as the order
will not process if this field is left blank.
Posted
on WoodCentral.com
Subject: Re: Rebuttal?
Posted By: Mark M. - Gone
Round In Jersey
Date: Friday, 13 May 2005,
at 3:40 p.m.
In Response To: Re: Bad experience - a rebuttal (Bill
Baumbeck)
Mr. Baumbeck,
Do you mean to tell us that you put your
shipping policy, charges, and options right on your website in
larger that 2-point type that's not yellow-on-yellow? What nerve!
You telling me that you ACTUALLY EXPECT people
to READ all that stuff BEFORE they book an order? You some kind of
informed-consumer advocate/creep or something?
Are you seriously implying that customers who
wake you up at 5am demanding to know where their stuff is have no
right to expect you to be as conversant and congenial as you may be
at 9:00 after your second cup of coffee? Shocking!
Do you mean to state that you pass up the
extra profit potential in overcharging customers for shipping and
handling like most other Internet and catalog vendors do? You some
kind of subversive or what?
Next thing you'll tell me is that your prices
are cheaper than others, and that you often put little surprise
extras and samples in the box at no charge!
You’re messing with The System, Man, so
tonight, about 1:30 am, I’m calling the Better Business Bureau! Yes
sir, them boys are obviously sleeping on the job, and it's way past
time to wake'em up! In a society that demands its food instantly and
24/7 no-questions-asked customer service even faster, there’s just
no room for such practices, and this has GOT TO STOP!
M
Bill and Kathy,
I just wanted to let you know that the shopping cart experience I had
last night was absolutely wonderful!! Whoever you have creating your
website is truly a professional. Thanks for all of your quality
service and I am looking forward to doing more business together in the
future.
Len B. in San Diego, CA
Go Navy!!
Hi Bill,
Just want to comment on the new order entry system (Shopping Cart). Huge improvement.
Everything worked smoothly.
I also wanted to thank you again for all the free eye candy you've been
including with the orders. It's a very nice thing to do and makes
(finally) opening the box even more fun. :)
Thanks,
Paul D. in Danbury, CT
Bill,
I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that I had received
both of my latest orders and the goodies that you left in there as
well. Thank you very much for your quick service and for the extra wood
blanks. I'm very anxious to turn the desert ironwood with one of the
Baron kits.
It's always a pleasure to call you, and I make sure I tell all the
people in my local woodturner's club about you.
Best regards,
Tom W. in Baltimore, MD
Bill,
Just wanted to tell you that I really enjoyed your instruction video.
I wish I would have got it 6 months ago. Thank you for the extra
pen blank and the pen pouches with my recent orders. Its good to
see small business appreciate us little guys. Thanks again.
Chad K. in Welcome, NC
Bill,
I wanted to send you a brief email and thank you for putting
together the pen turning DVD. My father taught me how to turn
pens over the holidays and I learned a great deal from the DVD.
I also appreciate your taking my phone calls and answering my
novice questions. You have been a great resource, thanks for
the time you put into helping those of us that are new to the
hobby.
J. B. P. in Woodinville Washington
I received my order today and am very
pleased. It was exactly as you said it would be. You've made a
new customer. I don't buy much but I will buy from you when I
can.
Rex C. in Pueblo, CO
Hi Bill & Kathy
What great service! What a pleasure it is to do business with a
service-orientated company!
Thanks for the advice on the turning tape. It makes it so much
easier once I have seen some of the other styles of pens turned.
Thanks for the olive pen plank. What a great way to say thanks
for an order.
You came highly recommended by the turners on the penturners
forum.
I'm sure you will see additional orders from me in the future.
Again thanks.
Claude S. in Altoona, WI
Bill and Kathy:
I just wanted to say thank you for your outstanding service and
the beautiful wood you've sent me this past year. I hope others
do the same. As I'm sitting in my office contemplating the
federal holiday tomorrow and what I'm going to do, my thoughts
naturally turned to working in the shop tomorrow. Then I
remembered my drill press is in the shop for a burned out
motor. Oh well, guess I'll take some time tomorrow to
photograph some of the stuff I've made lately and post it on the
web.
But more important than that, I sincerely appreciate your work
ethic and the quality of what you do. It's always been the best
and I wanted to take a minute to say thank you.
I've turned both of my brothers onto your website and I'm sure
they will be sending you some orders very soon. They both loved
the last batch of buckeye burl you sent me and all my kids loved
the bottle stoppers I made out of it for their "special annual
Christmas gift from Dad".
You both, have a great and safe New Years celebration and keep
up the good work please.
Bob A. in Salinas, CA
Bill,
I haven't bought much from you in the past, but I plan to
correct that in the near future. It pisses me off when people
want what I call "Saks Fifth Avenue Service" at K-Mart prices.
Everything I have heard and seen on both the penturners group
and the bottle stopper group shows me a dedicated hardworking
person who loves wood and the turning of it.
I hope you can ignore such peo0ple and their foolish
expectations. This was one of the reasons I left the private
practice of dentistry and went back into Government service.
Happy Holidays,
William C. in Pineville, LA
I gotta say I placed my FIRST order
with Bill on the phone the other day - he spent two hours with
me helping me to get what I wanted - nothing but great service -
the prices were fantastic - they went out the next day by
Priority for a meager 7 BUCKS!! I got them (from AZ to GA) in 2
days - I saved probably at least 100 bucks from my local
suppliers and got a lot of info and advice that was great!
By the way if your a newbie his Penturning video is packed with
excellent info - I have watched it several times (also if you
have the volume pretty high at one point you will hear Bill
asking a guy quietly, why the heck he did that??). LOL
Thanks Bill, you rock!!
Dan B in Woodstock, GA
I
have been doing business with
both Woodcraft and Bill B/AS for years. I find that Bill is NOT
the same Bill as I had met years ago---a year or so ago, I could
place an order and it usually would be shipped within a day
(sometimes two); over the past few months, it has been rarely
one day. Also, it seems that BB is always in a big rush. I was
wondering if it was me and asked a few members of our NY Turning
club and other's agreed with me. While I will continue to do
some business with Bill (he used to get the majority), now CS
and WC get more.
Woodcraft has a store in Rochester (NY), and they teach classes,
are very helpful, and if I place an order with the corp. HQ, it
usually gets shipped the next day. Their Demo Days are also
nice.
Yes WC prices are higher, but WC is not a few person
business...
I wish the "old" Bill was back at AS...
Matt in the state of New York
(I'm not sure who this guy
is - BB).
Matt:
I wish I knew the "old Bill" too. I do know the current Bill,
and have tremendous respect for him. The "old Bill" could have
sent me over the top, I guess.
I ordered some stuff from Bill on the phone on Monday evening of
this week. He apologized to me saying he was really busy and
probably wouldn't be able to ship until Wednesday. I told him
that I understood he must be busy with Christmas so close and
Wednesday would be fine. The merchandise arrived in my mailbox
via priority mail on Thursday afternoon. I'm pretty sure Bill
shipped it the next day, but don't really care to check and see
when it was sent.
I ordered some bottle stopper kits that included "free
shipping." I also ordered some other wood blanks from Bill and
to show you the type of businessman Bill happens to be, without
me asking him to do it, he included the wood blanks in the same
box as the stopper kits and he picked up the shipping costs for
everything. He even took the time on the phone to tell me there
would be more room in the shipping box and would I like to order
some more items which he would also ship for free in the box
with the bottle stoppers. I don't think you can ask for much
more than that from a supplier, but as Ron Popiel says on the
infomercials, "But wait! There's more!"
Bill's selection of wood is truly breathtaking. I've never seen
such consistently beautiful wood anywhere else. I've never
gotten even a mediocre piece of wood from him. And there's even
more! He always throws in something extra when he ships. I've
never had any other supplier do that.
Bill doesn't get 100% of my business, but that's only because he
doesn't sell everything I ever need to buy. If Bill sells it,
he gets my order. End of story.
I too buy some things from Woodcraft as they are the closest
woodworking store to my house. If you indeed are as happy with
Woodcraft as I am with AS, then we're both happy and that's a
good thing. :-)
I have no affiliation with AS other than being an extremely
satisfied customer. Sorry this got sent so late. I've been
busy today turning some of the fabulous wood Bill sent me this
week, wondering how in the heck he manages to find and sell such
quality wood. I just came in from the shop.
Bob A in Salinas, CA
Matt,
I've been giving your post a lot
of thought ever sense you wrote it because it just does
not make sense. Now after reading BB's post to you, it makes
even less sense. No offense, but after reading both yours
and BB's posts I can only come to one conclusion. It sounds
more like your underwear is in a wad or just a little bit to
snug maybe.
Merry Christmas and I hope that you have a better New Year.
Wayne S. in Okemos, MI
As a vender, you always want to hear
about the problems because no matter how much quality control
you do, there is nothing like a mass market to come up with
something that just is not right. Unfortunately, we as vendors
do not hear if there is a problem and that is also bad because
we can not try to resolve their problem and ultimately the
public has the right to just go somewhere else!
Bill has filled thousands and thousands of orders with no
problems and to tell you the truth all I hear is positive
feedback from pen turners when I do demonstrations and speak at
meetings. You will never satisfy 100% of the public all the
time and if there is ONE person who was not satisfied, then I
think that is a great track record!
Barry Gross - BG Artforms
Hi,
Just a quick note to let you know that I
received the block that I purchased from you. It looks
fantastic! When the cue that I am having constructed is
finished, I'll send some photographs for your online gallery.
Thanks again for the great business transaction and the personal
interactions. Your business is A+++ in my book!
Bill,
This is Josh A. - I spoke with you last Friday
night when I placed my first order with you. I had such a great
experience talking to you and placing my order I just had to let you
know. I want to thank you once again for spending your precious
time with me and giving me some pointers over the phone. All of
your suggestions have been very helpful to me and I see a great
improvement in my pens already. I appreciate your suggestion to get
your video - I have watched it twice already and made many changes
to the way I was making my pens.
Thank you for the rapid shipping. I did not
expect my package until Wednesday and was more than pleasantly
surprised when I received it on Monday, and when I opened the box I
was again surprised to find you threw in a few pieces of eye candy!!
Bill, your customer service was off the chart,
your inventory selection is enormous with prices that beat all of
your competition, and your stabilized pen blanks are just
gorgeous!! You have definitely earned a new repeat dedicated
customer!!
Thank you,
Josh A. in South Berwick, MN
Hi Bill,
Just wanted to let you know that I
received your video and happy been watching voraciously the last several
days.....and am now starting my first pen. THANK YOU! Your video is easy
to follow and very pleasantly executed. I have gained much
already...confidence not being the least too.
I have visited your website and am
impressed by your setup.
Again Thank You! It has been a
pleasure.
Have a Wonderful Week!
Regards, Laura S. in Las Cruces, NM
Hi Mr. and Mrs. Baumbeck,
I just received your care package from
the UPS driver. I must say that getting a package from you makes me
feel like a little kid at Christmas time again!
Everything arrived in perfect order
and the spalted sycamore you picked is wonderfully pretty! It is
destined to become one of my private collection pens. And thank you for
the pieces of Desert Iron wood and red maple burl too!
Two of the prettiest pens I've made
have been from your "stocking-stuffers". My Husband often has to do the
suit-and-tie dance with his companies engineering clients and a pen I
made from some pieces of black ash burl you sent me is now a permanent
part of his sharp-dressed-man attire. He has already used it to ink
deals with IBM and Toshiba.
Rumor has it that after David pulled
out his golden burl wonder to sign a contract, the Toshiba team excused
themselves from the room for a few moments so the Toshiba exec could
shake down his subordinates for a nicer pen for himself (Japanese Honor
can be a little odd). He returned to the room with his BIC no where in
sight, and a nice, but store bought plastic pen instead. David asked me
to make a nice pen to send as a thank you for a contract that will keep
him in business for at least another year. I'm eyeing that piece of gold
dyed Boxelder Burl I bought from you a while back and will probably do a
fountain pen with it, and make a nice presentation case as well.
Anyway, thanks again and I'll be
chatting with you toward the end of the month. It's Friday and I have
all my new treasures to go work with.
Peace;
Kim G. in Hayward, CA
Hi Bill and Kathy: I just wanted to
say thanks for the DVD, it was very educational and enjoyable. I look
forward to using the wood lathe for pens instead of my old metal lathe.
I feel better equipped to do it now even after about 50 pens made on the
metal lathe. Thanks,
Bob M., Downandacross Rod Company in
Buffalo, NY
Hi Bill.......I know your busy but I
had to contact you...I've been turning bowls and lamps for about 2
years...I wanted to turn pens.......but knew nothing about it........so
I ordered your DVD ..It is Wonderful...I made my first pen tonight...and
with your instructions........it came out great!!!!..Thanks again for
the help. You're a neat guy....Your new friend......
Dave C. in Hitchcock, TX
Hi Bill,
This is going to be long winded be patient. We got your video, DVD
actually, yesterday 1/22/04 and the first thing we did when I got home
from work was put it on. GREAT STUFF!! I've only been making pens
since mid November and am completely hooked. My wife and I learned a
lot from your video and has really inspired us. We did have a
question. Is there a specific reason that you waited to turn the
tenon on the European until the very end? We usually turn it as soon
as we get the blank round then use the sliding part of the bushing as
the guide for the bottom end of the top.
(Just my own technique - Bill)
We thought we were doing good by sanding through 3600, but 12000,
wow. I made a Wall Street pen and today, and I used your CA slurry
method, I need to work on it for a pen or to get it exact but it
worked well. After I put the Hut Crystal Coat on, I set it aside
until tonight when I came home from work before I put it together.
The original shine was great. Super tip.
I had an extremely great day at work today. I carry a small sample
case of my pens wherever I go, and made $90. That's more than I made
in my job!
Blake M. in Indiana, PA
Bill and Kathy;
My hat is off to you both. You set some
goals and quietly went to work and are achieving them. There is
nothing like satisfaction to be the ultimate reward for hard work. You
truly do a terrific job and give service at the highest level using
the best of the best products.
May the New Year be a time of fulfillment and Joy for the both of
you. As the great philosopher once said "Keep on kicking ass and
taking names!"
Kevin B. in Pinetop, AZ
Bill, I ordered some items on Saturday
and received it today, Wed. I am thoroughly delighted with the rapid
service and quality of the blanks. I am eager to try the new pen kits
with this exciting wood-- uh- I mean "eye candy". Thank you!
Glenn M. in Chesterfield, MI
Hi Bill,
I just wanted to let you know how
impressed I am with both your pen blanks and wax, as well as your
customer service. It was truly a joy doing business with you. It was
even more joy when I saw how gorgeous your blanks were!! Rest assured,
you have my business from now on.
Thanks very much from a SERIOUSLY
happy customer!
Tim W. in Canton, GA
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Please pardon if this sounds like a
Tuesday ad. I don't sell these nor do I make any money on them.
I bought Bill Baumbeck's video and
just watched it over the weekend and I have to recommend it to anyone
who wants to learn how to turn pens or just wants to see how someone
else does it. (BTW, Bill doesn't know I'm sending this)
I've been turning pens, on and off,
since 1997 but never had the chance to see anyone else do it. All I
learned is by trial and error and talking to the guys at the Woodcraft
store. I got a lot of good advice and direction from this video and plan
to adopt much of it, especially his hand jig for holding the blanks
while drilling them. It's the best $20 bucks I've ever spent.
Thanks Bill.
Rod C. in Chelmsford, MA
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Well I'm a new member that has been
lurking around here for several months without a post. I found this post
this morning and have to say that I totally agree with the post. I
became interested in pen turning about 4 months ago and Bill's video was
my very first purchase. Now 4 months later and about $600 into this
hobby and Bill's video is still the best $20 that I've spent so far. I
would strongly recommend this video to anyone that is interested in
penturning. Video quality is excellent. I only wish that he would
consider doing a Volume #2: Advanced Penturning and cover things like
turning antler, corian, crushed velvet and more advanced type pens like
roller balls, cigars, wallstreets, etc.
Rob T. in Hopkinsville, KY
Hello Bill.
Just a short note to let you know that
my order has arrived safely today ( Happy Birthday to me !! ) It looks a
great selection, I got myself straight into the workshop and turned a
small vase and a fruit bowl One from buckeye burl ( violet ) and one
from oak burl. They both look superb, the wood turns really well and I
used a piece of the micromesh for final sanding. Thanks very much for
your excellent service, and for the extra pieces. I will be in touch in
the near future to order some more offcuts, I intend to keep up my
stocks of this brilliant material. Thanks again for everything. Best
regards.
Graham S. in Staffordshire, England
Hi,
About two+ weeks ago I ordered some blanks from you, and ended up
getting your video tape you told me about on the phone. I had
anticipated using the blanks right away because I had some pens in
mind. Well...
Actually the first thing I ended up doing was watching the video tape,
and then applying what I learned to pens with wood I had lying around.
They turned out much better than my previous efforts, so thanks very
much.
Also thank you for your generosity in the package! -- it came very
quickly and not only with some of that wax you mentioned but you threw
in extra half blanks also. I'm especially excited to be able to see how
the double dyed purple-teal is going to turn out -- I was interested in
that specific color, but didn't want to get too much right away.
So thanks very much. Work has kept me from doing to much in the last
few weeks but I'm looking forward to some extra time soon. Also thanks
very much for the time you spent with me on the phone providing
information.
Margot F. in Topanga, CA
Bill,
I received the blanks and hardware right on time. The few backordered
items came shortly thereafter. I was very pleased with the selections
you made and thanks much for the extra blanks. This is an appreciated
benefit of doing business with you. I enjoyed your video and your
presentation of processes, hints, and kinks I had never thought of. Too
many to mention in this e-mail. I used your drill mounted pen mill idea
and it works great and saves time. I have a much better view and control
of the brass barrel contact now. I also liked the "slurry mix" idea and
will try it soon. The Dental Base plate wax works great too.
I can see I have not been sanding through enough grits. Thanks again for
your personal attention. I forwarded your brochure and a recommendation
to a pen maker friend in California. I hope he takes advantage of it.
Ken M. in Friendswood, TX
Hi Bill,
We received the order today, excellent
customer service and fast shipping, we'll be back for more stuff as we
get into this hobby of pen turning. Just wanted to send a quick message
to say thanks, in today's economy of declining customer service it's
refreshing to come across a business such as yours that strives to do
well, we're modeling our own start-up business on those important
principles. We look forward to watching the video this evening. Have a
great week! :o)
Darren E. & Kathryn St. Clair E. in
Knoxville, TN
As I mentioned, I had never turned
this before (stabilized wood). Upon opening, I didn't know what
to expect. Got all the pieces out and most were much darker than I had
thought. Jill's mom is staying fro a few days, so I took a minute from
family life to see what the deal was with them. Cut up one of the BE
burl block (boxelder burl), teal color. Once I had cut it in
half, my eyes lit up like a little kid! Mounted that little guy on the
lathe, and 45 minutes later had one of the most gorgeous vases I've ever
made! When I get a chance, I will send you pics of it. My wife thought
it was really cool, as did my mother-in-law. I think these will sell
very well for me on eBay.
To be frank, I am impressed. You can
be sure I will definitely be back for more goodies! I hope you keep me
in mind if you ever get in some interesting finds. The pieces that are
1-1/4" cubes (or there abouts) are just fine. Smaller is fine, too.
Bigger works. They ALL work! Shoot, if the piece is 1/4" square, I can
make something from it!
Thanks for the extra pieces as well. I
just might have to send you a pic of every mini I make from these
blocks! And I can get a LOT from this stuff.
Mike J. in River Falls, WI
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Comments from Pat L. (Laguna Beach,
CA) after completing 24 curly red boxelder pens with wood supplied by
me...
I will say one thing though, all the
time I was drilling, turning and finishing those blanks, I kept thinking
how grateful I was that I was working with such wonderful, consistently
dependable wood! I would NEVER want to do an order like that using any
kind of finicky, prone-to-problems wood. It would have been a nightmare
if I had to deal with blowouts, cracking, open grain, etc. So at the end
of each day, I would go into my little B.B. shrine (the one with the
photo of Bill Baumbeck in his overalls, the cactus plants, his
videotape, etc.), and bow down to his photo 24 times - seemed to have
worked well. I didn't ruin even one blank. {;-}
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Bill Baumbeck is the man when it comes
to pen blanks! Especially if its hard to find stuff.
Here is a link to his web site (you
can find this link along with a lot more on the Links section of the
board).
If he doesn't list it on his web page,
I'd email him. Sometimes Bill has stuff that's not posted or there is a
limited quantity.
BTW - He has Russian Olive Burl listed
and I can say from personal experience that its fantastic!
Hope that helps!
Brian H. in Cedar Hill, TX
Good Afternoon Bill,
The box arrived!! I am very pleased
with it all. Very nice stuff Bill!
Thanks for the extra pieces. I have to
admit that I look forward to seeing just what extra's you have sent
along. It is always a surprise to open your box.
Thanks Again
Ed K. in Boise, ID
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
The best advice I can give you for a
great, long-lasting shine is this: Use professionally stabilized woods
and burls, such as the beautiful pen blanks that Bill Baumbeck, Arizona
Silhouette sells.
Bill B. is a member of our group, and
hand cuts his own woods. He will hand select the pieces he sends you,
and will give you good prices on the most the beautiful woods you will
ever see anywhere! A lot of what you see in our group photos that looks
so "spectacular" to you is Bill's gorgeous woods with the built-in
shine...scroll down below the written descriptions to see photos of his
incredible woods.
I think you will be very surprised at
the beautiful shine you get using Micro Mesh through 12,000 (not 1,200)
and stabilized woods, (professionally done.) Then when your finish wears
off, (as every finish does on any pen that is handled and used), you
will still see a gorgeous piece of shiny wood underneath.
I know it sounds like I work for Bill,
but I don't. (Although he does work hard for me and his other
customers.) I'm just a very satisfied customer. The main reason I sound
like an ad for Bill B. is that using his stabilized woods has improved
my pen making and finishes more than any other single technique or
product I've ever tried in 5 years of pen making.
Patricia L. in Laguna Beach, CA
Bill,
Finally had a chance to make some pens
with the blanks that I purchased from you (it's only been a month!) I
have to agree with the comments I've read, OUTSTANDING. I haven't gotten
this many compliments on my pens before. People always ask me where I
get the wood for the pens. And I just have to tell them "from the Candy
Store" HA HA!!!! Thanks Bill, I'll be buying a bunch more, just for
myself. Also thanks for the advice on how to finish them, I think the
wood will outlast the hardware.
Thanks,
Dan K. in Minot, ND
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Folks as all of you know I am new at
the pen making hobby, and the first pen I turned was a Slimline out of a
piece of Purpleheart wood that came from another company. I couldn't
get a finish on it to satisfy me, it wasn't bad but it just wasn't what
I wanted. I posted to the group and got some good advice, and I quote
somebody " When it comes to wood, look no further that Bill Baumbeck".
This was solid gold advice. I called Bill and talked to him, after a
few minutes it was like I had known him all my life. I placed an order
and in three days the mail woman brought my wood. The blanks were
absolutely beautiful, and he also threw in some freebies and the
freebies were just as good as the others. I picked out two BEB (boxelder
burl) red blanks (Bill took the time to match colors) and made my first
pen & pencil set and gave the set to my sister. Within three days
(think news don't travel fast?) I had five orders and remember I am a
beginner. This stuff turns like a dream and finishes even better. When
my next order gets here I will have acquired over 100 of Bills blanks
and my piggy bank is shot to heck. There's not much I can say about
Bill and his wood that probably hasn't been said a dozen times but I
will say this "if he goes out of business I am out of business also".
All the advice I have got from the group has been good but the referral
to get Bills wood is probably the best advice a newbie can get. Thanks
Bill and thanks to the group. Sorry to be so long winded, I actually
cut this post short :)
Mike M. in Johnson City, TN
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Dealing with Bill Baumbeck is like a
breath of fresh air. I am mainly a lurker but my recent experience with
Bill was so good I feel I must share. I ordered last Friday 3/21/2003
and received the order on Monday 3/24/2003 (AZ to Brooklyn, NY). I was
billed a little less then quoted and Bill sent extra blanks at no
charge. Finally the blanks were great, and although I have been making
pens for over 6 years I learned several things from his excellent tape.
Victor in Brooklyn, NY
Bill,
Received my shipment of pen blanks on
Monday. I think this is the most amazing collection I have ever seen.
I like the samples of box elder and maple. I appreciate the free
samples.
I'm sure you will be hearing from me
in the near future.
Thank You
David L. in Zelienople, PA
Bill,
Just wanted to let you know I got the wood today. There is only one word
for it "Awesome". In fact I don't know if that says enough!. I made a
pen with the Boxelder teal and blue double dyed wood and it is amazing.
I made the pen for my mother-in-law. The only problem is I don't think
my wife will want to give it once she sees it. Thanks for providing such
amazing wood.
Ken K. in Oklahoma City, OK
Hi Bill,
Just a short note to let you know the
pen blanks you sent were awesome, especially the Buckeye burl. I will
have to order more real soon.
Thanks,
Paul P. in Phoenix, AZ
Bill,
I know you get tired of hearing this
but my order just arrived today. I ordered it on Tuesday night and its
here on Friday. What great service. The only problem I have with the
order is I received it at work and they expect me to spend the rest of
the day here instead of getting to the shop and start turning. Talk
about terrible working conditions. The blanks are absolutely beautiful.
I keep changing my mind on which one to turn first.
Thanks again for your help and the
extras.
Mart B. in Moore, OK
Mr. Baumbeck,
Just wanted to say “Thanks” for the
great service. The blanks look great!! Also thank you for the extra
Buckeye Burl, too. Can’t wait to turn them!
Thank you again for the superb
service- I look forward to doing business with you again in the very
near future!
Mark H. in Frankfort, KY
Hi Bill
Received my order this AM.
Just wanted you to know that
everything is Excellent. I can’t wait to get started on making some
sawdust. The blanks look too good to turn.
Thanks for the extras
Don C. in Coventry, RI
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
Bill, I just received my first order
from you and I have to admit that I'm impressed. I haven't turned any
yet, but if they turn half as good as they look I'll be hooked. Your
prices are also a lot better than other places and I'm sure the quality
is much better. Thanks!
Jonathan P. in Cogan Station, PA
HI Bill,
I just happened to look to your site
minutes ago and I can tell you that I appreciate to see the picture of
most of your pen blanks on the bottom of the blanks page. I think it is
very useful and it's going to help me a lot for my future orders.
Congratulations on your nice
work!!!!!!!
André R. in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada
Thank you André. Full credit for the photos belongs to Paul Russell
of Aurora, CO. He's the guy with the camera and the patience!
I turned my first burl wood I received
from you last week and my wife took it to the farmer’s market last
Saturday, where she sells goat soap, goat cheese , eggs and my pens.
She sold it. None of my other pens
sold. Burl really out classes the other wood.
Today I am turning another piece and
hope to get one more on the lathe this afternoon.
Another order will be coming your way
soon.
Thanks
Larry R. in Kenney, TX
Just received your black/brown
boxelder. It's going to make a great looking knife. I'm going to
construct one that looks like my website home page
www.ColoradoKnives.com. The quality in this block is
exactly what I am always looking for. Thanks!
If you would have added a little more
black color in the rest of the blocks (for contrast) I would have
purchased them all. I didn't see much black color in the pictures but
sometimes it's hard to tell by just looking at pictures. I know you said
you don't dye them yourself and dyeing wood is very experimental.
Thanks for keeping me in mind. I've
never made a knife for myself but I think I might do so with this block
of (boxelder) burl.
Jimmie B. in Pine, CO
Bill,
My order arrived today, can't wait to
try it out. Thanks for the samples, they look interesting too.
Thanks again for your exceptional
service.
Francis M. of Norristown, PA
Bill I know you get tired of hearing
this but my order just arrived today. I ordered it on Tuesday night and
its here on Friday. What great service. The only problem I have with the
order is I received it at work and they expect me to spend the rest of
the day here instead of getting to the shop and start turning. Talk
about terrible working conditions. The blanks are absolutely beautiful.
I keep changing my mind on which one to turn first. Thanks again for
your help and the extras.
Mart B. in Moore, OK
Bill,
I received my box of "eye candy"
today. Thanks for the quick turnaround. Once I complete some pens I'll
forward a few pictures to you.
Everyone on the Penturners Group is
right...you are the "King of Burl".
Regards,
Darren A. in Spring, TX
I have people stand and gently rub the
wood barrels of the pens while passing the acrylics I have. Again, it's
the market you're shooting for. I love the Bill Baumbeck blanks for my
upper end items because Bill has things I cannot get for myself and
that's what people look at first. If they can't afford those, offer
something a little cheaper.
Rick B. in Temple, TX
Bill,
Your blanks are awesome. I'm really
having fun here.
Darren A. in Spring, TX
Bill - I was home about 30 minutes,
when my favorite UPS man arrived and delivered my box from you. I
couldn't believe it - I was hoping for maybe a Saturday delivery. The
blanks are just beautiful - seems that with each delivery, they get
better and better. I didn't think they could. The freebies were great
and I am especially excited about turning the "special" Cocobolo. I
don't understand your earlier statement on needing to order some thicker
so you can cut them effectively. Looks to me like they are going to be
beautiful the way you cut my blank.
The whole selection looks good and I'm
anxious to turn so many of the ones you picked out for me - many of
which I never heard of, so that makes it even more exciting. I must
remember to log each of the pens with a name and description, since
several were one-of-a-kind - otherwise, how can I re-order?
Thanks again Bill for all your work
and your selections.
Jay P. in Fort Worth, TX
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
From reading all of your posts, I know
that you all know that Bill is a great guy, but I figured I'd say it
again and also thank him publicly for the time he spent giving me tips
and advice when I called him to place my order. It's great to get honest
to goodness customer service these days!
Scott L. in Falcon, CO
Tell the mini turner who asked you
about the spalted Hackberry last weekend that I can personally attest to
the quality of Bill's stabilized woods (you can also tell him most, if
not all, of the turnings of mine he was looking at your booth last
weekend were turned from Bill's stabilized wood, so in that sense he has
actually had the chance to see some of Bill's blanks up close).
Bill cuts and squares up all his wood
blanks himself, from start to finish, and thus controls the quality
throughout. Cutting his own wood also enables him to make some pretty
unique cross- and angle-cuts which display the grain patterns in certain
woods pretty dramatically (Hawaiian Pheasantwood, Red Palm and Black
Palm are three that come to mind, but there are also the cross-cut
Spalts, which when angle- or cross-cut give the marvelous "spider web"
figure with the black/dark brown pencil thin to broad spalt lines
running all around the blank and even orbing diagonally up and down).
I can also attest heartily to Bill's
complete honesty and integrity - he'll get what he orders and he'll get
the best quality money can buy. Furthermore, Bill has just about the
best prices around for the highest quality, highly-figured stabilized
wood I've ever come across. He won't go wrong ordering from Bill.
Debie W. in Niles, OH
HEY BILL
I WAS SMART ENOUGH TO GIVE YOUR BLANKS
A TRY ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO. YOU SENT ME A WONDERFUL ASSORTMENT OF ABOUT
30 BLANKS. I HAVE TURNED ABOUT 20 SO FAR, CAN'T WAIT TO TURN THE OTHERS,
YOU REFER TO YOUR BLANKS, AS EYE CANDY AND AFTER TURNING THESE BLANKS, I
NOW KNOW WHY! I JUST WANTED TO LET YOU KNOW THAT I WILL BE PLACING
ANOTHER ORDER WITH YOU SHORTLY AND WANT TO SAY THAT I HAVE ONLY BEEN
TURNING PENS ABOUT 6 MONTHS AND YOUR BLANKS ARE BY FAR THE ONE BIGGEST
IMPROVEMENT IN MY WORK! JUST THOUGHT I WOULD LET YOU KNOW.
THANKS BILL
JOHN G. in Branson, MO
Posted in the Yahoo! Penturners Group:
One of the biggest improvements in my
work was to place an order with Bill B for pen blanks, I kept here his
name here and said what is all the fuss about bills blanks, so I called
and Bill spent a little time with me on the phone, I ask Bill to just
use his own judgment and put together, a nice order for me of what
thought would be a nice assortment, and boy did I make the right
decision, Bills blanks are the one biggest improvement of my pens!
Thanks Bill I will be sending you another ordered soon.
John G. in Branson, MO
Hi Bill
I received the wood that I order and
am very pleased with it. Thanks also, for the extra pieces that you
send. I have already turned a miniature vase out of one of the woods. It
is beautiful. I am going to order a pound of the random cut boards soon.
They will work out perfect for my miniature turning.
Thank You
Lee D. in Centerville, OH
Hi Bill,
Everything arrived fine and I must say
I am extremely pleased with the blanks. All are great looking and will
make pens that I think will evoke that "Wow" factor from people looking
at them. I immediately turned the olive wood as a birthday gift for my
father and he was very pleased with it. I'll be back in touch when I
need more blanks and will definitely know what to order next time! Thank
you for taking the time to pick out the assortment for me and thanks
also for all of the tips you gave me on turning pens!
Scott L. in Falcon, CO
Thanks Bill for the quick delivery on
my pen blanks orders, both of them. The blanks are just AWESOME. You are
truly the King of Burls. Many thanks for the extra blanks. That is so
very kind an meaningful to receive a surprise like that, kind of like
Christmas morning. I will be ordering again soon.
Thanks,
Craig I. in Spicewood, TX
Bill,
Got the shipment today, as always,
fantastic, and thanks for the bonus blanks, I can’t wait to turn the
Carob. I don’t know how you keep doing it, but I swear, buying from you
is more of a sure bet than hand picking the stock myself!
Talk to you soon. (No doubt, I’ll need
another fix of ‘eye candy’)
Dan K. in Eagan, MN
Hi Bill!
As always, I find your blanks to be
far superior to any I've ordered from any other source. The finished pen
takes on a shine and polish that's truly amazing! And your service is
second to none.
Thanks, Bill, for being in business!
Russ F. in Bowling Green, OH
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