It's time for change!!!!!!!!!

[freak 'n' stein]

At what point is it finally unexceptable to be receiving product though? Is it unreasonable to get what you ordered before October if ordered before or at Transworld? Every year we have gotten something we ordered right around Transworld in November and in turn haven't been able to use it for the season we bought it. I'm owed something this season too and didn't get it when I was told. Hey, I know it is just as bad when vendors make something and the customer decides not to pay. We all have to get a little better at this because we both need eachother.

I say to this, WE SHOULD JUST "OOOH" AND "AAAH" DURING TRANSWORLD AND ORDER THE PROPS AT THE END OF THAT YEARS SEASON IN PREP FOR THE FOLLOWING SEASON. haha...that will give the vendors who are "behind" an entire year to send your props...

[mindtumor]

At what point is it finally unexceptable to be receiving product though? Is it unreasonable to get what you ordered before October if ordered before or at Transworld? Every year we have gotten something we ordered right around Transworld in November and in turn haven't been able to use it for the season we bought it. I'm owed something this season too and didn't get it when I was told. Hey, I know it is just as bad when vendors make something and the customer decides not to pay. We all have to get a little better at this because we both need eachother.

[Twin Locusts]

when dealing with goods shipped escrow is the answer to protect both parties, simple and effective.

Kevin, your cash flow comments are completely reasonable; and as you stated it's the vast minority of vendors that are fly-by-night that set these types of issues on fire, the best tool buyers have is intelligence on vendor history and 'getting to know the vendor'.

Every creative service I've been involved with works on a % down and balance upon delivery. Video production often works on thirds, first third up front, second on final edit approval, final on delivery, same with theatrical design sub-contracting, and catalog photography.

[Gore Galore]

Shane,
I am sorry but that sounds a little callous to me.
However I understand your frustrations. And I apologize on behalf of all vendors who take our businesses seriously and just want to see our customers succeed. We ALL depend on one another, and all need to work together.

Those vendors who are using their customers, it does come around and word of mouth will kill their businesses. Well that is atleast my belief.

[graystone]

Kevin

I consider your company good and honest. Now I will say this how do we know if we send the other 50% we will get our products? There has been several and it happened to me I sent the rest of the money and still nothing! I will also repeate this is still one sided by 50 down 50 before delivery no if, and's or but's about it. Also I am in the vending business of 15 plus years and never once ask a customer to front me part of the money so I can fill their order!! If you don't have the capitol to run your business then they should get their azz to the employment office as they DO NOT NEED TO BE IN BUSINESS! Shane and it's your not going to change my mind! this time Shane!!!

[shawnc]

Now when vendors don't do what they say. For example, "we need final payment, it will ship as soon as we receive it" and then they don't do it. .....
Well that is just bad business.

That's the whole problem right there. If a company told you that they wouldn't be able to deliver until Oct. 15 you could take it or leave it (and would probably pass). If they said they would deliver on Aug. 31 you could take it or leave it. But when a company gives you or promises you a delivery date they need to stand by that.

One of the things I learned early on in business is that you should underpromise and overdeliver. That means you promise delivery of a good product on September 15 and then deliver a great product on Sept. 5. Again, the problem is that too many buyers are being promised delivery of a good product on Sept. 15 and still wondering on Sept. 25 if they're going to get it at all. And if the product isn't as good as expected, there is no time to return it for repairs.

Ebay has some escrow services listed on the site. That may be the way to go. I like Shane's plan, but as Kevin pointed out a few buyers making the final payment late could really hurt a vendor. There could be some haunts that have decided that this will be their final year and don't intend to make that final payment until after they take down in November and gradually liquidate all of their stuff.

Finally, you have to wonder how many small haunts are being affected in the same way. Most have probably never heard of this forum and are trying to figure out what to do all by themselves. Everyone knows that you take care of your biggest customers first and the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So while a vendor is working hard getting everything built for a few big customers, are there a dozen small ones that have been pushed back to delivery in October?

[Gore Galore]

vendor and buyer business

Shane and all other buyers.

Gore Galore company policy.

50% down upfront minimum.
And balance just prior to delivery.
This is enough to get a job started and help to pay for materials if a buyer decides to not accept the order, even after a contract has been signed to purchase product.
Yes, signing an invoice is a contract to complete a purchase.
We also have lots of customers who pay full upfront just to make it easier on them in regards to billing.
Now, we do terms for some customers who have shown themselves to be trustworthy and always complete payment shortly after receipt of products.
But I am sorry this is reserved for Purchase orders and those companies we have done years of business with.

The billing method we use has been proven to protect both parties.
If all companies did net terms some companies would not have enough cash flow at the moment it is most needed. It is our experience that when many buyers get that bill they sit on it, because their is no rush to pay it since they already have product in hand. I am not saying there are not dependable buyers our there. MOST ARE. But it only takes one of two large orders to destroy most companies delicate balance of cash flow.
Then vendors don't have the money in the bank to carry inventory of materials so then that slows production down causing a raised potential of faulting on an order.

See the business cycle that has been started.

The single best method is 50% upfront to guarantee the order from both the vendor and buyer, 50% just prior to delivery to help push to get payment so the order can be pushed out the door.

Now when vendors don't do what they say. For example, "we need final payment, it will ship as soon as we receive it" and then they don't do it. .....
Well that is just bad business.

[NightmareAftershockLLC]

This is something else I was considering starting... being a BONDED agent that acts as a MIDDLE MAN for haunt companys and haunts. SOMETHING needs to be done.

HOWEVER, in the mean time, though according to Larry's Rules on this forum, I will not advertise other features of our website, but I WILL advertise the following:

http://hauntcompanyreviews.com/review/

I have added the companies that are listed thus far on the vendor list

http://www.hauntvendorlist.com

But if you want to see someone else on there to review, PLEASE feel free to PM me with suggestions and comments.

[graystone]

Robert

Good thought who knows. I still say the rules need to be changed to meeting in the middle. I am game for 50% down and the balance when product is in hand this is the only way to make it fair on both sides. Again some companies are doing that now and I can tell you this their products is just like you see at the show and their shipping time is great. GUYS WE WILL CHANGE THE INDUSTRY. It's time. Shane and it's changes are in the air! Shane this time.

[HauntedMemphis]

Perhaps the industry should look at a middleman to hold money in escro accounts. The question is if the price would be worth removing risk.

[screamline studios]

As a vendor i do agree with Shane people do need to work as one unit!!, however as a vendor you can get burned, like credit cards being declined or promises never filled but product delivered!!!! these are things that could close the doors on many prop company's as it could screamline. I cannot speak for all people but we should install something that gives faith not only to the buyer but the vendor.....


Jason Blaszczak

http://screamlinestudios.com

[chuck weber]

Shane

I know you will spearhead this effort and make it work for all of us. You always put your talents and energies in the right places. I know you will be successful at this rough task as well. Good luck this season my friend to you, your entire staff and all involved with your terrific haunt. Long Live Disturbia, the ass- kicker haunt of Alabama !!!!!

[graystone]

Tyler

Change is coming I promise you that. I will be getting a room at Transworld and it will be open to all that want's to attend. We have said it 100 times I have said it 100 times something has to be done and 2011 is the year we will be making a change. Shane and it's it's going to take us all! Shane this time,

[Nightgore]

Shane,

You know I'm with you 110% on this... if you need anything at all from me or my company, please, just ask! I would like to add the following companies to the list, all of which continue to provide great products, great service and are just overall great companies!

-CFX
-Ghostride
-Darklight
-HauntedHouse.com
-Nightscream Studios
-Distortions
-Robert Kurtzman/Creature Corps
-Minispotlight.com
-Sinister Scents
-Fright Props
-Scare Products/Oak Island

... I know I'm missing some but these are off the top of my head.

Again, Shane, I'm with you on this... let's make a change! -Tyler

[graystone]

Agree

I will stand with you on this one Shane. I too am tired of being stressed out to the point of getting very ill. I will NOT buy from the vendors seen here with multiple complaints and I intend to make use of the new ratings site. Someone should print out the reviews and scatter them on the lunch tables at Transworld. You guys know we all sit there and read that stuff.

This is the only way were going to make this work, everyone will need to stick together. Believe it or not it will only help the good vendors this will make it where more will be spent with them because they have earned our trust just as we earned theirs. Shane and it's taking a stand! Shane this time.