Has anyone received any orders from TBDCNC recently? If so, how long did it take from the time of order? They quote “minimum lead time of 4 weeks” for the z axis, but I haven’t received a shipping notice for the 9mm belt kit or other items I ordered from them 4 weeks ago either and responses to emails have been slow to non-existent. I want to be patient, but am also starting to wonder if I am going to have to dispute the credit card charges and source this stuff from somewhere else.
I cannot even tell you how frustrated I am with Luke and Katelyn over at tbdcnc.com; it took over 6 weeks before I received the z-axis upgrade. Even after all of the feedback from others about their lack of communication and response, they continue to takes many days to respond to inquiries and in some cases do not respond at all.
I understand that they’re a small operation and, I assume, doing the best that they can. However, at the rate they’re gong, their potential repeat customer base is dwindling.
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I was the same it took over 6 weeks for my z-axis and 3-4 weeks for the 9mm belts that I ordered at the same time and asked that they shipped separate even if I had to pay extra for shipping because I was hard down 1 month before Christmas. Placed order on Nov. 16th got z-axis Dec. 30th belts on Dec. 8th. It took 7-10 days to get a response from them.
To be honest, I find it encouraging that you guys got your stuff around 6 weeks after ordering. I’ve been getting worried that it might be a lot longer and I’m on a limited time schedule. I can relate to being a small shop and trying to keep up, but the communication does leave a lot to be desired.
Try FaceBook messenger. He seems to respond to that a little better. He does not seem to respond to emails. He does run about 6 weeks for the Z axis.
GOOD LUCK. My order took FOREVER to show up, even factoring in his advertised lead time. Everything showed up with ZERO information. I requested a refund for the uninstalled parts. Katelyn said she’d take everything back and that she’d get back to me after double checking with Luke. After WEEKS of waiting, I asked questions here and worked through installation. Funny how he couldn’t respond to emails but was posting on social media all the time. He sent me a lengthy email about 4 weeks after I ordered, apologizing saying he was second thinking being in business. The only way I got a response from him was by posting negative feedback on his homepage. It’s unfortunate. His product is FANTASTIC.
I agree…very unfortunate.
I’m just going to cross my fingers that I get surprised by a shipment within the next couple of weeks. If not, I’ll take it up with my CC company and then source the parts from somewhere else. But that will be VERY frustrating and disappointing. In either case, I’ll update this thread so anyone else considering ordering from TBDCNC will know what to expect.
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I wanted to upgrade some things in October of last year but after reading a lot of stories like yours and never getting a email response from TBD I didn’t order anything. I also emailed CNC4Newbies a few times and never heard anything from them either. Upgrading is not easy. I wish Inventables sold upgrades.
Russell
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I’ve been researching other options and if I end up cancelling my orders I’m going to get the parts and build the Z-axis myself. It’s shocking to me that there aren’t more options for these that are readily available, but maybe that’s because it’s pretty easy - and probably cheaper - to just build it yourself.
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Yes, I agree @RussellCrawford. I think that Inventables is missing out on A LOT of revenue by not offering upgrades like not only better Z-axis and Y-axis stiffeners, but also things like customizable table kits for the X-Carve, LED spindle lights, etc.
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Well, with Inventables focusing on their core product and TBDCNC and CNC4Newbies both being largely MIA, there just might be a gap in the market worth exploring here.
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It’s just crazy that there are a lot of people (aka us) that are ready to hand over cash for upgrades and innovative machine components, but some businesses do not seem eager to do the work it takes to get it.
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I ordered 9mm belts and stiffeners and they printed the shipping label then never shipped it for a week. It took several weeks to receive. I finally received a reply to my email asking when they would be sent about two months after I already received the item. They absolutely have no idea about customer service regardless of how good the products may be. I am in need of some items for my second machine and will not send them a dime. I ordered the CNC4Newbies Z upgrade and it was shipped that day and on my doorstep in a couple days from another country. TBDCNC is located 20 minutes from my house. CNC4Newbies will get my money.
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They really should stop taking orders until they can catch up - or at least update the lead times to be accurate. And if the customer service is like this before they ship an order, what can be expected down the road if there’s ever any questions or issues with the products? The more I think about this, the more I’m tempted to file a dispute with my CC company now and move forward with other sources. So frustrating!
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I got my z from cnc4newbies got it set up this week and it is awsome. Did not email them just ordered and had it in about 10 days.
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@ErikPiazza - you are absolutely right that they should stop all new orders until they can respond to all unanswered inquiries, clear their backlog by fulfilling existing orders and most importantly, reevaluate their current business process and workflow.
If I were you, I would probably just cut ties with them now before it’s too late. It will likely save you from more frustration that is certain to come for the rest of us that have already received some products from them.
I really am not one to bash another person who I really do think had the best of intentions. However, similar types of comments are all over the place about them all because of a lack of communication and empty promises.
I wasn’t that brave Wayne, I was going to get the ultimate upgrade kit for almost $1900.00, I had it in my cart to check out but had some questions so I sent him a few emails and never heard from him. Just basic questions, did I need anything else, what vacuum system will work with it. Does it come with instructions for hooking it up to the x-controller. I though if I have this much trouble reaching him before I buy something I can only imagine how it will be after I purchase something. Maybe I should just hit the buy button and hope for the best and ask the questions on this forum.
Russell
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Why would you give someone the equivalent to a new machine if they don’t return messages. I don’t have any dealings with them as I built a different machine, but for $1900, would put that into a sturdier machine. Also I am not seeing anyone jumping to defend their communication. I wouldn’t hand that $$ over without some sort of expectations.
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I emailed them 6 days ago to ask for an update on the lead times. I’m gonna give them another day or 2 to respond and then I’m disputing the charges on my CC and will build my own z-axis using the same parts as they use which I was able to easily source. I should’ve just done that to begin with. I really like supporting small businesses and can totally relate to getting backed up with orders, but this total lack of customer service is inexcusable.
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