Post by aerospaceboy on Dec 9, 2012 14:37:04 GMT -5
So I finally did it. Six months after placing my order it is now cancelled. Not that it is looking like getting my money back will be easy, as I am beyond the date for getting an easy refund from paypal (a payment method no longer used on the sumpod website for some unknown reason, but I think that the refund policy may have something to do with it). For anyone in my position of waiting for half a year and being fed a stream of tracking numbers which never track, excuses for delays and promised shipping dates that come and pass for months on end I can understand your frustration. For anyone looking to get a Sumpod, I will leave you with the only thing I ever received from Richard, emails.
11/06/2012
Hi,
just like to say Thank You for buying a SUMPOD. Please join the forum.
Thanks
Richard
(A forum which has now been deleted. The reason for this is unknown, but members have complained on here about deleted posts months before its removal)
02/07/2012
Hi,
the first batch have been booked in/sent and unfortunately due to some under spec parts, your order will be in the next batch. These are estimated to arrive within the next 10 days.
(If this had of happened then the printer would have only been half a month late)
19/07/2012
Hello,
first I would like to say Thank You for buying a SUMPOD.
This is an update on the estimated shipping schedule for both Basic and Aluminium models.
Due to a problem with the courier the first batch of Aluminium SUMPODs have been delayed. I expect this to resolve very soon.
The biggest regret, apart from the frustration felt by some customers, is that I like feedback on the machines I send out, to help make better machines. Each iteration of the SUMPOD hopefully builds on the previous version.
The Aluminium and basic versions are the two ends of the goal I had when I first designed the SUMPOD. The basic is my attempt to bring the price down, yet still have the core components of a quality machine.
The Aluminium models are an attempt at making a good value, quality machine. .
There have been a few problems but these will hopefully be a distant memory once you take receipt of your machine.
I still expect the machines ordered before the most recent campaign to be sent before the end of July, with the campaign machines shortly afterwards. If this creates a problem please email or call and I will try and resolve it.
The website is being redesigned but is hopefully due to go back online within the next few days.
Again thank you for buying into SUMPOD and I appreciate your patience.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(The website did go back up, with no changes that I could see. Maybe the aforementioned user forum was getting to much to moderate)
30/07/2012
Hi,
the end of the month is approaching so expectation is high for the delivery of SUMPODs.
Our aim this week is to get as many machines out of the door, no excuses, just working to fill orders and show you good people why it was a good idea to buy a SUMPOD in the first place.
A tracking number will be sent and should start tracking within 24 hours. Sometimes the parcel will turn up before this has happened, in the case of the UK.
Also I am hoping to implement a part of the new site which involves order updates. If you get an email stating you have placed an order please use the option to reset your password. This will then mean when you log in you can track where your order is in the build process. Chances are some of the first orders out will not get an email, just a tracking number.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I did not get my first tracking number until the end of september)
06/08/2012
Hi,
just to keep you updated. There was a problem with the stepper drivers which have delayed the shipping of the machines. Replacements have been sent and should arrive in the next day.
Thanks
Richard Sum
14/08/2012
Hello,
sorry for the lack of updates. This was due to waiting for some concrete news about the stepper drivers. Unfortunately they haven't yet turned up, coming from China, but I expect them in the next day, according to tracking. Its always the way that when you are waiting for something, customs decides to check it.
Its not the best start to the new range of machines and given the loss of some customers, along with the delays, its getting quite difficult at SUMPOD HQ.
Thank you for your patience and all being well this will be the week.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I have had customs check a package, and it did not delay it for more than a day)
17/08/2012
Hi,
some (uk sourced) stepper driver parts have arrived, so shipping will commence at the beginning of next week.
Thanks
Richard Sum
31/08/2012
Hi,
as outlined in the last email. This is to confirm that you are in a Aluminium SUMPOD batch that will be sent a tracking number no later than Friday 14th and probably before Friday 7th.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I got the tracking number at the end of september)
05/09/2012
Hi to all,
can you make sure you have sent your phone number as without I cannot book it in with the courier.
Thanks
Richard Sum
14/09/2012
Hi,
just to say orders are going out but slowly. I am working all weekend to try and reduce the backlog.
Anyone with a tracking number, you should receive your order in the next few working days.
To the others, especially later orders, some have opted to have a kit. Kits can be sent quicker but require some soldering and wiring. If you want to take up this offer, I will guarantee your order will leave and track by Tuesday. Even without having a kit, it shouldn't be much longer.
Also to those who have a machine, I would like feedback regarding packaging if you have the time.
Thanks
Richard Sum
20/09/2012
Hi,
just to say orders are going out but slowly. I am working all weekend to try and reduce the backlog.
Anyone with a tracking number, you should receive your order in the next few working days.
To the others, especially later orders, some have opted to have a kit. Kits can be sent quicker but require some soldering and wiring. If you want to take up this offer, I will guarantee your order will leave and track by Tuesday. Even without having a kit, it shouldn't be much longer.
Also to those who have a machine, I would like feedback regarding packaging if you have the time.
Thanks
Richard Sum
29/09/2012
UPS tracking number received 1Z0W2Y476890776806
01/10/2012
Hi,
just an update. I know its been said before but everything is in place to get the machines out this week.
I understand the frustration but I completely miscalculated the time it would take to build the machines and set them up. Even though I bought in "tested" electronics this unfortunately wasn't the case. Given these were sourced from China the turnaround has added to the shipping delays. The next batch will definitely be sourced closer to home.
So I would just like to say it won't be much longer now and thank you for your patience.
Thanks
Richard Sum
04/10/2012
Hi,
I block book UPS and send the machines in batches. This is so I get the price breaks. Due to the delay on building some of the machines in this batch I have held off sending the parcels. These should move in the next day.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks
Richard
15/10/2012
Hi,
just to start I would like to apologise for the lack of updates.
I would like to say first that unfortunately the new SUMPOD vision hasn't fully gone to plan.
Ironically the reason for designing the new Aluminium model was to avoid the problems I had with the first batch of original SUMPODs.
The main problem with the first batch of MDF SUMPODs was having to settle for an untried machine which then proceeded to give me months of headaches.
By designing the Aluminium to be made mainly offsite using other peoples machines and expertise, it is now apparent that not all cnc machinist are equal.
I have learned quite a lot more over the last months but unfortunately this decision has contributed to the delays.
This learning process also applies to some of the electronics I bought which should have been plug and play and fully tested but ended being as far removed from that ideal as possible.
One point about shipping. I have an account with UPS which gives me discounts on shipping for a certain amount of machines in any one week.
The cost of shipping is calculated with this in mind. This is the reason I send in batches.
SHIPPING
So I now expect with some certainty that machines bought before August should be sent in the next 7 days. The batch I am getting ready is nearly complete.
The second batch of machines bought after this time will hopefully be filled by the end of next week, in the order bought.
I have realised that to make this a successful business, there needs to be changes in certain areas. Customer service being the main one.
I have added a list to the website asking for anyone with certain skills to help take SUMPOD forward, to get in touch. Even if you don't have the specific skills but want to contribute then please contact.
Lastly I uploaded the Yoda video to show the standard speed you should be getting from a SUMPOD. If you are having problems, please email and we can discuss ways to get the most from your machine.
Thanks
Richard
23/10/2012
Hi,
the back orders will ship this week as planned.
thanks
Richard
29/10/2012
Hi,
sorry for the silence. Machines are going out and I hope to have all of the backlog cleared soon.
Updates will be going up on the site soon, along with revised manuals. If you require help in assembling your machine and do not see the information on the site please say so I can update.
To those who have shown an interest in helping I will contact soon.
Thanks
Richard Sum
12/11/2012
Hi,
just an update on where we are with shipping the backlog and other news.
After a few problems with Paypal, which now have been resolved, I can now ship the final units from the backlog this week.
I again apologise but unfortunately the delays had a knock on effect on other parts.
I do thank you for being so patient.
Regarding the new shipping times of two weeks for new orders. The reason for the two week timescale is first to ensure all previous orders have shipped before any of the new orders are sent,
and also due to finding a more reliable CNC miller who has been able to make larger batches of parts.
Lastly, not so relevant, I have joined up with another company who will take over the packaging and shipping of kits.
Thanks
Richard
20/11/2012
Revived inter-parcel tracking number. This was meant to ship on the 21st. Upon checking out the on-line order form with inter-parcel it was not down to be picked up until the 30th. As expected by now this date passed as well.
30/11/2012
Hi,
sorry for the lack of updates. Just trying to ensure that this email will be the last one regarding the backlog.
The situation at the moment is as follows:
By the end of Saturday, I hope to have all of the kit versions of the Aluminium and Basic machines packed, if not fully shipped. This will mean that at the latest they should ship is by Monday. If you get a tracking number and it hasn't moved by Monday evening please email.
This will leave about 10 built machines to complete over the weekend.
Now the reason for the delays in shipping are mainly due to the initial problems with quality and the knock on effect on Paypal.and cashflow. Due to this I had to take alternate work in the week, to ensure that the original vision continues.
Believe me when I say that delays have never been a part of the business plan as all they do is deplete finances and more detrimental, drain enthusiasm.
I thank the ones who have continued to wait and understand the reasoning behind those that haven't.
Once the backlog has been cleared I plan on making some proper videos to really show why the machines are excellent and how to get the best from them. Also there is a new site that will go up soon with two new machines along with videos of all the present machines.
Thanks
Richard
03/12/2012
Hello,
just an update about the weekends progress.
We managed to pack the kits over the weekend and will be booking them in for pickup over the next day.
The progress on built units was a bit slower but we hope to have all older orders filled in the next few days.
A new site will be going up for assembly instructions and with a better layout.
Next will come a couple of machines that will be the first that I design and another company will pick and ship the orders. Making it easier for me to work with others on the software.
The first design will be based on the delta printers but as is the case with SUMPOD will be made entirely of Aluminium.
Again I would like to apologise for the major delays and hope the next phase will be smoother than the last.
Anyone who has built a machine please look in on the modification forum for ways of speeding up the nozzle.
Thanks
Richard
03/12/2012
Hi,
I checked your package but due to a problem with the box I have had to get it and repackage it. I will send it out in the morning. Sorry for the inconvenience.
If you prefer and given the delays, I can send you a built unit in a couple of days instead.
Richard
06/12/2012
Hi
sorry at an apple meeting all day. You are welcome to pick your kit up on saturday or I will send tomorrow.
Richard
Sent from my iPad
This was the last email I got from Richard, I have yet to receive any acknowledgement of my request for a refund. You see the thing is that I was able to ask my sales manager to pop by and pick up the kit. Upon his arrival he was met with excuses as to why he could not pick up the kit. It is unfortunate that this has had to go on for so long, as it really did look like a good printer, but in the end it was just to much hassle, and the way Richard treated my work college was unacceptable.
11/06/2012
Hi,
just like to say Thank You for buying a SUMPOD. Please join the forum.
Thanks
Richard
(A forum which has now been deleted. The reason for this is unknown, but members have complained on here about deleted posts months before its removal)
02/07/2012
Hi,
the first batch have been booked in/sent and unfortunately due to some under spec parts, your order will be in the next batch. These are estimated to arrive within the next 10 days.
(If this had of happened then the printer would have only been half a month late)
19/07/2012
Hello,
first I would like to say Thank You for buying a SUMPOD.
This is an update on the estimated shipping schedule for both Basic and Aluminium models.
Due to a problem with the courier the first batch of Aluminium SUMPODs have been delayed. I expect this to resolve very soon.
The biggest regret, apart from the frustration felt by some customers, is that I like feedback on the machines I send out, to help make better machines. Each iteration of the SUMPOD hopefully builds on the previous version.
The Aluminium and basic versions are the two ends of the goal I had when I first designed the SUMPOD. The basic is my attempt to bring the price down, yet still have the core components of a quality machine.
The Aluminium models are an attempt at making a good value, quality machine. .
There have been a few problems but these will hopefully be a distant memory once you take receipt of your machine.
I still expect the machines ordered before the most recent campaign to be sent before the end of July, with the campaign machines shortly afterwards. If this creates a problem please email or call and I will try and resolve it.
The website is being redesigned but is hopefully due to go back online within the next few days.
Again thank you for buying into SUMPOD and I appreciate your patience.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(The website did go back up, with no changes that I could see. Maybe the aforementioned user forum was getting to much to moderate)
30/07/2012
Hi,
the end of the month is approaching so expectation is high for the delivery of SUMPODs.
Our aim this week is to get as many machines out of the door, no excuses, just working to fill orders and show you good people why it was a good idea to buy a SUMPOD in the first place.
A tracking number will be sent and should start tracking within 24 hours. Sometimes the parcel will turn up before this has happened, in the case of the UK.
Also I am hoping to implement a part of the new site which involves order updates. If you get an email stating you have placed an order please use the option to reset your password. This will then mean when you log in you can track where your order is in the build process. Chances are some of the first orders out will not get an email, just a tracking number.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I did not get my first tracking number until the end of september)
06/08/2012
Hi,
just to keep you updated. There was a problem with the stepper drivers which have delayed the shipping of the machines. Replacements have been sent and should arrive in the next day.
Thanks
Richard Sum
14/08/2012
Hello,
sorry for the lack of updates. This was due to waiting for some concrete news about the stepper drivers. Unfortunately they haven't yet turned up, coming from China, but I expect them in the next day, according to tracking. Its always the way that when you are waiting for something, customs decides to check it.
Its not the best start to the new range of machines and given the loss of some customers, along with the delays, its getting quite difficult at SUMPOD HQ.
Thank you for your patience and all being well this will be the week.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I have had customs check a package, and it did not delay it for more than a day)
17/08/2012
Hi,
some (uk sourced) stepper driver parts have arrived, so shipping will commence at the beginning of next week.
Thanks
Richard Sum
31/08/2012
Hi,
as outlined in the last email. This is to confirm that you are in a Aluminium SUMPOD batch that will be sent a tracking number no later than Friday 14th and probably before Friday 7th.
Thanks
Richard Sum
(I got the tracking number at the end of september)
05/09/2012
Hi to all,
can you make sure you have sent your phone number as without I cannot book it in with the courier.
Thanks
Richard Sum
14/09/2012
Hi,
just to say orders are going out but slowly. I am working all weekend to try and reduce the backlog.
Anyone with a tracking number, you should receive your order in the next few working days.
To the others, especially later orders, some have opted to have a kit. Kits can be sent quicker but require some soldering and wiring. If you want to take up this offer, I will guarantee your order will leave and track by Tuesday. Even without having a kit, it shouldn't be much longer.
Also to those who have a machine, I would like feedback regarding packaging if you have the time.
Thanks
Richard Sum
20/09/2012
Hi,
just to say orders are going out but slowly. I am working all weekend to try and reduce the backlog.
Anyone with a tracking number, you should receive your order in the next few working days.
To the others, especially later orders, some have opted to have a kit. Kits can be sent quicker but require some soldering and wiring. If you want to take up this offer, I will guarantee your order will leave and track by Tuesday. Even without having a kit, it shouldn't be much longer.
Also to those who have a machine, I would like feedback regarding packaging if you have the time.
Thanks
Richard Sum
29/09/2012
UPS tracking number received 1Z0W2Y476890776806
01/10/2012
Hi,
just an update. I know its been said before but everything is in place to get the machines out this week.
I understand the frustration but I completely miscalculated the time it would take to build the machines and set them up. Even though I bought in "tested" electronics this unfortunately wasn't the case. Given these were sourced from China the turnaround has added to the shipping delays. The next batch will definitely be sourced closer to home.
So I would just like to say it won't be much longer now and thank you for your patience.
Thanks
Richard Sum
04/10/2012
Hi,
I block book UPS and send the machines in batches. This is so I get the price breaks. Due to the delay on building some of the machines in this batch I have held off sending the parcels. These should move in the next day.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Thanks
Richard
15/10/2012
Hi,
just to start I would like to apologise for the lack of updates.
I would like to say first that unfortunately the new SUMPOD vision hasn't fully gone to plan.
Ironically the reason for designing the new Aluminium model was to avoid the problems I had with the first batch of original SUMPODs.
The main problem with the first batch of MDF SUMPODs was having to settle for an untried machine which then proceeded to give me months of headaches.
By designing the Aluminium to be made mainly offsite using other peoples machines and expertise, it is now apparent that not all cnc machinist are equal.
I have learned quite a lot more over the last months but unfortunately this decision has contributed to the delays.
This learning process also applies to some of the electronics I bought which should have been plug and play and fully tested but ended being as far removed from that ideal as possible.
One point about shipping. I have an account with UPS which gives me discounts on shipping for a certain amount of machines in any one week.
The cost of shipping is calculated with this in mind. This is the reason I send in batches.
SHIPPING
So I now expect with some certainty that machines bought before August should be sent in the next 7 days. The batch I am getting ready is nearly complete.
The second batch of machines bought after this time will hopefully be filled by the end of next week, in the order bought.
I have realised that to make this a successful business, there needs to be changes in certain areas. Customer service being the main one.
I have added a list to the website asking for anyone with certain skills to help take SUMPOD forward, to get in touch. Even if you don't have the specific skills but want to contribute then please contact.
Lastly I uploaded the Yoda video to show the standard speed you should be getting from a SUMPOD. If you are having problems, please email and we can discuss ways to get the most from your machine.
Thanks
Richard
23/10/2012
Hi,
the back orders will ship this week as planned.
thanks
Richard
29/10/2012
Hi,
sorry for the silence. Machines are going out and I hope to have all of the backlog cleared soon.
Updates will be going up on the site soon, along with revised manuals. If you require help in assembling your machine and do not see the information on the site please say so I can update.
To those who have shown an interest in helping I will contact soon.
Thanks
Richard Sum
12/11/2012
Hi,
just an update on where we are with shipping the backlog and other news.
After a few problems with Paypal, which now have been resolved, I can now ship the final units from the backlog this week.
I again apologise but unfortunately the delays had a knock on effect on other parts.
I do thank you for being so patient.
Regarding the new shipping times of two weeks for new orders. The reason for the two week timescale is first to ensure all previous orders have shipped before any of the new orders are sent,
and also due to finding a more reliable CNC miller who has been able to make larger batches of parts.
Lastly, not so relevant, I have joined up with another company who will take over the packaging and shipping of kits.
Thanks
Richard
20/11/2012
Revived inter-parcel tracking number. This was meant to ship on the 21st. Upon checking out the on-line order form with inter-parcel it was not down to be picked up until the 30th. As expected by now this date passed as well.
30/11/2012
Hi,
sorry for the lack of updates. Just trying to ensure that this email will be the last one regarding the backlog.
The situation at the moment is as follows:
By the end of Saturday, I hope to have all of the kit versions of the Aluminium and Basic machines packed, if not fully shipped. This will mean that at the latest they should ship is by Monday. If you get a tracking number and it hasn't moved by Monday evening please email.
This will leave about 10 built machines to complete over the weekend.
Now the reason for the delays in shipping are mainly due to the initial problems with quality and the knock on effect on Paypal.and cashflow. Due to this I had to take alternate work in the week, to ensure that the original vision continues.
Believe me when I say that delays have never been a part of the business plan as all they do is deplete finances and more detrimental, drain enthusiasm.
I thank the ones who have continued to wait and understand the reasoning behind those that haven't.
Once the backlog has been cleared I plan on making some proper videos to really show why the machines are excellent and how to get the best from them. Also there is a new site that will go up soon with two new machines along with videos of all the present machines.
Thanks
Richard
03/12/2012
Hello,
just an update about the weekends progress.
We managed to pack the kits over the weekend and will be booking them in for pickup over the next day.
The progress on built units was a bit slower but we hope to have all older orders filled in the next few days.
A new site will be going up for assembly instructions and with a better layout.
Next will come a couple of machines that will be the first that I design and another company will pick and ship the orders. Making it easier for me to work with others on the software.
The first design will be based on the delta printers but as is the case with SUMPOD will be made entirely of Aluminium.
Again I would like to apologise for the major delays and hope the next phase will be smoother than the last.
Anyone who has built a machine please look in on the modification forum for ways of speeding up the nozzle.
Thanks
Richard
03/12/2012
Hi,
I checked your package but due to a problem with the box I have had to get it and repackage it. I will send it out in the morning. Sorry for the inconvenience.
If you prefer and given the delays, I can send you a built unit in a couple of days instead.
Richard
06/12/2012
Hi
sorry at an apple meeting all day. You are welcome to pick your kit up on saturday or I will send tomorrow.
Richard
Sent from my iPad
This was the last email I got from Richard, I have yet to receive any acknowledgement of my request for a refund. You see the thing is that I was able to ask my sales manager to pop by and pick up the kit. Upon his arrival he was met with excuses as to why he could not pick up the kit. It is unfortunate that this has had to go on for so long, as it really did look like a good printer, but in the end it was just to much hassle, and the way Richard treated my work college was unacceptable.