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In reply to Post #97
Check Google reviews and social media posts.
Unfortunately there’s loads of people who’ve had the same issue. I suppose if you’ve got big chunks of cash sat making money there’s no rush to deliver.
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Why do people keep giving this chancer money? Yes he work is good but any other company with that sort of customer service would of gone bust years ago.
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Purchased 3 of the cotswold 6ft pace compact rods almost 3 weeks ago.
Couple of chases to see where they were posted yet, nothing.
Parcel arrived this week with just 1 rod inside. No response 😡
Never again...wish I found this thread first!
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In reply to Post #93
Nothing to do with prices people where moaning about Cotswold years ago some people are just unreliable I’ve met a few
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In reply to Post #94
As I said earlier mark is now living in woodley near reading I spoke to him last week
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In reply to Post #92
I think he’s now based in Eastleigh, near Southampton Airport.👍👍
Tel
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I thought Tom was ace he really helped me out. Mark is superb he spent his time chatting with me and discussing issues I had from another builder both him and Tom did.
I think the problem is with everything going up and the never ending chasing of tail to make ends meet or not done in a very controlled manner can lead to failure.
Mark is a sole trader so to speak and manages his overhead he stance of being one the countries true great rod builder putting the time and effort in to look after his clients certainly has paid it dividends
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Mark Tunley is very good.
He’s now based near to Maidenhead.
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In reply to Post #90
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In reply to Post #69
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plZRe1kPWZw&t=9s
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In reply to Post #88
Agreed, I recently had a set of rods from Mark, great service and communication
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In reply to Post #87
I nearly went with cotswold a few years ago but luckily through this forum i was put on to Mark Tunley and he did a great job.
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How Cotswold are still in business is beyond me
Why people still use him I really don’t know.
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In reply to Post #85
Had Mark make a third 3 piece 9 foot Yateley Stalker rod for me many years ago.
Great work and still going strong.
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In reply to Post #78
Just a heads up mark tunley rod builder has moved to woodley near reading was near Southampton top bloke means what he says some say he’s the best out there you won’t get any messing about
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In reply to Post #83
I Know, very frustrating and time consuming. I suppose all you can do is keep calm and bide your time to get a result.
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In reply to Post #82
How they are still in business and how guy still has 2 working knees is beyond my understanding.
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UPDATE:
After much driving to visit the Cotswold Rods workshop, phone calls and left messages unfortunately I was getting nowhere.
A Letter Before Court claim was sent and I had a reply within a couple of hours stating a refund would be given. 2 weeks later nothing in my account even after reminders, so a Small Court Claim was submitted this morning.
Low and behold...a full refund with interest and court cost have been paid back.
What should have been a great experience to celebrate a life event has turned into 3-4 months of getting rodded off by a morally deficient individual who is happy to take your money and not provide the goods.
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In reply to Post #80
I did wonder .....
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In reply to Post #79
Rich mummy.
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In reply to Post #78
Was after a new tip section for 1 of my rods
Endless calls and broken promises I just gave up in the end
Managed to get one from someone on here
Would never go near them again
How they are still trading is beyond me
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Simply put, through personal experience and as posted on here at the time DO NOT BUY RODS FROM COTSWOLD RODS!!
All you will get is continued lies if you are lucky, otherwise no response at all.
Use recommended builders like Nick Buss, Kev Clayton or others.
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I have had 2 sets of rods from Cotswold and they did take a while to come but was well happy when received.
Chris Orme or Kev Clayton I will try next when I want another set.
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In reply to Post #68
Yep can’t fault Nicks work but he is slowing down a bit now bless him .
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In reply to Post #72
Had the same issues with missing deadlines and wasting days off work expecting my rods to arrive and never turned up.,when I did get them they were spot on and was very pleased with the build.On a positive note a year later I had the miss fortune of snapping a tip section (my own fault) and when I told them this they replaced it for me and it didn’t cost me a penny, so massive praise to them for that.
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In reply to Post #73
Yeah, Cotswold Dan,
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In reply to Post #69
Dan Jefferies if memory serves me correctly.
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In reply to Post #71
Probably free bees to try generating work.
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hes probably too busy knockin rods up for that shaggy haired carpology bloke,carpology put a video out yesterday of cotswold building a set for him
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In reply to Post #66
PM sent mate, as mentioned previously I had to threaten court proceedings to get my rods back after about 9 months.
Great build in the end, terrible communication and so frustrating when people feed you continuous lies or not get back to you.
Good luck
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| | | VLT | | Posts: 8963 |  | |
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In reply to Post #68
cotswold did a little video on social media not long back supposedly setting a new expectation for the company to actually deliver, but once again it seems like it hasn't happened.
I remember years ago one of the members on here was a partner, he worked in carbon fibre, looked a bit like jesus / chris yates, I think him and Tom eventually fell out, anyone remember his name?
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In reply to Post #66
I bought a set of rods off Cotswold rods many years ago when they were first setting up and they were exactly the same then! I couldn't get hold of them for weeks and when I did I just got a load of false promises that they never fulfilled. In the end I threatened them with the small claims court and surprise surprise my rods turned up a few days later!! Looks like they haven't changed their ways much!
Had a few sets made up since then and have always used Nick Buss. The service from Nick has been second to none and he is a fantastic guy. Talks through your requirements in the phone, sends you pics as they are being built and it takes him about 6 weeks to make a set up and he always delivers when he says so. Just shows it can be done. I think he may be semi retired now but I'm sure there are other rod builders out there who will offer this sort of service - unfortunately it definitely isn't Cotswold rods!
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In reply to Post #66
Go in to the workshop, it’s the only way.
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Resurrecting the thread as I appear to be having delay issues, deadlines missed and no communication from Cotswold Rods. It appears to be a common theme with this company. How did people make the company focus and produce the goods or get their money back?
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In reply to Post #54
Mark is great, if I have a requirement for something special as a gift then I pick up the phone to him. If the rod is only for me then I use my regular rod builder.
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In reply to Post #63
I got that impression when I've had speci rods from him, quite refreshing when most builders only seem interested in matching sets
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In reply to Post #55
Mark Tunley built my fly rod for me (and did an amazing job). He said that he enjoyed building a one off that was different from the usual sets of several matching carp,rods
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In reply to Post #60
What blank is it and what's the price please?
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In reply to Post #59
It was a bloke rod I saw that started me down the wooden reel seat path. There isn't much suitable for carp rods, Tom did well finding/adapting the seats on the rods I got from them, but they are a bit bland. I've got loads of inserts now and can't decide which ones I'd use, walnut burl, birds eye maple, zebrano with walnut inlays...
I'm hardly carping for now so I'm not gonna get them on any rods for a while tho
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Got a 15ft #10/11 salmon rod built on a harrison blank brand new ready to go fuji alconite butt guide seymo snake guides .Oh and a couple of nice fly rods built on harrison lohric blanks .
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| | | noj | | Posts: 11459 | | | Social photographer... | |
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In reply to Post #58
I’ve got a 10wt SW bloke rod, it’s a personal favourite.
Blank from bloke, built by Cotswold... it’s now beaten up and needs Jeff to give it some tlc 
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In reply to Post #55
Im pretty sure Mark tunley would do that, but have a look at bloke fly rods for a more specialised builder
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In reply to Post #55
What is it you are after ?
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In reply to Post #55
Ring the tackle box in Kent they have on site rod building they maybe able to help
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On a different topic does anyone know a rod builder who builds Salmon fly rods? Everyone I have contacted either does not do them anymore or has not responded to my enquiry.
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In reply to Post #53
Vic Gibson is good mark tunley for me great bloke
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In reply to Post #52
I see a lot of Facebook posts by Cotswold rods, you could be forgiven for thinking they're knocking new rods out left right and centre.
Another name not mentioned but is a fantastic rod builder is Vic Gibson. He's made my last two sets of 12 foot rods and yes the wait time is 12-14 weeks, the difference however is that you actually get them after you have waited your time.
Vic Gibson Rods
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In reply to Post #51
Thats true both Harrison century and hopkins holloway suffering with supplies which means delays for all of us .
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Had a set of Trebuchet Lites built by Cotswold years ago and still love the quality of the build. No issues with service either.
Had 2 Harrison Avon rods and a specimen float rod from Mark Tunley. Was lucky he had them in stock but the quality and customer service was superb.
Would not hesitate to use Mark again but like most rod builders now he has a 4 month wait so you have to be prepared to wait nowadays.
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In reply to Post #48
Kev was an immense help when I took on project – to re-build a pair of Hardy LHR Palakona’s from the 1950’s era.
He went out of his way to find the right whipping materials & colours, coatings, and a new set of Eyes to suite the era, advised me on how to avoid problems I might encounter with being split cane’s
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In reply to Post #46
Good customer service in any business is no secret.
It’s just that quite a few players in the industry are 30 years behind in that department.
Only ever had rods built by Mark Tunley, top bloke and a pleasure to deal with.
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In reply to Post #46
Totally agree,Kev has done me my last two sets and his customer service is amazing.He is a really nice guy and when I have been to collect he has always got time for a chat
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In reply to Post #46
Chris Palmer Rods (formally Pottys Leads) has a super quick turnaround, is in constant contact with the customer etc, and his work is outstanding for either rebuilds or customs built from new
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| | | Belch | | Posts: 4206 |  | | MODERATOR | |
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In reply to Post #1
Both Mark Tunley & Kev Clayton understand the secret to good business . . . . . . .good customer service.
I must have bored both of them to tears waffling on, but they listen and then add value by understanding the customers actual requirement . . .this makes their pricing somewhat irrelevant, as the value is not only in the end product but also the genuine service provided . . .
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In reply to Post #44
I don’t know how they are still in business.
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Unfortunately I have had to resurrect this thread, as I have experienced the previously mentioned shockingly poor service from Cotswold Rods myself.
I have used their services previously and have been happy with the workmanship and associated aspects of the process, this time however i have been left in the dark constantly without communication and return of my rods sent away over 4 months ago.
To keep it short I commissioned a 3rd rod to be built to match a pair I purchased from them years before but never really used.
Allowing for delivery delays due to lockdown - unavoidable I know and accept - I waited 3 months for this to be done and 2 x butt grips altered from Cork to shrink finish.
3 months later the rods came back incorrectly all cork handled, so after thinking about it decided to send back for shrink to be fitted instead.
A 10 day lead time estimated has now turned into 3 weeks, they don’t answer phone calls or respond to my emails. I must have left a dozen voice messages, and similar amount of emails which have all received no response.
Now having advised I will be taking further action to recover the rods, sending a msg on Messenger and spamming their FB page posts I feel I am pretty much at my wits end.
All I can say is, if you are looking for a rod builder who has any respect, professionalism or dignity then look elsewhere.
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In reply to Post #42
I don't understand why they are taking full payment for rods that they can not supply for months. surely they should only take a deposit to start with for the price of the blanks, once they have the blanks and are going to start the build they should take the balance, holding onto money for that long with no target date is out of order.
if its going to take 4 month or whatever to have rods made at least be up front about it, not making promises they cant keep
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In reply to Post #1
This all sounds the same as the FR Custom Reels thread...
And has been going on for years and years with Cotswold Rods, they sound like an absolute joke TBH, i definitely won’t be using them if and when I get new rods.
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In reply to Post #13
This is Tom’s MO. Completely unacceptable business practice. He told me several times that my set had shipped and were on route, well they never arrived and then he admitted they were still on production line??? This has been the same with mates who have ordered from him, I think he has a condition as it appears he can’t just be honest and set clear expectations with customers who are handing over a lot of hard earned money. I ended up buying a set of his Compacts second hand. Great product and didn’t have to suffer his BS.
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Have you got your rods yet?
I had a similar issue a few years back when I ordered - no ocmmunications despite being way overdue, when I did get an answer I was told the blanks were delayed, then one blank didn't match sp had to go back, then they were ready and were going im the post the next day, then they were waiting for the rings.... Eventually when told they were ready I drove there to collect to avoid any more issues.
The rods are great though! I wouldn't have minded the wait if they'd been upfront about it either, it was just the frustration of missed deadlines and excuses.
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Last set of rods i had custom made was back in the 80s, several sets by Bob Morris, none of this nonsense.
Not v encouraging reading this, think ill stick to off the shelf jobs, I would seriously lose my head with the sort of money involved.
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In reply to Post #36
Doh, done
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In reply to Post #30
Need to edit your post mate isn’t
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In reply to Post #34
Personally, I'll pay the premium for the service from Mark, I've had a few rods from him now, but I know a couple of people who have called around for prices and gone with other builders who were significantly cheaper.
The first rod I got from him was a rod I had waited months for from cotswold and eventually got a refund. Marks price was around £100 more expensive for that rod with the same spec
But worth every penny for the great service, accurate waiting times and no bullshine
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In reply to Post #25
Ive had a few rods built by Mark Tunley, all perfect, good communication , lovely bloke. I didnt consider them pricey when compared to other rod builders but him being local to me made it very worthwhile.
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In reply to Post #29
It’s alright saying call him but that’s what people have been doing to no avail. He doesn’t answer his phone, reply to voicemail or texts. It would be easier to get hold of Lord Lucan.
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In reply to Post #13
Honestly mate i cannot praise kev Clayton enough, if he gives you a timeframe he sticks to it and his work is second to none. I know he’s probably backed up till end of may now but I’d still be tempted to get my money back from Cotswold and ring kev
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In reply to Post #28
That’s good to hear.
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In reply to Post #24
Mark is a top bloke was very kind and gave me a lot of his time for nought. I’d happily recommend him a bit far for me then again.
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In reply to Post #1
That’s bad I experienced similar from another infamous rod builder took near on two years to get sorted. And even then the workmanship was junk. Harrison did step and and come to my rescue thankfully.
Tom was fantastic and even though wasn’t involved was a real supportive chap beyond normal.
Please call him and express your frustration and request deadlines. Poor management on their behalf imo should know better to turn down work rather than promise and not deliver.
From my experience having spent over £2k having two sets of rods bouched is only ever so it again if I was willing to drive to them and could challenge them face to face others wises I’d steer clear.
I had planned on using COTWolds Rods for a set of long distance rods at some point this obviously causes me concern and I revert back to my previous point.
Seems to me these custom rod builders are happy throw a few into the fire.
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In reply to Post #13
Crazy !! Not good at all that !!!
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In reply to Post #1
The blokes a liar and a rip off merchant, with any luck he'll go out of business very soon.
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I deal and have dealt with harrisons for a long time , there was a time when you could ring up place your order for blanks and 5 days later they were ready to collect , those days are gone , due to brexit, covid whatever the current waiting time for blanks is approx 8 weeks.Staff have been furloghed, materials are taking so much longer to get to the factory etc.I am not condoning the behaviour but we are in strange times . Not many builders have stocks of blanks or rods like they used to.I do have to say i tell all customers the facts regarding this before taking any orders.And i don,t build nowhere near as many rods as cotswold neither but i would,nt dream of keeping hold of someones hard earned for that length of time.
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In reply to Post #24
Top bloke mark, and happy to do single rods when a lot of builders aren't interested
But it has to be said, he is more expensive than most
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In reply to Post #23
Mark Tunley very good service nice bloke to
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It is hard work getting rods built, it is like they are too busy to need your trade or money.
Tried several rod builders recommended by Harrison's to build up a Salmon Rod for me as Harrisons are too busy building carp rods.
Two never replied to my request and the third said he only builds shark and big game rods now.
Ended up buying a second hand Bruce & Walker Salmon rod, saved myself £400+.
Had a set of rods made by Cotswold when they first started, superb quality and workmanship. But had to wait an extra couple of weeks, did not mind as they were offering discount on having three rods built at the time.
Now looking at getting a pair of new Chimera Barbel rods built. Was thinking of Cotswold again, but all sounds like poor service now.
But will I find anyone that wants the work at a reasonable turn around anyway?
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In reply to Post #16
I’ve had rods built by Tom and fished his lake for a couple of years but not anymore, tried sorting out a lake booking and spoke to him a few times about it and he said give me a call tomorrow and we’ll sort something out. Called and called, left voicemails and texts over a couple of weeks and nothing,I gave up in the end and sorted out another venue.
How he is still in business is beyond me when he treats people like this.
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In reply to Post #18
Likewise.
They've been doing this for years. I have a mate that ended up getting his money back from Cotswold after a 7 month wait and lots of lies.
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In reply to Post #19
Kevs work is awesome too which helps.... I'd have used him if he wasn't at the other end of the country to me
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In reply to Post #17
I'm glad I swerved them (even though they are relatively local to me) after reading stuff like this years ago and went with Kev Clayton
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I'd be demanding my money back, some of these rod builders are an utter joke with delays . Thankfully it's only a few of them and there are plenty of good guys still about
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In reply to Post #13
I was in your boat a decade ago, so frustrating!
At the time they were also aggressively advertising, it made it worse to constantly see outstanding feedback and a lot of brand loyalty while I felt I was being shafted.
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In reply to Post #14
Yeah I wasn’t happy. The guy suggested I rang back the next day to talk to Tom.
Guess what, I rang the next day and no one picked up.
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In reply to Post #13
WTF?  
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In reply to Post #13
So they’ve gone from done to ready in 3 weeks. I wouldn’t be expecting them to turn up this month either. Shocker that mate
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In reply to Post #10
Tried to speak with them many of times, they just dont respond to voice mails.
Did speak to Tom about 3 weeks ago and he said that the rods were done and could be posted within 24hrs and someone would call me the next day to sort things out.
Well guess what they never did. Finally got hold of someone this week and he said the rods wont be ready until the end of march!!!
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In reply to Post #10
not sure it will be a supply issue with these guys, there have been problems like this with them for years now
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In reply to Post #10
The quality of the rods isn’t the issue it’s how long it’s taken
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In reply to Post #7
have you spoken too them ? what are you waiting for as lots of companies are suffering supply chain issues.
2 of my mates swear by his work and looking at there rods, there are beautifully finished.
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In reply to Post #8
I’ve never cast one but a friend of mine has a full set inc net pole and baiting spoon handle and he swears by them but of a wait for them to be made so I’ve heard but I’ve handled them and they look the nuts really well built and the look is great very nice paint finish reel seat to match full Dillon handle not pencil thin but also not a scarf pole 50mm rings all gloss black inners .....they have my vote ....price of a small mortgage though 🤨
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In reply to Post #7
Try a charge back on your debit card
Use the consumer rights act part on him first and tell him you want a refund that might make him focus a little first
Then try a charge back
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In reply to Post #4
Debit unfortunately.
I should have know better just gave them the benefit as he was on here stating things had changed not too long ago.
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In reply to Post #1
So many bad reports on them it’s unreal. Kev Clayton is the only one id get customs from , top quality build and a top bloke no bull**** from him at all
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In reply to Post #1
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/regulation/consumer-rights-act
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In reply to Post #3
How did you pay Tom?
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In reply to Post #1
Seems like it’s a recurring theme with them unfortunately mate. Don’t think anyone argues the quality of end product but generally pretty piss poor after order placed. If rules allowed I think I’d be taking a drive to go see them and get my money back.
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In reply to Post #1
It's the risk you take with them
It shouldn't really be a surprise anymore
Still not nice though 
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I was wondering what people’s thoughts were on a reasonable wait time on a set rods from these folks.
I was expecting a set of rods to be delivered early to late December last year. However, these have still not been delivered.
Just getting a bit fed up with the lack of communication on their behalf.
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