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Spectra Signs. what’s going on?
Anyone else using – well, I say using Spectra Signs as a trade supplier?
Apparently, major staffing issues are resulting in ridiculous delivery delays and poor message responses, if you can get one at all.
6 weeks I’ve been waiting on a job (2-3 weeks max at time of quote) – paid up front, all the particulars sorted out… and found out that it’s not even gone for powder coating as of this morning… so still might be another week.
Not without other issues (mainly QC) over the last 2 years – but represented good value on the whole.
Is it just me – or are others being left high & dry?
Wrote an ‘I’m not a happy camper’ email… would have at least expected a reply to that!
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17 Replies
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There is nothing more frustrating, David.
This sounds very much like SignFab in Leicester, who are great at what they do. Always top-notch work!
However, their ordering process and customer engagement is nothing short of a disgrace, which is a shame.I am not sure what type of product you are after, but Vinnie at 3D signs has done some excellent work for me.
01843 588 111
vince@3d-signs.co.ukAnother, is Sam Armstrong at Make it Happen for a wide range of bespoke sign products.
https://makeih.com/contact -
Seems to be a common thing, my friend has had nothing but issues with trade manufacturers to the point he refuses to take on jobs he can’t produce in house. None of the seem to give a toss, and it’s you who has to take the brunt of it from your customer.
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not spectra, but i have had problems getting realistic turnaround times over the past couple of years, but now the prices have shot up it just makes buying in jobs so much more difficult.
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Never used Spectra, so can’t comment.
Do use Signfab, and honestly never had anything other than good products, service, and communication. I don’t mind recommending them.
Cheers
Dave
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+1 for Vince great trade only supplier of built ups.
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Thanks.
Used Vince on several occasions in the past and mostly flawless results.Was just beat out on time and cost on this one… although in hindsight… yeh!
Oh, and just to make it worse.
My ‘guaranteed Friday’ turned into ‘FedEx have it, but there’s no shipping label in it… so, em… dunno where it is. -
The saga continues…
Still not resolved. Major damage due to poor packaging. Still awaiting replacement parts.
Even the ‘good’ bits are bad.
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WOW! I feel for you, as I’m sure it makes you look incompetent to your customer.
I used signfab for a job recently, first time in a long while, really tight deadlines (delivered to site the day of the install and the customers brand launch) and they turned it around as promised no issues at all.
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You must have been either handing them a massive job, or gone through Sam at MIH! 😀
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No just a built up logo, dealt with Liam there. You not had similar experiences with them?
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Far from it, David.
As I said at the start, their workmanship and products have always been great, and dealing with Signfab used to be consistently good. I’ve had business meetings at their premises, had a tour of the factory, and I can’t speak highly enough of the company.However, over the past 12 to 16 months, things have changed. Any time I’ve placed an order, the process has become drawn out, with no callbacks, no replies to emails, etc. At first, I thought it might be down to staff working from home, but that should be irrelevant. I just want to place my order, pay for it, have it manufactured, and receive it on time. Unfortunately, the breakdown always happens at the earliest stage of getting a quote and a turnaround time. The long delays between communication, if they happen at all, are of no use to me.
I completely understand that businesses can face staffing problems or be under pressure due to workload, but there still needs to be basic communication and reliability. When a repeat customer is trying to place an order, there should at least be a response! The only time things start to move is once the payment has been taken, but getting to that point is a joke!
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Yes, everything after the quote & placing the order is spot on… There can be a little chasing to actually get a quote.
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On the initial enquiry, all they have to say is…
“Due to our workload, you will be looking at a 3-4 week turnaround, rather than our usual 1-2 weeks”.
Right there and then, I can make a decision to pursue a quote or go elsewhere!
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that has been 2 months!?! 🙄 not good for a trade supplier. 🤠
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It’s mid July….still not sorted.
a further 7 weeks since the damaged one arrived, had to be repaired to a ‘it’ll do’ level and fitted.
Agreed to have it remade in 2 sections, better materials…so it’s sitting wrapped & on a pallet.Checked to see if they are also sending out new opals & PVC backs – nope.
“old ones will fit” – ah, yes, the ones I bonded in with VHB & adhesives and the 3 part PVC that will now magically fit a 2 part.Told ’em to do it right and stop penny pinching for a job that’s 6 MONTHS late – all their fault…or do a full refund.
Never known this level of incompetence & customer service from a trade supplier…
UPDATE:
Doing new opal fronts…still holding out on the backs….we shall see, we shall see…
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This is the annoying thing about trade suppliers, they’re effectively an extension of your business.
What does your client make of all this faffing around?
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Wow! No words! How are they still in business?
We all get things wrong but it’s how you put it right that gets remembered. Shocking service.
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