Author Topic: Experience at USBC booth... (Read 6059 times)

tenpinspro · « **on:** May 22, 2007, 05:52:51 AM »

Hey there guys/gals,

Just sharing my experience at the booth at the USBC open.

shipper50 and I walk up to the booth to try and weigh his ball. He uses "Tom Thumb" inserts but forgot them in his room at Circus and he had his knee swell up on him so I didn't want him to walk back and forth.

Initial encounter walking up to a blond at the booth:

Me: Hi, I'm Rick Leong from Ten Pins Pro Shop in Alameda, California and Track Staff. Can you tell me if Jason Wonders' email account is working correctly? I sent him an email about a month ago trying to ask for pro shop pricing for a Centaur AMB particle (I wanted to try and see if I could just open up the lanes (too late...bowled last week..) from what I heard about this ball).

Blond: (confused look on her face) I don't think we have a Jason Wonders working for us. You sure that's his name?

me: ummm..Yes....(confused look on my face now) uh..oh

Blond: Let me ask Frankie.....(goes into the back, talks to Frankie...comes back out)

Blond: Go talk to Frankie...

me: okay, thanks....(I proceed to the back where Frankie is drilling a ball) Introduce myself again...Hi Frankie, Is Jason's email working correctly? Does he still have that same account?

Frankie: Heard you had a problem with Jason.

me: No problem, just checking to see if his email account that's listed on the website is correct? I asked for yada,yada,yada....we all miss stuff from time to time being busy and all, I understand.

Frankie:I'll tell him he messed up....what do you need?

me:I wanted to try to the Centaur AMB...yada,yada

Frankie: Oh no, you don't need that...too much ball out here.

me: yeah maybe but Frankie you don't know my game. How much tilt I have or what my game is like these days...

Frankie: oh, you don't need that. You need that Ogre out there for $139.95...

me: Frankie, I'm in the business...I own a shop...(just told him that 20 seconds ago)

Frankie: oh, okay....I can give you this (yada, yada)

me:Ummmm.... (with no disrepect) Okay Frankie, thanks for your time....(tells the blond to give me his card, she does)

me: shipper, let's go to the Ebonite booth, that's my new family now.

Go to Ebonite, introduce myself to Mr Calhoon (great guy btw).

They said they didn't have "Tom Thumbs". Told us to see the Visionary booth. Told them we didn't get much help there but if we get the thumb insert, they'll help us weigh the ball (that's all me and ship wanted).

Second encounter at Visionary: Doh! I see some Tom Thumbs right in front of me(I was a little hung over from the day before).

me: Talking to the blond....excuse me, can I borrow this sleeve for a second and I'll return it?

Blond: Turns her head to watch the screen at the Banger booth...

me: excuse me...

shipper50: (started packing up his stuff) Rick, let's go...she heard you...

me: (being dingy)...huh?

shipper50: Let's go Rick, it's alright, we'll go somewhere else...

That in a very long typed out version of what happened....I apologize for the length but it sums up my experience at Visionary. I met and bowled with Rich and John in Wisconsin 20+ yrs or so ago (I like them and respect them very much)...I like their philosophy but this was not good....

--------------------
Rick Leong - Ten Pins Pro Shop
Vise Inserts Staff
Dexter Advisory Staff

Tag Team Coaching - Co-Founder

See profile for Track Ball videos

*El Presidente of the Track Legion

justdale · « **Reply #16 on:** May 23, 2007, 10:53:08 PM »

Went to nationals about 3 weeks ago, went to the booths for all balls that were there, the only problem I had was at the Columbia booth. Got there at 3:30 on Tuesday, and went there after bowling on Wed. ( 2:30 squad) Booth was dark and nobody was working. I went over to the other booths, introduced myself and talk at great lengths with not only Frankie, but also the guys at the Brunswick booth. Good bunch of guys working all booths. I did notice that the Ebonite booth was pretty slammed when I was there in Tuesday, so only was there for a couple of minutes.

scotts33 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 23, 2007, 10:58:17 PM »

All I gotta say is I've been around Visionary for a bit. Rick and shipper sorry for your problems....I gotta say Vis. is better than most for regular ordinary customer's. Just a test staff member for some years and they treat me well.

Jason responds like a company rep. that cares.......who else on this board responds in a positive manner like Jason. Think back to a number of company reps. most all have responded in a negative manner.

For one, I appreciate Jason's input and wish it to stay that way.

--------------------
Scott

C-G ProShop-Carl · « **Reply #18 on:** May 23, 2007, 11:26:51 PM »

Jason,

Thank you for the message and the quick response. Apparently our lines were crossed some where. I retract my earlier comment. I did not recieve a message from you, and apologize for rushing to conclusions. The call at that time was not about a "freebee".

It was actually suggested to me by a friend that I make a call to Visionary and check into a mutual partnership so to speak.

Thanks, and I apologize again,

Carl
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio

Tag Team Member #1

TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder

Rock77 · « **Reply #19 on:** May 24, 2007, 07:09:35 AM »

I realize that at times certain people may have bad experiences with the customer service of certain companies. That does not mean that someone else's experience should affect your outlook on the company and what they produce.

While this may have been a bad experience for Rick and Shipper, that does not mean that the rest of us will have bad experiences. I truly feel that this was an isolated incident and if given another chance, Visionary would prove that their customer service is top notch.

I remember many people saying that Track's customer service was the best in the business, hands down. Well, I feel that Visionary's service is on that same level. I have never had a problem with any of my orders. Jason has been great and has helped me very much via email. I have spoken to Betsy on numerous occasions as well and she is always pleasant and ready to help.

I, for one, am enjoying my Visionary equipment and can't wait to see what the future holds.

BTW, got my Ogre Pearl and new two ball tote yesterday, can't wait to drill this beauty up.
--------------------
Visionary Test Staff Member '07-'08

shipper50 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 24, 2007, 02:46:23 PM »

I am going to put in my 2cents here on what I feel happened. We went down to the Visionary booth to look up Frankie and he had this blond working outside his drilling area. She was more of a greeter than anything else in my opinion.

Rick (tenpinspro)was trying to get information on why he didnt get a response to his emails to Jason Wonders. As far as what the blond heard I can only assume she had no idea who or what Jason was. I was there to find a Thom Thum to use as a substitute for mine to use and get a weight on one of the balls I had drilled before going.

My driller said it was 15/16 side and I wanted to make sure it was going to pass. Frankie was in the back and wasn't sure of what was going on out in front.

I think he was preoccupied with drilling a ball and trying to listen to Rick. I am not making excuses for Rick not getting an answer or the attention he deserved.

But from the way the blond handled us, and getting her nose in the air, she would not be someone I would want to represent my company in a national setting where she would meet 1000's? of people over the touranment.

So I have a NIB Frankie May sitting here waiting to get drilled soon. I wont let one unfortunate experience ruin my outlook with Visionary and give them the benefit of the doubt.

Shipper
aka Glenn Cole

C-G ProShop-Carl · « **Reply #21 on:** May 24, 2007, 03:57:56 PM »

shipper,

VERY good bud. You are a stand up guy....and I completely understand looking past the surface and giving them another shot. I am sure that Jason will take care of any issues that the booth in Reno has.

-Carl
--------------------
Carl Hurd
C-G Pro Shop (owner/operator)
Youngstown Ohio

Tag Team Member #1

TAG TEAM COACHING!!!!!!/Co-Founder

DanR · « **Reply #22 on:** May 24, 2007, 06:55:59 PM »

Rick

Did Frankie call you "Super Guy"?

sdbowler · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2007, 07:15:27 PM »

The couple dealing I have had with Visionary have been great. Once when I won the monthly contest awhile back. The other was at the booth a few years ago. Both guys at the booth talked to my wife and me for probably about an hour.
--------------------
Brunswick

pnj1967 · « **Reply #24 on:** May 24, 2007, 07:20:55 PM »

I really hate to hear my nephew was treated badly !!!!!
--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.

Users I wont deal with, read my profile.

Edited on 5/25/2007 5:41 AM

shipper50 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 24, 2007, 08:21:19 PM »

quote:
I really hate to hear my Uncle was treated badly !!!!!
--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.

Users I wont deal with, read my profile.

I think you meant your nephew since you and I are old men and he is just a pup

Shipper

VBPadvertising · « **Reply #26 on:** May 24, 2007, 09:35:43 PM »

Hey Tonx,

I don't think you really want to know what I have on you....

If I told everybody what I know, you'd never be looked at the same way again lol.

PS. What happened to the instant chat area on your website?

Hi Rack,

Cecil is not with us at the booth this year. He has moved on, and is heading the tour truck for the generations tour. We still work together on projects, but he was offered the truck and took it. Can't blame him, it gives him the opportunity to work with some of the best bowlers in the industry.

Carl,

I hope things got cleared up a little. It was nice talking to you today, and I look forward to working with you and your pro shops.

Glenn,

I don't think you will be disappointed. It is a great all around ball, and I believe it to be one of the most versatile on the market. Good Luck with it, hopefully it serves you well.

Rick,

I hope we get everything hashed out, and that this hasn't soured you on our company. Again, if there is anything I can help you or your pro shop out with, just let me know.

Jason Wonders
Visionary Bowling Products

TheDude · « **Reply #27 on:** May 24, 2007, 11:59:22 PM »

hey jason just some news from canada. I did the ball registration and weight in here at our own canadian team trials, and had i think 15 or so visionary balls pass through. from members of the jewish national team to customers of Ken Hunter and his western canadian group.

it was interesting to see those orges in action.
--------------------
Timothy @Juniors Pro-Shops
LaSalle, Quebec.
Edmonton, Alberta.
Roto-Grip Star Proshops
Etonic Stabilites Dress wearer.

Montreal, Quebec.

pnj1967 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 25, 2007, 05:44:26 AM »

You are right, corrected !!!

quote:
quote:
I really hate to hear my Uncle was treated badly !!!!!
--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.

Users I wont deal with, read my profile.

I think you meant your nephew since you and I are old men and he is just a pup

Shipper

--------------------
Enjoy the people on the ballreview.com forum. Like to help when I can.

Users I wont deal with, read my profile.

charlee323 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 25, 2007, 02:27:33 PM »

Since everyone is giving there good and bad about VBP, then here you go.

I joined test staff July 2006, purchased two balls(special weight) four shirts ordered a third ball that was necessary to start the season with. Didn't receive, so I called and found out that Betsy was in the hospital. Explained everything to John and told him to substitute my special order for a 15lb Frankie May or AMB solid. Needless to say, I never received the ball. I emailed them about the situation and I received an email from Jason that they couldn't stop production to run one ball, even though I clearly said I would take a 15lb that they had on hand. I was not happy with there response and have not purchased anything else. This was a bad and costly experience.

--------------------
Good Customer Service is hard to find.

Edited on 5/25/2007 2:28 PM

JOE FALCO · « **Reply #30 on:** May 25, 2007, 03:55:47 PM »

Charlee .. just so that we can really understand your run-around .. is it possible that you can put DATES on these occurances? Did this happen LAST WEEK or FOUR MONTHS AGO?
--------------------
Hit them light and watch them fight
J O E - F A L C O

Author Topic: Experience at USBC booth... (Read 6059 times)

tenpinspro

Experience at USBC booth...

justdale

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

scotts33

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

C-G ProShop-Carl

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

Rock77

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

shipper50

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

C-G ProShop-Carl

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

DanR

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

sdbowler

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

pnj1967

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

shipper50

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

VBPadvertising

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

TheDude

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

pnj1967

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

charlee323

Re: Experience at USBC booth...

JOE FALCO

Re: Experience at USBC booth...