How long is too long? (2024)

Since there are so many seasoned UAS sufferers here I thought I would pose this conundrum to the group: How long past due date is too long to wait for a build? I commissioned an instrument in the fall of 2021 from a luthier and was quoted 18 months completion time. Paid a security deposit to get on the list, and 18 months later paid another deposit as the build was under way. A few months after that the build was "nearing completion" I paid the final balance. Fast forward 15 months and I still have not received an instrument. I was unable to contact the luthier for 10 months and then received an apology and update that they would be going out in a few weeks...that was 5 months ago. September of this year will be three full years since first payment.

Unfortunately even though I have paid via G&S on PayPal, I am well beyond their 90 day dispute window so I can no longer request a refund. Has anyone experienced this? Is it time to seek legal help? Submit a case with a better business bureau? I would love to hear if anyone else has run into this over the years.

I had a roommate when I was in my 20s who went home for the holidays and just never came back. No communication, didn't respond to my calls or emails, nothing. The better part of a year went by where her half of the rent just went unpaid because I couldn't afford it, and I had to move out and find a new place obv. She eventually contacted me to tell me she had been in a car accident and had suffered a traumatic head injury. Her parents were taking care of her since she couldn't take care of herself.... turns out her rent 10 states away was just not on their radar when her life was in the balance. That may be an extreme case, but just an anecdote to encourage kindness. You never really know what's going on behind the scenes. Do get a refund if you can, or get your instrument if that's still possible, but if the builder really wanted to stiff you, he'd probably just stiff you and vanish, not string you on. He did apologize, sounds like he might be struggling.

Sorry about your deposits tho. That's rough.

Thanks for the replies gang. No phone number that I have access to and between email and social it’s been silence.

Totally sympathetic to any potential personal issues, I don’t know this luthier so I can’t possibly know what’s going on. That being said some simple communication would go a long way. The inability or unwillingness to do so isn’t the best customer experience. Had they not taken full payment I would of course have walked away long ago.

Someone recommended I might try sending them an invoice via PayPal where I paid to see if that gets any attention.

Maybe leave posts on any social media and FaceBook and Builder's Website, etc. Just saying that you'd been trying to get in touch with the luthier and weren't getting any replies. See if he gets back to you or someone has an idea of what is going on.

Even the best luthiers that I know of, who accept custom orders, usually have 1-1/2 to 2 year waiting lists. Some have shorter waiting times now mostly due the general slowdown in the demand for higher-end ukes.

Best of luck. I hope it gets resolved for you.

Kenn2018 said:

Maybe leave posts on any social media and FaceBook and Builder's Website, etc. Just saying that you'd been trying to get in touch with the luthier and weren't getting any replies. See if he gets back to you or someone has an idea of what is going on.

Even the best luthiers that I know of, who accept custom orders, usually have 1-1/2 to 2 year waiting lists. Some have shorter waiting times now mostly due the general slowdown in the demand for higher-end ukes.

Best of luck. I hope it gets resolved for you.

Click to expand...

That was done for Liam of Wunderkammer on the Luthier Forum of this website. Someone who lived near him reached out to him. Eventually contact was resumed and he's again posted to media, etc. Perhaps media would be a help.

https://forum.ukuleleunderground.com/threads/wunderkammer-musical-instrument-co.163354/#post-2485262