Hello. Alright my first post to Dropzone.com and it's (at least to a degree) to offer a dissenting opinion. Your post struck a chord with me at the moment for two specific reasons: 1) I'm currently awaiting the arrival of a Javelin which was supposed to ship last monday and 2) It's saturday, and there's blue skies but I'm sitting in the office working (mostly :) ) instead of jumping so that I can deliver my product (software) as promised. The part of your post I take issue with is: > 5) If you want your new gear on a specific date (like for a vacation, boogie, special jump, etc), order it at >east 16 weeks prior to that >date. Currently the longest delivery time in the industry is 10-12 weeks, but that does not include >shipping time or "shit happened" time. >Allowing an extra 4 weeks beyond the "worst case" delivery time should assure that you'll have your new >toy for the event you really want >it for, barring of course any terrorist attacks or acts of god or the shipping company that might delay it >even further. > 6) If your gear is delayed beyond the estimated completion date, heave a heavy sigh, sit down with a >beer and relax. It will be done when >it is done and not before. Stressing over it, calling the dealer and/or mfr., etc, won't do anything other >than raise your blood pressure, and >in some cases it may cause the mfr.and/or dealer to not be willing to go whatever extra mile might be >required to get it to you quickly. What exactly is it about the skydiving industry that gives its businesses some kind of magic exemption from delivering their product as promised? If I'm paying $1500 for a container, why on Earth should I take an 'It'll come when it comes' attitude? I hold skydiving businesses to the same level of customer service that I hold other businesses to. If something I order comes four weeks late, you can bet that'll factor into my decision to do business with them in the future. Just my two cents. -Jason