mia
starting to spend too much on rocks
As you travel on thru life, whatever be your goal. Keep your eye upon the donut, not upon the hole.
Member since January 2011
Posts: 150
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Post by mia on Oct 2, 2012 14:57:09 GMT -5
Honestly, I don't know how they get it all in one little frb! This was my order unpacked, every piece was perfect and intact! Take THAT! You Post office goons! Thank you Kris, you rock! Attachments:
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itsandbits
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2012
Posts: 825
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Post by itsandbits on Oct 2, 2012 15:06:22 GMT -5
NIIIIICCCCCEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Oct 4, 2012 12:53:20 GMT -5
Thanks bunches, Mia! We have a simple sales strategy ... overwhelm the patron!  The key to packing the box so it can't be destroyed by the Shipping Gorillas is to stuff it so full that it essentially becomes a solid brick! ;D I need to add kudos to my long-suffering partner, Mr. Al. Being a quit, modest guy, he doesn't get the attention that my big mouth brings to me. However, I'd be lost without him. When we're on a field trip and questions are flying at me, he's out doing the mining, getting great rock for our patrons. He does the driving, provides our workshop location, does great lapidary work, and generally keeps me moving. Were definitely a 2-man operation, we couldn't do it all alone. Thanks, Al! You're the best! And thank you, Mia, Lloyd and all of our patrons! Be well, friends! Kris |
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2012 14:49:40 GMT -5
Thanks bunches, Mia! We have a simple sales strategy ... overwhelm the patron! I'm underwhelmed. Have a look at my not so blue spheres. Kris when I asked my customer satisfaction was not your concern.  I believe I had a reasonable expectation of receiving blue stones. Here is the add I responded to: forum.rocktumblinghobby.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=buysell&thread=51570&page=1In this advertisement you state: PRIME WINDOWED NODULES. That to me means you are doing quality assurance and making sure every stone is blue. you later lowered the price and send me a sdingle 4 pound nodule to make up the difference. True blue gem silica!?!?!? agatization? And after reading this I expected to get windowed BLUE Blue G. I believe everyone would. Instead, I got some brown crap seen in the image above. All the flowery prose in the world will not change the color of the stone. Nor will it change the fact (I present with evidence) that I did not get blue material. I asked you to make it right. You failed. Kris; you can still make it right. I will accept refund of all the money I sent you for Blue G material, or a MFRB full of actually blue, Blue G. This last is least desirable but, I'll take it. Either way, I wasted 60 hours, 14-15 class fees and and unknown qty of grit producing a couple of ugly spheres. My bad for that. I'll eat it. |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Oct 4, 2012 17:16:39 GMT -5
Scott, as we've discussed in PRIVATE communication, we've attempted to satisfy you, before and after the fact.
You made no complaint about the color of the first box of material that we sent you when it was received, nor of the second box we sent to attempt to please you when you complained on this forum about having been overcharged when we had a special on the Sales forum.
You received far more material at a lower cost than any other patron.
There was no mention of color until, very suddenly, you became unhappy with the color of your finished sphere, which we would have proudly displayed at Quartzsite and Tuscon, and given you credit for on our webpage, and we told you that.
When we attempted to placate you by offering to trade for it, you replied with abusive communications. We have hard copies of these communications.
We repeatedly attempted to reestablish a polite dialog, and had thought that we had simply agreed to disagree.
We've done our level best to come to a satisfactory conclusion to your complaint, but to no avail. Furthermore, we've made no mention of your erratic behavior, in private or public communications.
One day, your notes were positive and friendly, the next rude an threatening. Frankly, we were flummoxed, and quite bewildered.
If you didn't like the material when you received it, and when you worked it, and when you promised photographs, why didn't you simply ask for a refund or a trade for other materials? We would have happily done either one of those, and eaten the mailing cost.
It's simply good business.
To say that we feel blindsided and abused is to put it mildly. We've lost sleep over this, examined our customer fulfillment policies and concluded that their was simply no more we could afford to do, in money or in time.
As it is, I must send notes of apology to good customers for not filling their orders today, due to the time required by this reply.
So, in light of this threatening attempt to defame us, we will allow you 24 hours to remove this post, and post a simple apology.
After that time, we will report your posts and behavior to the Administrators and moderators, and contact our legal counsel about possible legal action.
We may be Hand-2-Mouth, but we aren't taking this lying down. Our long list of publicly satisfied patrons are our reputation, and we will defend it by what means we must.
Sincerely,
Kris Rowe
General Partner
Hand-2-Mouth Mining
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fwfranklen (Mike)
spending too much on rocks
Rock-ON--Have you kissed your rock today?
Member since August 2012
Posts: 379
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Post by fwfranklen (Mike) on Oct 4, 2012 17:20:14 GMT -5
I've worked with Kris on several transitions and am completly satified with the product and service. Second to none. If all the vendors or individules I deal with were like Kris then my "rock life" would be perfect. Nice job Kris.
thanks.
Mike
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Post by FrogAndBearCreations on Oct 4, 2012 17:24:16 GMT -5
Ditto the above statement! Never ever any problems with any purchases from Kris  |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Oct 4, 2012 17:32:10 GMT -5
Thank you, my friends. Folks like you are why we stay in this end of the business.
My apologies to the patrons I've had to disappoint today, I'll make it up to you tomorrow.
Gotta get going, me 'n Mr. Al get to spend our evening at the Geode Booth for the local Club, at the Big Fresno Fair! We're providing backup for Lynyrd Skynyrd tonight!
;D
Be well!
Kris
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Oct 4, 2012 17:39:41 GMT -5
nice stuff you got there Mia, is that the O'sidian stuff you got there too??? the rainbow obsidian looks soo cool can't wait to get some myself to work with!! Good Luck with it!! Post pics of your creations!! Kris & Al, I got your $5.00 sampler and already lost one stone to a friend who was sooooo enthralled with it he had to have it to the point that he harassed me til I gave it to him just to shut him up!!!!  But it's all good in the end I guess. Keep on rocking!!! |
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Don
Cave Dweller 
He wants you too, Malachi.
Member since December 2009
Posts: 2,616
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Post by Don on Oct 4, 2012 17:52:49 GMT -5
I have been very pleased with all of my purchases from Kris and AL over at Hand-to-mouth mining.
It sounds like Kris and AL have made every effort to resolve the complaint. Their status as a top rated vendor has not changed in my opinion.
20 lbs of standard grade Blue G for $1/lb is a heck of a deal. Kris is this deal still available? I would like to take advantage of it if possible.
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Post by tntmom on Oct 4, 2012 18:23:31 GMT -5
Wow, this thread makes me sad....
I haven't tried Blue G yet but I have to say that Kris is one of the COOLEST guys I have ever dealt with. I got OB from him that is knock your socks off better than any ob I have worked to date. And I've worked almost every type (I would like to believe haha) except for fire. In fact.... I should have my first cab of it finished within the next few days (Lemon Yellow!!!!!). I was blown away and have a deep respect for what these guys do for you when they know exactly what you're looking for. They really go out of their way with you in mind.... I'm not used to that type of accommodation and I love it!
I hope this works out for you Scott. I don't think they would intentionally try to do any wrong. In fact, I believe the opposite. Maybe you got a dud, it happens, but Kris mentioned that he was willing to make it right. I can't imagine a bad bone in his body.... he and Al seem to try very very hard to please their customers and keep them happy.
I'm a believer and happy customer with Hand-2-Mouth Mining.
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Post by sandsman1 on Oct 4, 2012 20:50:27 GMT -5
shotgunner and Hand2Mouth
we have a section for buy sell and trade out comes its -- the good the bad and the ugly - section I'm gonna move this whole thread there tomorrow - its always best to talk about stuff like this in private when all else fails you can make your side know and that gives the other party a chance to tell there side -- both sides should keep it civil and just put the facts seems you both have done that -- unless you keep talking in private there's not much more that can be done -- we added that section for reviews of transactions for both sides to have there final say about them -- good or bad
sorry guys i musta been half asleep last nite i didn't realize this was already in the right place haha -- first one that See's me can smack me in the backa the head and tell me to wake up haha
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 5, 2012 19:34:19 GMT -5
Hello everyone; My post was in response to Kris’ claim he overwhelms his patrons. I wished to illustrate that I was underwhelmed. I did so by stating opinion and facts the best I know them. I look at RTH as a neighborhood. I would not be a good neighbor if I did not let you know about a bad deal. That is what this section is for. My intent is to be entirely honest. The opinions and analysis I present are mine. I did try to resolve this with Kris in private. I told him, I could still be a happy customer, just make it right. I reminded him of a post in which I spoke highly of his shipping methods. He made promises and accepted my offers. He made offers but never followed through. He then quit communicating. Had he actually followed thru with his typed words, we would not be here today. He would have made me a happy customer. I made that first post in fairness to everyone. Had I not made that post others would not have all the information they need to make good buying decisions. I make no offer to tell anyone how to act or who to buy from. To those who expressed support for Kris, awesome! I too had a good transaction with him. I bought a box of obsidian and even started a nice (photograph heavy) thread of his packaging methods. I still say he does that right! The fact is I had one transaction in which I was unhappy. Instead of force the issue when I saw the cut material I waited. I waited because Kris encouraged me. He was so confident I had outstanding material he made me feel that I had better finish it to see how beautiful it polishes up. I did that. I was severely disappointed. I was still going to let it go. I posted the images in the creations thread and Kris responded with The perceived arrogance stunned me. I once worked as a professional photographer. I can take a good photo. I photographed those spheres in direct sunlight. There is no blue to be seen. I then asked him privately to make the deal good. Refund me, give me store credit, buy/trade for the first sphere ever finished from his material; anything, to make me feel I wasn’t taken advantage of. He made a couple different promises and never followed thru with them. tntmom: Hi Krystee, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately Kris did not offer to make it right. In fact, he said the opposite. In his last post to this thread he says: I guess that means if one is unhappy, tough. He doesn’t have money nor time to reward an unhappy client with happiness. Did I make mistakes? Sure. I misread the situation from day one. No doubt. Did I get blue material? I doubt there is a single person who thinks that I got blue material. Did I have a reasonable expectation of getting blue material? I believe so. If you feel differently you are certainly entitled to your opinion. No sweat. I’ll summarize recent events briefly: A) I had a private discussion with Kris about my unhappiness, nothing came of it B) I made a public post describing my opinions and presented images to support them C) Kris responds; yet fails to address the opinions nor the facts presentedD) Instead Kris’ post attacks me personally E) Kris threatens to pursue legal action if I do not censor myself ReallY? A threat of legal action?? Am I not entitled to my own feelings? It sure takes chutzpah to tell someone they have no right to speak their mind and threaten legal action. Read my posts carefully. Read Kris’ post carefully. Then please consider everything you now know about Kris. If you still decide to buy from him, great. Won’t hurt my feelings one bit. For me? Not unless he follows through with his promise and also denounces his threat of legal action. Until then, I still feel taken advantage of. Best wishes to all. |
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hand2mouthmining
spending too much on rocks
Purveyors of California Gem Rock
Member since September 2011
Posts: 495
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Post by hand2mouthmining on Oct 7, 2012 4:40:43 GMT -5
Scott,
After several days of cooling off and talking with my partner, the threat of legal action is rescinded.
We freely admit that we're not perfect, as several of our best patrons can confirm. However, in the case that we've made a mistake, we immediately do our best to make it right, in the most timely fashion possible.
You've left out many links in what has been a long chain of mostly good events and communications beginning in April with your purchase of Blue G nodules. Looking beyond our "making right" your posted disappointment with the initial price paid by shipping you additional Blue G, at our own cost, our question has been "Why?"
Why would you, after positive postings, discussions and personal messages, cutting and polishing a sphere, posting photos and receiving positive comments, abruptly communicate disappointment
6 months after receiving the initial shipment of Blue G?
Why did you not express a concern immediately upon receipt of the now unsuitable Blue G nodules???
Why would you not also state the fact that you received, in total, over 40 pounds of solid sphere grade Blue G nodules, at a bargain price of $132.82, shipped?
As every Blue G cutter knows, every nodule is different, and you decided with which of the nodules to create your perfectly nice sphere, a sphere that we offered to trade $200 more material for, shipped at our cost.
We don't know the "why?"
What we do know is that, if we bought, used and altered most any retail product, say strawberries, a t-shirt or shoes, then came back 6 months later and demanded a refund of all funds spent for the used, altered item, we'd be laughed at, or at best, the retailer would politely decline the refund.
As we are now doing.
And, as a professional provider of photography, given the same situation, you yourself would do without hesitation.
A good customer will express dissatisfaction at the first opportunity, giving a fair opportunity for the retailer to correct the situation. Had you done so when you received the Blue G, we would have immediately reversed the transaction and paid for return shipping.
We ask "why?" Why would you cut a stone that did not show the color you expected it to display? We made no secret of the "new Blue" nature of the material, or that you were experimenting with it in a new way. In fact, you where the originator of a successful and much posted and watched topic on "Blue G Secrets."
We ask "why?"
Why would you publicly quote out of (any!) context private messages? After all, it's common knowledge that to make public private communications is unethical at best, and legally actionable at the worst.
By doing so, without even the slightest warning, you have irrevocably broken our trust.
The final "why?"
Why would you suddenly pursue a vendetta against us, and our Blue G?
We can see no good reason, since our communications prior to your declaration of disappointment on September 12, were entirely cordial.
We won't publicly quote those private communications, though we will happily provide them to any RTH Forum Admin or retailer who requests our full communications.
We have referred to, in public, only to your public writings.
This will be our final communication on this subject, sir.
We won't besmirch your reputation, sir. We have no need to do so.
Sincerely,
Kris
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"You shall know them by their fruits ..." - Matthew 7:16
"You shall know them by their rock!" - Our Avatar, Kid Rock
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Post by Toad on Oct 7, 2012 18:42:16 GMT -5
Scott, glad you posted your experience. We do want to know when someone gets a bum deal - and a good one too. That is how we look out for each other.
Kris, also glad you responded. That's why we have the forum - so we can see the back and forth.
For me, Scott has a legitimate point - no blue in that stone. Kris also has a legitimate point - he sent additional material to make the transaction right.
Doesn't appear to be an obvious right/wrong to me. I just placed an order with Kris myself and will see what happens this coming week.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Oct 7, 2012 19:27:18 GMT -5
Thanks Toad. Like I said, I made a mistakes too. The additional stone was sent to atone for a price drop immediately after I received my material. Not to atone for lack of color in the stone. I had not even cut the stone for some time as it took awhile to get time to use it for sphere making. My trust in Kris was implicit. My bad. I did not get to choose the stones sent to me. I have no blue stones to choose from. Kris did offer to trade for one of the spheres. Awesome! I was totally stoked about that and we would not be talking now had he followed thru with the promise to send me pics of trade materials. It was jello salad and magnesite I desired. I am pretty sure he claimed to have found "only a few tons" of these. Should be plenty of good stuff to offer. I guess six months is too long. I wonder if I am being blamed here for somehow changing the color. Had I sold a snake to someone, the warranty is just a few days because the client can damage the product. I expected a more durable warranty on more durable products. This stone is the most durable product ever! My bad. Two more things. A) I never quoted private discussion, but I will if Kris desires. B) I received 26# (not "over 40") of Blue G in total and none of it is blue. It seems i am owed another 15#!! Kris is correct to stop communicating on the subject. That is also my intent.The only further communication I hope for is to finalize the trade Kris offered. That way his wish can come true. He can have this sphere on his tables in Quartzite and Tucson! Awesome! I think I'll name this sphere Paris Hilton. Just like PH this stone is naturally tan and famous for no good reason! Anybody wanna buy it/her? If you've read this thread, you know the price! |
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Post by Toad on Oct 12, 2012 23:42:45 GMT -5
Got my 20 pounds of material today. It is good solid material - most green and blue. Look forward to playing with it.
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droseraguy
Cave Dweller
Member since April 2012
Posts: 426
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Post by droseraguy on Oct 13, 2012 10:13:52 GMT -5
Well I'd like to put my two cents in here as a supporter of Hand2Mouth Mining. Kris was very responsive to my placed order. It took some patience on both sides since he was actually in the field for a while. Kris is like a proud Dad that just wants his Blue G to go to a happy home. I don't know what's going on between you two but keep it private unless you want to get others aggrivated with you. I've seen some of the best discussions between people that don't agree with each other here without attacks. Remember we are a small group from all over the world keep it civil unless you want to be put in the corner for a timeout. Unhappy is one thing, Unprofessional is another. Don't forget we all have a life other than our rocks even if it is a business !
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2012 19:09:55 GMT -5
Just a quick little update.
Because of this thread, I have had some private discussions with folks who were concerned. Enough have informed me that they have chosen not to buy from Kris that the loss in sales exceeds my losses to H2MM.
That means had I been given a complete refund for my unhappiness H2MM would now be ahead and I would have been a happy client with good experience to share.
Such are the choices we make in life.
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The Dad_Ohs
fully equipped rock polisher
Take me to your Labradorite!!
Member since September 2012
Posts: 1,860
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Post by The Dad_Ohs on Dec 11, 2012 19:31:29 GMT -5
Just a quick little update. Because of this thread, I have had some private discussions with folks who were concerned. Enough have informed me that they have chosen not to buy from Kris that the loss in sales exceeds my losses to H2MM. That means had I been given a complete refund for my unhappiness H2MM would now be ahead and I would have been a happy client with good experience to share. Such are the choices we make in life. Was this comment necessary?? I find it interesting that nothing has been said on this topic in awhile and yet, when Kris posts in the forum about his good fortune with the Blu-G and the GIA report, and suddenly you have an update for this thread. I would have thought, if anything, in light of this you wold have spoken to him privately about trying to resolve this one more time. I have no part in this, and, I respect you both.. have since day one, but, in the words of Cap't Hook..."bad form!" |
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