Hi guys,
I have been working on a project and thought I'd found a suitable supplier for the specialised textile printing it requires. The company doesn't have a website but a Facebook account (also Twitter & Instagram which I don't use) and his mobile number is on the Facebook page.

After initial contact I was sent 2 PDF files of prices and other details quite promptly (same day) however there were some things I needed clearing up so I sent these questions via Facebook again on the same day.

Three days later there had been no response so I asked again via Facebook.

After another 3 days with no response I sent a text to the Mobile Number asking if he could answer my questions within half an hour I got a text back saying "How you doing Alan I'm just on the way home will go through it and get back to you this evening" Nothing happened.

Sent text reminders at approximately 24 hour intervals for the next 2 days without response.

Then tried Facebook again another 24 hours later.

Then today (another 4 days later) sent another text asking if he could please respond.

So I'd like your votes on how to proceed next and also any innovative suggestions on other courses of action I may have not considered?

It is important to point out that during all this time the account has been actively posting jobs they've done for customers to their Facebook Wall so they're not ill, on holiday, having a family crisis etc.

I look forward to your thoughts.

_________________
Cheers

Winch

"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow I shall fear no evil for thou art with me. And together we'll kick ANY bugs ASS!"
You know who you are!

Signs he doesn't have a real business and/or doesn't take it seriously:

No professional website? Big red flag.
Runs business with a Facebook and a cellphone? Red flag.
Doesn't respond to question by potential customer within 24 hours? Red flag.
Especially from a customer who makes repeated contact attempts? Red flag.

Rule of thumb in the global online economy: If a business doesn't have a site where you can select what you want, put it in a cart, and pay with a credit card, you should probably find one that does.

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I intend to live forever, or die trying.
Groucho Marx

The lack of landline is a bit dodgy too.

Have you tried ringing him Alan?

Is anyone commenting or liking his facebook posts? If yes then I'd send them a message to ask about his reliablity and how their experience was with him.

I hope you get what ever it is sorted mate

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AKA: Simon

I'm with Pelikan on this one, way to many red flags.

He's not taking your potential business seriously so I'd post that you've tried contacting him, got no response to your question and are thus taking your business elsewhere.
He's free to remove it of course but at least then he knows he's losing a customer based on his actions

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If you have no money tied invested with this guy I would find someone else. What's it going to be like once he has your money?

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A12/TQ1.0.22137E1
PVT. Schmaus, Christopher J.
2nd Batt 6th Regt
USS Tahoma

Even without a twitter account yourself you can check what's going on. That might help.
Apart from this I second the "red flag" comment.

Most of all if he is not responding over 2 weeks that would tell me he can't or would not do Business.

Frank

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Sgt. Frank Peters 'reload' Smartgun Operator
A03/TQ3.0.12136E1 "It will be no picknick!"
AL Colonial Admin. - Sergeant at Arms (SgtA) -- 2020-2022
GERCM - Executive Officer (XO)
UKCM Foreign Legion: The Deviant Dragoons

Thanks for the input guys I was pretty much thinking along the lines most of you've said.

There have been some interesting developments since I posted,

My last text had more or less said "The next time I will ask will be on your Facebook Wall" and I've still heard nothing from that Mobile Number.

However I also noticed an email (Gmail to be precise which I know could be another red flag) address on their Facebook page so I emailled earlier today and got a pretty prompt reply from someone asking me to please resend the artwork I'd sent to the guy I'd been texting and answering some of my questions so I sent the mock-up art and repeated the remaining unanswered questions and have received another prompt reply answering the last of my questions. The tone of the emails comes across as the other guy has screwed up and I'm clearing up his mess!

So I might risk seeing how they perform producing samples and take it from there.

_________________
Cheers

Winch

"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow I shall fear no evil for thou art with me. And together we'll kick ANY bugs ASS!"
You know who you are!

Well I voted before reading your latest post. However I think I would still say "walk away."


Kevin

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I told you I'd shoot, but you didn't believe me! WHY DIDN'T YOU BELIEVE ME!?!

Is this on the same subject as we talked about Winch??

I'd be concerned, but not massively. Take everything with a pinch of salt and always be guarded.

If they kick their heels and take ages replying or getting your stuff to you, then it's sometimes best to walk away. It either means they are not interested, or so busy that they can't devote the time to your project, and more likely to provide a sub par product.

If you've got communications back on track, give them the benefit of the doubt, but say to yourself "You've failed me for the last time!".

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You don't have to be pitilessly sadistic to work here.... But it helps.
http://www.chefs-creations.co.uk/shop/index.php/colonial-marine

http://www.kgbairsoft.com/wordpress

Hey Chef,
no this is actually another project which is sort of allied to the one we discussed. Either project will stand alone quite happily and if both come to fruition they'll dovetail together nicely.

With luck that's detailed enough to be intriguing and vague enough to maintain OpSec!

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Cheers

Winch

"Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow I shall fear no evil for thou art with me. And together we'll kick ANY bugs ASS!"
You know who you are!

The Black Dog Runs at Night.

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My entry-level prop and costume tutorials: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=12751

I'd vote for "move on". I mean really, it's like you're begging this guy to take your money...there's plenty of other businesses out there that would treat you better, stop wasting your time with this guy/guys/ladies/people.

_________________
"Awww, someone tell me that's a boot!

It's a boot!"

III drops

Only when the frootmigs are yoghurting.

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You don't have to be pitilessly sadistic to work here.... But it helps.
http://www.chefs-creations.co.uk/shop/index.php/colonial-marine

http://www.kgbairsoft.com/wordpress

Broadsword calling danny boy

salt and burn the earth.

oh wait, your talking about shafty suppliers, not thorn bushes.

walk away, find another.

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the kilted smartgunner

Give me absenth I turn British.