Re: [CR] Argos

(Example: Bike Shops)

In-Reply-To: <858461.60713.qm@web32908.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
References: <858461.60713.qm@web32908.mail.mud.yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:08:00 +0100
From: "Derek Athey" <devondirect@googlemail.com>
To: John Ferguson <xrs2@yahoo.com>
Cc: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Re: [CR] Argos


Hi John

I, like dozens of enthusiasts/collectors here in the UK, have used Argos for over 20 years. I had four frames repainted with minor braze-on adjustments done only last year. I live about 1 1/2 hours drive away so deliver/collect myself. The first three were done to collect together and took about three months. The fourth a similar time. Very simple one clour paints with transfers and lacquering. I even refit the headbadges myself to save money and time!

I have known Garry for years and Argos are good, not cheap, but very good at what they do. However, due to that, they are *extremely* busy even with a two year recession. All year round! No winter or summer let off at all.

I don't know what work you are requiring on your frame, but I would think that it must be time consuming and therefore needs a big 'window' to complete.

It sounds to me that there is a communications problems here and if I can assist in communication I am only too willing to phone them on your behalf with your messages or instructions on work etc. It may be easier than emails to them as Garry simply doesn't have down time available to spend on the internet. Their web site is five years out of date with colour swatches!!

Regards Derek Athey Honiton, Devon UK

On Sat, Jun 12, 2010 at 1:43 AM, John Ferguson <xrs2@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I'm hesitant to do this, but does anyone have a contact at Argos Cycles, or
> know what is going on there?
>
> Sent them a frame for a repaint ten (yes, ten) months ago...my most recent
> communication from them was on 4/30, saying that they're "keen to start the
> project, just lacking the time to look at it!"
>
> I've requested my frame back from them, and haven't heard a thing. Am I
> being unreasonable? Is 10 months out of line for a repaint and minor frame
> work? Note that they have pushed back the delivery date from the few months
> initially estimated to basically whenever they feel like getting to it.
>
> I've seen their work, it's really quite good, and they seem to know what
> they are talking about. Would love to have them complete the work, but don't
> understand what is going on...it's not like I've been e-mailing them daily,
> just every 6 weeks or so to see whether they were going to get to it some
> time this decade.
>
> Now...if I'd sent the frame to Brian Baylis or someone similar, I could
> understand the wait as he's an individual in high demand. But isn't Argos a
> commercial operation?
>
> John Ferguson
> New York, NY