I had a bad experience buying a whistle over the net. I ordered a PVC Silkstone Low D from Thom Larson of the Whistle Shop.He charged my Visa Account for$207.35 US. He did not have the merchandise in stock ( He thought it might arrive in the next shipment). A month later when I emailed him to inquire about the debit, he did offer to reimburse my card. He wrote,'We can , of course, refund the amount to your card, if needed. Please let us know if you would like to do this.
We will send another email when your order is ready.'
I was not in a hurry; Thom had my money.
Before we went to Scotland in the summer I sent an email saying we would be away and advising him that , in the interim, i would not be answering email, should, perchance, my whistle be ready.
I became suspicious when we returned and were unable to contact the whistle shop, although I sent numerous inquiries, Frankly, I was worried that there had been some bad health in the family, and I was concerned. I never for a moment thought that anything shady was going on. I even began to suspect my computer was on the fritz, the world is a logical place and if we don't understand something we just make up a reason.
Something alerted me when I tried to phone the whistle shop.
Then I contacted Paul Hayward, the maker of Silkstone Whistles. He told me that his last shipment to the whistle shop was in May this year.
He still has not been payed for that shipment. He says,'My last shipment to the whistle shop was in May of this year and I am still awaiting payment. I have tried to contact Thom Larson many times, both by email and through the message system on his website, but I have received no reply.....I have spoken to other whistle makers who are having a similar problem, and have been unable to make contact with Thom.'
There may well be some reasonable explanation(in my dreams).If there is, I would happilly apologise.
What I find most galling is the arrogance of the whistle shop not replying.
The whistle shop is still operating and has a fine web site.
Paul Haywards whistles are still available at the (I don't have the name in front of me but you'll know) TheFife and Drum or Whistle and Drum.
Have you tried phoning him? I seem to recall something on the chiff & fipple board about his site/e-mail address or something being bombarded with spam and his not being able to get to them. Maybe someone else can verify if my memory is correct.
It is sad, they used to be a very reliable dealer, but have been going through some problems lately. Thom is a trustworthy guy, but I thikn his email is not setup right.
I had a similar experience with the Whistle Shop. I ordered two whistles in May, I think. Was told they were out but were expecting a shipment in two weeks or so. They also offered to replace them with a different (more expensive) model at a reduced price, which I declined. After that, nothing. I sent a bunch of e-mails - no replies. I tried to call them at different times and days - both phone lines were always busy.
Even if they had problems with their e-mail, they should at least follow up on open orders. And the initial couple of e-mails went through without any problems. If they are experiencing any problems, the least they should do is to inform their customers. I'm sure most of them would try to be understanding.
My credit card was not charged - at least at the time I checked. Maybe I'll check again, just in case.
Having heard so many good things about the Whistle Shop in the past, I must say that I was very disappointed at such unprofessional attitude.
I'm glad i've read this as i've been looking at their site with the view to purchasing a couple of whistles one of which is out of stock. It is a shame as last i spoke to them they were very helpful
and obviously knew their products and what would suit me, i hope it is just a short lived blip.
I'm very sorry that some customers have been having trouble contacting us lately. I have posted new email addresses at our website now, and am working on the problem. Please contact me by email at - info at the whistle shop dot com (no spaces of course) - I'll take care of any problems right away!
I too bought a lot of whistles from the whistle shop and never had a problem. Unfortunately what happened was that communication became one way. You can't just set up a site and expect it to run on automatic; the communication with clients is essential.
Let's hope the whistle shop solves its communication problems.
I have to reply to this.
I placed an order on Jan. 7th 2007. The Whistle Shop took my $167.15 on Jan. 17th. I realized a few day later that I would not be getting my whistles.
First, I received no tracking number, that made me suspicious,
Second, I notice that their contact information is no longer available on their website,
Third, their phone number is disconnected.
Forth, I emailed them 3 or 4 times when finally someone responded saying that Thom was sick, which seems to be their typical excuse. If he is sick and they don't have anyone to cover the orders on the website, then they shouldn't be accepting them. Thom doesn't seem to be sick enough to slow down on his on his Ebay sales.
As of right now, my bank has been notified. I still have not received my refund. I am greatly disappointed. All of this over a few whistles. I just want my money back.
It seems to me that Thom is more concerned about his Ebay sales than his store/website sales. Maybe he should choose one.
Marie from NJ
I just heard from a friend that Thom had a heart attack sometime within the last week or two. That is probably what they meant when they said he was sick.
I guess it makes you wonder. If they have other people working in the store, maybe they should be a bit nicer if the owner is sick.
If it is true that he is, I appologize to him but not his store or the people that are working there.
They have not been nice and certainly were in a hurry to take my money. I still have not gotten it back or even a response for that matter. It is a crime to steal somebodies money.
Hello there. Unfortunately, I have to add my own bad comment.
I ordered a Susato C low whistle on 5/01/2007 and my credit card was charged that same day. I live in France and I know it's not next door from Delaware. Yet, I still have not received it a month later.
The same problems with emails occured. On 05/01, I sent a first email to ask them to correct my address (I had made a mistake) and got no answer. The next day, I sent another email. This time I got an answer from Thom who told me they had answered and that I should check my spam/junk mail folder, which I did and there was no mail from them. Two weeks later, getting worried with the delay, I sent another mail, no anwser. The next week, another mail, no answer. Right now, I just sent another mail. Each time, I wrote a meaningful mail subject to avoid getting considered as spam.
I also tried to phone them twice, their line is disconnected. On their Web site, the three different email forms use the same email address.
It's the first time I order something from the Whistle Shop, and I'm very disappointed. The whistle was to be my girlfriend's birthday present but it's way too late now...
Of course, I can perfectly understand that if Thom has had a heart attack, there may be serious troubles to get things going. And I wish him all the best to recover. However, I assume he is not alone to run his shop so I would hope at least to have someone answering my email, and telling me what the situation is.
I hope to get things sorted out soon as $165 is not exactly cheap...
I have ordered thousands of dollars's worth of merchandise from The Whistle Shop over the past 2 and a half years, and I was always happy with their service.
However, over the past several months I have noticed a disturbing trend: more and more items on the catalogue are becoming "unavailable". Almost every brand of whistle is either marked "Out of Stock" or refers you to another shop where you can buy it. Just about all you can order now are Oak, Generation and Feadog. It looks like all his suppliers are withdrawing and you have to wonder why.
My last two orders have dissapeared in the void and I don't believe I will see the whistles or my money again.
I'm the customer who bought the low whislte, two posts ago. I still haven't received anything. I sent another email today but this time I have received an automatic reply telling me that Thom has indeed had a heart attack + heavy surgery, and that he is now slowly getting back to business and will be processing and shipping orders asap.
Have no fears about buying from the Whistle Shop. They seem to be back on track. I ordered two Susatos that were out of stock until the end of the week following the placement of my order. But the whistles were shipped the following Monday and arrived as expected just a few days later. It would be nice if their website tracked inventory and sent shipping notices, but I'd rather have the slightly weak service than an increase in the prices. Thom and their service department were very responsive to e-mails.
I can't get through to the Whistle Shop! My emails have not been replied to for six weeks now, and I can't even find their phone number to call them (the link on their site doesn't work). Can someone give me their phone number so I can try to call?
Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I had a bad experience buying a whistle over the net. I ordered a PVC Silkstone Low D from Thom Larson of the Whistle Shop.He charged my Visa Account for$207.35 US. He did not have the merchandise in stock ( He thought it might arrive in the next shipment). A month later when I emailed him to inquire about the debit, he did offer to reimburse my card. He wrote,'We can , of course, refund the amount to your card, if needed. Please let us know if you would like to do this.
We will send another email when your order is ready.'
I was not in a hurry; Thom had my money.
Before we went to Scotland in the summer I sent an email saying we would be away and advising him that , in the interim, i would not be answering email, should, perchance, my whistle be ready.
I became suspicious when we returned and were unable to contact the whistle shop, although I sent numerous inquiries, Frankly, I was worried that there had been some bad health in the family, and I was concerned. I never for a moment thought that anything shady was going on. I even began to suspect my computer was on the fritz, the world is a logical place and if we don't understand something we just make up a reason.
Something alerted me when I tried to phone the whistle shop.
Then I contacted Paul Hayward, the maker of Silkstone Whistles. He told me that his last shipment to the whistle shop was in May this year.
He still has not been payed for that shipment. He says,'My last shipment to the whistle shop was in May of this year and I am still awaiting payment. I have tried to contact Thom Larson many times, both by email and through the message system on his website, but I have received no reply.....I have spoken to other whistle makers who are having a similar problem, and have been unable to make contact with Thom.'
There may well be some reasonable explanation(in my dreams).If there is, I would happilly apologise.
What I find most galling is the arrogance of the whistle shop not replying.
The whistle shop is still operating and has a fine web site.
Paul Haywards whistles are still available at the (I don't have the name in front of me but you'll know) TheFife and Drum or Whistle and Drum.
Draw your own conclusions and act accordingly.
John McNamara
# Posted on October 5th 2006 by mackie from Man
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
Have you tried phoning him? I seem to recall something on the chiff & fipple board about his site/e-mail address or something being bombarded with spam and his not being able to get to them. Maybe someone else can verify if my memory is correct.
# Posted on October 5th 2006 by Crysania
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
It is sad, they used to be a very reliable dealer, but have been going through some problems lately. Thom is a trustworthy guy, but I thikn his email is not setup right.
# Posted on October 5th 2006 by Unseen122
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I had a similar experience with the Whistle Shop. I ordered two whistles in May, I think. Was told they were out but were expecting a shipment in two weeks or so. They also offered to replace them with a different (more expensive) model at a reduced price, which I declined. After that, nothing. I sent a bunch of e-mails - no replies. I tried to call them at different times and days - both phone lines were always busy.
Even if they had problems with their e-mail, they should at least follow up on open orders. And the initial couple of e-mails went through without any problems. If they are experiencing any problems, the least they should do is to inform their customers. I'm sure most of them would try to be understanding.
My credit card was not charged - at least at the time I checked. Maybe I'll check again, just in case.
Having heard so many good things about the Whistle Shop in the past, I must say that I was very disappointed at such unprofessional attitude.
# Posted on October 6th 2006 by heike
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I'm glad i've read this as i've been looking at their site with the view to purchasing a couple of whistles one of which is out of stock. It is a shame as last i spoke to them they were very helpful
and obviously knew their products and what would suit me, i hope it is just a short lived blip.
# Posted on October 6th 2006 by iain beag
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I'm very sorry that some customers have been having trouble contacting us lately. I have posted new email addresses at our website now, and am working on the problem. Please contact me by email at - info at the whistle shop dot com (no spaces of course) - I'll take care of any problems right away!
Thank you,
Thom Larson
The Whistle Shop
# Posted on October 6th 2006 by thomlarson
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
Best wishes to Thom Larson.
Will use your new email addresses to see if we can resolve this little problem.
# Posted on October 6th 2006 by mackie from Man
No problem Buying from The Whistle Shop
I just bought a couple of generation whistles there not 2 weeks ago and had no problems at all.
# Posted on October 8th 2006 by LH
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I have bought most of my thirty some whistles from the Whistle Shop, and never have had a problem. I hope this is just a glitch in the system.
# Posted on October 8th 2006 by Black Tom
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I too bought a lot of whistles from the whistle shop and never had a problem. Unfortunately what happened was that communication became one way. You can't just set up a site and expect it to run on automatic; the communication with clients is essential.
Let's hope the whistle shop solves its communication problems.
# Posted on October 8th 2006 by mackie from Man
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I have to reply to this.
I placed an order on Jan. 7th 2007. The Whistle Shop took my $167.15 on Jan. 17th. I realized a few day later that I would not be getting my whistles.
First, I received no tracking number, that made me suspicious,
Second, I notice that their contact information is no longer available on their website,
Third, their phone number is disconnected.
Forth, I emailed them 3 or 4 times when finally someone responded saying that Thom was sick, which seems to be their typical excuse. If he is sick and they don't have anyone to cover the orders on the website, then they shouldn't be accepting them. Thom doesn't seem to be sick enough to slow down on his on his Ebay sales.
As of right now, my bank has been notified. I still have not received my refund. I am greatly disappointed. All of this over a few whistles. I just want my money back.
It seems to me that Thom is more concerned about his Ebay sales than his store/website sales. Maybe he should choose one.
Marie from NJ
# Posted on January 29th 2007 by rie
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I just heard from a friend that Thom had a heart attack sometime within the last week or two. That is probably what they meant when they said he was sick.
# Posted on January 30th 2007 by withak
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I guess it makes you wonder. If they have other people working in the store, maybe they should be a bit nicer if the owner is sick.
If it is true that he is, I appologize to him but not his store or the people that are working there.
They have not been nice and certainly were in a hurry to take my money. I still have not gotten it back or even a response for that matter. It is a crime to steal somebodies money.
# Posted on February 4th 2007 by rie
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
Hello there. Unfortunately, I have to add my own bad comment.
I ordered a Susato C low whistle on 5/01/2007 and my credit card was charged that same day. I live in France and I know it's not next door from Delaware. Yet, I still have not received it a month later.
The same problems with emails occured. On 05/01, I sent a first email to ask them to correct my address (I had made a mistake) and got no answer. The next day, I sent another email. This time I got an answer from Thom who told me they had answered and that I should check my spam/junk mail folder, which I did and there was no mail from them. Two weeks later, getting worried with the delay, I sent another mail, no anwser. The next week, another mail, no answer. Right now, I just sent another mail. Each time, I wrote a meaningful mail subject to avoid getting considered as spam.
I also tried to phone them twice, their line is disconnected. On their Web site, the three different email forms use the same email address.
It's the first time I order something from the Whistle Shop, and I'm very disappointed. The whistle was to be my girlfriend's birthday present but it's way too late now...
Of course, I can perfectly understand that if Thom has had a heart attack, there may be serious troubles to get things going. And I wish him all the best to recover. However, I assume he is not alone to run his shop so I would hope at least to have someone answering my email, and telling me what the situation is.
I hope to get things sorted out soon as $165 is not exactly cheap...
# Posted on February 8th 2007 by Yann
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I have ordered thousands of dollars's worth of merchandise from The Whistle Shop over the past 2 and a half years, and I was always happy with their service.
However, over the past several months I have noticed a disturbing trend: more and more items on the catalogue are becoming "unavailable". Almost every brand of whistle is either marked "Out of Stock" or refers you to another shop where you can buy it. Just about all you can order now are Oak, Generation and Feadog. It looks like all his suppliers are withdrawing and you have to wonder why.
My last two orders have dissapeared in the void and I don't believe I will see the whistles or my money again.
# Posted on February 13th 2007 by Shrog
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I'm the customer who bought the low whislte, two posts ago. I still haven't received anything. I sent another email today but this time I have received an automatic reply telling me that Thom has indeed had a heart attack + heavy surgery, and that he is now slowly getting back to business and will be processing and shipping orders asap.
That sounds like a good news.
# Posted on February 19th 2007 by Yann
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
Have no fears about buying from the Whistle Shop. They seem to be back on track. I ordered two Susatos that were out of stock until the end of the week following the placement of my order. But the whistles were shipped the following Monday and arrived as expected just a few days later. It would be nice if their website tracked inventory and sent shipping notices, but I'd rather have the slightly weak service than an increase in the prices. Thom and their service department were very responsive to e-mails.
# Posted on August 10th 2007 by jmario666
Re: Beware Buying from The Whistle Shop
I can't get through to the Whistle Shop! My emails have not been replied to for six weeks now, and I can't even find their phone number to call them (the link on their site doesn't work). Can someone give me their phone number so I can try to call?
Thanks!
# Posted on January 19th 2008 by danl76