time for reply?

[bruce-ter]

The bride and I are slowly redoing a bathroom (back injuries and indecisive designing) and have finally settled on all the details.  For cabinets we have picked some semi-custom units from a cabinet/furniture shop that I found on line, though they are only a couple hours away.  (I think I may have heard about them on FOG.) 
On their website they have a form to fill out to get a preliminary estimate.  I did this a couple months ago and received a reply saying the owner was on vacation and would be getting back in a couple weeks - never did rec'v a reply but wasn't overly concerned.  Friday I did the form again.
One item on the form is a question of time frame, which I did say we are in no rush.

My question is how long is reasonable for me to wait for a response?  I was a bit miffed the first time when I did not hear back from them, but hey, people have things to do and some times we miss a thing or two.
Thanks

 

[sw1211]

Personally, anyone who didn't care enough to reply to my initial inquiry would not get any of my business.  There are plenty of people who will work hard for your business and give you great customer service.    

 

[EcoFurniture]

Personally, anyone who didn't care enough to reply to my initial inquiry would not get any of my business.  There are plenty of people who will work hard for your business and give you great customer service.    

Correct! I answer all my business emails within 24 hours! I wish my clients would do the same....

 

[mastercabman]

A couple of weeks?  There's nobody else that works there to help you while the boss is on "VACATION"?
You should get a reply within 24 hours.As far as time frame,try to have date on when you need this cabinet.Some places take about 2 weeks and some can take 8-10 weeks or sometime longer.

BTW,What manufactuer is it,if you don't mind asking?

 

[Holzhacker]

Find another supplier. Even if the boss is on vacation someone should be around to send some response. If it is a small shop then maybe no one is around but at least the guy should be checking email and returning a notification. "Hi, thanks for your inquiry, I'm on the beach in Hawaii and will work on your quote when I get back". Even if I don't have time, I'll call the potential client back the next day. BTW I hate being on the phone because it keeps me from working.

 

[Neill]

Bruce,

Their lack of a timely response may be indicative of the service you may get after the sale.  I would walk away and not look back.

Neill

 

[bruce-ter]

Well,
I did get a reply today, with an estimate to come in the next day or two.  I am an easy going guy, most things and people get a second chance.  Since I wasn't in a hurry I just put the lack of reply from the owner/designer out of my mind, although I had gotten a reply from someone in the company that he was on vacation.

The company is Kerf (www.kerfdesign.com).  I am near positive I read about Kerf first on FOG.  In all honesty a very good saw and router would get a woodworker to 90% of their cabinet design, but there are some details that make their product unique; plus I really look forward to their design input.

Of course, I keep meaning to ask if the Festool saws can make a cut clean enough for this type of design.

Bruce

 

[sw1211]

Of course, I keep meaning to ask if the Festool saws can make a cut clean enough for this type of design.

Festool Saw + Sharp blade = Clean Cuts,  good luck with your purchase, feel free to post pictures of what you end up with.

 

[EcoFurniture]

Well,
I did get a reply today, with an estimate to come in the next day or two.  I am an easy going guy, most things and people get a second chance.  Since I wasn't in a hurry I just put the lack of reply from the owner/designer out of my mind, although I had gotten a reply from someone in the company that he was on vacation.

The company is Kerf (www.kerfdesign.com).  I am near positive I read about Kerf first on FOG.  In all honesty a very good saw and router would get a woodworker to 90% of their cabinet design, but there are some details that make their product unique; plus I really look forward to their design input.

Of course, I keep meaning to ask if the Festool saws can make a cut clean enough for this type of design.

Bruce

Wow, I really like those designs!
To answer your question:
Yes, it would be easy ( if you have the skills...) to construct a kitchen like that with a TS55, MFT/3, Belt sander, ETS125, cordless drill and an OF1010. You could use Europly as a material ($100/sheet) and a natural oil and wax finish (just wipe on wipe off, no spray booth required).

 

[Brice Burrell]

Bruce, I generally don't recommend anyone try to build their own kitchen cabinets unless they has the experience to pull it off. I don't know your level of woodworking experience but if you have to ask about the TS55 being able to make these kinds of cuts you may not be ready to use the Festool system on this project.

I also encourage people to find inspiration for design by looking at others work. However, and at the risk of offending you, I hope you aren't getting a design from Kerf with the intention of making these cabinets yourself. 

 

[Jesus Aleman]

As a hobbyist, I have to agree.  My first 2 cabinets were for the garage.  I had to drop my Incra square on the floor a couple of times for the square to agree with the corners inside the cabinet.   My second set was for the laundry room where there was an improvement in the satisfaction/frustraion ratio [big grin]... and so on. 

 

[bruce-ter]

I rec'ved my estimate, right in line with what I figured.  His sketch-up put 'on paper' what I had been seeing in my head, so that is perfect. 

I definitely wouldn't try to do a major cabinet project.  My experience is very limited.  My question about the cut quality on the saw was in response to the adverts which say 'glue ready', which left me wondering.  I have used an old Rockwell (yes, Rockwell) circular saw on a plywood guide for years.  When I first saw Festool the light went on, the same technique I used but with quality. 

No Festool yet.  But while reading the forum I realized I had found  source for reasoned answers beyond just Festool.  That makes it sound like I am using the forum members for my own evil gain, but it is not meant that way.

Brice, no offense at all, there is a difference from inspiration and ...

Bruce

 

[Brice Burrell]

I'm glad I didn't offend you. Would you be comfortable sharing the SketchUp drawing on the forum?

 

[peter halle]

Bruce,

Out of curiosity, is your Rockwell the model that you have to check the oil occasionally and has the drop foot (saw adjusts straight up and down), and the adjustable clutch?

Peter

 

[bruce-ter]

Peter,
I bought the saw 15+ years ago at a second-hand shop.  Paid more for the old Rockwell than a new home-owner grade skilsaw at the time.  Just loved the large flat base.  The saw does have the drop foot, don't know about a clutch or oiling since I don't have the owners manual anymore (may never have had the manual).

the cabinets: a vanity, and the two pieces to make up the linen.