I don't get it, G2 are what is coming up, can't do anything about it [...]and Blichmann customer service are second to none, just my 1500$...
You can do something...not buy it and voice your opinion like many are. It's this kind of thinking that keeps a company like this going. They're not the only choice out there. They're not even the most quality choice out there. They're nothing but a brand name anymore. A company can only survive if it's profitable. If they don't provide what the consumer wants, they go bankrupt. The way things have been going with blichmann, it looks like they're really hurting (or it's pure greed) for more profits. The problem is instead of upping their game, they cheapen manufacturing and lessen the profit for the retailer. So we as the consumer, and the retailers who sell the product suffer while blichmann gets higher profits.
And their customer service is second to a lot. They will help when it's beneficial for them. Once it's not, take a hike jack. Customer service second to none will get the situation taken care of regardless. So don't BS anyone about that.
Here's how the customer service conversation goes over there at Blichmann: Blichmann customer service rep: "I'm sorry your pot if full of blemishes and has fallen apart, but has the blichmann sticker come off? No? Well then sir, you do not have a defected product. You paid for the name, and the name is still attached. Your warranty claim is rejected."
However, I may still bite a bullet and play 'blemished' lottery to match my MLT.
And this is what they hope for, "I don't like the situation. But hell, I'll give them my money anyway...."
Blichmann: If you see this (I know you and your guys read these), hurry up and drop ship my pot! It's been a week already
Check my user name and you will recognize my real name on your waiting list.
Hah, took a month to get my boil coils and rims from AIH. I also got Zero communication even though it said 2-3wks. Then when I inquire, they blame blichmann. They kept saying I'll get confirmation once it ships... Nope. Just when I was at my last straw of getting a shaft after inquiring, it showed up. I only got excuses blaming blichmann for everything.
There's a huge disconnect between the way blichmann does business and doesn't communicate to retailers. It's a joke and frustrating on the consumer level, but I'm sure it's cheaper for blichmann this way... So keep on collecting that hard earned $$$ from us homebrewers. I suspect blichmann won't be around much longer as they are.
Artificial shortage? How do you figure?
A comment not to you specifically but just this thread as a whole: I don't get all the complaining about a vendor choosing to discontinue one product and introduce another which in their opinion is an improvement. Blichmann is in the business of selling brewing gear, they're obviously making decisions that they think will sell more. Their sales (or lack of) will determine if they made the right decision.
These pots have been around forever, it's not like they have the 8-month lifespan of an iPhone.
You don't get it? You don't get that people don't want to be forced into this new ugly pot? You don't understand how businesses operate by selling what people want vs what they think people should have? You don't see how everything blichmann has been doing does nothing to up their game and provide us, as a consumer, with more or a better option? No, it's to cut costs and improve profits. EVERYHING they do is about $$$, but they go about it in a terrible way.
You joke about iPhone, but that's a product that made history on so many levels. Blichmann could only dream to be a company like apple. The major difference is apple innovates and sells what people want. Apple also sells pretty. Blichmann thinks they sell pretty, but their equipmentt shows up with marks, scratches, imperfections, crappy craftsmanship and quality control. I always have to file sharp edges from blurred metal...etc. Blichmann takes the Microsoft approach and sells what they think people should have while charging a premium and dropping quality... Big mistake.
Take a look at this video. It explains this situation VERY WELL.
http://youtu.be/ZsxQxS0AdBY
It's not about real quality. It's about PRERCEPTION of quality. Blichmann is perceived as quality due to many factors, but the bottom line is they're not. Watch that video and understand how it really is. With blichmann's obsession with patents and trademarks, that video fits their business model to a T
I'm so over blichmann. I'll put this out there now. I have THREE G1 boilermakers all in great shape. I have two 20 gal and one 15 gal. I also have 15 gal and 20 gal false bottoms (so I'll only sell one pot with no false bottom). I live in Portland Oregon. I will gladly sell these things. I will sell them only if all three sell (doesn't have to be the same person, but I need them all sold at once before I commit.) I also need enough for me to buy a new kettles from a different company.
I also have two therminator chillers (one in perfect shape. One that works perfect, but has some thread damage)
I already sold the conical
So PM if you really want to work a deal out.
