Chi Company

[bob1852]

Very tough to call.
Leaving negative feedback that isn't drawn from personal experiences is inappropriate.

Due to my readings today, I feel a little weary of any purchases now or in the future from this vendor. Which, is not fair to the vendor.

This site also has an obligation to protect their cash generating ad revenue. - especially - from apparent malicious posters.

Honest question though: what if you had access to posts/threads that have been deleted?

 

[ndsgr]

Sorry Yooper, but there is a difference. Many of us have dealt with TheChiCompany through his own posts. While I haven't purchased anything from him, I have had experiences with him through here. Those experiences were bad enough that I refuse to buy anything from him.

While HBT may not be trying to protect vendors, this forum is not able to be self regulating. Other forum's members will "out" bad vendors, while HBT doesn't allow any negative feedback, except in this section. Some of the other forums also ban bad vendors or don't allow them to re-up. At the least, they allow negative feedback to remain as long as it's still somewhat on topic of the thread (example: the conical fiasco was totally on topic, but it was negative, so deleted).

I'm not saying HBT is wrong or should change. I am only saying that members on here should never think of "HBT Vendor" status as an endorsement. We the customer just need to keep in mind that any vendor on HBT should be treated like a guy selling out of the back of a van until some personal research is done. Fortunately, finding good vendors on here is usually just a search away. That said, this personal research is very difficult when moderators/adminstrators start deleting potentially damaging posts, even if they are made by the vendor himself. Really, the only people hurt by this are the good vendors and the forum members.

 

[TXCrash]

Sorry Yooper, but there is a difference. Many of us have dealt with TheChiCompany through his own posts. While I haven't purchased anything from him, I have had experiences with him through here. Those experiences were bad enough that I refuse to buy anything from him.

While HBT may not be trying to protect vendors, this forum is not able to be self regulating. Other forum's members will "out" bad vendors, while HBT doesn't allow any negative feedback, except in this section. Some of the other forums also ban bad vendors or don't allow them to re-up. At the least, they allow negative feedback to remain as long as it's still somewhat on topic of the thread (example: the conical fiasco was totally on topic, but it was negative, so deleted).

I'm not saying HBT is wrong or should change. I am only saying that members on here should never think of "HBT Vendor" status as an endorsement. We the customer just need to keep in mind that any vendor on HBT should be treated like a guy selling out of the back of a van until some personal research is done. Fortunately, finding good vendors on here is usually just a search away. That said, this personal research is very difficult when moderators/adminstrators start deleting potentially damaging posts, even if they are made by the vendor himself. Really, the only people hurt by this are the good vendors and the forum members.

This

 

[Pappers_]

The non-customers who have been bashing CHI are coming off very poorly, in my opinion. I'd advise giving it a break and let actual customers post about their good or bad experiences.

 

[TXCrash]

The non-customers who have been bashing CHI are coming off very poorly, in my opinion. I'd advise giving it a break and let actual customers post about their good or bad experiences.

Thing is, we're non customers because of behavior by the vendor that we've seen on this board. Behavior which has been deleted.

A potential customer needs to know about a vendor who:
1. Posts a thread about how stupid customers are. In this case, CHI had (by their own admission) substituted parts without authorization. The customer got upset, tried to deal with it through CHI (again, through CHI's words). CHI posted a rant about how stupid some customers can be. The thread got deleted.

2. Posts misinformation about other vendors anti foam drops and is unable to back up their claims about their own. The thread dissolves into name calling by the vendor and other forum members. Once again, either the entire thread or any dissenting posts got deleted.

3. Posts an illegal lottery and gets bent out of shape when it's pointed out that what they're doing is illegal. Again, most posts in that thread are deleted.

I could go on. There are more but why keep going?

If all posts to these threads (even if only CHI's) were restored, there'd be enough information for someone who hadn't seen these threads go down to make a decision.

 

[broadbill]

Thing is, we're non customers because of behavior by the vendor that we've seen on this board. Behavior which has been deleted.

A potential customer needs to know about a vendor who:
1. Posts a thread about how stupid customers are. In this case, CHI had (by their own admission) substituted parts without authorization. The customer got upset, tried to deal with it through CHI (again, through CHI's words). CHI posted a rant about how stupid some customers can be. The thread got deleted.

2. Posts misinformation about other vendors anti foam drops and is unable to back up their claims about their own. The thread dissolves into name calling by the vendor and other forum members. Once again, either the entire thread or any dissenting posts got deleted.

3. Posts an illegal lottery and gets bent out of shape when it's pointed out that what they're doing is illegal. Again, most posts in that thread are deleted.

I could go on. There are more but why keep going?

If all posts to these threads (even if only CHI's) were restored, there'd be enough information for someone who hadn't seen these threads go down to make a decision.

First off...I don't have a dog in this fight.

But....to be fair, those posts were probably deleted because they violated HBT's TOS (nothing discussion of anything illegal, no name-calling) and not because HBT was protecting CHI in any way.

That being said, those comments from CHI speak volumes about the type of person/people/company they are. I think their reputation is beginning to precede them around here.

 

[ndsgr]

If all posts to these threads (even if only CHI's) were restored, there'd be enough information for someone who hadn't seen these threads go down to make a decision.

That's all I'm aiming at.

 

[NEKvt]

Just got an order in from these guys that went as smoothly as any order I've made elsewhere.

I used them because they were the only place I could find the little plastic inserts for John Wood keg posts. Grabbed a bunch of other keg fittings and some WLP090 as well. Order shipped quickly, and both packages (yeast directly from white labs) arrived in flat rate boxes within 3 days.

 

[Backporchbrewery]

^^ Same here. I ordered from these guys and everything went as smoothly as possible. I ordered a couple of small parts I couldn't find anywhere else and a couple keg disconnects. Shipped fast, everything was great. No complaints here.

 

[Sausagegut]

I purchased a temperature controller from them, the shipping I picked was wrong so they sent an e-mail wanting more for shipping and they would send an invoice, I said ok and a week went by and no invoice I sent a few emails with no replies, a week later i get a sorry we will send invoice reply. Another week goes buy! So I report a paypal dispute and finally get an invoice. But after all that the temp controller I got didn't work! Did some research and re-wired it cause it was done wrong! Good thing I figured it out so I wouldn't have to deal with returns and more terrible customer service.

 

[SankePankey]

FYI there is now a 'company review' section on this forum. Somewhat new.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f173/

 

[NEKvt]

I want to update this as I've gotten PM's from individuals asking me about CHI company based on my previous post.

After a second order that again went fine, had my goods in 3 days from the other side of the country no less, I put in a third order. That order is 4 weeks out with no shipping confirmation. I called after week when I realized I needed some other things and got them added to the order no problem, and was told it would ship right out. At week 2 I called and they realized that my addition had changed my order status to something along the lines of "wait" instead of "process", again I was told it would ship right out. At week 3 I called and they said it was their fault, that they had overlooked it and they would ship today as well as speed up my shipping. Week 4...they are on vacation until week 5.

Cliffs notes: I'm 4 weeks out with no shipping confirmation and have to wait until next week to talk to anyone.

**update** - Supposed to be shipping with a complete refund. We'll see, but it seems like they are trying to make good on their mistake.
**update 12/1/11** after receiving no shipping info or refund I filed a paypal dispute today
**update 12/6/2011** No response to the dispute so I upped it to a claim, paypal refunded my cash.

 

[mdanks86]

Just bought some replacement single handle corny keg handles from these guys and o-rings. Great prices, fast responses, good selection of some hard to find home brew, wine and soda making supplies. Shipping was reasonable too.

 

[JRems]

They definetly have the biggest one stop shop for keg and associated draft equiptment. I usually order from them because they are the only site that has all the items I'm looking for.

 

[TXCrash]

FYI - such reviews belong in the vendor review forum.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f173/
There's already two reviews of chi there on the front page (more that are deeper in. Note post dates and make up your own mind).
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f173/chi-company-257699/
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f173/good-bad-reviews-chicompany-com-153437/

 

[audger]

ive placed a few $100 orders with CHI in the past with zero issues. the last order i placed had a problem, but they resolved it without much hassle. i ordered two 100-foot sections of tubing and one was cut 15 feet short. i emailed them, and when they didnt reply for 2-3 days i started a paypal dispute which got their attention. they immmediately answered and soon sent a replacement section for free. it was a very minor hassle, but no where near some of the other reviews of them. i guess the moral of the story is to use paypal.

 

[TheCHICompany]

RE: "...i emailed them, and when they didnt reply for 2-3 days..."
Sorry about that. We get over 100 emails a day and we just don't have enough people to go through them as fast as we need to.

It's a catch 22 situation, we are growing like mad and adding product and happy customers, thus we need more people here to get things done. But....we are not able to hire more people right now due to the costs involved.
For me, personally, it is VERY frustrating!
Matt

 

[billtzk]

I have bought hundreds of dollars worth of kegs and parts from Chi Company in several orders over the course of three years. Every order was handled perfectly in every way. I've gotten help on the phone and via email to answer my questions. Matt has always been great to deal with. I'm a 100% satisfied customer.

 

[NEKvt]

My current situation is detailed at the end of this thread. I made two orders for obscure keg parts through these guys that went well. My last order has been a nightmare. Well over a month out with no product (which has been promised multiple times), and no refund (promised this week). I've now got a paypal dispute open that seems to be being ignored as well.

I understand that things can get backed up at times, but when you repeatedly tell someone "I don't know what happened, that will go out today" and fail to follow through you lose my business.

Another Chi Review Thread

 

[TheCHICompany]

I apologize for the service you received for your order.
We are growing, overwhelmed and understaffed.
Unlike other shops that have 50+ employees, we are short manned in every area.
Please email me at [email protected] and let's see if we can't do something to make you happy, or if you like, give me your order number so I may call you directly, at a time of your convenience.
Matt
The CHI Company

I purchased a temperature controller from them, the shipping I picked was wrong so they sent an e-mail wanting more for shipping and they would send an invoice, I said ok and a week went by and no invoice I sent a few emails with no replies, a week later i get a sorry we will send invoice reply. Another week goes buy! So I report a paypal dispute and finally get an invoice. But after all that the temp controller I got didn't work! Did some research and re-wired it cause it was done wrong! Good thing I figured it out so I wouldn't have to deal with returns and more terrible customer service.

 

[germanicus81]

Update:
I've now purchased quite a few items from these guys, mostly thermometers, cam lock quick disconnects, and assorted keg deals and I've usually been very impressed with their shipping and service. I ordered one of their welded keggles about a month ago and should be receiving it tomorrow. I've always had pretty good service- all of the the simple parts usually arrive within a couple of days. Welding a keggle is not a simple part, so I'm not put off by the month wait, in fact I can't wait to get it and put it to good work!

 

[germanicus81]

Update: The website says the keggles have a 12" opening. Yeah, um, 12 +5/8" isn't 12". Glad I didn't buy a pot lid for this sucker yet because it would just fall through...

Other than that the finish on the hole is nice, and the couplers are actually welded from the inside! Leak check and washout this weekend, hopefully brewing on it by Christmas.

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

I bought one of their temperature controllers, but it does not work.

Still waiting for a reply to my email...

 

[TheCHICompany]

Replacement being sent out today with UPS return label for defective unit.

 

[TheCHICompany]

Update: The website says the keggles have a 12" opening. Yeah, um, 12 +5/8" isn't 12".

As of 12/5/11, we have a new welding shop doing the mods. The last welder/shop has turned into a drunkard.
That's fine for AFTER work, but not during !.

Matt

 

[Cpt_Kirks]

Replacement being sent out today with UPS return label for defective unit.

The new one works perfectly.

Thanks for the fast response!

 

[TheCHICompany]

You are quite welcome. I am glad to hear every is OK.
Matt
The CHI Company

 

[jroy4]

Ordered a Bag In Box Hand Faucet with Bag in Box Connector - BIBCon - 15R01102 with mini faucet tap for my Sprecher bag in Box 5 gallon soda syrup. Fits perfectly and now I can refill my syrup bottles I keep in the fridge with Sprecher Root Beer, Creme Soda and Cherry Cola. Use my Sodastream machine to make Sprecher soda. Honestly its not as good as the Sprecher soda you get in the glass bottles but its still a lot better then any other fountain sodas. I also bought the Coke Bag in Box Hand Faucet for my wife's Diet Coke. Works great too. Highly recommend if you want to get to your BIB syrup and run it out of a tap.

 

[brewginger]

Ordered a temp regulator and had a great price and delivered quickly

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

lol