Snake Oil Strings Rip-off?

[Flynman]

Hey was wondering if anyone has ordered any strings from Snake Oil Brand strings? I ordered some in June haven't recieved them yet. I emailed Dean 3 or 4 times with only 1 response around begining of sept. and nothing since. Did I get ripped off? Has anyone else have problems?


Thanks
Keith

[Jellyroll]

I ordered 3 sets of acoustic strings god knows how long ago, 9, 10 months ago! I just gave up eventually, no email response, nothing in the mail....... shame too, I liked the strings.

[k-wad]

I have no experience with this company, but, with a name like "Snake Oil"........

[Lafayette]

I had a very similar experience. I ordered several packages of strings (including bass and those aren't cheap) that never arrived. I sent well over a dozen e-mails to the company, some of which were returned as "unsendable" (or some technical e-mail turn); however some of those e-mails got through... I heard NOTHING from the company.

I ended up filing a complaint with either my credit card (actually a debit card) company or PayPal (I can't remember my exact payment method). This worked. Apparently getting a swift kick from a more powerful source got the company's attention. I received an apology e-mail and the strings arrived with extra packs of everything I ordered. I didn't request the extra strings; I just wanted what I ordered.

Here's where the story takes an even worse turn. I keep reading so many great things about the company. I decide that perhaps they've got their act straightened out. I tell myself that perhaps the hyper-growth of the company was just too much and some orders (like mine) got lost in the shuffle. I decide to give the company another chance.

I send an e-mail to the company requesting a custom gauged set and receive a reply stating that they remember me being a problematic customer and that my previous order cost them money. They tell me that they prefer to do business with people that are satisfied customers (or something to that effect). The next day I received another e-mail from them stating the cost of the sets if I was still interested in ordering.

So that's my story about Snake Oil Strings:

1. I give them an order consisting of bass strings, and multiple sets of acoustic and electric strings (not cheap).

2. They don't send my order.

3. They don't respond to any e-mails after not fulfilling my order.

4. They only send out my order when I have to call in the big guns and file an official complaint with my credit/debit card company (Wells Fargo) or PayPal (it was a few years ago and I cannot recall which I used). To Snake Oil's credit, they did throw in some extra packs as a means of an apology.

5. I decide to give the company another chance.

6. The company tells me that I have a history of being a problematic customer.

The company actually offers a rather decent product. They just need someone else running the day to day operations. Sometimes a small company with one guy can be a blessing (Glendale) and sometimes it can be a curse (Snake Oil).

[Flynman]

I had ordered strings from them a few years ago with no problems other than slow delivery. I found a set a few months ago and put them on my guitar. I realized how much I liked them so I ordered again in june. I guess he figures that a good product will make-up for a total lack of regard for customer satisfaction. That's is definetly WRONG!!

[teleon]

No mas!
I've ordered from him before, it's always very slow. Before, My wife would e-mail him after a week or so, and he responded and shipped them out. Last time (last month), he responded and did NOT ship them out. Did not respond to subsequent e-mail.We Filed a claim whith pay pal. Bought 10 sets of D'addario's from Elderly. Adios, Snake Oil!

[tazzboy]

Do a search in the Bad Dog Section cause you ain't alone. I think Dean has gotten in over head. If your running behind on string orders then post it on your web site or email that there is delay in getting your strings so if people want to wait or not order until you get caught up then fine.

[bignote]

Bad juju!!!!!!!!!!! Stay far away

[Shepherd]

Well, now I know who not to buy strings from.

[Rob DiStefano]

a lesson in how not to build your business.

[Flynman]

Finally had to file a claim with Paypal and my credit card to get my refund after 4 months of waiting. Bought some Pyramids and DR's from Strings & Things. Got them in 4 days. Adios Snake Oil..

[tazzboy]

Originally Posted by Rob DiStefano

a lesson in how not to build your business.

I'll agree with you there Rob

Originally Posted by Flynman

Finally had to file a claim with Paypal and my credit card to get my refund after 4 months of waiting. Bought some Pyramids and DR's from Strings & Things. Got them in 4 days. Adios Snake Oil..

Yeah there are plenty of Pure Nickle strings out on the Market so I would check them out as well.

[trandy16]

And now the web site has been down for several days.

Looks like he's flown the coop.

[Groovey Records]

Dean has had a lot of problems the last few years

I have had all the same problems every one of you have had with delivery.

My last order was for something like 27 sets

He shipped them to the wrong address .

He called me personally to apologize and sent another order in a couple of days.

I could hear on the phone in his voice something was wrong.

I eventually got the mis-shipped order forwarded to me so he was not lying

He just hasn't been able to keep it together.

I've tried to reach him and yes the web site is down.

I hope the man gets through his troubles and lands on his feet.

He made the best strings I ever used

I know you feel angry and like you got beat but be patient and you'll be refunded or get your strings.

Dean has been around the business along time and has had a lasting impact and made a few major contributions along the way

Heaven Help him

[tazzboy]

So what has been his problem and why can't he tell his customers what is going on so we can understand?

[Groovey Records]

Taz forgive me if I'm wrong but after careful reading of the thread I didn't notice any claim that he owed you strings or money. So just follow your own advice.

I wish I knew the answer to your question so I perhaps could help in some small way

[Doug 54]

He writes a pretty good monthly column in Premier Guitar

[tazzboy]

Originally Posted by Groovey Records

Taz forgive me if I'm wrong but after careful reading of the thread I didn't notice any claim that he owed you strings or money. So just follow your own advice.

I wish I knew the answer to your question so I perhaps could help in some small way

No I don't have claim or an order. I was considering get some awhile back, but then I read how Dean was 2 to 3 months behind on getting his orders out so I pretty much decided against it and I would wait to see if it has improve which apparently now it hasn't.

I'm not trying to beat up on Dean I am trying to understand what is going on like everyone else.

[Groovey Records]

Originally Posted by Doug 54

He writes a pretty good monthly column in Premier Guitar

Yep I saw some good articles he wrote he goes back to working with Ken Fischer who as you know had problems that kept him from meeting demand

[Tim Armstrong]

FWIW, I've heard that the Gibson pure nickel strings are very similar to the Snake Oil strings. I've not tried either, just passing on opinions from folks who I trust...

Tim

[tazzboy]

Yeah well I just use a mixture GHS RPS and Burnished Nickle Strings (.009 - .042)

[otaypanky]

there's one thread over on TGP with 309 posts on this topic ~

[tazzboy]

Yeah and found out Dean has on-line forum you might want to post there

http://theguitarhub.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

[bradpdx]

Just spend the money on Elixirs and get it over with!!
They are actually in stock at zillions of stores, and beat the bejeezus out of every other string I've used for 35 years.

Done and over.

[Groovey Records]

Originally Posted by tazzboy

Yeah and found out Dean has on-line forum you might want to post there

http://theguitarhub.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=22

Tazz the last post was August 2008 thanks for the up to date info

[zoso1119]

I would stay away....The bass player in my band ordered them and didn't receive them for 2 or 3 months.....that's just insane!

[boneyguy]

Originally Posted by Tim Armstrong

FWIW, I've heard that the Gibson pure nickel strings are very similar to the Snake Oil strings. I've not tried either, just passing on opinions from folks who I trust...

Tim

I'll vouch for the Gibson pure nickels. My favourite strings for a few years now. They are excellent strings with that desired warm tone and soft touch that pure nickel gives. Entirely worth it.

[Georgeatt]

I have ordered the SOB strings several times and have loved the sound and feel of them. But I have had trouble on long-standing orders. After a Paypal dispute, at least he did call me and personally say he was sorry. I do believe they are the best strings I have tried. Too bad the delay time is so great.

[Roe]

I've placed two medium-biggish orders and received everything, but it took a long time.