[Jewelry making - Article 00211] - [Orchid] Rio to the rescue!

[Michael Rogers]

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    Where to start? At the beginning I guess -- around the time I decided
    in earnest to bring engraving into the workshop. 

    So, after five years or so of making up my mind, I decided to take
    the plunge, purchase engraving equipment, and invest in the training
    to use the equipment properly. 

    Three or Four months ago I had consulted with a company providing
    engraving equipment and the training to use it. I had checked with
    major suppliers, decided on a source and negotiated a favorable
    price, and was actually in the process of purchasing when the
    salesperson said "WAIT". 

    A new generation of equipment was about to be introduced, and I could
    sign up for training, and pick up my equipment when the training was
    finished! And, I would get an even better price. 

    Was I in? You bet I was!!! How many spots did I want to reserve? Two.
    Where? The best course was in another state. No matter. I was in. 

    Fast forward. My two best metalsmiths had been out of state, and in
    training for two days when the call from my salesperson came in. "NO
    EQUIPMENT"! 

    Almost verbatim: 

    "What!?" 

    "No Equipment. We're out. There won't even be any coming off the line
    for another 20 (twenty) days" or so. Shipping will take another ten
    at least." 

    "You're kidding!" 

    "No. I'm sorry. I don't know what to say. It's never happened
    before." 

    "What happened?". 

    "Sold out." 

    "To whom." 

    "I don't know. It's gone. That's all I can tell you for sure. There
    won't be anymore for a while. Sorry." 

    I began to get a little hot. The craftsmen would lose their new
    skills if they had to wait a month for equipment. OK, I was hopping
    mad!!! 

    When I got done chewing out the rep, I got on the phone and started
    looking for answers elsewhere. What I heard -- still a rumor at this
    point -- made my blood boil. 

    I called the company to confront them. The rumor had basis in fact.
    The company had shipped new equipment to (a very very large country
    in) Asia. Fortunately, they had apparently shipped some to larger
    clients in the US as well. 

    It was clear from the attitude of the sales reps' supervisor that
    THEY were in control, THEY were calling the shots, and I would just
    have to get in line (apparently behind the Chinese, who were without
    question NOT at the training classes). 

    I called Rio Grande (Albuquerque NM), explained my predicament and
    asked if they could help. 

    Rio had the equipment on the benches so fast, that by the time my
    metalsmiths returned on the following Monday, they had everything
    they needed to retain their newly acquired skills. 

    I can't say enough about the incredible service I received from Rio.
    I am in awe, and wherever possible, will order ALL of my engraving
    equipment from their fabulous team. 

    It was a real pleasure to be able to email a photo of me, with the
    equipment, in my workshop, within a couple of days of being told I
    couldn't have it. Wish I could have been a fly on the wall when they
    opened that image. 

    There's more. The first engraved pieces off the benches are
    wonderful. The Chinese can buy the equipment, but I've never seen
    them turn out fancy western engraving work with this kind of feeling.
    And best of all, my products are the real thing! 

    Thanks to all of my friends at Rio for making the dream work out just
    the way it should. Chalk one up for the guys in white hats. 

Michael Rogers
M. M. Rogers Design
Albuquerque, NM
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