Pause to CK Early Reserves

[killerloop]

Latest update from thread on CK Early Reserves from Mike and team :

The Early Reserve for the lionSteel Beerlow had less than a 50% completion rate (honoring the "Sure" commitment). Thus, at this time we are pausing the entire system on new products until we re-think what is best for us and our customers.

 

[JoeGoblyn]

What a bust.

Mikes reserve system is great and one of the few reasons I’m able to get any new GECs. I hope the guys that were “sure” about their reserves come through on their commitment

Joe

 

[nickvnlr]

For sure. I knew I could not commit, but marked "interested" on a couple. That's too bad Mike is left holding the bag for false commits.

 

[JohnDF]

It was fun while it lasted...
I haven't used it in a long time though, still have a "sure" on the Recoil, if that ever comes in.
Maybe he will go to a GEC lottery so we don't all have to race for knives any more... an early reserve lottery would be nice.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

It seems to me the best solution is to ban the defaulting customers from the system for 6 months or a year.

I really like Mike’s system.

 

[sf fanatic]

What ever happen to the concept that my word is my bond? The few times that entered ”sure” on Mikes early reserve I’ve always followed through with a purchase. I am disappointed that he’s stopping this service but I totally understand. Mike, I have a “sure” reservation for one of the Gunstocks and plan on honoring my commitment.

 

[J.Mattson]

I agree, as Mike's system was the most reliable way to get a new release from GEC this is bad news.

If I recall correctly didn't the system already have verbiage to the effect of "if you commit to buy and don't follow though you won't be able to commit in the future"?

 

[tmd_87]

I'm one of the 50% that paid for my "sure" commitment on my Beerlow and always has paid on previous commitments. It sucks that other people can't honor it. Mike's system is fair and the best in my opinion.

 

[BDubbs]

I’m fine with paying in advance, doesn’t get more sure than that.

 

[TOM K.]

I think Mike's early reserve system is great, I have followed through with my sure commitment every time. I agree that paying in advance when you commit to "sure" would be a good resolution.

 

[J.Mattson]

I’m fine with paying in advance, doesn’t get more sure than that.

I also would have no issues with that. I can see it getting complicated though for Mike gets fewer knives than expected and over sells the pre-order.

 

[Hyesouljah]

I too have scored many knives thanks to Mike’s early reserve system and I’m really bummed it might be going away. Smh!!!!!!

 

[BDubbs]

I also would have no issues with that. I can see it getting complicated though of Mike gets fewer knives than expected and over sells the pre-order.

I hear you, he’s such a known quantity I’d have no issues paying and getting refunded if the #s didn’t work out. Hopefully he comes up with a solution that works for his business and customers. Looking forward to mine, liked the 2020 BF so much I’ve got one in horn on the way.

 

[Sherbert4537]

Yikes. With the surge in interest for traditional knives over the last year it was sadly only a matter of time. I have a ‘sure’ for a bocote recoil. I hope I’m fast enough on the draw, so to speak to still get one.

 

[OldHercDude]

First time using it myself, and did the deed when I saw the email.

I understand situations can change over time, but less that 50% completion is pretty bad IMHO.

The need to make the decision is a shame, but I can understand Mike's side of the equation.

 

[AZCoyote]

This is too bad, Mike's early reserve system was the only way I had any luck to get a GEC I liked. Not sure pay in advance would work because sometimes Mike doesn't have the exact number of knives and doesn't have the final price.

Best way to solve it, after you enter a sure reservation, you get an email to enter your credit card information. Mike can keep it on file then when the knife is ready to ship your card gets charged. No need for an alert besides that it's already charged and on its way.

 

[AZCoyote]

People won't have the opportunity to back out.

 

[JohnDF]

Mike's Early Reserve is great, but the only difference between it and a drop is the notice you get on your phone... it's still a race.

 

[BDubbs]

Mike's Early Reserve is great, but the only difference between it and a drop is the notice you get on your phone... it's still a race.

Yea, it’s a sure sign of how a knife will sell…if I manage to get on it in time then the knife is gonna sell slow lol.

 

[afishhunter]

When I was part owner and manager of a retail liquor store, and a convenience store, if there was a special order, we collected a non-refundable security deposit equal to our cost with shipping, balance of the full retail price due when it came in.

If for whatever reason the person who ordered it didn't come in and complete the deal, it went on the shelf. Since we already recovered our cost, it didn't matter how long it sat on the shelf.

Perhaps Mike could/should collect a non-refundable security depost to cover his costs when ordered/a "firm" commitment to buy (same thing in my book) is filed.
"People" are less likely to flake if they have funds they can't get back invested.