Replies

1. 
   citrouille | Sep 14, 2006 12:48am | #1

   A wile back I bought several sheet of 1/2" birch ply and it ALL delaminated, I found out when the job was finished too.
   No more HD ply for me !
   I didn't even try to get some kind of refund.

   C.

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Sep 14, 2006 01:26am | #2

   Plywood around here has been in a downward quality spiral, even from a reputable commercial supplier. When I complained, the only response I got was, "Our supplier says that's what we have, take it or leave it." Most of it was from the Orient and came in wet, warped, plies just shredded apart, and delaminated (usually right were I needed to make a joint.)Some of it was so bad, I think I would have had more strength veneering over a couple of layers of corrugated cardboard.Today I get a mailer from an out of state lumber mill who just started carrying plywood. I called and they said all but one are poplar core. Apparently they have a better supplier. They get my next order.

1. 
   hjherbenson | Sep 14, 2006 01:52am | #3

   Could you pass there address or website along? might be worth looking into...

1. 
   byhammerandhand | Sep 14, 2006 03:53am | #5

   http://www.frankmiller.com/ They offer free delivery to most major cities around them (they're on the Indiana/Ohio line near the midpoint.)Steve Shanesy, publisher of Popular Woodworking, did a sidebar a year or so ago. He ordered a few sheets (maybe 5) of plywood from, I believe, Steve Wall Lumber, had it shipped by freight company, and came out ,less expensive than buying locally, net-net.Check out the classifieds in Fine Woodwoodworking and make some calls.

   Edited 9/13/2006 8:56 pm ET by byhammerandhand

2. 
   Floss | Sep 14, 2006 02:28am | #4

   Use Appleply.

   It is more expensive to buy, but you make your money back because it is a superior product.

   http://www.statesind.com/prod/ind_2a2.html

   I am not sure where you can find it in Idaho. You will probably have to find someone who deals specifically with sheet goods or a hardwood supplier may be able to get it.

   J.P.

3. 
   9619 | Sep 14, 2006 06:10am | #6

   Hi,
   Here are some suggestions for making a complaint to a large company. First take a deep breath. You have to put yourself in the head of the person you are talking to. Stay calm. Be suave. NEVER act angry. The approach is make your case at each level, and to ask the help of each person in taking it up to the next level.

   First, just ask to see the section manager (manager of that section of that store), and make your case to him/her and see what the reaction is. If it is not reasonable, stay calm, and thank him for listening. Always be a gentleman. Then go see the store manager. Gently explain that you talked to the section manager and didn't get satisfaction, so you are bringing it to him. If he is reasonable, you win. If he is not reasonable, then tell him you understand his position, and you would like his help in getting your problem solved. Ask him who the Manager is for the Region ( a bunch of stores). Get the phone number, name and email address. Ask him to make a call for you. If he doesn't he'll at least know that you are serious, and that may convince him.

   Now before you go, ask him for a little more help. Ask him how to contact National headquarters, and how to get the national customer service rep. Then he'll really know that you are serious. He may give in. If not, then continue.

   Contact the regional manager and make your case. If he is not reasonable, ask him about National Hdq and who to contact. Indeed, tell him that you want to contact the CEO. Tell him that while you may not actually reach the CEO, you certainly will reach one of his assistants. It is amazing how often you get results when you get to this level. Keep everybody's name, and use them in talking to the next level up.

   Always keep your cool. Never get angry. They will be more likely to be swayed by the fact that you are calmly and intelligently going as far as you have to go. Never make threats. Just calmly keep escalating.

   If you handle it right with the CEO's assistant, you are very likely to get satisfaction. They need to be seen as problem solvers. The boss doesn't like problems.

   I don't complain much. I am 63. Over the past 35 years or so, I have successfully used this approach with Montgomery Ward (a long time ago), K-Mart, and most recently, Dell. I actually wrote email to Michael Dell. I got a response from an assistant of his. She and I talked on the phone. My problem was resolved on the spot. The folks at the local K-Mart were absolutely flabbergasted that I called the National Headquarters. The local store manager got a call from National, and he called me, and resolved the problem immediately.

   Hope that helps. :-)
   Mel

   Measure your output in smiles per board foot.