Is Avantguard a SCAM?

[oo.viper.oo]

Hello,

I contacted Francois from https://www.avantguardshop.com in February regarding custom pickguard, we agreed on conditions, he pointed out that current lead time was 4 months. I sent payment, he confirmed reception of payment and that was pretty much last reasonable communication from him:

 

There was no further communication from him till May when I asked how things are going and I learned that "We're making good progress on your guard, although there's some important steps ahead that we can't rush. I'm going to the laser cutting booth next week, while the material is resting.".

Then there was no further communication from him till July when I had to ask twice (29th June and then 4th July) to get response. I got response "I'm approaching completion on your guard. Here's the template straight out of the laser booth. I'm transferring it to the material on monday, will send an update." together with picture of laser-cut template.

There was no further communication so I asked for status again on 4th August. No response. So I asked again on 2nd September. And again on 9th September. And a gain on 18th September:

I got response on 18th September: "this one should be complete over the weekend, and shipping on monday with this week's batch! Sorry about the wait":


There was again no further communication, so I asked again on 2nd October and got no response.

So at this point I'm getting on terms that I was scammed, hence I am posting it here as a warning for anyone considering doing business with Avantguard.

I'd also like your feedback: did you receive any pickguard from Avantguard recently? If yes, could you share details? When ordered, when delivered? Maybe it was legit business that turned into scam recently?

Thx

[JapanAxe]

Not a scam but you’re not the only one to experience frustrating delays:

 

https://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/287054/

[LukeFRC]

More likely the usual tale of someone doing something cool (and in this case technically difficult) and taking more orders on than they can manage, have a few setbacks, a batch that comes out wrong, a bout of flu ... and suddenly it all gets ontop of them ...