Lee Keppler's Adventure Gear, why does he take so long?

whippersnapper · Post by **whippersnapper** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 9:37 am

In early July I placed an order with Lee Keppler's Adventure Supply, July 9th to be exact. I ordered the prop S&W HE2 gun, holster, gunbelt, and webbed belt. The check I sent him cleared on July 14th. Today marks 50 days since I placed my order. Is this standard for him. Has anyone else had a similar experience with Lee Keppler's Adventure Supply? What is taking so long? I have not received any updates concerning the matter.

Shawnkara · Post by **Shawnkara** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:23 am

I've never dealt with Lee personally, but I've read nearly every comment concerning his turn-around times and the quaulity of his work. Running a one-man business myself and having a couple friends that do as well, I feel I can offer a bit of insight. For Lee I imagine a big problem is a supply of raw material. Lee buys his stuff (belt blanks, hat bodies, etc.) from large wholesale dealers. This can slow your own production time significantly. When you order these things in a quantity that's small by the wholesaler's standards then often you yourself (meaning Lee or any other small vendor/craftsman) are not always a priority. Also I don't believe Lee does this thing as a full-time job. When you're a one-man "cottage" industry scheduling work around another job, kids, etc. is always an issue. I know that Lee spends a lot of time traveling on business, for both his "real" job and his Adventure Gear business as well. This probably accounts for his lacking communication and updates on the status of orders. Sometimes something as simple as dropping a guy an e-mail to let him know what's up gets lost in the shuffle of rushing to get the actual work done. I know that happens to me far more often than it should. None of these things are excuses by any means. But they do factor in a lot. Please keep in mind when dealing with small businesses that they are not big companies with a factory and a staff. They are generally one guy working from his home and trying to balance their rising demand with the same day-to-day problems we all have. I've read plenty about Lee's slow turn-arounds. But more importantly, I've read far more shining reviews of his work. I've never read a bad remark about his work, and I've NEVER heard of him stiffing anyone. Hang in there, man. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:33 am

I've heard that it's best to call him if you can, though I can't find his number at the moment...It may be on his website.
bink

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:13 am

619-647-6744

Regards. Michaelson

IndianaJames · Post by **IndianaJames** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:18 am

Shawnkara hit the nail on the head. Lee is off at gun shows every practically every week and weekend. He drives to them, which accounts for time taken as well....

Best regards

James

indybill · Post by **indybill** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 1:44 pm

Yup, I've been waiting for my new hat from Lee since I ordered it back
in April. While I'm very anxious to get it in my hands, I knew going in
that the wait could be long. It's very easy in an internet world where
you can click 'order now' and have it at your doorstep 3-4 days later to
get worried when things take longer. I can remember having to mail
order something and having to wait at least 4-6 weeks for it to arrive with
no order confirmation or order tracking of any kind. If you're in a hurry
to get something, look elsewhere. But if you're willing to wait, Lee's stuff
is great by all accounts on here.

Whoa...wha..was that a delivery truck outside? Nope...dang!

Regards,
Indybill

Minnesota Jones · Post by **Minnesota Jones** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 1:52 pm

Yes, agreed on all points. Lee's not the most "e-savvy" guy out there, so emailing may not work. Calling Lee is the best method of getting ahold of him. You'll love talking with Lee, he's a great guy!

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 2:51 pm

Agreed on all points. I am still waiting on a hat I ordered in February. I called Lee the other day (he was on his way to a gun show), and, in his words, he told me to "keep nagging him". Calling is by far the best way to stay on top of your order.

Bill, I still get frustrated at the "click and receive" world. I ordered something off of eBay that took 2 weeks to get here from Canada. I was about to send an assertive email to the seller when I realized it was, well, coming from Canada to Tennessee. Patience is not one of my virutes, obviously.

Peace,
Cliffhanger

antiquity collector · Post by **antiquity collector** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:05 pm

Now, there is stuff I would like to order from Lee, but I will not wait an extreme amount of time for it. It's one thing to take a deposit and something completely different to have the whole amount and be stuck "nagging" (as he tells people to do). People shouldn't have to nag for items paid for in full. That's just bad business.

I'm sure his stuff is great but I'll probably never see it in person or own them. I'm impatient to start. Add long waits to that and you got an angry New Yorker on your hands and he wouldn't want that.

AC

cliffhanger · Post by **cliffhanger** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 4:12 pm

antiquity collector wrote:Add long waits to that and you got an angry New Yorker on your hands and he wouldn't want that.

AC

HA!

No, no he wouldn't...

Peace,
Cliffhanger

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 10:26 pm

I ordered a bag strap from him a few years ago, got in two-three weeks. It dosent take long for the package once its in the mail. Its just that Lee is busy and takes him a while to get stuff out. His stuff is worth the wait, "Trust Me".

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Thu Sep 02, 2004 11:42 pm

I can understand where whippersnapper is coming from because in the Internet age, we are blessed with very fast ordering and delivery with the majority of Internet vendors.

Sometimes, however, you will come across someone like Lee who just works to a different speed. As people attest, his material is worth waiting for. It just takes a bit of getting used to that it's a longer process because, I would be the first to agree, it is abnormal.

Scandinavia Jones · Post by **Scandinavia Jones** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 2:58 am

The Keppler holster, rubber gun and gunbelt are also available from Western Stage Props. Prices are the same and WSP ships fast.

Rob · Post by **Rob** » Fri Sep 03, 2004 3:31 am

Some good advice right there... support Lee's product... and get it fast!