Simply JPD....

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 3:26 pm

OK, here's the deal:

On December 2, I called JP and placed an order for a Raiders hat in cury felt with a "generic Raiders bash with a turn." Jimmy told me no problem, 4 week turnaround. JP took my credit card and agreed to a total price of $140 (my card wasn't charged until Dec. 17)

Over the next few weeks, I tried contacting him to clear up a possible sizing issue. Emails, calls, PMs: no response until Dec. 26, when I received this:

Sorry to not get back sooner. The cury is still available. Do to when you wrote I will still give the special price, $140 including shipping. If you get back to me before the end of the day Saturday the 27th I will be able to ship the hat the 5th.

Jimmy had apparently forgotten that I had even placed an order! I replied:

Sounds great! I gave you my credit card info over the phone when we
spoke, and you charged the $140 on my account on Dec. 17. Again, specs
are . . .

Two days later (Dec. 29) I called JP and left a message asking, since apparently he hadn't started on my hat yet, if it was too late to switch over from cury felt to non-cury felt (a $35 upgrade). Within a couple of hours, Jimmy called me back. He stated that the switch wouldn't be a problem. He also stated very clearly that my hat had been scheduled to ship out on January 5 ALONG WITH SEVERAL OTHER HATS, but that now it would be pushed back A WEEK.

Needless to say, no one on this board has reported receiving a JPD hat since then. And the days and weeks rolled by without any word from JP, despite every effort from many people to reach him. So last Friday I reluctantly filed a dispute for Jimmy's charges with my bank.

Yesterday, March 4, I got a package from Jimmy. It was airmailed from Texas on March 2. Inside was one of Jimmy's hats. Now, it is not a BAD hat in many respects, however it has a number of issues: the brim is clearly too narrow, the crown has a slight taper; worst of all, the brim edge is uneven and still shows cut marks in places. He also sent a note apologizing for the delay, stating he had been having "personal problems"; further he offered to knock 25% off my NEXT HAT PURCHASE and said he would put me FIRST ON THE LIST!

This clearly is not a top-notch, custom hat we have come to expect from Jimmy. In my opinion, he threw this hat together over the weekend in response to the bank dispute. I believe it could be worked on and made into a nice hat, but it cannot be made into the hat I ordered; therefore I am shipping it back to JP. As a result of my dealings with him, I do not have confidence in this transaction, and will pursue a full refund through my bank.

Of further concern, JP sent me a hat having outstanding orders more than 2 months older than mine. Again, in my opinion, this is undoubtedly because I had taken decisive action to recover my investment.

To say that I am disappointed would be an understatement. I also feel bad for Jimmy and wish him the best; everyone says he is a nice person and a terrific hatter. That said, I decided to post all this to let those who have outstanding orders with JP know what we are dealing with.

RaiderZee

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 4:38 pm

One email from Jimmy could have prevented all of this. If he'd have told us he had some issues (of any kind) and had to go on hiatus, I (for one) would've given him the OK, waited patiently, and not asked for a refund. For me, regretably, that boat has sailed.

RZ

RD623 · Post by **RD623** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 5:10 pm

I find it very hard to believe that Jimmy hasn't read these posts!
He must realize that, at the very least, we need reassuring. Obviously many are beyond being consoled. As for Raider Zee (or anyone for that matter) receiving a hat when he ordered it 2 months after me, I couldn't care less. As we all know,the turn around time could be affected by size, color, style or any number of things. I'm only sorry that the hat wasn't what you ordered Zee.

As for the cury order, I too see no alternative but to call Master Card and file a complaint in an effort to recoup my loss.
[b]If you are reading this Jimmy, please, please, return my Herbert Johnson!! NOW!!

[/b]

To all who have posted on this topic, I feel a bond with you all. Perhaps, when this is resolved, we could organize a reunion and reminisce.

Ron

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 5:13 pm

RaiderZee wrote:If he'd have told us he had some issues (of any kind) and had to go on hiatus, I (for one) would've given him the OK, waited patiently, and not asked for a refund. For me, regretably, that boat has sailed. RZ

Same here.
It's a shame, too...

I will never deny that from the first time I ever saw one of Jimmy's Hats, I thought they were a cut above most of what's available out there...
He CAN do beautiful work... I'll never argue that fact.
Mitch

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Thu Mar 05, 2009 7:00 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:
RaiderZee wrote:If he'd have told us he had some issues (of any kind) and had to go on hiatus, I (for one) would've given him the OK, waited patiently, and not asked for a refund. For me, regretably, that boat has sailed. RZ
Same here.
It's a shame, too...

I will never deny that from the first time I ever saw one of Jimmy's Hats, I thought they were a cut above most of what's available out there...
He CAN do beautiful work... I'll never argue that fact.
Mitch

I have to agree as well. One little response is all I ask...Well, where do we go from here?

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 6:55 pm

still nothing...just tryin the keep the thread alive!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:54 am

Wow, I would've never thought this. But I guess after seeing Penman go out of business and these hard times, it happens; at least JJ told people what was going on. I feel for you guys waiting. Of course there are the customers of his who don't belong to this community who have no clue whatsoever about what's going on.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:55 am

Um, you mean Camptown, not Penman? John is still very much hard at work making hats!

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:50 pm

binkmeisterRick wrote:Um, you mean Camptown, not Penman? John is still very much hard at work making hats!

Sorry, yes Camptown. I had Penman on the brain as I was looking at John's site. Sorry John!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 12:51 pm

No worries but I'm not going anywhere. I try and make it a point to be reachable. I even have a number thats posted on my site so if anyone needed to talk with me they can.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:04 pm

Just don't expect it to be a short conversation.

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:08 pm

ouch, you know me.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:30 pm

Yeah, I'm a talker, too...
THAT's half the reason I haven't ever called up John to chat (THAT, and my high-pitched, whiney, nasally voice...)
... I'm worried I'll aid and abet in bringing productivity at Penman Hats to a grinding halt!

(And I'd never be able to live with myself if I did that!)

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:32 pm

BendingOak wrote:ouch, you know me.

Hey, I didn't say that was a bad thing, my friend!

Regards!

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 1:45 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:Yeah, I'm a talker, too...
THAT's half the reason I haven't ever called up John to chat (THAT, and my high-pitched, whiney, nasally voice...)
... I'm worried I'll aid and abet in bringing productivity at Penman Hats to a grinding halt!

(And I'd never be able to live with myself if I did that!)

I may be a talker with other gear head but I won't let it cut down what I need to get done. One word my friend . Headset.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 2:12 pm

Yep! Last time I talked with John, he was sewing sweatbands in while we talked. He's a multi-tasker.

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 3:26 pm

so, no news? hurm....

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 7:26 pm

No news over in this corner of the world either, RS...
(Unless, of course, you count that in about 2 weeks I'll reach the 6 month - "Halfaversary?" - mark since placing my order with Jimmy...)

Y'know, every time I visit this thread (a couple of times a day, now) I've gotten in the habit of going back to page #1 of this thread where Jimmy posted one of his last posts - on Nov. 14th/'08 (regarding the D!ck Tracy yellow fedora) - and checking just to see if he just MIGHT be "Online"... then I usually click on the link to his Profile just to see when he might have last been online...
But it always says the same thing:
"Last visited: Sun Jan 11, 2009 4:43 pm"

I'm worried, though... how much longer can I DO this without feeling like I'm taking part in "(cyber)stalkerish" behavoir?

I'm starting to really feel like I need to part of a little mini-support group to "let this go"...so to speak.
I'm thinking that the only therapy that will work is to place an order for a new Custom Hat with someone who I trust... someone who will come through and not let me down...
Unfortunately, I'm coming up about $125.00 short for a new Penman Hat...

HEY! I know...
Jimmy, can you loan me about 125 bucks?

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:11 pm

This is one thing I've wondered about when giving all of the money up front to a vendor for an item which takes months (or over a year) to complete. They have your money (not just a deposit) and you have to wait. Usually there are no problems and the vendor keeps their word to finishing the job, granted it may not be within the promised timeline. And if you pay by Paypal or credit cards, it might be out of the timeline to make a claim.
I wish everyone luck and hope everyone gets the hat they ordered in the quality that JPD was known for. Or a refund.

thedurdens · Post by **thedurdens** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:05 pm

Since I have adopted the same stalker behavior as you, Mitch, (for a moment I thought you had me under surveillance) I was just wondering . . . What time is the next support group meeting?

Thanks,
Frank

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:36 pm

Dude,
I swear I don't know...
But what I DO know is: Whenever we DO decide to, we've got to leave the door to the Meeting open to a few of the guys on the "Waiting on My Keppler" Thread...

We're all honorary members of the same brotherhood.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 6:49 pm

Not quite, Mitch. At least Lee has been reachable.

Regard! Michaelson

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 7:12 pm

OK, well....I have had it...What do I do? I paid by cheque. Do I go to my bank and ?...Seriously, now I just want my cash back. I am sick and tired of waiting. Seriously...

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 8:58 pm

Michaelson wrote:Not quite, Mitch. At least Lee has been reachable.

Regard! Michaelson

Quite right, Michaelson... very true. I spoke too soon there...
Apologies to Lee for the implied similarities... That wasn't fair of me.

RaiderZee · Post by **RaiderZee** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 9:53 pm

Contact your bank, file a dispute. They'll do the work for you; it's they're job. Thanks to my bank, I've resigned my membership in the Loyal Order of Absent Fedora Sellers (L.O.A.F.S.), Jimmy Pierce Chapter.

Just a joke, my apologies . . .

RaiderZee

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 12:15 pm

Ahhh...

...the start of another week of "Not a word... Not a whisper... Not a sound"...

It's...

almost

becoming... relaxing, now...

I mean... y'know... with the exception of all the head-bangin' "brick wall action" we all get.

To any folks who saw this thread back up near the top and thought there were developments... I apologize for the false sense of progress... My BAD.
But I'm intent on following ReturningSon's lead and keeping this thread "afloat"...
Mitch

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 1:37 pm

I got a JPD Fedora about almost a year ago. I am not sure why Jimmy is not on the forum, but have any of you tried calling him at all. I remember talking to him on the phone I could at least get an answer instead of waiting on this forum for an answer back. Just a thought, maybe some of you have tried calling and have got no answer, then maybe there is a serious problem going on here. I hope Jimmy is ok if he has not been on COW for a couple of months. Hope you all get your hats eventually.

IndianaChris

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 2:08 pm

Chris, you may want to go back and re-read this thread. It has been stated many times by many people that calls have been made, and messages left on his answering machine. There have been no call backs to date.

For example:

thedurdens
Post subject: Re: Simply JPD....
Posted: Fri Feb 20, 2009 10:27 am
Archaeology Student
Joined: Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:03 pm
Posts: 42
Definitely not a problem, Mitch. I have still been trying to contact via phone at different times and was really hoping that we would have heard something. BTW that message that Jimmy has on his site is I believe from January. I wil let all know if I hear something of course.

Thanks again,
Frank

Regard! Micahelson

thedurdens · Post by **thedurdens** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:44 pm

Continue to try and call Jimmy on almost a daily basis and still no answer nor the option to leave a message. I too hope he is ok, but I am beginning to wonder how to proceed as I have no payment to cancel but Jimmy does have the hat I sent to him for reblock. It appears that I am going with the "sit back, relax, hope and pray that all turns out well" solution.

Has anyone gotten a response to their cancelled payments?

Thanks,
Frank

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:49 pm

thedurdens wrote:Has anyone gotten a response to their cancelled payments?

If you read RaiderZee's account after contacting his bank, that seems to be the closest thing to a response I've seen.

IndianaChris711 · Post by **IndianaChris711** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 7:49 pm

thedurdens wrote:Continue to try and call Jimmy on almost a daily basis and still no answer nor the option to leave a message. I too hope he is ok, but I am beginning to wonder how to proceed as I have no payment to cancel but Jimmy does have the hat I sent to him for reblock. It appears that I am going with the "sit back, relax, hope and pray that all turns out well" solution. Has anyone gotten a response to their cancelled payments?

Thanks,
Frank

I was not sure if anyone called him recently, but looks like thedurdens has been at least trying to call Jimmy almost everyday and not getting an answer, so at least people are at least trying to get a hold of him via phone. I saw back in the thread he had some personal reasons and had to find a full-time job to make ends meet. Maybe he found a full-time job and this job is just eating up his time?? I don't know what is going with Jimmy, I hope you get your hat back Frank, I guess all you can really do is try to sit back, relax, and pray that everything turns out all right.

I am having similar situation with getting an resin gun and I have been about as patient as I can be, now that I know that he is not going to make the gun, he said he was going to refund my money which I have not seen on my paypal yet. But this is the hat section, so carry on and I hope you all gets your hats back or your money refunded at some point.

IndianaChris

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 9:18 pm

For what it's worth, good luck with getting your situation resolved as well, Indiana Chris...

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Mar 16, 2009 10:57 pm

keep calling and sending emails to no avail....

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 2:30 pm

EDITED due to frustration on my part.

- Pretty sure I sounded (read) that way, too...

RaiderZee:
I'm calm... Didn't realize I was feeling that frustrated about this... plus all the excitement of learning how to change the color of the fonts... well, you know how it can get...

Thanks to those of you who were able to confirm the misunderstanding on my part... I DID say "Please tell me I've got this wrong..." and you showed me that I DID.

I'm once again, optimistically looking forward to hearing from Jimmy.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Mar 18, 2009 3:23 pm

Post edited based on frustration on Mitch's part.

Regards! Michaelson

sargeb13 · Post by **sargeb13** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 9:43 am

As a preface, I've been a lurker here for a year or more, and just registered to give some "hope" to those waiting without any word.... I do think you'll get your hat.... eventually.... Here goes:

I ordered a hat from JP in late July, a beaver in moss green. JP told me I could expect delivery "in about 6 weeks". As I have a odd and difficult size (8 XXLO), I expected some delay; however, as the weeks stretched out I did become anxious. I attempted to contact JP by phone once or twice a month through October, November, and December. I received no reply to any of the messages I left. In mid to late December, I received a message in reply to one of my messges/calls, that the hat would ship that day (December 19). I did not receive the hat in December or January, and no reply to still more messages. I early February I wrote JP. I received no reply. About two weeks ago I received the hat, together with a hadwritten note from JP basically apologizing for the delay.

As I said, I expected delay. I've delt with 7 or 8 custom hatters in the last year, and had some delay in each and every build! I've not had another take six months to build a hat, and certainly not had another fail to respond to an enquiry, much less a dozen or more telephone and written querys.

The hat is nice, but I won't be giving any more business to JP.

JC1972 · Post by **JC1972** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 10:03 am

sargeb13 wrote:As a preface, I've been a lurker here for a year or more, and just registered to give some "hope" to those waiting without any word.... I do think you'll get your hat.... eventually.... Here goes:

I ordered a hat from JP in late July, a beaver in moss green. JP told me I could expect delivery "in about 6 weeks". As I have a odd and difficult size (8 XXLO), I expected some delay; however, as the weeks stretched out I did become anxious. I attempted to contact JP by phone once or twice a month through October, November, and December. I received no reply to any of the messages I left. In mid to late December, I received a message in reply to one of my messges/calls, that the hat would ship that day (December 19). I did not receive the hat in December or January, and no reply to still more messages. I early February I wrote JP. I received no reply. About two weeks ago I received the hat, together with a hadwritten note from JP basically apologizing for the delay.

As I said, I expected delay. I've delt with 7 or 8 custom hatters in the last year, and had some delay in each and every build! I've not had another take six months to build a hat, and certainly not had another fail to respond to an enquiry, much less a dozen or more telephone and written querys.

The hat is nice, but I won't be giving any more business to JP.

Sarge, how's the quality of the hat? You have a pic? The fact remains is that Jimmy hasn't come on here since January 11th and won't tell people what the story is. Like with everything, communication is key.

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 1:14 pm

First of all, sargeb13... I'm sure I speak for a number of us here when I say a sincere thank you for going through the effort of Registering in order to share with us your experience (and in doing so hopefully giving some peace of mind to those who have neither received their hats nor heard any word from Jimmy, but who still hope their waiting will result in a hat from him... even if it IS eventually).

I'd like to echo JC1972's request: Would it be possible to share with us a few photos of your hat?
Are you pleased with it?
Does it match the description of the hat you requested?

I suspect (from the way you're referring to it) that you like your hat well enough... so I realize it might not seem too tempting to post some photos of a hat that the rest of us to examine, dissect and critique.
But I hope you don't think anyone here is intent on criticizing your hat in order to cast an unfair light on the hats Jimmy's been sending to people. I, for one, would be GREATLY relieved to see some proof that the hats people ARE receiving don't look "rushed" or anything.

My concern is that this seems to have happened (that I know of) once already.

But, your experience IS different from the other that was recounted to me. For example, you made no mention of getting your bank involved NOR that there was some sort of excessive effort on your part to have Jimmy answer to the whereabouts - or circumstances surrounding - the hat you'd paid for. Sure, he never wrote or called you back... but at least you DID get the hat eventually... and I know that knowledge WILL come as GREAT news to some who were / are beginning to lose this belief and are wondering if they were ever again going to hear from Jimmy OR even get their hat.

As for me, I'm waiting a little while longer in the hopes that Jimmy sends me back my money... not the hat.
While I realize that Jimmy has not been taking calls,
visiting this forum (and thread),
answering pm's,
answering e-mails
or contacting people in any way other than when he sends the note with the hat,
I HAVE TO assume that he at least READS the e-mails (or LETTERS that are actually MAILED to him.)

If he HAS, then he knows I won't be taking the hat...

He knows that he should just send back the money...

He should just give me (or ANY of his cutomers who prefer this choice) a REFUND

Hope that doesn't sound too cranky, but for me: The deal is OFF.

For those patient people who would still like his hat... I sincerely hope things end for you the way they did for you, sargeb13.
And again, thank you for offering up this info.

Fox

sargeb13 · Post by **sargeb13** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:11 pm

I'm afraid I just don't know how to get a picture up on a board. Sorry. However,

Regarding the quality of the hat...

The felt (beaver) is quite nice, rich and soft, a deep color (about pine tree in distance green). Some stiffining in the crown, but not near excessive. Very simmetrical bash. I gave JP pretty much carte blanc on the hat, asking only for a moss green fedora, in beaver, with a contrasting green ribbon and a "C" crown. The ribbon is about standard for an "Indy" hat, in an olive green which has some contrast to the moss color. The brim is unbound. The brim is a bit dimensional, wider on the side than front and rear by a small (maybe 1/16") margin; but, that seems to go okay considering the length of my odd shaped head! I trust (think, maybe?) that the fairly odd dimensional cut was intentional, given the dimensions of my head. The bow is a bit unusual, having a bit of decor... not sure how to describe it... a pair of small triangles of contrasting ribbon on either side of the vertical loop in the bow. Not bad, but a bit novel, I thought. The bow doesn't "float" (stitching is clearly visable at the corners of the bow) like some top hatters do, and the stitching on the ribbon can be seen if you look for it (again, some top hatters have "invisible" threads!) I have a Peter's Brothers, and the JP is a lot like it. The sweatband is unusual, having not one line of stitching at the back but two: band-stich-1/3 inch or so band-stich-band. I don't know if this was a "patch" to make the long sweatband required for my head or what. It does work, but its not as "clean" as a "normal" stich-with-a-bow. Other hatters have fit my head without a "patch".

The hat does not have the "C" crown I requested, but rather a classic "Indy" style crease. I'm okay with it.

I am disappointed that the beautifuly white liner (with its embroarderd, not printed, logo) does not display the "Made for X" embrodery I've seen in other's hats from JPD. I don't know if that's an extra: if it is, JP didn't tell me one way or the other and I didn't ask (I would have paid for it, I suppose, as its a novel idea).

The hat shipped in a sturdy box with appropriate structure to protect the hat, and suffered no damage to the box or the hat.

Of the 7 or 8 hatters I've delt with this past year, I'd rate the JPD as number 2- to 3-of 8 on price, about 3- or 4-of 8 in quality, and dead last (8-of

in customer service.

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 6:30 pm

I have a Peter's Brothers, and the JP is a lot like it.

Not a surprise. Jimmy used to work for Peter's Brothers.

Regards! Michaelson

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Mon Mar 23, 2009 7:11 pm

still nothing on my front...

thedurdens · Post by **thedurdens** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 2:29 pm

Still nothing to report.

Thanks

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:04 pm

Nor up my way...

Since tomorrow is Sunday (and therefore I know I won't be getting anything in the mail) I think I'm safe in saying the following:
Tomorrow will be exactly 6 months from the day that I sent my payment to Jimmy for the fedora I no longer wish to receive...

And week or so OVER six months since Jimmy wrote the words "3 to 4 weeks" in a pm to me...

I'm really just making a note of this so that future generations who might look at these posts (wondering if Jimmy ever got all the hats - or REFUNDS - to their recipients) will have this note as just one more measure...

Y'know... for posterities sake.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:26 pm

Whew, glad my name ain't Jimmy Pierce!

Randy

airforceindy · Post by **airforceindy** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 3:38 pm

My $0.02 -

Nobody knows the whole story, for the obvious reason that Jimmy just doesn't talk/write. He might've done a 4 month stint in the county lock-up or spent 4 months praying with the Dalai Lama for all we know. When it's all said and done, though, he should realize that he's only hurting himself.

AFI

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:15 pm

airforceindy wrote: Nobody knows the whole story, for the obvious reason that Jimmy just doesn't talk/write. He might've done a 4 month stint in the county lock-up or spent 4 months praying with the Dalai Lama for all we know.

Agreed.

For a long time on this thread, I - and others - would puncuate our "where's my hat and where/how is Jimmy?" posts with expressions of concern for him and his family... for their health and their welfare.
Sincere and urgent concern.
So much absolute "cut off from the world"-style silence was going on that many of us were VERY concerned that something really bad was going on.
Since then, a few people have received their long-awaited hats with notes of apology from Jimmy.
And that's great.

So... WAS something really bad going on?
Well, we don't know, probably never will and frankly, the details or WHATEVER has been going on in Jimmy's own life is none of ANY of our business, whether we're waiting on hats or not.

But in my opinion, if you ordered a hat from Jimmy, here's what IS/b]
The whereabouts and availability of the hat you ordered a long time ago OR failing that, the availability of your money.

Jimmy has had time to finish some hats and write some notes to go with them. I think it certainly stands to reason that he's got time to write a quick note, e-mail or pm to a few of us to say "Sorry about the long wait. I'm not going to explain the details. It's none of your concern anyway. Do you still want your hat? Or, since the date I quoted you is 4 months past, would you rather have your payment refunded? Please reply a.s.a.p."

I think that's fair.

Dutch_jones · Post by **Dutch_jones** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:20 pm

Maybe he's out of a computer ? Because he attached a handwritten note? I know seems far fetched. but that might be a reason?

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 5:48 pm

airforceindy wrote:My $0.02 -

Nobody knows the whole story, for the obvious reason that Jimmy just doesn't talk/write. He might've done a 4 month stint in the county lock-up or spent 4 months praying with the Dalai Lama for all we know. When it's all said and done, though, he should realize that he's only hurting himself.

AFI

MAYBE, he was taken up with alie... err "interdimensional beings"?

I can see where you'd initially be concerned about his health/family/etc, but yeah, with what's went on...

Randy

ReturningSon · Post by **ReturningSon** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 8:51 pm

Dutch_jones wrote:Maybe he's out of a computer ? Because he attached a handwritten note? I know seems far fetched. but that might be a reason?

But Mr. La rue sent him a letter to his address so he is definitely aware of the situation...Jimmy does have ADD (if I am not misinformed) so perhaps this may have something to do with this situation but...like I have started earlier...nothing to report on my front...

Post by **Michaelson** » Sat Mar 28, 2009 9:24 pm

I have no idea what is going on with Jimmy Pierce. We have currently pulled his vendor status, as we have not been able to raise him either. With that said, allow me to at least repost his thread from a year ago last April that may, or may not shed light on his personal ongoing situation, taken from the vendor section. This is not being offered as an excuse, just a reminder of what has been said before to refresh memories:

Post subject: What's going on at JPDesigns
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2008 12:29 am
Archaeologist
Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2002 12:45 am
Posts: 260
Location: Glen Rose, Texas

I have been told by a trusted member here that I may want to let you guys know what is going on with me. I don't feel it is very professional to talk about yor problems with your customers, but in the interest of customer relations here goes. Bear with me if this is kind of ranting and follows a twisted path.

I opened a store in June of 2006. things went well for the first 6 months but then the economy went to @#$%. For all of 2007 things limped along with my parents supporting my family and store so I could try to make things work.

I have severe ADD, coupled wth depression. I basically had to fight my way through high school and college. The lack of being able to complete things kicks off the depression and starts a downward spiral. Not being able to provide for my family has not helped this.

Due to the lack of business I closed my store front at the end of December. I started the process in November by constructing a shop at my house, which took a good deal of time to get completed. I did a tick-poor job of anticipating problems with the move. Hats have been delayed since that point because when I moved my equipment to my house a good deal of it got knocked out of calibration. two peices I have had to completely disassemble and rebuild. Two others I have had to completely re-setup. It took until march to get it all done.

I have been looking for a job to pay the bills since November of last year, but to no avail. I started substitute teaching a few months ago as it was one thing available to do, though not very regular.

Since mid January my two year old son, as well as the rest of the family(though less extreme), has been sick. There is a virus going around that causes severe diarea and vomiting to the point that three or four children have died from dehydration. He has been doing better for about two weeks now.

Also about two weeks ago I decided to try a medication for my ADD. That has been going well, hense getting more hats completed then I have in a while and getting caught up on orders.

So there you have it. Those are the problems I have been having.
Now for the good side.

I am getting hats completed. My son is doing better. I hope to have a job interview withing the next week or so.

In making hats, there is always something that comes up to slow you down. I have been working on hats for almost ten years and still find something new every once in a while. I am currently finishing about two hats a day. At times that gets up to four. Since I would only really need between five an eight orders a week to work on hats full time, that means I can operate at about 1/3 capacity, keep up with orders, and spend time with family.

Not only that, but I hope to have another piece of equipment completed soon that will speed up production just a bit more. I have a plating machine that I have parts being made for and should be ready soon. What this will do is compress the brims to an even thickness and to be thinner. This means that they will be denser, smoother, and require less pouncing.

I have started updating my website and expect to have it done by next sunday night. I have made several new sample hats over the past few months that I will be photographing on the next day with good weather. One of them has an under-welt.

So there you have what has been going on in my life, and some explination of the delays in hats.

I still plan on getting my orders out this week.

Trusting God to see me through lifes obstacles
Jimmy

Regards! Michaelson