I ordered an Air Force Challenge Coin and Individual Display Box from Military Issue, for my brother who is stationed out in Arizona, whom I miss dearly. I had wanted to bring this coin, in it's own display box to my brother when I visit him for his birthday this Summer. I ordered this coin and box on March 26. On April 1st (April Fool's Day), I get an email from Military Issue stating that my coin is "temporarily back ordered" and "We are working quickly, however, to fill these back ordered items and ship your complete order at the earliest possible date." The Display Box itself is not on back order, mind you.
This was the last time I heard from them. No email, nothing. Months went by before I decided I guess I will contact them myself. I called Military Issue on May 5th and asked about my order, giving my zip code. They told me my coin would be coming in week, and apologized after I mentioned how dissatisfied I was that no emails had been sent to me out of courtesy, plus I never received the Display Box which isn't on "temporary back order". Truthfully, who knows what would of happened if I hadn't called. It's kinda funny how months I didn't hear anything, now "it's coming in a week".
Anyways, before the end of May, I did get some contact from Military Issue in the form of a catalog sent to my house. Real nice... They just can't wait for me to order more stuff. Actually, in all honesty, I would have purchased more Challenge Coins and Display Boxes in the future. My brother still has another 4 years to go in the Air Force and they had some nice coins I would have liked to give him through the years as he completes his service (including a stint overseas). But, my anger overcame me and finally today, June 2nd, I decided I had enough. I called Military Issue and gave them my order number. They told me the coin would be in tomorrow... Tomorrow... Imagine that! I told them I want to cancel immediately. Cancel the coin, cancel the box, and remove my address from all future mailings.
Well, they did apologize and I promise I won't hold a grudge. I'm just a little angry at the total lack of courtesy and individual respect from this company. I can understand that military items may not be a huge commodity and yes, sometimes things take time coming in. But any company that wants to be successful and keep a ongoing customer base needs to have a certain level of professionalism and responsibility to their clientele. Especially companies that specialize in any type of collectible, if they are professional and courteous, avid collectors will always return for more items from a company they like.
Anyway, I'm not looking to pursue any type of action. Military Issue has lost me as a customer and I felt I should warn other consumers out there that there are better options available for military stuff, models and coins. I will get my brother's Air Force Challenge Coins from somewhere else. Glad I still have time to get him one before I go see him for his birthday.
Bottom line, Military Issue, if you sent me an email and kept me notified, I would still be getting my coin from you. Even if you at least sent me the display box, I would have been more patient. As a collector myself, I have ordered many items that were on back order and I always got updates on them if it was for any extended period of time (like over a month). If something wasn't on back order, it was shipped immediately. The last email I got from Military Issue on April 1st stated "temporary back order". A couple months is more then temporary. A second email stating the coin would take longer would have been much appreciated, instead of me coming to you.
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