Pandemic Delays, Shortages Affecting Skydiving Gear Too..
ChutingStar did start out as the Rigger Rant & Rave...so true to form...it's time for some ranting...and then some raving.
To all you complainers out there who have been living under a boulder or in some weird bubble, we're living in the middle of a freaking pandemic. COVID-related deaths, disruptions and shutdowns are real. Be happy you're even alive to read this.
Some skydiving gear manufacturers, stores and drop zones have gone out of business, some are having staffing issues and others just can't get the materials needed to complete manufacturing. Some are communicating well to dealers and customers, and some are a complete overwhelmed mess of misinformation.
Anything skydiving-related not currently in stock at ChutingStar, and still available to order from manufacturers, is on the way to us, being manufactured or on some sort of backorder awaiting the manufacturer to manufacture. We are in touch with the manufacturers about delays and backorders on a daily basis so we can communicate to you expected ship dates. But even then, those get pushed back due to more manufacturing or shipping delays.
We've even been sourcing some materials to send to manufacturers to help get some backorders completed. We also can help you choose an alternative product that is available if you need something that is in stock, or from a manufacturer who is actually able to get things out to us.
But the pain of the pandemic doesn't stop there. Because once we ship you the goods, it's a crap shoot of when or if the package will get to you. While most of the packages do get to you, it's become routine that shipments are delayed and there have been more lost packages than usual during the pandemic.
ChutingStar is known for how quickly we ship out orders, how well they're packaged and all the extra goodies we include. We want you to get your items as ordered and on time. But once it leaves our warehouse, it's out of our hands. That doesn't mean we've wiped our hands of the order and we're done, but it just means we're not physically carrying the package to your door. We're not Amazon. The final delivery is up to UPS, FedEx or USPS.
If your package is delayed, lost or damaged, we will work with the carrier and you to make it right. But nothing moves extremely fast in the process as the carrier first tries to find the package, and then if they can't, will let us know and we can work on a replacement.
Patience is cool. Ranting at our ChutingStar Crew for things we can't control is not. And through all of this, we make mistakes too. But in the end, we will make it right and get you the gear to help you make the most of your weekends...maybe just not this weekend.
Love you. Mean it. Just chill the freak out.
Show our ChutingStar Crew some love the next time something doesn't go as expected. There's no need to yell over the phone or demean us in an email. We treat you with respect and will listen and help you with the issue without all of that extra noise. We're people too just trying to do our best every day.
Thank you.
~Mike G