Re: WARNING ~ TR ~ My experience
In a world of custom work, be it rifles, cars, boats, or anything, reputation is everything. I have made 100's pf custom part over the years, if a customer complained, I stepped up answered their concern or made it right. It only takes one bad part or experience to ruin a reputaion. With the internet it makes a bad situation even worse.
Tactical Rifles should of responded in defense of their product. Be it good or bad. Ignoring an issue only makes it worse in the long.
Yes we only have the OP's story. He voiced a concern to let everyone else know of his experience. 20 years ago, if you told your neighbor or a co-worker about a bad business experience or customer service it carried weight. The internet is the same way. However, in the days of big bucks business, it is easier to threaten with a lawyer and try to get it removed , than to make it right.
What I find odd, the money spent on a lawyer for defamation, is higher than the cost of their most expensive rifle. Spend 30 grand to make a bad review go away or drop 10 grand make it right and gain more customers. I don't want to hear on retainer crap. Permanent retainer fees are still costly, moreso than a custom rifle.
The truth of the matter, one bad review or problem with a custom rifle, can cost a custom builder tens of thousands of dollar in business. Especially when the problems are identified by a trusted source. Even if it is members of a forum. But Tactical Rifles could have turned this into a customer service goldmine in the long run. "We made it right or we paid for the repairs to be done to customers satisfaction." That simple actions would of said alot. the only thing I can see that would stop someone doing custom work, is if there are multiple problems floating around, and to set a precedent of that nature fixing one complaint would bring a downpour of other customers demanding the same treatment.
I feel sorry for those that are being threatened with slander,libel, and defamation. It is sad to think we have devolved into a society where we spend our money, and have to take the product we receive or else we get sued when we identify poor quality.
As shooters and consumers we place value on our firearms and our income. We want the best we can afford and when we drop an exceptional amount we expect a quality product for the funds spent. Are you going to spend 60k for a new vehicle that does nor run, a $1000 for a refrigerator that does keep your food fresh, or even 8 bucks for a value meal that is not cooked and cold. I know I will not, and I expect full value for money and to meet my standards, not to be told that is what we are giving you for your money.