Let's be clear. John, the owner, doesn't need your business. You're here because you need him.
You're also here because you need more 411 to consider ordering from his super basic website.
I know because I did the exact same thing, but with few reviews to go on, I was still not sure.
So I picked up the phone and called "customer support." I was so surprised when John, the owner, answered. When's the last time you called a business and the owner answered the phone? You might even reply - never.
I called because the lantern I was considering didn't come in the size I wanted, but what was even more valuable was that that particular lantern had more bells and whistles than I even knew it had or that I even wanted! So by calling in, John provided me with info I wouldn't have gotten from the picture on the website as well as a better solution than I could have anticipated - make them from scratch the way I wanted it and in the sizes I wanted them in!
His website is the bare minimum of basic, but in no way shape or form does it speak to the quality of John's work, and especially his commitment to good customer service.
John talked my ear off - he sources materials that are made in the USA....all the lights are crafted by hand in his warehouse...he ships to places all over the world...he prides himself on customer service...he's practically retired but he's got employees to consider...My inquiry phone call turned into a 30-minute listening session, but I loved every minute of it.
I hung up and placed my order on the website with confidence. My custom order arrived by UPS in three, yes, THREE days!
So the lesson from this review is - pick up the phone. I got to know the man behind the company and I put in a custom order with more specific details than what's offered on the website's drop-down options. read more