(Topic ID: 116871)

DP - Dutch Pinball-The Big Lebowski - site visit

By Hjbondar

9 years ago


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  • 356 posts
  • 118 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 8 years ago by fosaisu
  • Topic is favorited by 10 Pinsiders

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There are 356 posts in this topic. You are on page 1 of 8.
30
#1 9 years ago

I am reporting on my experience with Barry and DP - leaving the interpretation of meaning to the forum at large:

Background: On January 13th I found out I might be traveling to Amsterdam and Essen, Germany which brought me tantalizingly close to DP HQ and MFG. I reached out to Barry (Full disclosure: I have high interest in TBL but do not have a deposit down) to see if it would be possible to drop in and, hopefully, flip a few balls. Much to my surprise, I received a very quick(20 minutes) and very positive reply- welcoming me to come by. I was clear with Barry that my hidden agenda was to get to play the game and that I would be happy to report on my visit to this forum. He was fine with that and suggested I do so after I visit.

As the time approached I lined up my very busy Dutch business associate to detour by DP on our way back from Essen to Amsterdam. All the while I kept up an active dialogue with a still very inviting Barry. He told me he was going to be at the MFG facility on the day of my visit(Thursday) and said to call when on the way. I emailed him to let him know I was headed to his facility; gave him my associates number in case he needed to call; and headed to DP.

Along the way we called Barry's cell 3-4x with no pick-up. We got to the address and found no signage. Luckily a few guys were coming out of the building. When asked about DP, one of them said to follow-him and he took us inside.

Inside, no one from DP was to be found. My associate, being the clever guy he is, texted Barry to say he was at the facility and wanted to buy a machine. He received an immediate return call.

My associate explained that he was with me; Barry said he was not there because to took ill(my associate said he sounded fine) but that someone else from DP should be there (that was not the case)

The facility was a large, modern steel sided building. They clearly were actively manufacturing something. I was not at liberty to walk around, but can say that there were no TBL's visible and nothing that looked like the parts to assemble one; nor anything that looked like an assembly line.

I would have, at the least, expected an apology email from Barry - but none received.

I am reporting this to the best of my recollection and leaving any interpretation or emotions out of it. As I agreed to do with Barry, this is my post visit report

#2 9 years ago

So .... no new shit has come to light? Would have been cool if there had been something to see.

#3 9 years ago

I don't feel there is a lot of takeaway.. Wandering unescorted around the building 3-4 months at earliest before anything is going to ship, while they are in the middle of (esp back Jan 13th) an internal crisis.. Sure if there was something to see that would be huge positive but I don't think the lack of something is automatically a negative if that makes sense. He should of apologized though for inviting you out and then bailing.

#4 9 years ago

Why did it take you this long to post this?

19
#5 9 years ago

just to clarify - I was there 4 hours ago

14
#6 9 years ago

Here's my takeaway.

Quoted from Hjbondar:

Along the way we called Barry's cell 3-4x with no pick-up.

Quoted from Hjbondar:

My associate, being the clever guy he is, texted Barry to say he was at the facility and wanted to buy a machine. He received an immediate return call.

If anybody here thinks this is OK or does this kind of thing, feel free to PM me so I can make sure we never hang out.

EDIT: In case it wasn't clear, the thing I'm talking about is what Barry did, and not Hjbondar's friend.

11
#7 9 years ago

The take-away is this chap arranged a long distance visit to DP, Barry said he would be there he was not, he said he was ill and someone else should be there they were not.

Not very good business acumen on the part of DP, especially has they know a write up on Pinside would be the result!

Glad I have got my non-requested refund, I did ask DP a bunch of business questions regarding this fiasco but go nothing back, so staying out until there is a machine to buy.

Am I wrong or am I wrong dude?

16
#8 9 years ago

The factory was full of Barry's dirty underwear. It's a ringer dude.

-8
#9 9 years ago

Here we go again!

#10 9 years ago
Quoted from Hjbondar:

just to clarify - I was there 4 hours ago

Ah ok. Well that doesn't give him a lot of time to respond to the bailing on you. There in town longer or leaving shortly? Maybe he could reach out for a redo.

Since they only recently (per roger) got artwork approved I guess it was good you didn't find a giant pile of playfields with the old artwork

#11 9 years ago
Quoted from stevevt:

Here's my takeaway.

If anybody here thinks this is OK or does this kind of thing, feel free to PM me so I can make sure we never hang out.
EDIT: In case it wasn't clear, the thing I'm talking about is what Barry did, and not Hjbondar's friend.

Yeah that's lame. If you're sick and need to bail, fine... Send a text or something. Answering the phone if you think money is involved, that's fine (capitalism) but in the context of ignoring someone else (even if a non customer like OP) is not very polite.

#12 9 years ago
Quoted from urbanledge:

Here we go again!

Why do we have to "go" anywhere.. Oh pinside

#13 9 years ago
Quoted from sd_tom:

Yeah that's lame. If you're sick and need to bail, fine... Send a text or something. Answering the phone if you think money is involved, that's fine (capitalism) but in the context of ignoring someone else (even if a non customer like OP) is not very polite.

Well to be fair was it a set time or an I will email or call you when I can come by. Big difference in my book as I have been in the same position and received a message the morning my day was blowing up.

24
#14 9 years ago

He knew the specific day I was coming and that it would be early afternoon. He said he'd be there all day and to just let him know I was coming. Any way you look at it - it was discourteous. Knowing that I am a member of forum, that I would probably post about my experience, and given all that is going on, it clearly shows poor judgement. That is about as kind as I can be.

I am really sorry to have had this experience. I will get over the personal inconvenience. It will be harder for me to forgive and forget for having needlessly inconvenienced someone else to pursue for my personal entertainment --- but more than anything, I really was expecting to be able to report something positive in the torrent of negativity about TBL rather then add another nail....

#16 9 years ago
Quoted from Hjbondar:

I am really sorry to have had this experience

did you try and see if he can have someone else tour you while you are still nearby or if he can make it later today?
Either way it sucks. Just not like Barry. He has emailed me and been available both times I met him.

#17 9 years ago

C'mon Ted, I know you're a cheerleader for DP, but asking for proof? Smiley notwithstanding...

#18 9 years ago

michael.gifmichael.gif

#19 9 years ago

We really need to hear from Barry or Jaap soon.

#20 9 years ago

Sounds to me like Barry is a fast talker. Immature and not serious about his business. I still tend to think Phil is the only one who I've heard any honesty out of on this project. But that's just me.

#21 9 years ago

Wow! Just wow.
Barry, are you reading this?
Dude, pull your head out of your ass.
Get games made asap or give back the money and throw in the towell.
You sir are not looking good here at all and need to deliver asap or get out of the game.
And a rug and t shirt will not buy you any more time.
You are leaving a bad impression on pinball.
Stop it, now.

#22 9 years ago

Makes DP look like a huge scam mostly at this point. I would feel bad if I made someone drive 30min and bail on them let alone a international trip wow! Goldfinger gets back to you quick also when he hears about a new deposit what a piece of sh*t.

#23 9 years ago

dp.pngdp.pngWere the Dutch Pinball Girls from EXPO there?

#24 9 years ago

That's pretty shitty of he ditched you and only answered your friends call rather than yours.
Hope he makes it right to you.

The facility isn't scheduled to start production till April so no building makes sense.

#25 9 years ago
Quoted from PaulCoff:

Were the Dutch Pinball Girls from EXPO there?

they are in red light district in the windows

imagesQ31NOS9O.jpgimagesQ31NOS9O.jpg
#26 9 years ago

Selective communication.
It's a 2-hour trek from Essen to Amsterdam. A courteous "sorry I can't be there" text or email would've been nice.

This bums me out.

-20
#27 9 years ago
Quoted from madscientist101:

Makes DP look like a huge scam mostly at this point. I would feel bad if I made someone drive 30min and bail on them let alone a international trip wow! Goldfinger gets back to you quick also when he hears about a new deposit what a piece of sh*t.

The guy did not fly over there just for this, nor is he actually a customer of the game. Rude, yes but man.. Lower the volume of outrage a notch or two.. He didn't kill your dog, he didn't take it fucking bowling. The games aren't even late yet per a schedule they put out dec 2013

#28 9 years ago
Quoted from mrgone:

Wow! Just wow.

Same. Speechless.

#29 9 years ago

Thanks for sharing your experience. Super lame for Barry to stand you up like that. Even if he had an emergency and couldn't be there he should've at least let you know, or had someone there in his stead. You were an International guest for cripes sake.

A factory with no present staff, no DP cabinets, and no assembly line is worrisome.

Glad I got my refund.

17
#30 9 years ago

I'm not deciding how I feel about this until Plungemaster and Hiawatha scream at me and call me a crybaby a few times first.

21
#31 9 years ago
Quoted from sd_tom:

The guy did not fly over there just for this, nor is he actually a customer of the game. Rude, yes but man.. Lower the volume of outrage a notch or two.. He didn't kill your dog, he didn't take it fucking bowling. The games aren't even late yet per a schedule they put out dec 2013

I have a $4,500 deposit that I can't get back I will say whatever I want!

#32 9 years ago

I was told by a DP usa employee that the factory is 2 hours away from the office. So if you went to the office there would not be much to see.

-4
#33 9 years ago
Quoted from PaulCoff:

Were the Dutch Pinball Girls from EXPO there?

Who cares? They could have found some better talent.

#34 9 years ago
Quoted from IdahoRealtor:

A factory with no present staff, no DP cabinets, and no assembly line is worrisome.

We've known for a while now that the games are being built at a different facility, someone can dig up the old information about this.

#35 9 years ago

Hey at least you got in before the lock...on the doors due to no business

#36 9 years ago
Quoted from metallik:

C'mon Ted, I know you're a cheerleader for DP, but asking for proof?

Not a cheerleader...not getting the machine. Just curious to see the facility. No more, no less.

#37 9 years ago

Sounds like DP like to DP everyone else.
Wow what a mess, I am very glad I got out.
Maybe one day TBL will get made and shipped to a distributor for sale to the general public but until that day happens they won't get one cent out of me.

#38 9 years ago

If I were a TBL pre-paid customer, I'd be tracking down where those prototype machines were to see if they're still in the states(doubtful by now) and trying to get my hands on one of them to "hold it hostage", as it were. They'd get it back when they build the one I paid for.

#39 9 years ago

To be fair, there were people who visited (or tried to) the Jersey Jack factory building in the months before WOZ release and the visits went about as well.

I don't excuse Barry's behavior though, this could have easily been handled differently. But the empty building I'll let slide at this time.

#40 9 years ago

Wow those DP guys sure do get sick a lot. Get well soon Barry!

#41 9 years ago

Barry not at DP HQ - Still Want the Tour

#42 9 years ago
Quoted from Curtis_Playfield:

Wow those DP guys sure do get sick a lot.

That's socialist health care for ya!!!!

#43 9 years ago

THISGONBGUD.gifTHISGONBGUD.gif

#44 9 years ago

Here we go again. Shit. This is disheartening.

#45 9 years ago
Quoted from sd_tom:

Nor is he actually a customer of the game.

I agree with you that the sky isn't falling, but the lack of follow-up was unmerited.

It would be one thing if the OP didn't have a pot to pee in, but he has 9 pins in his collection and TBL on his wishlist. That's a prospective customer in my book.

#46 9 years ago

Once again things were handled poorly by DP. Bummer dude.

#47 9 years ago

I agree, the fact that your taveling the world and want to spend your LIMITED time to swing by a manufactures plant and check things out is showing great loyalty and value to the BRAND. We are the blood that kept this thing alive, its bad enough they stroke us now for $9,000 plus for a NIB is stupid rediculous. Because of our demand it is allowing the spawn of new Pinball Brands. We should never be stand idly by while getting dumped at the alter. Especially with a pre arranged meet and greet with any senior level staff, never be missed, no matter what....! The fact that the POWER of Word of Mouth in this tight nit community was the totally dismissed here, definatly reflects HELLA BAD on a new business venture that needs the backing of its loyal customer base. Brand value is what made Apple in the early 2000's... (Mind you they are so big now that some will have a negitive experience of brand value.) I understand and relate to the concern, "WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?" Makes me think to what would happen if I have a real warranty issue that needs to be addressed quickly, whats that process going to be like? And not being a U.S. based company... good luck for me trying to do anything about it if they don't value me or it's customer base. I LEARN from others and their interactions with businesses I have interest in. Thanks for the heads up.. I was concidering their pin as I just finished the MMr payment. I'll wait, not only for it to land here in the states, but let others also go thru the new game bugs and warranty issues first... Weary for sure, and lost alot of confidence. When if all went well, we would be clammering for more good news, and getting the rest of our $$$$$$ together ASAP!

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#49 9 years ago
Quoted from fast_in_muskoka:

Maybe Barry was just @ the Ballet . . .

Wait what just happened... Where am I? Momma

15
#50 9 years ago
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