Gainesville, FL
Quoted from chickenscratch:Here’s the thing, communication is key. Could totally turn every unhappy customer, never unhappy, by responding to emails within 24 hours. Otherwise just make it clear it’s a hobby, not a business, so there’s no business expectations.
I’ve gotten some cool stuff from modfather, unique, and some not cool stuff (screw and wire hold through a toy with who knows what markup, kinda poorly painted beverage holder, etc.). That was just ignorance purchasing, and nothing I’d seek to complain about, just natural to bring up here now, for completeness.
I’d really like to see install instructions as well, like every other modding company provides. I had to change where the wire was screwed into another toy, as there was just no way possible to mount as-was.
So… communication (off all types) is key. Keep up the good and unique work, create instructions, answer all email daily with consistency and all gucci. My 42 cents.
I can't speak to all of the details of how ModFather operates, but a lack of response in 24 hours doesn't mean that someone isn't deeply concerned with getting to it and worried about their public relations.
From my brief interaction with Chuck, I believe he does genuinely care about people, and he was one of my inspirations toward getting into modding myself.
Pinball modding is a niche world within a niche world. It can be incredibly demanding, and not as easy to take on help for communications as a more significant business can (I certainly want to be the one to talk one-on-one with my supporters). I couldn't say how many sleepless nights I've had in a panic to get orders out at a promised time, and I've had backlogs/turnaround-times get up to 6 months before finally giving in to hiring help early this year (and I don't have the website/public appearance level ModFather has, so I can only imagine it's very hectic at times). I love modding, but it's not always without stress.
