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Eye of the storm and Maelstrom share the same address.
I was under the impression that Eye of the storm was going to be maelstroms store and gaming space name?

astrocat wrote:
I'm afraid I'm going to have to join the chorus.....

I'm just glad I paid through Paypal - cut out the middle man and make a claim, escalate it, get you money back, easy.

There are no guarantees with Paypal, if they can't get the money from the other account you won't get it.

Always use a credit card even if you plug it into PayPal. Your credit card company will be on them like sin since its their money at the end of the day. I found Paypal a bit more lax about it.

I advise all people waiting on refunds to contact their card company as soon as you smell a rat.

I always assumed that the eye of the storm was the name of the gaming rooms.

http://events.eye-of-the-storm.co.uk/

 scipio.au wrote:

 Rayvon wrote:

Well if there was proof that they had ran out of credit with certain companies, then that would give your claims some justification, but there is no proof of this.
Now i am not saying either way what is happening, but i just think you are jumping the gun a tad is all.

It's not quite proof, but have a look at the EOTS website and compare it to the Maelstrom one. The EOTS one looks as though it's being set up to replace the Maelstrom one, and it does indeed lack quite a few companies on it...

Sorry, i missed your post before, it does indeed look like that is very similar, maybe they are just changing the name.
I guess it could be due to financial reasons too.

 Mr. Burning wrote:
Eye of the storm and Maelstrom share the same address.
I was under the impression that Eye of the storm was going to be maelstroms store and gaming space name?

That's what they had been saying. It's also why the EOTS webstore is so ...interesting in light of these rumours. They were also supposed to be moving to the new warehouse in August, then mid-September. As of last weekend, they were still in the same premises.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Rayvon wrote:

Sorry, i missed your post before, it does indeed look like that is very similar, maybe they are just changing the name.
I guess it could be due to financial reasons too.

The thing is that as evidenced in other posts earlier in this thread, EOTS has been spun off into a separate, registered business - as has Bane Legions. If it were a simple name change, I'm sure they'd have just done so on the existing site, and the whole "moving warehouse" thing being put off for two months, combined with endless back-to-back sales, people waiting months for their unfulfilled orders (mine was at a month, including "in-stock" items), no removal of various brands on the Maelstrom site and yet no new GW stuff (Chaos!) all combines to speak volumes.

Some of the reasons to split Banelegions into a new company can be found into a recent interview to maelstrom over here

http://thefrontlinegamer.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/industry-talk-rob-lane-mierce-miniatures.html


To be honest some of his comments come accross kind of strange. Sad he didnt find the time to clarify all of the costumers over the net worried about their money stuck on maelstrom.

I'll agree with that. I'd personally also be very fething dubious about giving these guys any Kickstarter money based alone on recent customer service and lack of product.

If Maelstrom actually goes under while continuing to accept and even solicit customers' money - which will no doubt go down with it - as they continue to offer "sales" without supplying (most) product, then they certainly deserve to have this information spread widely as possible. We'll still have to wait and see how this all gets resolved. Really though, anyone on the net who is worried and has orders outstanding with Maelstrom would be smart to get their money back quicksmart. If there's no issues, then you can always just re-order the stock later. If the amount of funds being returned by Maelstrom becomes a concern for them, they could always actually address their customers' concerns.

The blogger is clearly more concerned about being a nice guy and not alienating Rob Lane so he could get his interview for the blog while maintaining friendly relations for the future. He does mention knowing "most" of the staff at Maelstrom in the comments, so that may undermine his credibility. (potentially mates interviewing mates?) If he'd asked Rob any of the harder questions or pressed for answers, it would probably have been the end of hte interview at that point. But it would have been worthwhile from a news as opposed to press-release interview standpoint.

When I finally got through on the phone, I was able to get a refund quite promptly, albeit after an hour or so of engaged tones. I mentioned that I'd have quite happily spent it if there was anything in stock.

Till then, Firestorm Games for everything--I've never been disappointed with their service.

I really think that somebody should refer Maelstrom's customer services to this thread...

Though this is probably naive little me assuming that they aren't aware of how people are perceiving their business right now. It's not healthy for them at all.

I don't know what they're doing, but my order is still showing as "processing", but now the amount in "my moneyback" has dropped by the amount my order had increased it by originally. No email to say I'm getting refund though...

I just received an email telling me that my order has been split, so half of it is now packing (Ravenor: The Omnibus and a mini that has been in stock since I placed the order). It's nice of them to split it up and send what they can, especially after taking so long. Hopefully it won't be too long before they start stocking again.

Just got a dispatch email from Maelstrom staying the stuff I've been waiting 2 months for has dispatched

(I enquired last week and got the 7-10 days email several others have reported)

so maybe things are picking up again

This is what blows my mind, waiting 2 months?! I would be getting product elsewhere if i waited even two weeks past expected delivery.

Gotten me thinking though.

 OrlandotheTechnicoloured wrote:
Just got a dispatch email from Maelstrom staying the stuff I've been waiting 2 months for has dispatched

(I enquired last week and got the 7-10 days email several others have reported)

so maybe things are picking up again

Me too (although it was only a 1 month wait).

During one of their sales at the beginning of August, I ended up placing two orders with them a day apart. And it was amazing how much the service differed.

From the first order, one item was in stock and got sent straight away. The other item from the first order got sent the following week. So all was good them.

The order that was placed the day after took a month with no word about the delay or anything. When I had emailed asking what had happened to my order, I got pretty much the standard response (I think I saw someone else put the email in this thread).

It is a shame that customer service is dropping since I have been a customer of their's for a fair while now.

 Mr. Burning wrote:
This is what blows my mind, waiting 2 months?! I would be getting product elsewhere if i waited even two weeks past expected delivery.

Gotten me thinking though.

Part of my problem was I ordered stuff knowing one item was not in stock & I might have to wait a month.... fair enough

but unfortunatly once it arrived (& shipped) the rest of the order had gone out of stock.... they really should have kept them back for me, but oh well

as long as they arrive this week

Whether I go back to them ? They do have a very wide range so if I have a large order, maybe.

If it's a small specific one I'll try another supplier

I'd wait it out and see what happens at this stage. The Chaos stuff is now up for pre-order, but until I see or hear something more concrete (moving warehouse?) then I'll be playing it safe with my money.

Well, I ordered a bunch of Carnevale stuff off them and both orders arrived within a couple of days but this was because they were stopping stocking the line and were clearing out existing stock (at 40% off too which was nice) so I was fairly certain they had it all in stock ready to go. I certainly wouldn't order anything that I didn't know was in stock from them though. The recent reports coming form various people about waits, delays and refunds do not paint a picture of a healthy business - if this isn't the case, then they really need to come on here and say something. The owner is a member of Dakka IIRC and has commented on things in the past so one can only assume his silence speaks volumes.

 filbert wrote:
Well, I ordered a bunch of Carnevale stuff off them and both orders arrived within a couple of days but this was because they were stopping stocking the line and were clearing out existing stock (at 40% off too which was nice) so I was fairly certain they had it all in stock ready to go. I certainly wouldn't order anything that I didn't know was in stock from them though. The recent reports coming form various people about waits, delays and refunds do not paint a picture of a healthy business - if this isn't the case, then they really need to come on here and say something. The owner is a member of Dakka IIRC and has commented on things in the past so one can only assume his silence speaks volumes.

This would help. A lot!

I think it is also interesting how long how long people expect to wait for an order and what they expect from a seller or shop with regards to wargaming purchases.

Does a discount and the expectation, and indeed acceptance of delays, serve to hamper improved customer service, preserving the status quo?

 scipio.au wrote:
I'll agree with that. I'd personally also be very fething dubious about giving these guys any Kickstarter money based alone on recent customer service and lack of product.

If Maelstrom actually goes under while continuing to accept and even solicit customers' money - which will no doubt go down with it - as they continue to offer "sales" without supplying (most) product, then they certainly deserve to have this information spread widely as possible. We'll still have to wait and see how this all gets resolved. Really though, anyone on the net who is worried and has orders outstanding with Maelstrom would be smart to get their money back quicksmart. If there's no issues, then you can always just re-order the stock later. If the amount of funds being returned by Maelstrom becomes a concern for them, they could always actually address their customers' concerns.

The blogger is clearly more concerned about being a nice guy and not alienating Rob Lane so he could get his interview for the blog while maintaining friendly relations for the future. He does mention knowing "most" of the staff at Maelstrom in the comments, so that may undermine his credibility. (potentially mates interviewing mates?) If he'd asked Rob any of the harder questions or pressed for answers, it would probably have been the end of hte interview at that point. But it would have been worthwhile from a news as opposed to press-release interview standpoint.

Firstly I wasn't concerned with being a 'nice guy'. You can ask questions and not get answers. I primarily did the interview because people asked me to find out more about Darklands. I did try asking about the split away from Maelstrom Games, as I too have my doubts and concerns. However, I have to take peoples answers at face value. I did ask more, but got no further answers, it's just a business decision. Do I think that's all it is? Honestly, I'm not sure. Like everyone else I've heard the rumours of large debts, and not being able to get stock in because of it. Would I order something from Maelstrom right now? Not on your Nelly!!! If it's in stock then maybe. If not, no chance there just too much uncertainty for my liking. I am trying to find out what the hell is going on but if no one is willing to give me any answers what more can I do? I've asked people and been met with denials, deathly silence or hearsay without evidence. one way or the other. I'll continue asking, my questions and if I get anything concrete I'll post it up, but I'm not going to start making wild accusations without evidence and proof. That's just not right.

Oh yeah, and me and Rob Lane haven't always seen eye-to-eye on all topics that's for sure. I was highly critical of his fall out with Battlefront Miniatures and how that was handled, and a few other things as well.

As someone who had 400 pounds of stuff backordered for over a month, including a pile of stuff that was actually "in stock" when I ordered it (apparently, then apparently not since they threw it all on BO right after taking my money) - as well as being fed a line of BS at least twice by one of the staff members when I called up to enquire about my order (I'll let you guess who from this thread's posts by multiple posters), I took a smidegeon of offence in the comments where you got defensive telling people not to spread rumours or discuss it since it might hurt the staff's feelings. The only comms I got from them was of course more emails advertising another 20% off sale, or another 30% or 40% off discontinued lines sale (Such as Red Box Games, who they were trumpeting loudly as a new range they were stocking only a few months ago).

From a customer's perspective, months of "moving" sales, no updates on the backordered stuff outside of me needing to ring them, getting told "later this week" and "next week" on multiple occasions that never followed through since the stuff obviously never came in, being told that their computers suddenly done got broken on multiple occasions when I asked them to look up my order.. I did finally get my money back, but it was a needlessly stressful process. I was a good, regular customer of theirs for at least 5 years. I spent a lot of money with them. While I don't have any wish to see them go down, I've got no wish to see them take anyone else for a ride either.

So anyway, I'll give you credit for being realistic on the Boob Warriors discussion on here when Rob tried to write it off as mindless angry internet hate, but I saw no mention of the current Maelstrom situation in the article, nor any sign that you brought it up with Rob in any manner - even in a friendly "Any updates about the warehouse move, old chap?" manner. If you asked more but he refused to discuss it, then that in itself is something worth noting, especially in the current situation where a lack of communication seems to be incredibly notable. Certainly not that you pressed him for answers, but as you said, took it all at face value. To me, that's being a diplomatic nice guy, rather than risking alienating him. I'm not criticising you for that per se, as it's your choice, but I certainly stand by pointing it out. Wild accusations and a lack of proof is one thing, but a deathly silence when these kinds of rumours are floating about while continuing to offer "sales" and solicit customers' money is completely bad form. I think it's a much better situation that people become aware of the situation as we now of it now and get their refunds while they can, than stick heads in the sand and hope for the best, or worse still, not even be aware of this stuff when it's a very real concern that they will go down, taking people's money with them...

With this talk about a Darklands Kickstarter starting to brew around, I'd also think the trustworthiness of Rob Lane and Maelstrom Games should be at the top of the concern list going forward. If they choose to address serious rumours like this with deathly silence, well, I think that says it all...

I did ask what the rationale for him splitting Mierce Miniatures (BaneLegions) was from Maelstrom Games. He gave me his answer. I can't then go and say, you're lying if I have no proof can I? I do think people shuld ask questions about the piss poor service. I have asked about that and also advised him to put out statements. The fact Maelstrom haven't does sort of tell its own story I guess, but I'm not going to make wild accusations and snide comments without first knowing the facts. If Maelstrom does go to the wall then it's not just customers that will be hurt, it'll be suppliers, and ultimately the industry as a whole. In all honesty I couldn't and wouldn't advise people to order from Maelstrom Games right now. I just couldn't.

Well, I liked the interview and I think there's not much that can be asked to someone who refuses to refute incredibly damaging rumours... The silence itself tells us something is not right.
I would be very prudent on investing in a kick-starter by Mael at this point.

SirAngry wrote:
I did ask what the rationale for him splitting Mierce Miniatures (BaneLegions) was from Maelstrom Games. He gave me his answer. I can't then go and say, you're lying if I have no proof can I? I do think people shuld ask questions about the piss poor service. I have asked about that and also advised him to put out statements. The fact Maelstrom haven't does sort of tell its own story I guess, but I'm not going to make wild accusations and snide comments without first knowing the facts. If Maelstrom does go to the wall then it's not just customers that will be hurt, it'll be suppliers, and ultimately the industry as a whole. In all honesty I couldn't and wouldn't advise people to order from Maelstrom Games right now. I just couldn't.

You absolutely did ask him what the rationale was, and he gave you the pre-fab answer. That's fine.

To perhaps clarify, you could have asked another couple of questions that relate to the current situation, ideally at the end of the interview. One about the status of the "warehouse move" and perhaps one final question point blank asking him if he is aware of the rumours and if he'd like to pass on any messages to his customers and suppliers. Those questions are not rumourmongering or making wild accusations, but a question about the broader business and one giving him a broad platform to address the current situation - to both customers and suppliers. That's what I've been getting at. I apologise if my tone has been otherwise unclear or antagonistic towards you.

 scipio.au wrote:

SirAngry wrote:
I did ask what the rationale for him splitting Mierce Miniatures (BaneLegions) was from Maelstrom Games. He gave me his answer. I can't then go and say, you're lying if I have no proof can I? I do think people shuld ask questions about the piss poor service. I have asked about that and also advised him to put out statements. The fact Maelstrom haven't does sort of tell its own story I guess, but I'm not going to make wild accusations and snide comments without first knowing the facts. If Maelstrom does go to the wall then it's not just customers that will be hurt, it'll be suppliers, and ultimately the industry as a whole. In all honesty I couldn't and wouldn't advise people to order from Maelstrom Games right now. I just couldn't.

You absolutely did ask him what the rationale was, and he gave you the pre-fab answer. That's fine.

To perhaps clarify, you could have asked another couple of questions that relate to the current situation, ideally at the end of the interview. One about the status of the "warehouse move" and perhaps one final question point blank asking him if he is aware of the rumours and if he'd like to pass on any messages to his customers and suppliers. Those questions are not rumourmongering or making wild accusations, but a question about the broader business and one giving him a broad platform to address the current situation - to both customers and suppliers. That's what I've been getting at. I apologise if my tone has been otherwise unclear or antagonistic towards you.

No I don't think your tone was antagonistic, I was just letting you know that perhaps maybe some of those things have and were attempted, but I've not had a response. I'd also point out the interview was more about Darklands, I'm hoping in the next few days to ask about Maelstrom Games, Eye of the Storm and what is going on. I can say that I personally do not think all is rosy at Maelstrom Games. I can read between the lines like anyone else. I too have asked for and received refunds on pre-orders. Hopefully I'll get some answers for people soon, not promising anything, but I'll try.

Well my long waited for stuff arrived yesterday

(so the 'it should go out in 7-10 days time' was accurate

So I'm happy now

(but probably not ordering from them again until this situation has resolved one way or another)

I wonder if Maelstrom will have the new Flames of War "Open Fire" plastic starter set ... It should have been on pre-order already...

I've been waiting for two and a half weeks for my stuff. I ordered a unit of Plaguebearers and a Soul Grinder, which the Plagues were showing as in stock when I ordered.

I rang them up yesterday and was told they've been having stock problems and my order should arrive with them this week and I have it early next week.

I have read G.W are being a ballache, but my local stores are not having problems receiving stock from G.W. I only ordered with Maelstrom to use my money off.

Hopefully my stuff will turn up next week.

You'll get the same deal (-10% and free shipping) from Wayland Games and others rather than risk it with MG.

Whether they are going out of business or not, they are clearly not focusing on their webstore.

Thought I'd post my experiance up on here as well...

So... I recently attended an event held at the Eye of the storm... and the racks were bare... and I mean bare... hardly anything available in store..

Now.. you might mention the warehouse move... but.. as a retail store, it shouldn't matter where the stock is held in bulk... the shop should be stocked at all times... especially when you have 80 odd geeks decending on the place, money in hand ready to buy stuff.. but no... nothing..

So.. I've got a few outstanding orders, got fed the line over the past couple of weeks as to when the stock would arrive... when I saw mention on here of the www.eye-of-the-storm.co.uk website.. and had myself a look... not only is it a carbon copy of the maelstrom site, it also has in stock a number of items that were out of stock on the maelstorm site !..

One quick call later, raising my voice only slightly (not the shop guys fault as to what was happening) and some of my long awaited items were suddenly winging their way to me at long last...

But.. since then.. still no stock... no communication from them at all... and now, when I do try to phone, the line is perpetually engaged... so, either the phone is ringing off the hook, or they've stopped taking calls.. which is very worrying indeed..

I've seen the finacial results that have been dotted around on here a few places... with the £3-400k owed to creditors.. and that this is offset by the fact that they have a mortgage on the venue... that's not strictly true... they rent it.. with the option to buy at a later date... so.. the figures as seen are debt.. pure and simple..

Just got another Maelstrom sale email. And this is the header;

Maelstrom Games - 20-30% LAST-GASP WAREHOUSE MOVE SALE!

Not exactly a great choice of name given some of the recent issues eh?