| Author |
Topic:
Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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arlina1
Registered:
Aug '08
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Date Posted:
8/7 2:41pm
Subject:
Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
- Date Edited:
8/7 5:28pm (1 edits total)
Edited By:
Sister_Sola
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I contracted Shadow Dale Creations to make a costume for my Star Trek wedding in Las Vegas on July 28th. I paid $520.00 via paypal. When negotiating the details I was clear we were leaving on July 25th for Las Vegas from Southern California.
On July 9th I emailed and asked if the uniform was on schedule to ship. I was told it was on schedule to ship "next week". I took this to mean the week of July 14th and was delighted.
I emailed them on July 21st because I did not have a tracking number or a uniform and the scheduled arrival date was the next day on July 22nd. This is where things started to go down hill. I was told some gold cord arrived later than expected but the costume we would be ready in plenty of time for my wedding. I of course was very upset. I was told nothing about the costume being late or having any trouble. As a back up we got a tuxedo since it was apparent there was going to be a problem with the costume. I had a gut feeling the night of the 21st it was going to be a disaster. I am so glad we had a back up plan.
After many emails and being insulted for the first time by them I received the costume on the evening of July 24th. Of course this was so late of course no time for any emergency alterations as we were leaving the next day. The jacket of the uniform does not fit. In fact it is not even close. We go on without the uniform. I spent the night of July 24th crying because it did not fit.
When I return to Southern California I have the jacket looked at. I printed a copy of the measurements I sent him before I emailed them so I have an exact copy of what they do. The jacket does NOT measure even close to the measurements emailed to them. It is 7 inches off around the waist and ribcage. 7 INCHES!!! In the words of one tailor "You would have to be freak of nature for someone who fits in these pants to fit in this jacket. They completely ignored the waist and ribcage measurements you gave them." Because of how far off it is and the construction of the jacket it would not have been alterable even if we would have received it on time.
I emailed them. I was called a liar. I was told I just didn't want my husband to wear a uniform so I must have bullied him into the tuxedo. I was called crazy. My marriage was insulted. I have cried 3 times since starting the emails about the jacket not fitting because of how insulting and degrading their communication is. They are all to happy and nice when they take your money but after that you are treated like garbage.
Never once have I been apologized to for the jacket not fitting. At first they would not even acknowledge the real measurements. Then they tried to say I never gave them the correct measurements (NOT TRUE IT WAS ON THEIR OWN MEASUREMENT FORM). Now they just say they will replace it with a proper fitting uniform.
To make a uniform that does not fit for a wedding and think it is acceptable to offer a replacement is beyond ridiculous. It is like a florist for wedding saying "Oh I will deliver the weekend AFTER the wedding". WT_?
Basically I was ripped off for $520.00 by a person who just doesn't care who he screws over. The most ironic thing? After all that all I asked for was the cost of the jacket to be refunded because in fairness the pants fit. I have even offered to return the whole uniform. It is useless to us and just makes me misty eyed when I look at it.
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AramysStrael
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
8/7 9:54pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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Arlina -
I am so sorry to hear of this unfortunate situation. Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life.
The fact that this guy wasn't more sympathetic to your plight, well, frankly doesn't surprise me. I did some checking for you. And I hate to be the bearer of some bad news, but this guy is a blacklisted vendor. Shadow Dale is a dummy company for Star Fortress Productions. You can tell by the fact that their websites are the exact same layout, nothing was changed. They are both hard to reach, for good reason, too.
This guy is in the Phillipines due to some legal troubles he ran into here in the US. And when I say legal troubles, I mean he fled the US to avoid prosecution for some really nasty stuff. It pains me to have to tell you that you harbored a wanted fugative without even knowing it.
I hope he does the sensible thing and refund you. And not to get your hopes up, but I suspect that he won't. For some reason this guy gets his kicks by hosing people. I've been hosed by him, too. I ordered an officer's belt and hat. When I found out about this guy, I sent instructions to cancel my order. He didn't. And the product that he sent was not quality, save the belt buckle. The belt was so small, I seriously doubt that it would have fit my nephew (he was five at the time).
Everyone should avoid this guy like the plague! There was a pretty interesting discussion about this guy over in the rebel legion. I will post the link below for your information. Perhaps it is time that we all band together and get the word out about vendors like this guy. I am wondering if it would be possible to have a stickie thread in this forum for the purpose of a vendor blacklist. Maybe we can save others from getting the shaft like this. I would really like to see something like this so that we can help protect each other and save ourselves the horrible ordeal that Arlina had to go through.
If it weren't for the fact that it is strongly frowned upon, I would almost suggest using the garment as a template, "taking it to pattern", as it were to snug this guy. Use the uniform as a guide to tailor make a uniform that is the correct size for your husband... that is if this is something that he would wear again in the future.
Here is the link: http://www.rebellegion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12859
Good luck.
- Bill
-----signature-----
"In for a micron, in for a meter. No one makes a victim of folks I'm sworn to protect."
Corran Horn
Corellian Security
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Darth_Eagle
Title: Fanforce CR Singapore
Registered:
Jul '01
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Date Posted:
8/7 10:53pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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AramysStrael posted:
I did some checking for you. And I hate to be the bearer of some bad news, but this guy is a blacklisted vendor. Shadow Dale is a dummy company for Star Fortress Productions. You can tell by the fact that their websites are the exact same layout, nothing was changed. They are both hard to reach, for good reason, too.
OMG! Are you sure? Cause I (and many other LOTR Costumers) have contacts with one of the person in charge of the company and seen his armor and props progress. I even have his Ver 1 High/Prologue Elven Warrior Armor Templates in the days before he started this company.
Arlina, am so sorry to hear that. 
-----signature-----
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princessleia911
Registered:
May '05
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Date Posted:
8/8 6:13am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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I don't think Shadow Dale is a dummy company for Star Fortress. Shadow Dale is based in upstate NY, not the Phillipines(my packages arrived from there and very quickly as I live on the East Coast). I have had difficulty with them meeting a deadline but the quality of work I received is top notch. They made my Mustafar buckle and brooch and my Steel Blue Veranda Nightgown brooch, both out of pewter. I know it was 2 people, a man and a woman and the woman(who was the business manager) got sick. The best thing to do is to join The RPF and try to lodge a complaint with them as they are well aware of the issues on there. I do know if you want anything from them, you need to allow A LOT of extra time.
-----signature-----
"Someday you're going to be wrong & I hope I'm there to see" "I don't know where you get your delusions, laser brain." http://www.angelsofiego.com A new site for all female SW costumers(males welcome as well)
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fairyprincess
Registered:
Aug '07
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Date Posted:
8/8 7:21am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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I have ordered once from Shadowdale (my Battle TPM buckle). It arrived over a month late the (lady was sick) but the craftsmanship is great! I plan to order from them to do castings ie. the Mustafar buckle and brooch set. I simply do not have the skills that they have to do castings!
I plan to order well in advance next time!
But I am sorry to hear how it upset your wedding plans! I am sure you both looked lovely!
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LORDWROTH
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
8/8 8:14am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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sorry Arlina for your experience with this vendor.
I live here in California and know of a woman named
Kathy Pisberry, she is probably the best star trek and
star wars costumer I have ever encountered in the last
15 years in the entertainment business.
She runs the business from her home office and is usually months
backed up on orders, but not late, just that busy!
I can post her information should you all desire
and I can tell you this. She is a consumate proffessional and I have never heard
a bad word from her clients, quite the opposite.
Thanks for letting us all know.
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Miana Kenobi
Title: Pacific Region RSA
NSWFF Manager
Registered:
Apr '00
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Date Posted:
8/8 11:36am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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They seem to "Get sick" a lot.
-----signature-----
You can't take the sky from me.
He tini nga whetu e ngaro I te kapua iti.
Dyslexics of the world, UNTIE!
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Darth_Eagle
Title: Fanforce CR Singapore
Registered:
Jul '01
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Date Posted:
8/8 12:03pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
- Date Edited:
8/8 12:10pm (2 edits total)
Edited By:
Darth_Eagle
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It's the usual excuse that most had been using since pre-school time, tho' occasionally, it might be true....... 
-----signature-----
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AramysStrael
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
8/8 7:39pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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I looked at the Shadow Dale site and, specifically, I checked out their pics they were using to promote their products. These are the same pics that Star Fortress uses. Personally, I find that suspect. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, it must be a duck.
I do know that the Star Fortress guy still has friends in the US. Perhaps, this is a collaboration. I think that it is wise to steer clear of any vendor that would resemble SFP. Honest vendors aren't going to want to be linked to this guy, intentional or otherwise.
However, if this vendor is in the US, then there are always alternatives. There is consumer rights advocates that can help get the money back. At the very least, lodge the complaint on the RPF and maybe with your State's Attorney General / Better Business Bureau. There are laws that do protect consumers in this country, despite what States the buyers and sellers live in.
At the very least, due to this unfortunate circumstance, it would be a good idea to put this vendor on somesort of buyer beware or blacklist.
- Bill
-----signature-----
"In for a micron, in for a meter. No one makes a victim of folks I'm sworn to protect."
Corran Horn
Corellian Security
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Woofer
Title: FF CR Emeritus
Niagara Falls ON Canada
Registered:
Aug '01
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Date Posted:
8/8 7:52pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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There are plenty of complaints on the RPF already I am afraid. So much so in fact that the two people who represented Shadow Dale were banned last June, "for a continuing pattern of taking costume and prop orders and not fulfilling those orders or making refunds."
-----signature-----
John H. VanOphem
Übergeek
Buddhism: Birth. Work. Death. Repeat if necessary.
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LORDWROTH
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
8/9 8:01pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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do these guys ask for full payment first?
or a hefty down payment?
I mean, like I just purchased
my new LED sabers from Tom in Oregon, He said I could pay him thru paypal when they
were completed! and sent me tracking numbers the day they went out!
and when I recieved them He emailed me the same day!
fast, easy and affordable, what a great experience!
nuff said......
dont feel like a prisoner to anyone online, they are trying to get your business!!! 
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JumpinJax
Registered:
Apr '06
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Date Posted:
8/9 11:46pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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Star Fortress steals other people's pics. Their products are not shown on the site. You got the idea backwards.
SD is slow and unreliable, SF is a hotbed of scumbags. Skip both.
-----signature-----
Forgiveness is divine, but to deny forgiveness forces others to face the consequences of their actions.
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Smiling-Otter
Registered:
Mar '01
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Date Posted:
8/10 4:32pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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I'd be very surprised if Star Fortress and Shadowdale were connected. That said, I'd avoid both. Which is a shame, because when they're on, Shadowdale is capable of making some great stuff. I suspect they started taking more and more orders, customer service and quality began to suffer, and they didn't have the sense to back off and regroup.
I had talked with them about a custom BSG jacket idea, but fortunately, money never changed hands...
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fairyprincess
Registered:
Aug '07
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Date Posted:
8/10 11:16pm
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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ShadowDale ask for upfront payment!
I assumed that that meant they would at least start it but four weeks in and no word I asked about the progress and they said they hadn't started. I would have prefered for they to ask for a materials payment and then the remaining amount after the project was done. But like I said their quality and craftsmanship is outstanding!
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AramysStrael
Registered:
Mar '04
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Date Posted:
8/11 10:15am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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Whether it is criminal activity or a lack of good business practices (which in my mind should be criminal) is cause enough to stay away.
I do know that there was a local guy that ordered a Darth Vader costume from a company on ebay and his feedback ended up on SFP's feedback page. So, yes, SFP does have piggy-backing companies. This has been reported from various 501st Legion members who keep tabs on this guy. Now I am wanting to say that Jason ordered from Shadow Dale, but I am not 100% sure on that and don't want to be the bearing of false information, intentionally or otherwise.
- Bill
-----signature-----
"In for a micron, in for a meter. No one makes a victim of folks I'm sworn to protect."
Corran Horn
Corellian Security
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LORDWROTH
Registered:
Nov '04
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Date Posted:
8/12 8:25am
Subject:
RE: Beware of Shadow Dale Creations
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I remember stories of Icons. How they started great but then walk away with thousands of dollars of fans hard earned pre-order money, closed shop and never repayed anyone. 
I never give full payment first; not even materials cost unless its someone I know or have done business with before, and then its only half.
full payment leads to lack of comittment. They have your money why should they stress
at that point.
Best way to hurt someone's bad business pratices; is word of mouth and I will never buy from these guys, nor will I endorse them to my friends. 
Thanks for the heads up.
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