Silverstone Amp Covers NOT RESPONDING!?!?!?

[primemeat64]

I initially started this thread because I was experiencing difficulties with Silverstone Amp Covers and I wanted to see if anybody had any similar experiences, insight or advice (my original post is below).

After a couple of years, it's become evident through the replies to this thread and the countless PM's I've received, that there's clearly something very wrong with how Silverstone do business. I can only hope that potential buyers stumble across this thread and are fairly forewarned.

Peace



************************

After reading about many folks here and on other forums who all seem smitten with Silverstone Amp Covers product, price & service, I took the plunge. That was ONE MONTH ago and I'm still coverless.

I've also had no contact from them since LAST WEEK - an email which read:

"Hello,

Sorry for the delay.
The parcel should have now been delivered.

Regards,
Shaun (Silverstone)"

Despite the clear wording, I wasn't sure if he mean it had been DISPATCHED or actually DELIVERED but I'd certainly had no knocks at my door... so I emailed to double-check what was going on...... no reply.... During the last week I've sent about another two emails (one email I copied to ALL of the silverstone email addresses, and copied it into their online e-mail form and I also messaged them through eBay). I've also phoned them about 12 or 13 times during office hours this week, not once was the phone picked up. I've left two answer-phone messages asking them to call me.....nothing.

Does anybody have a clue as to what's going on, or have any alternative contact details? I'm sure everythings fine but I feel completely in the dark here and I've forked out over a hundred quid and have nothing to show for it...
__________________

[Spiritworks]

Is this the company that got their name from an old pedal-steel guitar? If so,
I have emailed them several times regarding their products and never heard back. I simply gave up, and will look for other options.

[FFTT]

If you want the BEST covers and exceptional customer service,
talk to Susan at Studio Slips.

[primemeat64]

@ Spirit: No idea!
@ FFTT: Thanks for the advice, but I've already paid!

[primemeat64]

Just had this reply on another forum:

"I too have had a very bad experience with Silverstone covers.

I ordered my covers in Decemeber last year. I received one in March the other one still hasn't turned up. I have been lied to on various occasions saying: it has been despatched, it's gone to the wrong address, I still haven't made it, I've lost the dimensions etc etc, now he won't answer my calls or emails.

I can't get my money back. Not happy! Shame as the product is very good - service is appalling -stay away!!!!!!! "

Such a shame as I read lots of positive reviews regarding GOOD customer service and a great product....

It would take me about 4 1/2 - 5 hours (return) to drive and see them face-to-face but if I don't get my covers soon, that's exactly what I'll be doing.

I'll also find some watchdog / UK trading standards agency or something to report them to.

Seeing as forums are incredibly powerful, I'll also post on a few popular forums to warn people. Hopefully this'll either 1) stop people from buying from these cowboys, or 2) make Silverstone change their ways.... or at least, in some small way, contribute a little to one of these outcomes.

The buggers!

[primemeat64]

UPDATE

My case with Silverstone is now 100% resolved. I'm not going to slight the company on this forum, if you want details of my particular experience & how things ended up - or if you want advice on any issues you may be having with them, please PM me, I'll be more than happy to fill you in.

[pete murray]

i had already got a cover from silverstone which was fine so about 6- 8 weeks ago
i tried to order another cover .i just could not seem to get them to respond in a normal manner in the end i gave up and ordered one from a Canadian company Amp covers: amplifier cover manufacturer, custom amp covers hand made for your guitar or bass amplifiers the shipping is a bit slow (to the U.K. )but the cover just arrived today really high quality work.

i also noticed studio slips in the U.S.

Pete

[anon1]

Same problems as below, this company do not respond to the phone or promptly by e-mail. The amp cover has still not arrived. I have had one e-mail beck claiming that I did not put on the dimensions, that the cover had been made, then that it had not. Still waiting (YAWN) !

[anon1]

I would never order anything off this company again. They don't answer the phone and send vague e mails making out stuff is lost in the post. I have not missed the postman i checked the depot. Not saying don't use them but at your risk 50 quid down and naff all to show not even a reply to an answer machine message.

[primemeat64]

Something is definitely up with this company. I've had many messages here and elsewhere all with exactly the same problem - and everybody has been getting the same excuses regarding the courier. Eventually, it would seem, if a customer is persistent enough, a "replacement" set of covers is made which then actually arrive. The funny thing is, if you ask for the tracking number so that you can pursue the missing delivery, you wont get one!

Highly suspicious.

[anon1]

A guide to anyone who is having vague and unhelpful experiences.
I thought it would be fair to put a concluding post up as things were resolved.
Just to say I finally managed contact by emailing every channel.
Managed by sending a message through the feedback part of their site as well as direct emails to Shaun. I put it to them that I thought their customer service was rubbish, and that I would contact trading standards and watchdog. I also mentioned this blog tainting their reputation, this seemed to provoke a response. Still very contradictory in the way the emails were written to the point of a joke but managed to get a full refund into my account within 24 hours.

Whole experience a joke, I did not want a designer suit I wanted a slip amp cover, I will make it myself for a fraction of the cost.

[primemeat64]

Glad to see you had a resolution, albeit not ideal.

[Tymeglobe]

Hi ...I was interested to read your problem with Silverstone amp covers...I too am encountering the same issue with this company. Virtually no response after a month of ringing , leaving messages and sending emails waitting for 2 covers for my gear. I did receive an eventual email response 2 days ago saying he was now onto sorting it.....which remains to be seen!

The quality of the covers silverstone produce isnt in question but the customer service and contact leaves a lot to be desired. I have actually spoken to Shaun directly when i originally ordered my covers and he appeared to be a really great guy ...i am really surprised that I am being treated like this and quite angry that I am taking expensive gear out without the protective covers that I have paid him for. Please let me know of your progress as I am sadly having to consider going to another supplier if I dont receive the covers very soon

Originally Posted by primemeat64

After reading about many folks here and on other forums who all seem smitten with Silverstone Amp Covers product, price & service, I took the plunge. That was ONE MONTH ago and I'm still coverless.

I've also had no contact from them since LAST WEEK - an email which read:

"Hello,

Sorry for the delay.
The parcel should have now been delivered.

Regards,
Shaun (Silverstone)"

Despite the clear wording, I wasn't sure if he mean it had been DISPATCHED or actually DELIVERED but I'd certainly had no knocks at my door... so I emailed to double-check what was going on...... no reply.... During the last week I've sent about another two emails (one email I copied to ALL of the silverstone email addresses, and copied it into their online e-mail form and I also messaged them through eBay). I've also phoned them about 12 or 13 times during office hours this week, not once was the phone picked up. I've left two answer-phone messages asking them to call me.....nothing.

Does anybody have a clue as to what's going on, or have any alternative contact details? I'm sure everythings fine but I feel completely in the dark here and I've forked out over a hundred quid and have nothing to show for it...
__________________

[Tymeglobe]

hi, I am experiancing problems with Silverstone Amp Covers... Can I ask how you manage to get your issues resolved? ...it might be of help.
My direct email is tymeglobe@aol.com

Hope I might hear from you soon
Best regards

Originally Posted by primemeat64

UPDATE

My case with Silverstone is now 100% resolved. I'm not going to slight the company on this forum, if you want details of my particular experience & how things ended up - or if you want advice on any issues you may be having with them, please PM me, I'll be more than happy to fill you in.

[hogrider]

I too had initial problems with Shaun at Silverstone and questioned my decision to order from him, however after trying to raise him by phone the emails did the trick and the covers have been delivered and to be fair to Silverstone they are superb quality and probably worth the wait. I would say once you get used to the different customer/supplier relationship the end result will not dissapoint.
I ordered another set whilst waiting from Jim at Hotcovers.co.uk and they are superb as well and the customer satisfaction rating with loads of contact etc was first class, well recomended.

[rowbi]

i've had so many problems with Silverstone amp covers that when I eventually get this issue solved I will never use them again.

my first order of a combo cover a year or so back had a reasonable delay of a couple of weeks, and the cover was incorrect so it had to be remade. not too bad service, but not the quoted 2 days time to make the cover as stated on the website.

this time, I ordered a head and 4x12 cover. I sent the measurements off and asked Shaun to confirm that he could make this. and aparently it was the same measurements as an existing cab he had listed, so I just bought that. I also confirmed with him before ordering that he could despatch my covers within 1 week as I needed them fast. No problem he said.

Tn the end it took 2 weeks to get them not 1, and then the 4x12 cab was wrong. I informed Shaun of this and he said he would make me a new one if I send the old 4x12 cover back. no problem I said, so Shaun arranged Parcelforce to collect it. This collection didn't happen until I chased him several times, and it was eventually collected.

Now jump forward a couple of weeks and I emailed him to check where my replacement cover was... i got no response. So I emailed every day and telephoned and left several messages and eventually after another week he sent me a very brief email asking if I had ever sent the wrong cover back to him??!!! And he was the one who arranged the collection. so I of course said that it was colelcted 3 weeks previous and then I got this response:

---------------
Hello

Weird I cannot find the cover but it states it has been delivered.
The replacement cover is made and I will drive up to the Parcelforce depot.

Regards
Shaun (Silverstone)
------------------

So he didn't even say sorry for forgetting about me, or for suggesting that I'd not sent it back.

THEN then next day instead of my new cover arriving, parcelforce turn up to collect the old cover again. then they do the same the next day even though I told them to cancel the collection.

I emailed Shaun with all the details of the actual collection with photos taken from my company's CCTV to prove that Parcelforce collected it 3 weeks prior to that.

now it's 2 days later, I've had no response to me telling Shaun that Parcelforce haven't delivered my cover and they are also trying to collect the old one.

So at the moment it's 5 weeks since I ordered and paid my money, and now he wont return emails or calls again, and I'm really annoyed.

The covers are really well made and all that, but should I ahve to constantly keep chasing him, when he's the one who owes me a cover (as he has the money). This just isn't any kind of customer service at all, and I really can't advise anyone else strongly enough to never use Silverstone amp covers, unless they either don't want their cover for months, or they don't mind never getting the cover they paid for.

Cheers

Rowbi

[xopeth4]

Maybe Silverstone ordered a bunch of Grendel Dead Rooms and Grendel ordered a bunch of Silverstone covers and now both companies are in a feedback loop.

[Wetherby]

Had the same problems as many on here last year. The same emails/excuses and I lost all confidence. I bombarded the several different email addresses used etc and finally got the cover after several weeks. Very good quality, however it was made with errors - I had sent detailed measurements and photos. To be fair he then replaced the cover very quickly. It doesn't look like things have got better. I think it's safe to say in looking for a cover for my newly bought second hand Fender Hot Rod Deluxe amp, I won't be using Shaun's services.

[bluezman]

Anyone tried ROQSOLID? I hear they have a great product and free P&P in the UK?

[bassmaneddy]

The three main amp cover makers in the UK are:
Silverstone
ROQSOLID
Hot Covers.
I've tried all three of them. Here is my experience -

I tried ROQSOLID first. They were prompt and the cover was good quality. Unfortunately the apertures for the side handles were in the wrong place. I sent the cover back and they gave me a no quibble refund.

Some months later I ordered a cover for a different amp from SILVERSTONE. I'd read the posts on this forum so I phoned and emailed them first. You just can't get through to them. Eventually Shaun contacted me. We had a good chat. I gave him the dimensions and the spec. and he would make the cover the next day and send it off the straight away. 10 days later, I got the cover. I ordered a vintage cover with piping on the seams. I got a cover with no piping but for some unknown reason it had a side pocket and understrap. I pointed this out to Shaun and he said next time I ordered he would give me some extras. The cover is well made but to be honest I just want to receive what I ordered. I won't use SILVERSTONE again.

Just recently I was in the market for covers again. I thought I'd try HOTCOVERS. I bought a PA cover set. It was excellent. Then I got a bass amp cover. I was pleased with both so I got guitar amp cover. I was pleased with all of them. The build quality is as good as Silverstone and Roqsolid. The price is competitive. They deliver promptly and they are easy to contact. It's a reliable family firm.

So 1st place goes to HOTCOVERS

2nd place - ROQSOLID
Last place - SILVERSTONE

[primemeat64]

Thanks for your reply, man. Very helpful!

[bluezman]

Hi, just got some covers and a bag from ROQSOLID and fantastic quality!

The bag is for a wedge-shaped monitor - quite an odd shape but the bags big enough for it to fit in easily and very strong - well pleased.

I got 4 covers for my amps - had a problem with one of the covers - the handle hole wasn't quite in the right place so I sent them the right dimensions and they made me another one and I got it in 2 days. Can't argue with that, I haven't even sent the first one back yet. The rest of the covers are spot-on - snug fit and they are strooooong!

Prices competitive, free postage and packaging in the UK and I even got a 7.5% discount for ordering 5 items - great deal.

Probably the best bit is there is someone at the end of the line if you have a problem - the guys are very helpful and appear genuinely interested in getting it right.

Roqsolid is no 1 in my book!

[oland1]

Worst service I have ever encountered. I ordered two covers almost two years ago. One cover was returned for replacement which never appeared and since then I have been unable to get any information at all. I would NEVER recemmend this company to anyone.

[Tendersurrender7]

I'm sorry to hear of the experience of the other members of the forum, however I felt I might try and re-dress the balance a bit.

I recently purchased an amp cover from Silverstone, and like many above struggled to call SAC to speak to someone about my cover which hadn't initially been delivered according to the website claim of 1-2 days. However once I'd got in touch using the feedback form on the website I found the service and communication to be excellent.

My cover arrived very shortly after my query was received and I am thrilled with it. This is my third cover from SAC and they each do a great job.

[Gary Ladd]

http://store.amplifiercovers.com/

[noone]

Was just about to place an order, but couldn't remember the address so googled Silverstone cover amp and this thread came in second.

Too bad they treat their customers badly. The covers look superb...

Think I'll try Studio Slips then.

[Teddy]

Thought I'd weigh in here with my negative experiences.

First off I'd like to say I've bought a total of 5 covers off Silverstone for various amps and I'm generally pleased with their product. However, their customer service is shocking and I've finally had it with them.

The penultimate time I ordered from them a few months back, the cover I ordered took over 3 weeks to arrive - and that was only after I e-mailed to ask what had happened and threatened to start a Paypal claim. I had no contact from them before that to let me know about this delay. Shaun (the guy who runs Silverstone) wrote to me and said they were in the middle of moving premises and would prioritise my order. I got it a few days later.

I ordered a cover for my Traynor over a month ago, as Silverstone was the only place I could find making covers for this amp in the UK. This time I wrote to Shaun and explained I had two busy weekends of gigging ahead, so please could he try to get the cover out to me in at least a week? He told me they were in the middle of moving premise but that he'd prioritise my order and try to get it out for me within the week - sound familiar? This was the 6th September.

...fast forward to 20th October, and there is still no sign of the cover and Shaun isn't responding to my e-mails. I've filed a Paypal claim and he has not written to me personally but has entered 'tracking details' for my parcel, a DHL tracking number which does not exist on DHL's system. I hope Paypal have the good sense to notice this is an illegitimate tracking number and refund me that 40 quid I paid for the cover, which I am 99% sure has never been made and I will never receive.

I checked out Google for other people's experiences with Silverstone and discovered I'm not the only one who has been messed around by Shaun. I think next time I'll be trying Roqsolid or Hot Covers. I'd recommend not going anywhere near this company, despite their product being well-made - it's too much of a lottery dealing with such an unreliable guy.

[funkybass]

NEVER GIVE SILVERSTONE AMPS YOUR HARD EARNED MUSICIANS CASH

I have waited months to make this post so please indulge me.....

This guy (Shaun Dunk) should be ashamed of himself to run such a BAD business, quick to take your order and money and then expect you the customer to do all the work in getting your order (if at all!)

Okay so he can do simple covers but ask for anything that's not a straightforward vox ac30 amp and he struggles.....

I had to take legal action to get my money back after he messed me about and after I contacted trading standards he still did not pay back what he owed me.

Finally after taking out a small claims action I got money back and will go to a professional cover maker.

If you want more info contact me.

[Area39]

I should have done some research before ordering from Silverstone. I've a brand new VOX VT100 and I'd like to keep it looking nice, so ordered a cover from Silverstone. The website points out that covers are dispatched the some day if in stock, or within 1-2 days, via courier. After a week, no cover. They provide a "tracking" service - its pointless. All it told me was that I'd paid them money. A week later, it still said I had paid them money (I know I've paid!!) and nothing about whether it was posted or had been made etc. So I got worried.

I complained and got a sarcastic E-mail response from Shaun Dunk, who claimed the website "clearly" states it can take up to 5 working days. The cover did arrive the following day (7 working days). Its OK, not great. It isn't a snug fit, it kind of billows up at the top. The holes for the handles are not accurately placed. On the plus side its well padded, well stiched up and looks like it will really do a good job of protecting the amp, which is the main thing I suppose.

Had I seen it first, would I have paid 40 quid (plus nearly 6 quid for very late postage)? No, it is not 40 quid quality. All in all I would avoid them like the plague, not great products, shoddy service and sarcastic attitude, lots and lots of poor reviews all over the web - just don't bother,

[iainiain]

Hi

Seems like I'm joining this "party", unfortunately.

Basically, despite me waiting more than the 5 working days it can allegedly take "up to" I've received no cover. I mailed, to query this, and got no response, so I tried mailing some other addresses, both on the site and on the paypal site's receipt; no response(s).
Worryingly, some addresses bounced back as "blacklisted".

I've opened a dispute with paypal and asked SD for a refund, in an email, but any further tips would be very welcome.

What's most puzzling is that a few years back I bought some Silverstone covers, with no hassles and which were very good quality, so this is all the more annoying.

I'll update this if - and, I hope, when - my problems get resolved. Sadly, as others have said, it seems that Silverstone should simply now be avoided.

Cheers,
Iain