Style and Function Co in Florida

[rockermatt]

Hi,
I just opened a new GS account because I wanted to research the same subject. Uh oh.

He was really fast responding to my emails and phone call when I wanted to buy.. then I gave him my credit card info, and haven't been able to get any real response to my queries.
He promised to send me pics of some finish options, and a receipt right away.. I never got either (though my card has been charged)

I went with them based on older GS posts, and the stuff looks great.. but I have a small studio in NYC, and don't have the room in my space or schedule for it to just "show up" at some point!

Keep me posted,

Matt

[Glenn Kuras]

I would call the number on the website and see what is up.
772-344-6812
Sorry to hear about this.

[demane22]

Any luck? I'm in the same boat...

[AwwDeOhh]

If, after another attempt at contact, you don't hear anything:
I would file a formal complaint. With the Better Business Bureau, and possibly the authorities if necessary. If this is a pattern with this particular person/company, potential customers should be warned, and investigation should ensue to ascertain whether he should retain his business license or owe restitution. You might try small claims court..

[demane22]

I spoke with him today and will be scheduling delivery in about 2 weeks. I will keep you guys posted.

[rockermatt]

I got a hold of him via email, and he said the same thing..
It does look like a really cool desk (I ordered the euphonix desk) with some features I can't find elsewhere, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[demane22]

I purchased the desk too, but i had it customized for the Mackie Control series. I picked up a double rack too so hopefully i will have some photos to show in a few weeks...

[AwwDeOhh]

Let us know if anyone actually receives delivery, or if you're just getting more lip service.
It could be the builder took on more work than he could chew and fell behind, or it could be that you'll keep getting the run-around...

[Style&Function]

Hello
I would Just like to address everyones concerns here at once. As I have been in touch with everyone individually as well, Demane we had your desk built months ago and we spoke on the phone and as a favor to you while you were trying to find a studio space and then close on that space, we held off on shipping.....We have developed a Very good reputation over the past 10 years in business and a good reputation on gearslutz as well.....I am not going to make any excuses, however Normal turnaround is about 12 weeks. Every unit is hand made by me and extreme detail is paid to attention...I am a 1 man shop and this past year unfortunately There were numerous personal issues that I had to deal with that did affect my being readily available at the shop as usual......I hate to be too specific but I feel I must to 1: Put your minds somewhat at ease, and 2: I do not want My companies reputation tarnished in anyway shape of form. When you contact My company you are not contacting a large corporation, you are contacting an individual artist such as yourself. I take pride in my craft and I am active with my clients..... past, present and future here on gearslutz.....Unfortunately for this past year my wife and stepson and I got involved in a custody loop hole and we had to return to california for 1 year during the process. So I literally had to fly back to florida every other 2 weeks to work then back to california because my wife was pregnant......As I said I hate to be specific with my personal life here as that should not be relevant, but it is.....That situation is over We are back home I am back at my shop everyday since the beginning of Nov....I have been going strong upon my arrival pushing out any past orders......Matt we spoke yesterday, your unit is going out next week, Demane I will call you today as well to arrange shipping .....I apologize to anyone whose unit has been delayed I am doing everything in my power, as I stated the main situation that was holding things back is past......I know each and every one of you will enjoy your units. Please contact me with any questions or concerns......Akalusomal@styleandfunction.net
772-344-6812

[lrsudog]

Last year we ordered three custom console desks and three PC cabinets from Style & Function. Here they are in the shop:

http://cabin21sound.com/comein.php

We've been really happy with them. The fit & finish was just what we were wanting. They look great, are pretty robust, and were easy enough to assemble.

It did take longer than we expected for delivery, but Akalu was pretty up front about what was going on. We will be expanding soon and will be ordering another console bench from him when we do.

[tubeman]

I ordered a desk May 2011 (not a typo), and still haven't received it. Apparently it'll be ready soon. Will update.

[Style&Function]

Originally Posted by tubeman

I ordered a desk May 2011 (not a typo), and still haven't received it. Apparently it'll be ready soon. Will update.

We have had unforseen setbacks this year and have finally gotten past the obstacles and our turnaround times are back on track. We are currently finishing up the last batch of past due units.....So we are very pleased with that..However as far as tubemans order, That unit was completed last year....After repeated emails and no corrspondance we allocated that desk for another client after about 6 months of sitting here. When Tubeman did reach out to us he apologized and stated its been a rough year, so we got back on track and we made him a new desk built to his specifications. We were understanding to his personal issues and moved forward. It is currently being finished with this last batch.....We have well over a thousand happy repeat clients we did hit a bump this year and I did try my best to keep open communication and at time deadlines were exceeded, we are past the obstacles and back to running smoothly and we will be showing you a lot of new models we have been working on shortly....Thank you

Akalu Somal

[Style&Function]

Originally Posted by lrsudog

Last year we ordered three custom console desks and three PC cabinets from Style & Function. Here they are in the shop:

http://cabin21sound.com/comein.php

We've been really happy with them. The fit & finish was just what we were wanting. They look great, are pretty robust, and were easy enough to assemble.

It did take longer than we expected for delivery, but Akalu was pretty up front about what was going on. We will be expanding soon and will be ordering another console bench from him when we do.

Thank you Mr. DeWolf Your rooms came out fantastic! We look forward to working with you again

[starting5studio]

I have recently ordered a desk from Style & Function Design in July of 2012. I have received my desk (SF Workstation) and I am very satisfied with the Desk. I have had almost every client that comes make a positive comment on the look of my desk. The turn around time of my order was roughly 4 - 5 weeks. During the wait I was able to ask questions and also was kept in the loop. At the end I believe I received a really nice pro desk for a fraction of the prices that I saw on many other websites. So my overall experience with this company was a very good one.

[demane22]

I got a chance to touch base with Akalu and we will be scheduling delivery soon. Glad we got a chance to talk. I now am at ease and look forward to seeing the new furniture. Thanks again Akalu!

[Woot]

I thought I’d add my 2 cents worth.

I paid in full in late January for a workstation and am yet to receive my product.

Akalu was fantastic in answering emails when it was prior to receiving my money but of course, communication on his part has been extremely poor after receiving payment. He will of course, insist that he has been communicating well but in my experience he is extremely evasive, and has only answered emails when multiple requests (including leaving phone messages) have occurred. I estimate he has given me over half a dozen “guarantees” of just a “few more weeks” for shipping since mid year. It also makes me extremely upset to read that some people on here have ordered and received workstations in July, with a turnaround of 4-5 weeks. One would think that for customers like myself and others here who had been waiting already for 6 months that ours would be a priority. I’m sure Akalu has some justification or another as to why this is not the case. In my experience he is very good at reassuring and placating, but with absolutely no action to back this up.

Personal issues not-withstanding, unfortunately I am left to conclude from dealings with him that at very least his business model is unsound, unethical and highly disorganised. I won’t go on about the effect he has had on my workflow, production and stress levels this year, regardless to say they have been significant.

At this stage I have paid in full for a Zaor desk which will be arriving in a few weeks (total spend on studio consoles this year ~6k), and Akalu of course is refusing to refund my money in full as has been requested on multiple occasions. I have lodged a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission and will discuss my case with the Florida Attorney General’s office, but I suspect my chances of anything being successful will be minimal (I am not a US citizen). I implore anyone else with issues dealing with Akalu do the same.

Let me just add in the spirit of fairness and balance that it seems that those who have received products previously seem happy with the finish and craftsmanship, which is why I decided to purchase one from him in the first place.

Now my experience may be an outlier, but I suppose the question for any prospective client is can you risk the potential loss of time/money/production (and associated frustration) as has occurred with myself and others here for a possibly good product at a good price point, or should one look elsewhere?

Of course if Akalu rectifies this situation promptly as has been requested by me, I will update everyone accordingly.

[Style&Function]

Originally Posted by Woot

I thought I’d add my 2 cents worth.

I paid in full in late January for a workstation and am yet to receive my product.

Akalu was fantastic in answering emails when it was prior to receiving my money but of course, communication on his part has been extremely poor after receiving payment. He will of course, insist that he has been communicating well but in my experience he is extremely evasive, and has only answered emails when multiple requests (including leaving phone messages) have occurred. I estimate he has given me over half a dozen “guarantees” of just a “few more weeks” for shipping since mid year. It also makes me extremely upset to read that some people on here have ordered and received workstations in July, with a turnaround of 4-5 weeks. One would think that for customers like myself and others here who had been waiting already for 6 months that ours would be a priority. I’m sure Akalu has some justification or another as to why this is not the case. In my experience he is very good at reassuring and placating, but with absolutely no action to back this up.

Personal issues not-withstanding, unfortunately I am left to conclude from dealings with him that at very least his business model is unsound, unethical and highly disorganised. I won’t go on about the effect he has had on my workflow, production and stress levels this year, regardless to say they have been significant.

At this stage I have paid in full for a Zaor desk which will be arriving in a few weeks (total spend on studio consoles this year ~6k), and Akalu of course is refusing to refund my money in full as has been requested on multiple occasions. I have lodged a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission and will discuss my case with the Florida Attorney General’s office, but I suspect my chances of anything being successful will be minimal (I am not a US citizen). I implore anyone else with issues dealing with Akalu do the same.

Let me just add in the spirit of fairness and balance that it seems that those who have received products previously seem happy with the finish and craftsmanship, which is why I decided to purchase one from him in the first place.

Now my experience may be an outlier, but I suppose the question for any prospective client is can you risk the potential loss of time/money/production (and associated frustration) as has occurred with myself and others here for a possibly good product at a good price point, or should one look elsewhere?

Of course if Akalu rectifies this situation promptly as has been requested by me, I will update everyone accordingly.

In all Fairness sir, I have been very thorough in keeping communication and informing all of my clients this year of the setbacks which are now behind us. I have sent you emails to forward your new shipping address as you stated you have moved. However my hands are tied if you do not tell us where the shipment is going.....

[Woot]

Originally Posted by Style&Function

In all Fairness sir, I have been very thorough in keeping communication and informing all of my clients this year of the setbacks which are now behind us. I have sent you emails to forward your new shipping address as you stated you have moved. However my hands are tied if you do not tell us where the shipment is going.....

Firstly, this is simply NOT true. I have a raft of unanswered emails here starting from roughly March which could attest to that. I also have email evidence from at least 6 times where you guarantee that my desk will be shipped "within weeks" starting as early as March. Including the last one from November 13th where you state "a firm deadline is 3 weeks". I also have my emails suddenly going to your "spam box" after we had already sent at least 50 back and forth. Really Akalu, do you think me stupid?

And now, I am meant to believe suddenly that this latest "guarantee" of a deadline will be adhered to on your part? I'm sorry, I literally cannot wait any longer, I need my life in order. I don't need your desk anymore, I have another on the way.

Secondly, you've had ample opportunity to send me photos of my unit in progress, which you have refused to do.

Finally, you add insult to injury by suggesting that now the delay in shipment is due to me not providing you with my address. Amazing.

Look, all I wanted to do was provide an honest appraisal of your company so that others could decide for themselves whether or not they should buy your product. I didn't want a public slinging match.

You severely dropped the ball with this customer Akalu, why not admit to that and do the right thing and rectify it immediately for all concerned? If this product is as fantastic as you say, you should have no problem selling it to a lucky customer who wont have to wait at all!

[Style&Function]

Originally Posted by Woot

Firstly, this is simply NOT true. I have a raft of unanswered emails here starting from roughly March which could attest to that. I also have email evidence from at least 6 times where you guarantee that my desk will be shipped "within weeks" starting as early as March. Including the last one from November 13th where you state "a firm deadline is 3 weeks". I also have my emails suddenly going to your "spam box" after we had already sent at least 50 back and forth. Really Akalu, do you think me stupid?

And now, I am meant to believe suddenly that this latest "guarantee" of a deadline will be adhered to on your part? I'm sorry, I literally cannot wait any longer, I need my life in order. I don't need your desk anymore, I have another on the way.

Secondly, you've had ample opportunity to send me photos of my unit in progress, which you have refused to do.

Finally, you add insult to injury by suggesting that now the delay in shipment is due to me not providing you with my address. Amazing.

Look, all I wanted to do was provide an honest appraisal of your company so that others could decide for themselves whether or not they should buy your product. I didn't want a public slinging match.

You severely dropped the ball with this customer Akalu, why not admit to that and do the right thing and rectify it immediately for all concerned? If this product is as fantastic as you say, you should have no problem selling it to a lucky customer who wont have to wait at all!

Matt,
My apologies if you feel I was stating you were the cause of the delay that is not what I am saying. The quality of the product has not ever been an issue, the quality will always be there. This issue all pertains to turnarund which I took full responsibility for. I Know it seemed like alot of setbacks however thats what the year was like for us and Thankfully we were able to pull through and not go under like a lot of small businesses are forced to do in todays economy. I will send you an email to see what we can do to rectify.

[tubeman]

It wasn't that I was having personal issues. I was trying to figure out when I could move to a new space and I wanted to time it with the delivery of the desk. I also got a bunch of gigs, and since the desk was already MONTHS past ETA, I did want it showing up during mixes.

Feel free to forward me the repeated emails. News to me. I'm looking at the threads, and it's more of a thing where I sent multiple e-mails with no response from you.

It's now January 14. Your last email on December 9 said "I am currently awaiting a call back from my leg vendor to see if they can make me a custom mounting bracket if they can I may be able to get your desk down to 68''

That takes 5 weeks?

You also said on December 6: "I will send you a pic of your unit within the next few days"

I'm still waiting.

At this point it would be nice to get a refund. It'll save both of us headaches. Seems like it can't be built and I could use a desk.

[tubeman]

Originally Posted by Woot

At this stage I have paid in full for a Zaor desk which will be arriving in a few weeks (total spend on studio consoles this year ~6k), and Akalu of course is refusing to refund my money in full as has been requested on multiple occasions. I have lodged a complaint with the US Federal Trade Commission and will discuss my case with the Florida Attorney General’s office, but I suspect my chances of anything being successful will be minimal (I am not a US citizen). I implore anyone else with issues dealing with Akalu do the same.

Woot, do you know the business' zip code? I'm having trouble tracking it down.

[Woot]

Originally Posted by Style&Function

I will send you an email to see what we can do to rectify.

So it's now 4 weeks since this statement above and I still haven't heard anything regarding a possible solution.

In 2 weeks time it'll be 1 year since I parted company with my ~2800 USD, and still no desk from Style and Function!

At least I'll be able to have an anniversary party of sorts with my Zaor desk which will be here early next week! After ordering it on the 12/15/12, it'll be here a little over a month after. An amazing turnaround time considering Xmas/NY holidays and 10 days approx. shipping from the EU. Massive thanks to Klaus from Zaor, he has been awesome.

tubeman: PM sent

[JohnnyP702]

Hey GS peeps! I recently emailed this guy for a quote. But after reading all of the follow-up responses on this thread I'm obviously hesitant. I encourage those of you who have already made a purchase to keep the rest of us posted. I may opt for MAG instead. magcustomstudiofurniture.com

[tubeman]

Has anyone else heard from this company about their desks in the last couple months? I've heard a few times about my desk being ready "soon", but each time the ship date has passed without any confirmation or photos, despite repeated requests.

[Woot]

Hey Tubeman,

Sorry to hear your having ongoing problems with S&F.

After Akalu posted here on the 18th Dec 2012 that he would contact me with a solution, I emailed him again on the 24th of Jan pressing him for a refund. He finally replied on the 11th Feb saying that if someone bought this particular desk (not a very big seller by his admission), he would finish it (which is funny 'cause he told me it was completed and ready for delivery in Dec last year) and then refund my money. I wrote back that this wasn't particularly fair and asked whether he would be paying me interest on the money that he's had of mine (now for 14 months) etc and I haven't heard back since.

How did you go with the US Federal Trade Commission? Have you had a chance to speak with the Florida Attorney General's office? The time difference here makes it a little hard for me to call, but I will look to do this sometime this week.

Matt

[tubeman]

Hey there, I haven't gone down that route, but I will next week if I don't hear back.

I just asked for a refund. This is ridiculous. Here's a few highlights of recent broken promises.

I was told 12/6 that I would get a pic. still waiting...

I was told 1/14 that it would ship 1/25. nope.

I was then told 2/10 that it would ship 2/21 and this was a firm date. nope.

I got a voicemail 2/25 with many apologies and taht it would be ready soon.

I was told 3/16 that it would ship "not this coming week but following for sure." But no pic, etc.

[AwwDeOhh]

He has probably snorted or injected you money already.
I wouldn't hold my breath..

[Woot]

Originally Posted by AwwDeOhh

He has probably snorted or injected you money already.
I wouldn't hold my breath..

If I was in the US I would consider small claims court...

[Syncamorea]

Talk to your credit card company ASAP.