2016 Autohome Italian products look different....is it so?

[jacobconroy]

Hi all,
I'm making my final decisions to order a Maggiolina Airland small XL to include in Mike's next order and was directed to the Italian site to look at color options (by Andrew at Autohome US). While perusing the site I noticed a couple of strange things:

1. On the Italian site, it seems that the Safari is the only model currently available at 230cm (90+ inches). No long lengths are listed for the Airlander.
2. It also looks like the "end windows" on the Maggs are different and somewhat bigger than all the pictures I can find on the US site. Is this so? If so, that is a BIG plus in my book.
3. Either they are Photoshopping the crank inserts out of most of their stock photos...or something has changed with the lift mechanism on the Safari and Airland models. What's up with that?

Sorry to ask here, but I have yet to find anyone that is willing to communicate via email from Autohome US. I'd rather not call them every other day for two weeks while I narrow down my options. Much information on the US and IT sites differ. I'd very much like to know EXACTLY what I will receive when placing a custom order that will take two to three months to arrive.

If anyone has already gleaned the above I would really appreciate it if you passed it along.

Thanks!

 

[jacobconroy]

I gave in and called Andrew again. He gave me his email address for a quote, no doubt in response to seeing the post above. I emailed him, told him what I wanted, and asked for a quote or update before the end of the week. Got an "message not received" email a few days later. Emailed again. Got another email telling me that nobody received my email. In the meantime, no response from Andrew via any means.

Mike and/or Andrew....the two of you might consider moving into the 21st century. Your website is out of date. The graphics are copied from the similarly horrible Italian site. Details are non-existent. Pictures are so tiny as to not offer any meaningful detail. If any detailed information happens to be gleaned from your site, it is often contrary to the information available on the Italian site. You either do not or cannot return emails. Phone calls feel hurried and answers carry an air of, "I don't have time to answer your silly questions".

I have been saving $ and planning for this purchase for many months. There is a big pile of cash in my pocket and I've been yearning to hand it over to someone.

Looks like that isn't going to happen. You must have too much money. You clearly can't be bothered to take any of mine.

Can you readers imagine what will take place if you need to have a zipper replaced 12 months from now?

Un-god-damXed believable. I will buy a Howling Moon.

 

[LukeH]

Sorry to hear of your customer service mishaps.
A strong competitor for the Maggiolina range is James Baroud. The very term "Baroudeur" entered into the french language thanks to this guy; it means adventurer only tougher. These things do the Dakar!

As much as I would like to claim affiliation, for the moment I have no connection.

http://jamesbaroud.org/index.php

Unfortunately the English version of the site doesn't work, but I'm sure Google translate can help.
I live in France; if I can be of any help drop me a line.

 

[jacobconroy]

Thanks for the info LukeH. I actually ordered a Baroud Space Evo on Monday (after my rant above). Should be here next week!

Rin at OK4WD answered my PM last weekend (from Expedition Portal), answered my questions via email on Monday morning, called me Monday afternoon, took my money, and is shipping me an RTT.

They had the color I wanted on hand, and I got it for about $1000.00 less than retail (Demo model). It seemed like they wanted to take my money and provide a product in return. What a concept.

I highly recommend Rin at OK4WD. They will get to take more of my $ in the future!

 

[LukeH]

Excellent!
Happy travels with it.

 

[rino]

Thanks for the info LukeH. I actually ordered a Baroud Space Evo on Monday (after my rant above). Should be here next week!

Rin at OK4WD answered my PM last weekend (from Expedition Portal), answered my questions via email on Monday morning, called me Monday afternoon, took my money, and is shipping me an RTT.

They had the color I wanted on hand, and I got it for about $1000.00 less than retail (Demo model). It seemed like they wanted to take my money and provide a product in return. What a concept.

I highly recommend Rin at OK4WD. They will get to take more of my $ in the future!

Jacob,

It was a pleasure working with you and I'm glad my tent went to a good home. Happy travels and be sure to share some pictures!

-Rin