Author Topic: slikstik on ebay (Read 11341 times)

toasty · « **on:** June 09, 2006, 12:24:03 pm »

anyone ever bought a slikstik CP off of eBay? How was the experience, if so? Is it actually the SlikStik folks behind the auctions (that seem to appear fairly regularly)? Kinda looks that way, but you just never know...

TIA

arcadegamenut · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2006, 01:36:46 pm »

I (and it appeared) others tried, but to no avail. I bid on a couple trying to get a good deal, but they always seemed to have the reserve set at pretty much the price you'd pay from their webstore.

toasty · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2006, 04:28:47 pm »

^^Yeah, I've kinda figured that out. I've bid it up pretty close to the "Buy It Now Price," and it still says that the reserve hasn't been met. With that said, it looks like it includes the underlighting for the trackball and the pinball buttons, so it is a bit cheaper if you planned on adding those.

miles2912 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2006, 04:56:24 pm »

You can build one for half the price and get exactly what you want. Look around for others experiences with SlikStik. CP's are pretty easy to make compared to an entire cab.

D-

SlikStik Christian · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am »

toasty,

Yes, the auctions on eBay are being sold directly by us at SlikStik and you are correct about the added options. All SlikStik eBay units come with free trackball illumination and free double side pinball buttons. That on top of a small discount comes close to a $100.00 savings if a unit is purchased through eBay.

Just a quick note on cost comment by miles2912, an equal unit cannot be built for half the price, not on this planet anyway. Why make that sort of comment if you don

toasty · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2006, 11:07:04 am »

Christian-

What is your anticipated turn around right now?

alexandro98 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2006, 11:56:10 am »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am

...
The only thing that you actually

crashwg · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2006, 12:52:34 pm »

Quote from: alexandro98 on June 10, 2006, 11:56:10 am

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am
...
The only thing that you actually

miles2912 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2006, 01:54:10 pm »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am

toasty,

Just a quick note on cost comment by miles2912, an equal unit cannot be built for half the price, not on this planet anyway. Why make that sort of comment if you don

leapinlew · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2006, 02:00:29 pm »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am

The only thing that you actually

Extreme8 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2006, 09:45:44 pm »

Until I read this post I was trying to decide between purchasing a Tornado spinner or getting one from GGG.
Decision made.
I realize my little purchase won't do anything to harm SlikStiks bottom line, but it seems your attitude has already done the damage.

Great way to alienate your customer base.

Xam · « **Reply #11 on:** June 11, 2006, 12:06:48 am »

Christian...you really must learn to stop putting off your potential customers. What on earth possed you to blast miles like you did? Usually when one states that "you can build one for half that price" or something similar, they are speaking metaphorically. I think he was trying to say you can build one for a substantial savings...which you know to be true.

The niche market you cater to is small enough, and competition is fierce. Were it my business, you would be out of a job. Now...since we both know I can't fire you, and we both know my words mean nothing to you, I will have to use the only power I have...my money. I will suffice it to say this...even if you have a better product at a lower price, I will not give you my money. I was considering some of your products. Thank you for helping me make my decision.

Additionally...When you say you built something, it usually means you put it together. You planned it. You used your tools and skills to assemble something. I know a guy who builds houses. While he does not cut down his own trees, then fashion them into 2x4's, or mill his own moluldings, or make his own sheet rock, or fashion his own A/C system from scratch...most would say he does indeed build houses.

The following is from the slikstik website:

SlikStik's custom joystick replacement handles are the most wanted upgrades available anywhere. Our Ultra Light aluminum pear and ball top handles provide superior reaction times during game play and are available in many colors, and our stainless steel versions are polished to a mirror shine for a one of a kind look.

my commentary:
Did you make these joystick handles...or did you pay someone to make them for you? If you did not make them...why do you call them "our". You also claim that they are the most wanted upgrades available anywhere. You do not provide evidence to support your claim...and I for one can claim that your upgrades are not the most wanted in my home...and my home is certainly anywhere. That is false advertising my friend.

From the slikstik website:

All of the buttons, joysticks and trackballs we sell in our parts section are direct from Happ Controls, the leader in the arcade industry.

my commentary:
seems as though you too use Happ...though you speak of your superior craftsmanship constantly on the sight. Are they handmade...or are they machined...looks like the mdf is machined on you controllers.

Though I have heard you produce fine products, your consitent caustic attitude towards anyone even remotely critisizing your product is too much to handle for my taste.

Quote from Christian:

If you purchase all the same parts, paying retail costs (which 99.9% of everyone will pay unless you purchase in very large quantities like we do or come across a sale here and there

my commentary:

where did the 99.9% stat come from? You did not provide supporting evidence or the source of your stat. I for one do not pay retail...I must be the only here that doesn't...I am the .01%!

Last thing...miles forgot to mention it is also more fun to build one...especially when you build it with your kids.

Xam

fixedpigs · « **Reply #12 on:** June 11, 2006, 01:00:02 am »

i own a bike shop...
i build bikes...
did i manufacture any of the components or the frame...?
no...
but to take many different pieces and assemble it all together from scratch qualifies as building a bike...

how about a computer...?
people build custom computers...but they don't assemble the hard drive or create their own microprocessors...
yet not too many folks out there would argue about the build of a computer...

building an engine...?
a house has been bought up...
etc...etc...etc...

christian amazes me and provides some of the most entertaining threads on this forum...

toasty · « **Reply #13 on:** June 11, 2006, 11:43:51 am »

Quote from: crashwg on June 10, 2006, 12:52:34 pm

Toasty, do a little searching on these boards and you'll see that although many have been satisfied with SS, there have certainly been enough problems that one should perhaps look elsewhere before making a purchase.

Well, I had noticed that there wasn't a huge difference in price between making the connections myself and buying a prewired CP (I was going to have a custom CP box milled anyway), so I was contemplating the SS. Honestly hadn't made up my mind, though.

Between the utterly bizarre response above -- which I was prepared to forgive -- and following crashwg's advice -- which led me to some things I'm not sure I can -- I'm leaning towards just building it myself. Not 100%, though. I'm vascillating between the desire to have something up and running quickly that I know will look great, and the feeling of accomplishment from building it myself, but which might look like hell and cost me more in the long run, trying to get it looking the way I want. Dunno...

johnperkins21 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 11, 2006, 02:14:43 pm »

Quote from: toasty on June 11, 2006, 11:43:51 am

Quote from: crashwg on June 10, 2006, 12:52:34 pm
Toasty, do a little searching on these boards and you'll see that although many have been satisfied with SS, there have certainly been enough problems that one should perhaps look elsewhere before making a purchase.

Well, I had noticed that there wasn't a huge difference in price between making the connections myself and buying a prewired CP (I was going to have a custom CP box milled anyway), so I was contemplating the SS. Honestly hadn't made up my mind, though.

Between the utterly bizarre response above -- which I was prepared to forgive -- and following crashwg's advice -- which led me to some things I'm not sure I can -- I'm leaning towards just building it myself. Not 100%, though. I'm vascillating between the desire to have something up and running quickly that I know will look great, and the feeling of accomplishment from building it myself, but which might look like hell and cost me more in the long run, trying to get it looking the way I want. Dunno...

Build it yourself. If your first one looks like crap, then take that experience on to the next project. Not only will you have the feeling of accomplishment, but be able to design exactly what works for you. The experience of building one can give you a multitude of ideas on how to make it better for you that you would never get from having this dingleberry build you one.

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #15 on:** June 11, 2006, 03:51:19 pm »

Wow .... I go away for the weekend and miss fun threads like this ...

I have only ordered from SlikStik once and it was only for one of their pretty handles for a gift I was buidling. It arrived quickly and in good order. I love that stick.

I've read the various rants by and against Christian and never really paid much heed. It is inevitable that there will be community clashes with vendors and clashes between vendors.

This last posting paints things in a whole new light, however ... I guess I'll be forgoing the cool handles and spinner knobs when (if?) I finally get around to building a nice panel for myself ... I guess I'll need to assemble using parts from other vendors.

Cheers.

waldo · « **Reply #16 on:** June 11, 2006, 05:21:52 pm »

while i tend to agree with what christian said, perhaps you might like to attend a customer course on how to not put your foot in your mouth....

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #17 on:** June 11, 2006, 05:27:39 pm »

Quote from: waldo on June 11, 2006, 05:21:52 pm

while i tend to agree with what christian said

Which part ?

Cheers.

ksaub73 · « **Reply #18 on:** June 11, 2006, 11:30:31 pm »

Well first off I have bought a Slikstik off of E bay. It was what i saw as a discount. I ordered a CO2 panel. Took exactly five weeks to come from order to door as promised. I have the skills but not the time. Nine month old baby. (then when i got it she was 6). Asked if i could commit to buy it now and not have to involve paypal. They said fine. Asked if i could customize color and layout . Fine. Asked if i could pick the color of my upgraded trak ball (included in the price as well as the pinball side buttons) they said fine. All are custom made to order they said. I liked the service overall and was happy with my purchase. It was about a 125 savings over website. I didn't think that was too bad over trying to give this person this order, this person that order, make CP wire over 30 buttons, hope all the stuff works right blah blah blah.

Sir Auros · « **Reply #19 on:** June 11, 2006, 11:57:25 pm »

Quote from: alexandro98 on June 10, 2006, 11:56:10 am

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am
...
The only thing that you actually

Xam · « **Reply #20 on:** June 11, 2006, 11:58:59 pm »

Quote from: ksaub73 on June 11, 2006, 11:30:31 pm

Well first off I have bought a Slikstik off of E bay. It was what i saw as a discount. I ordered a CO2 panel. Took exactly five weeks to come from order to door as promised. I have the skills but not the time. Nine month old baby. (then when i got it she was 6). Asked if i could commit to buy it now and not have to involve paypal. They said fine. Asked if i could customize color and layout . Fine. Asked if i could pick the color of my upgraded trak ball (included in the price as well as the pinball side buttons) they said fine. All are custom made to order they said. I liked the service overall and was happy with my purchase. It was about a 125 savings over website. I didn't think that was too bad over trying to give this person this order, this person that order, make CP wire over 30 buttons, hope all the stuff works right blah blah blah.

I don't think anyone was questioning the quality of the products sold at SS. I have heard nothing but good about the quality. Customer service however is a completely debatable conversation concerning this company.
I have read that the company does make good on any problem should it arise...it just takes an act of congress to get them to hear your pleas (this is based solely on things I have read on this forum)
Additionally, Christian comes on here and blasted just about every member here because not one of us truly "builds" our cp's or cabinets. Truly bad PR on his part...it does not make one say..."that Christian is a great guy! I think I may buy some SS products" It makes them say "SS has some great stuff...but Christian is an asp...I don't think I want my money supporting that."

Xam

Fozzy The Bear · « **Reply #21 on:** June 12, 2006, 06:38:28 am »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am

toasty,
Of course this is the build it yourself forum and most people on here would direct you to never purchase a pre-made controller. Maybe you BYOAC dwellers should start molding your own joysticks, buttons and trackballs because by purchasing a Happ trackball or push button or Ultimarc keyboard encoder crosses the line between building and buying pre-made.

The only thing that you actually

Havok · « **Reply #22 on:** June 12, 2006, 07:13:21 am »

Christian,

Man - you gotta learn to turn the other cheek. You're in business, and not everyone is going to love your product. Live and let live. I personally have a pair of your lit joystick handles on my P360's and I love em.

But... I really don't like seeing the comments you make to guys on this board when they are critical of your products. I know it's your baby, and you most likely are personally insulted when someone slams your stuff. Take it in stride, present the facts, and let them speak for themselves.

meany · « **Reply #23 on:** June 12, 2006, 09:31:24 am »

I bought mine with the buy it now button. It was at my house in 6 days. Great experience and product.

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #24 on:** June 12, 2006, 11:36:52 am »

Quote from: Xam on June 11, 2006, 12:06:48 am

my commentary:
. . . You also claim that they are the most wanted upgrades available anywhere. You do not provide evidence to support your claim...and I for one can claim that your upgrades are not the most wanted in my home...and my home is certainly anywhere. That is false advertising my friend.

[Grammar Police] in "the most wanted upgrades available anywhere", "anywhere" would refer to the source of the upgrades, i.e. more more people want SlikStik products than X-Arcade, or any location - people would rather buy from SlikStik than China or L.A. (Lower Alabama) or . . . To get the meaning Xam implied, Christian would have had to say something like "Anywhere you go, these are the most wanted upgrades available." [/grammar police]

All seriousness aside, though, highly entertaining thread!!!

Pasqualz · « **Reply #25 on:** June 12, 2006, 12:38:59 pm »

All,

I have a unique bit of info to add to this thread. I have actually met Christian twice. I'll give the bottom line first, so that those not interested can move on from my long windedness. Both times I met Christian, I could tell that he was just a normal guy who loves Arcade games just like the rest of us. I got a sense of dedication to building a high quality product, it's just that unfortunately, like most small companies, their product quality seems to far exceed their customer service and marketing abilities! I know that he represents his company, so it's tough to think about buying something from SlikStik after his post above, but try to get past that to the bottom line. SlikStik makes awesome control panels for people like me who do not have the time to make them. I have 2 kids, a wife, a house, and I'm a director of an IT department. I get exactly 3 minutes to myself each day and at that rate, I'd have my CP built in 2009! Regardless of What Christian said or how you interpreted it, he makes an excellent product at a reasonable price (NOTE : don't flame me here, this is my opinion of what reasonable is!) Now for the long windedness. . .

The first time I met Christian was when I wanted to pickup my CP from SlikStick, but didn't want to pay for the shipping. Through some Internet sleuthing, I realized that my jop is about 30 - 40 minutes from SlikStik and I was able to locate their phone number. I cold-called Christian one day asking if I could come to the workshop to pick up my CP. He was pleasant and agreed to let me come there even though I was a stranger (He did ask me not to give out the phone number or address though, completely reasonable IMO.)

The second time i met Christian was about a year later (6/05) when I got motivated enough to try and fix the spinner on the SlikStik CP. I called Christian out of the blue and asked if i could bring the CP to him so he coudl troubleshoot. He agreed without hesitation. I brough the CP to him, he troubleshot and decided that the spinner was dead from unknown causes. He replaced it FOR FREE and even gave me some FREE BUTTONS because I mentioned that one of mine sometimes would stick.

If you read this far, I apologize for taking your time, but I just wanted everyone to know Christian is a human being just like us and though his customer relation skills may need a tune-up, he makes a great product!

Nannuu · « **Reply #26 on:** June 12, 2006, 01:54:58 pm »

Quote from: miles2912 on June 10, 2006, 01:54:10 pm

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 10, 2006, 08:56:21 am
toasty,

Just a quick note on cost comment by miles2912, an equal unit cannot be built for half the price, not on this planet anyway. Why make that sort of comment if you don

leapinlew · « **Reply #27 on:** June 12, 2006, 02:06:41 pm »

Nice catch - I was about to say the same thing. Assuming you had all the tools already..... These will quickly eat away that $170 savings. Not to mention any value you may put on your time.

When my brother wanted to purchase a CP to hook up to his computer, we priced things around and read some reviews. Slikstik is a great bargain and it was very professionaly done. It doesn't explain Christian popping off at the mouth like that, but the product is still excellent.

This thread needs to go away. The only thing I can think of that would make it go away quickly would be for christian to defend his statement or apologize for it.

Nannuu · « **Reply #28 on:** June 12, 2006, 02:40:06 pm »

Oh and add some more for a nice spinner top (plus shipping) that you don't get with the GGG spinner you mentioned (it's only $69 not $79).

Xam · « **Reply #29 on:** June 12, 2006, 02:59:17 pm »

Quote from: Tiger-Heli on June 12, 2006, 11:36:52 am

Quote from: Xam on June 11, 2006, 12:06:48 am
my commentary:
. . . You also claim that they are the most wanted upgrades available anywhere. You do not provide evidence to support your claim...and I for one can claim that your upgrades are not the most wanted in my home...and my home is certainly anywhere. That is false advertising my friend.
[Grammar Police] in "the most wanted upgrades available anywhere", "anywhere" would refer to the source of the upgrades, i.e. more more people want SlikStik products than X-Arcade, or any location - people would rather buy from SlikStik than China or L.A. (Lower Alabama) or . . . To get the meaning Xam implied, Christian would have had to say something like "Anywhere you go, these are the most wanted upgrades available." [/grammar police]

All seriousness aside, though, highly entertaining thread!!!

Yeah...but I was being a smart asp...and too boot...he did not provide proof of this statement either. How do we know he did not embellish the truth?

Xam · « **Reply #30 on:** June 12, 2006, 03:04:35 pm »

Quote from: Pasqualz on June 12, 2006, 12:38:59 pm

All,

I have a unique bit of info to add to this thread. I have actually met Christian twice. I'll give the bottom line first, so that those not interested can move on from my long windedness. Both times I met Christian, I could tell that he was just a normal guy who loves Arcade games just like the rest of us. I got a sense of dedication to building a high quality product, it's just that unfortunately, like most small companies, their product quality seems to far exceed their customer service and marketing abilities! I know that he represents his company, so it's tough to think about buying something from SlikStik after his post above, but try to get past that to the bottom line. SlikStik makes awesome control panels for people like me who do not have the time to make them. I have 2 kids, a wife, a house, and I'm a director of an IT department. I get exactly 3 minutes to myself each day and at that rate, I'd have my CP built in 2009! Regardless of What Christian said or how you interpreted it, he makes an excellent product at a reasonable price (NOTE : don't flame me here, this is my opinion of what reasonable is!) Now for the long windedness. . .

The first time I met Christian was when I wanted to pickup my CP from SlikStick, but didn't want to pay for the shipping. Through some Internet sleuthing, I realized that my jop is about 30 - 40 minutes from SlikStik and I was able to locate their phone number. I cold-called Christian one day asking if I could come to the workshop to pick up my CP. He was pleasant and agreed to let me come there even though I was a stranger (He did ask me not to give out the phone number or address though, completely reasonable IMO.)

The second time i met Christian was about a year later (6/05) when I got motivated enough to try and fix the spinner on the SlikStik CP. I called Christian out of the blue and asked if i could bring the CP to him so he coudl troubleshoot. He agreed without hesitation. I brough the CP to him, he troubleshot and decided that the spinner was dead from unknown causes. He replaced it FOR FREE and even gave me some FREE BUTTONS because I mentioned that one of mine sometimes would stick.

If you read this far, I apologize for taking your time, but I just wanted everyone to know Christian is a human being just like us and though his customer relation skills may need a tune-up, he makes a great product!

I personally do not know Christian. I can only go based on how he post. I am sure he is a regular guy. We all have faults. The problem I have is he is not here as a regualr guy...he is here promoting his business (which I have no problem with). The way he presents himself does anything BUT make me want to buy his products. As I mentioned...I have only heard good about the quality of his products. I myself just do not put up with the attitude when spending my money.

It is my hope that Christian eventually learns to just present facts and not blast his potential customers. I certainly believe in his right to correct stated inaccuracies regarding his product, in the future I would like to see him present his counterpoint and leave it at that.

Xam

Tiger-Heli · « **Reply #31 on:** June 12, 2006, 03:15:51 pm »

Quote from: Xam on June 12, 2006, 02:59:17 pm

Yeah...but I was being a smart asp...and too boot...he did not provide proof of this statement either. How do we know he did not embellish the truth?

Christian would NEVER do anything like that - TRUST ME !!!!

The claim is ludicrous enough to not be worth commenting on. (Assuming your quote is accurate, he says the joystick handles are the most wanted upgrades available anywhere. Not "one of the most wanted", "the most wanted". More popular than any brand of trackball, or spinners, or LED controllers, or the 49-way sticks, or light guns, or . . . Anything!!!! I'm sure he has the results to substantiate his claims, though.

toasty · « **Reply #32 on:** June 12, 2006, 03:28:36 pm »

Quote from: Xam on June 12, 2006, 03:04:35 pm

It is my hope that Christian eventually learns to just present facts and not blast his potential customers. I certainly believe in his right to correct stated inaccuracies regarding his product, in the future I would like to see him present his counterpoint and leave it at that.

Indeed. It is not my intent to keep this truly absurd thread alive, but if it had been me, my response (if there had been one at all) would have been something to the effect of, "While you might be able to save a small amount of money, when factoring in all of the time and costs involved, our panels are actually very competitive with the cost of doing it yourself from scratch. Also, many of our customers find the peace of mind of knowing that they will get a high quality product that will work the moment they take it out of the box to be worth this small premium."

Tough to argue, and I find it difficult to believe that anyone would get too bent out of shape over that.

Pasqualz · « **Reply #33 on:** June 12, 2006, 03:46:57 pm »

Toasty and all, I propose that since Toasty started this thread, we let it end with him (not including my reply post to propose this

) Toasty, Your final reply has framed the main point of this thread perfectly! Some like building their CPs, some liek buying them pre-assembled. There are excellent arguements and points to both of these idealogies. Let us now allow this thread to sink into the depths of BYAOC history never to be replied to again. . .

SlikStik Christian · « **Reply #34 on:** June 12, 2006, 04:23:39 pm »

This is a public forum and all visitors including myself have the right to post their comments, feeling and opinions on any certain matter, including the backwards fabrication of poster miles2912. I started reading this post because it was directed toward a SlikStik product. Then I noticed the ridiculous statement "You can build one for half the price". That advice is very misleading and is often made here, there is no doubt it needed clarification once and for all.

Here someone is looking for good solid advice on purchasing a product and he is told a flat out lie. I felt the need to reply due to that fact alone and of course since it was in reference towards a SlikStik product.

You can

johnperkins21 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 12, 2006, 04:51:47 pm »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 12, 2006, 04:23:39 pm

It

Havok · « **Reply #36 on:** June 12, 2006, 05:28:21 pm »

Just when you thought this thread would die...

CheffoJeffo · « **Reply #37 on:** June 12, 2006, 08:55:30 pm »

Quote from: SlikStik Christian on June 12, 2006, 04:23:39 pm

It

JonnyBoy · « **Reply #38 on:** June 12, 2006, 09:54:45 pm »

I guess the principle of the matter is, a lot of us take pride in "assembling" our control panels and cabs. I guess I can explain it like this:

I just finished building my machine and showed it to some people at school. One kid responded with, "So it's just a computer in a box." That peeved me off, firstly because building something like that took me so much time, effort, and research that simply calling it the assembly of prefabricated materials feels like a shot to the chest. That's how I feel, it may be different for others.

AMDman13 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 13, 2006, 01:30:05 am »

Dang, I was going to place an order with this company too...

I've read enough... I plan on spending my money somewhere else.


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