I was checking out Thermojet's website today and noticed Tim is trying to take orders again. Has anyone placed an order with him lately and actually received a stove, or any type of communication, or anything? My patience for the order I placed in February 2007 died a long time ago and I don't want to see anyone else in the same spot. But, if Tim has returned from wherever he was and he's actually fulfilling orders, I'd appreciate a response to the many emails I've sent him.

I placed an order about a month ago and received the stove within a couple of weeks. Sounds like you might want to check with him to get yours.

I've tried to check with him. So far, he hasn't responded to the two emails I've sent him since I posted this.

Aaron,
I have an unused (I may have lit it up once indoors) Thermojet Microlite sized for large pots complete with directions, fuel bottle, green bag, etc. If you have not already been charged for the one you ordered, I'll sell you mine for $30 + shipping.

Thanks for the offer Bill. I've gone with another stove already.

And I was charged by Thermojet at the time of ordering. That's why it's so frustrating not to get a response from this company.

I ordered, I received confirmation that my order was received, funds were transferred through paypal, and I have no stove. And it seems I have no way to recover my money. I'm very willing to work with Tim to find a solution to the problem - maybe it's a communication problem, ex. sent to wrong address. I don't know because all my emails have gone unanswered.

The money I spent for the non-existent thermojet microlite. Tim actually sent an explanation stating the stove had been shipped (but no confirmation is available) long ago. He explained that he had only received my one email recently, despite me sending them since April.

Anyhoo, I'd like to thank Tim from Thermojet for solving the issue I had. I hope all you microlite owners enjoy your stoves. I know I'll enjoy mine from minibull.

I, too, have had no response to my emails to Thermojet. I received only part of the stove system (alcohol burner & fuel bottle were not included). Multiple emails over the last month's time have gone unanswered. So, I have a $44.90 windscreen! Ripoff.

Frustrated, I bought a Packafeather Featherfire. Super stove! It really works as advertised.

Keith,
By my calculations I sent Tim at least 10 emails. Apparently he only received one. Keep trying.
And eventhough it was too late for me to get a refund through paypal (45 day limit), I contacted them anyway. They suggested I contact my local authorities. Through them, I found out that there are some serious avenues of complaint for online shopping issues. Some may say - it's only $40, give it up. Well, it's not their $40. You worked for it - the vendor didn't.

I've learned a lesson too. No matter how badly I want to buy something, if there are not multiple methods of contact (no phone number on thermojet site) and you can't find out who you're actually dealing with (no last name), do not click the buy button.

I'd be interested in hearing what happens with your fancy windscreen.

Aaron:

You mentioned you sent the guy at least 10 emails over a period of months. Hmmm, now that the guy is taking orders again, and you are highlighting this issue of non-delivery and non-response... the guy's suddenly able to receive your email's now???

This tells a lot about the guy's character -- and it's NOT GOOD. He can post here if he disagrees...

There are many reputable retailers who deal only online -- such as BPL itself. Don't let this one crook deter you from exclusively-online retailers.

Edited by ben2world on 08/01/2007 12:50:48 MDT.

Yes Ben - that's what happened. I had been emailing him since early April. I don't know what his issues are, I just know he's got them.

I have had great experience buying gear online - BPL included. Some small retailers provide excellent service. Ang I've always been happy with the service from the large retailers too. Even the people on this forum I've bought gear from and sold gear to have all been great. Totally hassle free. And I won't hesitate to buy gear, etc. online in the future. Just know who you're dealing with, that's all.

I figure I could have made about $1.50 investment income on the $45 that was being held back from me. Starbuck's is so totally going to suffer today. :)

Well, over a month after emailing Thermojet about the missing part, but less than a day after posting here, we received an email apologizing and saying that the missing stove parts have been shipped. If true, I guess I will have two good stoves. Of course, I only wanted to buy one! But it will be fun to compare. I'm so impressed with the Featherfire that the Microlite is going to have a tough time winning me over.

Three days later, I received the missing parts of my shipment. Thermojet is a very nice stove, but five weeks is way to long to resolve a defective shipment. In short, good stove, poor service. Comparing to the Featherfire- The Thermojet is simpler, more compact. The Featherfire is easier to operate, has better flame control, and seems to be a fuel miser. I'll use the Featherfire and keep the Thermojet as a backup.

Edited by kswarren on 08/04/2007 20:51:13 MDT.