SO???????? IS Ken that far off base?????????

Constantin

... but please allow me to disagree. I'd base my equipment decisions on how responsive a manufacturer is to <em>me</em>, not a message board. After all there are alternate forms of communication, like the telephone, e-mail, etc. I've only had to call Viessmann twice, and each time I had a technical guru on the line in 20 seconds. No time wasting muzak and other junk. Plus, they called me back when they said they would.

If you look at the number of qualified installers here that like the product and the support they've gotten from Viessmann vs. those that haven't, that's pretty telling for me. Plus, Buderus has the same wait time for their condensing boiler as Viessmann has for their tank. In other words, I doubt that you'll find a "perfect" manufacturer.

Mad Dog_2

Haven't seen ANY comments from Viessman here

Has anyone told them? Once again - damned fine product, but where is the support when its needed? Mad Dog

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Bill Nye_2

Mad dog

Let it go, let it go buddy. My customer has been waiting 3 weeks for a Black gold waste oil furnace, the guy just told him today, two more weeks.

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S Ebels

From past experience.........

My past experience with Viessmann is that they reply directly to the individual, not on a public message board such as this. I am curious as to whether this has been resolved though.

Steamhead (in transit)

Bill, I think

MD has a valid point here. In heating, support is everything. You want to know you can count on it on those 10-degree days when nothing seems to work.

The best manufacturer's reps always monitor the Wall and other industry boards. We all know, among others, Glenn Stanton of Burnham and Noel Murdough and Bob Flanagan at Slant/Fin, and Joe Kennard at Buderus. That's right- Buderus, the other big German boiler company.

I remember the Dunkirk Quantum ignitor problems a few years ago. Dunkirk didn't seem too responsive to our complaints so someone (gee, I wonder who?) suggested we stop using their gear. Some people at Dunkirk weren't too happy with that- they had actually been working on the problem but didn't think to communicate with us, so it looked to us like a lack of support. I don't think they'll make that mistake again.

So I'll ask, too- how come we haven't heard from the Viessmann people? Maybe we should spell the name "Vie$$mann" until we do.....

Constantin

On the other hand,

Buderus allegedly doesn't have certain models of the GB142 in stock either, with a similar 3-4 week delivery time period. Given the recent, sustained rise in energy prices, I would be surprised if the actual demand for condensing boilers this year did not exceed forecasts and hence caused many suppliers to this industry to scramble for resources.

If gas prices go up another 45% next winter, those stainless-forming and Al-casting lines are going to be humming with activity. Plus, contractors that "get it" will be enjoying another bumper-crop harvest.

DanHolohan

I made them aware

of the thread on the first day it appeared. I always do that when a manufacturer is mentioned. Professionalism.

Steamhead (in transit)

That may be true

but if a question or problem comes up, Joe Kennard is all over it. He's almost as visible on the Wall and OTT as Glenn Stanton is, and we know Glenn is one of the best. Haven't seen anything like this from Vie$$mann yet, so if a customer wanted a German boiler I'd go with Buderus.

Maybe they'll read this at Vie$$mann and get the message......

hr

Is a backorder REALLY a disaster?

that seems to be the whole gist of these lengthly threads. I have had all sorts of stuff backordered as of late. Try buying an outdoor wood furnace right now.

I'm sure supply house Rick understands backorders with all his years in the supply chain

hot rod

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S Ebels

Ditto HR

Most of the OWB manufacturers are quoting delivery in the February and March range right now. Some are sold out until next summer. In fact, practically anything that burns an alternate fuel and makes heat, no matter how inefficiently, is gone. I can't begin to count how many calls we've had regarding pellet stoves, corn burners, add-on wood furnaces, etc. that we've had in the last month. It's to late for this year. I would dare bet that most of the alternate fuel equipment installed after this point will be done by typical burn and run type "contractors". The ones who are decent are booked up well into the winter. People should have been investing in this stuff long ago and we wouldn't be having the problems we are today.

That's life. One has a choice to live with it and make the best of it you can, or blow a gasket and have a heart attack over it.

Going with the flow up in Michigan.

ScottMP

My Point

excactly ! I'll say it again, nothing has been said about the boiler,controls, set up or ease of installation. If I came here everytime a product was back ordered I'd post more than Constantine does .

I don't understand the problem with this product line, you don't like it, don't install it. Why the venom ?

Scott

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Supply House Rick

Back orders

Are a way of life in the supply business. They suck. The PVC market crashed in the past couple of weeks due to Katrina, shortages everywhere. We carry several lines of boilers that hopefully we can meet everybody's needs, if they are flexible. The GB142/24 is currently out of stock, we hope not for long. Buderus has had a 53% increase this year, exceeded all expectations by leaps and bounds. Currently on some models that demand is greater than supply. It's all about flexibility and options...
Rick

Mike T., Swampeast MO

I've been waiting months for Radiata (a farm-raised pine from New Zealand). It arrives through New Orleans... Had to change the order to poplar.

Glen

back orders -

are a way of life right now. For example I have been waiting for one inch kitec adapters - everyone is very low on stock. DHL may deliver today - but back to the original post. I suspect that there is more to the tune than just one wallie getting his ox gored. We have a very intricate supply chain - and still keep most of our clients happy with promised delivery dates etc. I have found that Viessmann most often goes out of their way to support their installing contractors - and Ken's experience has certainly not been mine.

Big Ed

GB-142

I was told a three week wait during the run out of the GB's...I received a call the shipment arrived in a little over one week . The delay did make the home owners nerveous about availibilty of parts. What I understand every supply house that sells them must stock all spare parts...I do under stand the shortage,who know the high end stuff would be selling the way it is...At this point I wouldn't mind a plane Jane ,in and out WB install for a change. : )

Steamhead (in transit)

I spoke with Ed Nordstrom at Viessman today

He took the time to e-mail me and we had a nice talk. You were right Steve, they haven't been in the habit of getting into Wall discussions. But I suggested that if something like this happens again, a short post saying "I'm XXXXXX from Viessmann, call me at this number and let's get this taken care of" would help. Ed said that sounded like a good idea.

Looks like the communication problem is solved or will be solved soon.

heatboy

Hurry up and wait.

Let's see.........

6 weeks for Runtals, 2 weeks for Tekmar, 2 weeks or more for PROpanels. For a while 2 years ago, we all waited weeks on end for 1/2" hePEX. Something about buying heating stuff in the heating season ;-)

Mad Dog_2

I , too received an email from Mr Nordstrom

and suggested the same thing. Given the fact that this is THEE internet heating chat board AND Viessman is a multinational company with a U.S. Market...they NEED to be here...someone needs to monitor the Wall..help explain things...put out fires if need be. I have been too busy to call him, but I will. I'll say the same thing. This is bigger than Ken's supply problem...he's just a boisterous messenger and I feel for him. Mad Dog

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Mad Dog_2

Hi Bill good to say you back in the saddle buddy

but I have to disagree. YES, delays and backorders are unfortunately the norm, but accepting them shouldn't be. Mad Dog

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Mad Dog_2

Hi Bill good to say you back in the saddle buddy

but I have to disagree. YES, delays and backorders are unfortunately the norm, but accepting them shouldn't be. Mad Dog

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