Growler Chill Refrigerated Counter Tap

I just wanted to respectfully and considerately comment that this is all POOP. I just wish a poop flinging contest started real soon.
Thanks

why is there no update?

How about an update? The parts were due to arrive the week of June 11, and you promised an update when they did....so? Did they?

Any new on shipment

Randy, update please?

I’m sure the refrigeration units are being held up in customs.

It is a joke. He doesn’t even log in, last log in was June 7th and before that it was weeks to a month. Everything he has promised to do while waiting for shipments he has not done. Remember when he said the iPhone app was completed and was awaiting approval for the App Store or how about the series of videos that were going to be released. I have not forgot.

Like everyone else, I’d like an update. I can’t imagine, though, that posting things like “This is an absolute joke” or, as has happened frequently in the past, complaining about the substance of an update after repeatedly saying that we would be happy to have any update, no matter how small, is likely to convince Randy to post an update.

This is an absolute joke. How can you not even drop in for an update or quick comment even on the shipment status when it expected to arrive last week?

@Chuck, very very true. I think sometimes people underestimate the challenges of "over succeeding" a campaign. I have seen some amazingly well backed projects go down in flames because the people running it couldn't scale the concept up. I still have hope for Randy. His product is a great idea and seems to have a great design concept. Even if he hits production issues he can still sell interest to get back up and running. I am fairly confident we get delivery. It might just be a little late.

I heard the shipment got lost when it went through the Bermuda Triangle.

This shipment was from Brazil right? Did the ship make a wrong turn or something?

Any news

Simple question: Did they arrive?

Yes not bad to ship prior to holidays a full year and a half after when they were supposed to. This week was supposed to be an update, so you'll get the trademark Randy excuse sometime next week probably. I'm guessing the shipping company had a bad batch of fuel and the ship stalled out in the Bermuda triangle.

Thank you for the update about the refrigerant assemblies shipping about 3 weeks ago. It would be clarifying to hear the expected schedule at this point (component receipt, testing time, what approvals and their time, other components needed and their time, labor staffing ramp up, build schedule, etc...) Having run these types of companies for many years, I honestly can't imagine that you'll start shipping anything of consequence, assuming all goes reasonably well, prior to the end of July/Early August. And shipping in the early 2-4 weeks will be slow (which is normal)... Reasonable expectations here... Shipping starts mid August, and fulfillment through October/early November? Not a bad deal for you being ready to ship retail orders in time for the holidays, but please start to reset our expectations. Best of luck!

“The only problem is that he lied to is in the beginning. “ Did he? Can you prove that? Keep in mind that this project ended up being almost four times as big as intended. That kind of result requires a change of plans.

“Why in the world would you not want to communicate with your donors, the ones who helped get your idea/dream/company/product off the ground?” This is a good point in the guise of a good question. I have no answer. I have also encouraged our creator to be more communicative. I hope that he will. “I won't ever support something from Randy ever again, and will most likely discourage others from purchasing this product as well.” You have pointed out well the risks he takes. If I found an employee of mine flagrantly misusing and even destroying company assets, I’d be furious, probably fire him. One of the most valuable assets a business can have is what accountants call “good will.” This is also one of the easiest assets to destroy. But, it is up to our creator to decide what he wants to do with his reputation and good will. We can make polite suggestions, but we are in no place to make demands or issue orders. ..

The only problem is that he lied to is in the beginning. That is fraud. He said he had a product but he did not even know who his suppliers were going to be. He has been lying all along about the plans for production and is flying by the death of his pants. Of he wants to show progress in good faith, send us photos of the names he had put on the founders wall.

Mr. Gollnick: OK, we're donors. That does not change anything. Again, I'm fully aware of where we sit with our guarantees, rights, and penalties. That's not the issue. I'm not asking for a refund, I'm not asking for my product to be delivered tomorrow. What I AM asking for is communication and respect. Why in the world would you not want to communicate with your donors, the ones who helped get your idea/dream/company/product off the ground? What is the benefit from that? Before, one had to assume he was just not reading any of these comments or e-mails sent to him, because surely he wasn't just ignoring us. His attitude and comments in that interview were not conducive with someone who values their customers and "donors". They ARE conducive with someone who thinks that their product will just "speak for itself", and hopes all these negative comments and vibes will just go away. The unfortunate part and cruel reality is that despite how good this product can be, I won't ever support something from Randy ever again, and will most likely discourage others from purchasing this product as well. I don't think I'm alone in this thought, but if I am, then so be it. It's not like Randy or anyone else is listening anyways.

Mr. Colwick says, “I completely understand this is an investment...” This is most definitely NOT an investment. As Kickstarter backers, we are NOT investor. Investments come with guarantees and rights and penalties. We are much closer to being donors. The best thing we can do is just relax and be patient.

"Hollister said he has stopped answering peoples’ individual messages because he’s trying to counteract any misunderstandings." That.....that is just piss-poor customer relations. That absolutely blows my mind. How as a company, and as the LEADER of that company, can you just blow off your investors and customers?!? I completely understand this is an investment, and stuff happens that you can't predict. I want a solid, functioning, and clean product, and if time is what it takes, then time is what it needs. But don't shirk off the people who believed in you, gave you money in good faith, all because you don't know what to say. Take the time to work on those individual complaints, make some explanations. Can you make everyone happy? Nope, that's not reality. But you can do the right thing and quit ignoring us. I mean, if you're so busy that you can't take the time to keep doing a weekly update, you could pay a college kid to run your social media and updates on here, for pennies on the dollar! Absolutely disgusted with this. I thought the news investigation would have given him an opportunity to say something worthwhile, but it's even worse than on here. It's a blatant decision to ignore us. UGH, that just ticks me off.

@Michael Wolfe so, sounds like their deep investigation dug up what we already knew. We are in a holding pattern. Compressors are on their way. And we will only get updates when milestones hit.

Creators do have a responsibility to communicate... but it is non-specific and so difficult to “enforce.” This creator did promise frequent communications. I do think that he is remiss in this respect and I do urge him to be more communicative. Updates do not have to be long or detailed or contain videos or photographs. Dash off a hundred words; it won’t take that long. Creators can also post here in the discussion forum and that is even easier and quicker. Just a note every now and then to let us know that you’re still alive is good. In theory, when a creator reaches the conclusion that he has failed, he is supposed to declare that, give a simple explanation of what happened, and give a simple accounting for the money. In reality, I have never seen this happen once. I have several Kickstarters wherein the creator has clearly failed or given up. In all cases, they just sort of sulk off and disappear with no explanation. This is bad. When there is a failure — which is a defined risk we backers accept in writing — making that final accounting gives everyone involved (the creator included) a sense of closure. There is no shame in failure. Show me a man who has never failed at anything and I will show you a man who has never tried anything. Again, failure is something we as Kickstarter backers all agreed in writing to accept, so there is no shame in admitting it. However, I want to be very clear that these remarks are made in response to general questions, not regarding this specific project. I continue to have every confidence that this project and this creator ARE going to succeed. We backers — and, in my opinion, being a good backer means more than chipping in some money, it means being enthusiastic, optimistic, and supportive, it means looking for and expecting success — should, Right now, be patient and optimistic. Growler Chill is going to happen!

I understand and agree with you. I also agree with your earlier comment that the best thing to do is to be positive and patient. I am both, and plan on remaining that way. More communication would be helpful to ease anxieties and allay many people’s fears. Do you agree? I personally don’t believe this is too much to ask; in fact, it seems like very little to ask. There is a link on the Facebook page about a local news reporter that is going to interview Randy about backers’ concerns- I believe this interview will take place tonight. That should be interesting and helpful to all of us. But why do we have to stumble upon this information? Does he not have a responsibility to give us this information or to answer our questions? Side question, and one I hope, and think, will not be an issue. If this fails, does he have a responsibility to tell us, or is it just a slow agonizing death where everyone is in the dark and increasingly angry and frustrated? Having said that, I do remain positive and patient.

It’s become a cliche, but Kickstarter is not Amazon. On Amazon, you buy a product and you have every right to expect that the product will be delivered promptly and be as-advertised. On Kickstarter, you back (or “contribute to”) a creator’s project — often an attempt to create a product — with the not-guaranteed hope that, if the project is successful, you will receive some reward, often the product.

I haven't back that many KS projects, and this is by FAR the biggest dollar item I've ever backed. I remain hopeful. I would agree, however, that it wouldn't kill Randy to update us more regularly.

Very helpful Harold. “Helpful Harold” may be a good name for you on this thread- very good info that you share. I believe you nailed it. We are a source of $ for the creator to get started- a “tool” as it were (not in the derogatory sense, although I know some feel we are being taken as “tools”. The company Kickstarter is likely more committed to the creator and the creative process than they are to us. Of course if everyone is happy, all the better for all parties involved. I am still hopeful for this project- I have backed a couple that were delayed even longer than this one, and they eventually delivered. I don’t understand, though, why there isn’t more communication? It would seem to be an easy and quick way to ease people’s minds and calm fears. Harold, do you have any insight into this? Are there some negatives to the creator for communicating more consistently? I’m backing many fewer projects on Kickstarter these days. The delays, frustrations, lack of communication have made it not worth the (modest) cost savings that you get.

Kim, let me save you some time and heartache. This contribution was literally one of my last projects that I ever backed. I used to be VERY active with KS projects but finally came to a simple realization. We are not the customer of KS. We are their product. The creators are the customer. The most I have EVER seen come out of a truly failed project is after it is extremely overdue you can contact the FTC and try to get them to force the creator to action. That only happens after a long long time. Best bet is to sit tight, and cross your fingers that Randy can pull this off. Don't expect A THING from Kickstarter. They actually do their best to protect the creators and send one of about 5 form letters if you complain. Trust me, I have been through this plenty of times. I've seen class action attempts, private threats of lawsuits, contacting the authorities; none of it save the FTC has ever worked. Also, this project is far from that stage. They are still from all accounts still trying to complete. Best of luck, and hang tight. It might be awhile :-/

early next week isn’t entirely out of the question”

Just in case anyone forgot the Nov 21st update: “With that said, we won’t be shipping tomorrow - however

Kim, where in the text that you posted is “one year” mentioned? You write as if that’s some magic milestone that opens up the possibility of legal action, but Kickstarter does not put any time limits on the completion of a project. You may not like it, but Randy has so far complied with all of the points listed in the text you quoted. He has not yet suggested that he won’t be able to bring the project to completion successfully, so everything you quoted about winding an unsuccessful project down, including providing partial refunds out of any remaining funds, does not yet apply. And that means that you do not yet have any legal recourse under these terms of service.

And just what exactly, pray tell us, Mr. Kim, is “the next step?” Here is the reality: we backers have no leverage. And Kickstarter really doesn’t either. We have no carrot to dangle and no stick to wield. The best thing we can do is just be positive and be patient.

we should at least get back the money we got charged for shipping and handling, right?!

I should have been more specific and say they "should" offer a refund or are subject to legal action. See section 4 of terms and conditions. If we don't receive a reasonable update soon and this goes to 1 year, I will take a next step. When a project is successfully funded, the creator must complete the project and fulfill each reward. Once a creator has done so, they’ve satisfied their obligation to their backers. Throughout the process, creators owe their backers a high standard of effort, honest communication, and a dedication to bringing the project to life. At the same time, backers must understand that when they back a project, they’re helping to create something new — not ordering something that already exists. There may be changes or delays, and there’s a chance something could happen that prevents the creator from being able to finish the project as promised. If a creator is unable to complete their project and fulfill rewards, they’ve failed to live up to the basic obligations of this agreement. To right this, they must make every reasonable effort to find another way of bringing the project to the best possible conclusion for backers. A creator in this position has only remedied the situation and met their obligations to backers if: they post an update that explains what work has been done, how funds were used, and what prevents them from finishing the project as planned;
they work diligently and in good faith to bring the project to the best possible conclusion in a timeframe that’s communicated to backers;
they’re able to demonstrate that they’ve used funds appropriately and made every reasonable effort to complete the project as promised;
they’ve been honest, and have made no material misrepresentations in their communication to backers; and
they offer to return any remaining funds to backers who have not received their reward (in proportion to the amounts pledged), or else explain how those funds will be used to complete the project in some alternate form.
The creator is solely responsible for fulfilling the promises made in their project. If they’re unable to satisfy the terms of this agreement, they may be subject to legal action by backers.

@Kim where did you get that info? This is straight from their terms of use; “Kickstarter doesn’t offer refunds. Responsibility for finishing a project lies entirely with the project creator. Kickstarter doesn’t hold funds on creators’ behalf, cannot guarantee creators’ work, and does not offer refunds.”

Kickstarter says that if they don't deliver a product, we get a refund; however there is no deadline. Isn't this the same update update we received last month?????

I love that nobody even cares about his "updates" anymore.

Like others in this conversation, I have come to strongly doubt that we'll ever see a Growler Chill shipped. However, I bought into this knowing that there was risk. I don't think this was a scam. If it had been, they would have just taken the money and run. I think they made a good faith attempt to produce a product, but that the engineering, sourcing and production were beyond their capabilities. I hope I am wrong, I would love to have a Growler Chill. And maybe, just maybe I will. But if it all comes to naught, I do not think it was a scam.

@Chad - I get you're angry. But why do you have to direct that towards people in the same situation as you because they have a different perspective? Pretty shallow dude.

Randy finally logged in 2 days ago.

Oh ye of little faith.

All the people that think this is going to actually show up on their doorstep, make me laugh. This is just one big scam train hauling nothing but Bullshit excuses. As a day 1 backer that is coming up on over a year of product delivery past schedule (AUGUST 2017), I’ve come to terms with the fact that I have been ripped off. Sad cause this would have been a rad product, at least I got ripped off early so my loss isn’t as bad as some others.

Search Facebook for "growler chill jack baldwin" best walkthrough we have seen yet. Still a demo unit. But don't worry in 4 days it will be a month since the last regular update. randy will log in and explain how he is giving an update and things are a little delayed for one reason or another.

Well, I hadn't seen those FB posts, and I guess they are net good news -- a little "sponsored" perhaps, but still net good news.

i heard an update monday

Check out their Facebook page visitor posts. Some demo units are out in liquor stores in SC and there is a video and a post from another store owner.

Guys, relax. It's only been 22 days since the last update. Everyone knows "the next several days" means at least a month.

He’s probably out looking for investors. My guess is everything is done or almost done but doesn’t have the funds to get everything in house. I’m hoping this is not the case but seems plausible with how everything has been the past couple of months.