BCM88
100+ Head-Fier
Don't think the UK retailers help either in this - the queue of frustrated pre-order customers will grow. Scan.co.uk for example now shows 'arriving tomorrow' for these including the X!!)!! Hifi Headphones still says shipping late November when they've already updated the occasional preorder customer who's contacted them to say it'll be 2nd week of December now most likely.
Guess Audeze can't win in this - although maybe splitting the initial production run between direct orders and overseas preorders might have helped (apart form upsetting some direct customers I guess).
I'm keen to see these hit the UK but not committed in the same way as you - completely understand yours and other UK customers annoyance though. Thankfully, I cancelled my preorder once I saw the situation dragging on for what seemed like eternity so my money is back with me. An @Audeze update saying all direct orders up to 26/10 will be shipped just rubs salt in the wounds I guess when you've ordered 3 months before that! Yes, the pandemic has created challenges for us all but perhaps there could have been a fairer way to ensure date of order globally was taken into account?
I think you hit a couple of nails on the head there.
Agree that UK (and probably wider European/global) retailers/distributors should have been/be doing more for their paying customers, not only with the provision of information but also applying firm pressure on Audeze to fulfil these orders.
I totally appreciate the impact of the pandemic across the board, but it's been ongoing for 9 months or so now, most businesses would have gotten some kind of handle on operations after the first few months. Delays with things like certifications, or involving third parties, are completely understandable.
One thing I find unacceptable is that direct orders being made after the stated date are being fulfilled, meanwhile, global customers who purchased via Audezes chosen partners as early as July when preorders went live, are left out in the cold, and possibly waiting into 2021 in some cases? The whole 'first come, first served' fulfilment perhaps should have taken into account global order fulfilment as well, they've certainly been happy enough to take the money.
I have complete faith that when I do eventually receive Penrose, I'll be glad I held out and got one, but the tail end of this process certainly takes the wind out of my sails.