"Black Cat Bases Status?" Topic

I am wondering there are any updates on the order backlog at Black Cat?

David P.

There's an ongoing thread on LAF, latest reports are that people are still waiting, some over a year.

I'm STILL trying to get the last few of my un-molded/un-released masters, (greens and brass), back from them. I know they're having a really rough time of things, with health and computer woes….

Personally though, I think, (not knowing all the facts of course), in their position, I would stop accepting any new sales until I'd 'caught up' on those I'd already accepted and gotten 'caught up' on.

The only reason I can think of for NOT doing it that way, is that they would be concerned that they'd lose their customer base if they stopped, even to catch up, OR, the fundage from 'new/incoming orders' is what's being used to pay for fulfilling the older orders.

I'm NOT saying that is what's happening, but in this case, I think no NEW 'updates' from BCB is hurting them more than helping them….even if an update was to say pretty much the same thing. At least then folks would feel that something is 'moving'.

In my case, I've got masters, (both greens and brasses), that I've paid OTHERS for, that BCB still has in their possession and haven't used. I OWN the masters, they would only be using them under 'lease'/trade for figures, subject to my ending the agreement with written notice/time for them to sell off existing stock. Unfortunately, the figures have never been molded and DESPITE forwarding shipping fundage for their return….they have not come back. I cannot just 'write them off', nor can I duplicate them without incurring tremendous, additional expense. Since they won't respond to emails or msgs via their site or 3rd party contact via a 'friend' on TMP, I'm facing a terrible choice of either 'letting it go'…..OR going through an 'over-seas legal battle'…just to get MY property back. I don't want to do this…..I really, really don't….but the 'next' step is that….and IF I have to do that….it would probably mean a C&D on all 'Whiskers and Tentacles' figures (molded and cast from my masters)….so I can re-mold/re-release them here in the USA and recoup some of my expense.

I know they've been informed, that if they don't respond/return my 'missing' masters…(which I've sent multiple images of, multiple times)….that I will start the proceedings…with a formal written notice of 'loss of duplication/casting rights'….as of July 10th.

I can't tell you how much this troubles me…..as I really like Jo and Ben and have invested a lot of time, money, effort and involvement into helping them expand. I know they've had some rotten luck….(been there a time or two myself, divorce, CANCER, bankruptcy, etc)…but I don't know what else to do!

If somebody can offer a solid suggestion, help on resolving this…and retrieving my masters (and a prototype or two)…from them without 'hassle'….I'd appreciate it! One way or another I know it's going to 'cost'….either postage or solicitor's fees….but cheaper is better! (also, the Dave P. above ISN'T me…I'm in WVA)

That sounds extremely frustrating. And similar to Obelisk's troubles getting molds back from them.

It would be ideal if they could come up with a solution, or at the very least make some effort to communicate. On one forum (probably LAF) a guy said he lived near them and even offered to help them gratis to get caught up- not sure if he was able to make contact since they appear to be 'off the grid' at this point.

Do they not live near a public library with a computer, or a place from which to send or receive letters or packages?

It's sad, I really like their stuff but have held off ordering from them.

I have a limited budget, so when my figures didn't turn up after 2 weeks, I started a Paypal dispute, and Lo, the figures arrived a few days later.

As a result I have to say that my sympathy with their problems has diminished because they are clearly capable of responding when their source of income is cut off …..

Any new updates on Blackcat Bases?