[Closed] Just what does a man have to do to buy a Kess model?

Just what does a man have to do to buy a Kess model?

A couple of months ago, despite some misgivings about it, I decided to buy the Kess 1960 Imperial in light metallic blue.

MCW showed it in stock so I ordered it. They sent a black one. I returned it and they gave me a refund because "the blue is no longer available" (although it still showed on their website.)

After the Forum discussion a few days ago comparing the Kess and GLM Imperials, I decided to give the blue Kess another chance. MCW again showed it as available so I e-mailed them to ask if it really WAS in stock this time, and if so I would be buying it.

Instead of confirming availability they created a reserved order which could only be paid by international bank transfer - for which my bank charges ?25. Well, sod that. I told MCW to cancel the order, and I assumed the model (last one in stock, apparently) would then re-appear on the website. It didn't.

I looked around. Out of stock everywhere, then I found Carmodel in Italy had sold out of the common-or-garden black version but actually had the elusive blue one. I tried to place an order and found I was obliged to register first. So I did and they promised an e-mail to complete the registration process. No e-mail.

I contacted info@carmodel and said "Is my order OK? And how do I register?" No reply.

So this afternoon I tried ringing them and a quiet, confiding voice from British Telecom whispered "Sorry, there is a fault". Same on the next 4 tries. On the fifth try I got a lady in Italy who spoke English, managed to find my e-mail and said "I'll send you a new password now. When you enter it, your pending order will show in your cart."

The new password worked, and (needless to say) my cart was empty. Amazingly the model still showed as available on their main website, I put it in the cart and, wonder of wonders, the order went through.

So I've had to jump through a few hoops just to get a model I am still not 100% sure about, but after all this I had damn well better enjoy it.

I am now hard at work practising back somersaults, headstands, high-wire walking, and escaping from a sunken vessel while blindfold and chained to a block of concrete, in readiness for acquiring the 1960 De Soto when the time comes. Maybe I should learn Chinese as well. You never know what might make or break the deal.

Apologies as ever for wasting your time. Just thought you might be faintly amused. Sympathetic, even.