Quantum Sails Asia - cheating the customers

[Alik]

I am not sure if here is a proper place for this post or not, but just want to warn the boating community.

We ordered two sails for 23m catamaran in May, but still not delivered and nobody can give any idea about terms of delivery or refund of our payment. Looks like Quantum Sails Asia (Malaysia) or Quantum Structural Membranes has internal problems. Their management staff just not recieve the telephone and not reply the e-mails.

I strongly recommend not to deal with the loft named Quantum Sails Asia or Quantum Structural Membranes in Malaysia.

[Raggi_Thor]

Good to know.
Do you have any experience with Lee Sails in Hongkong?
I have heard they make good (for their price) cruising sails.

[Crag Cay]

I have experience of Lee Sails, although 25 years ago! We needed a complete compliment of sails for a new build square rigger. The order was placed with Lee's as they had completed several other ships to a very high standard.

However it was not a buying relationship for someone of even a slightly nervous disposition. The order was placed months in advance but no progress appeared to have been made even 10 days before the official celebrity launch. We expected to the see their loft swarming with work on our order. But nothing, although they kept on assuring us everything was fine and it would be okay on the day.

With about a week to go we were beginning to panic and demanded to see some progress. They told us that things were now in hand and that if we were to return to the ship, some people would be along for a first fit. Sure enough a large sanpan arrived with dozens of workers who scurried aloft and rough fittted all 12 sails. We then went around with the head sailmaker to add final comments and the whole lot was stripped off and disappeared for final adjusting and hand finishing. Two days later it was all back, bent on and ready with two days to spare.

My admiration for Lee Sails was established, but as a breed, sailmakers are not the most reliable bunch and have given rise to plenty more anxious moments over the years (Goacher Sails excepted!).

[Alik]

2 Crag Cay
With Quantum this is not same story. Looks like they just want to skip orders, done by previous management.

[gggGuest]

Originally Posted by Alik

I strongly recommend not to deal with the loft named Quantum Sails Asia or Quantum Structural Membranes in Malaysia.

As this is a well known International comany witha rather bigger reputation than you have, what evidence can you give us that this story is genuineluy true and not malicious? For all anyone knows you might work for a competitor...

[Alik]

Originally Posted by gggGuest

As this is a well known International comany witha rather bigger reputation than you have, what evidence can you give us that this story is genuineluy true and not malicious?

We have the payment documents and do not have sails. Is that enough?
I can provide all correspondence with Quantum to interested parties, just ask by PM or e-mail.

For me it is really amazing why this international company does not care about reputation as thay play like that.

[Frosty]

I cant help but think there is more to this. What do they say when you phone them and ask 'where is my sails'?

If they have blatantly took your money and have not made any attempt to make your order and say so,--then your dissapoinment can be understood.

In such a situation it can also be understood why you would want to warn us of such a company, and air your annoiance.

Im sure that you will undestand that it is difficult for us to accept your story of Quantums unbelievable incompetance on its own and that if you really intend to slag off the company then site further information for us to judge this for ouselves.

[Alik]

2 jack frost
The management staff is not available on phone, and secretary can not answer anything. They just expect I give up asking. And it is already many months without any perspective of getting our order.

The story is that their previous manager resigned and new management does not want to respond for orders. Actually as it turned out they have two companies (but only one website and same managemet, at least before) named Quantum Asia and Quantum Structutal Membranes. The interrelation between these companies is complicated and not clear to customers. Now they can not figure out who will respond the orders. I know we are not the only customer cheated as the secretary said yesterday that customers keep calling and asking about thier orders.

I can understand about internal problems, but someone here said Quantum is a reputable company... At least we want to have clear perspective when and how we can get the order or refund. I think in this situation 'hiding' is not right policy for managenet.

[RHough]

Contact Larry Leonard Founder & Managing Partner, Quantum Sail Design Group, Loft Owner/Sail Designer, Quantum Annapolis.

Quantum Lofts are independent but "Quantum Asia is now run as a direct subsidiary of Quantum Sail Design Group within the Quantum Structural Membrane factory in Melaka, Malaysia."

"Per Andersson Head Designer and Vice President, QSDG

Per is originally from Stockholm, Sweden and currently resides in Annapolis, MD, where he is QSDG’s chief designer. Per not only designs sails for the group but has also played a large role in developing and engineering the Fusion-M product that the group builds at QSM in Malaysia."

Both of these guys are in Annapolis. I would be very interested in what they have to say about this situation. I'm about to place an order for 4 or 5 sails and Quantum has been my loft of choice for the last few years. If you don't get a satisfactory response from them I want to know.

[Alik]

I already e-mailed to Annapolis office and attached the link to this discussion also. Hope we can get positive result. I'll keep public informed.

[Alik]

I've got e-mail from US office with explaination of situation. The loft in Malaysia and 'head office' start moving only when they have seen I share the situation with boating community, before that they were quet!

No word of appologize in this e-mail. The reaction is that 'please find our ex-manager and ask him to clear Your order'. They do not want to respond for their staff mismanagement. This is not the attitude of reputable company.

Let's see what happen next...

[Jaramaz]

Anything?

2 busy weeks ...

/J

[Alik]

Actually, no progress in getting sails. Trying to find previous manager with our money

[Jaramaz]

Do you have a written contract / confirmation / receipt from Quantum on your payment(s)? Or any other way to prove that you have paid?

If you have then go to the police, or (worse) a lawyer (check your insurance, it might contain some legal costs). From the message you seems to have got from Quantum ("please find our ex-manager and ask him to clear Your order") Quantum tries to put you in a strange position, and probably gain time. If you have an agreement with Quantum, then it is not you who should find their ex-manager, it is them.
If, as you indicate, there has been different QS companies involved, and the one that you have an agreement is no longer active (??), then again, police (fraud!).

If you do not have any way of proving your agreement with Quantum, then you have to re-consider. Any way of proving the money transfer? etc.

Best of luck!

/J

[Alik]

We have invoice and money transfer record, plus all correspondence. Quantum Membranes in Malaysia was pushed to report the police about situation with us and five other customers. But the problem is that money was paid to retail company named Quantum South East Asia that used to pass orders to Quantum Membranes, though their manager was same. The manager was the owner of Quantum S.E.A. also... Membranes does not want to respond for orders as formally money was not paid to them, but actually the situation arrived due to a) their staff and b) system of orders used by Quantum. The steps Quantum is doing now is trying to find the ex-manager and ask him to refund the payments. I really think this would be no success as money is probably spent. I really think something is wrong in Quantum system, but yes, going to court is the last choice for us.