ISLA PERCUSSION - Discussion, Quality, Experience, etc

[sonorlite]

Anyone have an update on when Mario might be shipping his orders. Last e-mail I got on 3/31 he said was drying skins and driving across Belize to ship them.

[barnabus1999]

I have not heard any updates in about a month. I am wondering the same thing...

[sonorlite]

I can't any response from Mario via e-mail. Anyone speak with him recently on when he will start shipping past orders?

[SpEd]

I spoke with Mario last week Friday regarding my order.... he seems to be getting some details in order still, but stated that my order is still on track.
I await a mahogany conga/tumba set with 4 bands....

[sonorlite]

I just heard from Mario and he has had problems getting reasonably priced shipping squared away.

Should be sending products soon.

[barnabus1999]

Yes the drums should be shipping soon. Just found out the shippingcosts! - $100 each drum

Kinda wish I knew that at the beginning...

[pcastag]

Sure would love to see some pics and reviews of the new mahogany drums!
PC

[bongosnotbombs]

I got this email from Mario on April 27

Geordie, what UP? Listen bro, I am having some communication problems here in Belize. I understand that there are a few peeps on Congaplace not knowing what is going on. It is one of those things I am working out here that will be fixed soon. Please tell them to be patient and that I am just about finished with a lot of things.

One Love Bro

Mario

of course you guys know about his new website....

http://islapercussions.blogspot.com/

[sonorlite]

Mario said he shipped my requinto on April 28 via Hyde Shipping but I have not received it. Hyde said it would have gotten to the USA on May 3 but they have no record of the shipment and Mario still does not answer e-mail. Is it really that difficult to set up a reliable e-mail account in Belize?

[sonorlite]

At this point I doubt I'll ever see my drum. I would not recommend anyone buy anything from Isla unless it's a COD shipment and even then I wouldn't pay unless I could inspect it first.

Mario said he was out of canoe wood so he can't build another one. He did offer a refund but said he couldn't pay me for two months.

[Jibaro]

At this point I doubt I'll ever see my drum. I would not recommend anyone buy anything from Isla unless it's a COD shipment and even then I wouldn't pay unless I could inspect it first.

Mario said he was out of canoe wood so he can't build another one. He did offer a refund but said he couldn't pay me for two months.

Wow, that really sucks. Mario gets a lot of positive press in here. Doesn't matter how good his work is if he can't deliver. Worse yet, this appears to be a straight forward swindle.

I can feel your disappointment.

[vasikgreif]

I did buy Isla bata and did experience Mario not answering my emails for months, delaying shipment etc., but after a long time he did send the drums.
It seems Mario is a nice guy, I can't understand he is so irresponsible to make his customers happy. I cannot imagine he wouldn't send the drums, as that will kill his business for sure.

Hope he will solve this asap. Good luck!

[SpEd]

At this point I doubt I'll ever see my drum. I would not recommend anyone buy anything from Isla unless it's a COD shipment and even then I wouldn't pay unless I could inspect it first.

Mario said he was out of canoe wood so he can't build another one. He did offer a refund but said he couldn't pay me for two months.

Are you assuming the drum is lost? Is there no way to track the shipment? Why do you say "unless you inspect it first"? Have you had issues with damage on the drums you have received?

[pcastag]

Hmmm, sounds like relocating the business to Belize has not turned out to be the best situation, unfortunately he's probably encountering some of the problems that are typical doing business in a country that does not have a developed business infrastructure. too bad, sounded like a good deal with the beautiful mahogany and zircote woods, hope everything works out well for him and his business venture.
PC

[sonorlite]

Hyde shipping has no record of me as a receiver of the shipment nor of Mario or Isla as a shipper. Without an bill of lading number Hyde can't give me any information. Mario has not responded to e-mail or voicemail with any tracking data. The drum might be stuck in customs.

My comment about opening up the package first meant I don't even trust there to be the correct item in the box at this point.