CAUTION: Do not do business with Denise "LadyGhost" Cowles-Lewis

BurqueDave

Active Hunter
For the record I want this to be known. I consider myself a bit naive at times, but in general a good client when it comes to making a purchase. Sometimes I will go off of other's recommendations. I try to work closely with the seller to ensure the product is what I need. I also consider my self pretty flexible and reasonable when it comes to missed deadlines as LONG as there's an explanation that "hey I am going to be late on this"

That being said however, I get very concerned when there is a lack of communication. When it becomes a period of time with not responding to my messages with even a simple responses, I get concerned.


You got a reason for the missed commitment, fine. tell me.


However, when I am told, "the item is shipped (last Monday) but is unable to produce a tracking number when requested.


So, with that said, I will ensure that this post is directed at the person I believed to be crafting a flak vest for my Jango Fett costume armor.


I generally HATE calling people out, but maybe this will get her attention.


Denise Ladyghost Cowles-Lewis is whom I am talking about. I've contacted her many times, but her last responses was that the vest would be in the mail last Monday and on Wednesday when I asked for the tracking information, she said that she would get it to me when she returned home. This being Sunday, she hasn't responded.


I am going to count this as a loss and go through another vendor. However, I will not go quietly. If anyone from the 501st Legion deals with her, I consider her a black mark as a crafter.


This after totally messing up my order initially and providing garments totally out of proportion.


In short, I will post this for her to see, as well as other boards as someone to avoid in the future.
 
your not making me feel good i commissioned her for a Jango vest was supposed to be done last month emailed twice no response just emailed her last fri same now going on 6 months
 
Hm, this is odd, i know of her, and have only heard good things about her. This is the first im hearing of anything bad. i wonder whats up? :/
 
she's been a long time maker on bikerscout.net, and this is the first time i've heard of anyone having any problems with her service.
 
Here is more conversation from her on Facebook that we've had:


  • Denise Ladyghost Cowles-Lewis Thank you for the head's up. I had made the whole suit and vest for him. Had some health and family issues that made some delays. The vest was too small because the measurements he gave me were incorrect. I told him to send it back and I'd redo it since leather is unforgiving I could make it smaller, but not bigger without remaking it from scratch, which I told him I would do. I also have other commissions after his which I have been working on, but I couldn't move his back to the front of the line. I said I would try to work him back in. I also only buy only enough supplies as I need them per order. The right leather ofter takes me a week or more to find the right weight, texture and color. I took a couple of weeks just to get more leather...then the work is in between other personal obligations...including family...my mom was in the hospital with pneumonia and A-Fib heart problems. My mate has also been working out of town so when he's home I don't work non-stop on projects. I told him all of this. I have responded to his messages, but now they are non-stop so I stopped answering them this week to try and just work on the project. I have never NOT completed or made right an order in the last 10 years I've been making mostly 501 costumes.....over 400 of them. So well that's the story. Feel free to pass this on verbatim.
    9 mins · Like





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    Dave Staggs Well as figured, at least a public post will get a response. First of all, I'd hardly account "non-stop" as time stamps are days apart from the promised delivery dates. Halloween which was promised "without a doubt. Came and went. Would have it by the Symphony, and again promised. "I shipped it out on Monday." Question is, was it? Because as of Wednesday, when I had not heard from you, you said you would have the tracking number when you got home. 4 days later, and there's still no tracking information. All of which leads me to believe that it has not been completed and I have been lied to. Missed commitments are one thing if it's agreed to. I feel cheated quite honestly. Having you say that I "non-stop" respond to you, should clue you in that there's a problem with you, as the seller, in your lack of communication. To the point where you decide to STOP, further proves you are not one to be trusted. I will forward your "varbatim" as well as my response.






 
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I have her on facebook, so i contacted her about this, as like i said, and i see Saint_Nasty has also pointed out, i have never heard of anyone having a problem with her work and i wanted to see what could be done for you, This is what she said:

I had made the whole suit and vest for him. Had some health and family issues that made some delays. The vest was too small because the measurements he gave me were incorrect. I told him to send it back and I'd redo it since leather is unforgiving I could make it smaller, but not bigger without remaking it from scratch, which I told him I would do. I also have other commissions after his which I have been working on, but I couldn't move his back to the front of the line. I said I would try to work him back in. I also only buy only enough supplies as I need them per order. The right leather often takes me a week or more to find the right weight, texture and color. I took a couple of weeks just to get more leather...then the work is in between other personal obligations...including family...my mom was in the hospital with pneumonia and A-Fib heart problems. My mate has also been working out of town so when he's home I don't work non-stop on projects. I told him all of this. I have responded to his messages, but now they are non-stop so I stopped answering them this week to try and just work on the project. I have never NOT completed or made right an order in the last 10 years. I've been making mostly 501 costumes.....over 400 of them. So well that's the story. Feel free to pass this on verbatim.

I guess she must have posted this to you..well im glad i got a response for you, im sure you will get your stuff!
 
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Darth, because that is the same reply she told me on my FB post. Funny, she jsut copy/pasted it.

I've lost all faith with her as a client at this point and am considering that she never did state that she would finish working on it or send it, I'm considering another client to work with

Also don't get me wrong either. If I am fortunate and things do turn around to positive, I will post to it as well.

This is just a bad experience that I hope no one else experiences.
 
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i hear ya Dave. Yea she copied and pasted her answer to me when i told her someone wasnt happy, guess she knew who you were right off the bat. Its obvious cuz you can tell the replay was to someone else and to be relayed to ya. I didnt realize you posted that on FB as well, but well..there ya go lol

Anywho, i hope you get your stuff. Shes been selling for a LONG time and i think she'll make good. Let us know how it goes!
 
Stuff happens in real life where you are making things yourself and not having some Asian kid making it. People get sick have things come up they're to proud to admit, and other things that get in the way we've seen it before and will in the future. Good luck hope all works out for you.
 
Fett 4 Real, I hope you don't think I'm not realistic to understand things happen. The item was sent back over Labor Day holiday. It's been over 2 months now with agreement that it would be done at latest by Halloween. Witht he statments of "it's shipped out" already...I really don't think I'm making a false expectation here one bit.
 
I don't have FB i hate it so i don't use it i've sent her 2 emails in oct and 1 first week nov and one yesterday i understand real life and delays but at least a response would be courteous on my order status
 
Just a quick update:

Denise has since removed me from her contacts and refuses to acknowledge my messages to her.
I doubt she will send the package that this time and moving forward with other plans.

I will have her XO contacted in Tampa Florida. If anyone else plans to do further business with her from the 501st, be warned.
 
A ray of hope in the matter:

Your vest isn't completed. Things came up that I had no control over. It bothers me that they have slowed me down and nothing would make me happier than having your project completed and mailed out to you. I don't feel the need to share my personal issues with customers, and sufficed to say some big personal issues are delaying project completion. I certainly don't consider you a friend, especially after what you said publicly. Your project will be completed and mailed with all possible haste.
 
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I wouldn't deal with her ever. Had a few members from my garrison still waiting for stuff 2 years on. What a joke.
 
Sounds familiar, seems to be a common thing in this business. I have noticed a few makers are arrogant enough to think they don't need to respond to you, or they can ask for a full payment through Paypal and tell you they will have it done well after the deadline to open a case. Apparently, some feel customer service is beneath them. Some makers won't even respond to you to begin with, which would seem like a great sign to avoid them, but most don't. I was burned before and had to cancel the charge on my credit card and now I am hesitant to repeat.
 
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I've been in this hobby going on 8yrs and have had only 1..possibly 2 transactions go south on me. Yes, you are taking a risk, but when you order something that HAS to be made to order like a jumpsuit made to your measurements, its unrealistic to have that done in the time frame given for a paypal claim, we arent walmart or having stuff made in bulk over seas. Also most of us are doing this as a hobby or on the side for a little extra cash. Real life can get in the way very easily, trust me i know.

I have been going through a bit of trouble myself with my commissions due to things beyond my control. However, i have been updating my situation here in a thread and always respond to members PMing me about their orders. Luckily i will be back on track very soon and can now get these things done and out.

That said, this type of behavior from Ladyghost is definitely frowned upon and she may end up getting banned from selling on the 501st boards as i keep seeing more people popping up with this same issue with her.

I wouldnt let 1 bad transaction stop you from buying from members again though. Like i said, in 8yrs i only had 1 or 2 transactions go south. Most of the members here and on the legion detachments are very reliable and have been here/there for years. Do a little research on the member you want to purchase from and that should help guide you.
 
Darth, you are absolutely correct - some things obviously cannot be finished within the paypal window. I was referring to the builders who feel they don't need to communicate with you, or make you feel like your are a pain in the ass for asking questions about the progress etc. There is no excuse for non-communication with a customer. As long as I have a open line of communication with the person who has my money, I can wait.
 
Great news everyone! I did get my vest today in the mail and it's a good fit.

Whereas, I wish I didn't go through the effort involved, I was able to have her complete it.

Thanks for your support.
 
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