Hilary Stone

This is good to know as he may have some great stuff but if he can't be business orientated & has a wesbite then he should not be in the business of selling to the public at large IMO.

I'm glad of this info as I visit the website quite often & being overseas will possibly avoid for now.

I would still go to him for parts, i just think with him on LFGSS he's flooded with questions etc.[/quote]
 
I've bought heaps of things from Hilary over the years via mail order. There have been times when he's forgotten something or got orders mixed up but he has always come good in the end. If you can accept this about him then you'll be fine. If however, you expect him to operate, (as many seem to in this age of 24hr turn around times and computer controlled stock inventories), as an uber efficient commercial online enterpise then you may well be disappointed.

I, for one, would certainly miss him as a resource of good quality, affordable second hand parts if he wasn't around.

P.S. I am in no way affiliated to the man!
 
Dealt with Hilary many times mainly through LFGSS. Always got my bits ok, some take a while others arrived instantly.
 
Hilary has a different understanding than some others about condition, but as a rule he is a dependable source and will come through in the end. His prices tend to be comensurate with the level of service offered. If you want perfect service or perfect items, expect to pay more.
 
Phone him.

In my experience he doesn't answer emails. Maybe he just gets too many - he is just one man (with an assistant) operating from his home, and I'm sure there are many thousands of enthusiasts who know his name, all of whom are itching for that elusive bit of vintage kit.

Even if he had time to read all of his messages, he probably wouldn't feel inclined to respond to all of them. The last shopping list I sent him probably made me sound like the most demanding person on earth - it was a best-case scenario wishlist, and he was my best bet. I'm not defending his disappointing business skills, but spare a moment for the guy.

That said, I do find it a bit frustrating that on his website he encourages people to get in touch and ask for things, when in reality he's too bogged down to even respond. So phone the man and pester him!
 
He replied to my e-mails quickly and answered the phone. But still over 3 weeks to refund a small amount of money. After that i wouldn't and wont be going back.

E-bay is better and buying from people from here is far better for me.

The Hilary Stone fan club can talk amongst them selves on how good he is.
 
Fair enough. I've never had to claim a refund from him, so can't comment on that. Just for the record I'm not in the "fan club"; I'm staying neutral.
 
tintin40":3932am6g said:
The Hilary Stone fan club can talk amongst them selves on how good he is.

Been reading this to see what the problem is, figuring maybe some truth might come out. Don't know the guy personally, but have seen some of his "very hard to find" kit at silly cheap prices. I think the guy is mad to even remotely deal with jerks like you.

That's right, "jerks".

You're publicly crucifying 1 of lifes genuine cycling enthusiasts with a hilti gun, all for £7. Tell you what, send me your paypal and I'll give you the ******* money myself.

The guy is a cycling enthusiast trying via his own time and efforts to help those who can't help themselves without his input, to find very hard to source parts. He identifies them correctly, and prices them so he can keep things going. I don't get the impression he is currently in The Cayman Islands pondering the options for re-investment in bonds & stocks with your £7.

Bottom line is this, send me your paypal and get off his back, go for a ride, chill out, and get some perspective on life. Until you know what the problem is, just suck it up and stop whinging like a tart who's put her knickers on backwards. Take a hint from those who "do know him".

Can't imagine what collosal items you bought for that £7, maybe a complete Cinelli Super Corsa kitted with Campagnolo SR that had a scratch on the bar tape. Yours Laz.

PS: wouldn't hesitate to use the guy if he had what I wanted. I'll have a bet with you ..... " bet you I get the £7 back eventhough I don't know him , long before you apologise for being such a jerk over £7 "
 
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