Well sadly, I cannot say the same about my experiences with the seller, Takavor23/ Lev.
I got in touch with the Forum Staff by using the Contact Us button at the bottom of the page before making any further comments after the transaction being eventually "completed" shall we say, basically complaining that I was threatened with a warning simply for giving my honest and accurate comments on the thread and that I didn't think this was fair considering this board is the only place to find proper information about Leviathan/ M&M Tech pipes online.
I've not received a reply from the Forum Staff after two weeks - I feel so insignificant in my position as a new member that people are very quick to threaten me with infractions but very slow to help me out.
Anyhow, here it goes.
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My need to order... the broken piece
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On Jan 20th or so, my China glass Blaze 7mm Inline to Double 8 Arm Tree perc bong suffered a harsh blow to the bottom - where the inline was. This shattered the (not 7mm, more like 2.5mm) inline, rendering the piece mostly dead, and I understood I couldn't continue using it in the current state indefinitely.
I began doing some homework - this new piece would be my fourth glass piece since the others had broken, this may not seem many to others but I tend not to spend the low amount of money I get on glass smoking apparatus. A little bio:- I'm a retired british army officer and having served for a good number of years, I left, falling a victim to symptoms of anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder as well as, according to the army, slight paralysis in my communication - whatever that means.
I take a huge risk using cannabis illegally in the UK, but I find that it really helps to ease the difficulties experienced. Good quality herbs are hard to find here, just like the glass pipes and other smoking equipment.
My research popped up one name over and over:- Soveriengty. Apparently really superb pieces, very well made, proven track record with diffusion etc. Other names popped up too - Dirty Rico, David Goldstein, Mobius - all really good pieces with a good deal of information on various forums etc.
I discovered a large, 20 inch M&M Tech tube on a US retailer website that featured the lattice perc, as well as a Showerhead perc, splash guard and ice pinches. Fitted the bill perfectly.
I originally set my budget at $350, but increased it to $450 to counter in appx $50 shipping costs as well as guaranteeing a good piece (as the ones named above are this price range and higher).
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The pre-order
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Contacted Lev on the 28th Jan, basically asking if he could make said piece (gave link via PM) - I also mistakenly posted on this forum, my first post I think it was! Apologies.
A quick response from Lev, saying "we can have it made and shipped to you within 3 weeks".
A few more PM's back and fourth with me asking far too many questions as usual and I was finally ready. This is what my piece would have been:-
"-20 inch gridded lattice to showerhead - custom modified from original to go 60mm can > 50mm can > 40mm can to mouthpiece - 18.8mm joint.
-Colours wherever possible (rasta colouring on base or lattice if available, and mouthpiece) - (I had asked for a rasta coloured Lattice, but that wasn't possible apparently). "
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The order
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I was also told in a message that it'd take a week to make, and with original shipping hit my shore within the 3 weeks. I had asked to pay the extra (originally $400 USD excl shipping) for USPS Express International, which I estimated at $60 USD, and on Feb 2nd, the custom Paypal link was created for me. I paid on the same day several hours after getting the message.
The seller also said that they'd keep me updated during the process.
Page 68, #1685 this thread - me giving praise for the seller. I was very excited about this piece, the most expensive piece of glass I'd ever bought.
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Order processing
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Page 72, #1779 - I quickly asked if there'd be an update seeing as I hadn't heard from the seller all week. I understand that it had only been a week, or just under since paying, but thought that the piece may have been nearly complete considering the original gesture, of it only taking this time to make.
#1795, reiterating my concern for lack of contact but respectful that he may have had health/ other issues. Commented that (to me) $460 was a lot of money, and that at this stage it'd only be arriving at around that 3 week point, from placing my order (so could've paid original $35 shipping and received same time).
#1798, told forum that I'd received a private message from a member who had great difficulty with an order he made, taking a while for anything to happen and eventually being refunded after nearly a month since placing order.
On Feb 11th - since posting my comments I guess - I received a private message from Lev, the seller, stating that, "Hey I am having a few issues with the reduction down to a 40mm. Sorry for the delay we are trying to get things done in time. "
My reply was basically saying I'd like any reduction if 40mm wasn't possible but if reducing was an issue, not to worry.
**After receiving a private message from ANOTHER member on the forums on Feb 13th, basically saying that, in short that Lev lies about shipping and that another regular member of the forum, BDV just sticks up for him... This was a member who'd placed an order from Lev as a Christmas present that never ever happened, yet was even told it was shipped, without any tracking being provided after having asked. BDV apparently affirmed that the tube would definitely show up. It didn't and the refund was provided... **
So on this date, concerned I could be sitting in the same boat (and I'm no Navy man), I sent a PM quickly stating that I'd need the piece making this week and some other expenses had come up, otherwise I'd have to get a refund "that I don't want to trouble you with".
The response from the seller was the following:- "I willl try to have it finished by this friday but its cutting it close. If not I will issue a refund to you. "
My reply:- "Thinking about it, it would probably be better for you to post this on Monday or Tuesday, rather than any time over the weekend, as it'll just stay in the postal center, so hopefully those extra couple of days should allow you to complete it!
Would be a real shame if, 2 weeks after having placed the order, the piece that I've been looking forward to isn't done, as I do remember you said that within 3 weeks it would have been "hitting my shore".
Seller's reply:-
I know, we are almost done with it. That's why were trying to finish before Friday. If we dont finish Friday it'll be ready Monday."
Some confusion obviously ensued as after a couple of other PMs, with me admitting that there was now more than one other user who'd pm'd with their problems, he said "No problem I will see if we can do it. If not I will issue a refund Friday."
My response:- "I don't think it would be worth refunding me on Friday? I mean that would be two weeks of my time wasted, I'd rather give you until Monday to finish the piece. "
To which he replied "Thanks".
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Great job. Love the translucent color it has.
It's a different color slyme then I've seen.
.Would love to see all the glass you have back there.
J/K. I know its top secret.
