There are so many good suppliers out there - too bad once in while we get hold of one that is a real stinker.
Here is the story of one who started out as a good supplier then has failed miserably. The company I am speaking of is
TDI - Today's Digitizing Inc. This story starts a well over a year ago. I had run into a logo that
a regional Church organization needed engraved on several perpetual plaques. The logo was very complex and they
only had it as a poor jpg. Another engraver suggested TDI for he job. They did a wonderful job on it at a very
reasonable price. After that I used them on few other cases. Quick turn around (24-48 hrs) and reasonable prices.
Then came last month - I was asked to produce a logo for a Womens conference for a national union. One the things
the logo was going to be used for was embroidery item as well as engraving, print etc. Part of the logo included
a jpg that the union wanted incorporated. Since our shop does not do Embroidery I ask TDI to digitize it so that the logo
could be handed over to the lady who was doing the shirts and blankets. Emailed logo June 30th.
Checked on progress July 2 - TDI said - girl who does Emb. digitizing gone till Tues. - She was supposed to have it done before she went -
They were sorry - would call me on July 6 - no call - I called on July 7 - Girls still gone - TDI says will have someone else do it that day -
I call again on Friday the 9th - TDI - so sorry will call you back in 30 min.. .. yeah sure- Monday the 12th call again- another apology -
will be done and emailed by afternoon - Yesterday - sent another email this time just asked if they every planed on doing it and if they still wanted my business
- This morning the 14th - no response.
Why start a service type business if you do not plan on keeping your customers - why make promises you never intend to keep -
Why not tell customer the truth if you are not capable of keeping your commitment -

Thanks for letting me blow off STEAM - My recommendation - NEVER USE TDI - John the man in charge cannot tell the truth.
Anyone know of a engraving, embroidery digitizer who is dependable. I only need them once in a while for special projects most I do myself - then its my own fault for waiting till the last minute.

Thanks again
Joe

Joe,

I don't have much digitizing done, but when I do, I use Lamro, Inc., located in Mesa, AZ.

They digitize for all computerized systems, including embroidery.

They used to be priced on the high side, but since so many people do their own logos on open architecture equipment, laser and sublimation, they've become very reasonable.

The best part is, they tell you what they're gonna do, and do it. If they have a problem, they'll call you, before you have a chance to call them.

I wish all service businesses took that approach.

Lamro, Inc.
(800) 525-2676

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA
www.engravingetc.org

I can highly recommend Mike Fall at Engravers Gallery in Massillon, OH, 1-800-795-4801. He's been doing our work for years and I am never disappointed. Any problems, he is right on it to get it fixed.
They've had their ups and downs just like all of us in the employee department, but they will be honest with you, and I really appreciate that.
They run multiple processes in house - screening, engraving - I'm not sure about embroidery - so they can probably get your logo in the right format.
All they ask of me is that they are paid in a prompt manner, and I always respect that to keep them happy. In exchange, they have turned logos around for me same day in emergency situations. This too, I try not to abuse.
You might give Mike a call and talk to him about your needs and see if he can help you out. Tell him Hi from me and that I directed you his way.
Cindy Murdoch
Cascade Engraving & Awards, LLC
Springfield, OR

Cindy & David
Thanks for the leads. I called TDI again this morning and talked with a new
employee. I nicely told him of my situation and explained that even the owner,
John, had not taken care of things. He promised to look up my file and call me back within
an hour. I told him that I could respect that as long as he kept this word.
He call and said I would have the logo by tomorrow. I thanked him and let him know that
even though I was upset that it was not at him and not personal. He handled me well and honestly
and I thanked him and sincerely wished him luck at this new job. I probably will never go back there.
I will check out both of the options you two gave me when I need them again.
It is not often that I need a digitizer but is nice to have a reliable company when you need them.
Sad thing is TDI had been great up till now - but when the owner himself does not follow up and take care of
business make you think twice about their commitment to the customer. It normally takes a lot to get
me upset especially when it is business but, I detest poor customer service.
To top it off we had some bad experiences this week with both Alenite/Discount Trophy and
RS Owens. When it rains it pours.
Best thing is business is extremely good - were working early, late and if I get the bid on a rush job
the weekend just to keep up.
Thanks again for the leads. As usual you all are the best!
Joe

Joe,

I spoke to a friend of mine today. He said he had been having problems with SimbaCal and was just about ready to give up on them as a supplier.

That was, until one person at Simba dealt with his problems personally and very efficiently. It wasn't the owner. Now my friend asks for "the guy" and everything has been fine.

Too bad there's only one person in the organization capable of retaining customers through exemplary service.

Just thought I would mention that story. It sounded similar to your experience with TDI.

David "The Stunt Engraver" Lavaneri
DGL Engraving
Port Hueneme, CA

Isn't it funny how it's usually "one of the employees" who is the most helpfull, instead of the man in charge!?

Justin

Just as a follow up - Robert the employee - delivered the finished project
as promised. Still makes me mad, that I had to get mad, to purchase services from a company.
I much prefer to use sugar catch the fly - but if he don't land - I am handy with the swatter.

Joe

Joe, sorry to say I'm kinda glad to hear somebody else had problems with TDI. I had used them several times years ago, with same day results. Last December I needed a logo digitized for embroidery - must have been the same gal. As I remember she had to go to doctor appointments, off today, etc. I finally got to talk to her and she said I'd have it in 1/2 hour and it was 8 hours later (and not correct). I should have known something was up when the guy I had always used in the past sent me an email letting me know he was leaving the company. He must have known something, but couldn't come out and directly tell us. I also hated the 'shipping' charges for the graphic being sent by the internet.

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations

Thanks for the message. Mom used to say "misery loves company". Thank
goodness I did finally get what I needed from them. There used to be a man
who worked for them named Ramon - he sent me an email when he left as
well - I always though that was odd.
Thanks
Joe

Just wanted to let others know. Today I'm needing a logo digitized for an embroidery job. I remembered this thread so looked it back up. I have used TDI before and did not want to try them again - I don't need the headache ;). Here is what I found out:

Lamro no longer does digitizing for embroidery. Still does other formats with a beginning rate of $40.00.

Engravers Gallery - 800 number no longer in service and no forwarding information. That was enough for me to think I didn't want to use them.

Doing some more searching.

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations

Thank you, I'll call them now.

Zona

The 800 # was the only info I had on this company (from early posting). I went to Logofax (also mentioned in previous posting). Ordered today - is actually 2 different logos (front and back) and will have it by Friday. If you have more info on Engravers Gallery you might want to post it here for others to see. Thanks for letting me know they are still around.

Zona
Zona's Engraved Creations

Joe, Call 1-802-988-4123, Mike does our digitizing, super job always. Company is Jayview Embroidery.

I had much the same experience with TDI, will never use them again. Linda

Zona,

Another digitizer for embroidery is

www.volant-tech.com

Nice web site, great service, good price, you can have it fast or 2 days regular service.

I haven't been on the Forum in a while but this thread caught my eye. I had many problems with TDI, and then discovered LogoFax. I understand there is actually a lawsuit or something between TDI and LogoFax and I'm not sure the details but LogoFax is on the up-and-up where TDI is the offender. Anyway, I have used LogoFax and never looked back. They digitize for engraving and embroidery, I have purchased their logo books and they are constantly coming up with new and wonderful items. They also respond quickly and have a great website

www.logofax.com

Their logo packages have been well worth the investment and I'm looking at their latest color logo packages that can be used with laser or sublimation!! Try them!