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Mackfam
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 1:59pm | IP Logged
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Ok everybody - I just called KidAdvance and have some awesome news to report regarding our concerns about lead paint and my  sad knobbed cylinders!!!
Han assured me that their manufacturer complies with industry standards regarding lead paint use and also confirmed my initial suspicions about everyone using the same supplier. He said that they (KidAdvance) have a unique supplier, but that almost everyone else who imports from China uses the same manufacturer, and he was pretty sure that they complied with paint standards as well. Whew!!!!!
Also, I mentioned the knobbed cylinders, some sticking, one cylinder that was too small for the hole/opening. At first, he did mention that weather/humidity would affect the wood of the cylinders, but then agreed that it sounded like the set I had was defective in some way. He said they are very careful about inspecting every material for quality, and they reject pieces that do not meet their standards. He wanted my set back to inspect, and assured me that when he received my set, he'd send out a new set immediately. But when I asked if they reimbursed for return shipping he said no they didn't. Hmmm...Phone call ended with me saying I'd have to discuss this with my dh to decide what we would do - not in a threatening way - just sort of said what I was thinking out loud. Those cylinder blocks are HEAVY!! I was pretty sure it would be too much to just ship back!
Less than 2 minutes later, the phone rang and it was Han of KidAdvance. He apologized for not doing this earlier, and said he was just going to send me a brand new set of knobbed cylinders!! No need for me to return mine at all he said! Wow!! I was blown away and assured him I would report their very accomodating customer service to all those I knew who were in the market for Montessori materials.
I was pretty sure that I would be disappointed after talking with KidAdvance, but wow am I happy to report that if you're shopping in the bargain corner like I was, you can still get great customer service!!!
I'm so excited and happy!!! 
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Meredith
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 3:34pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, this is great news!! Thanks for doing the legwork for us here! I'm thrilled! 
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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saintanneshs
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 3:41pm | IP Logged
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Yes, yes! I'm so glad to read this...I was really worrying about the lead issue after reading the earlier thread.
And thank you so much Jennifer, for taking the time to reassure us all.
And good for KidAdvance! They just won me over!
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Kristine
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Jordan
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 3:45pm | IP Logged
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That really is great customer service, especially for an expensive item.
I was worried about the lead thing too. Thanks so much for asking and then posting about it. I bought a bunch of stuff last year that was manufactured in China too from www.montessoriequipment.com.
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Jordan
Cheerios & Fingerpaints
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SeaStar
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| Posted: June 19 2007 at 5:11pm | IP Logged
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Thank you! It seems like everything I have is made in China. Do they make toys anywhere else? 
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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)
SQUILT Music Appreciation
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SuzanneG
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| Posted: July 10 2007 at 4:22pm | IP Logged
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ONE of my cylinders from ONE of the blocks sticks (from Kid Advance). Sent an email yesterday and they called today to say that they are sending a whole new block It will be shipped with the 2 backordered puzzle maps.
They were great!
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Suzanne in ID
Wife to Pete
Mom of 7 (Girls - 14, 12, 11, 9, 7 and Boys - 4, 1)
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: July 10 2007 at 5:04pm | IP Logged
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That is great!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 10 2007 at 9:21pm | IP Logged
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Oh I'm so glad Suzanne! I'm still waiting on my binomial cube (which was on backorder) and the replacement set of knobbed cylinders they are supposed to be sending at the same time. My dh thinks I should call since it was supposed to come sometime (not exactly sure when) in July. I might email tomorrow. I'll sure feel a lot better when they arrive and are all in good shape!
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Kristin
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| Posted: July 11 2007 at 2:47pm | IP Logged
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Jennifer, I'm so glad to hear this news! The same thing happened for me with Knobless Cylinders I ordered last year, from a different montessori supplier off of Ebay. A number of the cylinders were off-size or wouldn't stand upright when placed on the table. The company sent me an entire new set so I could pick and choose the best ones! So, if anyone is in need of spare parts for knobless cylinders just let me know!
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Bunch 'o Honey to my Honey Bunch and Mama to five - Noah 10y  , Rose 8y  , Dominic 2.5 y  , Oliver 16m 
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Mackfam
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 4:41pm | IP Logged
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I am beside myself with delight practically squealing with happiness. My replacement knobbed cylinders just arrived from Kid Advance! They are absolutely perfect in every way! I'm so thrilled...Now, I have a whole set of (my previously dysfunctional) cylinders that are begging to be turned into knobless cylinders.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19, ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
Wildflowers and Marbles
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Meredith
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 5:09pm | IP Logged
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Yeah, what a joy!!! I was holding my breath in anticipation for you as my cyclinders arrived perfect and I was SO hoping they would come through for you, bravo for another good company and it's service and standards!! So glad you shared here!
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Meredith
Mom of 4 Sweeties
Sweetness and Light
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lapazfarm
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| Posted: July 12 2007 at 5:24pm | IP Logged
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Hooray! Great idea about making the knobless cylinders out of the rejects! And I am sure you will find some clever way to use those blocks as well!
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Theresa
us-schooling in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska.
LaPaz Home Learning
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4Real Forums : Nurturing the Years of Wonder
Topic: Great News about KidAdvance!!
