Strange - I Can't Contact Hamstick.com

[KG9NZ]

A week or so ago I purchased some antennas and equipment online from Hamstick.com.  I received an order number, but never heard anything after that.  So yesterday evening I sent them an E-mail inquiring about the status of my order.  When I didn't receive a reply today, I tried calling their voice number.  I get a recording saying the number has been disconnected!  I tried the number listed on their website (864-226-6990) several times to be sure I did not misdial.

Not sure what is going on.  I checked and found that my credit card has NOT been charged from the order.  I know this company does a lot at hamfests.  Maybe they are not open year round?  Still, I did get an order number when I ordered, and no indication of any delays.

Has anyone else ordered from there recently or have any further information?

[KB4QAA]

There was discussion starting two to three weeks ago that they were maybe closing down.  Haven't seen anything confirmed.

[KG9NZ]

I got an E-mail from them on Sunday.  The E-mail said that they are indeed in the process of closing down after 35 years, and are now just selling their remaining stock.  I got a notice from UPS that my order shipped on Monday.

[WX7G]

That's not good news as Hamsticks are good, cheap antennas. I wonder if the MFJ HF Stick antennas were made by the Hamstick company?

[KG4RUL]

That's not good news as Hamsticks are good, cheap antennas. I wonder if the MFJ HF Stick antennas were made by the Hamstick company?

The MFJ "Hamtenna" is not made by Lakeview and, in my opinion, is a better design.  Being able to simply unscrew the stinger vs loosening the setscrew and losing the tuning setting, makes them easier to use an store.  I have five band pairs, which I use in the MFJ dipole mount, for portable ops.

[W3DBB]

In 2001 I simultaneously mail-ordered a discounted Yaesu 2m FM rig from HRO-Delaware and a 5/8 wave 2m mag mount antenna from Lakeview Company in Anderson SC. HRO returned my personal check stating they were out of stock on the Yaesu 2m mobile rig and weren't expecting any more of that model number. OK- fair enough.

Lakeview wrote back and said they needed an additional dollar for shipping over and above the amount stated in their advertisement. I wrote back relating my HRO experience and wouldn't be needing the Lakeview antenna, so please cancel the order.

Lakeview shipped the antenna in spite of my request. It arrived in a too-short box, with the top 4" of the spring steel whip bent 90 degrees for clearance, both acts of an ethically-challenged individual or individuals.

This experience informed me not to do business with Lakeview Company. Which is too bad because the 2m 5/8 wave mag mount has been a solid performer. Their hamsticks, indeed pretty much everything they sold, is well-regarded.

Possibly a case of the manufacturing side being well-run and the retail side maybe not so much. It appears now nobody will be ordering from Lakeview Company. Business failures aren't random events; they happen for a reason.

[KB9AMM]

Mike Swass purchased Lakeview Company about 10 years ago.  A Native Floridian, that grew up in New York, he took over and learned the company, and put his blood sweat & tears into it.  He did pretty good, making a lot of friends & earning the respect of others in the business, and lots of thankful customers.  Like anyone learning the new trade, he made a couple of mistakes along the way.  Unfortunately, that also means dissatisfied customer too.  I had the pleasure of working with him professionally and socializing with him personally.  He was the kind of guy that worked from sun up till sun down, and lived for his business.

About 3 years ago, Mike left us.  His business was taken over by his son, Brian.  Brian is NOT a ham.  Brian does not have the desire in his blood like his father.  It was just a matter of time.  So another legacy leaves us.