Hams need to be warned about Greyline Performance Antennas, the maker of stealth flagpole antennas. My story is long, but important for hams to know. In early March, 2022, I contacted Greyline Performance by phone and they confirmed that if I purchased an antenna it would ship within 3-4 weeks. As a result, I placed an order on March 5 and mailed a check to them on March 7th. The check cleared my bank on March 25th.
It should be noted that their website and my receipt both say they will contact the customer prior to cashing the check AND the check wouldn’t be cashed until the antenna is shipped. To the contrary, they cashed the check and did not ship the antenna.
I left 2 voicemails and 3 emails between March 26 and March 31 asking for shipping info. They didn’t respond until I mentioned the Better Business Bureau. On April 1 they replied saying I would be receiving one of the antennas that ship “next week.”
Further enquiries through emails on April 14 and 16 resulted in no reply. On April 19 I emailed and threatened to contact the Idaho Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division and that got a reply saying shipment was being prepared. However, it was never shipped.
On April 23, I filed a complaint with the Idaho Better Business Bureau. They did reply to the BBB, but were unwilling to resolve the issue and the BBB closed the complaint as unresolved.
Subsequent emails on May 18 and June 3 did not receive a reply.
I then filed a complaint with the Idaho Attorney General Office's Consumer Protection Division. After waiting over two months for a reply I called their Consumer Protection Division and was told that Greyline had not replied. They further informed me that they attempted to get Greyline’s Coeur d’ Alene post office box ownership information, but the Post Master did not reply. Further, they informed me that they at at least 8 other complaints against Greyline. But they were not able to directly contact them.
On July 23, I received an email from Greyline informing me that my antenna was ready for shipping, that it would be going out “in a week or so,” and to expect a tracking number “next week.” I never received the tracking information or an antenna.
On September 19, their website update page said, “shipping same day – next day on new orders,” so I emailed for an update. They actually replied that same day and said to watch for tracking “early next week.” I never received shipping or tracking information….or the antenna.
On September 30, I requested an update and did not receive a reply.
On October 7, their website update page said, “shipping same/next day for 20 footers,” which is what I ordered in March.
On both October 11 and 13, I emailed Greyline and demanded immediate shipment of the antenna or an immediate refund. They never replied.
In late October I ordered and received an antenna from another company. I cancelled my order with Greyline and asked for a complete refund. They never replied so I filed complaints with the FBI’s Internet Crime Division, the Federal Trade Commission, and the U.S. Postal Service. I’ve never heard from any of the 3 so I assume they’re worthless.
Over the following months I sent numerous emails and left voicemails (they don’t actually answer their phone). They never replied.
I early January, I contacted the Coeur d’ Alene police department and spoke with a Sgt. He had me file a police report and was actually able to get Jon Kimball on the phone. He inform Jon that he was the subject of an investigation and that it would be in everyone’s interest if he sent me a refund.
Instead, without giving me any notice, Jon sent an antenna. The package was missing parts.
I’ve emailed him every day since getting the package. No replies.
We will celebrate (sarcasm) our first anniversary since making the purchase on March 5. I’m not expecting any gift of missing parts.
In conclusion, based on my experience and reviews on eHam, QRZ, Better Business Bureau complaints, etc., I find it hard to believe that any positive review of Greyline is legit. It would be my guess that they’re planted.
Avoid this company like the plaque.