Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell You know it's funny. At first I thought "Ah, they're French..." (jk, I love the French, but you know the joke) and then I find out the owner is a Kiwi. Oh well.

French? I thought their headquarters was in the UK?

Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44).
I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense.
Won't be the first time I was wrong, though.

I have only dealt with Heather and she was pleasant whenever we did talk or exchange emails.

But I didn't feel like there was enough communication on orders. I have had more than one customer bail on me and get mad at me. One even bought a different kite from someone else (that I could have provided). Alot of my customers are face to face. They know nothing about kites. If I don't have an ozone to show them, they will know nothing different. if I have some ozones to show them and they want one that I don't have, then that is where the fun begins.

By comparison:

I put an order in last night for Peter Lynn.
All but one item was shipped by 10 am this morning (US time)

I think what we all are experiencing with Ozone Kites is the same thing I ran into when I wanted to buy a new Ducati motorcycle 2 years ago. The model I wanted, had a 6 to 8 month waiting period on it. I later found out that Ducati only ships a quarter of all models produced to the US if the prior years demand justifies it. I have this feeling European shops have most of the kites, and we are lucky if we get them in the US. Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyways I love the quality of the kites and other products, in my opinion they make some of the highest quality stuff out there. It is just frustrating to order their stuff. I waited almost 2 months for my 5m Flow, and only got the Access XT 8m in the color I wanted, after I called 10-12 online shops and stumbled across one that had the kite in stock, otherwise I would have ordered a different kite instead. I was lucky on the harness as well, the same store had it in stock and was able to ship right away. I realize that all the stores cannot stock all of the Ozone models in all the colors, but it always seems like nobody has anything or cannot get anything. And to top it off, Ozone does not have the vast model lineup compared to a lot of other manufacturers. It should not be that hard. I will still continue to support Ozone, but I don't know if I will buy another one of their kites. The 2 I have may be all I will ever buy again, unless something changes. I just hope I can get replacement lines or bridles if I ever need them.

Quote:

I think what we all are experiencing with Ozone Kites is the same thing I ran into when I wanted to buy a new Ducati motorcycle 2 years ago. The model I wanted, had a 6 to 8 month waiting period on it. I later found out that Ducati only ships a quarter of all models produced to the US if the prior years demand justifies it.

That's an understandable idea but wouldn't be quite accurate in this case. From speaking with Mr. Taggart he would be more than happy to ship any quantity of any Ozone product to the U.S. immediately as he has plenty of everything ready to go out the door. That's not the reason why we consumers have a hard time getting the product. Explaining more than that in a forum environment probably wouldn't be a good idea. Unless Ozone decides to set up distribution in this country in a different way than they currently are I doubt very seriously you will see anything done regarding our complaints.

Here is the part I do not get out of this whole thing. Windzup needs to sell kites to make money. When they do not provide for their dealers they make no sale ... in turn they make no money.

If the rumors are true that Ozone has plenty of kites to ship to us, but we are not getting any to buy ..... ???? Do you see why I can't understand whats going on?? Windzup doesn't want to make money ??? Its just so confusing to me.

Too busy running their new bar?

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Too busy running their new bar?

I noticed that too. I am sure it takes alot of time to do that. I can also see how getting that going diverted much need funds away from kites to replenish stock. After all, I diverted gas mileage reimbursement money to get my kite business gong. Could have paid the car off a year ago, but got this going instead.

They have something great. The ability to distribute a good product. A monopoly if you will in the US. I would gladly get whatever loan I needed to get set up properly to do it right. Peter Lynn does it right. HQ does it right. Revolution does it right. You need to have a passion for this stuff and it seems there isn't that much passion anymore on their end.

Quote:

Originally posted by acampbell Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44). I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense. Won't be the first time I was wrong, though.

Angus,

If they were made in France it would be easy to identify...............they would have backup lights............

Quote:

Originally posted by tridude Quote: Originally posted by acampbell Now that you mention it, their phone number has a UK country code (44). I thought they were a French brand at least in origin. Hence the factory location in Vietnam would make sense. Won't be the first time I was wrong, though. Angus, If they were made in France it would be easy to identify...............they would have backup lights............

Now tridude, Ozone makes fantastic kites!

I haven't posted in a while but this is verry interesting because all i will by is ozone. The kites are arguably the best quality out there if you decide you just have to have one There are ways to get it and get it fast ( you just have to pay)

I love to support local businesses so i look there first Like Tahoe Mountainsports, they usually have what i want in stock Also www.kiteboarding.com usually has ozone instock

But i Have found in the summer when Tahoe is out or if Kiteboarding is out of stock then with a little shipping cost (relative to kite purchased) you can find what u need in Europe deliverable on what basis you chose to ship it. I wish they would set up a major distributor in the US but untill that happens i will continue to do what it takes to get what i want.

GACKIS MAXIMUS ?!?!?

:o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o :o

Ozone put the Access 4M back on the roster for 2010?

Talk about stealth marketing.

ATB,
Sam

You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything .

I thought they pulled it in 2009 because it was too niche... didn't realize they brought it back this year.

Generally companies throw a tad more confetti when they bring something back onto the roster (as it is usually due to customer demand and a good PR op)... 'fraid it dipped below the radar.

Quote:

Originally posted by Maven454 You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything.

Checking postage now for returning whatever badges/ribbons/shoulder cords that this lapse will result in. :sniff: Ceremonial demotions are always the worst part.

Hunting for ghosts now, so the 4M would just be a distraction.

ATB,
Sam

You could leave the marshmallows out on the table. Maybe the ghosts would show up to eat them?

Kiteboarding.com and Tahoemountainsports.com are great dealers. But, I even had trouble with them being able to get what I wanted. Originally I wanted a 10m Access XT in blue. Tahoemountainsports, said I could have green now or wait 3-5 weeks potentially longer for any other color, back in January. Kiteboarding.com said 2-4 weeks. However I decided I would rather have the 8m instead(bigger wind range). I ended up getting an 8m in blue since kiteboarding.com had 1 in stock. Color is not usually that big of a deal for me, but I figured that if I am going to spend that kind of money I should get the one that I really wanted. I snatched that up so quick, I just did not want to take a chance and lose it to someone else and then have to wait even longer. Several months prior I wanted a 5m Flow and that took almost 2 months to wait for. Kiteboarding.com got the usual story from Windzup( it will be later this week, I will check on it and get back with you, it is stuck in customs, and so on and so on).

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf I thought they pulled it in 2009 because it was too niche... didn't realize they brought it back this year. Generally companies throw a tad more confetti when they bring something back onto the roster (as it is usually due to customer demand and a good PR op)... 'fraid it dipped below the radar. Quote: Originally posted by Maven454 You didn't know that wolf??? I thought you knew everything. Checking postage now for returning whatever badges/ribbons/shoulder cords that this lapse will result in. :sniff: Ceremonial demotions are always the worst part. Hunting for ghosts now, so the 4M would just be a distraction. ATB, Sam

They didn't pull the 4m in 2009. I own one.

OK.... now I am really confused. I could have sworn it had taken a hiatus from the lineup at sometime. Senility is a terrible thing.

ATB,
Sam

Quote:

Originally posted by indigo_wolf OK.... now I am really confused. I could have sworn it had taken a hiatus from the lineup at sometime. Senility is a terrible thing. ATB, Sam

The original Access had a 3m that they never continued, but looking at previous models on the Ozone site, there's always been a 4m.

I can't help the retailers but for the consumers try this UK kite store. They ship worldwide

http://www.powerkiteshop.com

Unfortunately you will suffer the huge UK prices but at least you wont pay VAT (sales tax) Also the price difference is not so great on Ozone and Flexifoil

They always have ozone kites in stock. :wee:

Don't tempt me that way.

Well, at least one person has decided to bypass the distribution channel entirely and pick up a new 2010 Access XT 6M on eBay. And yes, it is a manly shade of pink.

I expect transit time from Alaska should be fairly spritely.

ATB,
Sam

Any Questions or Concerns, please call the source for the truth.

I promise we will answer the phone or reply by email promptly.

435-462-5303 or sales@windzup.com Ask for Heather, Patrick or Brian. www.FlyOzoneUSA.com

As Power Kiters, Please help our industry grow... Support legitimate retailers that stock product and have kites on the shelf... and avoid internet shops that offer deals but don't commit to stocking inventory. It is up to you, the kite flyer, to determine how the industry will be.
This sport is about fun. I have personally enjoyed the last decade of my life surrounded by kiters and kites, and I look forward to the coming decade. I have taken all comments and feedback to heart and am commited personally to repairing relationships, improving communication and continuing to grow Windzup and Ozone hand in hand as the strongest force in the kite industry. Ozone makes great kites, and Windzup has spread that Ozone love coast to coast in this great and windy country for over a decade, and we are looking forward to the next round!

I would like to Thank Everyone who has supported us and chosen to Fly Ozone. I have met thousands of you personally and I share your passion for kiting.

Windzup,
Brian Schenck

I have dealt with Windzup on several occasions. Every experience was a good one.

Brian and Heather are two great ambassadors of the power kiting industry and I have personally dealt with them for many years, starting with the very first demo releases in the U.S. of the Little Devil. I am sure whatever problems that have come up, it is not because of lack of passion and the love for this sport that Brian, Heather and the entire Ozone team have have for it.

A Wind Of Change is proud to carry the Ozone line of products and proud to be an authorized dealer for Windzup and the Ozone brand. I am also proud to consider both Brian and Heather very good friends. I am sure that whatever the issues are that Brian and Heather will have them taken care of as quickly as possible.

BTW, the winds are BLASTING at NABX right now!!! I feel that a new land speed record is very obtainable....and I am stuck here in the office....sometimes kiting life is not fair. LOL

All very lovey dovey, but I still want an Access XT and can't get one.

Quote:

originally posted by awindofchange and I am stuck here in the office....sometimes kiting life is not fair. LOL

Due to heavy rains for several days and rampant flooding (I am pretty sure we are setting records for the area), they are closing the office early. Unfortunately, in 5 years, I have yet to be able to take advantage of a early work release.... so please... feel free to use mine.

Make sure to charge the phone and the Toughbook... engage the call forwarding. Iif there are orders still going out today, load up the hopper on the trebuchet .

The winds blowing and it's calling your name. You're not going to get a better invite. :wee:

ATB,
Sam

Windzup, I really appreciate what you stated in your posting about repairing relationships, and willing to answer all phone calls and emails as quickly as possible. I will leave what happened in the past, in the past and move forward by saying that I will continue to have Ozone as my #1 kite of choice, and I am glad that the brand is here in the US, due to the hardwork of the Windzup distributor and hope that it continues to gain popularity as quickly as I have grown to love the Ozone brand. As I have said before the kites are amazing. Every time I get out and fly, whether its my 5m Flow or my 8m Access XT I have an awesome time and want to share with my friends about the experience. I will try and do my part as a loyal Ozone customer and spread the word, of how great a product that Ozone produces.

It's been a Great winter on Ozone Kites and Lots of lessons and sales.. Great Kites!
We sell out Demo kites every year after the Season end and also do Kite Repair
to help out customers.

Just taught a customer yesterday on his 3m Flow and another guy on his 5m today... The flows go like hotcakes. Great to have a loop on it like the bigger kites.

I just matched up my Frenzy with the Aboard Snowboard for the winter. Lost of Kiters liking the Access too... Great to Teach on..





Zephyrs in any day and Edges coming... Can't wait to get on the Edges... I was on the Sports last Year...

Adam Koch Won the Race series in Mexico on the Edges...

Spring is in the Air.... :singing:

A little bit of customer service goes a long way.......