What's the deal with Vintage Tube Service?


I've tried very hard to buy tubes from Andy on multiple occasions, but I never seem to succeed. Very informative conversations, very little actual processing of orders... Am I the only one? 
redwoodaudio
About two weeks ago I ordered a tube for my DAC from Andy. He said he would check stock, test a few tubes and asked that I call back in 1/2 an hour. I called him, he had the tube I wanted and took my CC info. He said he would not be able to get it in the mail for a week because he was behind. Fine with me, not in a big hurry. Based on that, it should have been shipped last Monday. Hoping it should arrive any day now. He was very cordial and helpful. 
Don't hold your breath! Maybe a follow-up phone call or three would be worth your while. 
Andy has my credit card info on file. He's always checked stock and quoted a price whilst on the phone. Then he tests the tubes again before shipping.
But he is an older fellow and a one man operation, so it takes about a week for him to ship.

But lately he has been way behind on orders. I'm talking weeks behind.


redwoodaudio "I don't really use checks much anymore. I guess I really didn't understand how he operated and took payments. I gave him CC# info and had to call him like five times to actually do the transaction. I should have just mailed him a check? That's simple enough. "

You are buying from a very old school guy, and if you want to purchase sending a check is the easiest way for all parties. A little quirky, but you get great tubes correctly tested and matched, as well as Andy's invaluable input on which tubes are best for you considering your budget and taste in sound.

If you want super fast service online there are other vendors with similar merchandise. I prefer shopping with Andy, you may prefer a different seller.


 I recently purchased some NOS tubes from Andy. When  I agreed to the tubes, he gave me the total price incl. shipping. He said he was at least a week behind, I was fine with that. About 8 days later the tubes shipped and at that time he charged my CC. Tubes are excellent and I would deal with him again for sure.If you need something overnight shop elsewhere, but if you have the luxury of waiting a couple weeks he is a wonderful gentleman to deal with.