Hey Sota - Whatever Happened To Customer Service?

I find these kind of posts unkind and unnecessary. Unless you have been materially wronged and all attempts at setting things straight have been exhausted there is no need to tell the world that you are unhappy with the lack of follow up from a small manufacturer who has been in business for decades. If you don’t like how you were treated simply move on or give them some grace and courtesy to provide the information knowing we are in the holiday season and the labor market has stretched many companies in all kinds of ways. I have no horse in the race here but have seen far too many of these posts to sit on my hands for this one.

Perhaps the person simply forgot or there was no one there to answer your question properly. Why not call a dealer, explain your situation and ask for help before bad mouthing the company in a public forum? That would be the proper way to handle. I’m sure it isn’t life or death to wait a few days for an answer.

Pick up the phone and call them. Donna is very responsive.

I find it helpful to remember that I'm not the center of the universe in situations like this, especially around the holidays when people are taking time off to spend with their loved ones. 

I met the SOTA folks at AXPONA and they were extremely nice. Everyone's busy. 

Pick up the phone and call them. Donna is very responsive.

I find it helpful to remember that I'm not the center of the universe in situations like this, especially around the holidays when people are taking time off to spend with their loved ones. 

Christian is also exceptional.

 

Recently, I contacted Sota Turntables to inquire about their Comet VI model. I had a very simple question: What is the total height of the turntable without the dust cover? This is important to me as I store my table on a pull-out shelf with limited headroom. The reply I received was " Thanks for the inquiry.  I don't have that measurement quickly available, but I do know it's 6-1/4" tall to the top of the cover, so I'd estimate an inch less." I responded that I needed to know for certain and could not rely on an estimate, due to my space issue. The response? " I'll see what I can do."

That was 5 days ago.

Wow. Has anyone dealt with Sota recently? How can I feel comfortable making a substantial purchase from a company that cannot answer a basic question from a potential buyer? I can't help but wonder what service after the sale would be if needed. SMH...

IMO their after sales support is pretty darn good… way better than average… I have no hesitation in recommending them.

And if it was a few weeks ago I would take credit for having them distracted, on my 38 year old table. 😎 So getting support happens, but it is also not instantaneous.

If it lasts you a few decades, then I am not sure 5 days is a deal breaker.



At this time of year, with holidays, and the amount of snow in Wisconsin and up north, I would suggest you maybe would have been better off with a phone call if you suspected that the email was overlooked.
(or, as mentioned, contact your closest dealer.) 

@gnoworyta  How high is the space you have?

Based upon my different model Sota, I would assume it would be at least 5” high, and likely more like 5-1/2”. As the clearance for the dust cover is maybe 3/4” above the tonearm.

The tonearm probably defines the height… but a spindle clamp has to be at least 1-1/4” and can also define the maximum.
The feet on mine are also providing about 1-1/2” of extra “lift kit”… the Comet will be different… and I have no experience with that model.

I have not had a better table, and I have not had a worse one.