Whilst Phil may not be a mod/admin on CT2 his replies would appear to suggest that he is very close to the forum or someone in their management team.
I could be totally wrong, but that's the way it seems to come over.
Alan
Having read this thread fully I realy do find it strange that any forum would wish to ostrasize it's self not only from a major manufacturer such as swift or from it's bread and butter of the joe public contributer.
I can honestly say that like LB, I have never seen swift advertise so much as a nut &bolt letalone endorse any particular product.
In fact Swift deserve the equivalent of a gold star, for being a responsable manufacturer, taking the time to care for it's customers.
I own an Abbey 540se which is a swift group product and I had the misfortune to have a cracked shower tray. On contacting Swift via this forum, I was informed that my van was outside a warrantee and also informed of who to contact at Swift to establish the cost of a replacement. All of which was usefull information and delivered without any obligation or entisement to use a Swift product above anyone else's brand.
In fact I repaired my tray myself, being a skin flint, I didn't want to spend out on a new tray before trying to repair the existing one. Saved myself
I can honestly say that like LB, I have never seen swift advertise so much as a nut &bolt letalone endorse any particular product.
In fact Swift deserve the equivalent of a gold star, for being a responsable manufacturer, taking the time to care for it's customers.
I own an Abbey 540se which is a swift group product and I had the misfortune to have a cracked shower tray. On contacting Swift via this forum, I was informed that my van was outside a warrantee and also informed of who to contact at Swift to establish the cost of a replacement. All of which was usefull information and delivered without any obligation or entisement to use a Swift product above anyone else's brand.
In fact I repaired my tray myself, being a skin flint, I didn't want to spend out on a new tray before trying to repair the existing one. Saved myself
Steve in Leo,
"In fact I repaired my tray myself, being a skin flint, I didn't want to spend out on a new tray before trying to repair the existing one. Saved myself
"In fact I repaired my tray myself, being a skin flint, I didn't want to spend out on a new tray before trying to repair the existing one. Saved myself
I belong to Caravan Talk and find it useful. The separate Swift section only existed because Swift were prepared to pay their employees , eg Kath , Ash Andy etc wages to spend time on that and indeed this forum.
What is a forum? Somewhere for us caravanners to find answers quickly and free to our caravan problems??
Swift in particular have responded almost on a 24/7 basis and are to be applauded for their dedication to customer after care service.
Never cut off the hand that feeds you.
Cheers,
another Bailey man but equally impressed by Swift's customer help.
Dustydog
What is a forum? Somewhere for us caravanners to find answers quickly and free to our caravan problems??
Swift in particular have responded almost on a 24/7 basis and are to be applauded for their dedication to customer after care service.
Never cut off the hand that feeds you.
Cheers,
another Bailey man but equally impressed by Swift's customer help.
Dustydog
Quote Dobbie ...
"Well it's nice to see people read a thread completely before asking a question!
Phil1041 was quoting JonF's post, phil is not CT admin".
If Phil1041 had stated, as I have a above, that he was quoting another post maybe all would have been clear. As he had already quoted Entwood and it was his reply to him it looks as if those are his words. Obviously it would be clear to Phil1041 and indeed you if you're him.
Whatever position he holds he will certainly get a seat on the board of CT after his effort. Maybe that's his goal :O)
As you see, Kiaman has the same impression but maybe we Kia people are just a mite too suspicious ;O)
"Well it's nice to see people read a thread completely before asking a question!
Phil1041 was quoting JonF's post, phil is not CT admin".
If Phil1041 had stated, as I have a above, that he was quoting another post maybe all would have been clear. As he had already quoted Entwood and it was his reply to him it looks as if those are his words. Obviously it would be clear to Phil1041 and indeed you if you're him.
Whatever position he holds he will certainly get a seat on the board of CT after his effort. Maybe that's his goal :O)
As you see, Kiaman has the same impression but maybe we Kia people are just a mite too suspicious ;O)
After yesterdays debacle on CT2 I have now joined up here; prior to yesterday I didn't know this forum existed, so a new forum for me and a big hole in the foot for the individual at CT2 who started the silliness off in the first place.
Parksy
Moderator
Welcome Fenester
Swift and Bailey and sometimes other manufacturers of various products also post on this forum to offer help and support to caravanners.
I feel sorry for those who have been associated with Caravan Talk for years and hope that the CT forum recovers from this, I think that you might have hit the nail on the head with the latter part of your statement but I'm not privy to all of the facts.
As far as I know Caravan Talk was the first forum which Swift joined in order to engage with their customer base and they currently monitor four of five including those used by motorhome owners.
My opinion is that any 'commercial advantage' supposedly gained by them is offset by postings which might make uncomfortable reading at times but Swift take criticism from forum members on the chin and do their best to address perceived (and sometimes genuine) shortcomings in their products.
I actually know of one case where the managing director of Swift was roundly criticised by a Caravan Talk member recently on a Sunday evening (!!) and he not only took the trouble to reply personally but the caravan in question was apparently taken back to Swifts by the dealers ( Hats off to North Staffs Caravans) and the faults rectified and the warranty extended.
Forum membership doesn't get much better than that so thanks Andy, Ash and their team.
Swift and Bailey and sometimes other manufacturers of various products also post on this forum to offer help and support to caravanners.
I feel sorry for those who have been associated with Caravan Talk for years and hope that the CT forum recovers from this, I think that you might have hit the nail on the head with the latter part of your statement but I'm not privy to all of the facts.
As far as I know Caravan Talk was the first forum which Swift joined in order to engage with their customer base and they currently monitor four of five including those used by motorhome owners.
My opinion is that any 'commercial advantage' supposedly gained by them is offset by postings which might make uncomfortable reading at times but Swift take criticism from forum members on the chin and do their best to address perceived (and sometimes genuine) shortcomings in their products.
I actually know of one case where the managing director of Swift was roundly criticised by a Caravan Talk member recently on a Sunday evening (!!) and he not only took the trouble to reply personally but the caravan in question was apparently taken back to Swifts by the dealers ( Hats off to North Staffs Caravans) and the faults rectified and the warranty extended.
Forum membership doesn't get much better than that so thanks Andy, Ash and their team.
I have to say that I support Swift in their attempt to provide good customer service by contributing to various caravan forums including this one. I'm a newish member to Caravan Talk, but I must admit to posting in support of Swift's contributions.
We had great service from Swift when we had a serious fault with the axle on our new van in 2000 - a director came out himself to inspect the problem, agreed that there was one, and between them and Alko had the caravan transported back to Alko and a repair/replacement carried out. This was all done in four days and the van was back with us in time for our French holiday on the Friday.
I must admit when reading of the dire support received from some other caravan companies I think Swift have got their customer relations right at least and their 'suspension' from Caravan Talk is a retrograde step in encouraging companies to provide this sort of support. It must also reflect on other companies - if they provide free support through a forum then they will be 'invited to contribute financially', ie charged for the privilege!
We had great service from Swift when we had a serious fault with the axle on our new van in 2000 - a director came out himself to inspect the problem, agreed that there was one, and between them and Alko had the caravan transported back to Alko and a repair/replacement carried out. This was all done in four days and the van was back with us in time for our French holiday on the Friday.
I must admit when reading of the dire support received from some other caravan companies I think Swift have got their customer relations right at least and their 'suspension' from Caravan Talk is a retrograde step in encouraging companies to provide this sort of support. It must also reflect on other companies - if they provide free support through a forum then they will be 'invited to contribute financially', ie charged for the privilege!
We have never owned a Swift product however I support Swift all the way and more than likely our next caravan will be a Swift! Keep up the good work Swift.
I totally agree with your sentiments -- I have been a member here for some time -- but it has always been on the back burner..
I had forgotten how informative the site was ..
Also how clean looking and easy to navigate around..
It looks as though I will be spending more time here in the future
I think the other place has shot it self in the foot over this one..
... surely it is a commercial decision between Swift and Caravan Talk and I for one do not know how Caravan talk is financed.
I am sure Haymarket must subsidise this forum.
Swift undoubtedly get publicity from posting on these forums whether that is their motive or not.
.... for me the dangers of the internet are highlighted here.
There seems to have been negotiation by email by both sides and now both are fighting their corner by posting on Forums.
May I humbly suggest you have a personal meeting face to face
.. surely you must be by now!
I am sure Haymarket must subsidise this forum.
Swift undoubtedly get publicity from posting on these forums whether that is their motive or not.
.... for me the dangers of the internet are highlighted here.
There seems to have been negotiation by email by both sides and now both are fighting their corner by posting on Forums.
May I humbly suggest you have a personal meeting face to face
.. surely you must be by now!
Andy replied to a posting on a Sunday night for me,cant beleive they get overtime to monitor these forums.Was very helpful .Never used CT2 before and think I dont want to now.Charging Swift to assist forum members is madness .
I have never owned a Swift (although I am sure they are good vans) and have (had) been a member of CT for quite a few years. However in light of the farce over Swift I have now requested that CT cancel my membership . Swift as far as I could see were an assett to the CT forum and probably encouraged members , the benefit srely was for the forum, Swift to their credit answered all queries both positive and negative in a profesional manner as others have said almost 24/7.
I feel CT has completely lost the plot over this one, the vast majority of postings on their site is in favour of Swift , yet CT still defend their decision.
I posted a thread asking how you cancelled your membership , and gues what it seems to have disappeared. Sensorship like that I can do withou.
I feel CT has completely lost the plot over this one, the vast majority of postings on their site is in favour of Swift , yet CT still defend their decision.
I posted a thread asking how you cancelled your membership , and gues what it seems to have disappeared. Sensorship like that I can do withou.
Quote .."Swift undoubtedly get publicity from posting on these forums whether that is their motive or not".
I agree but where we differ is their publicity is usually negative. It's a known fact that people post little praise when all is well so the only posts Swift can usually expect are negative.
This says a lot about Swift and their concern for customer relations and trying to help with problems.
I haven't got a Swift and neither am I a member of CT, thankfully, but it's to Swifts credit they bother, and to be penalised for trying to help just smacks of greed on the part of Admin @ CT.
I agree but where we differ is their publicity is usually negative. It's a known fact that people post little praise when all is well so the only posts Swift can usually expect are negative.
This says a lot about Swift and their concern for customer relations and trying to help with problems.
I haven't got a Swift and neither am I a member of CT, thankfully, but it's to Swifts credit they bother, and to be penalised for trying to help just smacks of greed on the part of Admin @ CT.
As far as I am aware, SwiftGroup have made no comment on any site regarding what has gone on at CT other than a simple statement that "they were asked to contribute large sums to continue".
They certainly have AFAIK, not joined in any mud-slinging.. for which they should also be commended.
CT2 made the problem, fertilised the problem and will reap the harvest I'm sure ..
They certainly have AFAIK, not joined in any mud-slinging.. for which they should also be commended.
CT2 made the problem, fertilised the problem and will reap the harvest I'm sure ..
My take on it is that JonF was expecting fullscale support from his members in standing up to Swifts refusal to pay for giving advice but it's turned around and bitten him on the ass.
In Admins attempt at damage limitation they said that the Swift employees could still use the forum to give out the same advice. Obviously paid for by Swift. Surely he couldn't believe they would agree to that?
Good old Phil is still currying favour with Admin, looking for a place on the board or at the very minimum a Moderators position, but soon there will be hardly any active members left.
Oh, nearly forgot, the whitewash about they have over ten thousand members and expected people to swallow that. Like most forums you can forget at least 75% because they are non active.
I must admit it makes good reading and I was disappointed that it didn't make the main BBC evening news :O)
In Admins attempt at damage limitation they said that the Swift employees could still use the forum to give out the same advice. Obviously paid for by Swift. Surely he couldn't believe they would agree to that?
Good old Phil is still currying favour with Admin, looking for a place on the board or at the very minimum a Moderators position, but soon there will be hardly any active members left.
Oh, nearly forgot, the whitewash about they have over ten thousand members and expected people to swallow that. Like most forums you can forget at least 75% because they are non active.
I must admit it makes good reading and I was disappointed that it didn't make the main BBC evening news :O)
I am fairly sure that good one Phil who supports the admin on the CT forum is a moderator on said forum and obviously does not want to loe his status.
Hi,
Thanks for all your posts and support on this subject.
We are still around on this and other forums,
Kind Regards,
Andy
Thanks for all your posts and support on this subject.
We are still around on this and other forums,
Kind Regards,
Andy
Parksy
Moderator
We're very glad to have you Andy.
I had hoped that CT2 would have sorted this out by now. The losers are the members of that forum which up to this point imho was one of the best caravan related technical forums on the internet.
It wouldn't be appropriate for me to post what I really think but I hope that their foot heals up soon.
I had hoped that CT2 would have sorted this out by now. The losers are the members of that forum which up to this point imho was one of the best caravan related technical forums on the internet.
It wouldn't be appropriate for me to post what I really think but I hope that their foot heals up soon.
Can I also join in the concensus that it is the other forums loss if they don't 'allow' Swift to participate.
Well done Swift for a very professional reaction to the situation. It speaks volumes about your company.
No I am not a Swift owner at present (its made by the other company in Hull) but as always Swift will be on my list when we come to change.
Bryan
As a result of CT's decision I shall now be using this forum regularly.
Swift seem to have been treated very unfairly.
Swift seem to have been treated very unfairly.
Parksy
Moderator
Hi Paul,you are very welcome here and we look forward to your posts.
I'm sure that this business will be sorted out in the end, we are not in the business of trying to 'poach' members from other forums and don't want to seem to profit from others misfortune but anyone who is a member of any other caravan forum is always welcome to post on here as well.
The internet is a big place and the more information and help that is available to caravanners (and other users of camping or holiday sites)the better. I've always found Caravan Talk forum to be well set out and informative and I would urge all forum users not to cut off their nose to spite their face.Swifts contribution to the Caravan Talk forum had imho made it what it was.
There is no rule to say that a person can only use one forum, I'm a member of several and I'd hope that those who post on here share their knowledge and experience amongst caravanners everywhere.
CT have made a massive blunder but I sincerely hope that they will take on board the majority of views expressed regarding this unfortunate episode.
I'm sure that this business will be sorted out in the end, we are not in the business of trying to 'poach' members from other forums and don't want to seem to profit from others misfortune but anyone who is a member of any other caravan forum is always welcome to post on here as well.
The internet is a big place and the more information and help that is available to caravanners (and other users of camping or holiday sites)the better. I've always found Caravan Talk forum to be well set out and informative and I would urge all forum users not to cut off their nose to spite their face.Swifts contribution to the Caravan Talk forum had imho made it what it was.
There is no rule to say that a person can only use one forum, I'm a member of several and I'd hope that those who post on here share their knowledge and experience amongst caravanners everywhere.
CT have made a massive blunder but I sincerely hope that they will take on board the majority of views expressed regarding this unfortunate episode.
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