Grooming Dept

You do realize that you're in the Grooming Dept forum so most people that are here are going to like his products?

I have nothing to say on the ongoing debate, but this is absolutely bullshit. Most of the comments here will be regarding GD, but not everyone will like his products/service and opinions stated here will reflect that.

^This, so much this. The purpose of the thread is to discuss all things Grooming Dept, good or bad or whatever. Not solely to extoll it's every virtue and NEVER say anything negative about the brand (there are pros and cons to everything, be honest people). I'm not going to call anyone a shill, but this thread has seen a massive amount of those type of posts. I'm just calling it like I see it. Personally, my experience with GD and Mohammed has been overwhelmingly positive in the area of customer service, but that's not to say that everyone's has or will be.

Lol - One can only call them as one sees them.

So how about that soap? Are you liking it?

Perhaps it's time to take a little advice and move along. I too have tried to be nice. And like I said, I will respond to each shill type of response I see. Will let my responses or lack thereof determine what I potentially think about what I am responding to.

"These are not the droids you're looking for".

Sure there were problems with the vendor.

I ordered twice and both times my orders were late.

With the second order one that I ordered (Rose and Insense) was part of a failed batch so I didn't get it at all. I was refunded the money for that soap so I'm not out the cash but that scent was appealing to me.

It's not ideal but I have other soaps and after all if it turned out bad with the vendor then I could just contest the charge on my credit card and be made whole again. So not a big risk on my part. It really wasn't that big of a deal to me and I didn't lose any sleep over it.

Sure the guy made some mistakes (a lot of them) but I tend to go through life with a positive attitude. I forgive and forget. I sleep well at night knowing that I do my best to be a good person. I'm not angry with you over this conversation. I don't hold onto any hate or carry a grudge toward anyone. I'd recommend that you work out your differences with the vendor as this anger is certainly not productive.

I didn't appreciate my orders being late but I got an honest apology. He admitted that he'd made several mistakes and felt sick about it. I believe that the apology was sincere and the soaps are outstanding. So I forgave him.

I've been around this and other forums for a while now so I've seen just about every mistake made from a vendor standpoint. I can tell you that I've seen a lot of shady stuff and this wasn't shady. Sure mistakes were made (that he's learned from) but it wasn't in an effort to scam anyone.

I really don't want to argue about this anymore. If you're upset, and I can tell that you are, please do try and work it out with the vendor offline in a civilized manner.

Actually, I'm not upset at all. I just want to help others not have a bad experience. One of those ways could easily be to buy from vendors that you trust that you know will fulfill your order as promised.

Another way is to simply buy from Mohammad knowing that there may be a hiccup or two (or more) here or there.

What bothers me is when I see shill type responses that try to place blame on the customers for being upset that promises were not kept. That's what actually got me started writing here and has kept me writing.

As I've stated, my intention is simply to keep it real.

You do realize that you're in the Grooming Dept forum so most people that are here are going to like his products?

I have nothing to say on the ongoing debate, but this is absolutely bullshit. Most of the comments here will be regarding GD, but not everyone will like his products/service and opinions stated here will reflect that.

^This, so much this. The purpose of the thread is to discuss all things Grooming Dept, good or bad or whatever. Not solely to extoll it's every virtue and NEVER say anything negative about the brand (there are pros and cons to everything, be honest people). I'm not going to call anyone a shill, but this thread has seen a massive amount of those type of posts. I'm just calling it like I see it. Personally, my experience with GD and Mohammed has been overwhelmingly positive in the area of customer service, but that's not to say that everyone's has or will be.

That is precisely what I mean by, "keeping it real". Another voice of reason here is most welcomed.

It seems to be lost on others here, that I very much like the product. Very much. And I used to sing its Praises from the tops of the trees, everywhere I could. I was a fan. And it took a lot to put me in the position of still liking the soap but very much disliking the business practices. And that's all I'm really saying here. The business practices are abysmal. The soap is wonderful.

Thank you for adding your input.

I'm not trying to get anyone to have any opinion. I'm not sure why you would even write that. Seems ridiculous on its face. I'm simply one of a group of voices that love the product and don't like the business practices. And I believe I missed free to state that as you are.

You constantly seem to take the side of business practices not mattering. While I constantly take the side of business practices matter every bit as much as the product does. We're probably both right, at least as it relates to our own opinion. And that's why it's good for everyone to put their opinion here. That way everyone can see.

Whether you're tired of my opinion or not isn't relevant to me. I will post it as much as I feel like it. And I hope you do the same. That's what this forum is for. It is not simply for those people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor. But that's what it seems to be turning into.

Look, I get it, I used to be a huge fan just like you. I'm not anymore. And there's a real good reason for it. It's the Despicable business practices of this business. That said, the soap is outstanding.

Instead of trying to take me on constantly, you will probably be better served just posting your opinions about what you like and don't like and not commenting on me or my opinions. Do as you see fit though, as will I. And should you decide to comment about what you like or don't like of my posts I will feel free to do the same with yours.

Now on to perhaps what you might consider to be a more relevant topic...

Has anyone tried the base with the donkey milk. Is there any discernible difference between it and say the tallow base?

I'm not trying to get anyone to have any opinion. I'm not sure why you would even write that. Seems ridiculous on its face. I'm simply one of a group of voices that love the product and don't like the business practices. And I believe I missed free to state that as you are.

You constantly seem to take the side of business practices not mattering. While I constantly take the side of business practices matter every bit as much as the product does. We're probably both right, at least as it relates to our own opinion. And that's why it's good for everyone to put their opinion here. That way everyone can see.

Whether you're tired of my opinion or not isn't relevant to me. I will post it as much as I feel like it. And I hope you do the same. That's what this forum is for. It is not simply for those people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor. But that's what it seems to be turning into.

Look, I get it, I used to be a huge fan just like you. I'm not anymore. And there's a real good reason for it. It's the Despicable business practices of this business. That said, the soap is outstanding.

Instead of trying to take me on constantly, you will probably be better served just posting your opinions about what you like and don't like and not commenting on me or my opinions. Do as you see fit though, as will I. And should you decide to comment about what you like or don't like of my posts I will feel free to do the same with yours.

Now on to perhaps what you might consider to be a more relevant topic...

Has anyone tried the base with the donkey milk. Is there any discernible difference between it and say the tallow base?

I'm sorry, but you opened this debate and I find your term "shill" over/miss used and bordering on the offensive.  I am in no way questioning your personal and upsetting experience with Grooming Dept's shipping practices.  However, to call others "shill"s just because they have not had a problem with Mohammad's shipping dates or have been willing to accept what might be missteps on his part is just flat out wrong, at least, and insulting, at most.  You obviously like the gentleman's products.  He has openly admitted missteps.  He has tried to make amends.  He is not a huge multinational corporation.  I am not suggesting you are wrong in your upset but, as others have suggested, sir, walk with your wallet for, surely, that is your right.  Just do not insult others who have differing opinions.

I'm not trying to get anyone to have any opinion. I'm not sure why you would even write that. Seems ridiculous on its face. I'm simply one of a group of voices that love the product and don't like the business practices. And I believe I missed free to state that as you are.

You constantly seem to take the side of business practices not mattering. While I constantly take the side of business practices matter every bit as much as the product does. We're probably both right, at least as it relates to our own opinion. And that's why it's good for everyone to put their opinion here. That way everyone can see.

Whether you're tired of my opinion or not isn't relevant to me. I will post it as much as I feel like it. And I hope you do the same. That's what this forum is for. It is not simply for those people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor. But that's what it seems to be turning into.

Look, I get it, I used to be a huge fan just like you. I'm not anymore. And there's a real good reason for it. It's the Despicable business practices of this business. That said, the soap is outstanding.

Instead of trying to take me on constantly, you will probably be better served just posting your opinions about what you like and don't like and not commenting on me or my opinions. Do as you see fit though, as will I. And should you decide to comment about what you like or don't like of my posts I will feel free to do the same with yours.

Now on to perhaps what you might consider to be a more relevant topic...

Has anyone tried the base with the donkey milk. Is there any discernible difference between it and say the tallow base?

If your “not trying to get anyone to have an opinion”, then why do you keep writing the same thing over and over and over? This thread is about Soap right? I just don’t get worked up over something so silly. It’s Soap. That I shave with. I also think it’s funny that you call people Shills and say we’re “people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor” just because some of us don’t share the same opinions as you. Who cares? I can only speak for myself but I’ve never kissed Mohammad or any other Vendors backside. “Instead of trying to take me on constantly...”- what is this? Take you on? Really?!? LMAO!! Am I still in a GD Soap thread?

I'm not trying to get anyone to have any opinion. I'm not sure why you would even write that. Seems ridiculous on its face. I'm simply one of a group of voices that love the product and don't like the business practices. And I believe I missed free to state that as you are.

You constantly seem to take the side of business practices not mattering. While I constantly take the side of business practices matter every bit as much as the product does. We're probably both right, at least as it relates to our own opinion. And that's why it's good for everyone to put their opinion here. That way everyone can see.

Whether you're tired of my opinion or not isn't relevant to me. I will post it as much as I feel like it. And I hope you do the same. That's what this forum is for. It is not simply for those people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor. But that's what it seems to be turning into.

Look, I get it, I used to be a huge fan just like you. I'm not anymore. And there's a real good reason for it. It's the Despicable business practices of this business. That said, the soap is outstanding.

Instead of trying to take me on constantly, you will probably be better served just posting your opinions about what you like and don't like and not commenting on me or my opinions. Do as you see fit though, as will I. And should you decide to comment about what you like or don't like of my posts I will feel free to do the same with yours.

Now on to perhaps what you might consider to be a more relevant topic...

Has anyone tried the base with the donkey milk. Is there any discernible difference between it and say the tallow base?

I'm sorry, but you opened this debate and I find your term "shill" over/miss used and bordering on the offensive.  I am in no way questioning your personal and upsetting experience with Grooming Dept's shipping practices.  However, to call others "shill"s just because they have not had a problem with Mohammad's shipping dates or have been willing to accept what might be missteps on his part is just flat out wrong, at least, and insulting, at most.  You obviously like the gentleman's products.  He has openly admitted missteps.  He has tried to make amends.  He is not a huge multinational corporation.  I am not suggesting you are wrong in your upset but, as others have suggested, sir, walk with your wallet for, surely, that is your right.  Just do not insult others who have differing opinions.

How you "find" things is certainly up to you. Whether you like the term I use or you don't is irrelevant to me.

I am not telling you what to do and you sure will not tell me what to do. Are we clear?

The debate was opened when this Artisan lied to people left and right. I have evidence of that should you wish it. I didn't open anything. I did my best to be a good client. Why you are opining about that is a bit beyond me.

You also seem to think you understand why I call somebody a shill. Maybe it would be better to ask me rather than think you understand. You clearly don't.

The person I was referring to has quite a history both here in this forum and on another one of trying to blame customers for being upset with this Artisans Bad Business practice. This to me, comes across as a shill. If it doesn't to you, that's on you. I write it as I see it. This same person never seems to want to accept that people can be upset over bad business practices. He seems to do everything in his power to shut down people from being upset by placing the blame on them. I won't tolerate it. And will easily put him in his place.

I will also say that I have respect for him on numerous posts that I have seen. That said, there is no excuse for belittling others for legitimate upsets that have happened at the hands of this Merchant who has deplorable business practices.

Again, I have a recorded telephone conversation, and a great number of email exchanges between us that will easily point out the things I have referenced.

This Artisan has admitted mistakes to me from the first order I have made. I've made five or six. I'd have to count them. Each time he admitted mistakes. At what point are they simply going to be corrected to where there need be no more admissions of mistakes?

That he has admitted mistakes would be fine if they weren't continually repeated... the same ones.

Rather than suggest what I do, how about you suggest that businesses be responsible with their customers. That would be a good start.

And rather than suggest I do anything, how about you simply do what you think is best for you. You will have zero influence on what I think is best for me. I am a pretty nice guy all things considered. But lie to me enough, fail to follow through on your word on every single interaction we have, lie to me repeatedly and you will find that I stop being quite so nice. Maybe you're a better man than me if that's not how you would respond as well.

Let me suggest that you keep your nose firmly planted in your own business. You and I have no business together.

Mohammed is a very likable guy. And he produces a great product. I will buy it or not as I see fit in the future. And if I do buy it, I probably will not elect to buy from his website but I would instead buy from a reputable vendor that he supplies. That way I am sure to get the order precisely as expected.

Telling this to a group of people who Could well be in for a very significant surprise as they find their orders don't get delivered as promised, is precisely one of the reasons these forums exist. They do not exist simply to kiss the back sides of every Artisan.

Feel free to ask Mohammed yourself, he and I got along very well. I accepted his apologies at every step. When I finally discovered that he didn't feel responsible for these issues and that they were continuing with every single launch, I decided that I would say my truth.

And my truth is simple the product is great but the business practices behind the product will probably leave you disappointed. Or at least they could well leave you disappointed if they continue on as they have.

That is not being overly negative. It is simply saying the truth.

I was very willing to be done with this until you wrote. Perhaps you should let this lie. You will gain nothing by continuing it.

And the only thing that I wish to gain is to be the voice of reason pointing out issues and discrepancies from the past. Each of us must make our own decision. And it's hard to make a decision when one doesn't know what they're facing.

I will also give credit where credit's due. If I see that release dates are being met, and products are delivered as promised, I will be the first person to also back this change up and be supportive. I really do like Mohammed. And I really will not tolerate deceptive business practices that can hurt people here.

I'm not trying to get anyone to have any opinion. I'm not sure why you would even write that. Seems ridiculous on its face. I'm simply one of a group of voices that love the product and don't like the business practices. And I believe I missed free to state that as you are.

You constantly seem to take the side of business practices not mattering. While I constantly take the side of business practices matter every bit as much as the product does. We're probably both right, at least as it relates to our own opinion. And that's why it's good for everyone to put their opinion here. That way everyone can see.

Whether you're tired of my opinion or not isn't relevant to me. I will post it as much as I feel like it. And I hope you do the same. That's what this forum is for. It is not simply for those people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor. But that's what it seems to be turning into.

Look, I get it, I used to be a huge fan just like you. I'm not anymore. And there's a real good reason for it. It's the Despicable business practices of this business. That said, the soap is outstanding.

Instead of trying to take me on constantly, you will probably be better served just posting your opinions about what you like and don't like and not commenting on me or my opinions. Do as you see fit though, as will I. And should you decide to comment about what you like or don't like of my posts I will feel free to do the same with yours.

Now on to perhaps what you might consider to be a more relevant topic...

Has anyone tried the base with the donkey milk. Is there any discernible difference between it and say the tallow base?

If your “not trying to get anyone to have an opinion”, then why do you keep writing the same thing over and over and over? This thread is about Soap right? I just don’t get worked up over something so silly. It’s Soap. That I shave with. I also think it’s funny that you call people Shills and say we’re “people that wish to kiss the back sides of the vendor” just because some of us don’t share the same opinions as you. Who cares? I can only speak for myself but I’ve never kissed Mohammad or any other Vendors backside. “Instead of trying to take me on constantly...”- what is this? Take you on? Really?!? LMAO!! Am I still in a GD Soap thread?

Exactly. And if you aren't trying to do precisely as you accuse me of doing, why are you still responding to me? LOL

On another note.....I will be using Mohammad’s wonderful creation - After The Fire - tomorrow morning and I can Hardly wait.



Let’s just relax and have some fun.

This post is not addressed to the "wronged guy" so lets move on....

I have not bought any of the GD soaps yet but keep hearing a lot of good things about them.

Could you all please share two of his best scents that are in production and readily available, One vegan and one Tallow to help me decide which ones to pick.


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