Top Lids Complaints?

[BeanAnimal]

Wisdom is calm in the storm.

The warden learned long ago that I ask prospective vendors questions that I already know the answer to before asking them anything that I actually need an answer to

Good luck to everyone who is working on getting through transactions on line. The world is changing and it’s not a seamless transition, ime.

On that note, read the terms before you buy and then ask questions/negotiate in writing if you are unclear or uncomfortable.

In this case, I would never do business with a company who states terms like this unless I had it in writing that they would be waived under specific circumstances. In this case, given the personality of the vendor, I am sure we would not come to agreeable terms.

Choose your vendors wisely and these types of problems are less likely to bite you in the butt.

 

[thedon986]

Obsessively ? Nope

I messaged them to inquire about a quote for a lid for a new tank I bought, but I was concerned another the negative attention.

Started with:

I’m going to be in need of a lid but there is a member here with a negative experience flaming you guys all over…I must say her side of the story is pretty alarming and makes me hesitant. But then I see posts like the recent one praising you guys and I admit your work looks great

When toplids replied they said they would reply by the end of the week. We then dm about my lid needs a few times and after a week they didn’t reply like they said they would. March 5 I sent them a reply, with a link to this thread in case they couldn’t find it. The first message, and that last message march 5 were the only times I mentioned this thread.

They finally did reply to it, today.

Yeah I would have ignored you too.

 

[BeanAnimal]

Yeah I would have ignored you too.

Well thought out and nuanced response. Are you here to contribute or just attack?

 

[Tcook]

4 fingers, Kris… or about 25 dimes…

And no paraquat

 

[KrisReef]

And no paraquat

I still have a paraquat test kit. It was a bong that I let strangers borrow when they were short.

 

[SanFernandoValleyAIOReef]

Any lid companies that’s cheaper than top lids and kraken? Or should I just do the Home Depot window screen lid

 

[BeanAnimal]

Any lid companies that’s cheaper than top lids and kraken? Or should I just do the Home Depot window screen lid

I honestly would not go by price, but rather quality and customer service. Kraken is not doing custom right now is my understanding. I think there are a few other sponsors, check the vendors forum?

 

[VintageReefer]

Yeah I would have ignored you too.

I respect that you feel differently and acknowledge your right to.

At the end of the day, we all have a choice where and how to spend our money.
I saw red flags and moved on. I don’t need a lid to cause stress in my life.

 

[Tcook]

Any lid companies that’s cheaper than top lids and kraken? Or should I just do the Home Depot window screen lid

If you want cheap then HD or BRS will work. I had the BRS. The screen started to stretch over time an I hated the look. Went with a Clearview and love it. I would look at Kraken too.

 

[KrisReef]

As a former lid maker and business owner I want to thank everyone for their contributions to this community thread. I hope to encourage all of us to follow the site rules for engagement with other people and to keep comments civil and courteous to all the other dumb people who are making rude and obnoxious comments that are offensive and belittling of our community.

Otherwise, we will be deleted and shut down by the mods and that is no good especially on a holiday weekend.

Peace and love, kindness and all that stuff

 

[VintageReefer]

Any lid companies that’s cheaper than top lids and kraken? Or should I just do the Home Depot window screen lid

I paid 50$ per panel. Customized as I wanted, they came and fit perfectly, and the cutout for my plank was exactly where I wanted it.

Best Aquarium Lids, Crystal Clear and Durable

Elevate your aquarium experience with the best lids on the market. Our precision-crafted aquarium lids offer crystal-clear visibility and exceptional durability, ensuring your underwater world remains pristine for years to come. Explore our range today for unmatched clarity and longevity!

walterlids.com

You can message through the site for custom sized lids that aren’t on the website

 

[SanFernandoValleyAIOReef]

I honestly would not go by price, but rather quality and customer service. Kraken is not doing custom right now is my understanding. I think there are a few other sponsors, check the vendors forum?

I just don’t like the thick/wide acrylics/plastic around the rim of the tanks,

 

[Dr. Phil]

Chiming in with my experience here.

I decided to purchase from Top Lids back in April. I uploaded a drawing of what I wanted and asked for a video call to actually take the measurements to make sure I did not make mistakes.

I was able to gonna a call with Fred at top lids about 20 days later, partially my fault.

Once I talked with Fred, it was obvious he was multitasking, driving, ordering food, talking to other people, etc.

I wrote it off to him knowing his stuff and not needing to completely focus.

He sent over a drawing of the lid design and I approved based on my understanding that he went by the measurements we had taken and that he said he noted while we were on the call.

My lid then went into the production process. I received an automated email update each Friday, nice touch.

I then received my lid, unpacked it while videoing. The lid was scratched, I then placed the lid on my aquarium. Several of the cutouts were slightly wrong, and the screen was so loose that it was in the water if the water rose even slightly.

I sent all of this information to Top Lids along with video and photos on July 9th.

I received several responses from Fred and Tyler at Top Lids. They focused on the fact that I had approved the model, not that Fred actually worked with me to take the measurements and make sure they were correct.

The response for the screen being super loose was instructions for how to adjust it with a hair dryer.

The back and forth via email continued for over two weeks and stopped when Tyler asked me to send him the approved model.

At that point I decided to let my card company deal with Top Lids and disputed the charge. Today I received confirmation that the card company settled the dispute in my favor.

I will not say do or do not choose Top Lids, but I put my experience out there as an example of the service received from a company positioning themselves as premium.

 

[DylanE]

I'll chime in on the other side. I had an excellent experience with Top Lids. Fast and easy, and I couldn't be happier with the results.

I'd say any time ordering custom work be sure to look into company policies and proofread final designs. Once the work is started or done, that's it.

 

[EliMelly]

Chiming in with my experience here.

I decided to purchase from Top Lids back in April. I uploaded a drawing of what I wanted and asked for a video call to actually take the measurements to make sure I did not make mistakes.

I was able to gonna a call with Fred at top lids about 20 days later, partially my fault.

Once I talked with Fred, it was obvious he was multitasking, driving, ordering food, talking to other people, etc.

I wrote it off to him knowing his stuff and not needing to completely focus.

He sent over a drawing of the lid design and I approved based on my understanding that he went by the measurements we had taken and that he said he noted while we were on the call.

My lid then went into the production process. I received an automated email update each Friday, nice touch.

I then received my lid, unpacked it while videoing. The lid was scratched, I then placed the lid on my aquarium. Several of the cutouts were slightly wrong, and the screen was so loose that it was in the water if the water rose even slightly.

I sent all of this information to Top Lids along with video and photos on July 9th.

I received several responses from Fred and Tyler at Top Lids. They focused on the fact that I had approved the model, not that Fred actually worked with me to take the measurements and make sure they were correct.

The response for the screen being super loose was instructions for how to adjust it with a hair dryer.

The back and forth via email continued for over two weeks and stopped when Tyler asked me to send him the approved model.

At that point I decided to let my card company deal with Top Lids and disputed the charge. Today I received confirmation that the card company settled the dispute in my favor.

I will not say do or do not choose Top Lids, but I put my experience out there as an example of the service received from a company positioning themselves as premium.

Can’t argue with Dr. Phil.

 

[mizukage]

I waited for a product that I ordered online for a few weeks before it arrived (from a foreign country) but it eventually came. Was not a lid but it was supposed to arrive in two to four days, not weeks.

I hope your lid shows up but it doesn’t seem like it will?

Foreign country? So not made in USA?

 

[KrisReef]

Foreign country? So not made in USA?

Tunze product from a country currently at war, so most of the stuff wasn't made here?

 

[mizukage]

Tunze product from a country currently at war, so most of the stuff wasn't made here?

Sorry I don’t understand the tunze reference.

Edit: Ok I think I get it, you ordered a tunze product (not top lids).

 

[KrisReef]

Sorry I don’t understand the tunze reference.

Edit: Ok I think I get it, you ordered a tunze product (not top lids).

Yup. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[John Neuzil]

I got my lid from top lids two weeks or so ago. The did a good job on the frame but a bit sloppy on the mesh. It was dropping on one side. Their fix was to apply a hair dryer and stretch it out. That didn't work .