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Amiga computer related discussion => Recommended Amiga Dealers => Topic started by: wildstar1063 on August 16, 2011, 07:11:32 AM

Title: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: wildstar1063 on August 16, 2011, 07:11:32 AM
Is Software Hut Still open?
Their website is still there, but I emailed them last week and this week regarding some
 hardware I am interested in, but have not received and answer to either email.

I wonder if I would do better by calling them.

Thanks
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: esc on August 16, 2011, 07:52:21 AM
Quote from: wildstar1063;654903
Is Software Hut Still open?
Their website is still there, but I emailed them last week and this week regarding some
 hardware I am interested in, but have not received and answer to either email.

I wonder if I would do better by calling them.

Thanks

I've tried both methods a few times in the past few months - nothing.  :(
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: stachu100 on August 16, 2011, 10:47:05 AM
I bought Indivision AGA few months back from them. And after small perturbances I've got what I ordered. But I agree that communication is not the best.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Motormouth on August 17, 2011, 02:58:00 AM
Quote from: wildstar1063;654903
Is Software Hut Still open?
Their website is still there, but I emailed them last week and this week regarding some
 hardware I am interested in, but have not received and answer to either email.

I wonder if I would do better by calling them.

Thanks


I emailed them twice ~ month ago with no luck
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: SysAdmin on August 17, 2011, 05:35:56 AM
Looks like their website is down.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: esc on August 17, 2011, 05:50:46 AM
The big shame of it, for me, is that softhut is the only place I have found so far with replacement casework...$5 or $10 or so for a full front plastic face piece for the a3000 (which I desperately need).:confused:
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Miked on August 17, 2011, 08:11:35 AM
I too have emailed them with no luck...
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: AmigaPixel on August 17, 2011, 10:29:08 AM
I was about to post the same question, but you beat me to the punch! Anyway it is a real shame if Software Hut is not operating. They were such a major retailer back in the day, I used to enjoy looking at there ads when every new Amiga World or other publication came out.

Maybe if enough of us bug them through email and phone calls they will stir awake again.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: wildstar1063 on August 17, 2011, 05:51:35 PM
When you call, the answering machine says luminous media

I found this info which has a different email, but the same address:

http://www.eluminousmedia.com/LMnew/contact_us.html

contact - United States

For: East Coast & West Coast
603 Jeffers Circle
Exton, Pa. 19341
USA
Telephone: 610-793-2354

joe@eluminousmedia.com


       Chuck E.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Matt_H on August 17, 2011, 07:42:21 PM
@ wildstar1063

Software Hut has been their side business for a number of years now - that's probably the main one.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: mechy on August 17, 2011, 09:45:18 PM
Quote from: esc;655009
The big shame of it, for me, is that softhut is the only place I have found so far with replacement casework...$5 or $10 or so for a full front plastic face piece for the a3000 (which I desperately need).:confused:

i tried to buy one a year or 2 ago and he said they were sold out. their page is never updated ;/

oh and i just tried thier web page,it seems to be up still.


mech
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: giZmo350 on August 17, 2011, 11:02:47 PM
Website is back up.... yesterday it was down for a while though.
I bought a new GVP A1200 accelerator from him about 6 months ago simply using his website to order it. The website stated that I could get some free gifts for ordering on the web. Well, I got the accelerator right away and he even sent some free goodies for the gifts (didn't get what I chose for free gifts). He threw in a few trinkets including a new Tetris game. I did try to email him again shortly afterwards but never got a reply. Maybe try ordering from his site.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: vintagepgh on December 01, 2011, 02:06:33 AM
They are alive and well.  I just bought a GVP A1200 accelerator from them.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: TheBilgeRat on December 01, 2011, 04:36:32 AM
Call them and leave clear concise return number.  He'll call you back.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Ancalimon on December 01, 2011, 04:43:43 AM
I asked for a new A4000T two weeks ago and got a reply from them telling me that they were out of stock.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: QuikSanz on December 01, 2011, 05:14:13 AM
Hi All,

Been using them for close if not 15 years, Joe is good and will fill your order if he has/can get the equipment you need.

You may need to try a couple times. A mail then a call later works most times.

Chris
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: amigadave on December 01, 2011, 08:52:04 AM
Quote from: QuikSanz;669706
Hi All,

Been using them for close if not 15 years, Joe is good and will fill your order if he has/can get the equipment you need.

You may need to try a couple times. A mail then a call later works most times.

Chris

+1

I think I bought almost all of my earliest Amiga gear to expand my A1000 from Software Hut.  I am trying to remember the name of the lady there that I would correspond back and forth with to make the orders.  I also have dealt directly with Joe on a few items and never had a single problem.

Looking through their ads back during that time was fun.  There was always more Amiga gear and software than I could afford at that time, but it was fun to dream about getting some of it someday.

Now we are lucky to have any new gear or software available, but I am thankful for what we do have and try to support the remaining developers and hardware manufacturers as often as possible.

I just wrote to Joe to volunteer some help to update his website in exchange for a couple of his Amiga items (I would probably do it for free if he thinks that it is not worth giving me a couple of items from his stock).

We will see if he replies to my offer to help update and organize his site.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: save2600 on December 01, 2011, 03:33:30 PM
Quote from: amigadave;669718
I am trying to remember the name of the lady there that I would correspond back and forth with to make the orders.
Was her name Margaret? Joe's sister or sister in-law IIRC. She was the one who answered the phone 99.99% of the time back in the day.  :)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Fud on December 01, 2011, 03:55:49 PM
Quote from: wildstar1063;654903
Is Software Hut Still open?
Their website is still there, but I emailed them last week and this week regarding some
 hardware I am interested in, but have not received and answer to either email.

I wonder if I would do better by calling them.

Thanks
I emailed sales and was contacted 2 days later concerning a bigfoot p/s. It's Mr Hardware whose website is down http://www.mrhardwarecomputers.com/ I was going to buy a tower case for my A1200 last month. It would like see both of these veteran Amiga merchants merge.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: matt3k on April 14, 2012, 07:41:58 PM
Softhut website is gone...
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: darkage on April 14, 2012, 07:53:50 PM
Quote from: matt3k;688447
Softhut website is gone...


Wow! Sad day! Its true!  :(
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: number6 on April 14, 2012, 08:28:45 PM
Quote from: matt3k;688447
Softhut website is gone...



DNS issue perhaps.

A user in irc is having no problem reaching the address.

Try: http://69.175.70.189/cgi-bin/test/Web_store/web_store.cgi


#6
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Lurch on April 14, 2012, 09:08:18 PM
Emailed him trying to order a couple of things (needed a quote on shipping) but using the contact us email address emails just get bounced back being unable to send.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Methuselas on April 14, 2012, 09:17:37 PM
I don't have anything positive at all to say about Software Hut.....
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Gulliver on April 14, 2012, 09:52:54 PM
For what it is worth, I made an online purchase from them this week. According to their online order system, they were supposed to email me the details of the purchase order so that I could pay with paypal.

I am still waiting a reply... :(

It´s been about 5 days.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Dr.Bongo on April 14, 2012, 10:40:01 PM
I made an enquiry 3 weeks ago and didn't get a response. Guess the're gone.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: zipper on April 14, 2012, 10:54:02 PM
Registrant:
Pending Renewal or Deletion
   P.O. xxxx
   Herndon, VA. US xxxx
   
   Domain Name: SOFTHUT.COM

  etc...
   Record expires on 12-Apr-2012.
   Record created on 11-Apr-1996.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: AmiDude on April 14, 2012, 11:13:01 PM
It's a goner, that's for sure...
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: arnljot on April 14, 2012, 11:26:49 PM
The DNS registration lapsed a few years ago also. After two days it was back up again.

I think Software hut is a "hobby"/"labour of love" for the guy who "ran it"/"runs it".

So for surefire amiga dealing, use Vesalia, Amigakit or the other two/three out there. And I reccomend to use Software hut if you can reach them and you hope they have something you want. Like the rerun of A4000 accellerators they did.

It should be obvious to a trained Amiga-retro eye that the stock on softhut pages are "historical" as they listed PPC accellerators and other hard to find stuff. Two years ago I sent them an email and asked for a quote for shipping to Norway. And the response was that they were out of stock.

Softhut has always been "unapologetic" for the webpage, I think it's to be considered a "historical document" :)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Dr.Bongo on April 14, 2012, 11:39:57 PM
Quote from: arnljot;688486
Two years ago I sent them an email and asked for a quote for shipping to Norway. And the response was that they were out of stock.


That's fair enough, but at least he/they could respond within 3 weeks to me.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: partycentralpartygirl on April 15, 2012, 12:02:07 AM
The fact that they do anything at all is good. I'm sure that the sales of his stuff don't even cover the cost of DNS registration and hosting costs. I give them a pass.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: magnetic on April 15, 2012, 12:13:42 AM
Quote from: Dr.Bongo;688490
That's fair enough, but at least he/they could respond within 3 weeks to me.


Maybe I can help you what are you looking for?

Yeah softhut is pretty much over :( I used to C.O.D games from them in high school lol.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: amigasociety on April 15, 2012, 12:26:27 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688502
Maybe I can help you what are you looking for?

Yeah softhut is pretty much over :( I used to C.O.D games from them in high school lol.

I know for me I was hoping to buy OS 3.9CD from them.  I thought they used to sell that.

TJ
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: chfriend on April 15, 2012, 01:47:56 AM
I emailed them several weeks ago to see if they had any 4MB GVP SIMM's left and never got an answer :cry:
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: magnetic on April 15, 2012, 01:52:28 AM
Hmmm i saw a gvp 4 Mb simmer on ebay last night!
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Dr.Bongo on April 15, 2012, 01:56:33 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688502
Maybe I can help you what are you looking for?


An A4000T? I knew it was a long-long shot but thought I'd try. A no/never/F'kof reply would have been nice though. Nevermind :)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Dr.Bongo on April 15, 2012, 02:02:01 AM
Quote from: Dr.Bongo;688541
. A no/never/F'kof reply would have been nice though.


Having said that, the reply/sales system is no better on A.org's hardware sales! (yup digg at them!)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: chfriend on April 15, 2012, 02:41:35 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688540
Hmmm i saw a gvp 4 Mb simmer on ebay last night!

I saw the one earlier today.  it's got 6 days left and a bid at $19.99 already.  I'm going to keep an eye out on amibay since I need ram for my 3000 too (probably just going to get an accelerator)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: magnetic on April 15, 2012, 05:06:13 AM
Quote from: Dr.Bongo;688543
Having said that, the reply/sales system is no better on A.org's hardware sales! (yup digg at them!)


dont know what you mean by this?
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: partycentralpartygirl on April 15, 2012, 05:41:22 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688567
dont know what you mean by this?


Probably mean that amiga.org doesn't sell hardware either.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Dr.Bongo on April 15, 2012, 09:48:15 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688567
dont know what you mean by this?


http://www.amiga.org/forums/showthread.php?t=61233
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Methuselas on April 15, 2012, 01:54:01 PM
Quote from: arnljot;688486

So for surefire amiga dealing, use Vesalia, Amigakit or the other two/three out there.


I couldn't agree more. "Labor of love" or not, Joe has a lot to learn about customer service. I bought one of the last A1200's back when everyone was buying in to Big Mac's AOS5 based off Tao speech. He wanted us to purchase stuff from the remaining vendors to show support or something, so I bought in.

I got my 1200, which I really didn't need, at all, a 2 weeks later than expected (it showed up the *DAY* I was moving the last of my stuff from my old apartment, to the new one - you can imagine how nervous I was), only to find out that of *ALL* the disks that could be defective, it was the WB disk.

I didn't have *ANY* Amiga related stuff at that time, so you can imagine how upset I was, so I emailed Joe about the bad disk, offering to pay the post to send it back to him, to get a replacement.

I didn't hear from him for 3 *MONTHS*!

3 Months for a .99$ disk?? WTF? I emailed him twice a week and didn't get a response, until I emailed old Big Mac himself and let him know what happened. All of the sudden, I get a two sentenced email from Joe which read as "Please send your address so I can ship your new WB disk. Why did you have to bring Bill McEwen into this?" [edit] - I should point out that I kept calling all of his listed numbers, as well, but it was either a busy signal or no answer. *VERY* unprofessional, even for a "hobby job."

Seriously?? 3 months of ignoring my emails? I understand that it's his "hobby" business, but when someone purchases something from you and it's defective, you do something about it. You don't let them languish in the "I don't give a sh!t pile" while you make money off of other people.

I cut him a break when Amithlon came out (I had since sold the A1200, as I didn't want to invest the money into it, to upgrade it and realized it was a waste of cash.) and ordered it from him. Guess what? It was over a month overdue. I actually had to email him *AGAIN* and say "Dude, remember me, I'm the guy that went to  Bill McEwen about a WORKBENCH DISK! Here's my CC statement, with your name on it, my order number, it's ETA of shipping arrival and a link to my tracking number, which comes up blank and UPS says they haven't even picked it up yet? You want me to contact Bill again?"

2 days later, I got an expressed Airmail package from SoftHut with Amithlon in it, over a month after I ordered it.

I paid for ground shipping......

No offense, but good riddance!
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Vlabguy1 on April 15, 2012, 03:32:32 PM
Quote from: esc;655009
The big shame of it, for me, is that softhut is the only place I have found so far with replacement casework...$5 or $10 or so for a full front plastic face piece for the a3000 (which I desperately need).:confused:


How desperate are you in terms of cash??

Rich
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: acadiel on April 15, 2012, 11:46:36 PM
I tracked Joe down.  He still has stuff; call him at 610-701-8078 or email him at joe@flashw3@r.com.  (replace 3@ with "ea")

I called him about a week ago asking if he had any network cards left, because I too had placed an order (no, he didn't).
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Rodomoc on April 15, 2012, 11:55:56 PM
My experience with Softhut was always positive. I ordered a bunch from them about 2 years ago. Communication was great. Delivery was fast. The items ordered were various items for my A3000. I'm not sure what is happening right now but Softhut never did me wrong. I commend anyone trying to sell amiga 'anything' these days. On that note, I have also had excellent service from Amigakit as well.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: magnetic on April 16, 2012, 12:31:33 AM
Well Amigakit is probably the most active dealer in the world. I have to say Vesalia is very pro and reliable as well. However, if you are in the usa watch out for amigakit as they have a "us site" but no us location. So all gear ships from uk. I had an order with them for a few items one being an important replacement drive and it over 6 weeks for delivery!
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: lost_loven on April 16, 2012, 01:21:48 AM
really? The few times that i have ordered from Amigakit  i received in less than 2 weeks and i am in CANADA EH! (Just above the US)

lost
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Gulliver on April 16, 2012, 03:14:48 AM
Quote from: acadiel;688675
I tracked Joe down.  He still has stuff; call him at 610-701-8078 or email him at joe@flashw3@r.com.  (replace 3@ with "ea")

I called him about a week ago asking if he had any network cards left, because I too had placed an order (no, he didn't).


Thank you acadiel!
I finally could contact Joe :)
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: acadiel on April 18, 2012, 02:42:22 AM
Their site is back up now.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Firedawg on April 18, 2012, 03:14:17 AM
Quote from: magnetic;688688
Well Amigakit is probably the most active dealer in the world. I have to say Vesalia is very pro and reliable as well. However, if you are in the usa watch out for amigakit as they have a "us site" but no us location. So all gear ships from uk. I had an order with them for a few items one being an important replacement drive and it over 6 weeks for delivery!

I live in the US, and I have ordered several times from Amigakit and have received my items in less than 9 business days after ordering.  That is truly amazing given it is coming from outside the US and it has to get thru US Customs.  If you live in the US I would not worry about watching out for Amigakit as they are very good people and getting your paid items to you is very important to them.  No, this was not a paid endorsement by Amigakit just a past customer who likes to support companies who support me and my hobbies.  Thanks Amigakit!!!:)

The Dawg
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: smerf on April 18, 2012, 03:44:32 AM
Quote from: lost_loven;688703
really? The few times that i have ordered from Amigakit  i received in less than 2 weeks and i am in CANADA EH! (Just above the US)

lost


WHEW!!!

I am glad you told me that Canada was still above the US, for a minute there I thought that the magnetic poles had switched and that the earth went topsy turvey, putting the US above Canada. Happy that didn't happen YET!!!

But watch out for Dec 21, 2012

smerf
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: smerf on April 18, 2012, 03:46:16 AM
Hi,

@Firedawg,

It took them 9 days to deliver to you, they must not like you, I live in Pennsyltucky and it only takes them 2 days to deliver to me.

What did you do to P them off?

smerf
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Vlabguy1 on April 18, 2012, 12:50:19 PM
Quote from: esc;655009
The big shame of it, for me, is that softhut is the only place I have found so far with replacement casework...$5 or $10 or so for a full front plastic face piece for the a3000 (which I desperately need).:confused:


I have a non working A3000 if you are interested..

Rich
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: Darth_X on May 20, 2012, 04:38:38 PM
Quote from: lost_loven;688703
really? The few times that i have ordered from Amigakit  i received in less than 2 weeks and i am in CANADA EH! (Just above the US)

lost


Where in Canada? I'm on Vancouver Island.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: smerf on May 20, 2012, 05:10:15 PM
Quote from: lost_loven;688703
really? The few times that i have ordered from Amigakit  i received in less than 2 weeks and i am in CANADA EH! (Just above the US)

lost


Hi,

Are you trying to say that you are on top of things.

Knew a bunch of canucks at one time but ran them all off.

smerf
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: lost_loven on May 20, 2012, 11:00:36 PM
Quote from: Darth_X;693736
Where in Canada? I'm on Vancouver Island.
winnipeg, just a few provinces away!

lost
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: lost_loven on May 20, 2012, 11:01:52 PM
Quote from: smerf;693737
Hi,

Are you trying to say that you are on top of things.

Knew a bunch of canucks at one time but ran them all off.

smerf
 HAHA on top of the world!!!! Well you Yanks anyhow! :swords:

lost
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: motrucker on May 20, 2012, 11:33:13 PM
You all do know that Software Hut (as in Amiga stuff) is now a side line for Joe. It is NOT his main business.
I honestly think he is just trying help when and where he can. If you had ever met him, you would understand.
Title: Re: Is Software Hut Still open?
Post by: haywirepc on May 21, 2012, 03:00:43 AM
Yeah he's a great guy. If he has what you need he'll dig for it, give you a great price and ship it to you, but its not his business anymore, so it may take him awhile to do something for you. BUT if your looking for something and he has it, its like finding the perfect part or piece, well worth the wait.