They say they are taking a three month “hiatus” from all their new columns and seem to be offering substitute in-stock products for existing orders. chesscafe.com/the-skittles-room/on-hiatus/
It’s too bad. They used to be one of my favorite sites and I bought a fair amount of product from them. But the last couple months, their site has been so slow, I pretty much quite checking it.
I was at their sales site for the first time in about two years. I had the definite impression that times have gotten difficult for the new owner since it was purchased from Hannon Russell in CT and relocated to MA, the Cape.
I think it would be a good thing if the USCF could keep the site going in some form. After one of my posts, Subject: Chess Books and DVD Value , someone once asked me:
My answer was:
Chess Cafe is a trademarked business, IIRC. The trademark has value and is protected. The published materials are copyrighted as well. The USCF can’t do anything unless it enters into a business deal with the owner whose name is on the tip of my tongue. Senior moment.
Mark Donlan, former Chess Horizons editor.
Right. Thanks. Nice guy.
Some sort of business deal is what I had in mind. If the current owner is considering discontinuing the operation, wouldn’t some sort of a sell-out be possible?
The way to find out is to approach him and ask. If he is interested in getting out anyone interested in equipment sales and/or the online publishing aspect of the business might get a good deal. Personally, I hope he isn’t on the way toward going under. He’s a nice guy and on several occasions when I’ve made purchases from him, his service has been first rate.
I’ll second that. Their service has always been fast and efficient. And a lot of stuff was really well priced.
Unfortunately, that’s the kind of business that often goes under. When the product and service are good, it’s a tremendous advantage for the customer, at a tremendous cost to the provider. You can’t stay in business too long that way.
Bill Smythe
His prices were/are good, but he wasn’t giving anything away. Prompt service should bbe the norm anywhere. If he goes under, it’s likely a function of the general economic climate and competition from larger companies with greater choice. Still, hope he isn’t on the way out.