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We have already received hundreds of new Halloween products with hundreds, and hundreds, and hundreds, more due to arrive within the next two weeks.

As previously mentioned, with our product lines expanding and some of our product categories now containing up to 20 pages of products, we are breaking out groups of products into new Halloween categories.

Our latest new Halloween category is called Halloween Inflatables. Since not everyone likes the darker side of Halloween, and in response to a number of customer requests, we are actively expanding our line of colorful inflatable products.

Do stay tuned as we continue to add new Halloween products, and new Halloween categories.
By the way, yesterday we received a large order of laser lighting effects and will be adding them to the site soon. People have been asking us for years to stock Halloween Lighting Effects. Well . . . we heard you. they are in stock and will be published in our Online Store soon.

Meanwhile, we are continuing to work on the 2012 Dark Zone, and I am pleased to report that things are starting to shape up nicely. When you visit us, I am sure you will love this year's Dark Zone experience.

Temporary tooth paint is an inexpensive way to enhance any costume of makeup effects makeover.

Order online, or shop in person at the Thomas FX bricks and mortor store in North Vancouver.

Just a reminder, the Vancouver Zombie Walk is this weekend . . . Saturday August 18th at 3:00 pm . . . starting at the Vancouver Art Gallery at 4:00 sharp.

Have fun . . . Stay safe . . . Don't hurt anyone . . . Don'd damage any personal or private propety.

Special thank you to the hundreds of people who have already dropped into our store for zombie supplies!

Yesterday we received a large shipment of Mehron makeup effects products. This shipment augments our existing inventory, and while we still have orders inbound from other suppliers, we are well stocked with professional makeup effects products.

One product, a turnkey Zombie makeup effects kit, will be of particular interest to people who might want to participate in the annual Vancouver Zombie Walk for the first time.

This year the Zombie Walk takes place on August 18'th through the streets of Downtown Vancouver.

Repeat participants already know that Thomas FX stocks lots and lots of blood, plus many realistic body parts and organs such as brains, hearts and intestines. Please check our website for more information about Zombie Walk supplies.

We also carry a large stock of theatrical contact lenses. These are quality contact lenses that can be worn multiple times and will last for years. Our Theatrical Contacts are NOT the "disposable" one time wear contacts that some stores are selling.

For people looking for REALLY special contact lenses, we can order in a pair of Sclera Halloween contacts for you, and we can even have them made to your prescription.

If you can't find what you are looking for on our website right now, keep checking back as we will be adding lots of new products to our online store in the next few days, and also in the weeks that follow.

You are also welcome to drop into our bricks and mortar store in North Vancouver if you prefer to shop in person. We are located just at the North end of the Second Narrows Bridge on Riverside Drive just South off Dollarton Highway.

Have fun during the Zombie Walk everyone, but don't hurt anyone or cause any damage. It would be a shame for this annual event to go away.

A customer in the store yesterday asked us if we ever brought in sclera theatrical contact lenses. Since we had none in our display case, this was a reasonable question. "Yes, we can" is the answer.

It dawned on us that unless someone had found sclera contacts on our website they would have no way of knowing whether or not we had any. This was definitely an "aha" moment. We are so used to store customers who browse through our website before coming to the store, that it was something of a novelty for someone just to drop in. Nice to have that reality check.

We always have a large stock of Halloween theatrical contact lenses on hand and customers can easily choose the right ones from a well lit display case. Our theatrical contact lenses are made in the United States and are FDA approved. These are high quality Halloween contact lenses that can last years if you store and handle them properly. We charge $59.99 . . . A PAIR . . . for our contacts, and they include a contact lens storage case at that price.

It is more typical for online contact lens sellers to quote low prices to attract new customers. However, if you read the small print you will soon discover that those low prices are for ONE contact lens, or for lenses that are virtually DISPOSABLE. These are not the same quality as the Halloween contact lenses that we sell. Be very careful when choosing contact lenses. Some cheap foreign knock offs can actually damage your eyes. Always buy quality trusted brands.

To make things easier for everyone, we just separated sclera lenses from our custom contact lens page. Now, for added convenience, you can view all of our sclera lenses on the same page. When you order custom or sclera theatrical contact lenses, either online or through our store, please allow three to four weeks for delivery. The new sclera page can be found under the Halloween Supplies section of our Online Store.

We created Bio-Ash volcanic ash a number of years ago and within weeks, Martin Scorsese chose Thomas FX Bio-Ash, ahead of a number of alternate ash products, for "Shutter Island" which was in production at that time. Since then, our Bio-Ash (patents pending) has been used in movies such as "The Book Of Eli" "Terminator Salvation" and the Roland Emmerich action thriller "2012: Farewell Atlantis".

In the case of "2012: Farewell Atlantis" This was the first time that Roland Emmerich had filmed in HD and everything had to look perfect. A special effects technician actually brought in a sample of real volcanic ash from the Mount St Helens eruption and asked us to match it. The final custom product was a mix of three different colors of Bio-Ash and it looked absolutely wonderful on set. There were many explosive volcanic effects filmed for that production. If you have seen 2012 you might recall in particular, the White House scene where everything was being covered in volcanic ash. All of that ash was manufactured right here at Thomas FX. We also supplied the production quantities of pyrotechnics and colored smoke .


Bio-Ash Fake Volcanic Ash for Movie Production from Thomas FX

These days our plant is running full out producing biodegradable fake volcanic ash for movie production and we are currently supporting three end of the world disaster films that have chosen to use fake movie ash from Thomas FX.

Bio-Ash volcanic movie ash is available in several shades ranging from light grey to black, and can be ordered in fine, medium or coarse flake sizes. We also have a large selection of supporting and alternate biodegradable fake volcanic ash products in stock. However, if we do not have exactly the volcanic ash product you are looking for give us a call. We might be able to manufacture exactly the ash product your production needs. Thomas FX has been creating innovative custom solutions for the entertainment industry since 1968.

This certainly has been an interesting week so far, and the week is still young.

As I write, we have a shipment of Cataract Contact Lenses en route to a customer in Denmark, and a large shipment of artificial snow, fake icicles, snow fluid and several Thomas FX SN-600 Snow Machines en route to an advertising agency in New York.

We have a number of good customers in both locations, Denmark and New York, so I guess word is getting around that Thomas FX is the reliable Online "go to" resource for artificial snow and ice, and for professional quality makeup effects supplies.
Yesterday we had a surprise visit from two professional makeup effects artists from Korea. Betty and I had a wonderful time showing our visitors all of the unique professional makeup effects products that we stock in the Thomas FX store.

It turns out that they have already been using Thomas FX Breakaway Glass Shards and Non Staining Powdered Blood products. However, they have been purchasing them in Korea from the Graftobian Make-up Company based in Los Angeles . . . another regular Thomas FX Customer.

Some Thomas FX branded makeup effects supplies are also distributed in the United States by Hollywood's Cinema Secrets.

Curiously, also this week, a professional Makeup FX artist based in Ohio purchased 8 pairs of Cataract Contacts for a film shoot. Apparently, he will be working for a production company from India and filming on the Island of Madagascar very shortly.

These are the same type of contact lenses worn by Vin Diesel in The Chronicles of Riddick movie.

Imagine that . . . from the sci-fi blockbuster The Chronicles of Riddick to an Indian Zombie movie filmed in Madagascar.

Coincidentally, the Makeup Effects artist is one of our regular US customers and will also be taking our Non Staining Blood Powder with him to the shoot. He has been using proprietary Thomas FX blood for a while now and tells us he absolutely loves it.

When we add in the dozens of additional Internet customers whose orders we shipped out to various destinations throughout North America this week, and the many dozens of film industry customers that we serve across Canada as well as internationally every day, plus the tens of thousands of people around the world who read our Blog, download our YouTube videos, and Like us on Facebook, then consider how many billions of people are entertained every year watching films or television programs or attending special events or shopping in retail outlets who use our products, and you begin to get a sense of the Global reach of the Thomas FX brand.

Years ago we set out to become a true Global Resource for film industry and entertainment professionals working around the world. Based on results, I would have to say that we are definitely on target and have realized our Corporate Mission.

Thank you to all of our loyal customers around the planet for allowing us to make a difference in the world by supporting your many and diverse First Class entertainment projects!

For years our customers have been asking us for Non-Toxic Black Smoke. Good News!!! Our R&D people have finally come up with a great non toxic smoke product.

Previously, black smoke effects have been produced using a variety of products, invariably resulting in a very toxic mix of corrosive ingredients that have caused a variety of unpleasant symptoms for people exposed to the chemical toxins.

Non Toxic Black Smoke from Thomas FX is our latest coup, and the answer to many professional special effects technicians' prayers.

The photo to the left was taken late on Friday afternoon as we conducted tests of the final product in our front yard.

We have produced a demo video of the tests and have posted it on our YouTube Channel . If you are interested in this amazing new colored smoke product, or any of the other colors we currently have in stock, please Contact Betty to place an order.

You might have noticed lighter than usual posting this week. For the past several days we have been hard at work making our new product line ready for market, and adding it to the Thomas FX Online Store.

Now, thanks to a solid effort by our entire team, I am pleased to announce this latest Thomas FX product line . . . Non Toxic Colored Smoke Effects. Perfect for hazmat training, movie making, or special events, it can be used as a stand alone smoke effect, or combined with fireworks to enhance displays.

Colored Smoke Effects is not a "hazardous" good. As such, it can be safely handled and inexpensively transported via traditional carriers without incurring hazardous goods handling charges. This is not a controlled pyrotechnic product, and it is not a firework. Of even more importance, it is NOT a toxic substance. We recommend that you do not use this product indoors as the smoke WILL STAIN anything it comes into contact with.

Colored Smoke Effects are available in two sizes, the regular smoke effect which generates about 1250 cubic feet of colored smoke during a period of two to four minutes, and the larger high volume version which generates about 2500 cubic feet of smoke in the same period of time. Non Toxic Colored Smoke Effects are sold in packages of 5 units. You can purchase packs of five single colors, or a multi pack that includes 5 different colors. Available colors include: White, Blue, Purple, Red, Orange, and Yellow.

We have created a new product category SMOKE EFFECTS in our online store. Colored Smoke Effects can also be purchased Online on the HAUNT EFFECTS page under our HALLOWEEN SUPPLIES category. Since this is NOT a pyrotechnic product, or a firework, you do not require a pyrotechnician's licence, or special permit to purchase it. Colored Smoke Effects from Thomas FX can be purchased year round by members of the general public.

For your convenience we have produced a demonstration video and posted it on our YouTube page this morning. Hopefully you will find it useful, informative and perhaps even entertaining.

Thomas FX remains committed to supporting film and entertainment industry productions around the world by suppling high quality, hard to find, special effects production supplies. Our Corporate Mission is to make special effects magic available to all.

Special Effects Coordinator Tony Lazarowich dropped by today with some unique special effects consignment equipment that he has asked us to sell for him.

The 4 Ultra Foggers shown in the picture were built for, and used repeatedly on, Stargate - SG1 and all of the long running show's spin-offs. These machines create a steady flow of cool water mist, much like the traditional Mee-Foggers, but on steroids. Tony tells us that he purchased an entire pallet of Ultra Foggers when the show wrapped a couple of years ago. Much of the surplus gear has been purchased by Vancouver-based special effects technicians, and the rest has been consigned to Thomas FX for clearance. According to Tony, these Ultra Foggers were custom made for the Stargate crew at a cost of about $3,000 per unit. We are selling them for only $700 each!

Tony is also offering 2 LeMaitre Show Foggers for sale. These industrial strength fog machines were originally used in the doomed Vancouver themed attraction Storyeum. Unfortunately, this attraction never achieved traction in the local market and quickly closed. The foggers had been sitting in a warehouse for years when Tony purchased them. Tony tells us they have hardly been used, and judging how quickly Storyeum came and went, I am inclined to take him at his word. Today's price for a new Show Fogger is about $1,399. We are selling these two "lightly used" units at $700 each!

You will have seen Tony's work as Special Effects Coodinator on movie projects such as: The Day The Earth Stood Still, Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, Elf, Deck The Halls, Alien vs Predator: Requiem . . . and also on Television projects  such as The Andromeda Strain and Virtuality. Check out Tony's website for more information.

We Look At The World Differently

So why are we helping out a firm that has positioned itself as one of our competitors in the local marketplace? . . . Because at Thomas FX we still believe in building "community". What goes around, comes around. We also believe in abundance. In our world view, there is plenty for everyone. A Utopian point of view perhaps, but we honestly believe that each one of us has an obligation to do good in this world and to lend a helping hand whenever an opportunity presents itself.

If you are interested in acquiring any of this professional special effects equipment, just Contact Betty and she will help with all the shipping and logistics details.

On the other hand, if you are a special effects professional with surplus equipment to sell, let us know. Perhaps we can help to turn some of your used Gak into cold hard cash.

Keep checking the Used Equipment page on the Thomas FX website for surplus equipment updates and buy online, or make an offer.

NOTE: There is no warranty on used special effects equipment. Buyers must rely on the reputation of the Seller, and on the Seller's representations, which we report dutifully. Thomas FX makes no representations about the quality or condition of any of the consignment inventory that we offer for sale on behalf of third parties.



Charlton Heston studies 'Alaska' script on Thomas stunt pads

Congratulatons to Norway's Kai Rodseth for expanding his stunt business with quality new and used stunt and rigging equipment from Thomas FX, and also to Martin Hogberg, Sweden's leading Special Effects Coordinator. Thomas FX has been a leader in unique stunt and special effects equipment, as well as hard to find production supplies, for more than four decades.

Ten years ago, we decided that we would no longer go to set as a stunt and special effects organization. Rather, since we are widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the Canadian film industry, we wanted to give back to the industry that has been so good to us for so long. Now, we no longer compete with our customers for business, we stand behind them and help them to become more successful.

The Thomas FX team is fully dedicated to helping special effects and entertainment professionals around the world to succeed in building their businesses, by being the best in the world, with world class support behind them. Part of how we do that is by taking the worry out of purchasing equipment and production supplies . . . ie., Will it arrive? Will it arrive in time? Will it be what I ordered? Can I rely on the quality? Will there be any hidden costs?

When an order is placed with Thomas FX, you can count on receiving quality equipment and production supplies, at the prices quoted up front, when you need them, and wherever you need them in the world. In addition to eliminating uncertainty we also take away your logistics headaches, and we facilitate customs documentation and cross border clearances.

Experience the Thomas FX difference. Let us support your next production and let us make your job easier by taking away the worry so you can focus on producing world class entertainment.

I am pleased to introduce the latest addition to our family; this rare Gibson koa wood, triple pickup, gold plated, "CS 356 Custom" beauty.

When I found out there were only three exactly like it in existance, I just couldn't resist. Pricey . . . . but well worth it.

Andre from the vintage and custom guitar department at Vancouver's Long & McQuade outlet scoped out my personal tastes in guitars then claimed this rare gem for me when he visited Gibson's custom shop in Nashville a few weeks ago.

Seriously, waiting for the guitar to clear customs was almost like waiting for a new baby. However, the "baby" eventually arrived and it looks great in my collection.

It is "almost" criminal that this amazing instrument will never tour, but I readily admit to feeling no guilt whatsoever.

Coincidentally, when I went in to pick up my CS 356, Betty and I bumped into Vancouver Special Effects Coordinator Gary Minielly who was in the store helping his son to pick out a new axe. Gary had just wrapped "Sleeper", a new media film project, the day before.

You will have seen Gary's work on films such as: I Robot, Tron: Legacy, 2012, X-Men 3: The Last Stand, Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2, and the TV Series Kyle XY.

Transmission Inc., a modern content production studio that offers full production, post, and new media creative services in Los Angeles and Vancouver, has booked Thomas Studios.

Transmission will be working in Thomas Studios this week producing a rock video for the popular metal band "Seether".

Seether , originally from South Africa, is currently on tour across Canada and the United States with a musical style they promote as " post grunge / alternative metal "  . . .  Good tunes guys! Kind of like a polished version of Nickelback, who they also gig with, but with more attitude. If you haven't heard their music before, have a listen. 2012 Tour Dates Here.

Special thanks to Transmission for choosing Thomas Studios. We are all looking forward to hosting your project this week.


Fan Photo . . . Seether Tour  . . . Apollo 2012



At Thomas FX we like to give our customers quality choices and are always on the lookout for new products.

Here is the latest addition to our Fake Ice & Icicles website catagory . . . 1 1/4" acrylic ice cubes. These artificial ice cubes are the most realistic cubes we have found . . . . so far.

The edges of the cubes are partially rounded, just as the edges of real ice cubes melting in a glass would be. There are even air bubbles in the cubes, just like the air bubbles in real ice cubes.

This is a nice addition to our established line of artificial ice cubes that include acrylic ice cubes measuring, 3/8" , 5/8" , 3/4" , 1" , and now 1 1/4" .

We still manufacture our popular realistic rubber ice cubes that look like ice cubes that have just come out of your refrigerator . . . and they actually float! If you prefer, we can purchase a block of optically clear rubber ice that you can break into floating ice chunks or chips in sizes of your choice.

In addition, we offer two sizes of acrylic ice chips for people who prefer a crushed ice look in their film production, photo shoot, live event, or store window display.

Shop Online , or come into our North Vancouver store to view artificial snow and ice products in a fully appointed Snow & Ice Display room where three types of variable lighting can create a lighting environment similar to that which will exist on your set or display.

BREAKING NEWS . . . .

For those who have been waiting patiently for the past few weeks . . .

We just received a large shipment of theatrical contact lenses.

In the movie The Chronicles of Riddick, star Vin Diesel wore Cataract theatrical contact lenses.

Every style is now in stock at Thomas FX. Shop Online, or drop by and pick up your theatrical contacts today.

If you want to see the special effects fog machine equivalent of this guy's steroid overdose photo, check out Dieter Sturm's latest video.

Literally folks, it  ROCKS . . . and . . . ROLLS !

Well done Dieter!!!

Every year the Royal Bank of Canada sponsors the prestigious Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

On May 9'th between 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm the British Columbia Forum for Women Entrepreneurs has organized an information seminar on the 35'th floor of the Royal Bank Building at 1055 West Georgia Street in Vancouver.

Betty Thomas Quee, President of Thomas FX, will be one of the panel presenters at this event. Betty was nominated for Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997, and again in 1998 when she WON the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Betty has been a role model and mentor for Women Entrepreneurs for many years and has volunteered as a Judge for the annual Awards competion for nearly a decade. She is an Honourary Lifetime Member of BC Women In Film & Video.

Throughout her career Betty has always been at the forefront of change and innovation. She was the first female Stuntperson in Canada, the first female Stunt Coordinator in Canada, the first female Second Unit Director in Canada, and to our knowledge the first and only film industry Woman Entrepreneur to be recognized as Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. It is only fitting that she is also President and Board Chair of the Thomas FX Group  . . .  the first Special Effects company in Canada.


If you are a Canadian Woman Entrepreneur and would like to attend this event, CLICK HERE for more information, and register. Full attendance is expected so if you are interested . . . Act now!

We are pleased to let everyone know about the latest Thomas FX breakaway glass product . . . . breakaway glass mirror.

We have been working at developing this product for years and have finally "cracked" the secret . . . Sorry about that bad pun, but I just couldn't resist.

To the left you can see a roll of digital green tape reflected against a test sample of our new mirror glass. Can you tell which is the real tape and which is the reflection?

Breakaway glass mirror, also known as breakaway mirror glass or just mirror glass, while more expensive than our normal breakaway glass products, can be made in any thickness, shape or size, as per our established breakaway glass product offerings.

Contact Betty for pricing and ordering details, or call her directly at 604.929.5455.

 A local Special Effects "wannabe" walked through our doors this afternoon with "a new product" that he wanted us to distribute. Before telling us anything about his product he told us we had to sign a 3-page non-disclosure agreement. Next, after we told him what we though of his NDA agreement, he told us his new product was a "peel and stick" pyro product that was still in beta testing. Then he told us he was going around to local special effects technicians to try and sell the "new product".

While we admire initiative, this guy qualifies for today's "SILLY HAT AWARD" for making the worst sales call that we have ever experienced . . . on behalf of a product that he couldn't discuss . . . that he didn't have a sample of . . . that was not market ready . . . and to top it off, he couldn't tell us how much he wanted for his product!

While we respect the company he works for, this guy made some really BIG mistakes today:

1) No business owner is going to take time out of a busy day to read some legal document handed to them by some guy that just happens to walk through the door unannounced, flogging a product that he is not willing to discuss.

2) Demanding that an NDA be signed before telling us WHY we would be interested in what he had to say is just downright stupid. Insisting that we sign the NDA implies he thinks we will steal his product.

3) Telling us that he was going direct to our customers with his new product then expect us to be interested in distributing it is also downright stupid . . . Why on earth would we stock a product that a manufacturer was selling directly to our customers?

4) Approaching us with an unproven pyro product "in beta testing" is not just stupid, it is dangerous, and it would be pretty dumb for us to even allow such a thing as an unproven, unregulated, unlicenesed pyro product into our building . . . but no worries in this case, because the guy making the "sales" pitch didn't even have a sample of the product with him!

5) Finally, he had no idea that the Federal explosives regulations were in the process of being changed, and the likelihood of his "beta product" complying with the proposed new regulations would likely be remote.

We distribute more than 6,000 sku's, and sell millions of dollars of product to customers in 46 countries around the world every year. Most of those sku's are made by the world's pre-eminent special effects manufacturers. Those manufacturers do business with us becuase they know that our ethical business practices and commitment to both service and quality are unequalled . . . AND because we always pay our bills on time.

Customers trust us to ensure that the products we sell are always of the highest quality . . . that they are safe . . . and that they meet all regulations prescribed by any regulatory body having jurisdiction. We would NEVER market a product that was unproven, and potentially unsafe, or manufactured by a hit-or-miss startup company that was represented by unprofessional people.

We do respect and admire initiative, and if approached, we are always willing to listen and offer direct honest feedback . . . even though most people cannot handle direct or honest criticism . . . but after 44 years in business if you are planning on walking through our front door, asking for our time, with the assumption that we are somehow going to cheat you, or steal your idea, then you probably should not be walking through our door. That is just not how we do business in this company.

Over the years many of our customers have come to us with their new business and product ideas, and we have always been open to listen, and willing to offer constructive feedback. However, if the first thing you do when you walk through our doors is to insult us, if you are not prepared, and you waste our time, you are not going to get a warm and fuzzy welcome from us. We run a serious business serving serious professionals with serious special effects products and do not suffer fools lightly.

The bottom line is that we told the gentleman, honestly, directly, and in no uncertain terms, that he and his product were "not ready for market" and wished him well with his mysterious new product . . . a product that experienced professional pyrotechnicians would likely never be interested in . . . a product that might not be safe to use . . . a product that will possibly never see the light of day.

Long-time friend, colleague, and Academy Award winner, Special Effects Technician Dieter Sturm has just hit another one out of the park. He has invented one very cool jet powered fog machine. See it in action HERE. Dieter says "the SMOKE shown in these tests is NON-Toxic and we have MSDS sheets to back it up".

According to Dieter, using a commercial-grade micro jet turbine engine, massive amounts of fog and smoke can be quickly created for special effects visuals in motion pictures, TV, disaster simulation training, and special event projects.

Dieter's system is designed and built to be mobile, so very large areas can be fogged by physically driving the system as an STV. The new fogger can also be used in a static position. The jet turbine head, produces up to 150 lbs of thrust, and has an automated tilt feature to disperse down to the ground or up into the sky.

This jet turbine system was designed to be "modular", so with little effort the unit can be removed from this vehicle and can be integrated into other project uses.

Why Is This Man Smiling?

Today we have a problem . . . A problem shared by the cast and crew of a motion picture company in Winnipeg . . . A problem caused by Westjet Cargo.

To make matters worse, despite numerous calls to Westjet this morning, NOBODY at Westjet is willing to solve this problem. Instead, everyone we have spoken with has chosen to hide behind the "I am just following procedures" excuse . . . earning them all recognition as having the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE.

At this moment six out of a shipment of seven boxes of production supplies destined for Winnipeg is still sitting on the tarmac in Vancouver waiting for a plane. Yesterday afternoon, we chose Westjet as our carrier because they told us they could get this shipment to Winnipeg overnight. For that GUARANTEED "EXPEDITED" service we agreed to pay thousands of dollars in shipping charges. This morning we were contacted by Westjet and told that only one box made it out on their 6:45 pm flight yesterday. As it turns out, the majority of our shipment was "bumped" by passengers. To make matters worse, they cannot tell us when . . . or even IF . . . our shipment will be delivered to Winnipeg.

We have been completely frustrated in all attempts to contact ANY Westjet manager with the authority to ensure that our shipment is expedited. The receptionist and employees of the Westjet sales department have continued to stonewall us . . . they have given us completely incorrect information . . . and have demonstrated a complete lack of concern about the problems, or consequences, that they and their SERIOUSLY FLAWED airline have created. We have been "placed on hold" repeatedly and completely unable to speak with ANYBODY who can help.

Christiane Youssef was the Salesperson for Westjet Cargo that we dealt with. In our view she is completely incompetent. In the last 24 hours she has:

1) Quoted the wrong price for our shipment

2) Conducted a personal conversation with a coworker while at the same time on the phone recording the details of our shipment . . . in her words, when questioned about this, she jokingly replied, "I am multi-tasking"

3) Lied to us. She told us the reason our shipment did not go out was because the boxes were the wrong size. Her supervisor later told us our shipment was bumped by passengers.

It should be noted that nobody at Westjet called us to let us know our shipment had not made it out last night as promised. Had we known, we could have made other arrangements and the problem for the picture company could have been averted.

Now, making matters even worse, unable to get service or a solution from the sales department, we just called the corporate offices of Westjet in Calgary and asked to speak with the current Westjet CEO, Gregg Saretsky. Judy, the receptionist told us she was unable to find the CEO, or the VP of Operations, or the VP of Sales, or ANY MANAGER in the building. She was also unable to find any "Administrator" in the building. We were put on hold repeatedly, but again the fall back was the "We are a large company and I am only following procedures" excuse.

Judy told us that she was in a six story building and could not be expected to know who was in the building. When I told her we would be sharing our experience with Westjet on the Internet, Judy said she felt threatened. Judy said she was "trying". I pointed out that "trying" was not the same as "doing" and I told her that I needed her to actually DO something instead of just trying. Rather than take this problem seriously Judy chose to hang up on us! Nice job of Customer Service Judy. So, given the fact that Judy "the receptionist" was unable to transfer my urgent call to ANY living breathing person in her six story building, I think it is fair to add Judy to the list of incompetent Westjet employees being managed by CEO Gregg Saretsky.

Personally, I have been flying since 1953 and have logged untold hundreds of thousands of miles in the air. NEVER have I encountered an airline with worse customer service. I have also shipped baggage and cargo all over the world and have never had a worse airline experience.

If you are contemplating using Westjet for your next cargo shipment . . . BEWARE!!! . . . Your cargo will get bumped if they sell too many passenger tickets. Seriously . . . This company should NOT be in the cargo business if they are not willing to service cargo customers properly.

According to a previous Westjet CEO, WestJet's Core Value Proposition is "cheap fare, fun environment and good experience when you fly with WestJet." The airline's recipe to attract its clients is "humor, customer service and good value." . . . Well, nobody here is having a good experience, or much fun, today dealing with your airline Mr (former) CEO.

Under CEO Gregg Saretsky's management, based on our experience with a number of Westjet employees as we have dealt with while attempting to manage the damage this airline has created, a more appropriate Value Proposition for Westjet employees would be . . . "We are a large company. We follow procedures."

This is just the latest example of a company that fails to live up to the founders' Vision and Mission. Mr. Saretsky, you are undoubtedly focused on growing profits, but in the process your corporate culture is in big trouble.

This ALWAYS happens when a company puts profits ahead of customer service. The wrong people are hired; employees are not properly trained; Managers lose touch with their customer base; Core Values deteriorate; individual initiative disappears; and Service is replaced by a robotic-like adherence to "policy". Over time, companies on this downward spiral eventually fail and shareholders lose their investments.

Westjet is a company that was built on individual initiative Mr. Saretsky. You might want to be curious about how the airline has lost touch with its core values. Telling jokes on flights is all well and good, but today's joke is the horrific service on Westjet Cargo, and the "joke" is on all of your customers who expect, and deserve, so much more from your company.