Does anyone know the status of Puppet Productions? I read on another board that people have placed orders, and their credit cards been charged, but they do not have their orders. When they call the phone number they get a recording that says "this is not a working number."
Their web site is still up, so am wondering what is going on?

Hmmm, I haven't heard that, but it has been a little while since I've ordered from them.

You are right about the phone number......does anyone live in the area of the place and check up to see if things are on the up and up.  I hope things are alright.

Daryl H

I just heard that Puppet Productions went out of business!  That is SO SAD!!! :'( :'(  I certainly hope it is not a sign of other puppet businesses having to close!

Just thought I'd let people know: the site has been removed, with an 'out of business' sign replacing it. I'll add this message to the other threads too.

Hi, I am one who ordered from them, paid $228.00 and never got a puppet from puppet productions.  That is alot of money for me and I felt so taken advantage of.  I am sure they knew they were about to close when they took my money.  What is amazing to me is that they are a christian organization.  I am glad to here the site is finally down so no one else will order and be dissappointed.  Does anyone know how to get money back in a situation like this.  the only thing i have found out so far is the name of the president of puppet productions...Bill Hawes. Thanks Lorcos

Lorcos

If you paid the $228.00 by Credit Card you can get your Credit Card to dispute the Charge. they will force Puppet Production to do a charge back to your credit card. Now if they have declared Bankruptcy or Chapter 11 you may have to see what the Credit Card company has to say about it. Now if you used a Debit Card you have your Bank dispute the charges.
I'm sorry they have deceived you or anyone else.

Billy D.

Hi Lorcos & Ms. Puppet.

This is from a forum at One Way Street:

"This is the last post on this thread for me. Yesterday I sent out an email to the Chamber of Commerce. Today I recieved a reply that informed me they were aware of the situation. This is the awful part, it also said the Desoto Police were involved with several cases like this involving PP. I think if you have an order with them hanging out there you should contact the Desoto Chamber of Commerce. Once they have your information they send it to a contact handling this situation. Thanks everyone, I know I will sure miss there great puppets."


So I guess you should contact the Desoto TX Chamber of Commerce.

Sorry to hear of your troubles!

[link to that thread: http://bbs.onewaystreet.com/viewtopic.php?t=276]

Your credit card company will reverse the charges.....call them up explain the situation they will ask you to sign an agreement that you are telling the truth and they will be reversed.  That is why YOU pay high interest to have insurance when you are in this situation. 

Just call the credit card company and they will put you in the right place.  I would not bother calling the Chamber of commerce a complete waist of time since you can't get blood out of a rock......basically if they are bankrupt and have claimed bankruptcy then everyone's hands are tied they don't have any legal recourse.....especially the small amount of money (in the commerce's eyes, not yours or mine) that each person might be out of pocket....it would cost more to bring it to court than what people are owed back.  It is a polite way for People to FEEL like they are doing something to make right what is wrong.

I hope everyone the best in getting what they deserve back  .

Daryl H

I want to make a comment concerning Puppet Productions and their heart breaking decision to go out of business.  I first came in contact with their creator, Bill Hawes, in 1970.  My church was one of their first customers!  I was so impressed with the quality of their puppets from the very start.  I still have my first “Bernard” puppet!  (I own many now.)  I have them on display and it is indeed a history lesson in how their puppets continued to improve with time.  Our church went on to sponsor several of their workshops throughout the years.  It never ceased to amaze me to see the enthusiasm they instilled in all of us who had the privilege to attend one of their workshops.  For many professional puppeteers out there - including myself - puppet productions was our introduction into puppetry.     

I have worked closely with Puppet Productions through out these past forty years.  I even had the honor of going on a speaking tour with them in October 1996.  We in the puppetry world ... especially the Christian puppetry world ... owe so much to Bill Hawes and to this outstanding organization. 

Just think!  They were in business for over forty years!  Thousands of people through out the world have benefited from their integrity and outstanding products.  For many many years they were the BEST puppet company to be found. I am broken-hearted over their bankruptcy.  Whatever happened, I assure you that this decision was not entered into lightly.  I am praying for Bill and his wife, for their family, for their employees, and for any of you who lost money.  And I am sad for myself.  I will miss them terribly.

Diana Chiles
www.hospitalpuppet.com