Some of you may recall, portions of this story, but a week ago, I fully intended to order a new WSM from Amazon after cooking a butt on my Platnium. When I signed in to AOL, I had a message from Ebay notifying me of a WSM listing. It was $35 "buy it now" and I couldn't believe it. I bought it immediately and posted the link here for you folks to see.
A couple of astute members immediately recognized it as an old classic, made in the early 1980's, a 14 inch wsm that was made for 3 yrs before being replaced with today's version. I was quickly disappointed at this revelation but a couple of members offered to buy it or trade for a standard wsm. For various reasons, mostly shipping related, that didn't work out, so I called weber to tell them what I had in case it was of interest to them. Long story short, they were absolutely thrilled at the possibility of getting this unit. They asked me what I wanted for it and I said a WSM. They eagerly asked if I wanted to wait and get one of the new 2009's. I felt the 22 was bigger than what I needed, so I gladly accepted their offer for a 2009 18 inch WSM due in October.
Interstingly, through the process, I had regular communication with DougEP and Bill Hays, both of whom offered great input through the process. In fact, as it turned out, the 1880 was located just a few miles from Doug and near Weber's manufacturing facility so he offered to pick it up from the ebayer and hand deliver it to Weber personally. Not only did this save on shipping but more importantly, it assured me the wsm would arrive at Weber's facility safely. Doug dropped it off today and was personally greeted by Ken Stephen, who is the son or grandson of the founder of Weber.
A huge thanks to Doug for everything he did to help out, I appreciate it. Both he and Bill were not only helpful, but I made a couple of new friends in the process.
It was really an interesting process, and great fun. Weber was thrilled too, so a win/win. Apparently, when Doug dropped the 1880 off, Ken told him that was the first one they've ever gotten back, so they were very pleased. Some might say I could have gotten more than a new WSM, but I rec'd more than I ever expected and am delighted with how it worked out, both for me and for Weber.
For those who did not see the original wsm, here is the link. Also, I believe Doug took some pictures, so maybe he'll be kind enough to post a few.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageNam...IT&item=330269021909
A couple of astute members immediately recognized it as an old classic, made in the early 1980's, a 14 inch wsm that was made for 3 yrs before being replaced with today's version. I was quickly disappointed at this revelation but a couple of members offered to buy it or trade for a standard wsm. For various reasons, mostly shipping related, that didn't work out, so I called weber to tell them what I had in case it was of interest to them. Long story short, they were absolutely thrilled at the possibility of getting this unit. They asked me what I wanted for it and I said a WSM. They eagerly asked if I wanted to wait and get one of the new 2009's. I felt the 22 was bigger than what I needed, so I gladly accepted their offer for a 2009 18 inch WSM due in October.
Interstingly, through the process, I had regular communication with DougEP and Bill Hays, both of whom offered great input through the process. In fact, as it turned out, the 1880 was located just a few miles from Doug and near Weber's manufacturing facility so he offered to pick it up from the ebayer and hand deliver it to Weber personally. Not only did this save on shipping but more importantly, it assured me the wsm would arrive at Weber's facility safely. Doug dropped it off today and was personally greeted by Ken Stephen, who is the son or grandson of the founder of Weber.
A huge thanks to Doug for everything he did to help out, I appreciate it. Both he and Bill were not only helpful, but I made a couple of new friends in the process.
It was really an interesting process, and great fun. Weber was thrilled too, so a win/win. Apparently, when Doug dropped the 1880 off, Ken told him that was the first one they've ever gotten back, so they were very pleased. Some might say I could have gotten more than a new WSM, but I rec'd more than I ever expected and am delighted with how it worked out, both for me and for Weber.
For those who did not see the original wsm, here is the link. Also, I believe Doug took some pictures, so maybe he'll be kind enough to post a few.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageNam...IT&item=330269021909
