Classic Bells Ltd. - Postville, Iowa

linda keller

We started our bell restoration project with DeeAnna in February 2021 with very clear expectations as to time frame. We altered our project several times as we kept finding bells squirreled away in nooks and crannies of our family property. DeAnna’s advice in planning the project was spot on. The bells arrived as promised and are more beautiful than we could have ever imagined. They will be family heirlooms, and we could not be more pleased with the results. Thank you!

Jeanne Hinds

If you wish to have your antique sleigh bells restored, this may not be the company to do business with. The owners' declared guarantee of good service has declined in the past year to the point where they no longer make that guarantee. In early 2012, the company web site, under "Services" for restoration projects stated,

We will do our best to:
Provide an estimate of the cost
Provide an estimated ship date

Towards the end of 2012, that service guarantee has changed to: "If you require require fast service or a firm deadline, please find another craftsperson to do your project. We will all be happier and less frustrated."

I shipped my antique bells to Classic Bells on February 23, 2012. Deeanna Weed called me on March 14, 2012 to acknowledge receipt and the need for measurements, I then mailed her detailed measurements of my driving pony and we talked again on April 6, 2012 to discuss the specifics of what I wanted. During that last conversation, Deeanna Weed's attitude seemed to be annoyance. She could not give me an estimated date of completion. Not even a ball park estimate. I chalked up her attitude to having a bad day.

In early November 2012, I called Classic Bells since it had now been 7 months since I had last heard anything about my bells. Deeanna answered the phone. She again reiterated that she could not give me any estimate as to when the bell strap would be finished, no hint whatsoever as to where my project was in the queue of other projects. She reiterated that their retail and wholesale business took priority and that restoration projects were not high on the list. I questioned her as to why they even bother soliciting restoration projects since it appears they are a major inconvenience. It was clear that the miserable phone attitude Mrs. Weed exhibited in April was not a fluke.

I waited another month, called December 7th, got the exact same result of absolutely no information on my bells. This phone conversation was the first time Deeanna Weed referred to other restoration clients who had been waiting more than a YEAR to get their bells. Had I known my bells would sit in their workshop for over a year, I would have found another craft person to restore them. Classic Bells had my set of bells for 9 1/2 months. I requested they be returned to me and my deposit returned which they were.

Restoration of antique bells is not a high business priority with Classic Bells. It appears to interfere with their retail and wholesale branches of the business and you will frustrate and annoy the owners if you have the temerity to inquire as to when you might possibly get your bells.

edentulate1

My great grandparents bells arrived ! Thanks so much! You did a wonderful job and they turned out every bit as beautiful as I dreamt!

Nanci Richards

DeeAnna has been so incredibly helpful as I am learning about the set of bells that I acquired at an auction, as well as planning projects for the future. Thank you for your time and help!