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lawchick · Feb 28th, 2008, 01:54 PM

I am so upset! The clasp/closure on my Rikki won't open anymore. I can no longer open the bag. When it is in the closed position and I flip the little metal piece up to slide it out of the metal piece to open the bag, I cannot get the metal piece to slide through the metal ring (well, it's shaped like a rectangle).

The last time I used my Rikki, I noticed the lock seemed to stick a little but I didn't inspect to see why. Then I used my bag again a few days ago and now it won't open at all. I looked closely and I can see why. There is a tiny screw on the side of the metal thingy that goes into the opening, you know the one that flips up and down so you can open and close your bag? The screw is sticking out and preventing the little metal piece from being able to slide out of the ring. I should try to take a picture and post it. It's so tiny that I'm not sure if it will turn up. Anyway, I tried using a screwdriver for sunglasses but the screw would not turn. I'm so upset! I don't know what to do.

The bag was a gift (sort of) that was purchsed at Saks. I have the receipt but I don't have a Saks near me. The closest one is almost 2 hours away. So is the nearest boutique. I really don't want to mail my bag off to be repaired. Any recs on where I could take it to be fixed other than to Saks? Has anyone else had a problem like this?

Samantha's Collection · Feb 28th, 2008, 02:07 PM

How frustrating. I would call the Saks it was purchased from and have them handle it. You have an expensive bag that I would only trust to the retailer. They should issue a call tag and take care of the repair for you.

jmcadon · Feb 28th, 2008, 02:23 PM

I had the same problem with an older bag Rhonne ( I never can remember how to spell it). DH fixed it for me by somehow pushing the little screw back in. It works perfectly now. Why don't you try taking it to a cobbler and asking them about it? I wouldn't just leave it with anyone, but if you have someone you trust locally, or maybe they can fix it while you are there.

lawchick · Feb 28th, 2008, 06:00 PM

Samantha, what is a call tag and do you have any idea of how long I can expect them to tell me I have to wait for them to repair it and have it back?

jmcadon, I was thinking about trying something like that but I'm a little afraid. Did your DH actually get the screw to turn or did he just somehow push it back in?

jburgh · Feb 28th, 2008, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by lawchick

what is a call tag?

lawchick - A call tag is a label from a shipper that you can stick on a package. It bills the shipping cost to the company who sent it. You just take the labeled packed to a drop off, or arrange for the shipper to pick it up.

lawchick · Feb 28th, 2008, 09:30 PM

Oh, thanks!

Stinkerbelle · Feb 28th, 2008, 10:01 PM

Do let us know how this all works out as I swear, I cringe anytime I hear about a problem with hardware! And the clasp especially....oy....every single one of my JC bags has that clasp ('uge Riki/Ring fan)!

I looked at my bags and I'm with JM, I would hope that my DH who can put nuclear submarines back together could tap that wee screw back into place...but hey, he works for the gov't so there's no tellin'!

jmcadon · Feb 29th, 2008, 11:23 AM

My DH works for the gov't too. But he also has his contractors lic. and can do anything, I swear. He says that is why I married him.
lawchick...I asked DH how he did it and he said, that little thing sticking out is not a screw, it is a set pin(??) that has worked it's way out. He just used a punch tool, like an awl and pushed it back in. He said you could also use a pair of pliers and squeeze it as it is an expandable piece of metal, and it should slide back in.
Eeeek! I wouldn't try this unless you are really good with tools...

lawchick · Feb 29th, 2008, 12:22 PM

Ooooo, that is so good to hear you guys! I once "fixed" one of my Marc Jacobs bags that way, with pliers! I was really scared to damage it but it totally worked and I didn't damage it. Of course I covered the hardware with a soft cloth before I took pliers to it. The only problem is that silly me, I put the piece on facing the wrong way. Doh!!! It was only a zipper pull so I didn't bother to redo it. The Marc Jacobs lettering on the zipper pull is facing the inside of the bag rather than the outside. Nobody would ever notice except me.

I think I'm going to try pushing the pin in. I already tried it and it didn't work but I didn't use a proper tool and I didn't try very hard since I thought it was a screw and I didn't want to break it or damage the tread.

I'll update you guys this weekend. Thanks a bunch!!!

lawchick · Mar 24th, 2008, 01:24 AM

Well, I tried fixing it myself with pliers and it didn't work. That pin will not budge. I've had my bag sitting on my bedroom floor for almost a month. I was in LA over the weekend so I brought my bag to Saks on Saturday. The lady who helped me was great! I pulled out my bag and showed her the problem. She took the bag and immediately pulled out a carbon copy form for me to fill out to get the bag repaired. She knew exactly what to do. I asked her what they were going to do with it. She said they have a guy that they use to fix bags and that he is a genius. He even makes bags to order. She said they will call me when it is done. Maybe even as soon as Monday! I told her I live in northern california and she offered to ship the bag to me. She said there is no charge for the repair or shipping! I was too nervous to do that especially because she did not know if they insure the package. My sis who lives in LA is coming up to visit me next weekend so she's going to pick it up and bring it with her. I was amazed at how easy it was and how nice she was about it. I told her I had the receipt with me but she said not to worry about it, that she trusted me. I have never even seen her before! I could not believe how good the customer service was!

I'll let you all know the outcome. Please wish my bag a successful "operation" and a speedy recovery.

jburgh · Mar 24th, 2008, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by lawchick

Well, I tried fixing it myself with pliers and it didn't work. That pin will not budge. I've had my bag sitting on my bedroom floor for almost a month. I was in LA over the weekend so I brought my bag to Saks on Saturday. The lady who helped me was great! I pulled out my bag and showed her the problem. She took the bag and immediately pulled out a carbon copy form for me to fill out to get the bag repaired. She knew exactly what to do. I asked her what they were going to do with it. She said they have a guy that they use to fix bags and that he is a genius. He even makes bags to order. She said they will call me when it is done. Maybe even as soon as Monday! I told her I live in northern california and she offered to ship the bag to me. She said there is no charge for the repair or shipping! I was too nervous to do that especially because she did not know if they insure the package. My sis who lives in LA is coming up to visit me next weekend so she's going to pick it up and bring it with her. I was amazed at how easy it was and how nice she was about it. I told her I had the receipt with me but she said not to worry about it, that she trusted me. I have never even seen her before! I could not believe how good the customer service was!

I'll let you all know the outcome. Please wish my bag a successful "operation" and a speedy recovery.

Thanks for the update. It is great to read a post with a positive customer service experience.

norma haynes · Apr 2nd, 2008, 06:20 PM

I hope you get it fixed!!! Nothing worse than spending good $$ and being disapointed. I just used my Togo Crocodile bag yesterday for the first time(about 30 minutes) before the hardware fell off and strap broke!!! I was livid! So i overnighted it back to the JC store, still waiting to find out what they are going to do to fix or replace!! This was a 14K bag.I am really bummed...

jmcadon · Apr 2nd, 2008, 08:07 PM

EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!! I have never heard of that happening. The strap broke? You paid $14,000. for a bag and the strap broke???

norma haynes · Apr 4th, 2008, 11:02 AM

well i actually got it for half (still 7,000.00) on sale at JC in January.I am still waiting to hear back from them.Lauren , the manager at the store in Bev Hills where i purchased it has yet to contact me, i know they have rec'd it.
I am so disapointed!!!!

wickedassin · Apr 4th, 2008, 02:26 PM

When I bought my patent bordeaux Riki, my SA told me that the "pink" issue was the one and only problem that he'd seen with the Riki. I've been tucking the strap into my bag when I'm using it and not using the closure as a preventative measure. It's easier to get in and out of the bag this way.

I hope yours is fixed soon!

Feb 28th, 2008, 01:54 PM	#1
lawchick OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,302	Problem with the hardware on my Rikki I am so upset! The clasp/closure on my Rikki won't open anymore. I can no longer open the bag. When it is in the closed position and I flip the little metal piece up to slide it out of the metal piece to open the bag, I cannot get the metal piece to slide through the metal ring (well, it's shaped like a rectangle). The last time I used my Rikki, I noticed the lock seemed to stick a little but I didn't inspect to see why. Then I used my bag again a few days ago and now it won't open at all. I looked closely and I can see why. There is a tiny screw on the side of the metal thingy that goes into the opening, you know the one that flips up and down so you can open and close your bag? The screw is sticking out and preventing the little metal piece from being able to slide out of the ring. I should try to take a picture and post it. It's so tiny that I'm not sure if it will turn up. Anyway, I tried using a screwdriver for sunglasses but the screw would not turn. I'm so upset! I don't know what to do. The bag was a gift (sort of) that was purchsed at Saks. I have the receipt but I don't have a Saks near me. The closest one is almost 2 hours away. So is the nearest boutique. I really don't want to mail my bag off to be repaired. Any recs on where I could take it to be fixed other than to Saks? Has anyone else had a problem like this?

Feb 28th, 2008, 02:07 PM	#2
Samantha's Collection Member Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,658	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki How frustrating. I would call the Saks it was purchased from and have them handle it. You have an expensive bag that I would only trust to the retailer. They should issue a call tag and take care of the repair for you.

Feb 28th, 2008, 02:23 PM	#3
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki I had the same problem with an older bag Rhonne ( I never can remember how to spell it). DH fixed it for me by somehow pushing the little screw back in. It works perfectly now. Why don't you try taking it to a cobbler and asking them about it? I wouldn't just leave it with anyone, but if you have someone you trust locally, or maybe they can fix it while you are there.
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	__________________ Jmcadon

Feb 28th, 2008, 06:00 PM	#4
lawchick OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,302	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki Samantha, what is a call tag and do you have any idea of how long I can expect them to tell me I have to wait for them to repair it and have it back? jmcadon, I was thinking about trying something like that but I'm a little afraid. Did your DH actually get the screw to turn or did he just somehow push it back in?

Feb 28th, 2008, 09:30 PM	#6
lawchick OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,302	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki Oh, thanks!

Feb 28th, 2008, 10:01 PM	#7
Stinkerbelle Member Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,639	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki Do let us know how this all works out as I swear, I cringe anytime I hear about a problem with hardware! And the clasp especially....oy....every single one of my JC bags has that clasp ('uge Riki/Ring fan)! I looked at my bags and I'm with JM, I would hope that my DH who can put nuclear submarines back together could tap that wee screw back into place...but hey, he works for the gov't so there's no tellin'!
Stinkerbelle Member Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,639

Feb 29th, 2008, 11:23 AM	#8
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki My DH works for the gov't too. But he also has his contractors lic. and can do anything, I swear. He says that is why I married him. lawchick...I asked DH how he did it and he said, that little thing sticking out is not a screw, it is a set pin(??) that has worked it's way out. He just used a punch tool, like an awl and pushed it back in. He said you could also use a pair of pliers and squeeze it as it is an expandable piece of metal, and it should slide back in. Eeeek! I wouldn't try this unless you are really good with tools...
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	__________________ Jmcadon

Feb 29th, 2008, 12:22 PM	#9
lawchick OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,302	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki Ooooo, that is so good to hear you guys! I once "fixed" one of my Marc Jacobs bags that way, with pliers! I was really scared to damage it but it totally worked and I didn't damage it. Of course I covered the hardware with a soft cloth before I took pliers to it. The only problem is that silly me, I put the piece on facing the wrong way. Doh!!! It was only a zipper pull so I didn't bother to redo it. The Marc Jacobs lettering on the zipper pull is facing the inside of the bag rather than the outside. Nobody would ever notice except me. I think I'm going to try pushing the pin in. I already tried it and it didn't work but I didn't use a proper tool and I didn't try very hard since I thought it was a screw and I didn't want to break it or damage the tread. I'll update you guys this weekend. Thanks a bunch!!!

Mar 24th, 2008, 01:24 AM	#10
lawchick OP Member Joined: Aug 2006 Location: CA Posts: 1,302	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki Well, I tried fixing it myself with pliers and it didn't work. That pin will not budge. I've had my bag sitting on my bedroom floor for almost a month. I was in LA over the weekend so I brought my bag to Saks on Saturday. The lady who helped me was great! I pulled out my bag and showed her the problem. She took the bag and immediately pulled out a carbon copy form for me to fill out to get the bag repaired. She knew exactly what to do. I asked her what they were going to do with it. She said they have a guy that they use to fix bags and that he is a genius. He even makes bags to order. She said they will call me when it is done. Maybe even as soon as Monday! I told her I live in northern california and she offered to ship the bag to me. She said there is no charge for the repair or shipping! I was too nervous to do that especially because she did not know if they insure the package. My sis who lives in LA is coming up to visit me next weekend so she's going to pick it up and bring it with her. I was amazed at how easy it was and how nice she was about it. I told her I had the receipt with me but she said not to worry about it, that she trusted me. I have never even seen her before! I could not believe how good the customer service was! I'll let you all know the outcome. Please wish my bag a successful "operation" and a speedy recovery.

Apr 2nd, 2008, 06:20 PM	#12
norma haynes Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 293	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki I hope you get it fixed!!! Nothing worse than spending good $$ and being disapointed. I just used my Togo Crocodile bag yesterday for the first time(about 30 minutes) before the hardware fell off and strap broke!!! I was livid! So i overnighted it back to the JC store, still waiting to find out what they are going to do to fix or replace!! This was a 14K bag.I am really bummed...
norma haynes Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 293

Apr 2nd, 2008, 08:07 PM	#13
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki EEEEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!! I have never heard of that happening. The strap broke? You paid $14,000. for a bag and the strap broke???
jmcadon Viper-girl Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,012	__________________ Jmcadon

Apr 4th, 2008, 11:02 AM	#14
norma haynes Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 293	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki well i actually got it for half (still 7,000.00) on sale at JC in January.I am still waiting to hear back from them.Lauren , the manager at the store in Bev Hills where i purchased it has yet to contact me, i know they have rec'd it. I am so disapointed!!!!
norma haynes Member Joined: Apr 2007 Posts: 293

Apr 4th, 2008, 02:26 PM	#15
wickedassin Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,570	Re: Problem with the hardware on my Rikki When I bought my patent bordeaux Riki, my SA told me that the "pink" issue was the one and only problem that he'd seen with the Riki. I've been tucking the strap into my bag when I'm using it and not using the closure as a preventative measure. It's easier to get in and out of the bag this way. I hope yours is fixed soon!
wickedassin Member Joined: Jan 2006 Posts: 3,570

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