Customer Service/Quality Control issues post here.

[K.Z.]

As some of you know, I've been lurking around this subforum (on and off) and BE's website for a year and just recently got my first BE--and not without problems kuz my crystals fell off as soon as I started using the bag. But Jackie is replacing the tags, and I'm still looooving my bag!

I must admit that I'm a bit surprised and turned off by the drama, regardless of how it started, who started it, what it stems from, etc. There seem to be "teams" here fighting for or against BE....not sure...but there's definitely a vibe. I've also noticed a lack of response from members that makes me wonder whether or not I'm welcomed here--or any other BE newbie. IDK....something seems off.

I don't know what anyone emailing Jackie about someone else's bag hoped to accomplish, but IMO one stands to do more damage than good stepping in between negotiations between a customer and the company, especially when there's a thread on which anyone can post opinions about the situation knowing that both Jackie and Susa will see these posts.

I'm surprised to hear about nasty PMs going back and forth apparently kuz some people are more optimistic about the brand than others. So what? To each here own. I agree that it doesn't make much sense to hang around and/or post in a forum whose designer we no longer support because the majority of the members there love those bags. So one is likely to, as Suzi said, ruffle some feathers. Nevertheless, everyone is entitled to their opinions and comments--after all that's what a message board is all about, right?--and if someone posts constantly rub me the wrong way, and they're not breaking any rules, then I add that member to my Ignore List and move on. Trust me--I learned that the hard way.

Kudos to Suzi. I spend a lot of time in a bunch of different subforums all over TPF, and IMO Suzi is among the most level-headed mods I've seen here.

 

[Contessa]

Karmenzsofia, I for one am glad you're here. We know each other from way back on other forums via past posts, but I must say, I'm thrilled to see your prescence here. If I've made you feel unwelcomed in any way, shape or form, I sincerely apologize.

 

[lovebags2]

Susa, I'm over the moon overjoyed for you that you're receiving such wonderful support from Lovebags.

But to be clear, I've received several shall I say, "not too polite" and kind ones from certain individuals including your main supporter, & I view this as harrassment & getting beaten up about asking a simple question......which has never been answered btw. I could post those PM's here, but I refuse to lower myself to that level.

I've stated many times that I truly hope your issue gets resolved to your satisfaction. From what I've read, seems as though you'll be with a new bag soon, so I hope it surpasses your expectations.

Contessa,

Both Susa and I already answered your question. We both explained to you that I knew this information about Jackie's emails since Susa had shared it all with me. That's how I knew there wasn't a resolution being offered as of yet. Once again I hope this answers your question.

I'm sorry to hear that your receiving emails that aren't kind and I can't speak for those. But as for the PM I sent you today I'd like to briefly touch upon that. You and I have been PF friends for years. Of course I was disappointed in your tone so I contacted you to ask that if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of this further that you at least give me the benefit and contact me to have an open discussion. BTW -That offer still stands.

I know the mods encouarge PM's instead of displaying negativity or topics that aren't related. And your tone didn't feel friendly. It was my intention to help clarify things with you today and not make things worse.

 

[TropicalGal]

I guess what bothers me is that: when something is wrong, it is between you and the company, period. And in this thread, people are chiming in, egging on, getting involved with Jackie!? on something that's none of their business. A lady who buys a handbag is an adult, and she can deal with the company herself.

I once bought a Gryson bag. The closing hook had a problem, Peter Gryson was unwilling or too busy to do anything about it, I gifted the bag away, and I never bought Gryson again.

But here, a posse gets going, badgering Jackie with emails? Please. This is high school behavior.

 

[lovebags2]

Ladies,

If I've come across offensive to anyone here then I apologize.
I will try to keep Suzi's great advice in mind.

Susa - I wish you all the luck with your new bag and am happy to hear that things are looking more promising for you with BE today!

 

[octopus17]

I guess what bothers me is that: when something is wrong, it is between you and the company, period. And in this thread, people are chiming in, egging on, getting involved with Jackie!? on something that's none of their business. A lady who buys a handbag is an adult, and she can deal with the company herself.

I once bought a Gryson bag. The closing hook had a problem, Peter Gryson was unwilling or too busy to do anything about it, I gifted the bag away, and I never bought Gryson again.

But here, a posse gets going, badgering Jackie with emails? Please. This is high school behavior.

Susa said it herself, she can and will handle this with BE.

I guess some people just get too close.

 

[TropicalGal]

oops double post.

 

[lovebags2]

I guess what bothers me is that: when something is wrong, it is between you and the company, period. And in this thread, people are chiming in, egging on, getting involved with Jackie!? on something that's none of their business. A lady who buys a handbag is an adult, and she can deal with the company herself.

I once bought a Gryson bag. The closing hook had a problem, Peter Gryson was unwilling or too busy to do anything about it, I gifted the bag away, and I never bought Gryson again.

But here, a posse gets going, badgering Jackie with emails? Please. This is high school behavior.

Susa said it herself, she can and will handle this with BE.

Hi TG - I do understand your points here. But, Susa only seeked friendly support this week and probably felt a little self conscious about her english.

She's a very kind lady and I"m glad that I was able to help her thru a stressful handbag week. That's what PF friends are for IMO.

Btw, I don't think she needed anyone's help as I find her articulation great!

 

[tlloveshim]

I for one see an emerging pattern in this sub-forum when a complaint is made. There is support and rational advice but there does seem to be those that don't just offer advice but go over the top. The same type of behavior shows up in the other extreme meaning that there are times when the cheerleading for a particular brand seems over the top. A simple search shows me that this is a pattern that has occurred elsewhere on this forum. Here is what I as a consumer am interested in:

1) I want to see bags and hear reviews of both the positive and negative aspects.
2) I want to see modeling pictures and hear about the experiences of someone that has carried a bag for a while; how did the leather wear, how has the style worked or not worked for them.
3) What was their experience with CS, bad and good.

I do not want to hear about innuendos, personal attacks or insinuations. If someone has a beef with a company then flat out say it. Otherwise if you are unhappy with this brand then move on. If it isn't helpful and constructive, then zip it. Please. I for the first time am utilizing the block feature because I have grown tired of this drama and will from this time forward exercise my right to ignore it. Thank you, Suzi, for the great job you do as our mod and Susa, I am glad that you're talking with Jackie and hope a resolution is found quickly so this can be done and over with.

Karmen, you are most certainly welcome here! I have enjoyed you being here and hope you will continue! We will be bag twins soon and I have visited your thread countless times to view your Hug Me in dark grey glossy. I bear no ill will towards anyone. I am just too old for HS drama. Blessings to you all.

 

[mariabdc]

I guess what bothers me is that: when something is wrong, it is between you and the company, period. And in this thread, people are chiming in, egging on, getting involved with Jackie!? on something that's none of their business. A lady who buys a handbag is an adult, and she can deal with the company herself.

I once bought a Gryson bag. The closing hook had a problem, Peter Gryson was unwilling or too busy to do anything about it, I gifted the bag away, and I never bought Gryson again.

But here, a posse gets going, badgering Jackie with emails? Please. This is high school behavior.

TG, I agree that emailing Jackie about this or being *****y towards her is totally off. On the other hand, i think the whole point of this thread is to discuss quality issues. The OP needed to know whether the knowledgeable ladies in the subforum would consider her bag normal or substandard and they shared their opinions. Then the discussion got out of control, as usual...

I have only been on the BE subforum for around 18 months, but since my arrival i noticed this place is prone to drama.... it stays calm (IS IT CALMED?, GRAMMAR CRISIS NOW FOR A KNACKERED NON-NATIVE SPEAKER) for a while until something disturbs the balance... I am so glad Suzi is taking care of this subforum and she is doing it so well, otherwise we'd already started WWIII.

I havent bought that many BE bags, i've probably owned 5 of them all in all. Four of them were matte leather and they were fine. Only my hold me in pewter crash had a serious quality issue which was quickly solved by Jackie, though it should have been spotted by QC after production. But i am quite happy with the repair and the service received and i enjoy this bag very much.

 

[hipnycmom]

Maria,

Dare I add my opinion to the mix?
I bought my first BE about a year ago and have accumulated quite a number since. I'm a newbie compared to many of you. I have met some lovely people on this forum and enjoying hearing about bags (and the banter that comes with it) but also about leather issues or quality issues because I am a picky, picky person and am so far away (Asia) that returning just isn't an option. And more importantly because I do not have a money tree.

I love my BE bags but I don't believe there is any company that can put out perfect bags 100% of the time. I'm not saying that every imperfection is worth a complaint (much less an all-out war) but I thought that's what this thread was for.

There are threads all over TPF where people ask "Is my bag supposed to look like this?" and the answer is usually either "yes, that _____ is normal and adds character/is what makes the bag special" or "absolutely not, get it fixed."

I have posted this before and this is not directed at anyone specifically (so please don't throw rocks at me) but isn't it possible for someone to enjoy a brand without having an occasional issue? There are styles and leathers that I love based on my personal experience but there are also styles/leathers I wouldn't recommend based on my personal experience. But personal experience can be costly and hearing the honest experiences of others can both help find that perfect piece and save a lot of disappointment (and money).

I don't buy matte bags anymore because I just can't keep them clean (I understand that scuffing and picking up dirt are part of their personality). I like seeing grain and texture but do not like long transverse lines on my bag. This doesn't mean I don't enjoy my BEs. I love my pebbled leather and glossy bags.

In the end, this forum has helped me decide what works best for me, how to choose a bag I will enjoy and love AND if/when I have an issue, how to approach it so that it gets resolved to everyone's (the customer's and company's) satisfaction.

 

[Contessa]

I'd also like to add that I come here to "relax" & lately, it's been anything BUT.

I don't mind hearing about problems, defects....etc. Surprise, surprise, huh?? Want to throw in a personal attack or two?? Fine. But don't repeat it to the point where it becomes nauseating & where people feel uncomfortable. I used to belong to an unmoderated forum & believe me.....this is TAME in comparison.

Many "great" women have left this forum due to past drama & I still miss them. That's too bad, but believe me....I've been tempted many times myself. Who needs the added stress?? It's enough to deal with a dwindling bank account spending the $$$ on all kinds of fabulous bags ...... but I could do without the negative drama.

The ONLY thing I have ever had a problem with in this forum with respect to stating negative issues is when it becomes personal or the point is drilled to nauseating oblivion.

So feel free to bring on the negative....just please leave the drama at the door.

 

[lovebags2]

I'd also like to add that I come here to "relax" & lately, it's been anything BUT.

I don't mind hearing about problems, defects....etc. Surprise, surprise, huh?? Want to throw in a personal attack or two?? Fine. But don't repeat it to the point where it becomes nauseating & where people feel uncomfortable. I used to belong to an unmoderated forum & believe me.....this is TAME in comparison.

Many "great" women have left this forum due to past drama & I still miss them. That's too bad, but believe me....I've been tempted many times myself. Who needs the added stress?? It's enough to deal with a dwindling bank account spending the $$$ on all kinds of fabulous bags ...... but I could do without the negative drama.

The ONLY thing I have ever had a problem with in this forum with respect to stating negative issues is when it becomes personal or the point is drilled to nauseating oblivion.

So feel free to bring on the negative....just please leave the drama at the door.

Leave the drama at the door - Agreed!!!

Actually not to make a joke here but I was thinking everyone was doing a great job of being factual and diplomatic (at least up until very recent). I"m not sure what went wrong but let's just all agree to move forward. Yes?

Many of us have been PF friends for awhile . Time to let this go and bring on the weekend!!!

Contessa, sorry to hear about your personal issues. Your right about the PF being a place of wanting to have fun and just relax. Let's try our best to get back there!

 

[sgreg]

I used to belong to an unmoderated forum & believe me.....this is TAME in comparison.

I used to attend to a private catholic all girls school and believe me....ANYTHING is tame in comparison, including this thread I haven't read one post here and thought "I disagree completely with the sentiment of that". To me, that suggests that everyone is bringing up valid points and we're all on the same side of the floor.

 

[lovebags2]

I used to attend to a private catholic all girls school and believe me....ANYTHING is tame in comparison, including this thread I haven't read one post here and thought "I disagree completely with the sentiment of that". To me, that suggests that everyone is bringing up valid points and we're all on the same side of the floor.

Great point. I actually enjoy hearing different perspectives if you can believe that.

I guess I don't take this forum on the basis that some do. I welcome various input and don't take offense when it might not match mine. Often I'm thankful for walking away with a new or fresh perspective.

But before we go on. There's one more thing I'd like to say before I leave tonight.

I've received many PM's today. Unfortunately, the theme was the same in each one I read. Many thanked me for my input on the PF and also stated how afraid they are to openly express themselves on our BE forum. This isn't right.

Anyone have suggestions?

I'm off now with the hubby and kids for my yummy fat free yogurt with fruit!

Have a great Friday night everyone!