How many scratches from componets are too much?

[HoratioHornblower]

So, I will start this off with the fact that I have good eyes at the age of 22, so maybe I am being too harsh, but here goes. I have had multiple experiences with receiving component sets with scratches on them. I have had them from multiple vendors which buy them direct from the manufacture. I have also noticed that some of the venders component sets are no longer sent with baggies separating the components, which I believe leads to scratches. I just ordered one where this was the case, with the finial being scratched.

So this is my question. At what point do you ask for a new part to be sent to you? I sell pens for a good amount with my current range being from $100-300ish, so I try to make them as close to perfect as possible. Unless it is just a small divot in an area that I think no one will see, I won't sell it for full price. I still don't like to sell the ones with divots, but since I have received so many that have them right out of the bag I have given up on a perfect component set. What does everyone think about this? Should I call the vendor every time I notice a flaw, or should I just sell the pens for less. Most of what I see a good number of people can't see, sometimes even after I point to it. So, am I trying to be too perfect? Thanks for the help!

David

 

[wiset1]

If it were me....I would send it back. Then again, I always used the full sized expensive kits and depending on what you're spending on the components it becomes a wash. When you're asking someone to pay $100 to $300 for a pen you want to make sure you've done everything you can to not only advance your name and standing in the community, but the craft as a whole. At the end of the day it's a judgment call, but since you asked...I would call customer service and ask for a replacement. If they won't...find a new vendor or component that fits your style of sales.

Hope that helps

 

[HoratioHornblower]

Q

If it were me....I would send it back. Then again, I always used the full sized expensive kits and depending on what you're spending on the components it becomes a wash. When you're asking someone to pay $100 to $300 for a pen you want to make sure you've done everything you can to not only advance your name and standing in the community, but the craft as a whole. At the end of the day it's a judgment call, but since you asked...I would call customer service and ask for a replacement. If they won't...find a new vendor or component that fits your style of sales.

Hope that helps

The problem is I am buying Statesmen, Gents, etc. You would think the QQ would be better on the highest end sets available. (aside from Sterling Silver) I guess I do need to ask for a new part every time, but it seems like I have to do it almost every order and I don't want to be that guy who nobody wants to talk too! I do agree though that I don't want to be selling scratched parts. I was just wondering if this happens to others as well who order the high end stuff. Thanks for your input.

 

[wiset1]

Not a problem at all. It's sad, but a lot of these larger companies simply turn the product around and pull it of the shelves when an order is filled. I find that the smaller companies will offer the better customer service and are more likely to help and try to keep your business regardless of how many times you call....be that guy! Who cares? How much time do you have to spend working to pay for that scratched kit, gas to get to that job, time spent away from your family??? Be that guy! When I was getting poor service from my Majestic kit vendor I told them to shove it and I've NEVER purchased another thing from them again. If you're making $100/300 per sale just save up and buy a rig that will allow you to make your own components or start making the kitless/custom pens. Lots of options out there depending on the path you choose to take. Either way I wish you all the best!

 

[ed4copies]

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

 

[HoratioHornblower]

Not a problem at all. It's sad, but a lot of these larger companies simply turn the product around and pull it of the shelves when an order is filled. I find that the smaller companies will offer the better customer service and are more likely to help and try to keep your business regardless of how many times you call....be that guy! Who cares? How much time do you have to spend working to pay for that scratched kit, gas to get to that job, time spent away from your family??? Be that guy! When I was getting poor service from my Majestic kit vendor I told them to shove it and I've NEVER purchased another thing from them again. If you're making $100/300 per sale just save up and buy a rig that will allow you to make your own components or start making the kitless/custom pens. Lots of options out there depending on the path you choose to take. Either way I wish you all the best!

Thanks Tim! I do want to go the kitless route when I get the funds to delve into getting a metal lathe, and then later a mill. That way I will have much more control over the scratches! I just am getting married first so that is later on down the road! :biggrin:

 

[HoratioHornblower]

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Mr. Brown beat me to the question on the baggies on the full sized Gent and Statesman are you saying that the parts are not bagged?

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Thanks for clearing that up:biggrin:. Now in answer to your question, you bought a new component set and you should get a new scratch-less component set and call the vendor. Most of us would be happy to know if we had a problem as we can't fix something we don't know is broken.

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

 

[ed4copies]

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

Certainly when you pay for a statesman, you would expect it not to have scratches. Of course, this raises the question that riles some folks, "If it is rhodium, shouldn't it be very unlikely to scratch??"

 

[HoratioHornblower]

Mr. Brown beat me to the question on the baggies on the full sized Gent and Statesman are you saying that the parts are not bagged?

We posted at the same minute, so please see my above post Roy. The set without the baggies was $7, but still I am putting that on a $45 dollar pen. I just don't want the parts to be scratched so consistently when I take them out of the bag, and I was wondering if others have the same issue.

 

[HoratioHornblower]

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

Certainly when you pay for a statesman, you would expect it not to have scratches. Of course, this raises the question that riles some folks, "If it is rhodium, shouldn't it be very unlikely to scratch??"

I do set expectations with my customers that if they drop a pen it will scratch just like a wedding ring. That seems to work for everyone I have encountered.

I am wondering if I am getting all the lemons as I know even with six sigma there will be mistakes because nothing is perfect, or if the manufacturers are just letting things slide.

 

[OKLAHOMAN]

Scratches and ware are two different things, my 3 year old grandson could scratch a shuttle tile, rhodium,silver,gold,titanium,chrome, all will scratch..

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

Certainly when you pay for a statesman, you would expect it not to have scratches. Of course, this raises the question that riles some folks, "If it is rhodium, shouldn't it be very unlikely to scratch??"

 

[ed4copies]

To answer your question, David, I would think CSUSA would want to know about any scratched parts in their high-end kits. Certainly, they don't open each bag, so the only way they would find out about a quality problem would be through customers, like you, informing them.

 

[HoratioHornblower]

Thanks for clearing that up:biggrin:. Now in answer to your question, you bought a new component set and you should get a new scratch-less component set and call the vendor. Most of us would be happy to know if we had a problem as we can't fix something we don't know is broken.

If I am reading your question correctly, you are saying that the full size gent and the statesman are no longer using individually-bagged parts. Is this correct???

Im sorry for the confusion Ed, I was not saying that. I was referring to a much lower end component set for that. I was referring to the Statesmen and Gents for the scratches aspect.

I have tried to let vendors know some of the times, but I got tired of having the same issue in a lot of my orders. I know that most people will fix a problem when there is one, I was just wondering, among other ponderings, if there was problem since most of what I can see others can't. I also know I am not "seeing things". This has been a frustration of mine for awhile, so I thought I would air it and get some feedback on my thoughts.

 

[Wingdoctor]

If it is scratched, send it back. You can't sell a scratched pen, so why would you want to keep the defective part. A quality component seller will want to know that what they are buying is not 1st quality so that they can correct the problem with the manufacturer.

 

[HoratioHornblower]

To answer your question, David, I would think CSUSA would want to know about any scratched parts in their high-end kits. Certainly, they don't open each bag, so the only way they would find out about a quality problem would be through customers, like you, informing them.

I guess I just need to contact them each time. I just get tired of it as I do not like complaining, confrontation, etc. I have yet to have a bad customer experience with any order from anyone. I guess if they sell it they need to take care of it. My other thing I don't want to do is take anyone's profits when they do a good job as I know it is quite hard to run a business, but I guess that is just part of owning a business. Thanks for the feedback everyone, I have my questions answered.

 

[SteveG]

My approach to dealing with damaged component parts (from tiny scratch to a BIG, BAD DENT, etc.) is to always request replacement parts. I do that via phone call while I am sitting at the computer, viewing IAP. That way there is no "lost time" waiting on the phone (unless I know from experience that the particular vendor is responsive to email). Same process, every time. I have always gotten the replacement part. Some times I will wait until there are a few pieces, just to consolidate a little bit. Works great for me.

 

[Buzzzz4]

I did this very thing with a vendor. I called, sent the set back. He sent me another set that had scratces. I called, sent it back. He then wrote me and said that my standards were too high, and that none of the kits he had would work for me. So he gave me a full refund.

Needless to say, I do not use that vendor any longer. We should not accept mediocre/scratched platings. The more we accept, the more that will be allowed. Yes, I am very picky as some would tell you, but it is my name on the pen to the end user, and I have as of yet to meet a customer who will accept a pen with a scratch without asking for a discount.

 

[HoratioHornblower]

I did this very thing with a vendor. I called, sent the set back. He sent me another set that had scratces. I called, sent it back. He then wrote me and said that my standards were too high, and that none of the kits he had would work for me. So he gave me a full refund.

Needless to say, I do not use that vendor any longer. We should not accept mediocre/scratched platings. The more we accept, the more that will be allowed. Yes, I am very picky as some would tell you, but it is my name on the pen to the end user, and I have as of yet to meet a customer who will accept a pen with a scratch without asking for a discount.

I was wondering, but I was starting to feel crazy as usually problems like that would come up on here, at least I would think so.

Im not looking to vendor bash at all, as I said I have always had a good customer experience and the one vendor that was mentioned, CUSA, has always replaced parts when asked, even sometimes when I have not asked and just had a question about an issue.