Author Topic: A lesson learnt (Read 3971 times)

UK Roger · « **on:** July 19, 2010, 12:02:42 PM »

Recently I decided to get a smaller shoulder bag for when I just want to go out with 1 camera and 1 lens. Having seen their advertisements I went for a Billingham F1.4 bag, room for the camera, lens and a drinks bottle. Good traditional British craftsmanship..... some hope. When I opened up the bag to set it up for my kit, I found the rear Velcro panel had not been sewn to the rear of the bag for about 70mm. it was so obvious it must mean the inspection was very poor, or nonexistent. Two lessons learnt, first, do not buy on-line, second, never again waste money on British made goods. Strange all my Far-Eastern produced bags / backpacks (LowePro, Tamrac) have never been received faulty or had any failures. How times have changed :-(

vicky slater · « **Reply #1 on:** July 19, 2010, 12:19:09 PM »

I'm sorry :(
Billingham is one of the classic bags, it could be just that you got the one in several hundred that got missed.

Online is always a little scary though, my son just recieved a laser pen that wasn't working...huge disappointment to him but another on the way that hopefully works....hope you get it sorted out too.

Photo_Utopia · « **Reply #2 on:** July 19, 2010, 01:01:49 PM »

It may just be bad luck but what I'd do is contact Billingham direct and tell them about you experience it might be a retailer has got hold of some seconds or damaged stock-be sure to tell them the retailer so they can check.
regards
Mark

Nigel · « **Reply #3 on:** July 19, 2010, 05:14:10 PM »

I think you're being a bit harsh on Billingham, I have had two of their bags over many years and I've always been happy with them.

In these difficuly times it seems best to support your local industry wherever you might live.

I hope they resolve it for you.

Pete_R · « **Reply #4 on:** July 19, 2010, 08:25:22 PM »

Why do you need a bag for '1 camera and 1 lens'? Isn't that what your shoulder's for? I'm just saying...

LT · « **Reply #5 on:** July 19, 2010, 10:54:34 PM »

Quote from: Peter R on July 19, 2010, 08:25:22 PM

Why do you need a bag for '1 camera and 1 lens'? Isn't that what your shoulder's for? I'm just saying...

classic!

LT · « **Reply #6 on:** July 19, 2010, 10:59:32 PM »

I bought my billingham hadley small about 8 years ago when they were just about affordable ... it's fared extremely well. It even survived being showered by my dog cocking his leg a while ago - the bag went though a cycle in the washing machine and bio soap without issue.

Maybe they've changed their quality recently?

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2010, 11:26:52 PM »

Peter: That could be interpreted as you being confrontational, angry even. I'm just saying!

UK Roger: I think as a general point it's worth saying that without the Internet and the ability to buy 'exotic' products like 'film' and 'paper', not to mention old-fangled actual cameras that actually take actual film (like they used to use in the 1600's before digital photography came along)...would be drastically reduced. One could make a case that the Internet has prolonged the life of traditional photography and its many glorious quirks and after a few sherberts too many (hic) I might even be as bold as to suggest that we could be on the brink of a resurgence of sorts (more on this from Matt "AG Photographic" Wells in the forthcoming Filmwasters podcast...watch this space)....so don't knock the 'Net out of hand.

However, I agree that it's very disappointing to find that a UK made piece of kit was sub par & suggest as others here have, that you contact Billingham to make them aware of the situation.

david b · « **Reply #8 on:** July 20, 2010, 12:13:47 PM »

Quote from: UK Roger on July 19, 2010, 12:02:42 PM

Two lessons learnt, first, do not buy on-line, second, never again waste money on British made goods. Strange all my Far-Eastern produced bags / backpacks (LowePro, Tamrac) have never been received faulty or had any failures. How times have changed :-(

I'm glad that - on the basis of a single on-line purchase - you've decided to abandon a global network linking thousands of disparate retailers, and to eschew the entire manufacturing output of a country of 70 million people. I can only salute your clear-sighted determination and resolve!

Francois · « **Reply #9 on:** July 20, 2010, 03:36:24 PM »

I know I'm a fighter when it comes to companies delivering sub par products. I usually assume my money to be good, thus I expect the product to be equally good. Giving the company a call, being very cool about it and explaining the situation will often result in having the product fixed. You're also making them a favor by helping them improve their product. Sometimes, if the company cares about their clients, they will often include some extras as a thank you gift... always appreciated.

I for one wouldn't back down when seeing the Made in the UK logo. The country has a reputation for making quality products. Just that would make me want to buy.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #10 on:** July 20, 2010, 03:41:57 PM »

David - thankfully I had swallowed the mouth full of tea! That comment has made my day in the more lovely way.

I am a simpleton at heart $:-\$

Minutefilm · « **Reply #11 on:** July 20, 2010, 03:53:46 PM »

I have sold Billingham bags in the past and I have always had one or two on the go to use as well. I also know the Billinghams, they are real people and among the most approachable manufactures I have ever had to deal with. If you have a problem contact them, they would be horrified to know that they had supplied sub standard goods and would remedy the situation.

Ben

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #12 on:** July 20, 2010, 05:00:39 PM »

Good input, Ben. Thanks for the indsider's view. It's great getting feedback like this from retailers.

astrobeck · « **Reply #13 on:** July 20, 2010, 05:19:08 PM »

I agree with Francois on the calling them to make everything right. They don't know unless you tell them.

It's hard enough to buy items made "in country", so pick up the phone and give them a call.

I'm eager to hear the outcome!

moominsean · « **Reply #14 on:** July 20, 2010, 07:27:08 PM »

F**k Billingham!

actually, i mostly don't know what you are all on about, i just felt like saying it. maybe start a riot or something.

Miller · « **Reply #15 on:** July 20, 2010, 07:33:04 PM »

Know how you feel, Saturday before last I almost lost an FE2 out of the base of my North Face Modem rucksack while on the motorbike.

It split but not along the seam surprisingly and I had to travel the rest of the journey with the rucksack turned upside down and therefore not too comfortable at high speed.

Took it back to the shop (Blacks) and they will try and get North Face to change it but their warranty is only 2 years (had it about this time but no receipt kept).

Lesson learn't : Stick with Eastpak or Jansport who give 30 years on a ruckie.

Toss it back at 'em and see what they have to say imo and screw 'em and North Face too. Burn down Babylon... Power to the people...

Rgds

Wolfie Smith

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #16 on:** July 20, 2010, 08:07:14 PM »

Oi, leave South London out of this!

Roger Thoms · « **Reply #17 on:** July 21, 2010, 05:29:16 AM »

I do hope the OP will contact Billingham and give them a chance to correct the problem. As far as British made goods my RotaTrim is extremely well made, as are my Paterson trays and graduates. May have to try a Billingham bag.

Roger

Francois · « **Reply #18 on:** July 21, 2010, 03:14:42 PM »

Quote from: rtbadman on July 21, 2010, 05:29:16 AM

As far as British made goods my RotaTrim is extremely well made, as are my Paterson trays and graduates.

Paterson even won a Design Center award for some of their early beautifully angular focus finders! Something you don't see everyday.

Miller · « **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2010, 03:35:43 PM »

Update:

The manager of the store just rang and a new rucksack awaits from North Face...

Lesson learnt : The customer is king for a day...

Rgds

Mlr

gothamtomato · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2010, 09:32:13 PM »

Since you bought it on-line, are you sure it's not a counterfeit Billingham?

Author Topic: A lesson learnt (Read 3971 times)

astrobeck