Friday, May 31, 2013

Camelbak - Resolved/Rave

I have nothing but good things to say about Camelbak.  I have only ever contacted Camelbak twice and it was years apart about two different issues.

I got my first Camelbak in 2000.  It was a backpack and I bought it for a multi-day bike ride that I was going on (as a medic, I'm not that good of a cyclist).  My backpack was so amazing that I started taking it to work with me as a firefighter.  I could leave it on the engine all day and it stayed cold all day.  It was great.

A couple of years later I got my first "better bottle" which is now the Eddy .75L.  I had it for 4 years.  Then one day my cat knocked it off my dresser onto the hardwood floor and it broke the little thumb thing that you use to open the bite valve.  I called Camelbak to inquire about how to purchase a new one (it wasn't on their website) and the woman said they would just send me one.  For free, not even charged for postage.  I was pretty impressed because I had owned that for years.  It came promptly and I was happy.

Then one day 2011, I got a notice about new colors and there was a lovely deep amethyst color.  I had to get one.  Or two.  Or three.  So for the last two years, I have had two full bottles in the fridge and one with me.  All the time.  In bed, in the car, on the sofa, at the table.  When one was empty, I filled it, put it in the fridge and took a cold one.

About two months ago, two of them were starting to mold a day or so after being washed.  I tried bleach, oxiclean, vinegar, boiling water.  I called Camelbak and asked for their opinion.  A very nice woman asked me a bunch of questions and then told me that they weren't meant for "storage" and they really needed some drying time.  I asked her if I could order some tops through her and she said she would just send me three tops, bite valves and straws.  She didn't even charge for postage.  She told me to that after refilling to switch the top and let the other one dry out.

I can't think of another company that stands by their products as much as Camelbak does.  You would think that this would lead to decreased sales because no one would ever need to be a repeat customer but you'd be wrong.  I recently bought bottles for my wife and my mother because everyone should have a Camelbak!

http://www.camelbak.com/
customerservice@store.camelbak.com
800-767-8725 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

JJ Cole - Resolved

I purchased a JJ Cole System 180 diaper bag for my sister at Babies R Us in New Orleans in August 2012.  One of the things that I liked about it was the straps that attached to the stroller so your basket wasn't taken up by the diaper bag.

My sister started using it when her baby was born in November.  She called me a couple of weeks ago and told me that one of the stroller straps had broken. They are made of a stretchy, rubbery material and they'd probably be better off if they were made from fabric or the black, thick bungee cord material but in any case, they should not have broken after six months of use.

I called JJ Cole, had to push a bunch of buttons but then immediately got to speak to to Fred who was very nice.  He completely understood and said that it occasionally happens.  They offered free replacement straps and would have shipped directly to my sister except that she lives outside of the United States.  They did ship them to me for free and they were shipped that same day.

All in all, excellent customer service.

JJ Cole - 800-987-6828

customerservice@jjcoleusa.com
http://jjcolecollections.com/

Let the Adventure Begin

My friends know me for my outspoken ways when it comes to customer service, good or bad.  I usually post on FB but I think this will be a far better outlet for my rants and raves.