Wood Grain not matcing Internet Photo's

[masterserg]

I too have had good success with BHQ sending me photos of each knife they had available in HR. I buy from them frequently and always contact the same person, Tyson. I select the one I want or chose none. He now knows what i like and even tells me up front if any they have any that would be of interest or not. However, I have had conversations with others here on BF who were not treated the same and, as such, will no longer buy from BHQ. Strange that they don't have consistent CS.

To be fair, I did have the bad experience as well with them ... but ultimately ... I wanted the HR, called again got a different person and received the pictures. This is why they are not one of my go-to dealers as opposed to, let's say, ES.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

There are two that have lost my business ...HQ and KA...no more. They have been down right rude when asking for an actual photo of what I'm buying. Isn't it interesting how they use a beautiful example for the "stock" photo.

I see I'm not the only one that's happened to. I posted about the same thing a while back, and was told by Blade HQ that he found it "hard to believe", but never asked for copies of the emails.

I called BHQ when I wanted an HR inlaid Mnandi. I was aware that they use stock pictures and asked for pictures of the actual knives in stock. They were very accommodating, they sent me 8 pictures of 4 different Mnandis (front and back) each set with a postit with a letter (A to D) ... I ordered and got exactly what I picked. I ended up returning it as in the end it didn't do it for me and had no issue paying the restocking fee as those were the rules. All in all, no problems with them ... all the contrary.
.

I too have had good success with BHQ sending me photos of each knife they had available in HR. I buy from them frequently and always contact the same person, Tyson. I select the one I want or chose none. He now knows what i like and even tells me up front if any they have any that would be of interest or not. However, I have had conversations with others here on BF who were not treated the same and, as such, will no longer buy from BHQ. Strange that they don't have consistent CS.

This right here is what makes it so aggravating. I was very polite in asking for a single pic of 2 knives, and couldn't get it. Yet other can, and from the same person.

It's been a few weeks and I only spoke to a receptionist/order-taker at BHQ. After evaluating the cost of restock and studying the Rosewood grain (as far as I know they are the exclusive source of Honduran Rosewood), I agreed to keep it. But they will not be a future source for my knives. It looks like I am not alone in less than 100% satisfaction with these guys. What strikes me is that they are in the business of selling high end knives. If it was my business I sure as hell would insure wood inlays matched the photo's. This kind of Customer Service SUCKS.

In the other thread, Blade HQ say they're working to improve in that area, I hope it means they'll start posting pics or making them available to everyone who asks, with a disclaimer on the knife's page that it's not the one you'll get.

Have you tried to talk to anyone since then? It just seems sad that you'll keep an expensive knife that you're less than thrilled with. From all that's said about them, I'll bet they'll exchange or take it back without the fee. They have a great rep in that area.

It's been a few weeks and I only spoke to a receptionist/order-taker at BHQ. After evaluating the cost of restock and studying the Rosewood grain (as far as I know they are the exclusive source of Honduran Rosewood), I agreed to keep it. But they will not be a future source for my knives. It looks like I am not alone in less than 100% satisfaction with these guys. What strikes me is that they are in the business of selling high end knives. If it was my business I sure as hell would insure wood inlays matched the photo's. This kind of Customer Service SUCKS.

In the other thread, Blade HQ say they're working to improve in that area, I hope it means they'll start posting pics or making them available to everyone who asks, with a disclaimer on the knife's page that it's not the one you'll get.

Have you tried to talk to anyone since then? It just seems sad that you'll keep an expensive knife that you're less than thrilled with. From all that's said about them, I'll bet they'll exchange or take it back without the fee. They have a great rep in that area.

 

[BladeHQ]

I especially have a beef with BHQ as they required a 15% restocking fee for returns. Total Crap way of doing business - Lost this customer for sure!

Any restocking fee on a return is 5% max so I'm unclear where the 15% came from (unless the knife is used or the box & accessories have been discarded). Assuming nothing is used or missing I'm more than happy to waive the restocking fee and we can send out a prepaid label for your return. Sorry to lose you.

Cam

 

[northend816]

I agree with OP and thank him for putting this info out there i didnt know it worked that way......When spending that amount of money and how each knife is different there is no reason not to get one u ordered!!!!!

 

[Big_E]

Any restocking fee on a return is 5% max so I'm unclear where the 15% came from (unless the knife is used or the box & accessories have been discarded). Assuming nothing is used or missing I'm more than happy to waive the restocking fee and we can send out a prepaid label for your return. Sorry to lose you.

Cam

How about taking photos of the actual knife you're buying (when variations apply). This would save a great deal of aggravation for the customer, and making the post office unnecessarily rich, not to mention the amount of time it would save everyone. It's more work to process the order, ship, process the return, and refund the money, than taking a photo of the actual knife someone is buying. Another alternative is to provide a stock photo of the most plain representation of the wood grain being sold. This way the customer will always be pleasantly surprised upon the knifes arrival. However, a less desirable grain would mean less sales.....hmm, I wonder

I'm fairly certain I know the reason stock photos are being used, and return shipping is covered by at least one of the two aforementioned dealers, in lieu of taking pictures of the actual knife. It's done because the dealer relies on a number of people not wanting to go through the aggravation of shipping the less desirable version back, and "settling" for what they have received. The BS told to us that "it's too much trouble" to photograph every knife is BULL. The dealer(s) found an angle to deplete the less desirable stock....PERIOD! What's next, drop shipping right from the manufacture.....

This is why when I buy ANY stock version (with no variations), I go back to the dealers that take the time to photograph all of the knives they sell. They've earned my business.

 

[MVG]

Check out Nordic Knives. They always have pictures of the actual knives listed.

 

[Ernie1980]

That is very disappointing, and I agree that you should be getting the exact knife in the picture! One dealer that I have ordered from several times is knives ship free, they have a separate labeled picture set for every knife.

 

[okbohn]

so does KSF and OFK

I have had this happen that's why I really appreciate online vendors that do show all pics.

Thanks for noticing!

 

[okbohn]

That is very disappointing, and I agree that you should be getting the exact knife in the picture! One dealer that I have ordered from several times is knives ship free, they have a separate labeled picture set for every knife.

Greg takes awesome pics, too!

 

[batosai117]

BladeHQ is my go to place for ordering knives. As far as wood handled grips I haven't bought those since the invention of micarta and G-10

 

[Big_E]

BladeHQ is my go to place for ordering knives. As far as wood handled grips I haven't bought those since the invention of micarta and G-10

That's wonderful...maybe they should stick to only selling G-10 and Micarta, then the shill post wouldn't be necessary.

 

[masterserg]

Agree with the above .. KSF, ES, Plaza, TNK, OFK ... They got it right!

 

[sk8n]

I also prefer the dealers that list photos of the actual knife being sold Especially when wood, mammoth, damascus, timascus or other such materials are involved. Imagine if someone posted such a knife in the exchange and used a stock photo. The buyer would be rightfully upset.
Obviously there is less of an issue for Micarta or plain titanium knives. Even here there could be issues though. We all know CRK makes changes and it's possible a dealer that uses stock photos is likely to continue using an older photo. I recall reading posts where a knife was purchased because they thought it was the older style. Upon receipt they were surprised to receive the new style.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

............. We all know CRK makes changes and it's possible a dealer that uses stock photos is likely to continue using an older photo. I recall reading posts where a knife was purchased because they thought it was the older style. Upon receipt they were surprised to receive the new style.

I didn't even think about that when I said what I did about needing individual pics of the wood-grained ones. Imagine the vendor leaving up a pic of an old nail nick Mnandi!

 

[kidcongo]

you gotta watch that for sure. Last month, I stumbled upon a seller / online store that had old nail nick mnandis, old pivot umnumzaans, and sebenza classics in stock and ready to ship!!! Wow!! I was suspicious so I contacted them and found that none of the photos were updated and they just had the standard modern models. What a disappointment.

 

[kidcongo]

I just visited the site and they've not corrected the umnumzaan pictures (they only have new pivot), however they no longer list the 'classic's as being available (they have 21s). Importantly, I should correct myself and mention that I never checked with them on the Mnandi to see if the nail nick photos were wrong. If someones looking to score an old nail nick model you could contact them. Just Google 'Peas and Corn Heirloom Gifts' and you will find the sellers site. Maybe there is still an old nail-nick to score there.

 

[batosai117]

That's wonderful...maybe they should stick to only selling G-10 and Micarta, then the shill post wouldn't be necessary.

I don't see why you seem to be directing some type of anger towards me for saying where I buy my knives from just because you don't like the place. I've always had excellent dealings with BladeHQ and NO I don't have any affiliation (shill) with them other than as a happy customer. Maybe it's all in how you talk to people. When I buy something in person it's at two local shops in Corpus Christi,TX that charge full msrp. I suck it up sometimes to support local businesses. If they don't have what I want I check the exchange here. If all else fails I'll order from BladeHQ.

The micarta and G-10 comment was meant for a little comedic relief hence the smiley. Wood handled knives have a thing of tradition and beauty and if I had ordered what the OP had ordered and didn't get what was pictured I'd be pissed beyond words too.

Everyone started bashing some dealers while others have praised some. I gave praise yet you singled my post out

 

[JNewell]

That's wonderful...maybe they should stick to only selling G-10 and Micarta, then the shill post wouldn't be necessary.

Your unedited post was actually on target, if a little blunt.

 

[Big_E]

I don't see why you seem to be directing some type of anger towards me for saying where I buy my knives from just because you don't like the place. I've always had excellent dealings with BladeHQ and NO I don't have any affiliation (shill) with them other than as a happy customer. Maybe it's all in how you talk to people. When I buy something in person it's at two local shops in Corpus Christi,TX that charge full msrp. I suck it up sometimes to support local businesses. If they don't have what I want I check the exchange here. If all else fails I'll order from BladeHQ.

The micarta and G-10 comment was meant for a little comedic relief hence the smiley. Wood handled knives have a thing of tradition and beauty and if I had ordered what the OP had ordered and didn't get what was pictured I'd be pissed beyond words too.

Everyone started bashing some dealers while others have praised some. I gave praise yet you singled my post out

Maybe I read your post as dismissing other post that were written out of frustration, as these customers have no where else to vent. I take particular issue with dealers being lazy, and in an indirect sense, deceitful. ALL they are doing is peddling other peoples wares. I've been in the online business for nearly 12 years, and I take a photo of EVERY one of the products I create. I don't peddle other peoples wares, but be rest assured if I did, I would provide what the customer needed for a comfortable and satisfying purchase. NOT ONCE in nearly 12 years have I ever had a customer say "this isn't what I was expecting", or, "this isn't what was pictured". And, I didn't require them to ask a certain way if they wanted additional photos, or more information. It's completely absurd to imply we have to "talk to people" a certain way to obtain additional information or photos. The only thing they can do is post photos and take orders. They don't make the darn things. If they don't want to take photos, what good are they? Why even have them around to profit from someone else's creation. At that rate, why not just eliminate the dealers that use stock photos and buy directly from the manufacture.

 

[batosai117]

Maybe I read your post as dismissing other post that were written out of frustration, as these customers have no where else to vent. I take particular issue with dealers being lazy, and in an indirect sense, deceitful. ALL they are doing is peddling other peoples wares. I've been in the online business for nearly 12 years, and I take a photo of EVERY one of the products I create. I don't peddle other peoples wares, but be rest assured if I did, I would provide what the customer needed for a comfortable and satisfying purchase. NOT ONCE in nearly 12 years have I ever had a customer say "this isn't what I was expecting", or, "this isn't what was pictured". And, I didn't require them to ask a certain way if they wanted additional photos, or more information. It's completely absurd to imply we have to "talk to people" a certain way to obtain additional information or photos. The only thing they can do is post photos and take orders. They don't make the darn things. If they don't want to take photos, what good are they? Why even have them around to profit from someone else's creation. At that rate, why not just eliminate the dealers that use stock photos and buy directly from the manufacture.

I understand completely with what you are saying. Looking back I should have elaborated on my buying experience. If an item of such high monetary value isn't as pictured then the seller better at least be willing and happy to provide real photos of the item to continue receiving business. One shop in town, Modern Pawn, has all new knives that I like to window shop at on a regular basis until I save up for what I want. The guys there know me by name and are patient with my browsing and foundling of the knives they have in stock. They care CRK and all the Emerson's I could ever want among other knives (zt, etc. ) I know that everybody isn't lucky enough to be able to fondle their knives in person and having an online retailer give accurate pics is a must.