Sad Adventure with Craigie

**Riverkilt** · 15th December 04, 09:35 PM

After many phone tag calls, then giving up, got a call from Sue back in early November and ordered a black and brown all leather sporran straps. She asked a lot of questions since we were trying to hook up to my new Freelander sporrans. Was quite clear about not wanting chains.

Long silence, then a call about ten days ago...basically saying she'd been delayed and apoligised and clarifying the order.

Today I received two chain straps.

Called her, no answer, left a message and when didn't get a response emailed.

Came home to a message on my phone from her to send them back but that she didn't want to do any more work for me because I was "less than a gentleman."

Don't recall being nasty or rude...tired and frustrated, and a very dissapointed customer for sure, but not less than a gentleman.

So, as soon as she clarifies how I'll be credited I'm sending the chains back and off to try and find all leather sporran belts for my Freelanders again.

Not sure how I, the customer, became the bad guy that she doesn't want to rectify the error for, just shaking my head. I'm pretty open about looking at my behavior and owning it when its not appropriate. Just don't see it here. Been more than patient...

Maybe I'm doomed to use the WalMart belt I bought when she didn't come through with her delivery promise.

Seemed like a nice customer oriented lady until now. Maybe she had a bad day.

Ron

**Satirist** · 15th December 04, 09:57 PM

That seems odd. Especially since according to the way I read their web site, (I presume you are talking about Craigie Originals in FL), They seem to be rather proud of their leather sporran belts, and actually advise against the chain types. Since there is a $20 difference in price, I'm sure they could tell by your payment which ones you wanted.

**Riverkilt** · 15th December 04, 10:21 PM

That's them. And that's what's so weird about this situation. Sue and I sent a LOT of time on the phone, checking the Freelander, explaining what I want, but when the chains arrived instead of the leather belt she'd written down on the original order "2 straps with split belts" and charged me $25 for each color...which is the chain price.

Course I didn't see this until the chains arrived and I got a copy. Seemed like we were communicating well when I ordered....and that was after I'd given up on connecting with her. She called me to ask for my order.

Each time I've talked with her she's seemed rather rushed...so hey, I don't know. Just a sad deal.

Do wish I knew what I said on her voice mail that has her so angry she won't do the correct belts for me...

Ron

**Buddha** · 16th December 04, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Maybe I'm doomed to use the WalMart belt I bought when she didn't come through with her delivery promise.

Ron

I'm going to try and make a braided sporran starp...kindof like the braided belts you can buy, just thinner...I'll let you know when I finish it

**Barb T** · 16th December 04, 06:07 AM

Hi Riverkilt

Are you looking for something unusual, or just a simple leather sporran strap without a split?

Barb

**Canuck** · 16th December 04, 06:18 AM

Originally Posted by Buddha

Originally Posted by Riverkilt

Maybe I'm doomed to use the WalMart belt I bought when she didn't come through with her delivery promise.

Ron

I'm going to try and make a braided sporran starp...kindof like the braided belts you can buy, just thinner...I'll let you know when I finish it

Braided leather straps are great. I make a sporran strap that is split and instead of the chain I use a round braid leather. Saves on the wear and tear on a wool kilt looks cool too.
Cheers
Robert

**Mychael Sporrano** · 16th December 04, 07:18 AM

After close to a 4 week wait I finally received my strap from Craigie. Very nice! Being used to heavy bridle leather, I was surprised to find how soft the elk hide she uses can be.

Ok... I am happy with the strap. Service was slow, though. That in itself is no reason to complain if one understands in advance how long a wait to expect, and any delays that might arise are properly communicated. However, that wasn't the case here since my strap was purportedly in stock when I ordered.

From her emails, Craigie seemed a nice person, and when she got around to answering my query regarding the overdue shipment she was apologetic about the delay. Waiting for kilts [in particular those from Vancouver, BC

] has made a patient man out of me, and the lack of her sporran strap certainly wasn't killing me so I went on with life figuring that it would get here when it got here.

I am sorry that Riverkilt had such a bad experience. Bummer to be sent the wrong item after a protracted wait, and then be scolded when affecting the return! Double daggers, there. Ron, you always seem a gentleman here on this forum so I would expect no less of you in the outside world. Attribute the attitude you received from Craigie to cranky, overworked, holiday spirit. She takes pride in her work and I am sure she had good intentions. That said, as an understandably less-that-satisfied customer, you were the one who deserved to be cranky and not the other way 'round. Were I you, I certainly would take my business elsewhere.

By the way, has anyone taken a look at that racoon cap she has on her site? Here, I'll post the pic:

Egad! I am not sure if wearing that would freak out the kids or make you their hero... Bubba, this should be right up your alley!!

Mychael