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Fluid/dynamic/ongoing B. Nelson Experience - Page 9

post #121 of 367
3/24/11 at 3:55pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Orgetorix View Post
I had a situation with B. Nelson last year that didn't turn out as I'd hoped. I sent some shoes for resoling that came back with the uppers looking very strange. I thought Nick's crew had ruined them, but after consulting with him and a couple other experts, I eventually figured out it was a latent flaw in the leather that just surfaced when the shoes were relasted. Not B. Nelson's fault, and it would have happened if I'd sent the shoes back to the maker for recrafting. I just chalked it up to experience and moved on.

Bottom line, when I got the shoes back looking terrible, my instinct was to post a thread like this one. I'm glad I didn't, because I'd have been bashing a quality craftsman for something that wasn't his fault. Time allowed for things to be resolved as well as possible and saved me from making a fool of myself by publicly posting false accusations.

+1 - I actually bought that pair off Org, IIRC (though I overpaid without knowing it at the time! My first step was to talk to Nick V about them for his recommendations. With time and attention they've come out fine. I wouldn't hesitate to trust Nick's recommendations as far as remedying issues - if he said "the way to fix it is x" I would do that without question.

That said, I just want to see how the heck long this nail IS - the only thing I can even think of that they could have done is if a grossly overly long, incorrect nail was used. The nails used for toe taps (or any I've ever seen) just simply don't go that far up. Following this thread too see how things turn out - let's keep it focused on the actual issue and how it gets resolved, not the drama or "he should have done this, Nick V should have done that" kind of stuff - let's get the final story before reaching conclusions.

Not that I expect anyone to pay any mind!
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post #122 of 367
3/24/11 at 4:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
It is beyond me why there is such widespread condemnation of the OPs posts..

shame some people dont appreciate transparency
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post #123 of 367
3/24/11 at 5:33pm
The OP appears to have posted only the truth so far. Berating someone for posting a negative experience is just moronic, Nick could have made this into a positive had he wanted to, instead he decided to act the surly teen and throw a strop.

We have had no explanation from the shoe expert about how such a nail could have ended up poking out of the shoe, and until a credible account is put forward, I would be inclined to believe the more plausible version that the people at B nelson somehow did it. What I can't explain is Nick's recalcitrance to help, in any way, the OP.

Combined with the fact he wrecked another pair of shoes in conjunction with this, it does point to a rather worrying level of customer satisfaction.
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post #124 of 367
3/24/11 at 5:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Trompe le Monde View Post
shame some people dont appreciate transparency

Garbage.

It's not about transparency, it's about:
1) Not trying to resolve with Nick before starting this thread
2) When not getting exactly the response he wants from Nick, continuing to assert that he is owed something and then gathering the steam of other members on here to load on the train and say the same to Nick


He wants to post a review on Yelp, let him.
The problem with posting on a forum like this is that he KNOWS (or should have known) that doing this kind of public shaming (really, that's what it is) will probably get him better treatment from Nick in the end due to the piling on of "Nick, compensate him for the damage", "Nick you're wrong" posts from other members than if he tried to handle it man vs. man and settle it outside of the public eye. That's the problem.

I have no problem if he were to post on here before speaking to Nick asking what he should do but leaving the cobbler's name anonymous. That's the right thing to do if he really wants our help in handling the situation. Otherwise, it is simply a concerted effort to give Nick bad press.
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post #125 of 367
3/24/11 at 5:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackShoes View Post
The OP appears to have posted only the truth so far. Berating someone for posting a negative experience is just moronic, Nick could have made this into a positive had he wanted to, instead he decided to act the surly teen and throw a strop.

We have had no explanation from the shoe expert about how such a nail could have ended up poking out of the shoe, and until a credible account is put forward, I would be inclined to believe the more plausible version that the people at B nelson somehow did it. What I can't explain is Nick's recalcitrance to help, in any way, the OP.

Combined with the fact he wrecked another pair of shoes in conjunction with this, it does point to a rather worrying level of customer satisfaction.

Thank you for continuing to prove my point.

OP has started up the SF GroupThink engine against B.Nelson as a result of his "transparency".
Not sure how this is right.

Why are we trusting the opinion of "shoe experts" on this forum who are going off nothing but the horrible quality pictures the OP posted? Wouldn't the guy whose shop DID the work have a better understanding of what happened?
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post #126 of 367
3/24/11 at 6:19pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCrockett View Post
Why are we trusting the opinion of "shoe experts" on this forum who are going off nothing but the horrible quality pictures the OP posted? Wouldn't the guy whose shop DID the work have a better understanding of what happened?

Most definitely.

But instead, Nick has only seemingly pointed his finger back at the OP saying that he requested something that was advised against. No further explanation was provided.

He then took it one step further and started pulling in ridiculous and non-related "references" with Martha Stewart and Oprah.

Do any of us apart from the OP or Nick know the whole story behind what's going on? No. But the manner in which Nick (who is representing the B. Nelson whether he intended to or not) is deflecting the issue at hand and not taking responsibility is very questionable.
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post #127 of 367
3/24/11 at 6:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by onix View Post
So OP had two options: 1. Posting his on-going experience, including initial bad results on SF (this is what OP chose) 2. Working the whole thing out before posting his experience on SF What's the advantage/disadvantage to both parties? - If the company is good, neither option is bad for them. Option 1 is fine because the public can see how responsive/responsible the company is. Option 2 is of course also fine. - If the company is bad, option 1 will give them some pressure to do the right things, hence this is not in favor of the company. However, it is good for OP. In conclusion, option 1 is best for OP in all scenarios, hence he chose it. Option 1 is not always good for the company, hence they don't like it.
This. Attacking the OP for the thread is ridiculous. Having said that, I personally would have followed option 2. And if it all worked out fine, would probably have been too lazy to post a review either way, if I'm being really honest. But to say the OP was wrong for doing 1 makes no sense to me. It's not an option I would have followed, but it's perfectly valid when viewed from his perspective. He may be right or wrong about whether the damage is his or the retailer's fault (we have no way of knowing for certain), but that uncertainty doesn't make posting the thread wrong. It does make the entire situation a big headache for the retailer of course, but that's their problem, not the OP's. They either need to reduce their error rate, or develop a better system of waiving responsibility if they think they are being asked to do something they believe is unwise/risky. Sounds like the shop in this case is indeed trying to resolve this particular situation, and to develop better systems to reduce risk of similar events in future.
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post #128 of 367
3/24/11 at 6:49pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCrockett View Post
Thank you for continuing to prove my point. OP has started up the SF GroupThink engine against B.Nelson as a result of his "transparency". Not sure how this is right. Why are we trusting the opinion of "shoe experts" on this forum who are going off nothing but the horrible quality pictures the OP posted? Wouldn't the guy whose shop DID the work have a better understanding of what happened?
Actually, it seems to be "the SF Group Thinkengine" that thinks I am trying to embarass, extort or force Nick's hands. As for your comment to use Yelp, you don't know me and I don't know you, but I have more far-reaching outlets to "bash" someone if that was the case. The gigs up-this is what happened-I woke up one day looked at two pair os shoes in my apartment and said, "I am going to pick B. Nelson and make them an example of poor service. I am going to go on the forum from which I learned about them and ruin their reputation. If they don't give me two brand new pair of shoes." Ok, those who thought this is my fault and I am wrong, you caught me!!! I wanted the tap removed immediately and that would have stopped all of this. I would have said, I am an F*ing idiot for posting this or I was right, and they will take care of it. I have yet to say anything bad about anyone. I didin't say Nick treated me poorly, that I would never use him again, or anything of the sort. My posts have talked about what I received thus far from B. Nelson and my responses to other posts. I said Friday would determine whether this is resolved. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post #16 from me, before all of the madness- Had a good conversation with Nick. He doesn't want to attribute the error to B. Nelson. We talked about other shoes that he received that had imperfections from the manufacturer, so he couldn't be sure that it was from the tap. He wanted to reserve judgement until he pulled it out. In the end, he will replace with flush plates, all for the bargain price of $30...lmao Not sure what can be done about the hole, I'll wait until Friday to see how it looks. I had to get back to work and didn't want to discuss how, at minimum, this should be complimentary. My wife's shoes, he will take care of for free. Don't necessarily know what he is going to do, but we'll see. If neither pair are satisfactory, then I may pursue another course of action. I am reserving judgement until Friday. When Nick offered to fix my wife's shoes for free and charge me $30 for flush plates, he, in essence, was resolving this.
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post #129 of 367
3/24/11 at 7:25pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by huskyzealot View Post
Also, I think it is important to note that B Nelson has probably gotten several customers due to these boards. I know the only reason I ever thought to take my shoes to him was because of reviews and recommendations I read on here. B Nelson shoes, Nick V, and their work are definitely a relevant topic here. This interaction should not be kept private.
Very true. I hope this ends well for both parties.
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post #130 of 367
3/24/11 at 7:42pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BrooklynWeGoHard View Post
absolutely correct. nick - do you agree?

Damn, man, you are the ultimate buttinsky! What are you doing in this thread anyway?
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post #131 of 367
3/24/11 at 8:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by HarleyBob View Post
What is wrong with posting this thread here? The OP has been very considerate in what he has said. I have several pairs of shoes that I was considering sending to B. Nelson and now I am questioning if I should. My questioning has nothing to do with the mistakes that were made. As the OP has said, "mistakes happen." My questioning has everything to do with Nick's response.

Nick had a fantastic opportunity to say, "we screwed up, we will fix it and make it right!" Had he done that, without bickering back and forth, I would have had a lot more respect for him and I wouldn't hesitate to send him my shoes. Had he taken that approach, he would be singing the praises of the OP for providing the opportunity, in a public place to show, not just the quality of his work, but that he backs his work and makes things right.

I too am in a service industry and we also make mistakes. As long as everything goes perfect, everyone is happy. It isn't until a mistake is made that you find the true character of an individual. When our employees make a mistake, we don't knock them down for having made the mistake, unless they keep making the same mistake over and over. We evaluate them on how they fix it. Do they acknowledge it? Do they make it right? That is what is important.

Quit making excuses Nick. Fix the problem, admit a mistake was made and you will have more customers as a result. Keep bitching and complaining about the OP and you will lose customers.

Totally agree.
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post #132 of 367
3/24/11 at 8:59pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCrockett View Post
Garbage.

It's not about transparency, it's about:
1) Not trying to resolve with Nick before starting this thread
2) When not getting exactly the response he wants from Nick, continuing to assert that he is owed something and then gathering the steam of other members on here to load on the train and say the same to Nick


He wants to post a review on Yelp, let him.
The problem with posting on a forum like this is that he KNOWS (or should have known) that doing this kind of public shaming (really, that's what it is) will probably get him better treatment from Nick in the end due to the piling on of "Nick, compensate him for the damage", "Nick you're wrong" posts from other members than if he tried to handle it man vs. man and settle it outside of the public eye. That's the problem.

I have no problem if he were to post on here before speaking to Nick asking what he should do but leaving the cobbler's name anonymous. That's the right thing to do if he really wants our help in handling the situation. Otherwise, it is simply a concerted effort to give Nick bad press.

Why does the OP have to resolve things with Nick before posting? so that Nick's reputation can be protected by the OP being persuaded (by whatever means) not to post his experience or post it in a more +ve light? Seems you are more concerned about Nicks rep than the guy whose shoes were supposedly damaged by B.Nelson. If truly the shoes were damaged by B. Nelson, the OP does deserve to be placated.

People post positive reviews of vendors often enough, and I have never seen a post referring them to yelp. If B.nelson has benefited from +ve reviews on this forum, it is only fair that they bear it when things are not so +ve. the OP has even gone has far as changing the title of the thread.

Unless I missed it, the OP has not requested anyone's help in pressurizing Nick. Rather its you that seems to think so and extrapolating to justify such in a bid to make the OP look bad. Seems you would rather jeopardize the interests of one member if it will protect the reputation of another, whether the latter is deserving or not.
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post #133 of 367
3/24/11 at 9:00pm
Never had a chance to meet Nick when I've had work done there before. But I don't think I trust the guy working there in the evening. He told me it would be no problem installing flushed metal taps. One week later, I came home with this. I don't think the correct screw size is being used here.



I guess I should've checked while I was there, but I was in a rush. And now it's not worth the effort to go back as I am too lazy.

If the OP is mad, he has a right to be. Who would want a hole in their shoe? But airing it out online probably only instigates a fight.

Also, opinions on quality is all relative. Confuscius say one man's gold is another man's doodoo.
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post #134 of 367
3/24/11 at 9:14pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by onix
So OP had two options:

1. Posting his on-going experience, including initial bad results on SF (this is what OP chose)
2. Working the whole thing out before posting his experience on SF

What's the advantage/disadvantage to both parties?

- If the company is good, neither option is bad for them. Option 1 is fine because the public can see how responsive/responsible the company is. Option 2 is of course also fine.
- If the company is bad, option 1 will give them some pressure to do the right things, hence this is not in favor of the company. However, it is good for OP.

In conclusion, option 1 is best for OP in all scenarios, hence he chose it. Option 1 is not always good for the company, hence they don't like it.


I would have waited as well. However, it does not put the OP in the wrong. It just means he's more
proactive at informing our community about his experiences at an SF approved cobbler. He has doe nothing wrong, and I'm very disappointed at how some members are attacking him. If the OP chose to wait and got unsatisfactory results because B. Nelson was not being "pressured" then he would have posted a thread about how B. Nelson has shitty customer service. B. Nelson is under pressure to do the right thing regardless of when the OP chooses to post his experience.
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post #135 of 367
3/24/11 at 9:22pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnnyCrockett View Post
Thank you for continuing to prove my point.

OP has started up the SF GroupThink engine against B.Nelson as a result of his "transparency".
Not sure how this is right.

Why are we trusting the opinion of "shoe experts" on this forum who are going off nothing but the horrible quality pictures the OP posted? Wouldn't the guy whose shop DID the work have a better understanding of what happened?

You cannot be serious

And no one here has anything against B. Nelson - it looks like this may actually get resolved fairly well for the OP. But why try to silence the OP when all he did was give his account in a fairly balanced manner, AND on a forum where he knows the other party is an active contributor and therefore has all the leisure and ability to explain what could have happened here.

Let's stop assigning terrible intentions to the OP, or to B.Nelson for that matter. The information displayed and obtained in the thread is helpful - aren't we supposed to discuss experiences with merchants on this forum?
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