A black leather classic handbag. We all have one, right? Or do we? If you don't, you should go out and get one right now. When you do, please make sure that it is made of quality leather and is from a reputable company. May I suggest L.A. based handbag line Junior Drake? I bought a very classic wear-with-anything black leather bag from them a few years ago. I remember stalking the selections, saving for the purchase, and ultimately buying the beauty seen below. I used it all of the time. Naturally, after so much wear (and the weight of all of the goodies I tend to keep in my purse), the strap on the bag stretched out (see "before" photo by clicking on the "read more" below) and I began wearing it less. I turned to some other not as nice black bags that I had lying around my closet.
My "new" bag and wallet!
Prior to Fashion Rehab I wouldn't have even bothered to try and fix the strap (thinking that everything is disposable, and the enticing possibility of shopping for a replacement!) but I decided to contact Junior Drake to see if they could help me out. They said it wasn't a problem. They would replace the strap and it would take about 6-8 weeks. So off my little bag went to their L.A. headquarters and I was left to wait for its return. The repair (which was free, by the way) took longer than expected, so when the bag did finally make its way back to my home there was a handwritten note apologizing for the delay and a beautiful wallet as a thank you gift for my patience. I literally was blown away! Not only did I get my bag back looking oh-so-beautiful; they gave me a fabulous new wallet! Spending a little more on a quality item, which has lasted me several years thus far anyway, will now last many more, thanks to a company that believes in their customers and their product enough to do free repairs. When I am ready to make another handbag purchase I will not hesitate to buy Junior Drake again. (NOTE: I contacted Junior Drake through my personal email so they were not aware that I have a fashion blog or would publicly write about this experience.)
My "before" bag with the stretched out strap
So how do you get yourself one of these fab bags? Their website of course, and they also have an outlet in Santa Monica for all of you Southern California ladies. Bluefly also sells some really great styles suitable for a wider range of budgets, and sometimes you will even catch Junior Drake on some of the sample sale websites like Gilt or Hautelook.
Junior Drake Maria Crossbody Bag, Bluefly, $192 (orig. $378)
Love, A
13 comments:
Oh wow that is awesome!!! :D
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
I know! I am a lucky lady! Love, A
That is a great story! And a great bag, too! How refreshing that a company should have that kind of integrity-- I am so impressed that I will keep my eye out for them and consider buying one of their bags (I have no basic black bag, alas).
I once tried to get similar help from a Canadian handbag company when the gorgeous clasp snapped right off my sleek new bag after about a month of use. They basically laughed in my face when I contacted them for assistance. "Caveat emptor" was their response. Since then, even though I love their bags and they are HUGELY prevalent, I refuse to buy anything they make. The bags are not inexpensive and are not even leather (that is the point, actually, the "not leather" thing) and I was just so disheartened that a company would take so little pride in their product and care so little for their customers that I swore never to send any more of my hard-earned loonies their way.
I am delighted that your experience was completely the opposite. It restores my faith in manufacturers to know that some of them really DO care about their customers! Yay!
So awesome to know they do free repairs. I usually buy a bag and then when the strap wears out, I stop carrying it while I procrastinate on taking it in for repair. This will definitely turn me into an even more loyal customer and Junior Drake evangelist!
It's so great to read of a company who hasn't lost sight of customer service! I'll definitely check them out when I'm in need of a new handbag.
What a fantastic customer service story. Kudos to them for standing by their product and treating customers so well.
What an amazing story. . love companies that treat their customers so well. Enjoy the new bag and wallet!
Wow, that is really great that the company did the repair for free. Its really good when a company takes care of its customers, good on them.
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Fantastic story .. it great to hear about a company that still knows the meaning of the words "customer service" and on top of that goes the extra step to keep you happy.
I'm working on simplifing my life = wardrobe too!! I'm visiting via Th Simply Luxurious Life .. and am so glad you have a wonderful corner of blogland .. I'm your newest follower..
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I love when companies really care about their costumers! I've had bad experiences with a lot of companies that rarely helps with questions or answers my email, so the next time I need a hand bag, I will def choose Junior Drake!
Quality over quantity is key! After spending a few weeks in Italy this summer, that fact became a part of my shopping philosophy. Once you see and feel what quality garments are really like, and once you see that the RIGHT quality garments can be mixed and matched to work with the rest of your wardrobe, you will never buy a "pleather" bag again! (Unless, of course, you're vegan).
If you're having trouble choosing an investment bag, do what I did: pay attention to which of your cheap bags you use most, and get a leather/quality bag in the same style!
Nice to hear about something done considerately and right, and I will definitely keep their name in mind when I'm shopping for a good bag. I've encountered some other companies that openly offer repair service, like Brahmin or Coach, and I'm much more inclined to invest in pieces from them when the time comes -- even if there is a fee.
What a great company! If only everyone was so customer focused!
Becca
http://dansmonboudoir.com
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