Custom Bats Cricket Forum
Equipment => Bats => Topic started by: Bat and Ball Cricket on August 18, 2014, 12:56:48 PM
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Hi guys,
After some general opinions on this one with ordering bats online.
Bit of history first.
I've been massively underwhelmed this season with the quality of bats here in Australia. Maybe I'm being picky, but $600 for a blemished 'grade 1' Indian made piece of willow that doesn't ping particularly well, just doesn't sound like bat satisfaction to me.
Anyway, I decided to take a punt and try and take advantage of some of the end of UK season sales, to pick up some brand products better than Australian prices.
I did my homework to eliminate some of the variables. I've measure up in one of the speciality stores here in Brisbane two bats that I knew I could get from one of the forum sponsor stores. I figured that buying off a Custom Bats Forum Sponsor, buying big brands and having picked up the exact bats to pick exact weights would eliminate all the issues right, wrong.
I placed my order. Their site allowed me to specify weights (light - 2'8 - 2'9, extra light - 2'7) and I made an additional comment restating me requested weights and if not in stock to please contact me before dispatching my order.
Nothing heard from them regarding weights.
The bats have arrived, one is 2 ounces to heavy the other 5 ounces over my specified weight. The explanation, 'I also use light weight bats and felt they picked up well'. To me, there is a massive difference between 2'7 and 2'12.
This leads to my subject title. Is this just one of the risks you run buying bats online or do I have the right to be pi$$ that the retailer has essentially got rid of their end of season stock somewhere where they know it isn't likely to be returned due to my out of pocket expense sending them back to England from Australia? They have advised they will do a refund, but I'm still likely to be $100 out of pocket for something that wasn't my error.
As you can see, I've intentionally not mentioned any brands, so please don't enquire.
Keen on some opinions guys.
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Mate, I sense your frustration and having shelled a lot of money and waiting and not getting what you asked for, I can see where you are coming from. You were very thorough in your request and they should have paid more attention.
I am surprised there was so little communication before dispatch, usually guys here will exchange tons of emails, phone calls when buying online.
It was spelled out for the retailer and I can see why you think they have failed you.
It would have pissed me off too but hey it is not end of the world so don't lose faith in humanity.
A full refund minus postage would have been acceptable by most except in your case because it is just so high. If there is nothing more to your story then I would think it will be the decent thing for the retailer to pay for postage because they made a mistake not you.
I haven't actually bought a mega expensive bat online, I personally try and get a second hand almost new bargain at a close to it's estimated ebay price. This gets me match ready bats and if I don't like them, I can move them on without losing too much money.
Hope something works out for you mate.
For example I lost £90 on a brand new bat I didn't like but on the second hand ones I usually lose about £20 - £40 which is not too bad.
But that is just my personal opinion. There is a lot of quality willow available here not just from sponsors but also from various kit hoarders.
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That's why I always get them to send a pic of the actual bat and weight. Also only deal with a company that has a face ie. Paul at its just cricket and Jake at vitas. Also I like dealing with Uzi as their website shows the actual bats.
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So you could have hand picked your bats but chose to try and save a few bucks by buying end of season stock from overseas, makes perfect sense.
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I personally don't believe you are out of line asking for something to be sorted for you,
One mans pick up, is to the same as another mans, so sending a bat 5oz over suggested weight because they thought it picked up well is ridicolous.
My advice for future instance would be to rather than order online and just clicked the "select weight", instead go find there email address, and or phone number, and ensure a conversation is taken place before payment submitted. And clearly make sure your desires are outlined and you believe you are getting what you want before payment.
I have ordered through vitas, ijc and Uzi using this methods, and the bats that arrived have always been what I was expecting.
Hope you sort it soon.
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I wonder what % of online buys compared to physically picking a bat end up spot on and not in the for sale section, even with something that is custom made?
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So you could have hand picked your bats but chose to try and save a few bucks by buying end of season stock from overseas, makes perfect sense.
Price is irrelevant here, he specified something and did not get it.
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So you could have hand picked your bats but chose to try and save a few bucks by buying end of season stock from overseas, makes perfect sense.
Didn't have the grade of timber I wanted. Grade 3, in Australia was more expensive than grade 2 delivered from UK.
So your 'few bucks' is about 200 pounds.
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Love to know the brand and model, $350au is a big difference on a major brand.
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If you have specified a particular weight on a particular model of bat the retailer should be sending out that spec bat. It's not like your request is of a subjective nature ie a light pick up, nice grains,good ping etc, a 2lb10oz bat is exactly that. Any variation from that weight should have been discussed with you before being sent.
I would expect a full refund including postage both ways in this case
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It would be the same as if someone bought a bat from me (or any of the other custom brands) - if someone ordered a 2.8 then I would have made a 2.8 and would send a 2.8 - not send a 2.13 because that is what was left over in the stock room... a big plus side of having every bat made to order is I don't encounter this issue!
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I think you have every right to ask for a full refund including the cost of returning the bat since it's not what you ordered - just like any other item you'd order online. It seems you have admission that the item sent doesn't match what you asked for as weight and pick up are two different things.
(Conversely I don't think you have any grounds to return the item on something like 'ping' not being good, as that's too subjective)
Also if you paid with a credit card you would be protected by your credit card company for the item no being as described. (This doesn't apply to Debit card payments)
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If you do not wish to keep the bats Communicate this to the the seller also point out you were not contacted as requested re bat weights and they were sent to you on an the assumption that they would be okay state that you will take the offer of a full refund and request total cost of posting to and from the U.K.
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the retailer has essentially got rid of their end of season stock somewhere where they know it isn't likely to be returned due to my out of pocket expense sending them back to England from Australia?
Very knowingly so.
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Also if you paid with a credit card you would be protected by your credit card company for the item no being as described. (This doesn't apply to Debit card payments)
This is part of the consumer credit act - so if you made a debit card payment and went into overdraft, perversely you are covered.
However this is for UK only and I am not sure if it is the same for Australian purchases.
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This is part of the consumer credit act - so if you made a debit card payment and went into overdraft, perversely you are covered.
However this is for UK only and I am not sure if it is the same for Australian purchases.
I think the underlying principle here is borrowed money (i.e. overdraft and credit card) so the banks/ lenders have an interest in claiming it back. When you use a debit card (without going into overdraft) it's your money so they couldnt care less.
I have no judgement on whether this applies in the UK only but I would suggest first course of action is to try to resolve it with the seller. Ensure you have a correspondence from the seller accepting they will reimburse you for returned postage and the agreed amount (both what you paid and what it's costing you to return it).
If that fails you should pursue the credit company root (if applicable).
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I figured that buying off a Custom Bats Forum Sponsor, buying big brands and having picked up the exact bats to pick exact weights would eliminate all the issues right, wrong.
Don't think why this thread shouldn't be in the relevant sponsor's area. We are happy to post all the nice reviews on customer service etc. so it is only fair to allow this to be posted there as well.
That said I am sure they will sort you out if you explain nicely.
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Hi guys,
After some general opinions on this one with ordering bats online.
Bit of history first.
I've been massively underwhelmed this season with the quality of bats here in Australia. Maybe I'm being picky, but $600 for a blemished 'grade 1' Indian made piece of willow that doesn't ping particularly well, just doesn't sound like bat satisfaction to me.
Anyway, I decided to take a punt and try and take advantage of some of the end of UK season sales, to pick up some brand products better than Australian prices.
I did my homework to eliminate some of the variables. I've measure up in one of the speciality stores here in Brisbane two bats that I knew I could get from one of the forum sponsor stores. I figured that buying off a Custom Bats Forum Sponsor, buying big brands and having picked up the exact bats to pick exact weights would eliminate all the issues right, wrong.
I placed my order. Their site allowed me to specify weights (light - 2'8 - 2'9, extra light - 2'7) and I made an additional comment restating me requested weights and if not in stock to please contact me before dispatching my order.
Nothing heard from them regarding weights.
The bats have arrived, one is 2 ounces to heavy the other 5 ounces over my specified weight. The explanation, 'I also use light weight bats and felt they picked up well'. To me, there is a massive difference between 2'7 and 2'12.
This leads to my subject title. Is this just one of the risks you run buying bats online or do I have the right to be pi$$ that the retailer has essentially got rid of their end of season stock somewhere where they know it isn't likely to be returned due to my out of pocket expense sending them back to England from Australia? They have advised they will do a refund, but I'm still likely to be $100 out of pocket for something that wasn't my error.
As you can see, I've intentionally not mentioned any brands, so please don't enquire.
Keen on some opinions guys.
I don't think you should be liable for shipping for a product which does not match the specifications of what you asked for. (Though I had to pay when I got a refund from Shark Cricket last year...)
I have a small amount of sympathy for the sponsor, who is trying to provide something which he/she assumes will please you - as you cannot visit the factory/store HOWEVER this should not be done without consultation - Old business adage 'Customer is King'.
Hope you get it sorted mate.
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FWIW when I ordered a bat from UZI earlier this year that turned out not to be what I ordered I reeceived a brilliant service and full refund including P&P no questions asked - couldn't ask for more!
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I'm not entirely sure why the offending party can't send a courier to pick it up from Aus and send it back to the UK at no cost to you.
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Have you approached the seller? What have they said/done?
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2.12 instead of 2.7 is shocking, should be returned at their expense and a full refund or a 2.7 sent
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Quite a sizeable weight difference. If a customer specifies a weight i wouldn't then pick out a bat on pick up and send it because it 'felt light'
I do try to stress that an ounce (maybe 2) here or there isn't too much and that balance and feel are much more important when selecting a bat. But of course the worlds most fantastically balanced 2'12 still won't feel like a 2'7, that weight gap is just too big.
We all have scales, they aren't hard to use.
Probably time to name and shame. I know its not me so I'm just an interested observer :)
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If I ordered a 2.7 bat and I received a 2.12 I would be fuming. And as for being spun a story about the pick up and feel well that is just an added insult. Not quite the "custom" custom bat forum service we have all become a custom to. I would expect a full refund including the return postage
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Whilst I agree that the weight difference is unacceptable ( although it's worth waiting to hear the sponsors side of the story too) most stores T&C's state that refunds don't include shipping fees. With this case being uk->aus I can see it's going to make it difficult for the customer to pay this
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When selecting bat weights in said online store, does the shop in question state that weights are "carefully checked by instore bat expert"??
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Did I miss something? why does everyone keep saying sponsor!!
Weight difference is unacceptable, even if you had not specified an exact weight it still does not fall under the light category. Ask for a refund including shipping cost both ways and also duties if you paid any.
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Because the op says sponsor tush.
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Because the op says sponsor tush.
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I need eye glasses lol...thanks Tim
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Name and shame dude. This sort of thing needs highlighting
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I had a similar but not with a sponsor so I couldn't be too picky and got myself a bargain, i ordered a light category GM Icon F7 which is supposed to weigh between 2.7-2.9 but having weighed it it's around 2.10 6/8 so not too much heavier then 2.9 so I let it slide. However, 5oz is a big difference.
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Very simply yes you are entitled to be picky mate if you bought blind from say SD then no as they don't offer any indication to weight but if your able to pick light or a weight range then the product does not match your request. I wouldn't say there is a need to name and shame unless the sponsor/shop actually rejects and sticks with the story that you have to pay as in my opinion that's not cricket. Not even lavers gain 5ounces lol
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Name and shame. Show pictures of the bat. You might have someone here offer to buy it off you too. I use a heavier bat around 2.10-2.11 but I may by enticed.
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When selecting bat weights in said online store, does the shop in question state that weights are "carefully checked by instore bat expert"??
Very karefully selected!
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Hi all,
Thank you for all your replies.
Couple of your suggestions have come in good use.
The Forum Sponsor Retailer is organising for the bats to be picked up, probably tomorrow, with a full refund.
Couple of other comments to:
Love to know the brand and model, $350au is a big difference on a major brand.
Skip, being out side of the UK, VAT doesn't apply so that takes off just under 17% I believe. So a 170 pound bat, becomes a 140 pound bat.
In Australia, we have the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, which you don't pay on imported bats either.
Its also the end of the UK season, so a lot of stores have bats on sale, which helps to reduce the price.
I was having two bats delivered to my door for just over $600.
Similar bats in my local cricket speciality store would be $500 per bat, working on similar models in that brands range. So, the same two bats in Australia would cost me $1000. One thing to point out is the considerably different time of the season. The UK end of season and start of Australian season means a discount straight away of UK bats. Even if you take the end of season discount off, your still talking probably at least $200 more in Australia for the same bats (and that still takes delivery into consideration).
Quite a sizeable weight difference. If a customer specifies a weight i wouldn't then pick out a bat on pick up and send it because it 'felt light'
I do try to stress that an ounce (maybe 2) here or there isn't too much and that balance and feel are much more important when selecting a bat. But of course the worlds most fantastically balanced 2'12 still won't feel like a 2'7, that weight gap is just too big.
We all have scales, they aren't hard to use.
Probably time to name and shame. I know its not me so I'm just an interested observer :)
I'm a big supporter of pick up over weight as well. In fact, I actually don't care what a bat weighs, so long as it picks up well for me. I know I've made a big song and dance about the fact bats weren't the weights that I ordered, but hear me out.
I've got four bats at the moment, 2 Indian SGs, an Australian made no brand and an Aldred. They weigh 2'8, 2'10, 2'11 and 2'9 respectively, so I'm not fixated on bat weights.
However, for the bats that I had ordered to have a 'perfect' pick for me, they needed to be in the weights I specified, otherwise they pick up too heavy for my liking.
This is why I've been so specific on this occasion.
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Well I think this should be seen as a good news story and kudos for the retailer who is sorting it out for you.
Glad all came to a happy conclusion.
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Well I think this should be seen as a good news story and kudos for the retailer who is sorting it out for you.
Glad all came to a happy conclusion.
The retailer should of sorted this long before this thread embarrassed them into refunding the postage.
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Hi all,
Thank you for all your replies.
Couple of your suggestions have come in good use.
The Forum Sponsor Retailer is organising for the bats to be picked up, probably tomorrow, with a full refund.
Couple of other comments to:
Skip, being out side of the UK, VAT doesn't apply so that takes off just under 17% I believe. So a 170 pound bat, becomes a 140 pound bat.
In Australia, we have the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 10%, which you don't pay on imported bats either.
Its also the end of the UK season, so a lot of stores have bats on sale, which helps to reduce the price.
I was having two bats delivered to my door for just over $600.
Similar bats in my local cricket speciality store would be $500 per bat, working on similar models in that brands range. So, the same two bats in Australia would cost me $1000. One thing to point out is the considerably different time of the season. The UK end of season and start of Australian season means a discount straight away of UK bats. Even if you take the end of season discount off, your still talking probably at least $200 more in Australia for the same bats (and that still takes delivery into consideration).
I'm a big supporter of pick up over weight as well. In fact, I actually don't care what a bat weighs, so long as it picks up well for me. I know I've made a big song and dance about the fact bats weren't the weights that I ordered, but hear me out.
I've got four bats at the moment, 2 Indian SGs, an Australian made no brand and an Aldred. They weigh 2'8, 2'10, 2'11 and 2'9 respectively, so I'm not fixated on bat weights.
However, for the bats that I had ordered to have a 'perfect' pick for me, they needed to be in the weights I specified, otherwise they pick up too heavy for my liking.
This is why I've been so specific on this occasion.
My own bats vary in weight range in a similar way to yours, I feel they all pick up fairly light, not feathers but pretty light. In a retail situation with me as the seller all of my 'knowledge and expertise' should only ever be a guide, if you ask for a bat at a specific weight or at least a very light bat (either very light by the definition of dead weight or by the definition of pickup) you should not have been sent a 2'12. Or at least i wouldn't have sent you one.
I am glad your situation is being rectified but of course am surprised that it ever happened with a forum sponsor. We all make mistakes of course but as i pointed out before, we all have scales, and like i said before; i wouldn't dream of sending even the worlds most beautifully balanced 2'12 to someone who wanted a 'very light' bat.
Like i said in my reply to your pm, happy to sort you out with a very lightweight bat. :)
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The retailer should of sorted this long before this thread embarrassed them into refunding the postage.
Just giving them benefit of doubt mate, we don't know their side of story, they may just be taking time following their procedure. It is quite normal to jump to negative conclusion when one is upset and money is at stake.
I have done it before i.e. complaining or taking to twitter without giving someone a chance to rectify their mistake.
Anyways all well that end well.
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Totally agree with d7bow's comment, nevertheless all's well that ends well.
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Hi all,
Just wanted to do a final round out of how things finished up.
The supplier organised the return of the bats from their end and didn't have any issue completing the refund once they had received the bats back.
Refund hit my account overnight.
Thanks to all that commented.
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Perhaps it would be worthwhile checking out some of the custom batmakers on the forum, you get a lot more customer service than you would from picking a bat out of a shop window as you can have it made EXACTLY to your specification.
I make my own bats to the exact pick up/weight/shape/grade etc that I want, will never go back to buying bats that someone else has made. That's not to say that there aren't good sellers out there, there are some brilliant guys on the forum offering great customer service, but for me to make exactly what I want how I want is a no brainer.
Good luck with your search for the perfect stick!