A Lifetime Warranty that works

[Pete]

I've been using a Thompson Model A vice that I purchased at least 40 years ago. Earlier this year the Rivet that acts as a pivot point for the cam broke. I replaced it with a small bolt.

A couple of weeks ago, someone on another forum said something about them being out of business. I did a Google search and found dhthompson.com .

I used the contact page to ask for a new part. In spite of the fact that their warranty says the product should be returned for warranty items, I got the part today.

Made sense, the shipping costs probably would have cost more than the part.

BTW: The return address on the part was not "Thompson".
It came from:

• Adventure Corporation
  PO Box 15773
  Loves Park, IL 61132

But there was a Thompson "watermark" on the packing list.

 

[AKSkim]

LL Bean

I had the distinct privilege to have purchased a vise from an LL Bean catalog.

After two years I experienced the very same affliction, and on a return visit to Freeport, at 0230R, I exchanged it for a replacenment with not a single question asked.

Now many lads out there will accuse me of owning LL Bean, or having own a majority stock (if they are a publicly traded company) in the company, however, let it be know, I do not.

I enjoy a modest quality in what I purchase and I have found that their products provide me with that type of satification.

As always, on your side.

AKS

 

[Pete]

Folstaf

After over 20 years the shock cord on my Folstaf finally wore out and broke. In accordance with their lifetime warranty, I returned it to The Fly-Tyers Carry-all along with a check for $20.00.

• 12/11/06 shipped to Mfg. UPS $8.23
  12/12/06 delivered to Mfg. (signed for by Stclair)
  12/19/06 Shipped from Mfg. (per postmark)
  12/21/06 Delivered to me. (Priority Mail)

They replaced the shock cord as requested, and also replaced the tip, the cork handle and the lanyard. They also threw in a sample sized package of joint lube. A personalized handwritten note was added to the bottom of the form letter.

According to my bank, as of 12/20/06, my check hadn't cleared yet.

After 20+ years, I probably got my money's worth from the original purchase.
Per the Cabelas catalog:

• Value = $199.99
  Cost of cheap imitation = $59.99

The cost to me (including shipping) was $28.23, assuming they remember to cash my check.
~~~~~~EDIT~~~~~~~~~~
The check cleared on 12/21/06.
However, the point was... they did the repair and shipped the goods before they had their money.