MacBook Pro Bags, Sleeves, and Cases Thread

[adent04]

SFBags CitySlicker MacBook Case

My last email from the company said my order would be out by last Friday, Monday at the latest. I have emailed the company again to try and check when this will or is likely to occur, but I haven't received a response yet from the company.

I would urge everyone that has ordered to contact the company, and to ask for an update. I would also say to those considering buying from this company, to perhaps hold off and see what the responses are, as my experiences with communication from this company - haven't been positive.

 

[Fortimir]

Have you emailed them yet and ask why? They should respond pretty fast though (from my previous experience with them)

I would urge everyone that has ordered to contact the company, and to ask for an update.

I e-mailed them Friday evening. I will withhold judgment on their service until Monday night. I understand them not responding to e-mails over the weekend. At this point, I'd really be disappointed if they don't upgrade my shipping to overnight/2nd day.

My MBPr has been case-less for two weeks now. I'd like to be able to take it out of the house!

 

[eron]

My last email from the company said my order would be out by last Friday, Monday at the latest. I have emailed the company again to try and check when this will or is likely to occur, but I haven't received a response yet from the company.

I would urge everyone that has ordered to contact the company, and to ask for an update. I would also say to those considering buying from this company, to perhaps hold off and see what the responses are, as my experiences with communication from this company - haven't been positive.

To be fair, it's just for certain rMBP accessories. SFbags prides itself on quality goods produced in San Francisco. If they are having issues with production in regards to parts, or whatever, just give them time to make it perfect.

 

[adent04]

To be fair, it's just for certain rMBP accessories. SFbags prides itself on quality goods produced in San Francisco. If they are having issues with production in regards to parts, or whatever, just give them time to make it perfect.

I am fine with them getting it perfect, however I just want some honest, timely, and realistic information. I don't appreciate having to continually chase up where they are up to, sending them multiple emails, asking what is the new ETA after previous commitments have gone unmet, and not always getting timely responses.

I am still waiting for a response on a new time to complete my order, and I can only hope that others reading this will consider either pressing the company for reasonable information, or considering other companies and products.

 

[eron]

I am fine with them getting it perfect, however I just want some honest, timely, and realistic information. I don't appreciate having to continually chase up where they are up to, sending them multiple emails, asking what is the new ETA after previous commitments have gone unmet, and not always getting timely responses.

I am still waiting for a response on a new time to complete my order, and I can only hope that others reading this will consider either pressing the company for reasonable information, or considering other companies and products.

You are right. They need to be honest in communicating the reason for delay.
If you want to exert more pressure, you can try posting on their FB page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/WaterField-Designs/32175951951

 

[TopThrill182]

Does anyone have any experience with the Incase Sling Sleeve? Not sure how the rMBP would fit in it...

http://goincase.com/products/detail/sling-sleeve-cl57843

As a student, I'm looking for more of a bag than a sleeve.

 

[photosaurus]

My last email from the company said my order would be out by last Friday, Monday at the latest. I have emailed the company again to try and check when this will or is likely to occur, but I haven't received a response yet from the company.

I would urge everyone that has ordered to contact the company, and to ask for an update. I would also say to those considering buying from this company, to perhaps hold off and see what the responses are, as my experiences with communication from this company - haven't been positive.

I used the chat box on their website, and got a response immediately. Used it on two separate occasions.

 

[Whomperz]

Hey guys just going to post some pictures of the

Heathered Protective Sleeve from Incase

I loved my neoprene incase sleeve for my 13" macbook so i figured why not. Plus it only cost me $25 bucks because I got that google offer for $25 for $50.

I didn't want the faux fur because i have this idea that it would get loose and get into the vents of the rMBP, haha. I also wanted a pocket so I could stick my iPad with it also.

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. There is just too much room as you can see from the right of the rMBP to the end of the case and also the front of the case to the rMBP. The rMBP just slides all over the place. Also the pocket just lets the iPad slide everywhere and probably not the greatest idea to stick the charger in (nix that idea all together)....

 

[adent04]

WaterField Designs SFBags CitySlicker MacBook Case

Hi all, for anyone wondering on where their order is, if there are more delays, or how the service is, below is the email I just received this morning. This email confirms more delays, late responses, and that for customers like me who have been chased up what is going on, they have been told incorrect information.

I appreciate that the company has production issues, and that they want to get the product right. I just don’t appreciate having to continually chase up where things are at, because at the other end there has been no update from the company to customers – unless customers actually spend their own time and effort in chasing things up. I also don’t appreciate that even for customers who have chased things up, they get given incorrect information, or are not provided with any more updates – unless they again email the company, post on forums, etc.

As I said, I want to give the company the opportunity to turn the experience around. But there seems little room in the email to say we could do this for you, let alone to be provided with up to date information in the future, or to show how the company might improve the communication with customers. I have ordered from other companies such as Saddleback Leather, and I have found their customer service top notch. These guys, well to quote them ‘this has been far from a stellar experience for you as a first-time customer’.

I think I have given them the opportunity to turn this around, but there seems no recognition that communication should be improved, how they would do this, or how the company might turn this experience around. To those who have ordered, good luck! To those considering, I hope you read my experiences and hope these help you to make an informed choice. For me this isn’t about getting my good will gesture, but they could have said we will email you once the order is ready, or let you know if there are any other expected delays!


‘Hi,

Thanks for your detailed note, and for sending the link to your macrumors posting. My apologies that I'm late in responding both to this and your 7/13 e-mail, which arrived after our business day: our shop is closed over the weekend and we have quite a raft of questions to answer on Mondays.

I do apologize again for the production delays we've had on this new case. As I mentioned last week, we had an unexpected problem with one of the dies to cut the components, and rather than ship a case we can't be proud of, we've worked to have the die refined. It's taken longer than expected and our current estimated ship date has been pushed back to the week of July 23. We do our best to keep our customers up to date, and I'm so sorry you've found our e-mails frustrating; we've given our best estimates at the time, but you're right...we have had to change the date a couple of times. It's not our normal way of operating, and it's not something we're happy about, but we'd rather not ship off anything that's not to our standard.

We have quite a backlog of orders on this case and we want to be sure we send everyone a case that's the quality they're expecting. We're working diligently through our queue in the order received, but it does take time to assemble each case by hand. We'd hate to lose your order, but we're just not able to meet your terms for a discounted sleeve and shipping ahead of others who ordered before you. It's expensive making bags here in the city and it just doesn't leave us the margins for discounts.

I understand that this has been far from a stellar experience for you as a first-time customer and I'm really sorry. We do our best to treat customers well, and I'm sorry that we haven't met your expectations thus far.

Please let me know if you'd prefer to cancel your order; I'm here to help.

Best regards’.

 

[Fortimir]

They need to be honest in communicating the reason for delay.

I used the chat box on their website, and got a response immediately.

Hi all, for anyone wondering on where their order is, if there are more delays, or how the service is, below is the email I just received this morning.

Yep, they finally replied to my message and it was along the lines of Adent04's. They told me that they had sent out an e-mail regarding the delay with the mis-machined part to pre-orders but apologized that I didn't receive it.

They gave me the estimate of next week and asked me if I could hang on. I politely asked for 2nd-day shipping (especially since I'm on the other side of the country) and they said that was fine.

So we'll go with that. I've heard SO many people vouching for them, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. I did check my spam folders and such... no missed e-mail.

 

[eron]

I want to assure all new SFBags customers that their products are top-notch, worth every cent, and in this case, the wait, and delay on the rMBP accessory.

I started with their cargo back several years back, and now have 2 Muzettos, 3 sleeves, and many other small accessories like cable bags, and a track pad sleeve. Every single SFbag product is perfectly made, extremely functional and will outlast whatever it was made to hold.

That, and knowing it was made in San Francisco, USA.

 

[PhaserFuzz]

Does anyone have any experience with the Incase Sling Sleeve? Not sure how the rMBP would fit in it...

http://goincase.com/products/detail/sling-sleeve-cl57843

As a student, I'm looking for more of a bag than a sleeve.

If you want a tight fit, you should look elsewhere. Even with the regular MBP, there's room to spare. But a bag is a little different from a sleeve, so it might not bother you.

 

[spdntrxi]

I went with the picasolab guy... should have it by the end of the week.

 

[axlvtt]

Hey guys just going to post some pictures of the

Heathered Protective Sleeve from Incase

I loved my neoprene incase sleeve for my 13" macbook so i figured why not. Plus it only cost me $25 bucks because I got that google offer for $25 for $50.

I didn't want the faux fur because i have this idea that it would get loose and get into the vents of the rMBP, haha. I also wanted a pocket so I could stick my iPad with it also.

Needless to say, I'm disappointed. There is just too much room as you can see from the right of the rMBP to the end of the case and also the front of the case to the rMBP. The rMBP just slides all over the place. Also the pocket just lets the iPad slide everywhere and probably not the greatest idea to stick the charger in (nix that idea all together)....

Yeah, the heathered sleeve isn't a good choice for the rMBP. If you want to get an incase, you should try the terra sleeve instead.

 

[eron]

I went with the picasolab guy... should have it by the end of the week.

I like that too! Can you weigh it when you get yours?
It seems like a quality product, but I know good quality leather is heavy. So I might not like the additional weight.

Kinda silly to lose the weight by going rMBP, then gain it back through a heavy sleeve.

 

[ZipZap]

I went with the picasolab guy... should have it by the end of the week.

Well he is running late. And has not really shared that info I had to ask.

 

[EatMyApple]

I went with the picasolab guy... should have it by the end of the week.

Same here! I was told around the 20th. Did you get an order confirmation or anything? I changed my order via email to drop the name on the case. Some feedback would be nice.

I like that too! Can you weigh it when you get yours?
It seems like a quality product, but I know good quality leather is heavy. So I might not like the additional weight.

Kinda silly to lose the weight by going rMBP, then gain it back through a heavy sleeve.

I was going mainly for protection to keep the screen from getting pushed into the keyboard while in my bag.

Well he is running late. And has not really shared that info I had to ask.

What did you ask? I would agree his communication has been lacking via email/facebook but I sent him a text and received a response within minutes. Maybe he just overloaded with orders but has his cell on him?

 

[spdntrxi]

I like that too! Can you weigh it when you get yours?
It seems like a quality product, but I know good quality leather is heavy. So I might not like the additional weight.

Kinda silly to lose the weight by going rMBP, then gain it back through a heavy sleeve.

I'll try although not really concerned with weight.. more looks and protection. I don't Facebook, so I purchased and communicated to him from his ebay page. He generally answered question within 1 hour which is pretty fast.

I'm also only about 30 miles from him.. so I should get it quick.

 

[HowEver]

There's stitching on the inside in the Facebook picture.

No chance I'd use that.

I went with the picasolab guy... should have it by the end of the week.

 

[adent04]

So after being told that my bag was not expected to be sent until about the 23/07, I get an email tonight stating the following:

'Hi,
Thanks very much. I just want to let you know that your order (#.....) will ship fresh from our San Francisco factory on 17-Jul-2012 via US International Priority Mail. Your delivery confirmation number is CJ.......US and you will eventually be able to track your order at www.usps.com. **
If you've bought from us before, thanks for visiting us again. *If you are a new customer, tell us what brought you to our store.
Thanks again for tracking us down. We really appreciate it. I hope we meet your expectations.
If there's anything else I can do for you, just let me know.
Best regards'.

How the hell do I or anyone know what's going on with this company? Really, their communication both internally and between departments, and externally with customers in my experoence is shocking! I sent them a response below (yes I am getting fed up), and I will lt you know how this sad and sorry saga of service plays out...

'Are you guys on crack? Seriously though, I got an email earlier today saying my order has been pushed back to the 23/07. Now I get this email saying it shipped! I was told if I want to change it, or get a refund, I could. What the hell if going on? How can I change it and ask for a refund, if I can't respond in under 24 hours?

Please let me know urgently what hell is going on, and that way I can make an informed choice about a refund - as I have no clue what your company is doing - especially given the amount of misleading, conflicting, and incorrect information you have so far provided me with!'.

 

[eron]

"Please let me know urgently what hell is going on, and that way I can make an informed choice about a refund - as I have no clue what your company is doing - especially given the amount of misleading, conflicting, and incorrect information you have so far provided me with!'.

I don't know what you are getting frustrated about. If your order shipped earlier than expected, shouldn't you be glad?

If you really don't want it, just do not sign for the parcel, and asked that it be returned. Or SFbags can just redirect the delivery to someone who wants it.

 

[adent04]

SFBags Waterfield CitySlicker MacBook Case experiences

Hey all. For me, the communication experience has been ****** with these guys and with my order. I wouldn't trust them at all, especially given the amount of work I have put in just to try and ind out what the hell was going on with my order. And it wasn't just their conflicting dates.

It was them not recognising how frustrating it has been. It was them not committing to trying to do better next time. It was giving them an opportunity to improve - and not seeing improvements. And it was hearing that they had lied to other customers, by saying they had emailed them about delays. I didn't get any email about delays, not until I had to work hard to find out where my order was. I wanted to get a straight answer from them - and I don't feel I actually ever got one.

So below is their response to my recent email, and then my response back to them. In short, out of principle I want a refund. I really don't want to support a company like this, and it really has made me think about the sort of companies I will purchase from in the future. This may not be the best decision or the easiest one - as I like the looks of their products. However, for me this decision has been very influenced by their poor communication.

I wish everyone the best of experiences with them, both now and into the future. But I wouldn't buy anything from them ever again. Thanks for reading, and sorry if you don't agree with my stance or perspectives. My decision is based on really poor efforts in their customer service, which to me is important.

Their reply:
Hi,
Thanks for your note, and again, my apologies that our notes have been confusing to you.
As I mentioned yesterday, we're doing our best to work through the queue of people who have ordered 15" City Slickers. We make these by hand and sometimes we get more done in a day, sometimes fewer.
We've gotten to your order ahead of our estimated ETA and it's ready to ship...but only if you want it. I'll hold on to your case until I hear back. If you'd prefer to cancel your order, we'll credit back your PayPal account for the full $179. If you decide you'd like the case, we'll have it on its way.
I'm sorry that this has been such a bumpy introduction to our company. I do understand your frustration, especially since this is your first order. I'm standing by to do whichever you'd prefer: ship or cancel.
Best regards'.

My final email to them:
'Hi,
Sorry, but with the frustrating experience of poor communication between your company and not just myself - but with other people that have ordered from your company, I want to take a stand and say that service isn't good enough - and I won't accept that this.

So what I want - being clear in my communication - is for a full refund from your company, and for you to not send what I ordered. And I would also like confirmation that this will be done, and for when the payment will be made to me via PayPal, the same method for which I paid for my order back in June.

I can't believe that your company has suggested to other people that ordered this same bag, that you emailed them about delays. You didn't email me about delays, and only provided several conflicting dates via email - after I emailed your company and posted my experiences online. There is nothing else to call what you have told other customers that have shared their own experiences online, other than a lie.

Yep, it has been a bad first time experience with your company. I would not recommend your company to anyone. Even after emailing your company and expressing my frustrations on the poor communication between your company and customers re delays, there was not even the smallest offer to say, hey when your order is ready we will email you. Nor was there any recognition from your company that said you know, we could have handled his better, and in the future we will learn from this.

I will again be sharing me experiences and thoughts on your company's service and communication online. And I hope that this serves not just as a warning to other potential customers, but more importantly that your company needs to improve its communication. I might have been fine with delays, had you promptly told me. But with the amount of work I had to do to even approximate a straight answer (which I don't feel I ever actually got), I felt like I was dealing with some two bit amateur company who just couldn't get their **** together.

I appreciate that you also told me that it's expensive to make bags there in your city. But put yourself in mine and many other customers shoes, including those that don't live in America. I don't know the geography and social and economic conditions of various cities, and to me this just sounds like some lame ass cop out. If that's an issue for you, deal with it. Not all customers want to hear excuse after excuse, especially those that shouldn't have a bearing on their orders. Sure, if there is an issue with not getting materials or the wrong ones, share it. But cost woes are not something all customers want to hear about, and these just sound sadly pathetic'.

 

[axlvtt]

Hey all. For me, the communication experience has been ****** with these guys and with my order. I wouldn't trust them at all, especially given the amount of work I have put in just to try and ind out what the hell was going on with my order. And it wasn't just their conflicting dates.

It was them not recognising how frustrating it has been. It was them not committing to trying to do better next time. It was giving them an opportunity to improve - and not seeing improvements. And it was hearing that they had lied to other customers, by saying they had emailed them about delays. I didn't get any email about delays, not until I had to work hard to find out where my order was. I wanted to get a straight answer from them - and I don't feel I actually ever got one.

So below is their response to my recent email, and then my response back to them. In short, out of principle I want a refund. I really don't want to support a company like this, and it really has made me think about the sort of companies I will purchase from in the future. This may not be the best decision or the easiest one - as I like the looks of their products. However, for me this decision has been very influenced by their poor communication.

I wish everyone the best of experiences with them, both now and into the future. But I wouldn't buy anything from them ever again. Thanks for reading, and sorry if you don't agree with my stance or perspectives. My decision is based on really poor efforts in their customer service, which to me is important.

Their reply:
Hi,
Thanks for your note, and again, my apologies that our notes have been confusing to you.
As I mentioned yesterday, we're doing our best to work through the queue of people who have ordered 15" City Slickers. We make these by hand and sometimes we get more done in a day, sometimes fewer.
We've gotten to your order ahead of our estimated ETA and it's ready to ship...but only if you want it. I'll hold on to your case until I hear back. If you'd prefer to cancel your order, we'll credit back your PayPal account for the full $179. If you decide you'd like the case, we'll have it on its way.
I'm sorry that this has been such a bumpy introduction to our company. I do understand your frustration, especially since this is your first order. I'm standing by to do whichever you'd prefer: ship or cancel.
Best regards'.

My final email to them:
'Hi,
Sorry, but with the frustrating experience of poor communication between your company and not just myself - but with other people that have ordered from your company, I want to take a stand and say that service isn't good enough - and I won't accept that this.

So what I want - being clear in my communication - is for a full refund from your company, and for you to not send what I ordered. And I would also like confirmation that this will be done, and for when the payment will be made to me via PayPal, the same method for which I paid for my order back in June.

I can't believe that your company has suggested to other people that ordered this same bag, that you emailed them about delays. You didn't email me about delays, and only provided several conflicting dates via email - after I emailed your company and posted my experiences online. There is nothing else to call what you have told other customers that have shared their own experiences online, other than a lie.

Yep, it has been a bad first time experience with your company. I would not recommend your company to anyone. Even after emailing your company and expressing my frustrations on the poor communication between your company and customers re delays, there was not even the smallest offer to say, hey when your order is ready we will email you. Nor was there any recognition from your company that said you know, we could have handled his better, and in the future we will learn from this.

I will again be sharing me experiences and thoughts on your company's service and communication online. And I hope that this serves not just as a warning to other potential customers, but more importantly that your company needs to improve its communication. I might have been fine with delays, had you promptly told me. But with the amount of work I had to do to even approximate a straight answer (which I don't feel I ever actually got), I felt like I was dealing with some two bit amateur company who just couldn't get their **** together.

I appreciate that you also told me that it's expensive to make bags there in your city. But put yourself in mine and many other customers shoes, including those that don't live in America. I don't know the geography and social and economic conditions of various cities, and to me this just sounds like some lame ass cop out. If that's an issue for you, deal with it. Not all customers want to hear excuse after excuse, especially those that shouldn't have a bearing on their orders. Sure, if there is an issue with not getting materials or the wrong ones, share it. But cost woes are not something all customers want to hear about, and these just sound sadly pathetic'.

SFBags is a great company. You are bitching because they had to change the estimated delivery dates on you a few times. Earlier, you got an e-mail from them saying that your case was going to ship much earlier than expected. They even gave you a date. However, you decided to complain which made them unsure if you still wanted the case or not. I know it was frustrating, because that is because they are a small company trying to keep up with a very high demand for their products right now (because of the new macbooks). They have been nice and professional in their e-mails to you, and all you've been is a whiny little bitch.

 

[austinguy23]

Yeah, it's unfortunate they over-promised on the delivery date. It's always frustrating when companies try to beat the competition to the punch by advertising accessories to new Apple products when they really cannot deliver yet.

You are being pretty harsh on them though.

I've been down this road with those swanky Vapor cases for the then-new iPhone 4. I waited over six months for one and finally canceled. Unfortunately, I had to complain to the BBB for Element Case to refund my money.

Your experience is nothing like what I went through though. Waterfield has a much better reputation so far. I'd cut them some slack.

 

[Rajpdx]

Hey all. For me, the communication experience has been ****** with these guys and with my order. I wouldn't trust them at all, especially given the amount of work I have put in just to try and ind out what the hell was going on with my order. And it wasn't just their conflicting dates.

It was them not recognising how frustrating it has been. It was them not committing to trying to do better next time. It was giving them an opportunity to improve - and not seeing improvements. And it was hearing that they had lied to other customers, by saying they had emailed them about delays. I didn't get any email about delays, not until I had to work hard to find out where my order was. I wanted to get a straight answer from them - and I don't feel I actually ever got one.

So below is their response to my recent email, and then my response back to them. In short, out of principle I want a refund. I really don't want to support a company like this, and it really has made me think about the sort of companies I will purchase from in the future. This may not be the best decision or the easiest one - as I like the looks of their products. However, for me this decision has been very influenced by their poor communication.

I wish everyone the best of experiences with them, both now and into the future. But I wouldn't buy anything from them ever again. Thanks for reading, and sorry if you don't agree with my stance or perspectives. My decision is based on really poor efforts in their customer service, which to me is important.

Their reply:
Hi,
Thanks for your note, and again, my apologies that our notes have been confusing to you.
As I mentioned yesterday, we're doing our best to work through the queue of people who have ordered 15" City Slickers. We make these by hand and sometimes we get more done in a day, sometimes fewer.
We've gotten to your order ahead of our estimated ETA and it's ready to ship...but only if you want it. I'll hold on to your case until I hear back. If you'd prefer to cancel your order, we'll credit back your PayPal account for the full $179. If you decide you'd like the case, we'll have it on its way.
I'm sorry that this has been such a bumpy introduction to our company. I do understand your frustration, especially since this is your first order. I'm standing by to do whichever you'd prefer: ship or cancel.
Best regards'.

My final email to them:
'Hi,
Sorry, but with the frustrating experience of poor communication between your company and not just myself - but with other people that have ordered from your company, I want to take a stand and say that service isn't good enough - and I won't accept that this.

So what I want - being clear in my communication - is for a full refund from your company, and for you to not send what I ordered. And I would also like confirmation that this will be done, and for when the payment will be made to me via PayPal, the same method for which I paid for my order back in June.

I can't believe that your company has suggested to other people that ordered this same bag, that you emailed them about delays. You didn't email me about delays, and only provided several conflicting dates via email - after I emailed your company and posted my experiences online. There is nothing else to call what you have told other customers that have shared their own experiences online, other than a lie.

Yep, it has been a bad first time experience with your company. I would not recommend your company to anyone. Even after emailing your company and expressing my frustrations on the poor communication between your company and customers re delays, there was not even the smallest offer to say, hey when your order is ready we will email you. Nor was there any recognition from your company that said you know, we could have handled his better, and in the future we will learn from this.

I will again be sharing me experiences and thoughts on your company's service and communication online. And I hope that this serves not just as a warning to other potential customers, but more importantly that your company needs to improve its communication. I might have been fine with delays, had you promptly told me. But with the amount of work I had to do to even approximate a straight answer (which I don't feel I ever actually got), I felt like I was dealing with some two bit amateur company who just couldn't get their **** together.

I appreciate that you also told me that it's expensive to make bags there in your city. But put yourself in mine and many other customers shoes, including those that don't live in America. I don't know the geography and social and economic conditions of various cities, and to me this just sounds like some lame ass cop out. If that's an issue for you, deal with it. Not all customers want to hear excuse after excuse, especially those that shouldn't have a bearing on their orders. Sure, if there is an issue with not getting materials or the wrong ones, share it. But cost woes are not something all customers want to hear about, and these just sound sadly pathetic'.

I'm sorry, but reading your mail doesn't make me think well of you. I'm sure you're a decent sort, but not based on that.

These are difficult times and a lot of people are struggling, including businesses. Sometimes they're struggling even when times are good. You seem to be under the impression that they don't know they have problems and that you need to tell them. You could have said what you said in two sentences....

"I'm afraid I've found the ordering process to be be frustrating. As a result of the poor quality of communication from your company I'd like to cancel my order and obtain a refund"

The rest is you expressing your frustration at them and it doesn't make you look good. I wouldn't be all that sad to lose you as a customer if it was my business. You might be a happier person if you learned to cope with a little bit of disappointment or a bit of inconvenience.

Sorry if that seems a little harsh. I don't mean to, but it is a can of worms that you opened.