German poncho from S&A - am I expecting too much?

[Robbo]

Ordered a olive green poncho from surplus and adventure last thursday.

(link to item here; http://www.surplusandadventure.com/...uine-german-army-olive-waterproof-358507.html )

It arrived today but my joy was short-lived as a found a few small holes in it, the taped seam where the inner tie/belt is stitched on was coming off and the stitching for the tie/belt has torn a holes through the fabric. Also there seems to be a rust like staining along the taped seams on the hood, it looks as though the seams have been repared previously

I know its used and second hand but it is advertised as being "in excellent conditon" on the website, am I expecting too much for a army surplus poncho that cost 9.95 plus pnp

I could have bought others for a few pounds more but the german one has a number of good reports from other members, so thats why I chose it.

I'm seriously considering calling them up and asking for a refund/replacement.

Andy

 

[andy_e]

Ask for a replacement, won't hurt to try. If it doesn't meet your expectations the Distance Selling Regulations entitle you to a refund or replacement if you notify and return pretty much straight-away.

 

[Robbo]

That was my first thought, but it felt prudent to ask if I was expecting too much. I dont mind a bit of wear and tear but I expect it to be up to the task i.e. waterproof in this case.

Andy

 

[widu13]

Don't be had over mate. It may just be an honest mistake after all. If you paid up front for an excellent condition car and when you collected it, it was dented and the seats torn you'd have something to say I bet.

Speak to them and ask nicely. If that doesn't work...DEMAND. It does sound like a mistake though.

 

[woof]

I had a similar thing with www.genuinearmysurplus.co.uk, i contacted them on the advice of lurch, and recieved a replacement within 24hrs, email them youv'e got nothing to lose.

 

[Robbo]

Phoned them up explained the situation and was told to pop it back in post with a note explaing wether I wanted a replacement or refund.

I opted for replacement and posted it at an hour ago,

Time will tell now really...

Andy

 

[Robbo]

Replacement arrived today ...but its not much better than the first poncho, no tears this time , few minor holes and a bubbling of the rubberised coating at the neck likc its been exposed to heat ot chemicals.

Decided to quit while I'm ahead and send back and ask for refund.

I just wanted one that was as the website stated "Issued, In excellent condition" Am i expecting too much of Army surplus?

Should I be refunded the cost of posting the ponchos back (Going to be about £9 in total over and above cost of the item? )

Andy

 

[bothyman]

Should I be refunded the cost of posting the ponchos back (Going to be about £9 in total over and above cost of the item? )

Andy

According to this you should

>> http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop/home/customer-service/returns-cancellations.html

I'm currently having much the same problem with a place called 7dayshop >> http://www.7dayshop.com
They are trying to complete my order by charging double postage and they haven't even sent it yet.

 

[Robbo]

Why did I never notice that page? Thanks for that I'll type out a note and pop it back in the post today hopefully.

Now was I expecting too much? Now to me "Issued, in excellent condition" infered its been used, might have one or two superfical marks / stains etc but other than that its in very good condtion, not well its grubby, there more patches on it than a 20 year old bicycle tyre, and its been damaged at the shoulder area by heat or chemicals leaving the rubber coating bubbled and possibly peeling.

Andy

 

[andy_e]

Doesn't sound like "excellent condition" to me, did you take any photo's?

 

[Robbo]

Alas no pics, just posted it back along with a polite but firm note asking for a refund.

You think I should have taken pics?

Andy

 

[spamel]

I think you should try Raeer in germany. Give them a call in the Hildesheim branch, they speak excellent english and a german poncho is about 9 euros I believe! They will ship to UK too and they are very good.

 

[Robbo]

What kind of condition are the ponchos from Raeer in Spamel?

Andy

 

[spamel]

Mine was in tip top condition. They have seconds which are very much like what you are describing with the seam tapes coming off and rusty fasteners but the A1 class ponchos are just as they should be, in A1 condition. The Ratbag bought one off of me as I had a spare for somebody but couldn't remember who it was and they didn't jog my memory! I bought them when I was in Germany still.

 

[lostplanet]

nice one spamel i have been searching all day for a decent poncho to replace my dutch light weight that has just failed

are they listed on the site? (can't speak german)

 

[Robbo]

I dont speak german either (other than the outrageously stereotypical stuff I gleaned from 'Commando' comics in my youth e.g. "Gotten Himmel!", "Mein Gott!", "Englisher pigdog" and the ubiquitous "Arghhhhh!" ), so the Raeer website is a bit daunting to say the least.

Andy

 

[lostplanet]

I found the ponchos but havent quite sussed the grades etc
where it says that:
E i n g a b e S c h n e l l s u c h e
Type poncho press 'Suche'

Or
Produktkatalog>Nässeschutz>ponchos etc


Is it 46130? that dude in the pic is worrying me with that look

or maybe A/B (46131-01-000)

 

[Martyn]

nice one spamel i have been searching all day for a decent poncho to replace my dutch light weight that has just failed

are they listed on the site? (can't speak german)

The German ponchos are superb, but just a note, they are not really lightweight - quite heavy in fact. Gucci kit though.

 

[jayuk]

Hi, the grades are:

A = new
A/B = mint
B = used
... etc

so I would go for http://www.raeer.com/shopexd.asp?page=&id=12337?var=00000

The 'BW' bit means 'Bundeswehr' which means German Army.

I havn't used their mail order service, but I have visited their store in Hildesheim a few times. Some of their items marked as 'A' are new copies, so keep that in mind if you intend to buy anything else from them - it would probably be best to check by email before you buy.

Cheers

 

[lostplanet]

The German ponchos are superb, but just a note, they are not really lightweight - quite heavy in fact. Gucci kit though.

Thats just what I'm after, Thanks All.