No refunds

[txww]

I was looking for a light stand bag that I could fit stands, lights, cords, battery packs and unbrellas in. I purchased 2 light stands and a light stand bag from cowboy studio in Allen. When I got home only to find out that the stands would not fit in the Bag. About 2 inches short. I went to return the bag only to find out that cowboy studio doesn't take returns. Only store credit or exchanges for the same amount. They did have a bigger bag but it was way to big for what I was neededing. Plus it was cheaper made and looked like it would not hold up very well.

If you purchase from cowboy studio in Allen, just make sure that you don't want to return your item for a refund. Your stuck with it.

Also, if you order online there is a 20% restocking fee.

Buyer beware.

[brewercm]

I ordered this one from Amazon and have been very happy with it. I carry two large Paul C. Buff stands, two smalle light weight stands, three speed lights and misc stuff in it and it's well padded.

[URL="http://www.amazon.com/Pelican-PCTB48-Padded-Lightstand-Pockets/dp/B000ERZHT8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323592486&sr=8-1[/URL]

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by txww

I went to return the bag only to find out that cowboy studio doesn't take returns. Only store credit or exchanges for the same amount. Also, if you order online there is a 20% restocking fee.

Was this info known at the time of purchase?

[txww]

The have it posted on a 8" x 10" piece of paper in the show room. So yes they have the policy posted. No, I didn't read it as what business doesn't allow returns within a reasonable time frame and unused? I really want a bag that I can carry everything in. The next size bag that they have goes from 42" to 62". I need 45". Plus it doesn't have wheels. No padding or dividers. You get to carry it around and your equipment just lays in there getting banged up.

The sales person knew what I wanted the bag for as I told her. When I went to return it she even said that she thought the stands I bought would fit. If they had a different bag that I could exchange it for, 2" bigger, that would be fine with me. But they don't.

So my options are:
1. Get the 62" bag without wheels, no padding and no dividers. Don't think I'll ever use it.
2. Get a store credit that I may never use.

[JLBrown]

Originally Posted by txww

I was looking for a light stand bag that I could fit stands, lights, cords, battery packs and unbrellas in. I purchased 2 light stands and a light stand bag from cowboy studio in Allen. When I got home only to find out that the stands would not fit in the Bag. About 2 inches short. I went to return the bag only to find out that cowboy studio doesn't take returns. Only store credit or exchanges for the same amount. They did have a bigger bag but it was way to big for what I was neededing. Plus it was cheaper made and looked like it would not hold up very well.

If you purchase from cowboy studio in Allen, just make sure that you don't want to return your item for a refund. Your stuck with it.

Also, if you order online there is a 20% restocking fee.

Buyer beware.

I try to support " Our Small Camera Shops " but it's businesses like this that makes me order stuff online. And they wonder why they can't be competitive! Thanks for the heads up!

[Howard Barlow]

Here is what I don't understand... You say they have a no refund sign displayed, you bought something you and the clerk were guessing at, and you are upset with the store for instituting their published policy. Kinda like when a client has been told that digital files are not available, pays for the session, then gets mad and says the studio is unfair for not selling files.

I know I am the lone ranger here, but... once the rules are explained and one decides to play the game, there is no room for 'but I don't like the rules'. Sorry, this is your fault, Jody. It was your responsibility to know the length of the stands, not the clerk's.

Otoh, in most cases, if a store has a no refund policy, other than clearance/sale/etc., I usually don't shop with them. If I do, and things don't turn out as I hoped, I accept the results of the decision I made.

[txww]

I'm not saying that part of it is not my fault. That they should share some of the blame also. As their sales person said that the stands would fit. They looked like they would so I didn't get a tape measure and measure them. I took her word for it.

Just as if you are looking for a printer that prints black and white and color. The sales person tells you printer x will do both. You get it home to only find out that it prints black and white and not color. Is it your fault that it doesn't print color. Now your stuck with a printer that does you know good but to take up desk space or becomes an expensive boat anchor.

It's not like I buy studio equiptment very often. I might use that store credit 3 or 4 years from now.

I'm just getting the word out there so others are aware of there return policy. If I was aware of it I doubt that I would have shopped there in the first place.

[Patti Edens]

Originally Posted by txww

The have it posted on a 8" x 10" piece of paper in the show room.

I doubt that I would have noticed an 8 x 10 piece of paper and I never think to ask. I just assume I have at least 15 days or so.

Thanks for the warning. I probably won't shop there, but I do need to be more careful since other places might have the same policy.

[z-monster]

Originally Posted by txww

I'm just getting the word out there so others are aware of there return policy. If I was aware of it I doubt that I would have shopped there in the first place.

Information like this is very important. All to often we walk into an establishment and figure that they are in the same competitive market as other places only to find later that that business is not. Shopping for bags is one such item that photographers nervously hope that they've picked the right one for job.

Chalk it up as a painful lesson learned and make sure to check the gear right there in the shop before you purchase. An idea you could do right now is do a review of the bag for the forum. Take photos, measure it, and show everyone else what it is and what could possibly fit in it.

[TxTowman]

Now I am very reluctant to purchase anything from them.
"made in the USA" and "we stand behind what we sell" is almost nonexistant.

Even the Hong Kong stuff has a return policy! Gees!!!!

[Killjoy]

You could always try and sell the bag in this forum in the B&S section.
Or, take the store credit, and see if someone will buy that off of you.
At worst you may lose a few dollars. Certainly worth the learning experience.

Sorry it didn't work out for you.

[Howard Barlow]

Originally Posted by txww

Just as if you are looking for a printer that prints black and white and color. The sales person tells you printer x will do both. You get it home to only find out that it prints black and white and not color. Is it your fault that it doesn't print color.

No, it's not my fault it doesn't print color, but it is my fault I bought it without determining that for myself by simply reading the info on the box, or the brochure. I don't expect a clerk to know everything about every product. In fact, I have very little faith that most know anything about what they are selling.

When I needed a carry bag for my tripod, I did a silly thing. I measured the tripod with and without the head on it. I measured the diameter of the legs folded, as well. As I made my selection, I determined which ones had removable shoulder straps, and which ones did not. I guess the fact I like to take ownership of my decisions, good and bad, I figure others should do likewise. I've been wrong before.

[txww]

When you don't have the stands in hand to measure before hand, it adds to the challange. As I bought the stands and bag at the same time. And on the box? All it said is "Made in China". China is a good size country. Maybe reading that you would think they would anything inside of it.

But that's not the issue. The issue is why would a company have a "no refunds" policy? I understand if it had been used or past x number of days or such. But it was 1 day after. It had been taken out of the box once, when I went to put the stands and stuff in it.

Do you have a refund policy that you offer your clients? Or at least work with them to resolve the issue? Or do you just tell them "what you get is what you get. Take it or leave it?

[Howard Barlow]

I offer complete client satisfaction. Refund, reshoot, redo, whatever it takes. I cannot imagine a no refund policy. However, there are a lot of businesses that operate that way.

Sorry, not meaning to bust you up, but with a posted sign, I have to say they are in the clear. Not client friendly, but in the clear.

[TxTowman]

is it for sale?