greatgarlando
Well-Known Member
Ditto
Got my MR Vader......
- Thread starter soltic
- Start date
lesternessman
Sr Member
Originally posted by greatgarlando+Jan 25 2006, 07:41 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(greatgarlando @ Jan 25 2006, 07:41 PM)</div>Ditto
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ditto3
Darth Kahnt
Sr Member
I had issues with four... yes FOUR, different Vader ESB FX sabers I got from them. It took four before I finally got one that was acceptable.
Im glad that I dont have the cash to get this helemt right now, actually reading this thread makes me reconsider if I even want it at all. Seems MR is not taking the time to make sure product is protected. Thats simply not acceptable.
Im glad that I dont have the cash to get this helemt right now, actually reading this thread makes me reconsider if I even want it at all. Seems MR is not taking the time to make sure product is protected. Thats simply not acceptable.
Fetthunter
Sr Member
Exactly. It would be one thing if a "flaw" or "defect" had made it past QC - it happens in every business - but it appears that QC caught it and then tried to cover it up instead of doing the right thing and replacing it before shipping.
The last thing I bought from M.R. was in 2004. They keep sending me emails, about once every 14 days, begging me to check out their website and order something. Sorry. Not until I have the confidence to buy from them again, and THIS latest discovery ain't doing it for me.
:unsure
I really hope everyone with helmet problems the best of luck, and I hope everything is resolved as quickly (and cheaply) as possible. :thumbsup
vaderdarth
Master Member
All this sloppy workmanship and lack of QC really has reached the level of ridiculousness. If they don't reel in these quality issues soon, I'll probably just take my business back to the fanmade product vendors. At least the quality control track record appears better there. And I can save a little money to boot.
I thought MR's posting about the quality issue being corrected prior to more product would encompass all their products.................but apparently I was mistaken. Why is it the quality is always better when the company is new???
Oh well, I suppose it was bound to happen. It seems to be the general trend of most new companies: trading quality for quantity. Sad.
Dave
I thought MR's posting about the quality issue being corrected prior to more product would encompass all their products.................but apparently I was mistaken. Why is it the quality is always better when the company is new???
Oh well, I suppose it was bound to happen. It seems to be the general trend of most new companies: trading quality for quantity. Sad.
Dave
Well I recieved my MR Vader helmet today and hastily unpacking it I noticed a glaring discrepancy. The dome was not covered at all to protect it from the styrofome. The facemask was...thank god....but the dome wasnt. You can guess what happened next. There are two scuff marks on the top of the dome. Ugg. The styrofome acted like an abrasive and scratched it all up. I inspected the facemask and that looks pretty good. I will look at it closer again after seeing the earlier posts on the other chipped facemask to be sure its ok.
To be fair the helmet itself is very very impressive. It has a good paintjob on it and the fiberglass seems topnotch but its the simple steps that were missed. Like packing it properly. For that much money I simply cant accept those scratches.
Carl
To be fair the helmet itself is very very impressive. It has a good paintjob on it and the fiberglass seems topnotch but its the simple steps that were missed. Like packing it properly. For that much money I simply cant accept those scratches.
Carl
MRCUSTOMERCARE
Well-Known Member
Hello Everyone.
Sorry I have not been around in a few days. I have been training a new call center and have been pretty busy.
I have been reading the threads about the Vader Helmet and have forwarded them on to the appropriate people. Product development issues are not my area of expertise.
The following is a message from Bryan Ono, our Manager of the Star Wars/Sci Fi Division. I know that you will notice that it does not sound like me..
We would like to apologize for the issues that have arisen in regards to the Darth Vader Helmet. This helmet is one of our most anticipated products and to have this happen is a major disappointment to Master Replicas and especially to our valued customers. As we have stated before, we will always be straight forward and honest with our customers. We have been in contact with our Hong Kong office to first get all of the facts so that we can fully understand how a possible breakdown in our rigid QC process could have occurred.
First, all pending shipments of the helmets are on hold. We sincerely apologize for this since we know how anxious many of you are to receive this item and how many of you have received confirmations. If you received a confirmation and your credit card has been charged and your item has not yet shipped, we will immediately issue a credit.
So letÂ’s cut to the chase. . . Believe it or not, the problem is the fleece bag. For those who have received their helmets, you will notice that the bag that is intended for the dome has a beautiful, large MR logo embroidered on it. Unfortunately, that caused the problem. When we performed our required transportation test, the backside of the embroidery would actually scuff the helmet by the constant vibration of the simulated transportation test. After a thorough evaluation of the bag, it was noted that the thread that was used in the production pieces was not the same that we approved in the pre-production samples. The thread was thicker, and therefore, more abrasive. Our QC staff and the vendor tried to address this by requiring that the embroidery be oriented on the front side of the helmet, where there is the large opening. But during the subsequent transportation test, the bag could shift and then cause the scuffing damage to the helmet. Therefore, the decision was made to not place the dome in the bag for shipping. However, the bag can still be used to store the helmet. This solution passed the transportation test.
Now, you may be asking why we did not place it in a plastic bag to protect it. As many of you may know, as the paint cures, sometimes over several weeks, the solvents in the paint evaporate into the air. If the helmets were in plastic bags, there is a chance that the solvents could be “trapped” and can then mar the shiny, smooth surfaces. The paint can take up to several weeks to fully cure depending on the environmental conditions. That is why they were placed in fleece bags that can “breath.”
So, where does the damage occur? We can only guess on this, but it is our opinion that the damage occurs in the transportation from our warehouse in New Jersey to your homes. We have no control on how FedEX or UPS handles the boxes. They can be mis-handled, thrown, placed on the bottom of a heavy pile, shipped upside down, etc. (We all know how much they pay attention to “This Side Up” and “Fragile” stickers.)
Therefore, here is our resolution. We will open all of the boxes in our warehouse, inspect them for damage and defects, and then place the domes in plastic bags to protect them during shipping. We can now use plastic bags since the paint should now be fully cured.
Now, the next obvious question. . . When will I get my helmet? For those who ordered the LE version, we will be working with our warehouse to re-work the ones in stock as soon as possible. We are anticipating that it will take approximately 1-2 weeks to get the plastic bags and the personnel to do this. The Signature versions are en route from Asia and will be reworked when they arrive. For the Dual Signature Edition, those are currently at our freight forwarder in Hong Kong and will be sent back to the factory for the re-work. Unfortunately, Asia is on their Chinese New Years holiday and will not be returning to work until after February 10. Therefore, unfortunately, these helmets will not be shipped to customers until March.
Let me address the other quality problems like the painting and other issues. No matter how stringent our QC process is, there will always be a few that “escape” our watchful eye in mass production. We apologize for this and we will replace any product that has defects.
As you all know, Master Replicas always stands behind our products and it is our policy that if you are not satisfied for any reason, we (obviously meaning AMY.) will always try our best to rectify the problem to your satisfaction. Once again we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Sorry I have not been around in a few days. I have been training a new call center and have been pretty busy.
I have been reading the threads about the Vader Helmet and have forwarded them on to the appropriate people. Product development issues are not my area of expertise.
The following is a message from Bryan Ono, our Manager of the Star Wars/Sci Fi Division. I know that you will notice that it does not sound like me..
We would like to apologize for the issues that have arisen in regards to the Darth Vader Helmet. This helmet is one of our most anticipated products and to have this happen is a major disappointment to Master Replicas and especially to our valued customers. As we have stated before, we will always be straight forward and honest with our customers. We have been in contact with our Hong Kong office to first get all of the facts so that we can fully understand how a possible breakdown in our rigid QC process could have occurred.
First, all pending shipments of the helmets are on hold. We sincerely apologize for this since we know how anxious many of you are to receive this item and how many of you have received confirmations. If you received a confirmation and your credit card has been charged and your item has not yet shipped, we will immediately issue a credit.
So letÂ’s cut to the chase. . . Believe it or not, the problem is the fleece bag. For those who have received their helmets, you will notice that the bag that is intended for the dome has a beautiful, large MR logo embroidered on it. Unfortunately, that caused the problem. When we performed our required transportation test, the backside of the embroidery would actually scuff the helmet by the constant vibration of the simulated transportation test. After a thorough evaluation of the bag, it was noted that the thread that was used in the production pieces was not the same that we approved in the pre-production samples. The thread was thicker, and therefore, more abrasive. Our QC staff and the vendor tried to address this by requiring that the embroidery be oriented on the front side of the helmet, where there is the large opening. But during the subsequent transportation test, the bag could shift and then cause the scuffing damage to the helmet. Therefore, the decision was made to not place the dome in the bag for shipping. However, the bag can still be used to store the helmet. This solution passed the transportation test.
Now, you may be asking why we did not place it in a plastic bag to protect it. As many of you may know, as the paint cures, sometimes over several weeks, the solvents in the paint evaporate into the air. If the helmets were in plastic bags, there is a chance that the solvents could be “trapped” and can then mar the shiny, smooth surfaces. The paint can take up to several weeks to fully cure depending on the environmental conditions. That is why they were placed in fleece bags that can “breath.”
So, where does the damage occur? We can only guess on this, but it is our opinion that the damage occurs in the transportation from our warehouse in New Jersey to your homes. We have no control on how FedEX or UPS handles the boxes. They can be mis-handled, thrown, placed on the bottom of a heavy pile, shipped upside down, etc. (We all know how much they pay attention to “This Side Up” and “Fragile” stickers.)
Therefore, here is our resolution. We will open all of the boxes in our warehouse, inspect them for damage and defects, and then place the domes in plastic bags to protect them during shipping. We can now use plastic bags since the paint should now be fully cured.
Now, the next obvious question. . . When will I get my helmet? For those who ordered the LE version, we will be working with our warehouse to re-work the ones in stock as soon as possible. We are anticipating that it will take approximately 1-2 weeks to get the plastic bags and the personnel to do this. The Signature versions are en route from Asia and will be reworked when they arrive. For the Dual Signature Edition, those are currently at our freight forwarder in Hong Kong and will be sent back to the factory for the re-work. Unfortunately, Asia is on their Chinese New Years holiday and will not be returning to work until after February 10. Therefore, unfortunately, these helmets will not be shipped to customers until March.
Let me address the other quality problems like the painting and other issues. No matter how stringent our QC process is, there will always be a few that “escape” our watchful eye in mass production. We apologize for this and we will replace any product that has defects.
As you all know, Master Replicas always stands behind our products and it is our policy that if you are not satisfied for any reason, we (obviously meaning AMY.) will always try our best to rectify the problem to your satisfaction. Once again we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.
Benkenove
Well-Known Member
ok, good excuse on the bag... (btw, how can MR send a helmet when the paint need to be cure... ?? This is the first time I hear something like this... If the paint need 2 weeks to cure, do not send it till that ... ).
And what about the other problems ???
Let´s see how the other helmets appear... By the moment, I wont order it, and wait to see what will happen...
And what about the other problems ???
Let´s see how the other helmets appear... By the moment, I wont order it, and wait to see what will happen...
Darth Domain
Well-Known Member
what about the other issues like the fact that there was abvious flaws in the moulding of the mask that were then filled (rather badly) then painted over, can't blame the bag for this. Quality control not being up to standard is not acceptable for sucga high price item especially when so many have put orders in a long time before now. If anything, it means people have got a longer wait. You could probably accept such problems with a cheap plastic mask like the rubies, but even to receive one of those with chips and scratches would not be acceptable. Sorry for you guys who hjave ordered the MR vader, hope this all gets sorted for you soon.
Zebardee
Well-Known Member
This is what happens when BIG U.S companies rely on 3rd world countries to do all their work, just to save a few pennies.When you look at it with all the probs MR has been having with their helmets they should just spend those extra pennies saved and get it done proper the first time, saving all the messing about with unhappy customers sending back sub par products.
Darth Domain
Well-Known Member
This is what happens when BIG U.S companies rely on 3rd world countries to do all their work, just to save a few pennies.When you look at it with all the probs MR has been having with their helmets they should just spend those extra pennies saved and get it done proper the first time, saving all the messing about with unhappy customers sending back sub par products.
Agreed, its just that this lid costs so much, i just feel sorry for the people who have been waiting for so long for it. I was considering one mysbut due to the house being worked on i did not have the money at the time. I'm sort of reluctant now, this is a shame really. This may sound a bit harsh, but i feel i'm putting more care and attention into modding my rubies than what has gone into the ROTS lid
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[/quote]Agreed, its just that this lid costs so much, i just feel sorry for the people who have been waiting for so long for it. I was considering one mysbut due to the house being worked on i did not have the money at the time. I'm sort of reluctant now, this is a shame really. This may sound a bit harsh, but i feel i'm putting more care and attention into modding my rubies than what has gone into the ROTS lid
Benkenove
Well-Known Member
The excuse of the 3rd world doesnt worth for me... MR are in the USA, the 1st world country, isnt it ??? they recieved the helmets before sending, isnt it ??? and they send them to the dealers and buyers ???
Now... who has the fault ???
I loved MR products, but this helmets... pufffff .... I really hope it is an isolated problem, but I really think it is NOT.
Now... who has the fault ???
I loved MR products, but this helmets... pufffff .... I really hope it is an isolated problem, but I really think it is NOT.
Although I don't intend to buy any of these helmets (I'm OT oreinted)
I find it kind of sad that this has happened to MR.
I'm not going to preach and mention the side effects of getting too big too fast.
Sadly though, I think this may hurt MR more than they expect, tall poppies are more prone to being cut down.
I DO hope I'm wrong.
Sadly,
I find it kind of sad that this has happened to MR.
I'm not going to preach and mention the side effects of getting too big too fast.
Sadly though, I think this may hurt MR more than they expect, tall poppies are more prone to being cut down.
I DO hope I'm wrong.
Sadly,
vaderdarth
Master Member
I sincerely hope MR realizes that if any uncured portions on the paint surface.....even after 6 weeks, can still react to certain types of plastic bags. It may be just like the bubblewrap problems we all know and love.
Oh well, more delays....and still no guarantees what the paint finish will look like until they arrive in customer's hands.
I agree, big expansion too quickly is the likely cause of all these quality control issues. I too, hope this doesn't drive the company into the ground.
Dave
Oh well, more delays....and still no guarantees what the paint finish will look like until they arrive in customer's hands.
I agree, big expansion too quickly is the likely cause of all these quality control issues. I too, hope this doesn't drive the company into the ground.
Dave
soltic
Active Member
Since I was the thread starter & it's my bucket that I brought under the scrutiny of the forum, I would like to respond to the above.
First, thanks to both Amy & Bryan for responding.
As I said before, I admire a company that has the brass to get the license & bring a product of this magnitude to the market.
I'll also restate that outside of the defects, this was one of the coolest things I've handled in a long time (& I collect alot of "things") & when the defects are sorted out, from what I briefly saw was a high quality piece right from the packaging, paperwork & even those fleece baggies that appear to be creating the abrasion problem. Get rid of these defects & this IMO is the piece alot of RPF'ers have been praying for. This will look stunning in my collection.
I've also stated that I assume a reinspection & possible back-&-forth shipping of defect lids already released is going to kill a good portion of profits for the company. I run a family biz of my own & can recognize an unforseen & unwanted failure.
I'm also aware of foreign factories running "out of control" or blatantly disregarding their customer & even sacrificing / exchanging materials for those of sub-standard quality to reduce their own costs - case in point was a company called Palisades who secured the Micronauts toy line & reissued the toys. In that case, by the time they caught the problems & switched manufacturing, the damage was done & the line was shortly thereafter killed off by Palisades (the collectors were the losers as well).
I hope this setback does not cause MR to rethink the type of product line(s) on deck.
Finally, being a new member @ the RPF it's nice to see the forum working in what I assume is one of it's key roles - the protection of it's members, however, I'm not supporting any cancellations or boycotts. It's also good to see a company like MR putting the brakes on something they know is not right. I don't belong to many forums, but this is one of two where a manufacturer talks direct.
@ the end of the day, the CT's were delayed & now apparently the Vader's too. Hey man, I've waited almost 30 years to get a piece like what I held briefly yesterday, I can wait a little while longer..... & yes, I left my order in on my CT & yes, I'll still get put on the list for a Fett & ST lid....
-Rod Darmaga
KillerKlown
New Member
It's shocking to see those pics - Did they think you wouldn't notice? :angry
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