Rugged West - custom Rugged Rider 3.0 (Buco J-24 inspired) - Initial impressions / review

[misho]

We can actually retrace and at least on June 21st it did state the back length was 26 inches for size M, which is 66cm. If yours is 25 inches, then it is actually shorter than intended.

well than I was lucky

 

[jchance]

I can’t retrace or verify what she is claiming. I placed my order on July 24.

When money is involved, I’m a professional about it. You and she entered into a contract on July 24, when you placed your order. She could not later unilaterally (on her own) change the terms of the contract (the back length) in November. Her product failed to meet the contract of July 24. That’s her breaking off the contract, which entitled you to get your money back—in full. That’s what you say to PayPal or your credit card company.

Her offered remedy is utterly unacceptable. Why would a p i s s ed off customer want a discount on another product? Two remedies are acceptable: remake the jacket or money back in full. Even money back in part would be an insult.

 

[AeroFan_07]

What's the point of trying to wear a jacket that's obviously at least two to three sizes too small for you? It's bursting at the seams on you so why even bother?

Slow Learner, I suppose

 

[MadCat]

I placed a deposit with her for a custom jacket and requested a refund. Her responses were too slow. Her excuse was being sick, but then saw her being active on IG. We would be chatting for a bit about my custom jacket and then crickets.

I’ve moved on. Just my experience.

Maybe she should hire staff if she’s so busy….

 

[TartuWolf]

Her stock rugged rider length was awful and I've talked about it to her. She said she'd shorten those a long time ago, not sure if she ever did. The recent RW jacket in discussion is a great example of that. The sleeves still being that wide just shows me that despite her claiming that she is taking feedback seriously I just don't see that being the case. I'd personally sell the jacket and move on, you won't learn to love if don't already. Her offering a discount on your NEXT jacket is just absurd and reminds me of Shawn and 5*.

 

[misho]

Maybe she should hire staff if she’s so busy….

If you choose to run a business, professionalism should be a given. Being busy is not an excuse for poor communication, especially when money is involved. Customers shouldn’t be expected to be understanding of issues that are part of running a business.

Her stock rugged rider length was awful and I've talked about it to her. She said she'd shorten those a long time ago, not sure if she ever did. The recent RW jacket in discussion is a great example of that. The sleeves still being that wide just shows me that despite her claiming that she is taking feedback seriously I just don't see that being the case.

She did tell me in writing that she has since made the cuffs narrower than before and that this issue has been taken care of now.

I'd personally sell the jacket and move on, you won't learn to love if don't already. Her offering a discount on your NEXT jacket is just absurd and reminds me of Shawn and 5*.

she told me that she can´t do anything more aobut it apart from her goodwill to give me that discount. Who can do something about it if not the founder & owner?! It´s a joke. I see that you moved on with your RW. Thanks for your words and I´ll do the same. Who wants a RR?

 

[Zoro]

If you choose to run a business, professionalism should be a given. Being busy is not an excuse for poor communication, especially when money is involved. Customers shouldn’t be expected to be understanding of issues that are part of running a business.

This is not to excuse Leilah, but this is a trend across the top makers. You may be great at your craft, yet have terrible business acumen or professionalism.

This said, AFAIK, she's not even a maker to begin with, as she's not the one making the jackets.

 

[JonS1967]

When money is involved, I’m a professional about it. You and she entered into a contract on July 24, when you placed your order. She could not later unilaterally (on her own) change the terms of the contract (the back length) in November. Her product failed to meet the contract of July 24. That’s her breaking off the contract, which entitled you to get your money back—in full. That’s what you say to PayPal or your credit card company.

Her offered remedy is utterly unacceptable. Why would a p i s s ed off customer want a discount on another product? Two remedies are acceptable: remake the jacket or money back in full. Even money back in part would be an insult.

I agree with this 100%. She must honor the contract you signed with the specifications as set forth in the contract. Changes made in November don’t apply to your contract unless you agreed to those changes in writing.

 

[misho]

We can actually retrace and at least on June 21st it did state the back length was 26 inches for size M, which is 66cm. If yours is 25 inches, then it is actually shorter than intended.

but if that´s true than she didn´t broke the contract or am I missing something?

 

[ZeroDelta]

but if that´s true than she didn´t broke the contract or am I missing something?

Yeah I think there are some reading comprehension problems going on.

 

[MadCat]

Instead of going back and fourth just move on from this company and use someone more reputable and establisbed like Johnson, Vanson or Aero.

 

[misho]

Instead of going back and fourth just move on from this company and use someone more reputable and establisbed like Johnson, Vanson or Aero.

You´re absolutely right and I agree. RW is done for good but just wanted to clear the misunderstanding

 

[Bfd70]

This is not to excuse Leilah, but this is a trend across the top makers. You may be great at your craft, yet have terrible business acumen or professionalism.

This said, AFAIK, she's not even a maker to begin with, as she's not the one making the jackets.

This has really been grinding my gears lately. High end makers with bad customer service. Often citing as an excuse that they are a small ”team.” Yes, I know you are, that’s why i’m willing to support you by paying a lot for shirts, boots, jackets. However, in addition to a great product i expect great service.

 

[Ianrivaldosmith]

I placed a deposit with her for a custom jacket and requested a refund. Her responses were too slow. Her excuse was being sick, but then saw her being active on IG. We would be chatting for a bit about my custom jacket and then crickets.

I’ve moved on. Just my experience.

Maybe she should hire staff if she’s so busy….

I had a similar experience. I felt like I was talking to myself, and my jacket arrived months after it should have, only after I chased it up. When it was ready, it wasn't as requested ( It had the wrong zippers, I selected different). She did offer to change them out, adding more time on, but I was emotionally done in at this point, so I just took the £75 refund and kept it.

Somewhat bittersweet. Nice jacket, don't wear it much because I find it sits funny off my neck when I am moving around, creates a gap... Looks great for photos, though.

Can't beat my custom Aero J100! Jacket for life.

 

[mm2673]

Great review i will share my review once i get the custom shinki jacket with a tag price comparable with FL

So far little to non commucation from Leilah in the last 3 months

 

[MadCat]

Great review i will share my review once i get the custom shinki jacket with a tag price comparable with FL

So far little to non commucation from Leilah in the last 3 months

That’s what she does. She takes your deposit, then disappears.

 

[TartuWolf]

Great review i will share my review once i get the custom shinki jacket with a tag price comparable with FL

So far little to non commucation from Leilah in the last 3 months

Thanks! I've sold mine (and my wife's) since then and would prefer not to have any more business with Leilah in the future (although I wish her the best!). Looking forward to how your turns out! Sporadic / weak communication is not unheard of from RW, nothing to worry about I'd say.

 

[TartuWolf]

That’s what she does. She takes your deposit, then disappears.

Haven't heard of or seen a RW order where the customer did not receive a jacket eventually, but communication isn't their strong side from what I've noticed from documented cases. In my case the communication was very inconsistent, although quite good at times.

 

[Zoro]

Thanks! I've sold mine (and my wife's) since then and would prefer not to have any more business with Leilah in the future (although I wish her the best!). Looking forward to how your turns out! Sporadic / weak communication is not unheard of from RW, nothing to worry about I'd say.

Fine if you don't want to go into details, but why did you decide to sell this one? What changed from the initial review? Would you still rate it an 8/10 overall?

 

[barnabus]

That’s what she does. She takes your deposit, then disappears.

This post really bothers me.

I've never dealt with Rugged West, but that reads like an accusation of fraudulent practices.

Are you saying she took your money and then you never heard anything or received a jacket?