As a retailer and family firm, we can stock any brands we like. We chose Harkila as one of our brands to sell due to the quality of build and also it has always been designed with a task, function in mind, Deer Stalking, Active Hunting, Boar Hunting etc.
In 100% absolute honesty, we very rarely get any Harkila Products Back. As a percentage of what we sell, it is less than 1% and the same also goes for Jack Pyke too. The main reason for this is that we in the store work with the customers to find out exactly what they are doing and then match up a selection of options. As our customers also contribute here, will acknowledge, if something is not up to the job or over engineered we tell it as it is.
Harkila Boots: We again hardly ever get any back. The reason for this is we also believe it is because all our store customers get a tin of Mink Oil Free or Suede Protector etc free at the start and we show them how to apply it and when to apply it. Gore-Tex have to approve a model before it ever goes into production if a Gore-Tex membrane is used, so this also has a massive stamp of approval for the boot too.
Boots that do come back fall into two categories: Faulty manufacture and no aftercare. We are an agent for Harkila, so we will look after customers of Harkila who did not buy from us too.
Faulty boots back this year to date:
1: 1 x Pro Hunter Armortex: Bought by a very good Customer and leaked on the first day out. Gore-Tex nipped when being stitched.
2: 1 x Pro Hunter 10": No leak cause found, but exchanged anyway.
3: 1 x Forester size zip Wellingtons: Stitching split open on zip
4: 1 x Forester Non zip: Split along toe
And that was it!!!
Returned with No aftercare: A few pairs: The biggest problem is the leather must be fed when they are wet dry wet dry all season. Too often we see boots, not only Harkila, but others where they have never seen boot polish or oil since they were new. We recommend starting to use protectors from day 1, especially in the wetter climates. The oils and polishes also protect the seams, which of course are a weaker spot in any boot.
Just a quick note on the Harkila Pro Hunter X trousers, they have a vent zip on the upper thigh. Keep these closed in driving rain. We have had in the last two years, two pairs back with Knee leaks, but again from the amount sold, less that a %.
Any questions, please call the store on 01525 211488 (00441525 211488, non UK customers) we are open 7 days. Ask for Andrew or Brendan.
We also price match too so if you want the advise but want a great price too, please let us know as we aim to be competitive but sometimes we don't always spot the deals offered elsewhere. We deliver free in the UK and also give free returns to our UK customers for telesales and also on our website.
Running the store takes quite a bit of our time to be honest, so just let us know, we of course do mail order as well for the UK and also internationally.
All the best and have a great season ahead
Andrew
Rugged & Tough's Work & Country Clothing Store
our New Blog: all about products aftercare etc:
Rugged s Blog