Hello all. This is not a rant, but just to keep everyone informed. I have had a failry negative expereice with three pairs of Harkila wellies.
I wear wellingtons on a daily basis as home and last June I decided to buy some wellies with better support and warmth and grip than what I have had before so I could use them stalking.
I tried on various brands but I settled on Harkila 17” Forester Full Zips as they fitted around my calves – this is normally a problem for me. I was impressed with the comfort, fit, warmth and grip. I told all my friends about them and was really happy.
Unfortunately, during a hunting trip in Germany, the zip on one boot broke (specifically the metal slider split in half). It was awful timing but I put it down to poor luck and hopefully a one off, as Harkila had a good reputation, I thought.
On my return to the UK I called the retailer and explained. I sent them back (at my cost). After two weeks of not hearing anything I called and was promised a call back. It did not materialise. I called again and was told I would not be getting a refund or replacement until the Harkila rep had seen them. After a further week (ish) I called and reminded the shop that my contract is with them not with Harkila and as such I wanted a replacement. I was told it could be months and then a week later a replacement arrived. By this stage I was told the shop would not cover the postage to them if the faulty item.
After a discussion they said they would on this occasion. So the new boots arrived, I opened the box and the stitching on boot (around the top rand vent) was missing or not there and the boots were clearly faulty. I was disappointed that they hadn’t bothered to check the item before sending it to me. I posted it back again, demanded a full refund for the product and postage. The whole returns process took around 5 weeks which I think is unacceptable and inconvenienced me greatly not having wellies during this time (my old ones had given up totally by this stage).
The attitude of the retailer and service from them was so bad I will not be purchasing from them again. I will vote with my wallet on that!
After seeing Ardmoor well recommended, I bought a replacement pair of Foresters from them at the beginning of the year. After wearing them in 6/7 occasions (walking the dog, nothing hardcore) the stitching which holds the zip to the boot appeared to become loose. I don’t know if they had arrived loose or if the stitching had come undone subsequently. I called Ardmoor who have been very helpful. I sent pics and batch info to them and they refunded me for the boots and I didn't have to go through the annoyance and inconvenience of sending them back.
I have however, decided I won’t be buying anymore Harkila footwear after this experience and repeated failures in kit. Subsequently I have seen many disparaging comments about your footwear on various forums (including this one) from users, so perhaps I shouldn’t have expected much from the wellies? However for the price I did and I don’t think this was unreasonable.
I emailed the Harkila rep to tell him about the crappy boots and great service from Ardmoor. I have decided not name the other retailer with whom I was unhappy.
The rep emailed back within a few hours apologising and saying he hoped Harkila would live up to my expectations in the future. His response was fairly text book but swift and polite.
I don’t think I can afford to give Harkila any more chances, 3 failures in 3 successive items, annoying retailers (in one case) is all too annoying. This combined with horrendous price tag means I will stick with other brands.
Anyway, just though I should share my experience. Also well done to Ardmoor who really have been excellent!
I wear wellingtons on a daily basis as home and last June I decided to buy some wellies with better support and warmth and grip than what I have had before so I could use them stalking.
I tried on various brands but I settled on Harkila 17” Forester Full Zips as they fitted around my calves – this is normally a problem for me. I was impressed with the comfort, fit, warmth and grip. I told all my friends about them and was really happy.
Unfortunately, during a hunting trip in Germany, the zip on one boot broke (specifically the metal slider split in half). It was awful timing but I put it down to poor luck and hopefully a one off, as Harkila had a good reputation, I thought.
On my return to the UK I called the retailer and explained. I sent them back (at my cost). After two weeks of not hearing anything I called and was promised a call back. It did not materialise. I called again and was told I would not be getting a refund or replacement until the Harkila rep had seen them. After a further week (ish) I called and reminded the shop that my contract is with them not with Harkila and as such I wanted a replacement. I was told it could be months and then a week later a replacement arrived. By this stage I was told the shop would not cover the postage to them if the faulty item.
After a discussion they said they would on this occasion. So the new boots arrived, I opened the box and the stitching on boot (around the top rand vent) was missing or not there and the boots were clearly faulty. I was disappointed that they hadn’t bothered to check the item before sending it to me. I posted it back again, demanded a full refund for the product and postage. The whole returns process took around 5 weeks which I think is unacceptable and inconvenienced me greatly not having wellies during this time (my old ones had given up totally by this stage).
The attitude of the retailer and service from them was so bad I will not be purchasing from them again. I will vote with my wallet on that!
After seeing Ardmoor well recommended, I bought a replacement pair of Foresters from them at the beginning of the year. After wearing them in 6/7 occasions (walking the dog, nothing hardcore) the stitching which holds the zip to the boot appeared to become loose. I don’t know if they had arrived loose or if the stitching had come undone subsequently. I called Ardmoor who have been very helpful. I sent pics and batch info to them and they refunded me for the boots and I didn't have to go through the annoyance and inconvenience of sending them back.
I have however, decided I won’t be buying anymore Harkila footwear after this experience and repeated failures in kit. Subsequently I have seen many disparaging comments about your footwear on various forums (including this one) from users, so perhaps I shouldn’t have expected much from the wellies? However for the price I did and I don’t think this was unreasonable.
I emailed the Harkila rep to tell him about the crappy boots and great service from Ardmoor. I have decided not name the other retailer with whom I was unhappy.
The rep emailed back within a few hours apologising and saying he hoped Harkila would live up to my expectations in the future. His response was fairly text book but swift and polite.
I don’t think I can afford to give Harkila any more chances, 3 failures in 3 successive items, annoying retailers (in one case) is all too annoying. This combined with horrendous price tag means I will stick with other brands.
Anyway, just though I should share my experience. Also well done to Ardmoor who really have been excellent!