jedi_dm said:
Here is what I'm coming up with:
1) The Helmets were sent back, why would they take on all the cost to send them back if they were going to destroy them?
2) The LE version is open ended, which means that they do not have to destroy the returned ones because there is no set limit.
This is really bothering me, because this is the most expensive SW item I have ever bought, and I really want a new helm., I'm not buying a returned fixer upper. I know people can say so dont buy it. But I really want this item in my collection and after seeing it and holding it before sending it back I'm hooked. Even though there were alot of flaws, to me this is the best piece that MR has made. I have trust in MR and there quality and I applaud them for stepping up and correcting the issues. But I guess I'll just have to wait and see when I recieve my replacement, if there is any sign that this was repaired, its going back, I'm not settling for a refurb at full price.
Just my thoughts!
I am hopeful that they are indeed making new ones with higher QC standards and an agent who'll oversee the process preferrably someone who really wants one as well
Anyway, it wouldn't make sense to make us wait this long and then have more issues -- . I think at this time MR is doing their best to come out with the best possible piece free from defects. VBack when Don Post made their helmets, nobody looked at these flaws, but MR has raised the standard to the point that they have to outdo even themselves -- Rubies is not even close to being a contender when it comes to quality control, so I believe that we will not be disappointed as long as - and it was almost perfect -
1. No paint flaws (ie unpainted areas - like mine, touch ups)
2. No damage of any kind esp if puttied
3. No irregularities (like the surprised Vader's - they should all look mean if seated correctly)
4. Nothing that will deteriorate quickly because they chose cheaper materials.
5. No sloppy applications of glue or components.
6. No mishandling resulting in scratches, dents, missing pieces,etc.
7. packaging properly that doesn't interfere with the item's shape (mine had crushed padding cause the foam interfere with the chape of the padding - and was shoved into the packing incorrectly ausing further damage)
8. Pieces should line up and fit properly with an even narrower tolerances (for variances in, for example, the rear neck pieces.
9. Better protection of the paint job to avoid mminor scratches (Like the Don Post which was made every bit as good as the originals -- very VERY strong and not prone to scratches)- not as detailed of course.
10. Better care in packaging to avoid the obvious damage as a result of vibration, shock, crushing and overall transportation -- especially with FedEx's reputation.
Bryan's been absent for a while. I guess they're really busy either trying to figure out what to do if thay are indeed beholden to destroying defects or not, or trying to figure out a way to break news to us. Let's hope they make a decision that is ideal in the long run and one that will keep us dedicated to MR. I think so far every decision made was for our benefit and they do keep the collector in mind, they know what we want and have been pretty good thus far, so I'm anxious to hear what they will decide to do.
I don't want to settle for anything less than what we expected in the first place, too. I care about this product too much, as I am a Vader collector -- it's my main focus and it was a no brainer to get this product. The only thing I ask for is the product they intended and marketed. And I am willing to wait if they have to manufacture from scratch to eliminate the flaws of the first production...they said it themselves, it's a learning process, so I'm willing to be patient, if they are willing to give us the best product possible - so far they've done a great job in light of this problem with all their helmets, and have shown that they care about what we want and are willing to deliver -- that's what will keep these guys afloat for years to come -- their commitment to their customer base -- I believe that they are by far the most actively responsive company licensed by Star wars so far -- I still have a sideshow vader with one painted eye waiting to be picked up by sideshow -- it's been mover a month....
So Bryan, if you are around, collect your thoughts and please address this collector-wide concern, if you're on your vacation -- worry about it when you get back...Thanks...
edit:
as of yesterday, I received a call from Sideshow Collectibles and they are taking steps to correct my problem with my PF vader's QC issue =)