[Peter Ansoff]

Matt and Robin,

Very interesting thread! I'm wondering if this might be an item for NAVA News . . .

Peter A.

[Robin Hickman]

.

Hi, PETER !!!


NOW we're talking about L-E-V-E-R-A-G-E ! ! !


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

LOL, that's pretty amusing It would be interesting if we had data on the rate of returns for these kind of flags and the kinds of manufacturing flaws that come up, but that would be impossible to get. One would think the manufacturers would verify that the flags met the spec before sending them out, so I guess it's also a QA issue.

I'd called Quinn this morning and the woman I talked to said they'd get back to me before noon Eastern time.

[Robin Hickman]

.

That's only about an HOUR from NOW !!!


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

I'm starting to wonder if customer service is dead.

OK, so I'd contacted Valley Forge a total of 4 times. Once, they did not reply--that was via the form on their website. Once on the phone, they said the flag was not defective and insisted on a 5% tolerance. The second time on the phone they said that they were a wholesaler and don't deal with schmoes like me. The last time, they replied via email, said the flag was defective, and that I should contact Quinn Flags because they're a wholesaler and don't deal with schmoes like me. OK--four conversations, three responses.

So, I've called Quinn Flags twice now. The first time, I talked to a nice woman who said it sounded like the flag was defective. But, she wasn't sure, and wanted me to take it up with her manager. Since her manager was out, she transferred me to his voice mail, where I left a message with my name, number, order number, and a brief description of the issue. He never returned my call. The second time I called, I spoke to a different woman. This time I also provided a link to the picture. (I'd updated the URL for the woman's benefit; it's now http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~mjr/temp/flags.jpg because the server is case sensitive and it was easier to say this over the phone). She said she'd talk to her manager, the same man as the first call, and get back to me by 12:00 EST. She did successfully view the picture, so I know they can see it. It's now 6:00 EST, and I've not received a call I'm guessing I've slipped through the cracks again.

Maybe the 7th time is the charm?

[Robin Hickman]

.

Hmmmm.....


Apparently, in this case, "patience" should be added to "persistence".


Hang in there..... and keep after 'em !!!


Robin
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[mattsaccount]

The saga is concluded Quinn flags got back to me and confirmed the flag is bad. I'll have to mail it back to them, but they'll send a free replacement. They also quoted the 2% variance figure.

Now the only question is: will the replacement be OK? Don't disappoint me Valley Forge

[Robin Hickman]

.

H_O_O_R_A_Y___!_!_!


Robin
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[flagsdotcom]

At flags.com we carry GSPEC flags from every manufacturer. There is not a difference between each because the government specifications are very very detailed, which doesn't allow for much wiggle room on the dye process, sewing, or materials used. However, we do NOT suggest flying a cotton GSPEC or any other cotton flag outdoors for long. They are the traditional flags but do not withstand sun and rain the way nylon or polyester flags do.

The post from American Flag UK above is very helpful. However the American flag that was not GSPEC was also a poorer quality than our flags. Our flags are lock stitched so if one string comes undone it doesn't unravel the entire flag. Also all the stars are embroidered (on smaller flags) or appliqued (on larger flags). Each manufacturer creates different levels of American flags. They sell cheaper versions of the American flag (i.e. printed or chain stitched), however we do not carry them. I hope this has helped. If you're looking to buy a GSPEC flag you can find them on our site at View All Of Our Government Spec American Flags