Just to play devil's advocate, it does give them an opportunity to dump a loss making service on the basis of a (perhaps exaggerated) couple of incidents during a period where their sales may not be brilliant.
Only new Altbergs from now on
- Thread starter Bury_Dave
- Start date
The worst motorcycle boots I've ever worn were made by Alt-berg. Reading all the positive comments about their products hasn't altered my disinclination to ever buy a pair.
I'm fairly certain that they'll survive without my custom, as they will without the repeat custom of those who were dissatisfied with the refurb-service.
I'm with Stolzy, it looks more like an excuse to dump a loss-leader to me.
I'm fairly certain that they'll survive without my custom, as they will without the repeat custom of those who were dissatisfied with the refurb-service.
I'm with Stolzy, it looks more like an excuse to dump a loss-leader to me.
it is possible. daytona do it.
can't see the point of a refurb, if they don't come back waterproof. they're right to drop the service.
Maybe so, but how many of us want to run a loss making service? How many businesses can afford to these days?
I think the key point here is the need for upfront clarity on what the service does provide.
If leaking boots will remain leaking post refurb, then it just needs to be made clear before the service is ordered.
It does seem slight over reaction on their part. A clear description of what to expect, possibly backed-up with a contract would protect them.
My boots are still good after 6 years or so.....
I wasn't suggesting they're wrong to drop the service, just highlighting, perhaps, some disingenuity over the reasons.
Maybe they've decided that the marketing benefit of the refurbishment service is not justified by the losses it makes and they're using a few disgruntled customers as the excuse to dump it.
E. Buygum
Registered user
Thanks for posting: I will be dropping Altberg a line. Lots of clever/ cynical/ tongue in cheek theories, I'm sure, but sometime a company will make a statement which simply accurately reflects their views and experience. My wife and I run a business which we take a personal pride in and we have been very fortunate in benefiting from social media but it only take one dick head to undo years of reputation building. We have seen it on this forum often enough...one less than perfect experience (real or imaginary) with a dealer, hotel, or on-line seller and out goes the "avoid" message. Very sad this: my Altbergs are wonderful and I just love the idea of keeping things for a long time and using them properly.
I really feel for Altberg - they do great stuff!
The point about waterproof boots needing to be waterproof after refurbishment is well made and very relevant. refurbishment without reinstating back to the original specs is not refurbishment (IMHO), but that doers not mean 'as new'.
However a more pertinent point Altberg need to consider (and a legal one) is that they advertised that their boots could be refurbished after years of use and wear. I, for one, bought my Altbergs on that basis and would have bought another manufacturers otherwise.
I'm pretty sure they will face some ramifications (not for me BTW as mine will still be on my feet when I'm past riding anyway) from others who bought in a similar mindset! You cant change the goal posts like that without some sort of ramifications!
I wish them the best of luck - they are all good people there.
The point about waterproof boots needing to be waterproof after refurbishment is well made and very relevant. refurbishment without reinstating back to the original specs is not refurbishment (IMHO), but that doers not mean 'as new'.
However a more pertinent point Altberg need to consider (and a legal one) is that they advertised that their boots could be refurbished after years of use and wear. I, for one, bought my Altbergs on that basis and would have bought another manufacturers otherwise.
I'm pretty sure they will face some ramifications (not for me BTW as mine will still be on my feet when I'm past riding anyway) from others who bought in a similar mindset! You cant change the goal posts like that without some sort of ramifications!
I wish them the best of luck - they are all good people there.
Refurbish isn't quite the same as renovate.
refurbish [riːˈfɜːbɪʃ]
vb
(tr) to make neat, clean, or complete, as by renovating, re-equipping, or restoring
refurbishing , refurbishment n
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003
refurbish, refurnish, redecorate, renovate -
Refurbish means to "clean up again,"
refurnish means "to provide with new furnishings,"
redecorate means "to add new decoration(s),"
and renovate means "renew or restore to as-new condition."
Farlex Trivia Dictionary. © 2011 Farlex, Inc. All rights reserved.
Semantics I guess - But if you had a tyre repaired (or even refurbished as in retreaded) you'd expect it to hold air - I may be a simpleton (many say so
) but if my boots keep water out when new I'd expect them to do similar when refurbished (or renovated or restored)
great shame
i really like my Altbergs and expect to for a long while to come.
Remember that line from 'Only Fool's and Horses' - ?
Trigger:- I've had this brush 20 odd years , had 5 new stales and 10 new heads - good as new it is !!
Had that been refurbished or renovated, or just plain repaired ?
i really like my Altbergs and expect to for a long while to come.
Remember that line from 'Only Fool's and Horses' - ?
Trigger:- I've had this brush 20 odd years , had 5 new stales and 10 new heads - good as new it is !!
Had that been refurbished or renovated, or just plain repaired ?
NLC
Registered user
Sad they are discontinuing. Winging social media types. I have had Altberg for three years now. Still great and service good too. I do put that wax stuff on once a month which I was told is key for making them last a very long time. But after eight or ten years or whatever the average age (assuming +5 years) it is IMHO perhaps probably worth getting a new pair considering that your feet are usually the most exposed and danger after an 'off'. After 10 years of having my old Barbour getting repaired and still working great it got retired. From what I paid to fix it over the years it was probably worth just getting a new jacket. My new winter jacket, a Musto, is not only lighter, warmer but cheaper.
Yellow Peril
Registered user
never owned a pair of their boots, but one thing i noticed when reading their communiqué: if i had a pair of originally waterproof boots refurbished. i would expect them to be waterproof again when done.
they appear to think that is unreasonable?
And there we go that's why they stopped.............
Davy F
Registered user
Bet their 'undesirables' were Tossers going down the old tired 'not fit for purpose' route. 
E. Buygum
Registered user
Bet their 'undesirables' were Tossers going down the old tired 'not fit for purpose' route.
You wouldn't bet against it. I'm starting to wince when I hear the phrase...it somehow reminds me of young kids using swear words too often and in not quite the right way when they copy the big lads.
Yellow Peril
Registered user
Bet their 'undesirables' were Tossers going down the old tired 'not fit for purpose' route.
Wouldn't surprise me either
UPDATE
After writing to Alt-berg, I have received a very polite reply from them saying that the situation regarding reburbishment will be reviewed in six months time. They grateful for being supported in this way by their customers.
I suggest that any people here who value the refurbishment service make their feelings known.
Reading the posts in this thread, I think that there is no doubt that the refurbished boots come back waterproof but that to expect them to be as waterproof for as long or longer than a new pair is unreasonable. The idea that a new lease of life can be given to a pair of boots that have become as comfortable as slippers cannot be rated too highly............. IMHO
After writing to Alt-berg, I have received a very polite reply from them saying that the situation regarding reburbishment will be reviewed in six months time. They grateful for being supported in this way by their customers.
I suggest that any people here who value the refurbishment service make their feelings known.
Reading the posts in this thread, I think that there is no doubt that the refurbished boots come back waterproof but that to expect them to be as waterproof for as long or longer than a new pair is unreasonable. The idea that a new lease of life can be given to a pair of boots that have become as comfortable as slippers cannot be rated too highly............. IMHO
+1 Well said - I do hope they reinstate the refurbishment process but perhaps are a bit more specific about expectations so they can avoid similar negative feedback in future. Great Boots, Great Folks and really nice company to do business with......and mine.....well said......
Happy Christmas Altberg's and all you other Tossers!
Had to send my Clubman roadsters back after a mere 15 years of service, having broken the zip. They were getting a bit worn in places and needed a few bits of attention here and there. My expectation is that I'll get my boots back, better than they were but still 15 years old. They have been revelcroed ( is that a word?), I know they need a load of ledergris on them to keep them reasonably waterproof, and I hope to get a few more years use from them. I quite fancy a pair of the new Altberg design, but the old ones have been with me so long I hate the idea of throwing them out without a bit of effort to keep them going.
Shame to loose the service, but in reality new zips can be put in by competent shoe repair outlets, so at a push I could stretch their life if the zips go again, but I'm pretty sure I've had my moneys worth.
I say fifteen years, but it may be nearer to 20! Pretty amazing, anyway.
Shame to loose the service, but in reality new zips can be put in by competent shoe repair outlets, so at a push I could stretch their life if the zips go again, but I'm pretty sure I've had my moneys worth.
I say fifteen years, but it may be nearer to 20! Pretty amazing, anyway.
seems to me Altbergs pricing policy is out a bit. Compared to Daytona, who are now charging around the £300 mark for a pair of boots, and £140 for a refurb, they need to build in better profit margins on the refurb and continue to offer it.
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