| Author | Message | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1675 Registered: 4-2002 |
I would like to append my other comments by saying that the products themselves are quite excellent, and I believe that the problems that I had with them were simple mistakes. I don't think there was any 'evil' intent, and I wasn't in the least upset with the initial error. I was disappointed that it took so long to clear the matter up, but that was OK, too, once it was rectified. What really irritated me is George's attempt to shift the blame onto me for their blunder. | ||
| Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
Member Username: Andrewg Post Number: 329 Registered: 9-2002 |
Guys if you have problems with leatherique, use Croftgate.com, if their good enough for Rolls Royce, Bentley, Porsche, Mercedes Benz and several Ferrari Specialists... have used all their stuff on both my 400i(complete strip and re-paint) and Testarossa (leather oil + some touch up bits on the seat backs) cannot fault them (including a perfect match on 2 Ferraris and several Rolls N Bentleys!!!) their also used by Leather-care who are one of the UK's best known re-conolosing people, not affiliated just a V happy client (several times over!) | ||
| Joe Craven (Rscapri2600)
New member Username: Rscapri2600 Post Number: 31 Registered: 7-2002 |
I was about to place an order a month or so back from the Leatherique website. I clicked on the online site located at http://www.leatheriqueorder.com/ What stopped me from placing the order was the information that I would be charged a $5 special handling for all internet orders. I was a bit dismayed about the charge and the instructions on the site is to call the order in to avoid the charge. I'm not complaining, but the charge did stop me from placing the order. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1674 Registered: 4-2002 |
OK, I was HOT when I typed the comments below. Here's the long version: Last spring, their web site advertised a "Spring Special" or words to that effect, with "all orders receiving a 15% discount." On 3/7/02 I ordered $98.95 worth of 'stuff', including shipping. Merchandise was about $90 or so, I don't have the breakdown in front of me. I asked for the discount, but she didn't understand what I was referring to. She apparently was completely unaware of what they were advertising on their own web site. After repeated requests for the discount, she asked if I was a member of a car club. I responded, "Yes, FCA. Is the discount the same as that advertised on your web site?" I was assured it was. The product showed up w/o the discount. The money involved wasn't great, and it would have been less frustrating if I simply dropped it. However, a simple phone call should clear things up. The lady at Leatherique acknowledged the mistake, and said my card would be credited "right away". Next credit card bill - no credit. I called again, was assured it would be taken care of "right away". It wasn't. After several more calls, I finally received the credit on 6/6/03 in the amount of $14.00 I wouldn't bore you with all this, but I hate to have my name drug thru the mud with false statements, as George did below. | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1671 Registered: 4-2002 |
(Late response because I have been gone>) George: YOU DON'T HAVE A FRIGGEN CLUE!!!!! I DID mention that I was entitled to the discount!! The lady at your end of the phone acknowledged so. But then screwed up!! You overcharged me. End of story. Months later, it was rectified. Don't try and weasel out of your mistake. | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
Junior Member Username: Peterp Post Number: 119 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks TWS. It's hard to beat $35 -- it's always an emergency when you need a gallon of cleaner and conditioner, so I'm glad they ship express. Sarcasm aside, it is a great product. | ||
| TWS (Au_fan)
New member Username: Au_fan Post Number: 38 Registered: 5-2003 |
Peter - I recently ordered a gallon of both PC & RO, and if memory serves (I don't have the receipt with me right now), express shipping was $35. TWS | ||
| Randall (Randall)
Member Username: Randall Post Number: 624 Registered: 1-2003 |
Terry- How much did it cost to pay someone to redye for you? How did it turn out? Does it look "painted" or does the grain show through a lot? Thanks for the help. | ||
| Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member Username: Tspringer Post Number: 725 Registered: 4-2002 |
Well.... After hearing wonderful things about Leatherique, I went to the website and then called them. No answer. I called again. Same thing. This went on for a couple of weeks. On 2 occassions I did get someone and left a message with them for "the boss" to call me back about my needs and questions. I never got a call back. I gave up and have gotten a local company to do the seat re-dye for me. All of this occured very early in the year. | ||
| Peter Polasek (Peterp)
Junior Member Username: Peterp Post Number: 118 Registered: 8-2002 |
The oil and cleaner are great. There are enough people complaining about the service that it should be taken as constructive criticism -- matching colors is a difficult process, processing orders and returning phone calls is not. My first Leatherique order didn't arrive for a couple weeks, so I finally emailed and received a timely response and the package arrived within a couple days via FedEx -- but the order was obviously being ignored prior to my email. The second order was processed flawlessly and arrived right away. This is the first company I've seen to charge separately for handling ($5) AND shipping ($15), so the $50 order cost $70. I'm not sure why the default shipping option is express. I am getting ready to order a gallon each of oil and cleaner, so I'm curious to see what the shipping will cost. I order frequently from websites and I haven't seen an order get lost yet, nor have I seen shipping charges this high or separate shipping and handling charges. I don't really care about the cost, but I don't think the service and (what I perceive to be) extraneous shipping/handling charges are consistant with an otherwise excellent product. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 372 Registered: 8-2002 |
George, Lets just leave it at this we agree to disagree Also, I sent you Paypal for the 1st order,COD for the following and they were 35.00 +5.00 cod and 6.00 shipping so they came to $46.00 each, Its news to me you extend credit or terms to Ferrari Club Members. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Georgep)
New member Username: Georgep Post Number: 2 Registered: 8-2003 |
Hi Jeff; I have listed factual dates and occurances on this list previously that show all your phone calls were answered, and that you received everything you demanded over a year, and to further bore readers, I'll go over it again; Jeff, back in September of 2002 you ordered dye on 9/17, refused to send a swatch, wanted the Neutral or peach shade of Saddle, (and expected us to provide you with the correct shade via clairvoyance, I don't see a "quality control" issue here, only laziness on the customers part to do what is required for accurate color match, mail in a 1x1 swatch for proper color matching) and on 9/19 you were shipped the color you wanted. Also, because you did not have a credit card, this order was shipped anyway because you were a Ferrar Club Member and we expected you would mail a check. BTW, your check was never received. A month later, on 10/30/02 you decided this color was not right, again you refused to send a swatch, so we sent you the other color you requested, Magnolia, on 10/31. (Again, Magnolia is a butter yellow color, but because we ARE customer oriented, we did not argue with you, or belittle your thinking, we shipped EXACTLY what you demanded we send) We shipped this order cod, and you paid only $30 for a rematch. Then on June 6, 2003 (This is 8 MONTHS LATER, and please notice we are still trying to please you way beyond the normal date of any other business, which is normally 30 days) you again decided this color was not right and sent a piece of your car. The surface was a different color from the back of the trim piece, and we matched to the back, 3218, so you would be able to return your car to it's original color as Enzo designed it, and so that it would acceptable for concours showing. Your order was sent back cod, trim piece sent insured, and you paid only $30 for your rematch. (Again, this color was matched from the back, so the color would be original, no quality control issue here, so far we're 100% to 100% EXACTLY what the customer wanted!) You specifically stated on the list that you changed the color to be a browner color! Where do you get Magnolia from Brown anyway??? You called our office and again wanted another bottle of 3218 which is the same color we sent you almost a year ago!!!! Jeff, you've received alot of discounted and free products, I guess we simply can't afford your business. And again, I don't understand why you are harping on the petty issue that we don't return your phone calls. Order and ship dates prove you were able to call, and your orders three times were shipped within just a few days. Each dye order is custom done, and takes time to process as it is not pulled off a shelf. We are adults here in this office, and we don't play games. We gave you everything you demanded. I'm truly sorry that you're so upset now, that you have to drag this on. But I absolutly feel we did everything you asked of us and went beyond time limits and to satisfy you. I can't make the point strongly enough, we're not clairvoyant!!! If you can't send a 1x1 swatch, we do the best we can to match with what you send, or with our Connolly swatches where the Saddle does vary from year to year. Yes, a few years ago a Ferrari member had an interior that was so badly degraded it needed to be replaced. He had his mechanic or technition do the work. I understand he did 3 coats of dye, insufficient prepping and conditioning of the leather, and the grain was lost due to heavy crack filling and build up of dye. The customers' technition did not call us for guidance, and I can only imagine sprayed the surface as you would an auto exterior. I actually have no idea, except that the customer was upset that his degraded interior didn't look like brand new and took it out on us. If the issue was just too much dye, that could have been cleaned away with lacquer thinner as the products are very user friendly, and the process redone. We have never promised miracles on worn out or rotted leather. We advocate constant maintenance with Rejuvenator and Prestine beginning when the car is new so it never gets to the point where it needs a restoration. We DON'T advocate redying your interior unless it needs it. Our main focus is always, and always will be, proper leather care, leather nourishment, and feeding. If you've done the process, you'll notice that it is the rejuvenating of the leather that takes the longest amount of time, especially on older, dryer leather; the redye is very simple, and goes more quickly. Also good prepping is 99% of the job. Your leather should be healthy and firm, like a baby's butt. Too heavy a build up of gunk, sealants, dye, etc, just reminds me of Tammy Faye Baker; too much make up trying to cover up faults. But again, that is my opinion on proper leather care, to keep it healthy and natural. Again, to close Jeff, we followed up, we sent you whatever you insisted on having in a timely manner. And again, reading a customers mind on the phone honestly has nothing to do with quality control of the product that is shipped. We could not have remained in business for almost 50 years, with second and third generation of auto enthusiasts/leather owners calling us, from around the world, if we were not doing something right. I do agree that the only perfect person died on the cross, and as human beings we all have good days and bad days. All businesses have good days and bad days. We were out of town for 3 weeks, and I admit had some fun mixed with business, I'm sorry. In conclusion Jeff, I truly and sincerely apologize that we were not able to satisfy you. My regards, George | ||
| Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Member Username: Ricrain Post Number: 543 Registered: 2-2002 |
I have to add to this, as I've done my (former) TR with the leatherique. The color needed custom tinting, which I decided to do myself. I added a few drops of red oxide and one drop of brown (brown oxide?) per spray batch and got a perfect match. The durability has been good so far, and I've received many positive comments from other exotic owners. The service I received was acceptable. The phone calls were pleasant. Obviously, others have had some bad experiences, and I'm not saying they're to be dismissed. P.S. Hello Vince, long time no type.  | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 369 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mike This was not the first time I have had problems with Leatheriques customer service, the 2 previous times I have ordered from them it has taken weeks to get my order and they never return calls, it was several weeks after I sent them my part I finally got one of them on the phone to confirm they received it, if you never need to talk to them and can order online and wait weeks for your order I am sure that would be okay, just don't expect any follow up from them if they screw it up Leatherique would be lucky to have only 1 in 10 dissatisfied customers here, do a search here and you'll find many more than that. Yes the color was way off big deal but fix it don't blow off your customers and get back to them when you feel like it, the best companies screw up from time to time but the good ones take care of their customers and try and remedy the problem not post some BOGUS response on the internet after the fact and tell them they are the ones f'ed up. A few here really tout Leatherique as the greatest and only dye you should use on a Ferrari, maybe they have hidden agendas or think George is their buddy. Since I found out about their company on Ferrari Chat and I've been burned I have every right to be pissed off and obnoxious about it and post my experience here. | ||
| vince porto (Vince)
New member Username: Vince Post Number: 11 Registered: 3-2002 |
Mike, Quality control is about getting 100 out of 100. Getting 99 out of 100 doesn't cut it. Go ahead, order from them 100 times, perhaps get burned once. Do you feel lucky? Yeah, the word is out. Get 100 or less customers on a chat board and conversations like this one will occur. Type away, prove my point. Rgds, Vince | ||
| mike 308 (Concorde)
Member Username: Concorde Post Number: 275 Registered: 8-2002 |
OK, so instead of "AT LEAST 10 to 1" I should have said 50 to 1 or 100 to 1, which is probably more likely somewhere in between. Probably 100 to 1 on the rejuv oil and cleaner, and 50 to 1 on the dye. I just don't have any interest in taking the time to gather actual statistics. And again, unhappy customers are often more vocal (and clearly obnoxious) than happy customers. Yes, QC's goal is 100%, but even the Ferrari factory isn't that high. How many Enzos or 360's have we heard about here that already need work done due to assembly or matieral flaws? And Ferrari does issue design-flaw recalls too. Does that make Ferrari a bad car or bad company? Of course not. What's important to me is that A LOT OF PEOPLE that I know use and like the Leatherique products, AND SO DO I. | ||
| vince porto (Vince)
New member Username: Vince Post Number: 10 Registered: 3-2002 |
Mike, Quality control is about getting 10 out of 10. Getting 9 out of 10 doesn't cut it. Go ahead, order from them 10 times, perhaps get burned once. Do you feel lucky? Yeah, the word is out. Get 10 or more customers on a chat board and conversations like this one will occur. Type away, prove my point. Rgds, Vince | ||
| mike 308 (Concorde)
Member Username: Concorde Post Number: 274 Registered: 8-2002 |
Vince, do you not *read* elsewhere in this forum?? I see that this was only your 9th post, so maybe that explains it. Though the ratio is closer to 50/50 in this thread, if you do a search on Leatherique within FerrariChat you will find AT LEAST a 10 to 1 "I'm happy with it" ratio. You say "the word is out". What the "word" is, is that *most* Ferrari owners love the products (I'm one of them), and there are a few dissatisfied customers (and you're one of those). As in any business, though, the dissatisfied ones tend to be more vocal. | ||
| vince porto (Vince)
New member Username: Vince Post Number: 9 Registered: 3-2002 |
Hey George..... Jeff Ryerson's post sounds just about the exact same as the one I posted on the FerrariList years ago. At that time, you posted a damage control letter there as well. Perhaps you ought to take a hint from your customers - - instead of practicing damage control, practice quality control. You've burned too many people. The word is out. Regards & Never been back for more, Vince | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 367 Registered: 8-2002 |
Mike I used the 3218 Connely leather color for euro cars, go to water based dyes and click the color chart it specifys for Jaguar Ferrari etc | ||
| mike 308 (Concorde)
Member Username: Concorde Post Number: 272 Registered: 8-2002 |
I've been happy with Leatherique products and service -- very friendly on the phone, and quick shipping -- including the oil, cleaner and dye stuff, following the directions from the article in the Ferrari Club Newsletter. Not that I need any more of this kind of stuff, but I did just look at the reconproducts site, and they don't have "Ferrari" listed as a standard that they match. Jeff, did you use a color from another kind of car? | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 366 Registered: 8-2002 |
George The color issue I can understand. Mistakes are made and I understand this but your customer service is pathetic! I talked to Kristi and your son on the 5th and explained my car is in pieces and I need another bottle. I asked them to please get back to me that day, well that was the 5th of August and you have never called me. Because you never answer your phone, I was forced to just leave messages on the 6th and 7th, of course still not hearing back from anyone. I have given your company more chances than deserved to fix this and you are just posting here for your damage control. You were supposed to get back with me on the 5th of August but instead you are on the internet posting here,this is your customer service George? You and your company are PATHETIC!!! I would have NO customers if I ran my business like yours Funny how everyone here has it all wrong about your company Yes lets agree to disagree. and BTW to you George we did properly strip the test part but who wants pink leather seats in not just a Ferrari but any car! There is no way that part was custom matched, Walmart probably would have done a better color match than that!! To All: The dye I ordered came in from http://www.reconproducts.com and it is a perfect match, it has excellent sheen and color and applies well and only cost me $11.00 for 16oz, they sent it out the day I ordered it and I received it today. I highly reccommend them, they are very professional,courteous and they answer their phone. | ||
| Randall (Randall)
Member Username: Randall Post Number: 621 Registered: 1-2003 |
I've made two purchases from Leatherique with no problems. I was very pleased with their shipping charges, because it wasn't much and a lot of companies want to shaft the people in Hawaii with bogus charges. Right now my interior is still disassembled for the re-dye. My only concern so far is around the stitching. I've been sanding the old dye off, but how do I really get the old dye off in those areas with out fraying the threads? I'm lightening the interior too, so I really want to get the old dye off prior to throwing down a new lighter color. | ||
| George Pavlisko (Georgep)
New member Username: Georgep Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2003 |
Hi folks; George from Leatherique here. I apologize for not responding sooner. We have been in Newport, RI doing a leather restoration seminar for the RROC Annual Meet. I also apologize for not reading the list more often to be available for technical questions. We have 14 cars, from Rolls to Corvette, and I am looking for a Ferrari to add to my collection, and at that time I know I'll be needing your advise on mechanicals. I've been reading the responses since last week, and have done research on all the items mentioned. First, Hans Hansen. Hans you were not "overcharged" and nothing "bogus" occured. You were billed at the regular list price that everyone but our car club members pay. When you use a coupon for your dinner, you're supposed to present the coupon to the waitress right away, so she knows to make a deduction, not after you've gone home, then decide to call a few days later, after you've digested your dinner. So, you did receive a house credit even though you did not mention your car club affiliation when you placed your order, which you guys know you should do when you call to order. You should have also purchased some Prepping Agent to use before your dye to thoroughly clean the surface, and break it down so the new dye would adhere well. Since you ordered this dye almost a year and a half ago, March 5 2002, I would also suggest that it needs to be poured into a container and stired well, as pigments tend to settle over time. If it's been kept in the garage to freeze or heat, you may need a new bottle of dye to do the door panels, but email me, and we'll be happy to help. Jeff, I've reviewed your invoices, and also read previous Ferrari posts on the issue of color matching. Our website, and all our information, and any time you call our office and mention a Ferrari color, specifically state that we need a one inch by one inch square to get your exact color correct. We understand that you guys don't like to do anything to your cars, so we try to match for you from tiny snips, or vague references to what the color may look like, or the code for Saddle, 3218. As all of you know, Connolly Saddle was a specific color that was made JUST for Enzo Ferrari. NO OTHER marque was allowed to use this color. A dye lot was made a few times a year, and as dye lots of carpet, thread, fabric, etc, go, each dye lot of leather tended to vary from lot to lot. Many of you are aware that saddle can vary from the light, neutral "peach" color, to the darker pumpkin color. These are all called Saddle. Also, over time, original colors fade, so it is IMPOSSIBLE to touch up a Ferrari, and we specifically state that for the redye to look its' best, you should redye both seats for a uniform look. Also, we have worked with many of you whose seats were redyed with some of the cheap lacquer spray paints, where the colors did not not match the original. You prepped, removed the old spray paint, and were able to restore the color back to original. Even the Connolly lacquers, which have not been manufactured since 1990 when the EPA banned it, tended to darken and chage color. So what we send you when you decide not to send a swatch is your saddle matched to original Connolly Saddle for that year, and it can be slightly off from your color, but we are trying to work with you within the parameters you as the customer set, that you don't want to cut anything off your car to send the 1x1 swatch, and we respect that. So Jeff, back in September of 2002 you ordered dye on 9/17, refused to send a swatch, wanted the Neutral or peach shade of Saddle, and on 9/19 you were shipped that color. Also, because you did not have a credit card, this order was sent and we expected you would mail a check. BTW, your check was never received. A month later, on 10/30/02 you decided this color was not right, again you refused to send a swatch, so we sent you the other color you requested, Magnolia, on 10/31. We shipped this order cod, and you paid only $30 for a rematch. Then on June 6, 2003 you again decided this color was not right and sent a piece of your car. The surface was a different color from the back of the trim piece, and we matched to the back, 3218, so you would be able to return your car to it's original color as Enzo designed it, and so that it would acceptable for concours showing. Your order was sent back cod, trim piece sent insured, and you paid only $30 for your rematch. If you would just have properly prepped your leather, using a bit of lacquer thinner, gotten rid of that heavy build up of old color and dirt, nourished your hides, and redyed all the interior, your car would have looked like new. I have been told that you have called again today, and want another bottle of dye, in the same color we sent you in September of 2002, the neutral, "peach" saddle. We truly are at a loss to please you, especially after all your slander, and feel it would be mutually best to agree to disagree that there is nothing more we can do for you. Our business is very technical, and we must work with each and every customer to try to please them, and have worked with many of you to greater extent than any other car club because of the differences in your shades of saddle. There is nothing mass production about providing custom matched dyes for your cars, if there were, we'd be on the shelves of Walmart. So to reply to customer service questions, we as a family business truly do everything we can for our customers, but if the customer is not willing to do their part, there is nothing more we can do. I will also respond to our office returning phone calls. When you call, if we are all on the phone assisting other customers, please leave your number and speak slowly and clearly so we can get the number to call you. Sometimes, we simply cannot understand the number as it is spoken too quickly. Also if you call after 5 EST, you will get our machine, and your call won't be returned until the following day. Our business hours are 9-5, M-F. I always work late, answering email, and we often have a full crew in on Saturday during our busy season to ensure the hundreds of dye orders that come in each week go out. I will close in saying that yes we are a family owned business and pride ourselves on it. While we have regular employees in packing, stock production, and some technitions, we deal with clients from around the world, and who value their privacy, and they like talking to family, and to someone who has experience in proper leather care. We've been specializing in just leather care for almost 50 years. Our company began not for any commercial purpose, but just as a way for my dad to win first place at the concourses he attended with his Auberns, Dusenbergs, Bentley's and Rolls. The materials were first developed to save our old '39 family Bentley. The hides were hard as bricks, but through trial and error, working with a chemist friend, and based on the old Swedish secret for tanning leather, he devloped our Rejuvenator and it truly does soften even cardboard hard leather. Then my mom decided she'd prefer the old brown interior to be a shade of green; so my dad worked through trial and error with what was new technology copolymers rather than the old lacquer spray paints, to develop a dye that was flexible and long lasting, and would emulate the original finish so it would be acceptable at concourse. Our products are shipped world wide, we have offices in Canada, Australia, and Europe. They are used not just by the auto enthusiasts, like J.D. Nethercutt for the Merle Normal Collection of fine cars, and our good friend Clive Cussler for his fine collection, but by the Smithsonian, decorators, Mike Jager for his "hot licks" guitar straps, Jeff Foxworthy for his down home leather furniture, Levi Jackets to soften their "distressed" jackets after they have been thoroughly abused to make the new jackets look old, and more folks than I can mention in this already too long post. We'll be around for many more years to come, specializing in only fine leather care. We're here if you need us for any technical questions, and please email me if there is anything I did not respond to, and I will. I am a graduate chemist, from Princeton, NJ, and myself worked for many of the large chemical processing companies before I decided to "come back" to the family business. There was an excellent article in your newsletter on proper leather care, and if you'd like me to answer any other questions, email me, as I am here to help. My personal regards, George www.Leatherique.com | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 362 Registered: 8-2002 |
Thanks for the info Dan, My color was so far off it took my g/f who paints as ahobby all day to get it right and we easily doubled the volume of paint which was no longer useable as a dye I wrecked the whole pint of dye and have heard nothing from Leatherique, but I have ordered a new bottle of dye from another company so hopefully It will be a match to the original 3218 color | ||
| Daniel B Reese MD (Dbr328gtb)
Junior Member Username: Dbr328gtb Post Number: 184 Registered: 5-2001 |
Jeff, Sorry for your experience. Let me go over again what I did to re-dye my bolster- it looks perfect. I sent a sample from under my seat which as Lens said is off as the top of seat is more yellow. When I got the dye I surmised it needed more yellow tint so I got a small botle of BRIGHT BRIGHT yellow paint and BRIGHT white paint and just added a drop at a time until I got a match. I would estimate this resulted 75% dye and 25% paint (remember I just began with a small sample of the dye). I am careful getting in and out of the car so the bolster still looks good 2 years later. However I dont think any dye job will be as durable as the original finish. Want to give it another try? Dan | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 361 Registered: 8-2002 |
If anyone is interested the company whos dye I purchased 16oz Saddle 3218 for $11.00(I haven't got it yet) website is http://www.reconproducts.com Also another company refered by Hirsch is Color PLus ph no 570/686-3158 they charge n $79.00 for 16oz custom color match | ||
| Jim Hilton (Colo348)
New member Username: Colo348 Post Number: 47 Registered: 5-2003 |
Group, I just went through dying a small section of my 348ts given past threads. I like the leatherique rejuvenator oil and prestine clean. The section I dyed (leather piece above the kickpan that people drag their feet on) came out excellent. However, the dye match was off, even after sending two samples of leather to leatherique. I can see a 95% match,since leather is living product, but not an 80% match given their experience. So, I scrapped my dye project and will take my seat to a professional. Good luck. Jim Hilton | ||
| Mark Langfield (Ferrari_co_uk)
Junior Member Username: Ferrari_co_uk Post Number: 69 Registered: 4-2003 |
Hi Barney, We did previously stock products from Liquid Leather, but that was a long time ago. We certainly have no current experience of their products. We shouldn't really be on their website... Best Mark | ||
| TWS (Au_fan)
New member Username: Au_fan Post Number: 24 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mike, Bought a gallon of each as I had two cars of my own to do, and a couple of family members wanted some as well. It ended up being a whole lot more economical that way. I'll probably still have more than I'll ever need, but at least I'll never have to pay for shipping again. TWS | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 514 Registered: 4-2003 |
I ordered the Rejuvanator oil and Pristine clean on from the website and recived it in about 3 days. One of the tops was cracked and was just about to cause a huge mess. I have used it once and it does seem to work well. Provided I can purchase it relatively easily, I think that I would buy it again. | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 853 Registered: 8-2002 |
TWS, a gallon is MORE than a lifetime supply, at least of the Rejuv Oil, since you don't need to use it that often. Once you've well-conditioned your seats with the oil, the Prestine Clean is usually enough to keep them both clean and soft. I agree that both those products are quite impressive. I think the issue with Leatherique has been on the dye side, with color matching and "small family company" customer service. I just got an email from George, the owner there, telling me that they've been essentially closed for two weeks while they were travelling to Rhode Island for an event where they were conducting a leather care seminar, and they've just gotten back. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 354 Registered: 8-2002 |
Jim and Mike, I tried the dye they sent me on a part of my seat and it was a true Peach color very far off from the Tan/Brown, I had my g/f try and match the original seat color, it took her all day and we easily doubled the dye volume since it was so far off. My seats have faded a bit and the part I sent them was almost a Magnolia/light Tan on top where the sun hit the leather but on the back of the piece you could see the original color of a Tan/Brown, I cant see how they possibly saw any Peach in my part. The point that really pisses me off about them is I told both Kristi and her son my car is apart and I need this dye, they have totally blown me off,it was not as if I wanted a free new bottle also, I have given them every opportunity to make it right before I posted here and they just don't care. | ||
| TWS (Au_fan)
New member Username: Au_fan Post Number: 23 Registered: 5-2003 |
I ordered the Rejuvenator Oil and Pristine Clean using their website and PayPal and received my shipment several days later. The only issue I had was that regular shipping was 2nd Day. The package was 24 lbs and I really didn't need (or want to pay for) it to be shipped that quickly. After one use though, I'm pretty confident that its the only product I will ever use on leather again (and not just because I bought a gallon of each). The results of one application were amazing. My seats don't look, feel or smell the same. They are soooooo clean. I can definitely understand Mark's comment about being able to see the cracks and wear. This stuff gets everything off/out of the leather. TWS | ||
| Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Member Username: Lens Post Number: 324 Registered: 3-2001 |
Jeff, Sorry to hear about your bad experience with Leatherique. I've been using their oil and cleaner on my 911 and 328 for two years and am VERY happy with the results. I think its the best product out there for cleaning and conditioning leather, and I've used them all. Ordered four bottles last week, and received them in two days. Sometimes you get the answering machine, but I just call back until I can speak to a live person. I also ordered dye for my interior, and sent them a sample cut from under the seat. I was amazed at the difference in color. My interior looked yellowish compared to the true saddle color. That's what UV does. I asked them to return the sample, but they lost it. I can understand your frustration, because that really pissed me off. Never used the dye, because I'm caught up in the current trend which seems to favor leaving things alone over restoration. Besides, the oil and cleaner made my interior look, feel, and smell brand new. | ||
| Barney Guzzo (Trinacria)
Member Username: Trinacria Post Number: 373 Registered: 8-2002 |
Paul I was going to order Leatherique but with all the comments I decided to look some more. At the Liquidleather.com website, it says that Ferrari UK (Maranello Concessionaries) is one of their distributors. Jeff or Mark.............??? | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 851 Registered: 8-2002 |
Keep in mind that the Leatherique (and probably almost any) dye DRIES a different color than it looks in the bottle. And as Jim says, lighting does make a difference. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 2233 Registered: 7-2001 |
I was thinking about attempting a re-dye and had seen the posts about sending in a small sample of leather from a seat bottom or somewhere out of the way. When I had my console apart, I trimmed off a small piece of leather for this purpose. When I got it outside into the light, it was a peach color. | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1533 Registered: 5-2001 |
BTW, if you DO reach them to place an order, and are an FCA member, they will give you either a free bottle of Prestine Clean with the bottle of Rejuvenator oil, or an additional small bottle of the oil. Just ask. At least they were still offering this deal last year... | ||
| Mike Charness (Mcharness)
Member Username: Mcharness Post Number: 843 Registered: 8-2002 |
I still like Leatherique. If for some reason Leatherique's Prestine Clean and Rejuv Oil weren't available, my second and third choices for leather maintenance products would be from www.ZainoBros.com and then www.GriotsGarage.com | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 568 Registered: 2-2001 |
I will stick with Leatherique as long as it is available from local supplier in Denver; My seats looked pretty good until I used Rejuvenator and Pristine Oil on them....now they are so clean they look like well weathered leather (i.e. cracks and wear that had been hidden under years of other products are now visable). Seats don't look bad, just broken-in now and are a bit softer. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 513 Registered: 4-2003 |
What do you guys use now, not for a re-dye but just for maintaince?? | ||
| James I. Movich (77_308gt4)
New member Username: 77_308gt4 Post Number: 10 Registered: 2-2003 |
i agree. i had the worst time ever trying to get the products to work right. two wrong color mixes, one set of bad advice = three, count em, 3 full redyes from full strip. the end result... the color is still off, the product does not stay on properly, and it cost me three times as much money as it should. ABSOLUTELY the worst customer service ever, and an iffy product to boot. stick with the oil and the cleaner! | ||
| pete (Pete_peter)
Junior Member Username: Pete_peter Post Number: 51 Registered: 12-2002 |
my 2 cents i too used some leatherique and had to send it back twice, finaly with a sample piece of leather to get it to match and, their rejuvenator and pristine has harsh on my seats and turned the into suede. don't like them no more | ||
| Paul Jeffery (Peajay)
Junior Member Username: Peajay Post Number: 111 Registered: 4-2002 |
There is another company in the UK selling products which seem to be exactly the same. See LIQUIDLEATHER.COM I am in Europe so I am probably going to try them on my 328 tan interior, could be an interesting alternative to Leatherique. | ||
| P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member Username: Ferrari_fanatic Post Number: 511 Registered: 4-2003 |
That is bogus. What are they thinking?? Do they want to remain in business?? | ||
| Mark (Markg)
Member Username: Markg Post Number: 567 Registered: 2-2001 |
I tried several time calling Leatherique to order products, also no answer or return phone call, so i faxed them an order.....never received so I just gave up. Bought the oil products at local car show last month from local supplier of Leatherique. Good product though | ||
| Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member Username: 4re_gt4 Post Number: 1635 Registered: 4-2002 |
I concur with Dave. The cleaner and oil are superb, but it took me about 5 months to get a refund on an overcharge. They assured me each time that it would be taken care of immediately. On the tinting issue, I have a bit of a problem. The black dye I got from them matches the seats perfectly, but the color is off on the door panels. It looks brown when applied to the doors. So I guess it needs tinted, or else a different color altogether. I'm reluctant to try Leatherique on this. A big problem is that there isn't any significant sample available from the door that I can send anyone. | ||
| dave handa (Davehanda)
Intermediate Member Username: Davehanda Post Number: 1531 Registered: 5-2001 |
I use the leatherique products, but only the rejuvenator oil and prestine clean, which of course, are stock items, that don't require anything special. I have ordered from them three times, and each was handled promptly. I have also heard of many complaints about their service when it comes to issues with dye matching and technical assistance. It is hit and miss, sometimes they come through with glowing appreciation of the customer, others like your case. Sorry to hear of the problem, they appear to be a "family run" business, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing. | ||
| jeff ryerson (Atheyg)
Member Username: Atheyg Post Number: 351 Registered: 8-2002 |
A while back I posted about the dye they sent me being off in color, we had some reccomendations to try and match the color with acrylic paint from a craft store. Unless your dye is slightly off it will not work mine was so far off it took nearly double the volume of paint to get it to match, it took my g/f all day to get it perfect any many trips to the art store but it had so much acrlyic paint it was no longer a leather dye and was useless. Leatherique is one of the worst companies I have ever dealt with, I never have this much patience with a company with this poor of customer service and hassles with their product but they have a great rep here and other places on the internet such as the Lotus site, their product may be good but there customer service is pathetic. From the beginning its been impossible to get them on the phone just an answering machine and they never return calls. Last week I called again and left messages that the dye they sent me was a Peach color not the Saddle and I wrecked it trying to re-tint the dye and I needed a 3218 replacement asap as my car seats and console are apart and I clearly cant drive it, well no return call, I called again Monday and talked to the owners son who told me his dads sight must be off and he'll mix me up a new bottle right away, okay great when is it going out? "I'll get back to you", never got back to me, Tuesday I try and call their phone is disconnected temporarily (must not have paid their bill) until late afternoon I get ahold of them finally, again recap with the son I talked to and he puts Kristi on and again I explain to her the dye they sent me was far off they had a part to my seat to match it right there and still sent me this Peach dye, and since I had paid 3 previous times for a recolor match of $35 and its still not right they need to work with me on the price she states "I'll have to get someone whos smarter than me call you back" and again I told her 3 times before we hung up "I need to get this resolved today as my car is apart and I can't drive it" and regave her all my contact numbers, this was Tuesday and I still have not heard from them. If this were an isolated incident I would understand but this has been their pattern since I originally purchased a kit from them almost a year ago when I bought my car, and its not just me other companies I have talked to that are familiar with Leatherique say the same thing they are a bad company to deal with. FYI I found another company that seems very knowlegeable about leather repair and redyeing and ordered a 16oz 3218 Connely Saddle water based dye for $11.00, they also make it in aerosol cans there no is 1 866 444 8920 |