Bullstrap Portfolio not working with Nomad nor car's wireless chargers -and bad cust service

[decypher44]

I was so excited to finally receive the new Bullstrap Portfolio for my 12 Pro. It looks and feels great! However, it does not allow my 12P to charge on my Nomad Base, nor will it charge in my car's wireless charging bay. I’ve even removed cards from the back so it was just my case and phone. Still, it will not charge. I’ve been using this Nomad for about a year, and with 3 different cases over 2 phones. Same goes for my car's wireless charger. No matter what I try, it won’t work with this case.

I immediately reached out to Bullstrap to let them know. I was very polite, with all the info they’d need to look into it. The following is the response they provided and why this is the first and last thing I sill buy from them:

Me to their online support rep: “Yes. Just received my Portfolio iPhone 12 Pro case. It does not
work with Qi charger that I've been using for over a year. I tried it
with even removing all cards, and it still won't work. On the site,
it says that it IS compatible.
The wireless charger is Nomad Base Station”

Their response after relayed from their online rep:

“

Hey (my name), Thank you for contacting Team Bullstrap! I do apologize for this, we've run through many tests and have ensured that the portfolio cases are compatible with wireless chargers, even if they have IDs/cards inside them. It could possibly be your wireless charger, or that the phone isn't aligning with your wireless charger. I do apologize for this but unfortunately there is nothing further we can do. All the best, (Name)-Team Bullstrap” They say on their website that they are compatible. And when I tell them there is an issue, this is the first and ONLY response. Not “Oh, let me check with our team” or “let us reach out to Nomad” or “would you like to return it” or ANYTHING other than the response they gave. Maybe I’m expecting too much, but if a company says a product will operate as described, the support should be a little better than this, no?

 

[JagRunner]

Where does it say this on their site? I looked because I was thinking of getting this case.

 

[decypher44]

Where does it say this on their site? I looked because I was thinking of getting this case.

Sorry, inserted screenshot twice and can't edit it out. Anyway, it's under FAQ. Really, they should say "Compatible with *most* Qi chargers..." in my opinion.

 

[JagRunner]

Yeah, I can't believe they put it's compatible even with cards on their website. I don't think I have ever seen a case compatible with ID cards in it.

 

[decypher44]

Yeah, I can't believe they put it's compatible even with cards on their website. I don't think I have ever seen a case compatible with ID cards in it.

It may work with your charger. I'm not on a "crusade" against them and trying to discourage people from buying their product, but my intention IS to let people know how they handle customer service. With how they handled the preorder process, and now this, I won't be buying from them again.

The case itself is beautiful. Fantastic leather, great color (I got Ocean) and the stitching seems to be good. Who knows, it may just be that it won't work with my particular charger (though, the Nomad is well known and fairly widely used). But right now, I can't say that they would accept returns. At least, they certainly didn't present that as an option as you can read.

 

[JagRunner]

Any pics?

 

[decypher44]

@JagRunner
Sorry, on my way out right now, so had to use my iMac Photo Booth camera. This is the best I can do for now. The lines you see on the phone parts are just reflections from the computer screen.

 

[decypher44]

Oh, now I can add it doesn’t work with my car’s wireless charger, either. So it’s not just the Nomad!!!

 

[JagRunner]

That looks nice though!

 

[Robbosan]

Have those type of card cases ever worked with WC? Too thick!

 

[JagRunner]

Have those type of card cases ever worked with WC? Too thick!

That's what I said. I don't think I have ever heard of card cases working with Wireless charging. If I bought one I wouldn't expect it to work with WC.

This bullstrap one looks nice. I may get one now

 

[JagRunner]

Can you fit 3 cards in it?

 

[BigMcGuire]

Have those type of card cases ever worked with WC? Too thick!

I've used Sena leather cases with 2 card slots in the back. Depending on how thick my CCs were, sometimes it would work, sometimes not. My Amazon Chase card is like a slab of aluminum that could cut anything - no wireless charging through that, ever. I don't recommend WC with cards in the back - it caused things to overheat when I did.

 

[decypher44]

Again, this isn’t working even WITHOUT any cards in. It’s not working on my Nomad, not working in my car’s wireless bay. Again, with NO cards.

To answer the other question, I have 3 cards and a couple of bills. They fit snug but comfortable.

They should really change their FAQ. The way that it’s written, it’s stating that it will work even with cards in. If they changed it to “some wireless chargers” or something like that, then it’s on the buyer to take that risk. But when they clearly state that it will work (as they do in screenshot from earlier post), it should be on them.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Again, this isn’t working even WITHOUT any cards in. It’s not working on my Nomad, not working in my car’s wireless bay. Again, with NO cards.

To answer the other question, I have 3 cards and a couple of bills. They fit snug but comfortable.

Oh wow ok - yeah I've never had the wireless not work without any cards in it. I have the old 5w Anker circular chargers. How interesting.

 

[Robbosan]

Again, this isn’t working even WITHOUT any cards in.

Too much leather that's why.

 

[decypher44]

I decided to get a wired dock for my phone and watch, and gave my wife my Nomad Base. I know it seems weird to go that route, but I’m kind of going with the flow in life. That, and it’s a tad easier to dock than find the wireless sweet spot. That, and my wife’s happy. Happy wife, happy life, right?

 

[JagRunner]

I'm gonna order this case. Thanks for the pics. Now that I know it can hold 3 cards I'm good!

 

[KepsInscription]

Wireless Charging with cards...? Won't that demagnetize your cards?

Wireless charging uses magnetic induction to charge your iPhone. Don't place anything between your iPhone and the charger. Magnetic mounts, magnetic cases, or other objects between your iPhone and the charger might reduce performance or damage magnetic strips or RFID chips like those found in some credit cards, security badges, passports, and key fobs. If your case holds any of these sensitive items, remove them before charging or make sure that they aren’t between the back of your iPhone and the charger.

Source: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208078

Also, isn't Bullstrap an instagram company (meaning that they primarily advertise on instagram)? Not surprised at the false advertising.

 

[decypher44]

Wireless Charging with cards...? Won't that demagnetize your cards?


Source: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208078

Also, isn't Bullstrap an instagram company (meaning that they primarily advertise on instagram)? Not surprised at the false advertising.

Not positive about the company. They seemed to be reputable. I’ve read good things, so decided to go with them. However, I won’t be buying from them again due to the entire process with them. Others may have better experiences, but mine with them has been less than stellar.

The leather itself is top-notch. Really, really nice leather.

 

[JagRunner]

I just got this case and I love it. It smells like leather. It feels more like real leather compared to Apple's leather cases. Why did I waste so many years with Apple leather cases?

Anyway, like you, it doesn't work on my Qi charger with credit cards. But I already suspected that before I bought it and I dont mind wired charging. I have chargers everywhere. It DOES work on the Qi charger when I take the cards out though.

 

[decypher44]

I just got this case and I love it. It smells like leather. It feels more like real leather compared to Apple's leather cases. Why did I waste so many years with Apple leather cases?

Anyway, like you, it doesn't work on my Qi charger with credit cards. But I already suspected that before I bought it and I dont mind wired charging. I have chargers everywhere. It DOES work on the Qi charger when I take the cards out though.

The quality of the leather is really, really good. Completely agree with you regarding Apple cases. I used to use the Apple leather cases. And they were nice. But compared to this one? Not even close.

I do wish it would have worked with my Qi, but I'm fine using a iPhone+watch dock.