Why don't you take a couple of pics in "macro" mode on your camera and send them to Vaja. See if they'll make you another one and send it to you before you have to send that one back???
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Vaja Debuts iVolution Stripes 2 for 3G (9/24)
- Thread starter maddan
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Why don't you take a couple of pics in "macro" mode on your camera and send them to Vaja. See if they'll make you another one and send it to you before you have to send that one back???
Here are a couple. My camera is horrible so this is about as good as I could do. Sort of weighing my options between the hastle of dealing with not having a case, shipping it back for the return, etc. You're right tho. It might at least be worth sending them an email and see where it gets me.
You can see hints of the bubbles from where the insignia was placed. You can also see that the stripe isn't straight all the way down towards the logo as well. Also in one of the pics you can see the hints of the "circles" up the white stripe. Looks like something was pressed into it. Perhaps an artifact of a tool they used to press the stripe down onto the leather when glued on.
These cases are great. I love it overall. But the stripe job just seems tacky to me. If I were to go with one of their cases again I'd just go with the solid ones. Just my two cents. Interested to hear your thoughts.
Here is the letter I sent to Vaja. I will post their responses and my interactions with them as my experience goes on...
"Vaja products are made to ensure satisfaction and service during the natural life of the product. It warrants to the original purchaser that its products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of the purchase."
Hello,
I sampled that from the FAQ on your website and I certainly hope that is the case. I ordered a Vaja has from you over 45 days ago and received the other day with much anticipation. I had read rave reviews of your product line and have seen a great amount of praise in reference to the build quality and overall experience with your iPhone cases.
When I opened my case I was disappointed to find that it had some minor defects that soured my initial and continued impressions of your case. Near the Vaja insignia you can see some bubbling and stretching occurring on the white leather. I'm assuming this is from improper placement of the metal logo. All the pictures I had see showed the logo sitting nice and flush against a flat colored background. This was not the case with my Vaja case. But this wasn't really the worst thing. The thing that continues to catch my eye everytime I pick it up is the striping seems to be buckling near the logo. This causes the stripe to not appear straight but rather improperly cut. Also note (not visible in the pictures included) that the edges of the white leather stripe do not have a clean cut. You can see hints of the white edges moving in and out. Also in one of the pics you can see the hints of the "circles" up the white stripe. Looks like something was pressed into it. Perhaps an artifact of a tool they used to press the stripe down onto the leather when glued on. So needless to say I wasn't satisfied with some of the aestetics of my case.
That said the case overall fits wonderfully, works great and is sturdy. I don't have a problem with the overall design of your product. What I do have a problem with is paying upwards of $100 for an iPhone case and having significant visual flaws. This is an expensive case. You guys have a reputation of being of the highest quality when it comes to cases. This is why people continue to shell out more money for your products when they could just as easily go with something that is a fraction of the cost. What I want to know is what you can do for me? I'm not trying to be malicious or anything. I just wanted you to know how excited I was to recieve your product and how let down I was once it arrived. I hope you can make this right for me and I believe, based on your reputation, that you will.
So please let me know what you can do for me as soon as possible and I'd greatly appreciate it. I really don't want to be without my case and I don't feel its fair to have me send this thing back and wait another month and a half for another one. Like I said before, the case itself is great. But if I had known how tacky the stripe would have ended up I would have just settled for a plain black version of this case with no stripe or rather the Black and Red edition of this case instead. Please let me know what can be done.
My invoice/order number is: 9XXXX
I have been documenting my experience with your company at MacRumors.com on this forum thread ( https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/530408/ ). I will be posting this letter and posting your replies as well so other people can see how my experience with your company has been. Just as a sort of review of my overall experience. I'm sure it will be wonderful and am looking forward to your response. Thank you very much and take care.
Ryan
"Vaja products are made to ensure satisfaction and service during the natural life of the product. It warrants to the original purchaser that its products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of the purchase."
Hello,
I sampled that from the FAQ on your website and I certainly hope that is the case. I ordered a Vaja has from you over 45 days ago and received the other day with much anticipation. I had read rave reviews of your product line and have seen a great amount of praise in reference to the build quality and overall experience with your iPhone cases.
When I opened my case I was disappointed to find that it had some minor defects that soured my initial and continued impressions of your case. Near the Vaja insignia you can see some bubbling and stretching occurring on the white leather. I'm assuming this is from improper placement of the metal logo. All the pictures I had see showed the logo sitting nice and flush against a flat colored background. This was not the case with my Vaja case. But this wasn't really the worst thing. The thing that continues to catch my eye everytime I pick it up is the striping seems to be buckling near the logo. This causes the stripe to not appear straight but rather improperly cut. Also note (not visible in the pictures included) that the edges of the white leather stripe do not have a clean cut. You can see hints of the white edges moving in and out. Also in one of the pics you can see the hints of the "circles" up the white stripe. Looks like something was pressed into it. Perhaps an artifact of a tool they used to press the stripe down onto the leather when glued on. So needless to say I wasn't satisfied with some of the aestetics of my case.
That said the case overall fits wonderfully, works great and is sturdy. I don't have a problem with the overall design of your product. What I do have a problem with is paying upwards of $100 for an iPhone case and having significant visual flaws. This is an expensive case. You guys have a reputation of being of the highest quality when it comes to cases. This is why people continue to shell out more money for your products when they could just as easily go with something that is a fraction of the cost. What I want to know is what you can do for me? I'm not trying to be malicious or anything. I just wanted you to know how excited I was to recieve your product and how let down I was once it arrived. I hope you can make this right for me and I believe, based on your reputation, that you will.
So please let me know what you can do for me as soon as possible and I'd greatly appreciate it. I really don't want to be without my case and I don't feel its fair to have me send this thing back and wait another month and a half for another one. Like I said before, the case itself is great. But if I had known how tacky the stripe would have ended up I would have just settled for a plain black version of this case with no stripe or rather the Black and Red edition of this case instead. Please let me know what can be done.
My invoice/order number is: 9XXXX
I have been documenting my experience with your company at MacRumors.com on this forum thread ( https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/530408/ ). I will be posting this letter and posting your replies as well so other people can see how my experience with your company has been. Just as a sort of review of my overall experience. I'm sure it will be wonderful and am looking forward to your response. Thank you very much and take care.
Ryan
I have the same thing on my white Vaja case. There are some small bump-like features at the spot where the Vaja logo is. The line on my case is also not perfectly straight.
I remember somebody posted some time ago about his Vaja case and how the line on his is also not perfectly straight.
I sort of expected these as this is a leather case and such imperfections are in my opinion normal. These are hand crafted so I was not expecting everything to line up like something that was injection molded or something.
Sorry to hear about yours, I hope you get results from the letter that you will send.
I remember somebody posted some time ago about his Vaja case and how the line on his is also not perfectly straight.
I sort of expected these as this is a leather case and such imperfections are in my opinion normal. These are hand crafted so I was not expecting everything to line up like something that was injection molded or something.
Sorry to hear about yours, I hope you get results from the letter that you will send.
CD3660
macrumors 603
Personally I would send the case back. It was very expensive and, although these cases are handmade, this one looks shoddy and sub-standard.
Ditto. If mine would have come looking like that, I would have returned it in an instant.
lilnyc
macrumors 6502a
I got my first Vaja case this weekend. I ordered the ivolution SP with a belt clip, but have also just ordered the Crystal 2 with a strap.
Online, it looks average to me, so I really held out for a year b/c I almost bought one for my 1st gen iPhone. Now that I have it, I have no regrets.
1. Unique Factor: The iPhone is less of a novelty now with its $200 price tag. So showing off an iPhone is not the sign of prestige that it was at $600. If you want to be unique now, ut's all about what your iPhone is wearing. Vaja brings the sexy back 🙂
2. The Clip: When I lie things down, they tend to get left behind. With a clip, my iPhone stays with me, but doesn't make me look masculine with a toolbelt on my hip. I wear nice clothes, and I'm a lady. It allows me to maintain style.
3. The Wait = A unique case that not everyone has.
Online, it looks average to me, so I really held out for a year b/c I almost bought one for my 1st gen iPhone. Now that I have it, I have no regrets.
1. Unique Factor: The iPhone is less of a novelty now with its $200 price tag. So showing off an iPhone is not the sign of prestige that it was at $600. If you want to be unique now, ut's all about what your iPhone is wearing. Vaja brings the sexy back 🙂
2. The Clip: When I lie things down, they tend to get left behind. With a clip, my iPhone stays with me, but doesn't make me look masculine with a toolbelt on my hip. I wear nice clothes, and I'm a lady. It allows me to maintain style.
3. The Wait = A unique case that not everyone has.
I ordered the Vaja Ivolution SP for the iphone 3G on July 25, and I got it today. It was shipped on September 3rd, and supposed to arrive on September 5th, but it got delayed in customs in Argetina. At least that's what Fedex said when I called them. 45 days was September 7th, so they were pretty much on target.
It's orange with white stripe down the middle. It looks great. The perfect color of orange in my opinion. I'm a Clemson University alum so its my school colors. 🙂
The flap doesn't bother me at all, even when talking on the phone. And I don't think the flap looks weird when talking, it just looks like a big flip phone to me. Like others said, I can just flip it back.
Overall I'm extremely satisfied with it. The only SLIGHT defect I have is that the paint under the top clasp is chipping a little, but honestly, there is no way anyone would see that unless you looked very closely, and like others have said its probably due to friction with the sim card tray.
Finally, I can put my iphone in my pocket and not worry about the screen getting scratched. I'm very satisfied.
It's orange with white stripe down the middle. It looks great. The perfect color of orange in my opinion. I'm a Clemson University alum so its my school colors. 🙂
The flap doesn't bother me at all, even when talking on the phone. And I don't think the flap looks weird when talking, it just looks like a big flip phone to me. Like others said, I can just flip it back.
Overall I'm extremely satisfied with it. The only SLIGHT defect I have is that the paint under the top clasp is chipping a little, but honestly, there is no way anyone would see that unless you looked very closely, and like others have said its probably due to friction with the sim card tray.
Finally, I can put my iphone in my pocket and not worry about the screen getting scratched. I'm very satisfied.
lilnyc
macrumors 6502a
Great letter.
I think that they should make another for you while allowing you to hold the one you have. Of course, the one you have would suffer add'l wear and tear -- not good for re-sale. However, you don't deserve to suffer wihtout a case because you purchased a case, waited and should have received the quality promised. They should accompany your request and put more thought into quality checks.
I think that they should make another for you while allowing you to hold the one you have. Of course, the one you have would suffer add'l wear and tear -- not good for re-sale. However, you don't deserve to suffer wihtout a case because you purchased a case, waited and should have received the quality promised. They should accompany your request and put more thought into quality checks.
Thanks for the support guys. I haven't heard anything from them. I really would like to keep my case for the time being while I wait for a new one. I don't really want to be without it again. I'll be sure to update you when I do finally hear something. I kind of have a feeling I won't tho.
Great news guys! I heard from Vaja Customer Service today and they've really taken care of me. I just wanted to pass along the next few emails that were exchanged. I've heard some people complain on these boards about Vaja's customer service but they have been very accommodating with me (as you can read below) and thought my experience with them isn't through I feel confident in how they handle their products and deal with their customers! Hopefully my experience will put some of your minds at ease as it has mine. I'm sure I'll be back for more cases from them in the future.
"Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the pictures. They are being analyzed by our Product Department now, and as soon as they have passed a reply, I will contact you immediately.
Do not worry since we will find a solution for this issue.
Best regards,
Maria Cecilia"
"Ryan,
I have received a reply from our Product Department. Please let us provide an explanation about this issue. Regarding the logo, the metal emblem has two sharp flaps that pierce the leather to remain attached; you will always see the place where they are fixed since they pierce the leather.; that is the effect any pierced object makes on leather. And this is specially noticeable in lighter tones. Anyway, the logo placement should have been more neat in your case, according to our quality requirements.
What we can offer you is to replace it by the limited edition black and red, if you want, which will be back in stock these days. You will be able to get it sooner than a replacement custom unit.
If you want a new SP case, we can also offer to exchange it by the case you received. But it will take longer to get it produced.
Upon new case's reception, the original item should be returned to us for inspection
.
Please let us know if this is convenient for you
Best regards,
Maria Cecilia
Garcia Querol
Customer Care Department
www.vajachoice.com"
My reply:
"Cecilia,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply! This sounds great and I do appreciate your care with this matter and attention. I will wait to receive the Black and Red edition of the Vaja case and upon doing so I will send my original SP case back to you. Just let me know what information you may need from me and where I need to ship me case back to you once the new one arrives. I do appreciate your quick, understanding service and I can't wait to enjoy your products once it arrives. Thank you very much!
Ryan"
"Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the pictures. They are being analyzed by our Product Department now, and as soon as they have passed a reply, I will contact you immediately.
Do not worry since we will find a solution for this issue.
Best regards,
Maria Cecilia"
"Ryan,
I have received a reply from our Product Department. Please let us provide an explanation about this issue. Regarding the logo, the metal emblem has two sharp flaps that pierce the leather to remain attached; you will always see the place where they are fixed since they pierce the leather.; that is the effect any pierced object makes on leather. And this is specially noticeable in lighter tones. Anyway, the logo placement should have been more neat in your case, according to our quality requirements.
What we can offer you is to replace it by the limited edition black and red, if you want, which will be back in stock these days. You will be able to get it sooner than a replacement custom unit.
If you want a new SP case, we can also offer to exchange it by the case you received. But it will take longer to get it produced.
Upon new case's reception, the original item should be returned to us for inspection
.
Please let us know if this is convenient for you
Best regards,
Maria Cecilia
Garcia Querol
Customer Care Department
www.vajachoice.com"
My reply:
"Cecilia,
Thank you so much for your prompt reply! This sounds great and I do appreciate your care with this matter and attention. I will wait to receive the Black and Red edition of the Vaja case and upon doing so I will send my original SP case back to you. Just let me know what information you may need from me and where I need to ship me case back to you once the new one arrives. I do appreciate your quick, understanding service and I can't wait to enjoy your products once it arrives. Thank you very much!
Ryan"
My case arrived today. It sat in Argentina for 5 days before being released and then another 2 days for delivery stateside
Anyways, it's black with a red stripe. I don't see any manufacturing issues. Looks and smells great (although, I'm not one to go around routinely sniffing cases...). Fits like a glove and adds very little bulk.
The first pic may look a little orange, I tried to adjust the color on the second of the 2 pics. But in person it is bright red.
a bit orange looking...
better...
So, all-in-all a happy camper
Anyways, it's black with a red stripe. I don't see any manufacturing issues. Looks and smells great (although, I'm not one to go around routinely sniffing cases...). Fits like a glove and adds very little bulk.
The first pic may look a little orange, I tried to adjust the color on the second of the 2 pics. But in person it is bright red.
a bit orange looking...
better...
So, all-in-all a happy camper
Well, the wait is almost over, i just got an email telling me that my order has shipped from Argentina today, should get it by monday hopefully.
Btw, is it weird that i got the email after i emailed them asking about my order? I was suppose to have received it two days earlier and i'm beginning to think that they "forget" some orders..
Btw, is it weird that i got the email after i emailed them asking about my order? I was suppose to have received it two days earlier and i'm beginning to think that they "forget" some orders..
Vaja Bling!
OK, I can't resist! Just received my anniversary present- took one month, which was short of the 45 day promise...
If I uploaded the picture right, mine is dusty olive with tastefully placed white/clear SWAROVSKI Crystals that are also quite subtle. I'm not a crystal person, but this is really different, which was I was looking for! The engraving color depends on the color of the leather, so that, too, is pretty subtle. Like others, I wanted something special to house my IPHONE. Now when I grab and go, the little twinkling from the case is a nice touch and turns heads. What a geek-ette I'm turning into! 😛
OK, I can't resist! Just received my anniversary present- took one month, which was short of the 45 day promise...
If I uploaded the picture right, mine is dusty olive with tastefully placed white/clear SWAROVSKI Crystals that are also quite subtle. I'm not a crystal person, but this is really different, which was I was looking for! The engraving color depends on the color of the leather, so that, too, is pretty subtle. Like others, I wanted something special to house my IPHONE. Now when I grab and go, the little twinkling from the case is a nice touch and turns heads. What a geek-ette I'm turning into! 😛
Attachments
CD3660
macrumors 603
Nice!!! A hot geek-ette. That's good stuff. how do you know it's swarovski (edit: yes, it does say on website)? does it say anywhere on the website? I've been thinking about getting one for Wifey but I'm waiting to get one myself to see if the quality is worth >$250
Pretty... haha. I like the effect of the pink crystals on the dark leather. Not how I imagined that case to look like in person... looks much more elegant than on the site.
Wifey's Case
Well, is anything that small that houses a cell phone worth $250?? My Coach bags are more, and I use them for once season. This case is really classy, definitely protects the phone, and makes for a great gift for the wifey who has everything 🙂 Honestly, how many more bracelets or watches could he buy me, so it was a little splurge on something very different that we wouldn't normally splurge on- like a cell phone case.
With such an array of colors, it makes a great gift. My second choice would have been the one that they show(ed) with the crystals when they first made if for the 3G (it was originally only available for the original phone). Baby blue with dark etching and white crystals would look great clipped to a jeans belt loop. 🙂
Don't get the strap, get the clip- the strap is small, and in my mind it is useless. I wanted the clip, but when I ordered it, it wasn't an option on the website. After I ordered it and inquired, I was told if I already ordered the strap I couldn't get the clip. I told them the clip wasn't an option to check of but never heard from them again about it. Unfortunately, I didn't know the clip was available to begin with! Oh well.
Well, is anything that small that houses a cell phone worth $250?? My Coach bags are more, and I use them for once season. This case is really classy, definitely protects the phone, and makes for a great gift for the wifey who has everything 🙂 Honestly, how many more bracelets or watches could he buy me, so it was a little splurge on something very different that we wouldn't normally splurge on- like a cell phone case.
With such an array of colors, it makes a great gift. My second choice would have been the one that they show(ed) with the crystals when they first made if for the 3G (it was originally only available for the original phone). Baby blue with dark etching and white crystals would look great clipped to a jeans belt loop. 🙂
Don't get the strap, get the clip- the strap is small, and in my mind it is useless. I wanted the clip, but when I ordered it, it wasn't an option on the website. After I ordered it and inquired, I was told if I already ordered the strap I couldn't get the clip. I told them the clip wasn't an option to check of but never heard from them again about it. Unfortunately, I didn't know the clip was available to begin with! Oh well.
Thanks for the info!!! My wife has almost everything as well. 🙂 But she keeps the phone in her purse all the time. I'll have to buy the black n red for myself once it's back in stock to see how i like the quality. I'm very picky. If it passes my approval, then i'll most likely get it for her (hopefully here by Christmas time).
Sounds like a plan! Picky, you WILL like it, trust me. Great quality. Worth >250? That is debatable, it's smaller than a purse and doesn't do as much as a wallet. I'd say no on the price. Maybe more like 175 (like a fine leather wallet maybe). But the design, protection, and leather combined bring it damn close to its value! Enjoy!