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Dave

03/10/2010 02:36 PM CST

Eh, come again?

Denny

03/11/2010 07:45 PM CST

Dave,

It's all about the warranty. Knock offs don't live up to the real thing. Whoever buys one will buy 3 more before he know's it. He'll then realize he should have bought the real deal. As soon as I can afford a bag I'll buy one, then I'll give it to my son who's due this April. Guys need an heirloom too.

Dave

03/12/2010 08:52 AM CST

Oh, whew! I thought Dave Munson had a hit put out on him.

Todd

03/13/2010 02:17 PM CST

I hate to disagree Denny, but its about more than the warranty. Yes, some of those who by 3 will realize, but some will just complain.

Just look at what happened at the Olympics. They utilized an inferior ice resurfacing product which broke down. Everyone said the 'Zambonis' broke down when in fact it was Zamboni's competitor. You have to protect your brand...

Jack

03/13/2010 07:42 PM CST

Is there a club where you hire enough people to make sure you have inventory? I've been looking for a large suitcase for awhile now, and apparently whatever club you're in isn't able to make them. Focus dude.

Jonathan

03/15/2010 02:49 PM CDT

Whoa, "Jack", this is an exclusive club and Dave is THE MAN, not just some "dude". Small businesses that take their time to do things right and use the highest quality supplies sometimes run out. Try Walmart.com - they never run out and you'd probably look better in naugahyde anyway.

jody

03/16/2010 01:36 PM CDT

which is why i will buy from this site only. not everyone is as honest and provides such great work ethic with a sturdy product!

Steve

03/17/2010 10:29 AM CDT

I noticed an almost identical "Saddleback" briefcase on eBay months ago. Shipped from China. Hmmm... On closer inspection (of the website) it was clearly not a Saddleback Leather Company product. They had everything appearance-wise down to the rivets but you could tell it wasn't the genuine item. They had done their homework but they haven't paid their dues.

Not to worry. Anyone buying a knock-off just doesn't get it, so to speak.

Richard Williams

03/17/2010 11:16 AM CDT

Hey, I posted a positive review and comment yesterday - why wasn't it posted?

Jon

03/22/2010 09:39 PM CDT

Thank you for making these bags!

Any recommendations on a good leather jacket company? I want my son's son to inherit a good jacket along with my bag!

Stuart

03/25/2010 03:36 PM CDT

Knock-offs are a SERIOUS problem. The company I work for manufactures outdoor power equipment, and we've found exact replicas of some of our units copied down to the level of replicating parts with holes drilled that no longer serve a purpose (that our Engineers need to update!). You can buy OUR replacement parts and they'll fit/work perfectly with on the knock-off. Sad reality of life when there's so much income disparity in the world. Quality and service win out in the end though, and I wouldn't trade any of my Saddleback pieces for anything at any price.

Ryan

03/26/2010 03:31 PM CDT

They might be able to knock off the look of the bag (at first glance), but nobody can knock off the SBL family or culture that you've created.

Tom Farano

03/31/2010 07:40 PM CDT

Dave,

I purchased one of your bags back in June 2009 for my son as he was graduating from high school. He loves the bag and now he is in college in Maryland and the students there are all commenting on the bag. Today I purchased a bag for myself. Your product is second to none. Well worth the price....

Keep up the excellent work!!!!!!

A Friend in New York

Adam

04/04/2010 12:38 PM CDT

Dave, I saw these too on eBay, coming out of Malaysia and using the brand name "LederMann" (I won't mention the guy's eBay user ID). He is using the same color "Dark Coffee Brown" to describe the bags and even some of the same description, ripped more or less directly from your site. The briefcases especially have been copied almost exactly, at least cosmetically. I guess it's inevitable that when a product is wildly successful, that there will be those that are less than ethical willing to produce an inferior, cheaper product in order to make a quick buck. I feel sorry (not really) for the person that buys one. After all, although they are works of art, looks only one aspect of what SBL products are all about. P.S. - Do you have any recourse against folks who so blatantly copy these products? I know first hand that Ebay is usually pretty strict about issues such as this.

mark R.

04/05/2010 11:20 AM CDT

Hi Dave:
I love your products. I have the saddle brief case, overnight bag, and just ordered the notebook holder-all in chestnut.

I thought I would make a quick suggestion on a product I would buy and am confident lots of other people would as well. As an attorney, and a gadget hound, I may soon be getting an ipad. However, I still need to take notes at meetings,etc. Therefore, why not combine your notebook holder with an ipad holder. On one side-ipad, on the other, notebook, and have space for pens/business cards, etc. Then have some kind of a flap that closes the two sides together?
Thx!
Mark

Dave T.

04/05/2010 10:12 PM CDT

I saw the knockoffs, even considered one to be perfectly honest, but I just bought one of yours. I think it was "buy the best, cry once" that echoed as I considered trying to save a few bucks and realized how much money I've spent "saving" over the years trying to cheap out, ending up regretting it.

I hope you'll address the "knock-off" issue on your website, emphasizing how imitation is a form of flattery but also that, while they've copied your style, they don't have your track record, your quality of leather, nor your honesty. (notice how many knockoffs claim to be 'original designs' or "inspired by the cavalry")

In other words, while this might be a scary moment to a small business owner whose family has "skin" in the game, it might be a gift in the long run. Easy for me to say, I guess, but viewing them and realizing that they didn't measure up (and wouldn't end up being addressed in the will) is what brought me back to your site.

I'm drinking a Sam Adams as we speak and I once read that "life is too short to drink cheap beef." Maybe you could add a tab and a marketing slogan about life being too short for cheap imitations?

Anyway, I get my bag next week and I'm glad you started this "club."

Dave T.

04/09/2010 10:25 PM CDT

I meant "cheap beer" above, not "cheap beef" (which is good but not good to drink as it presents a choking hazard) I guess the effect of the beer was kicking in, but it wasn't the cheap kind.

Bob

04/15/2010 09:30 AM CDT

Hey Dave,

It seems the number of look-a-likes on ebay growing. To keep the Saddleback family growing (and humored) and perhaps keep some of the fringe/potential members loyal - you could buy a few of the bags and do some side by side torture testing with your bags?

It seems they claim to have all the goodies your bags offer...down the to #0 line and the false bottom...however I doubt they have the same durability and deep tanning yours have... Perhaps some video testing uploaded to youtube would be a great way to showcase the real deal vs the duds?

It would be very entertaining to watch (and probably perhform) at the very least....perhaps, throwing their bag and yours into the jaws of some pitbulls/alligators...ooh maybe chum the water and stuff some fish heads in the bags and see how well they deal with a shark attack? :-D....maybe, fill the bags up with lumber/gravel/rocks and drag them behind your FJ50, driving fast enough that they bounce around instead of just dragging and see how they look after 5-10 miles? I'm sure someone would be willing to shell out bucks for the roadrashed and shark attack survival bags ;-)

I'm sure there are other interesting tests you and everyone else out there can think of... so if its cool with you Dave...Readers please post your torture test ideas :-D

Kevin

05/10/2010 10:09 AM CDT

If I had ever heard of you guys I don't remember it. But I read the piece in Inc, and I said "oh crap that's the best damned tagline ever." I bought an iPad case immediately. Haven't even received my iPad yet, but I'll now have something FAR more interesting than technology boasting when people drool over the iPad. Screw the technolgy, friend. My kids will fight over the case when I die. That's brilliant. Here's hoping I live long enough that there's no reason for them to fight over the iPad.

Matthew miller

05/13/2010 10:36 AM CDT

Hello Dave and the Family,

I concur with most of the postings here. I started only a week ago looking into your bags for the first time. I work for Apple but I am not rich. I admit to looking for a used bag on e-bay and noticed the knock offs. I was frightened! I knew there was then no way to get your product for sure on the e-bay. So yesterday I finally ordered two bags (my first) from here.

Never forget why you are in this game.. You can imitate original art but you can't be the original artist. I have not had this much anticipation for a purchase in a long time. The fake bags seeing them sealed the deal with your website in my eyes. Keep up the awesome work!

-Matthew-

Chris

05/13/2010 10:48 PM CDT

Do you make belts? I can't find a decent leather belt anywhere that is worth anything. All they make is cheap designer crap these days that can't hold up to anything. Regards.

coach handbags

05/19/2010 10:33 PM CDT

What a great post! Just one suggestion:If you add some pics, it would be easiler to follow!

Will Hill

05/20/2010 12:35 PM CDT

El Presidente Dave,
I'm with Chris on that question of do you make belts. I cannot find a good manly leather belt anywhere that's worth buying. Since I know you have the best quality of products out there in the entire world, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a belt from you. Let us know please!

Thank you,
Will Hill

Daniel

05/29/2010 05:33 AM CDT

Funny.. I wasn't sure about the posting you were all talking about until today when it showed up under eBay's "Recommended based on past browsing" window.. Imagine my laughter upon reading the following details, quoted verbatim from the seller's page:

"1. Avoid being exposed to the Sun or wind for too long a time, no dust or rain water, or the genuine leather may turn hard and dark. Best maintain way is to wipe the water and dirt on the bag with a dry towel, clean it with some leather detergent, and then oil it before put it in a dry and shadow place.

2. Avoid carrying heavy stuff or the leather may be twisted and the bag gets shapeless. Far from sharp stuff, or there may be multi-shaving traces.

3. Far from fire, pressure, and tinder."

So basically... the bag is no good for any activity that a customer of Saddleback is likely to require the bag for. Hilarious.

BTW, got my color-matched luggage tag today. I noticed there was a little extra in there.. thanks! Glad to be a member of the Saddleback family.

Bob Fleege

06/10/2010 08:27 AM CDT

They can knock off your product but they can not knock off your quality, attention to detail or warranty. But just the same, it's an unfaltering compliment. Welcome to the Club.

Steve Stults

06/10/2010 11:45 PM CDT

Hey Dave:

I ordered what I'm sure will be a very good bag from a competitor, but it won't be as good as yours. I'm just a bit too poor for your club !

But you definitely have the coolest website on the net. . .you sound almost as unconventional as me. I couldn't picture you or I working for a corporation ( yuck ).

P.S.: I cried when I read your story about your dog, Blue. No shame, either.

Steve

Ben

06/15/2010 11:18 PM CDT

Are you sure you've been properly knocked off? I've discovered your backpacks at a time when my taste exceeds my available cash. I've googled till I'm tired and STILL can't find anything even RESEMBLING your products. Guess I'll either have to wait a few months or get luck on ebay.

Ben

Dave Rubin

06/28/2010 05:24 PM CDT

Dear Dave,

The quality of workmanship, the look of the finish product, the time, tears, sweat and hard work put into each decision, bag, pouch, etc. make your products far above the rest. I have three of your products (Messenger, pouch and brief case) and I LOVE them! Each is a work of art and I never have to worry about them disintegrating or falling apart.

Furthermore, you are the only person that I know of in the world today as a manufacturer who GIVES a GURANTEE which is a LIFETIME GUARANTEE! What a guy!

Now that I have viewed the site as of today and see more great stuff, I guess I will just have to break down and buy a few pieces! Oh the horror! Oh the agony! Oh the FUN!

So take it from me my friend, just keep on going and you will go down in history as not only a great man but a great CRAFTSMAN!

Your California friend,

David

Anthony

07/16/2010 04:02 PM CDT

I also cannot find a decent belt that will last more than 6 months with daily wear!
I must have bought 15 belts so far in my 31 year lifetime!!! HELP!

I'm in for black and dark coffee brown belts for sure - make 'em real thick and as wide as will fit into jeans!

Amir

07/17/2010 09:25 AM CDT

Dave,

I'm normally not the type of person that leaves comments online, but I felt compelled to share my unfortunate experience with buying a knock off so other buyers can beware.

I wanted an XL briefcase, but couldn't pay as much as you have it listed here for. I went to eBay and purchased for $300 the Rustic Leather brand bag, which appears to be an identical bag in design to yours. However, when I received it, the leather quality was nowhere near the quality of Saddleback Leather. Your leather has more heft than theirs.

I learned my lesson the hard way and wanted to share it with anyone else who is considering purchasing a knock off.

Gary

07/21/2010 10:20 PM CDT

Hi Dave,

I just had to post some comments concerning the large bifold wallet purchased a while back from Saddleback Leather. NOTHING has come close to the craftsmanship, the durability, and the awesomeness of this wallet. I've had many wallets in that I purchased over the years (Coa&ch, Luis Vitton and even a custom wallet from Bill Wall). I just donated to the JDRF and got one of those cool bracelets (in coffe-brown I must say. And I have my eyes on one of the overnight bags for my b'day. Thanks Dave for making the best leather products on the market.

Pat

07/30/2010 08:07 PM CDT

Hi Dave,

Just wanted to shout out. Got to love your lifetime warranty on your products.

Keep it up guys!