Curious About Bento

[Wolverine666]

NOTE : Understand that this is not a bash thread. Just a curiosity thread.

Why doesn't Bento Box Shop let you return knives and why don't they do QC checks on their knives before they ship them to customers ? I don't get it. They must be somewhat reputable since Spyderco has made for them the infamous M390 Para Military2 Sprint Run , right ? But no QC checks or returns ? That's just odd.

These two issues do not inspire confidence when researching where to buy from. For me at least.

[Alchemy1]

I have no clue about your business practice questions other than the fact that it's their business and they can run it how they want. However, as far as Spyder dealing with them. As far as I know anyone who has the cash can start an exclusive run of knives.

[Wolverine666]

I have no clue about your business practice questions other than the fact that it's their business and they can run it how they want. However, as far as Spyder dealing with them. As far as I know anyone who has the cash can start an exclusive run of knives.

Well my business practice questions refer to the fact(s) that Bento does not offer QC checking or returns. Almost every other reputable dealer I have dealt with (or even heard of) offers both. It seems to be an industry standard in the retail game. And the fact that what I would get from them , whether it be perfect or imperfect , is what I'm stuck with. It makes me avoid that site since it's just luck of the draw. No thanks.

So I think it's odd that Bento offers neither of the above. Plain and simple.

[Alchemy1]

Completely agree. I'm just saying it's America and you can run a business any way you want to. Even if you want to run it into the ground...see the banking/housing industry.

[flash900]

I also find those practices off-putting.
But since I'm not a fan of their pricing, I haven't found the need to put their practices to the test.

[The Deacon]

Yes, it's odd, but there are a lot of odd things in this world. Maybe they got tired of getting knives back with "defects" which could only be seen under 20X magnifcation. Maybe they're just lazy. Maybe they feel QC is Spyderco's responsibility, not theirs. If there's a genuine issue with a knife, Spyderco will fix or replace it under their warranty so the customer isn't really getting burned. There's no guarantee someone with the money to commission a Sprint Run will meet your personal standards, or mine. Simplest solution if a dealer does not meet yours is to spend your money elsewhere, at least that's what I do.

[dj moonbat]

Well, they probably satisfy three conditions to varying extents:

1. Their fulfillment system isn't set up in a way that allows the system to be automated to any significant degree, and;
2. They don't want to spend their time shuttling knives (or pictures of knives) back and forth between the customer and the knife maker in an effort to work out the problem.
3. They don't want to eat the costs of returns.

[sir_mike]

I am not bashing Bento but I believe that they dont want the hassle or extra time spent to QC them or take returns. Based on their prices for the M390 compared to other sprints, I would say they are just in it for the mighty dollar....This might be why that sprint run has not sold out but I dont know for sure. Just my 2 cents!

[mikerestivo]

I have ordered once from Bento and had a great experience, so I personally cannot bash them by any stretch. I have stated before that their business model is not my favorite, as I don't like the lack of contact information on the site. As far as no returns and no QC checks? It's just another odd thing about Bento that I don't like so much. They have a lot of cool knives that I like. If they have another exclusive that I want, I would order from them again and (and hope that I didn't have a problem).

[Wolverine666]

Completely agree. I'm just saying it's America and you can run a business any way you want to. Even if you want to run it into the ground...see the banking/housing industry.

Yes you're right. I guess anyone can do business anyway they choose. Such is life.

[Wolverine666]

I am not bashing Bento but I believe that they dont want the hassle or extra time spent to QC them or take returns. Based on their prices for the M390 compared to other sprints, I would say they are just in it for the mighty dollar....This might be why that sprint run has not sold out but I dont know for sure. Just my 2 cents!

That's a very good point about the M390 Para2 Sprint not being sold out yet. And as much as I would like to own it , there's no way I would feel comfortable ordering from them.

But it does make me appreciate the truly reputable sites that offer great Spydercos with great customer service.

[mattman]

Howes doesn't take returns either, iirc...

But, since neither of them ships to NY, I don't have to worry either way.

[michaelm466]

This is the reason (besides price) I have only bought 2 knives from them, both BBS exclusives (m4 manix and m390 pm2) otherwise I go with CS usually because I know Jeff will QC my knife for me, he even writes a note that he did in fact QC the knife and puts it in the box, and every spyderco or BM I've gotten from him was absolutely perfect.

[chuck_roxas45]

That's a very good point about the M390 Para2 Sprint not being sold out yet. And as much as I would like to own it , there's no way I would feel comfortable ordering from them.

But it does make me appreciate the truly reputable sites that offer great Spydercos with great customer service.

Amen! Cough!Howe's!Cough!

[JNewell]

Yes, it's odd, but there are a lot of odd things in this world. Maybe they got tired of getting knives back with "defects" which could only be seen under 20X magnifcation. Maybe they're just lazy. Maybe they feel QC is Spyderco's responsibility, not theirs. If there's a genuine issue with a knife, Spyderco will fix or replace it under their warranty so the customer isn't really getting burned.There's no guarantee someone with the money to commission a Sprint Run will meet your personal standards, or mine. Simplest solution if a dealer does not meet yours is to spend your money elsewhere, at least that's what I do.

My guess is that Paul hit it in the red text above.

I've only bought two knives from them, but both were perfect and shipped very quickly with professional, prompt and courteous emails answering my questions.

John

[Donut]

Another odd thing about them is that when you email them, the person you talk to is called Bento Box Shop.

[jzmtl]

You mean there isn't a guy named Bento Shop whose middle name happens to be Box?

[Bearcat1]

I bought two knives from BBS. I bought the PM2 in CF in S90V. I also bought the blue PM2 in M390. Both experiences went fine and both knives were in great condition. I get concerned when I buy a Sprint run that if you had to return it to Golden they could most likely not replace it since the Sprint run is depleted. So if the knife is in a condition where you would like it replaced you are stuck between a rock and a hard place. Granted this is probably a very rare occurrence but the thought crossed my mind this could happen. At least if BBS would take returns they could make it right with a replacement they have on had.

I realize it is their business and they run it the way they want to. I still prefer to buy from Jeff at CS whenever I can.

Jeff

[Wolverine666]

I do like that M390 Para2. But not enough to gamble $180 on whether or not it will be perfect. Now I'm mad at myself for not pre-ordering on of those green G10 Para2 Sprints from KW.

[Slash]

I could be incorrect but I do believe paypal and your cc will overide any purchase your are not satisfied with if the item sold was defective and I'm not referring to just minor cosmetic stuff. mechanical defects and major problems with the finish, etc...