Got my MR Vader......

Hello Everyone.

I wanted to give you all a heads up on the email that will be going out tomorrow to all of our customers who purchased any of the Vader Helmets.

With regards to the Shock Troop and Clone Trooper helmets, if you have any problems with them please contact customerservice@masterreplicas.com and we will handle it for you.

The Special Ops is a more complicated issue because it has to do with plaques. We are working with our vendor and licensor and should have a solution within the next day or two. We will be getting back to you all on this shortly. We appreciate your patience.

We are very sorry to everyone who has experienced problems with the helmets. We understand how dissapointing this is to all of our customers and it is very disapointing to us as well. While we can't change anything that has happened, we can remedy the problems for you and that is what we intend to do.

The following is the email that will be going out tomorrow:

Dear Master Replicas Customer:

This letter is to provide an update to all of our customers who have ordered a Darth Vader helmet.

As you may know, Master Replicas is facing some quality issues with all editions of the Darth Vader Episode III Helmets. All shipments of the helmets have been placed on hold until these issues are resolved. This includes the Limited, Signature and Dual Signature Editions.

First, we would like to apologize for this inconvenience. We know how long many of you have been anticipating the release of this iconic prop replica. Rest assured that Master Replicas is committed to doing our best to satisfy all of our customers needs and will do whatever is necessary to rectify this problem.

Some customers may have received helmets with a small scuff mark on the top of the dome. We have thoroughly analyzed this problem and have determined that this can occur during shipping. Therefore, in order to accommodate everyone most efficiently, we are contacting everyone who has purchased a Darth Vader helmet to alert them of this potential issue.

We will be performing a 100% quality inspection of the existing stock in our warehouse. Only helmets that meet our high quality standards will be accepted and repacked properly to avoid potential damage during shipping. These will then be used as replacements for any defective helmets returned for replacement. We estimate that this inspection will take three weeks to complete, and expect to resume shipping shortly thereafter.

Additionally we have discovered that the embroidery on one of the storage bags can also scuff the helmet. This component will also be replaced for all customers.

Since the damage occurred after our inspection in the factory, there is no way to determine how many helmets were actually damaged in shipping. However, we anticipate that the inventory of quality products will accommodate all replacement requests. We will have final confirmation of the replacement inventory once our inspection is completed.

For those customers who have not yet received their helmets, please understand that all replacement requests must be processed first. We apologize for delaying your shipment further, but we are making every effort to ensure you receive the highest quality collectible possible. We will let you know in the next few weeks when helmet shipments will resume.

This replacement program is completely voluntary. However, if you are not satisfied with your helmet for any reason, Master Replicas will be delighted to provide you with a replacement or a full refund.

If you did not purchase your helmet from Master Replicas or an Authorized Retailer, we will still REPLACE your damaged helmet. We apologize that we are not able to refund your money.

If you would like a replacement for your helmet:

1. Please email darthvader@masterreplicas.com no later than Friday, February 24, 2006 to request a Replacement Authorization number. We will also provide you with complete instructions and a pre-paid return shipping label to return your helmet. Please note that we will require all of the original packaging with all of the original packing materials.

If you would like to return your helmet for a refund:

1. If you purchased your helmet directly from Master Replicas please email darthvader@masterreplicas.com no later than Friday, February 24, 2006 to request a Refund Authorization number. We will provide you with complete instructions and a pre-paid return shipping label to return your helmet. Please note that we will require all of the original packaging with all of the original packing materials. Upon receipt of your helmet, we will credit your account for the total amount charged, including shipping. This will take approximately 7-10 business days after receipt of the defective helmet.

2. If you purchased your Darth Vader Helmet from one of our Authorized Retailers, please contact them to arrange for a refund.

Once again we apologize for this inconvenience, Master Replicas will do everything in our power to remedy the situation to your satisfaction in a timely manner.

Thank You.
 
Hi JediCarl.

All helmets are on hold as of right now. Due to recent events we want to be sure we inspect them all to be sure that everyone gets a good product.

Originally posted by JediCarl@Feb 2 2006, 04:16 AM
Thanks Amy. You rule.

Will the Shock Troop helmets start shipping again or are they on hold as well?
[snapback]1173983[/snapback]​
 
Just out of curiosity, my Special Ops helmet had a blue stamp "Inspected 3" on top. The helmet has the damaged paint job, is missing the plaque, cert of auth and envelope. Is this the stamp of said MR inspector? If it is, we're in trouble.
 
Originally posted by JediCarl@Feb 2 2006, 12:16 AM
Thanks Amy. You rule.

Will the Shock Troop helmets start shipping again or are they on hold as well?
[snapback]1173983[/snapback]​

Thanks as well Amy.

-Rod
 
MRCUSTOMERCARE - quick question ...

"Paint" and "Scuff" quality control issues aside, if a helmet has "Other Issues" such as some of the reported "Manufacturing Inconsistencies" like improperly trimmed "Mouth Grills/Teeth", improperly aligned "Dome Attachments", "Warped Lenses", ect ... will these also be replaced as part of the current "Voluntary Recall"?

The reason for asking is about "Consistency", as well as "Accuracy". A true "Screen Cast Replica" constitutes consistency with the original molds, ect. Based on photo reference, as well as MR's own publicity/marketing pics, it can only be concluded that those helmets that have improperly trimmed "Teeth" are "Not" accurate. Various pictures of other customer's helmets that we've been seeing are mixed, some have "Perfect" teeth , and others do not, to varying degrees. The same goes for the different positions that some of the domes rest when locked in place (some ride higher at the bridge of the nose than others), as well as the missing "Rounded Widows Peak" on some, vs. others ... If someone wanted a "True Representation" of the movie mold casting of this helmet, one might have to buy 15 MR Vader Helmets, and attempt to pick the best of the bunch, and still may not get a true "Master Replica" of advertised lineage?

I'm not trying to nitpick, and this is not an attempt to blast MR on an open forum. This is a actually serious concern for some of us, and it hasn't been addressed yet. My wife contacted a Customer Service Rep yesterday, and was told that because these helmets are coming from multiple molds, that there are bound to be inconsistencies like this ... and it doesn't sound quite right to me. Unfortunately, she did not get their name :rolleyes

Thanks in advance ...


PM sent as well .


FP
 
Originally posted by fettpride@Feb 3 2006, 11:24 PM
MRCUSTOMERCARE - quick question ...

"Paint" and "Scuff" quality control issues aside, if a helmet has "Other Issues" such as some of the reported "Manufacturing Inconsistencies" like improperly trimmed "Mouth Grills/Teeth", improperly aligned "Dome Attachments", "Warped Lenses", ect ... will these also be replaced as part of the current "Voluntary Recall"?

The reason for asking is about "Consistency", as well as "Accuracy". A true "Screen Cast Replica" constitutes consistency with the original molds, ect. Baased photo reference, as well as MR's own publicity/marketing pics, it can only be concluded that those helmets that have improperly trimmed "Teeth" are "Not" accurate. Various pictures of other customer's helmets that we've been seeing are mixed, some have "Perfect" teeth , and others do not, to varying degrees. The same goes for the different positions that some of the domes rest when locked in place (some ride higher at the bridge of the nose than others), as well as the missing "Rounded Widows Peak" on some, vs. others ... If someone wanted a "True Representation" of the movie mold casting of this helmet, one might have to buy 15 MR Vader Helmets, and attempt to pick the best of the bunch, and still may not get a true "Master Replica" of advertised lineage?

I'm not trying to nitpick, and this is not an attempt to blast MR on an open forum. This is a actually serious concern for some of us, and it hasn't been addressed yet. My wife contacted a Customer Service Rep yesterday, and was told that because these helmets are coming from multiple molds, that there are bound to be inconsistencies like this ... and it doesn't sound quite right to me. Unfortunately, she did not get their name  :rolleyes

Thanks in advance ...


PM sent as well .


FP
[snapback]1175410[/snapback]​


Well put FP. This is also my concern. Im almost afraid to return my scuffed helmet for fear it will be replaced by a helmet that maybe perfectly painted but maybe inproperly trimmed. My helmet does have issues ranging from the top dome scratches to a more serious cheek scratch and touch up job. I would really like to to know more of the molding process and how they maintain consistency. I hope MR takes the time to check for good trimming as well.

Carl
 
Here's a sort of kik-in-the-pants update on my vader lid this morning as rec'd from customer service:

"Dear Rodney,

We are in the process of shipping out replacement Vader Helmets. We have your
name down for one but can not locate your returned helmet. Please if you
returned it send us the tracking information so we can locate it quickly.Please
let us know as soon as possible. Thank You.

Sincerely,

Jerry
Customer Service"

Yeah, gott love it, especially the fact that the link to print the return ship label is now dead on the mail sent to me from them & I didn't keep any other info (didn't think I'd need to).

If I have to go back to the shipping location to see if they can drag up the info I won't be a happy camper.

What next? :angry
 
just ordered my rots vader from northside collectibles for 644.99 shipped. waitin for it to arrive, as he had to order it from MR, at the time there were still 37 lids left, last i looked there was only 19 now.
 
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