Problems Ordering Nakaya Pen From Classic Fountain Pens

[Triplet Mom]

Has anyone else had problems ordering Nakaya fountain pens from Classic Fountain Pens lately? I placed an order for the Shiro-tamenuri Deskpen last week, BEFORE the Nakaya price increases went into effect, that is clearly listed both in the availability chart and on the pen information page for $450. But, Laurence from Sales is refusing to honor that price despite several email exchanges. He is saying that the pen will actually cost $650, although nowhere on the website is that price listed. I feel this is a deceptive pricing practice. I thought John Mottishaw ran a more reputable company than this. I've bought several pens from them over the years without any issues. After this profoundly disappointing and frustrating experience, I'm hesitant to order any future pens from Classic Fountain Pens now.

[dapprman]

Did they have the pen you wanted in stock ? When I bought my Portable Writer from SFPG a month ago I actually asked if ordering one from Nakaya through them would be at the pre or post July 1st price rise. I got the impression that trade are not charged on order, but further down the line as the reply I got to my question was

Yes, prices will change form the first of July and they change considerably. For the Kanji you must add €30.

If you order a heki with a kanji it will be crafted and charged with the new prices. Prices on my website will also change form the 1st of July

 

I was also told the waiting time was 4-12 months depending on model and finish and that what I wanted was normally 4-6 months.

Edited July 4, 2016 by dapprman

[jar]

The listing of what is actually in stock is only accurate as of the last time they updated the website. If it was not in stock regardless of what was shown in the table then it simply was not in stock and will need to be at the new price level.

 

Not at all sure I see anything wrong in what you have presented so far. It's unfortunate you could not get it at the lower price but such things happen.

 

Try asking to speak to John himself.

[Triplet Mom]

Did they have the pen you wanted in stock ?.

Yes. This pen is available and currently in stock.

Edited July 4, 2016 by Triplet Mom

[pen2paper]

Yes. This pen is available and currently in stock.

I just looked, and it still states the pen per your description is still in stock.

 

 

Were it me, (wish it was > content just to gaze at Nakaya Platinum on blue), I'd phone and ask about the discrepancy.

 

Hope it works out well in the end.

 

If you want this pen, then persist with a detailed inquiry about the website & salesperson discrepancy. I easily saw the website listing per your description. Salespersons are also working from other information too. There's obviously confusion with price change dates. Perhaps in their international communications too. Directly from those I know who've bought from John, the reputation is solid.

Edited July 5, 2016 by pen2paper

[Brian C]

I've had incredible difficulty recently. I ordered a Nakaya that is listed as available. I couldn't get them to send me an invoice. After a bit of email back and forth and seeing that the pen I originally was trying to get was now listed as out of stock I gave them a call. I had the lady (I didn't get her name) read of their available pens and selected one. I got an invoice the next day saying the pen wasn't available and would take several months to order. I called again to find out what was going on and was told that that pen was no longer available. I selected another available pen. I did get an invoice for that pen and paid for it. I later received an invoice for the original pen that I tried to order. As it was still a day before the price hike I responded that I would purchase that one as well. I haven't heard back. I think the price increase is causing them some issues.

[nekomuffchu]

Probably just confusion on nibs.com end with the price increases. The desk pens and pens with special finishes have not increased in price.

 

This is the same in Japan. At Itoya in Ginza, the Kuro Tamenuri desk pen is still 45,000 yen, while the long, portable, decapod etc have increased in price.

Edited July 5, 2016 by nekomuffchu

[Katduffy]

Did they send you an invoice when you ordered? I don't think they consider an order official until you approve their invoice. Nibs.com offered me several options to make sure they could get me the nib I wanted on the Omas Milord I ordered when Omas went out of business.

[ink-syringe]

how hard would it be to just update the site with "call for current price" added till the transition is done?

[Triplet Mom]

Did they send you an invoice when you ordered?.

Yes, that is where I identified the price discrepancy. The invoice had the price at $650, not $450. I sent them the same supporting screen shots that I have posted here and have been basically told by Laurence in Sales that's it's just too bad. They won't honor the price that they have advertised on their own website. I would have even been happy to split the price difference if this is just a simple human error, but he made no effort to amicably resolve this discrepancy. I will never buy from their website again.

[pen2paper]

Yes, that is where I identified the price discrepancy. The invoice had the price at $650, not $450. I sent them the same supporting screen shots that I have posted here and have been basically told by Laurence in Sales that's it's just too bad. They won't honor the price that they have advertised on their own website. I would have even been happy to split the price difference if this is just a simple human error, but he made no effort to amicably resolve this discrepancy. I will never buy from their website again.

I urge you to persist to resolve this by sending your emails with dates and times and this screenshot to service at nibs.com.

Note that your screen shot does show the Shiro-tamenuri Deskpen as "a" available at $450, in your screenshot, and also when I viewed it Yesterday. Which is very likely a website issue. And a reason to pleasantly pursue the issue.

 

What I understand is that there was a website notification of the price change that was both date and time sensitive. The order was required to be Submitted, Received, and Approved by 1pm on Thursday June 30, 2016. The ordering business then would be complete by no later than 5PM at their end of their business day. I am not sure what Approval entails, perhaps verification of payment information supplied? If so, then perhaps there was a cyber glitch in payment approval? If so, there should have been some sort of notice, so you could act on this?

If all the dates, times, calls can be verified step by step, will some good old fashioned person to person communication, you may wind up Euphoric with your deskpen. (hope so )

[Triplet Mom]

UPDATE...just got off the phone with John Mottishaw. He was so kind and willing to sell me the pen at $450 price as advertised. I was so touched by his personal phone call and willingness to work with me, that I offered to split the difference in the contested amount. I am now getting this beautiful pen for $550, and my confidence in Classic Fountain Pens has been restored. Special thanks to pen2paper for also calling CFP to help me straighten this out!

 

Lynne

[mallymal1]

Nice one, Lynne... and nice one, John Mottishaw.

[pen2paper]

Yay! Great news! So glad this is resolving so well.

 

TM is not given to drama, so reading her issue, comparing the current website, it was clear there was a simple website + communication issue.

 

Having someone else hear and see this was the next step.

 

Michael was so pleasant on the phone, listening, carefully explaining required purchase details, asking questions.. at the conclusion I thought after the facts are reviewed this will all work out.

 

- if Michael and John see this, Warm Thanks!

[GardenWeasel]

Awesome good news!

[geoduc]

I'm happy this was resolved for you, Triplet Mom. Congrats on your beautiful new pen.

 

I've been a CFP customer for many years and have always been happy with their service. I'm glad that John was willing to stand up and make things right.

[jar]

John really is nice to work with.

[Mattishme]

John and MIchael are both great. I am glad this was resolved amicably.