Best Place To Buy Visconti?

[stephl]

've only been a "fountain pen nut" for a week or two, but I've been visiting web sites since before most folks here knew the World Wide Web existed, and yours is the first pen/ink/paper-related site that I've visited (three dozen others?) that evoked the response I posted.

 

You obviously have not been on the Montblanc site much.... Now THAT is pretty over practical right there... Full flash site with intros on EVERY page... Wait until you have a good half hour to browse that one...

 

I hear you. The Montblanc site is one of the worst because of all the flash animation. Mind you, Visconti's section on Limited Edition fountain pens is weird as well. The pens scroll at the bottom, but they are not full size. You sort of have to guess which pen is scrolling, then click on it fast enough, then you get a full rendering.

 

Stephan

[kanajlo]

Please... Can you tell me how to improve the web site so I can gain your business? What would make it a better usable web site?

Thanks,

Bryant

 

It's not such a good idea to mention cold fusion. Many people consider the term synonymous with bad science.

[tanalasta]

On my part, I meant no offense to Bryant or his business. I am new to the FP world and have a question. Why is it a common practice to not post prices and email them instead? (Sorry to hijack)

 

Several of the high-end manufactures (e.g. Montblanc) don't allow their prices to be directly posted on a website. I can't say I understand (or necessarily agree with) why they do it that way, but whatever. It's not something Bryant decided on his own. On the flip side, any site you see with listed prices (at least as far as MB goes) isn't an authorized seller, or won't be for much longer if the manufacture finds out.

 

(edited for OCD-ness)

 

I don't speak for Bryant but TWRDO is correct. Neither Visconti or MontBlanc prices are often posted on other websites like the FountainPenHospital. Manufacturers and retailers probably also don't like to actively post their 'discounted' prices, especially as it may take away business from Brick & Mortar stores. For instance, FPH and Pentime usually sell reputable pens, with warranty at lower than RRP.

 

That said, Bryant is an authorised Visconti (and other) retailer who has quite close ties with Visconti and Dante (Visconti's head) and you can see he has a number of VIsconti exclusives. His customer service is prompt, pleasant and his aftersales service even better. Bry will even send your pens to MikeitWork for customisation if you wish at cost.

 

Happy customer. No affiliation. Happy repeat customer at that.

 

Bryant, your website is pretty but the scrolling ads - is there any way to scroll or pause them?

 

Others: You navigate Bry's site using the drop down menus.

Edited October 15, 2010 by tanalasta

[Susanna]

For my part, I always wonder why prices are not posted on a website - especially if you have to provide your email for the price.

 

In this case, it's because Visconti has strictly forbidden authorized dealers to show discounted prices. It's not elegant. (their words: really, they think that way!)

 

 

I've been visiting web sites since before most folks here knew the World Wide Web existed

May I ask you to visit mine, too, and tell me what should I improve too? Please, I'd really appreciate it. (For using your words, I have been selling pens through my website since before most folks knew the World Wide Web existed - at least here in Italy!)

[RMN]

 

 

In this case, it's because Visconti has strictly forbidden authorized dealers to show discounted prices. It's not elegant. (their words: really, they think that way!)

 

 

 

Does this mean that they are allowed to show the factory advised price?

 

D.ick

[Bryant]

 

 

I don't speak for Bryant but TWRDO is correct. Neither Visconti or MontBlanc prices are often posted on other websites like the FountainPenHospital. Manufacturers and retailers probably also don't like to actively post their 'discounted' prices, especially as it may take away business from Brick & Mortar stores. For instance, FPH and Pentime usually sell reputable pens, with warranty at lower than RRP.

 

That said, Bryant is an authorised Visconti (and other) retailer who has quite close ties with Visconti and Dante (Visconti's head) and you can see he has a number of VIsconti exclusives. His customer service is prompt, pleasant and his aftersales service even better. Bry will even send your pens to MikeitWork for customisation if you wish at cost.

 

Happy customer. No affiliation. Happy repeat customer at that.

 

Bryant, your website is pretty but the scrolling ads - is there any way to scroll or pause them?

 

Others: You navigate Bry's site using the drop down menus.

 

 

Thanks for your comments!

As for the scrolls... No, the special offers you can click specials and it will show them. The main scroll is 5 pens, mainly the last 5 Ive added...

 

In this case, it's because Visconti has strictly forbidden authorized dealers to show discounted prices. It's not elegant. (their words: really, they think that way!)

 

 

 

Does this mean that they are allowed to show the factory advised price?

 

D.ick

 

 

Yes, you can list the MSRP.

Cheers!

Bry

 

 

[Pippin60]

ditto, dittlo, ditto ... Pentime

[kushbaby]

Just being redundant and saying... + 1,000,000 for buying from Bryant. I've had a lot of very good pen buying experiences from both retailers and individuals on FPN, and could favorably comment on many, but I'd have to say, Bryant has been one of the very best. Best prices for many pens, and most importantly, fantastic customer service. If the same pen were being sold at the same price, I'd pick Bryant over others any day, on the strength of my experiences. *Especially* Visconti.

 

The only downside is that you may become a Bryant addict, leading to EWS (empty wallet syndrome)...

 

:thumbup:

[jcaramis]

Just one more positive for pentime and Bryant. I own two Visconti's (including a HS) both of which I purchased from Bryant. The service and prices were simply unbeatable. And if you don't like his website, just send him an email. That is what I did when I had some questions purchasing my first Visconti and he was incredibly friendly and helpful.

 

If I'm buying a pen and he carries it, I'll buy it from him. Nuff said.

[Deirdre]

I love buying from Bryant, but I do also try to spread some purchases around and buy from places like Bittner and Fahrney's and Swisher's too. Not that I have a lot of purchases at the moment; I'm back in grad school again.

[Ghost Plane]

And a nice word for Fountain Pen Hospital, who helped me track down a parcel FedEx managed to misdeliver at the wrong house number on the wrong street. :bonk: Absolute sweethearts

[psych_ink]

Without reservation: Bryant Greer from Pentime.com

[gkterry]

Bryant!

[fuchsiaprincess]

Without reservation: Bryant Greer from Pentime.com

 

Another vote for Bryant

[youstruckgold]

OK.

 

1. to return to the question at hand - which is where to buy a Homo Sapien (minus slavery jokes), if you're looking for a new one, most reputable dealers are going to be fine (although a nice trip to Florence - Visconti's home - would not go astray!).

 

2. if you're looking for a Homo Sapien that could be new or used, most reputable dealers on ebay are also good - and likely to be a little cheaper if you've done your homework

 

3. To the extended topic: Yes, Bryant is indeed reputable! I have a number of pens from him and his service is top-notch. His Chatterley pen LE's are just beautiful, his understanding of people's own preferences is great (ie. he listens), and in the unlikely event you have any issues with the product, these are resolved beautifully and to his total credit.

 

4. Bryant's web site is fine for me (just a bit picture-heavy and therefore takes a little while to download with my less-than-optimal broadband speed)

 

5. Giardino's site is fine too (Pens.it, I love my Stipula Giardino!) although the site could be a little less "department store-like", and have a little more personality to it (but don't ask me how to do that! :blink: )

 

6. I also particularly like Nibs.com - but they're not really a place for Viscontis.

 

 

 

 

 

[writepen]

I was just wondering what the best place to purchase Visconti pens at decent prices in the US? My friend wanted to get a homo sapiens FP. I know in Michigan only paradise pens sells them...

 

He was looking at the Van Gogh Maxi and Homo Sapiens models?

 

Thanks.

Bryant from Chatterley Pens.

 

1.Best prices

2.Best and most reliable service

3.He is a FPN member

4.Sweet guy

 

http://www.pentime.com/

Not able to send pm

 

I'll take your word for the vendor, but that is a terrible web site from a usability point of view and because of that I'm afraid he won't bet getting any of my business.

 

Please... Can you tell me how to improve the web site so I can gain your business? What would make it a better usable web site?

Thanks,

Bryant

[rogerb]

I have to say that, if I were buying from a store/website/whatever with an excellent reputation for prices, customer service and general 'niceness', I would not be put-off by the 'fixtures and fittings' or 'ease of entry', although I would probably mention that to them whilst buying

It would, IMO, just be 'cutting-off my nose to spite my face'...... like saying "I didn't buy because the salesman wore brown shoes"

 

Oh, and by the way, I, too, am a happy customer of Pentime.

Edited January 16, 2011 by rogerb

[physicsgirl]

I have to say that, if I were buying from a store/website/whatever with an excellent reputation for prices, customer service and general 'niceness', I would not be put-off by the 'fixtures and fittings' or 'ease of entry', although I would probably mention that to them whilst buying

It would, IMO, just be 'cutting-off my nose to spite my face'...... like saying "I didn't buy because the salesman wore brown shoes"

 

Oh, and by the way, I, too, am a happy customer of Pentime.

 

+1 Bryant is super nice and has great deals on his pens!

[Miranda]

Now I need a MAN!!!!! I need a Homo Sapien!

 

The one very beautiful Visconti pen I have bought from Bryant was a great transaction, but Fuschia Princess gets –1 for enticing me into buying a very expensive pen.

[fuchsiaprincess]

Moi? Which pen did you buy?