Goods for the Study Nolita — Local services in New York

If there was a “zero” rating option, I would have used it. Be very cautious buying a fountain pen from this store. I tried a Sailor 1911L “tester” pen in the store and it wrote beautifully; so smooth. So, I purchased one. But when I first used the one I purchased at home, it wrote horribly - literally the worst fountain pen I’ve ever used, and I’ve been writing primarily with fountain pens for 40 years, and also understand a “break in” period. But this pen is ridiculous. It is like writing with a paper clip.

Sailor’s return policy is that you have to return items to the store from which you purchased them. I emailed Goods for the Study and they never responded. That in itself is telling. So I called and was told they only accept returns of unopened items within 7 days of purchase. I asked how I would know this pen is so terrible without opening and using it. I was simply told “there’s nothing they can do”.

I realize this speaks to Sailor pens also, but I wanted to make sure as many people as possible understand they are buying a fountain pen at their own risk when buying from Goods for the Study. In my case, a $380 risk that didn’t pay off. Be careful - don’t trust the in-store testers, or this store.

UPDATE 4/21/24: I want and need to now make a clear distinction between the store 'Goods for the Study' and Sailor Pens.

It took a while, but after writing directly to Sailor Pens I was contacted by their US distributor Itoya ProFolio. Through them, I returned the pen to Sailor and, guess what - it was, in fact, defective. They repaired or replaced the nib, returned it to me through Itoya ProFolio and it now writes like a beautiful, nearly $400 pen should write; like I've heard so much about Sailor Pens.

I have no issue whatsoever with Sailor Pens. But I was right - the pen was defective. So I definitely still have an issue with a store that won't even entertain the idea of helping a customer to whom they sold a defective product. I'll never go back here, that's for sure. And as I wrote at the beginning - be careful buying a pen from Goods for the Study. Maybe it's a good store to try pens; but buy...

I stopped by this past Sunday looking for a Sailor 1911 pen and I was extremely disappointed with the customer service. I rarely leave reviews but I think my experience here warrants this one. I waited outside for 15 minutes waiting to be allowed in when there was only one customer inside. Posted on the door is a sign saying 3 customers allowed at a time and they must invite you in. After being allowed in by a salesman, I waited a good 5 minutes or so before even being acknowledged by the ginger/redhead saleswoman at the counter. She was helping another customer at the time but she did not even look in my direction as I stood next to the other customer waiting for assistance. It was as if I wasn't there. After waiting patiently, I asked the other salesman if he could assist me but the girl at the counter quickly snapped at me that he was busy and to wait my turn. So she couldn't say hello but takes a few seconds to yell at me? I told her that I asked him because he did not look busy and she snidely shot back something else that I forget at the moment. She then turned back to the customer she was helping as if nothing happened. I waited another 5 minutes and finally she turned to help me. I still noted a sense of superiority in her voice as she got the pen ready for me to test. She spoke to me as if I knew nothing about fountain pens and her pretentiousness annoyed me but I put up with it because I did not want to waste 25 minutes only to leave without testing the pen. Aside from the terrible customer service, the pen was overpriced. I went to another store after this and found the same pen for $60 less, and with excellent customer service. If I could leave 0 stars for this place, I would. I'm never coming here again. Whoever the owner is, I recommend you discuss with your employees how to treat customers at least...

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to update my review as since my post the manager has properly exchange the not working pen for a working one.

Thank you,

Matthew

Original Review:

Bad customer service.

I know it was not the cashiers fault but this is what happened.

On 10/12/2018 I spend $36.47 to buy a Multi MF-20K3B pen. It was a pricey for a 3 color pen but I really liked the feel of it.

Not even two weeks after using it the black ink was completely dried out and the pencil was not working. I went back to the shop yesterday and the cashier informed me that she could order more ink and if I brought the pen she would look at it.

Today I brought it in, in the hopes that she will simply replace my damage pen. Well instead she inform me that because I do not have my original receipt, she can not do anything. I ask her if she could pull the receipt from her POS system and said no (which as an accountant that work for a near by hotel know she could actually pull a receipt). She give me an excuse that they just switch credit card system but I honestly do not believe that. So I showed her my bank information showing my account was withdrawn the amount.

She then inform me that she needed to talk to her manager next door. She came a couple minutes later and said she could not do anything as I purchased the pend 2 weeks ago. From that point I told her that I get it, it's not her fault, she is just following her manager's direction.

Having said that I feel cheated and am horrified by the way they treat their customers. I since then taken that dispute with my credit card company who refunded me my money.

Thank...