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Why isn't Zen Ray fixing customer service? (1 Viewer)

S

scott63

Active member
I have purchased 3 different bins from Zen-Ray, and I've been extremely happy with them. So much so, that I have recommended them to at least a dozen people, and I know for a fact 3 people that have purchased their products.

One of those who purchased from Zen-Ray several years ago had a warranty issue a couple years ago. He sent in the bins and was sent a new pair within a week, despite the fact that the problem was his fault and he clearly told them it was his fault. He is a customer for life now.

Another person that followed my recommendation had to send an item back for repair this year. He complained to me a few months later that he hadn't had ANY communication from ZR, I was completely shocked! Then I look here and see that this is actually the norm and not an aberration. He did finally get the item back, after becoming a complete PIA to them. It is seemingly repaired, but no note explaining what was done or if anything had in fact been done at all. The real kicker? The item was wrapped in a T-shirt in the original box, and not even a new t-shirt! WTH!?

Compare this to another friend who went with Vortex. He had a problem, called them and they actually fed ex'd him a replacement telling him to send the defective item back with the included RA slip.

So what the heck it going on? I really love the products I have purchased, but after reading about the abysmal CS here and with my friend it is causing me to quite literally recommend their competition, which I genuinely feel bad doing.

If the people working for ZR occasionally read these posts why aren't they fixing this? Why don't they read about the Vortex CS and model their own after Vortex?
Does anybody (members or mods) have direct communication with the ZR staff about this?
Thanks,
Scott
 
Years ago I would read the posts from Charles and figured he was going places with this product. Perhaps they are overwhelmed. Or maybe an illness in the immediate family? I am not making excuses though.

They still have a facebook page up. Maybe try them there for some answers?
 
Their most recent post on FB is from 8 months ago! apparently they are not paying much attention to their page..... I did send them a PM.
 
I sent them a pm on FB several days ago, but apparently they don't check it often. Very disappointing considering how much I like the product. Oh well I guess thats why some companies succeed and others fail....
 
I wanted to let people know that Jennifer from Zen Ray did write back about the concerns I listed here. I went into even more specifics with her, and encouraged her to check their FB page more often and to visit this and other optics forums. I really do hope they get someone into the customer service role that can take the time to turn this around as I think their products are a really good value and I've been extremely happy with my purchases from them.
 
I bought a pair of Zen Rays (ED3 8x43) for my mother based upon perceived high QPR at the time. Optically, the binoculars are a good QPR, but build quality was less than perfect and within a few days of light use the binoculars developed two issues - one of the plastic strap attachment points broke, and one of the rubber eye cups separated. Zen Ray responded quickly to my email requesting service, but asked for $35 to repair or replace the binoculars. When I balked and asked them if they thought that was a reasonable response they responded that they hadn't realized how the binoculars had been damaged and would waive the charge. While we did receive a replacement pair of binoculars and they have continued to serve well, that experience and the myriad of worse customer service experiences I have heard are enough to steer me away. There are a LOT of competitors out there with better service.
 
I've been happy enough with my purchases that I will give them some time to come around before I write them off. Your experience doesn't seem bad at all. If I'm reading correctly, ZR CS shouldn't have asked you for money, but quickly agreed to send you another pair of bins with no charge that have since been trouble free. Seems like a good outcome to me.
 
Yes the outcome was in the end good, but having two problems like that just off the bat, and then that customer service didn't read my email, and reading the horror stories of others, is enough to put me off other purchases. Absolute optical quality aside, I have never had an issue with any Nikon Monarch range bins, and other brands seem to have earned or be earning stronger reputations for service. The market is ever more crowded for the $250-500 range as well as for the near $1000 almost alphas... When the ED3 came out its QPR was more attention grabbing. Optically it is still a fine value, but there are a lot more that offer a similar value to choose from now.
 
Apparently even 1k dollar Nikons aren't immune to problems..... Not sure about CS since it seems they were purchased and returned (2 pair, same problem) at Cabelas. But this is a free market and bad reviews travel fast, I hope ZR turns it around as I've been very happy with my 3 purchases, which have been used extensively.
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=348074
 
Bummer to read that about the HGs, but no one is immune of course. I have no ill will to ZR and would also be pleased to see them rectify things a bit. For better or worse I have never had a service issue with a Nikon product so can't speak to their service in the US.
 
jgraider said:
There's no excuse for terrible customer service, period. They won't last if this has become their norm.
Click to expand...

Some years ago I purchased a ZR 8 x 43 ED2 which arrived with one eyepiece noticeable taller than the other. I emailed ZR, and Charles immediately (and with numerous apologies for the slipshod QC) replaced the binocular, with the replacement stellar in all respects. It is now very sad to read that ZR customer service has run aground. You're absolutely right that ZR won't be around much longer if they can't turn things around.
 
I've been tempted by the 7x36 more than once but pulled back each time because of ongoing customer service problems. Only way I would buy one would be if the selling dealer was big enough to offer their own lifetime warranty.
 
A few years back I saw all the positive posts and thought -I should get a ZR;
now I see all the negative posts and am glad I did not.

edj
 
I've been very happy with my purchases, in fact I love my bins. However, I made some suggestions to the lady that responded with my comments via pm, namely getting someone to respond to their own FB page and re-establishing a presence on a couple forums. Those modest, easy to complete suggestions were ignored, along with the pm's I sent the first week of August asking for a follow up conversation. This experience coupled with the recent experience of a close friend are beyond disappointing.

Count me out.

Now they have turned a solid customer with real world experience with their products into someone who will never recommend their products to anyone, ever. I will also NEVER purchase their products again. Now on to try to figure out where I'll spend my money from now on.
 
I have no idea...but my guess is that competition is eating into their profits and they are not as motivated.

I tend to keep my optics for a long time. I prefer to buy from companies that will be around and have solid warranties. Over the years I've taken advantage of Nikons warranty a few times and they have been great.
 
Last edited:
The ZR facebook page appears to have been removed and there's a note on their website about revamping the site and it should return in 2018. I need warranty work and can't get in touch with Charles. I've emailed and called a number listed on the net, but it goes to a personal voicemail that sound nothing like ZR.

I have purchased three bins and a scope from this company and always recommended them freely. Am I going to be sorry?? :(
 
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