You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I've checked out the melon alleycats multiple times having heard good reviews pretty much everywhere but no way I could justify that much for a pair of glasses which will probably get scratched. My husband decided to order a pair for us to 'share' and there are no set options so he obviously made his selection. Unfortunately when they arrived they sat so close to both of our helmets that they will rattle like crazy and the arms clash against the mips cradles so unless we're prepared to wear them on the tips of our nose they won't work.
Easy I hear you say, for the website says clearly 'easy returns up to 365 days' and there's nothing on the glasses page itself which tells you otherwise, nothing under the nice clear FAQ's on the page declaring otherwise and there are no set options so you have to customise. Nope you can't return them because they're a 'custom order' something you will only find out if you add them to your checkout and then click the automatically hidden bit labelled 'returns', nothing in their Terms and Conditions and why would you find out the details of the returns prior to ordering when the website clearly says EASY RETURNS for 365 DAYS!!
Custom order? Remove the lens, the nose piece and the tiny melon logo and that's as custom as it gets but you can't resell it?!
Anybody want to buy some brand new £140 glasses in the hope your helmets are different to our two! Utterly ridiculous and another to add to our list of 'never to buy from and never to recommend' along with giant!
I had similar when I ordered one of the early trek 29ers. Shop claimed it was custom order. Small claims court disagreed. Bailiffs sent. All good
Wouldn't long distance sale act apply?
John
A shame, as my Alleycats are the best glasses I've owned - but if you have helmet clashes, then guess they won't be. Diablo Pro Goggles are great too
Just for info - they work fine with my head shape/Fox Speedframe Pro/Fox Dropframe Pro/Bell Super DH combo's
That's pish poor CS though for sure
I had the same issue with fitting with a lazer jackal non mils helmet...returned them and got refunded. This was last year and they were a customer order .
Love my alleycats, yes i found them annoying with one helmet, can't remember which one, might have been a POC Tectal, i just kept them, then when i upgraded the helmet, i started using them, it is the same issue i've had with other sunglasses before, or when they nip your nose, it's a nightmare finding a decent pair without trying them prior.
Wanted to really like them but bell and poc helmets just don't work with them and it does seem others have experienced similar but you have to look within the reviews for mentions of rattling and clashes with helmets. Don't think you'll be able to speak to someone about the matter either it's just one of those online infuriating chat panels where you get stock replies.
I reckon they must have changed their policy because right now you can't return a single thing because everything they sell is CUSTOM!!!!
Just had a look at their site, seems to be a bit of a catch 22 situation...
Their returns policy specifically excludes customised orders, but it seems impossible to order anything without customising it!
I know that consumer law precludes returns for fully bespoke, perishable items, and things such as underwear, but this seems incredibly disingenuous on Melon Optics part!
returns policy specifically excludes customised orders,
Shady practices!
Not exactly fully bespoke is it really, everything will just come apart and be returned back to stock and it drives me crazy that they clearly say easy returns, on what exactly?! Completely false advertising and you've no choice but to order and take a chance that they won't play ball with your helmet and I'm not ordering a new helmet just for a pair of glasses! My husband just got a brand new poc tectal so that would be what about 5 years in a drawer until he may consider another new helmet!
Hmm, I was on the verge of ordering some goggles. Maybe not!
so if you order frame and lens separate, in theory be able to return?
Should've gone PIT VIPERS 😉
Ordering frame and lens separate, it's still custom as you specified yellow nose rubber and black icons!
distance selling regs still applies - custom is defined very clearly (its basically when you have your name carved into something, not an order from a list) - so just drop them back in the post.
custom is defined very clearly
Tell us more...
I guess it should be defined otherwise loads of retailers would hide behind it.
Its Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 now not Distance Selling. I understand the test of whether something is truly Custom is whether it can be resold to another customer. Most of the examples seem to be around football shirts so if its a shirt printed with No 9 Harry Kane then it can be resold so isnt custom. If it was printed with No 9 Golfchick! then it is so is genuinely custom and cant be returned.
Also if paid by Credit Card there is Section 75 as well.
(IANACAB & havent tested this!)
He paid by debit card but I've suggested he asks for a chargeback. I'd like to say I've had a conversation with them to discuss the fact that they're wrong but there's no phone number and when you reply to their emails you get stock replies back so it's like hitting your head against a brick wall. I'd include a letter in the returned parcel but the only way to find out their returns details are to contact them. I sent a full reply detailing why I thought it was unacceptable and got the same default reply. Utter junk.
Small claims court
If you're on facebook you could try commenting on a post or messaging them there:
Smells like a company that's struggling to stay above water to me.
Not that that's any excuse.
contact them through social media, i've had personal emails of james and others, I'll DM you
i've always had great service
I'd totally sympathise if we just said we didnt like the colour and had changed our mind but the arms clash with the cradle and they also fowl the helmet sides so when you fit your helmet right is pushes them down to the tip of your nose so a clear product issue. I've got a feeling the facebook message bit will just be a default stock response too, what is it with companies currently and those blasted chat bots!
No excuse for service like that. Thankfully not had need to test it, but my understanding of what's deemed 'custom' is as per @Andy's post above.
they also fowl the helmet sides so when you fit your helmet right is pushes them down to the tip of your nose so a clear product issue
Although worth noting that could simply be due to a particular helmet/glasses combo. I've had same issue with my Oakley Jawbones and Giro helmets in large, but no such issues with same glasses with the Lazer helmets I use now.
I’d totally sympathise if we just said we didnt like the colour and had changed our mind but the arms clash with the cradle and they also fowl the helmet sides
The reason for return doesnt matter, just make sure you have written to them within 14 days of receipt of goods. Have a good read of MoneySavingExpert or Which and just follow the process exactly. They have standard letter templates for this.
they also fowl the helmet sides
Have you tried Tweeting about it? It's a not good that they're basically Robin people, but you need to make sure they don't Duck their responsibilities, so I'd say Toucan play at that game and if they don't respond properly give them the bird.
(Sorry!)
Have you tried Tweeting about it? It’s a not good that they’re basically Robin people, but you need to make sure they don’t Duck their responsibilities, so I’d say Toucan play at that game and if they don’t respond properly give them the bird.
They're obviously feathering their own nests at the expense of customers, probably sitting on quite a few guineas by now - a decent nest egg.
OP shouldn't chicken out, she shelled out a lot of money and it's time to talk turkey with these duckers.
I've had a bunch of their glasses, goggles and other random bits, zero issues and always good customer service from them. Chatting to them at Ard Rock about the newer nose rubber being a better design to a mates older glasses and they handed over a newer version foc.
Sounds like it could be made more obvious on the website but seems fair to not accept returns for customised orders to me, maybe try before you buy next time?
the arms clash with the cradle and they also fowl the helmet sides so when you fit your helmet right is pushes them down to the tip of your nose so a clear product issue
They clearly don't work with your head/helmet combo, but just playing devils advocate for a minute to say it's a clear product issue is a bit wide of the mark too - not that that should affect your statutory rights
There's nothing strange about the arms that would indicate there might be potential problems
Next to Endura Dorado (left) and Madison Enigma's (right)
Tell us more…
I guess it should be defined otherwise loads of retailers would hide behind it.
advice from the government here
14. An item made up following a consumer order does not necessarily make it
a bespoke item which is exempt from cancellation rights. An item, for example
a sofa or computer, can be assembled following an order but the component
parts may be made up of parts offered from a standard range. So, for
instance, a sofa where the consumer chooses a fabric and colour from a
range on offer will not be bespoke for the purposes of these Regulations.
However, if the consumer asks the trader to source a special finish and which
is not in the range generally offered by the trader, that is likely to be a
bespoke item.
choosing a pair of sunglasses with a choice of lens and arms clearly falls under the above criteria of "not bespoke" - they also give the example of having a players name printed on a football shirt (not bespoke) vs having your name printed on a football shirt (bespoke)
Sounds like it could be made more obvious on the website but seems fair to not accept returns for customised orders to me, maybe try before you buy next time?
They're not 'customised', they're numerous stock bits pushed together. And how do you try before you buy when they're mostly an online seller, I've only ever seen them for sale in one shop?
How do the 3 compare? The Enigma’s look a bargain?
I got the Endura's first, with clear and photochromic lenses and was totally happy with them. Didn't particularly look after them that well in muddy conditions and they got pretty scratched up. I couldn't seem to find replacement lenses anywhere, so bought the Madison's with just a clear lens to see me through the rest of winter as a beater pair, Despite being just a clear lens, I did feel like there was a tiny bit of vison distortion.
That said, I'm normally a prescription glasses wearer, but cope fine on the bike with non script glasses
The Melon are next level for clarity though - have the Zeiss red chrome lens and the (non Zeiss photochromic). Shame they don't do a clear for winter, so will probably just get another cheap pair
And how do you try before you buy when they’re mostly an online seller...
They're pretty common tbf, "excuse me mate, do you mind if try your glasses on" worked for me.
Mine are fine with my TLD A3 and Fox Dropframe, they did rattle a bit against my Fox Speedframe but not enough to bother me/want to send them back.
Shame they don’t do a clear for winter, so will probably just get another cheap pair.
They do a low light/clear lens, I thought it shipped with all their glasses and you just picked another fancy lens to go with it?
They do a low light/clear lens, I thought it shipped with all their glasses and you just picked another fancy lens to go with it?
Ah, so they do, just had a look - I'd assumed their 'low light' was an amber, which I generally don't get on with.
I think they did used to ship one, but they became tight and stopped doing it 😉
Just for balance - ordered a pair for my wife & the nose rubber came away/broke after a couple of uses, sent us out an entirely new frame for them FOC with no hassle.
Sorry I meant a product issue in that they clearly clash with some helmets not that it was a problem with every possible combo.
'maybe try before you buy next time?' and 'They're pretty common tbf' now come up and ride in the Lake District rather than heavily ridden trail centres or the tweed valley where on my the last three rides I've seen zero other riders. I'll make sure next time to only support the companies who are big enough to have an 'in person' presence.
I think they're trying to have a presence, they were at Twisted oaks a couple of weeks ago with loads of stuff. Guy was really helpful, gave my son a can of monster to cheer him up after he crashed on a jump.
Shame you've had that experience, they came across really well.
I've always had personal responses from them, found them really good. I don't agree with it being a "product issue" as such, just an unlucky combination of head, helmet and glasses - but you should absolutely have the right to return regardless, the "custom" argument holds no weight at all.
Wonder if it;s just a time of year thing and the generic replies are because staff are on holiday, etc (which isn't an excuse they should still be supporting customers)
I've just checked my emails and had marketing emails from individuals at certain times. They might just be auto generated email addresses for marketing purposes, or maybe you can reach an actual person?
Ash-Melon@melonoptics.com - signs off as head of marketing
james-melon@melonoptics.com - signs off as founder
ben.matthews@melonoptic.com - signs off as just Ben
My purchase receipt says:
If you have any questions, contact us at hello@melonoptics.com or call us at +44 20 8123 9828.
It no yolk
I imagine they're all a-flutter with the negative comments on this post, let's hope they're not cooped up inside trying to sort it out, and that the OP gets and eggcellent outcome.
‘maybe try before you buy next time?’ and ‘They’re pretty common tbf’ now come up and ride in the Lake District rather than heavily ridden trail centres or the tweed valley where on my the last three rides I’ve seen zero other riders.
I have the same issue, number of riders i've been within earshot of while out on my own in the last year = zero. (It's probably only half a dozen in the last 2 years...)
I'd reckon on 75% of my rides i've seen no one. And the last set of tyre tracks on the trail are the ones i laid down the last time i rode it...
maybe try before you buy next time?’ and ‘They’re pretty common tbf’ now come up and ride in the Lake District rather than heavily ridden trail centres or the tweed valley where on my the last three rides I’ve seen zero other riders.
I have the same issue, number of riders i’ve been within earshot of while out on my own in the last year = zero. (It’s probably only half a dozen in the last 2 years…)I’d reckon on 75% of my rides i’ve seen no one. And the last set of tyre tracks on the trail are the ones i laid down the last time i rode it…
Regardless of the number of riders you see on your own rides, it's not normal* to have to ask other people to try on their apparel/equipment. We all know that's the reason for the regulations.
*In fact it's a genuinely risible suggestion.
Just imagining stopping someone I don't know to try on their shorts... In the supermarket.
If it’s a custom order, they should say they don’t accept returns.
Also if it’s a custom order how do you ‘try before you buy’ and since when do you see someone even at BPW and firstly recognise what specs they’ve got, then ask to try them.
I bought some bananaoptic's from a PSA on here. They rattle with one of my lids but a small piece of 3m rubber tape sorted that. Far, far cheaper that the current crop of 'brand inflation' riding glasses / sunglasses on the market.
Anyone else remember the Fau'Oakley Vs Oakley's thread on here 10+ years ago?
If you are ever at an event that Melon are at, they usually have demo glasses. So you can try them for a few hours, see if they work for you.
I had some Kingpins, which i tried and thankfully didnt clash with my helmet or cause pressure points from the arms, so i bought some.
I dont own them anymore, as it turns out i hate wearing riding glasses... i'd rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀
Sold them on ebay for about a third of what i paid 🙁
Interested to hear what they come back with, regarding returning the glasses.
i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes
I used to feel the same. Now I have a blister in my eye
As I understand it, choosing from a list of options and someone then making or building it to your chosen options is not bespoke. As has been mentioned earlier having your name written/printed/engraved on it or asking for a colour scheme or options which they don’t offer is bespoke.
I’d have a chat with citizen’s advice and see what they say about returning them for a refund.
i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀
Even the mud and grit that hits at 40-50kph? (Or more?)
I dont own them anymore, as it turns out i hate wearing riding glasses… i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes 😀
Yeah, I got a badly scratched retina from a splinter once (walking past tree surgeons at work), I'm probably OTT now in terms of wearing eye protection but I'd rather that than have that pain again.
mashrFull Member
i’d rather blink the mud out from my eyes
I used to feel the same. Now I have a blister in my eye
I spend four hours in the Eye Infirmary yesterday after my front wheel picked up a small stone in the woods and threw it into my eye, an absolutely perfect shot. Genuinely thought I was in trouble. Never wept blood from my eye ball before, that was a bit grim (but short lived).
I've been pretty lucky. Thoroughly checked with a microscope, some debris fished out and damage to the membrane. I have one very sore eye now that should heal.
I've fished so much crap out of my eyes over the years because I don't like wearing them (find goggles okay, but overkill) but I will be buying more glasses this week before I head back out.
IMO this tactic (and plenty of other companies do it) is a backlash against the folk who order multiples of stuff to try on then return it costing retailers hugely. I am all for consumer protection but too many folk abuse this
The wife was also planning on buying some goggles from them and didn't believe what had been posted so emailed them. They confirmed that as they would be 'custom' they didn't offer refunds.
I'm still contemplating them but buying all the individual parts, they come to the same price, you just don't get a bag for them. Can't be custom that way.
IMO this tactic (and plenty of other companies do it) is a backlash against the folk who order multiples of stuff to try on then return it costing retailers hugely
Goggles and glasses are not an item that won't fit a lot of people (unlike shoes or clothes), so I would disagree with you there.
It's just greed/lazinesss/arrogance - or they can't afford to refund.
They confirmed that as they would be ‘custom’ they didn’t offer refunds.
Except, as per some of the points on the last page, they can't do that...
cha****ng - every return costs them money - and returned items cannot be sold as brand new
and returned items cannot be sold as brand new
Why can't they? I've definitely bought stuff that's clearly been returned by other people due to the way it's been packaged, folded etc.
Did you ever get this resolved?
I'm just trying to decide what to buy after a disappointing issue with some Smith glasses.
Bit torn between Alleycats & Kingpins, thought about ordering both and sending one back - but won't be doing that now...
Don’t think you’ll be able to speak to someone about the matter either it’s just one of those online infuriating chat panels where you get stock replies.
This is a shame, I've had multiple pairs of glasses / googles & lenses including a warranty replacement and they've always been excellent. That was a couple of years ago though.
Well I'm off looking at Oakley's now...
Bit torn between Alleycats & Kingpins, thought about ordering both and sending one back – but won’t be doing that now…
I took a while deciding and went Alleycats as they were always the ones I originally fancied and wasn't sure if the Kingpins would suit my face.
I'm not sure I look as good in the Alleycats as other people i.e. suiting ones face, but who cares lol, they are great riding glasses (for me) and definitely the best I've had. Currently loving the low light lens.
Will be adding another pair of a different style at some point
If you are undecided between Alleycats and Kingpins, have you considered the Jesters?
I’ve gone for the Oakleys now 🙂
Stopped off at my LBS and they had a pair there, with a low light lens so I’ve bought them and ordered another lens to go with them.
Oakley also offer a customise option on their site, and don’t accept returns but it’s much more obvious before you buy them AND there are multiple non custom options you can buy.
Just ordered some prescription, transitions Oakley Flak 2.0 - definitely custom, and definitely not cheap (though not that expensive considering the prescription and transitions compare to the OP’s MelonOptics - don’t pay list)
And they are replacing a pair I have worn for about 5 years - driving, snowboarding, MTB & road, plus just general pratting about and they have been excellent.
I don’t like Oakley prices, but their product is pretty decent.
I didn't like my Alleycats (fit wise - the lens is incredible though!) and they offered after the initial custom order response...
50% cash refund or 100% value voucher and in ether case just to keep the glasses.
Dont forget these internet only sales models do away with distribution and retail each needing to pay people, rent and make a profit. If they can’t deal with returns because of size fit etc then they are not a viable business, and if they refuse they are breaking the law.
I finally got around to reporting my faulty goggles today. The foam had detached from the frame after very light use.
I emailed them some pictures, they said "Oh no that's terrible" and put a replacement in the post.
I haven't received them yet but assuming they arrive and I'm all squared up, my pitchfork will remain unbrandished.
