Montblanc Outlet Websites

[Diana21]

Hey,

 

I was looking for a Fountain pen for my dad and I knew that a montblanc would be quite expensive and not within my budget. But then I found a couple of websites saying that they're montblanc outlets and most of their pens are within my budget. However, I think it is too good to be true and since I know very little about pens I wonder whether someone could tell me anything (good or bad) about these websites.

 

Thank you

Diana

[Mr Blifil]

Hey,

 

I was looking for a Fountain pen for my dad and I knew that a montblanc would be quite expensive and not within my budget. But then I found a couple of websites saying that they're montblanc outlets and most of their pens are within my budget. However, I think it is too good to be true and since I know very little about pens I wonder whether someone could tell me anything (good or bad) about these websites.

 

Thank you

Diana

 

I think you are right to be cautious. It doesn't sound like Montblanc to me to have "outlet" stores that would bypass their retailers and their own Montblanc Boutiques. There are people here who know more about it than I, but I think for them as well as me you would need to be more specific about what web sites you are talking about.

[Diana21]

Thank you... I was reading other reviews on this website and more people are saying the same! guess my dad's not getting the pen of his dreams... at least not right now!

 

 

Hey,

 

I was looking for a Fountain pen for my dad and I knew that a montblanc would be quite expensive and not within my budget. But then I found a couple of websites saying that they're montblanc outlets and most of their pens are within my budget. However, I think it is too good to be true and since I know very little about pens I wonder whether someone could tell me anything (good or bad) about these websites.

 

Thank you

Diana

 

I think you are right to be cautious. It doesn't sound like Montblanc to me to have "outlet" stores that would bypass their retailers and their own Montblanc Boutiques. There are people here who know more about it than I, but I think for them as well as me you would need to be more specific about what web sites you are talking about.

[Mr Blifil]

No problem. It's a very nice thought, but, yes, they are quite expensive, and it would probably be more comfortable for everyone if you find something that would be less of a strain on your budget.

[seriph]

Montblanc pens can be bought from several hundred dollars to many tens of thousands of dollars. Research and you will discover that quality information abounds and while I love mine, I do have other fantastic and beautiful pens which cost me under $200. Set yourself a budget and go shopping for dad - I am sure that Portugal would have some dedicated pen shops whose staff could guide you very well on a great purchase.

 

And for what it's worth, lots of people have bought fake Montblanc pens while travelling or through the Asian websites - of all the ones I have bought, (around 40) they are quite simply NOTHING compared to a real Montblanc and as far as I am concerned, anyone who tries to tell you otherwise just doesn't have any idea what they're talking about - a new Montblanc Princess Grace has just been released. I held it on Tuesday for the first time. It, like all other Montblanc pens (and other fine brands like Graf Von Faber Castell, Caran D'ache, Krone, Jean Pierre Lepine etc etc etc) is a thing of exceptional beauty (like she was) that exudes class and is clear evidence of the thought and skill that goes into making such things - anyone who can make pens or watches or jewellery could of course copy its 'general look' but when I have placed side-by-side, my replicas with the real things, there is simply no comparison and the last thing you'd ever want your dad to discover (and he probably would) is that you bought him a fake.

 

http://stories.montblanc.com/2011/09/collection-princesse-grace-de-monaco/

 

http://swx.com.sg/calendarimg/111/The_Montblanc_Collection_Princesse_Grace_de_Monaco_Writing_Instruments_Limited_Edition_29_copy.png

 

http://www.airlineintl.com/files/48/products_main4853.jpg

 

http://www.stilografica.it/writable%5CPenne%5CMontblanc%5CMontblanc%20Princesse%20Grace%20de%20Monaco%20-%20Fountain%20Pen%20-%20Penna%20Stilografica.jpg

 

I apologise for the sermon: In my personal experience, 90% of the sites are scammers and the other 10% sell (bleep) pens, which range between (again, personal experience) $5 and $400+ delivery. Most of the photos are garbage or stolen from legitimate websites - many times the product received only bears a passing similarity to the photo or what you thought you would get. Finally, if one thinks this through, what would Montblanc need to create or sell to "outlet sites" for? A pen doesn't have that many parts and everything could be replaced, returning the pen to pristine and fully saleable condition in moments unless it is one of their specially built handmade editions....

Edited March 22, 2012 by seriph

[Chrissy]

Montblanc pens can be bought from several hundred dollars to many tens of thousands of dollars. Research and you will discover that quality information abounds and while I love mine, I do have other fantastic and beautiful pens which cost me under $200. Set yourself a budget and go shopping for dad - I am sure that Portugal would have some dedicated pen shops whose staff could guide you very well on a great purchase.

 

And for what it's worth, lots of people have bought fake Montblanc pens while travelling or through the Asian websites - of all the ones I have bought, (around 40) they are quite simply NOTHING compared to a real Montblanc and as far as I am concerned, anyone who tries to tell you otherwise just doesn't have any idea what they're talking about - a new Montblanc Princess Grace has just been released. I held it on Tuesday for the first time. It, like all other Montblanc pens (and other fine brands like Graf Von Faber Castell, Caran D'ache, Krone, Jean Pierre Lepine etc etc etc) is a thing of exceptional beauty (like she was) that exudes class and is clear evidence of the thought and skill that goes into making such things - anyone who can make pens or watches or jewellery could of course copy its 'general look' but when I have placed side-by-side, my replicas with the real things, there is simply no comparison and the last thing you'd ever want your dad to discover (and he probably would) is that you bought him a fake.

 

I apologise for the sermon: In my personal experience, 90% of the sites are scammers and the other 10% sell (bleep) pens, which range between (again, personal experience) $5 and $400+ delivery. Most of the photos are garbage or stolen from legitimate websites - many times the product received only bears a passing similarity to the photo or what you thought you would get. Finally, if one thinks this through, what would Montblanc need to create or sell to "outlet sites" for? A pen doesn't have that many parts and everything could be replaced, returning the pen to pristine and fully saleable condition in moments unless it is one of their specially built handmade editions....

 

+1 for this great answer.

Edited March 22, 2012 by Chrissy

[Earl Pitts]

I appauld your excellent post. Everyone in the market for a Mont Blanc should read it.

[seriph]

Thanks for the kind feedback - BTW I just received a new CROSS AUTOCROSS ballpoint in turquoise ... I bought it to accompany my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Montauk Highway (runs from NYC to The Hamptons) watch and turquoise cufflinks.

 

 

http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Steve_Ansell/Watchstuff/APROOMH6.jpghttp://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g364/Steve_Ansell/Watchstuff/APROOMH99.jpg

 

Apologies for going OFF TOPIC for a moment but I thought you might enjoy seeing just how insane some of us can be ....

 

 

I am making a case to hold all the items (watch, cufflinks, pen, AP booklets etc) and couldn't find a fountain pen that was a close enough colour match to the watch ... the pen cost me around $50 and is a real little beauty and came in a very nice brown Cross box with off-white outer sleeve. Nice when stuff works out.

 

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31tOByZ3yAL._SS500_.jpg http://imagehost.vendio.com/a/6000385/aview/Autocross_ebay_Turquoise_BP_1s.jpg

 

BTW the case will be something really special (I hope) with a real nautical theme going on (like the vintage wooden speed boats often seen around the Hamptons) ....and for a giggle, the inside of the lid will have a miniature road sign inserted, which is a replica made from a photo I had taken of one on the Montauk highway in New York.

 

I will be modelling the case so it resembles not only the stripped deck boards, but will make it with complex convex sides to emulate the boat's hull - I have been thinking I will make the lid a lift-off to avoid needing hinges, but there will be other stainless steel items used as detail items, if I do have the lift-off lid - for example I will make a small polished SS cleat like the one below, as the handle to lift the lid off. If I get really crazy with it, I will include a stainless strip around the perimeter to look like the bump strip the boats have.

 

http://www.securefixdirect.com/ekmps/shops/securefixdirect/images/150mm-4-hole-open-base-cleat-anodised-aluminium-deck-boat-rope-marine-%5B2%5D-3602-p.jpg

 

 

 

http://www.corbisimages.com/images/Corbis-IH013854.jpg?size=67&uid=e39b6a9a-0265-451f-b4f4-7fff1aa9f6ce

 

fun

Edited March 24, 2012 by seriph

[Darius]

seriph, check out the S T Dupont Andalusia.

[seriph]

DARIUS - thanks for sharing that one - it is one stunning pen - the work in creating all its facets then ensuring a perfect fit for all the stone is mind-numbing!

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia023.jpg

 

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v288/bryan2177/Andalusia018.jpg

Edited March 24, 2012 by seriph

[terminal]

Montblanc's website says this:

 

What do I have to consider about Montblanc products sold on the internet?

Montblanc only authorises the sale of products via the Internet through selected dealers. If you buy Montblanc products on the Internet from other dealers, we cannot guarantee their authenticity and cannot issue the product guarantee usually offered. A list of authorised dealers is available from our Service Centre.

 

USA/Canada:

With the exception of our refill products on the official Montblanc Refill Shop Website in the USA and Canada, Montblanc does not authorize the sale of our products. If you buy Montblanc products on the Internet, we cannot guarantee their authenticity or issue the product warranty usually offered.

 

I also thought this was a good summary (from http://www.montblanc-pens.com/dealers.html):

The #1 rule when purchasing a Montblanc pen is purchase from an authorized dealer. Like many popular luxury goods, counterfeit or "knock-off" Montblanc pens have been distributed through various pen sellers. Don't get burned. Even if the seller has genuine Montblanc products, buying from an unauthorized dealer means:

NO manufacturer warranty

NO recourse

NO service from any other Montblanc dealer

NO after-sale service at any Montblanc boutique World-wide.

Here is a small sampling of Internet sites that we've heard good things about: Montblanc sells pens themselves but at full retail. Most dealers will give you a discount. Mont Blanc also does not permit authorized dealers to take orders "over the Internet", so when buying "authorized" you will need to call them to place an order. Big warning flag for anyone selling at a discount online. They are most likely selling cheap replicas and/or you won't get a Montblanc Warranty.

 

World Lux Pens & Watches - One of the larger Authorized Dealers

Pens In Asia - Good for finding rare limited editions

Art Brown - New York Dealer

 

 

 

When in doubt, look for the official Montblanc seal.

In our experience, UN-Authorized Dealer tactics include:

 

Unrealistic prices i.e. "55% off retail"

 

Glaring low-quality pop-up ads

 

Bright red text screaming "BLOW-OUT SALE"

 

Deceptive "bait-and-switch" pricing tactics i.e. "only $79.95 for Montblanc Pens" when in reality, that price applies only to burgundy pencils (vs. the advertised Classique black 164 ballpoints) or Generations models (normally only $100.00 retail anyway.)

 

No concern about helping you with refills/ink/repairs