Visconti quality control, is that an oxymoron?

[by78]

On 7/29/2024 at 11:34 PM, kestrel said:

I recently purchased a rather expensive Visconti that came with the most twisted, malformed, and bent nib I have ever seen on a new, never inked pen. 

 

How could the pen have been shipped in the first place? Does Visconti not perform even the most rudimentary visual inspection? 

[Ron Z]

8 hours ago, nm4 said:

Ron I just wanted to say I appreciate you and learn so much from your posts.   Thank you for being such an amazing resource.  I’ve wasted too many hours of my life trying to perfect nibs and now realize the feeds may have been the issue! 
 

N

 You're welcome.  It's not always the feed, but often enough on modern pens, and Viscontis in particular.  It might not show up in a quick test.  Sometimes the nib stalls after half a page or full page of writing. 

[by78]

The psychology of being a Visconti apologist is unironically summarized very well in this video about another Italian product. It's also the same psychological defect described in the famous folktale The Emperor's New Clothes.

 

 

[by78]

I asked ChatGPT the following questions:

 

Q: "Name one fountain pen brand that has terrible quality control."

A: One fountain pen brand that has consistently been criticized for poor quality control is Visconti. While the brand is renowned for its elegant designs and innovative features, many customers report issues such as misaligned nibs, ink flow problems, and defects in the construction. These problems are especially common in their higher-end models like the Homo Sapiens and Rembrandt, which often require repairs or adjustments straight out of the box. Other complaints about Visconti pens include inconsistent nib quality, faulty filling mechanisms, and finishing issues, such as rough threads or poorly fitted caps. These recurring quality control concerns make it a risky choice for buyers, especially those purchasing expensive models sight unseen.

 

Q: "Is it advisable to buy an expensive Visconti fountain pen sight unseen?"

A: It is generally not advisable to buy an expensive Visconti fountain pen "sight unseen," meaning without first inspecting the pen in person or carefully checking reviews and feedback. This is due to quality control inconsistencies that are frequently reported by customers. Some common concerns with Visconti pens include issues with nib alignment, ink flow problems, and build quality (such as poorly finished parts or loose components).

Here are a few reasons why buying a Visconti pen without seeing it in person can be risky:

    1. Quality Control Issues: As mentioned, Visconti's pens, particularly their higher-end models, have been known to have inconsistent quality. Even at premium price points, some buyers report receiving pens with defects that need immediate repairs or adjustments.

    2. Inconsistent Performance: Because of these potential manufacturing flaws, some pens might have subpar writing performance right out of the box, especially with nibs that need alignment or adjustment.

    3. Lack of Immediate Resolution: Purchasing sight unseen means you rely on the retailer's return or warranty policies to resolve any issues. While reputable retailers often offer good customer service, you may still face delays or issues with returns or repairs, which can be a hassle when you're spending a lot on a luxury item.

 

Q: "Does Visconti have terrible customer service?"

A: Visconti's customer service is often described as **slow and inconsistent**, with some users reporting **significant delays** in receiving responses or resolutions. Complaints about Visconti's customer service include long wait times for repairs, sometimes extending up to **several months**, as well as **difficulty getting timely updates** on the status of repairs or replacements. For instance, some buyers have mentioned that the process to receive a replacement nib or resolve issues with their pens can take up to **six months**, which is quite frustrating, particularly for high-end products.

    Additionally, there are reports of **poor communication** from customer service, with users feeling left in the dark about the status of their requests or repair processes. However, it's worth noting that some people have had more positive experiences, especially when working with authorized dealers who can expedite the process.

   In summary, while Visconti's products are known for their beauty and craftsmanship, the customer service experience can be a challenge, particularly when it comes to resolving issues in a timely manner. Buyers should be aware of potential delays and be prepared for a slower resolution process if issues arise.

[mulrich]

GPT largely mimics what you can find online. Wouldn't surprise me if it included some of FPN in its model. 

[by78]

11 hours ago, mulrich said:

GPT largely mimics what you can find online. Wouldn't surprise me if it included some of FPN in its model. 

 

It doesn't 'mimic', not in this case. It merely summarizes what we humans said about Visconti.

[a student]

I bought an oversize Divinia (image below). Given its high 23k status, the nib refused to perform on the paper I had. The dealer being a friendly store took a weak and gave it back. It was working fine. 

 

I also purchased a Delta from the same dealer, and had a problem with the 18k nib. The dealer explained that though the factory had closed down, it would be fixed in the store; and so it was. 

 

I have never had any problem with Namiki, GvFC, Pelikan and Montblanc fountain pens. My son, who had been observing all this to and fro on my part and is fond of cars, offered his "explanation": @by78 "you know all those Italian cars Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis ... are nice to look at but fraught with maintenance issues. German engineering, Porsches, Mercedes, Audis, etc don't present such problems and neither do the Japanese ones". 

 

But that is not entirely fair to Italian pens. The couple of Montegrappa Extra 1930s that I have have always worked out fine for me and never presented a problem in any way

[by78]

Pens and Tea just posted a video titled "The most expensive pen I own that is completely useless!". Can you guess the pen brand?

 

 

[Dillo]

I'm going to say that although I don't see Visconti as a high quality pen by any means, and I have already said what I've said about the pens I've had, the pens I've repaired, and the pens I own and my experiences with Coles of London's customer service, I really don't understand why we need to keep beating a dead horse here. We have already had plenty of anecdotes here and I think it's clear to me that there is a problem. I don't think we need to keep dredging up all of these things, even to go so far to ask ChatGPT what it thinks. It does not say anything beyond what the humans have already said.

 

I can see the point of catharsis, but I think this is really enough already @by78

 

I am no Visconti apologist, and I always caution people about them, but I think there really is enough here already. From insults on people from different parts of the world, statements about the people at Visconti looking like Monkeys with itching powder, insinuations that the company is a money laundering operation, I think that this goes too far.

[by78]

7 minutes ago, Dillo said:

I'm going to say that although I don't see Visconti as a high quality pen by any means, and I have already said what I've said about the pens I've had, the pens I've repaired, and the pens I own and my experiences with Coles of London's customer service, I really don't understand why we need to keep beating a dead horse here. We have already had plenty of anecdotes here and I think it's clear to me that there is a problem. I don't think we need to keep dredging up all of these things, even to go so far to ask ChatGPT what it thinks. It does not say anything beyond what the humans have already said.

 

I can see the point of catharsis, but I think this is really enough already @by78

 

I am no Visconti apologist, and I always caution people about them, but I think there really is enough here already. From insults on people from different parts of the world, statements about the people at Visconti looking like Monkeys with itching powder, insinuations that the company is a money laundering operation, I think that this goes too far.

 

How do I get this thread pinned? It's a valuable public service to inform new buyers about the pitfalls of buying products from this brand.

[Scribs]

1 hour ago, Dillo said:

I'm going to say that although I don't see Visconti as a high quality pen by any means, and I have already said what I've said about the pens I've had, the pens I've repaired, and the pens I own and my experiences with Coles of London's customer service, I really don't understand why we need to keep beating a dead horse here. We have already had plenty of anecdotes here and I think it's clear to me that there is a problem. I don't think we need to keep dredging up all of these things, even to go so far to ask ChatGPT what it thinks. It does not say anything beyond what the humans have already said.

 

I can see the point of catharsis, but I think this is really enough already @by78

 

I am no Visconti apologist, and I always caution people about them, but I think there really is enough here already. From insults on people from different parts of the world, statements about the people at Visconti looking like Monkeys with itching powder, insinuations that the company is a money laundering operation, I think that this goes too far.

 

Hear, hear. 👏

[fabri00]

6 hours ago, Dillo said:

I'm going to say that although I don't see Visconti as a high quality pen by any means, and I have already said what I've said about the pens I've had, the pens I've repaired, and the pens I own and my experiences with Coles of London's customer service, I really don't understand why we need to keep beating a dead horse here. We have already had plenty of anecdotes here and I think it's clear to me that there is a problem. I don't think we need to keep dredging up all of these things, even to go so far to ask ChatGPT what it thinks. It does not say anything beyond what the humans have already said.

 

I can see the point of catharsis, but I think this is really enough already @by78

 

I am no Visconti apologist, and I always caution people about them, but I think there really is enough here already. From insults on people from different parts of the world, statements about the people at Visconti looking like Monkeys with itching powder, insinuations that the company is a money laundering operation, I think that this goes too far.

 

+1 

[Ron Z]

I think that Dillo has a good point.  I will let the thread stand with all comments, but am closing it....