Nothing but praise for Altman Luggage

[chuancao]

I recently saw a post praising Isellpens and thought I'd write a similar quick review for Altman Luggage. Up until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Altman Luggage. I would buy my pens from fountain pen hospital or Joons here in NYC. One member here from FPN recommended Altman, so I gave it a try.

 

The guys at the store were super nice and courteous. Prices are more than reasonable, to say the least. They aren't the kinds of salesmen who would try to trick you into a higher price. They were downt-to-earth and friendly. They actually try to establish a long-term relationship with you so that you will always remember them and bring your friends there.

 

All in all, wonderful customer service. I am not affiliated with them. Just a super happy customer (for a long time to come, hopefully). I think Altman deserves to be mentioned on this board as a reputable seller!

Edited February 18, 2008 by chuancao

[EventHorizon]

Nice selection. Thanks.

[fpfanatic5]

I bought my Pelikan from Altman Luggage. They had it at a GREAT price, and the shipping was lightning fast. I'll definately buy from them again.

[CharlieB]

I purchased a pen from them a year or two ago, and was very pleased with the service. My purchase was over the web. Has anybody visited their brick and mortar shop?

[girlieg33k]

Altman Luggage used to have some really great sales on their Web Site. However, since they revamped their Web Site, they are harder to find -- not harder in terms of difficult, but harder in terms of "less common."

 

I've been to their B&M twice. They will lower their published prices if you're prepared to pay in cash. Also, they enjoy the selling/haggling. I came in with published prices, and then saw other S.T. Duponts that I also happen to like. I forget the person's name who helped me, but he began the "sales schpeel," which I didn't particularly like. He sensed it, and backed off eventually. I do have to say they have good prices and relatively good service -- and if they don't have what you want in stock, they're willing to find it for you.

Edited February 18, 2008 by girlieg33k

[CharlieB]

Where are they located.... in Midtown or Downtown?

[girlieg33k]

Located in the Lower East Side, on Orchard off Delancey.

[greencobra]

Hi chuancao. Altman Luggage is where I got my medium 88 we talked about a little while ago. I just found the sales receipt in the box this morning. girlieg33k was talking about the great sales they use to have and I don't see them on the site anymore either. Do you remember the price I told you I paid? That gives you an indication of how deep they discounted at one time. Ah, the good ole days! :roflmho:

[AKAGodSent]

Well, I'll add my voice to this as well. Excellent service, excellent prices, can't go wrong

[chuancao]

So after merely a week with my new MontBlanc 146, the piston started to get stiff (really stiff), so much so that a great amount of force needed to be applied to get a proper fill. Switching to a wet, lubricating ink didn't fix the problem either and I was starting to get annoyed.

 

I decided to take the pen back to Altman and see what they can do about it. Emmett from Altman took a quick look and went inside to attempt a quick fix. Came back out in a few minutes. Slightly better, but still really stiff when turning the piston knob back up. He agreed that this is a problem and a new pen should not behave this way. With no questions asked, he asked one of his coworkers to go down to check if there were any other fine nibs left. Seeing that there weren't any Fines, he immediately told me that he will order another one for me directly from his distributor in Texas.

 

While I am a bit annoyed at MontBlanc for selling a $600 list priced pen that can't fill properly, I must say that once again, I am truly impressed with their outstanding customer service from Altman. They were super friendly and professional. Next time, even if they don't have a pen that I want in stock, I will go out of my way to buy from them.

 

Again, not affiliated with them. I just think such great customer service deserves to be mentioned on this board.

 

[madscot13]

Do they send out emails before they ship? or is it more like you get it when you get. Also how are they with backordered items? There aren't too many pen shops near me and so I appreciate feedback on online shops. thanks!

[chinoquento]

I went to Altman Luggage to buy my Parker Duofold fountain pen (true blue). I got a great deal & excellent service, plus they threw in an extra bottle ink and cartridges with my purchase. Great selections & I would definitely recommend Altman Luggage to friends.

[playpen]

I have purchased from them as well. Their store is on the lower east side of Manhattan. The pen section is in the back of the store and the entire front of the store is devoted to luggage. They are helpful and have many pens and related items (cases, etc.). Their prices are good but before you go, you should know your prices and be prepared to pay in cash (as someone else also mentioned).

 

The thing I hate about the lower east side is that parking is IMPOSSIBLE to find so I always have to park in a lot. If you do go to this store, also check out Economy Candy a few blocks away. This is a candy store that sells things you haven't seen in decades. Beware though, you will spend a fortune if you see this place. Even though they have a website, to go in person is an experience you won't forget. They have bags of pistachio nuts that are three feet tall and they allow you to scoop the nuts into the bag, yourself! I always leave that store poor AND a few weeks later, FAT!!

[CharlieB]

Playpen: you drive your car into Lower Manhatten?????

 

I'm in NYC right now on business, staying on the Upper West Side, and I am so thankful that I do not have a car here. I rode the Acela up from DC yesterday and took the subway up to my hotel.