Zach C.
**Disappointing and condescending customer service**
I contacted Alpine Luddites about restoring a 40+ year-old family backpack. John initially engaged with the project, discussed potential repairs, and requested additional photographs, which I provided. He then abruptly declined the job without explanation. When I politely asked whether the pack was beyond repair or simply not a good fit for his shop, he eventually provided a useful technical explanation, but also called one of the repair options “ridiculous” and said it wasn’t worth his time to keep “gently explaining.” I had never challenged his expertise or insisted on a particular repair. I was simply trying to understand what was necessary before making irreversible changes to an irreplaceable family item. I clarified that his proposed repair actually sounded appropriate and that I was open to the estimated cost. He stopped responding. After several days, I sent a final email expressing my disappointment with his communication. His entire response was, “Please do not email me any more.” I will fully respect this request. John appears knowledgeable, and I cannot judge his craftsmanship because no work was performed. However, I found his treatment of a respectful prospective customer unnecessarily dismissive and condescending, especially from a business that emphasizes personal customer relationships.