Integrity

[Champ188]

This is an unusual post, but I wanted to share with everyone some reassuring words about an American-based company that makes a darn fine product and then stands behind its lifetime warranty of those products.

I bought my first pair of Costa sunglasses (the Harpoon model) about 7 years ago. I enjoyed them greatly until doing something stupid (can't recall just what) and breaking them in half at the nosepiece. Pretty sure I sat on them or something of the sort.

Thinking that making a warranty claim would be more trouble than it was worth, I purchased a new pair (the Zane model) and enjoyed them just as much until dropping them recently on my concrete driveway and cracking one of the lenses.

At this point, I boxed them up to send in for new lenses (Costa insists on replacing both lenses for quality assurance). Cost was $65 for new lenses and new temple arms. Not bad, I thought, for practically a new pair of top-shelf sunglasses that retailed for over $200.

While I was at it, I included the Harpoons just to see what could be done about the broken frames. When the repair form asked what happened to them, I honestly replied "Been broken awhile. Don't remember." To my great surprise, they sent me a completely brand new pair of Harpoons --- lenses too, although the lenses in the broken pair were fine. Retail price on them is $190.

So now I essentially have two new pairs of Costas for $65 total.

Because of this outstanding customer service, I will never buy another brand of premium sunglasses. And no, I am not sponsored by them, have never been and I do not receive any kind of discount on their products.

[dtrs5kprs]

Now that is jersey worthy.

[bs1827]

That's awesome! I've always heard good things about Costa, but I've always been hesitant due to the price. I'm currently searching for a new pair of sunglasses and I will definitely look into Costas more after hearing your story.

[Terrierman]

That's good to hear. I've got a nice pair of Maui Jim's but based on what you posted will give Costa a shot next time I buy.

[abkeenan]

It's always nice to be taken care of by a quality company with a quality product and quality customer service. When a company does something like this I believe it pays off tenfold on whatever the cost of replacement was for Costa via word of mouth (as in this post) and also keeping and retaining brand loyal customers (which now you will be). Only thing I will say is if it was me Champ when filling out the reason for returning the glasses I would have lied and blamed the breakage/damage on my wife

[Quillback]

I always like to hear these good customer service stories.

[Phil Lilley]

Did you deal directly with Costa or through a dealer?

[Sore Thumbs]

My Costas are at the bottom of Table Rock right by the dam. I remembered that they were on my hat so I reached up to grab them and knocked em off instead. I had a buddy that could get me oakleys at cost so I switched for money reasons. Costas are great. My oakleys have to have lenses replaced about every 2 years. The coating starts comong off the shiny lenses. If you already own Oakleys buy lenses that don't have a colored lense.

[vernon]

That's good stuff. I'm personally an Oakley and Maui Jim guy but will definitely check out Costa's in the future. Thanks for sharing!

[Champ188]

Did you deal directly with Costa or through a dealer?

I bought the glasses through a dealer, Phil, but dealt with them directly during the repair process. Donna spoke with them on the phone a couple of times and they were very friendly and professional.