A problem with Korda

I recently bought a packet of Korda size 8 swivels. It’s stated on the packet quite clearly “tested to over 70lbs”.  A few days later I wanted to test some 25lb line. I pulled two of the Korda swivels out of the packet and tied one each end of the line to be tested. As I was gradually adding weight, suddenly the suspended tub hit the floor. When I looked, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. The line hadn’t broken at all, one of the swivels had broken at a load of 24lbs!!  One end of the line had pulled through the swivel eye, the knot on the line still intact.  I noticed also that the 3 unbroken eyes on the two swivels were no longer perfectly round but had already started to elongate.

I sent the two swivels to Korda along with the length of line still attached to one swivel and the knot on the loose end still intact as evidence. I also gave them the info on the knots used and the BS of the line.  They replied as follows.

Korda will always take a professional view when dealing with a disgruntled customer and do our very best to accommodate any nature of complaint and rectify the situation to the customer’s satisfaction. However, in this instance I am not prepared to maintain this line because of the tone of your letter, (well, I complained didn’t I) and also the fact that I know that our swivels do not simply break at 24lbs. All of our tackle is repeatedly tested and each item will do exactly what is expected of it.

There are several things wrong with that reply, firstly they say they will always take a professional view etc, etc, then they say each item will do exactly as expected. If that’s the case they would never, ever get a complaint, but they always deal with complaints in a professional manner! Contradictory or what?  Secondly, how can they ever give “customer satisfaction” if they totally refuse to accept that one of their items failed, even when given the evidence?  On top of that they are effectively calling me a liar.

After receiving their reply I telephoned Korda and asked to speak to the author of the letter. I was told that he is not at his desk, leave my number and he will call me back. Needless to say he didn’t call me back.  Further indication that if there is a problem they don’t want to know.   I now have no confidence at all in using those swivels, simply money in the trash can.

The moral here is don’t buy anything with Korda on it, as if there is a problem they won’t be interested. They even refuse to accept the mere possibility that one of their items could fail. How can you possibly deal with, or get satisfaction from, a Company with that attitude?  The fact is that it did fail!  Korda’s credibility and integrity have plummeted to zero.

I have posted this on the CCG and Moggymagic forums, if anybody is a member of any other angling forums then copy and paste this across. We should all be made aware of who are the reputable companies and who are the sharks with a  “We’ve got your money now you can p**s off” attitude.