Happy Cow - Leather Belt Bags & Waist Packs

Investing in H.Cow was a bad business move. At first, service was good. They took responsibility for their mistakes. The belts fell apart because of cheap hardware, but they sent replacements so I could reimburse my clients. Then, some began to tear. I blamed my customers and didn't expect a refund, but learned after reading feedback, that this was common. Some styles turned out great, so I ordered some we didn't have problems with, to find that they switched materials without editing the pictures or info. They used fake leather! The $100 belts had glue and paint all over them that only comes off with a toxic cleaner that isn't available in the US. Some were missing grommets, others missing snaps. The snaps in front don't line up making them hard to fasten. I reported the problem, but was only offered credit for 4 belts. 7 months later, after discounting them to less then wholesale, I haven't sold 1! Obviously I'm not the only one who thinks they look like *****.

I placed an order with them using Paypal on the 16th. On the 20th, I was sent an email stating its on its way and the tracking number. USPS states the following: We have received notice that the originating post is preparing to dispatch this mail piece.

I have done a few live chats with Justin and been told the same thing-"its on its way". Well, I spoke to the USPS and they verified IT WAS NOT IN THIS COUNTRY!!! It is the 29th of March. The rep further went on to say that it looked like it was headed out on the 23rd but NOT SENT.

I have spoken to Paypal and filed a dispute but must wait 10 days. If Happy cow wants to make this customer happy, it can put my order in a DHL box and send it the fastest they can and eat the shipping costs. I called Australia and spoke to Justin-pointless. He tried to blame it on shipping and said I should get it Monday -or later

I got my money back and bet you there was NEVER A BAG SENT!!!

Horrible horrible customer service! They'll remove any negative post. Even moderately negative posts. Unscrupulous. Bags are poorly made, but "customer service" just wants the customer to pay more money to replace the bag. They keep promising to send a replacement, but they never do. Horrible. Don't waste your money!

the hip bag my wife ordered on dec the 1st still hasn't arrived, and as far as i know wasn't even shipped, wrote them about the problem and of course got no reply.
we recieved an email notice around dec the 10th that all the shippments will be delayed for 3 days (by this time ours should be shipped already if you ask me) promising a 3 day ww shipment upgrade in order to get the shipments before christmas,... i higlhly doubt it that the shipment will arrive till christmas and even if it does,.. it will probably be stuck in the customs for a day or so,... (it was supposed tobe a chrismas gift)

my experiences till now,... bags look good on the pics, but the service lacks some basics of trading

continued from below -

We offered to reship the item for FREE in order to satisfy Katherine, our offer was ignored and the below post was submitted.

We contacted Brownbook to have the slanderous post removed but they refused, thus we posted reviews from our website to balance the negative review.

I handled the Katgalmusic case personally and thus would be more than happy to discuss it with anyone.

I can be contacted via email (ah@happycow.com.au) or directly on +61 3 9016 9442.

Sincerely Yours,


Justin Snyder
(Team Leader)

Happy Cow

In reference to the reviews below:

On the 5th of April, 2009 Katherine Siegel ('Katgalmusic') purchased an item from our website.

Payment was completed through PayPal and her item was dispatched to the address provided.

The item was marked 'return to sender' and returned to us a few weeks later.

We contacted the buyer and requested payment of $10 for reshipping (as per our policy). The buyer refused to pay the amount and claimed that it was either our fault or PayPal's fault that we were provided with the wrong address.

The buyer then demanded a full refund (including shipping) even though we had sent the item to the address she provided.

We were threatened with litigation and bad reviews (see below) if we did not bend to her demands.

All real reviews added from the Happy Cow website. Reviews added by real customers. Can provide written evidence to anyone who is interested.

Please email me: ah@happycow.com.au and I would be happy to provide proof.

Obviously not a company to deal with due to the amount of fake reviews here added within a few minutes of each other. Avoid.

"I have received the hip bag. I am Very Pleased with it. You were right It was worth the wait. I will recommend these to all my friends. So slim but hold all my stuff. Thank You again for all your responses to my e-mails!"

"I'm from the US and just got my Hip Bag...I first saw the bag on the chick form the show Burn Notice and wanted one SO bad, so I asked for the Hip Bag for my b-day and I absolutely love it! I'd love to see stores in the US carry this bag! Give my regards to the designers, they ROCK! This is SO much better then a pocket belt (dislike them VERY much) and the icky fanny packs (bulky and just not nice)."

"Stunned. That's what I am at the moment. I received the fanny pack two days ago; it was so much more than I had anticipated. You see we don't have a vendor quite like Happy Cow here in the States. Here you find those atrocious hip pillows that are not flattering at all and screams, "TOURIST... COME ON AND MUG ME ALREADY, LET'S GET THIS OVER WITH". And to be such a vendor with a philosophy and quality of product such as your company... well, it is uncommon. You should be applauded for that."

"I received the belts today and they are more beautiful than I had imagined! And Thank you so much for the gift!! That was so kind and thoughtful! I look forward to working with you again on my next purchase. Again, thank you so much!"

"I recently bought the Leather Hip Bag, and I can't tell you how much a simple thing like this be so exciting and practical to wear. All my essentials fit easily without appearing bulky, and the front pouches nicely fits my iPod, and phone. The solid belt strap is great, and the bag itself is tough as, and stylish without appearing too feminine for us blokes. I use it to ride to work, for festivals, and will be ideal for when I travel. Planning on getting another for a mate. Awesome customer service!!"

"I was very impressed with how quickly my belt arrived, and even more with the belt itself, I haven't stopped wearing it. I was also pleased to find an ethical company providing exactly what I wanted. So thanks, I will definitely be shopping with you again, and recommending you to my friends!"

"Finally an Australian fashion company that understands the importance of being ethically responsible AND isn't afraid to show it! You've got a strong concept guys and wonderful high quality products. Well done and thanks you for my sexy guilt free holster belt.'"

"I recently purchased the Leather Belt Bag and the Leather Fanny Pack. Both of them are absolutely gorgeous! The quality and colours are fantastic and I use one of them every day! Not only are they functional but really cool as an accessory. Excellent value for money and a guilt free purchase - you don't get that often nowadays!!! Keep up the good work and I'll be back. THANKS!!!!!!"

I never got to see the product because they sent it to the wrong address, refused to take responsibilty for the error and tried to charge me for shipping, which I've disputed through Visa. They were totally uncooperative about settling this matter. I would not order from them.