my son's post on reddit:
I'm posting this because I'm hoping that more people are aware of an issue going on with NFLShop, and I imagine a lot of people on Reddit are die hard football fans and would want to know. I've included the images below so you can view them.
I ordered a Seahawks Elite, personalized jersey on October 22nd, 2012.
Upon receiving the jersey I immediately noticed the numbers on my jersey were not the twill fabric described on the site, nor did they match the numbers of the Elite 51 jerseys at the Pro Shop at Century Link Field.
The numbers on my jersey are a stiff, plastic material, and are stitched onto the jersey one time. Additionally, the silver, feathered part of the numbers is not twill (fabric) like the Elite 51 jerseys at the Pro Shop. If you purchase one you'll notice that the numbers are so cheaply made that they included an image of stitching on the silver part, which isn't even the way the "official" Elite jerseys are made, or offered at the Pro Shop.
I've called NFL Shop Customer Support more than five times now, and while they've been more than accommodating with the return, I keep being told: "these numbers are SUBLIMINATED TWILL" not premium twill.
Then why advertise it as twill? Why create an expectation that we're getting what is being worn on the field when we're not?
The first time I was told I'd have another jersey sent to me and my order price would be refunded. I called back November 13th, and was told that I'd need to ship back my "damaged" jersey, and they'd send me another one. After requesting to speak to a supervisor I was told that she would get in touch with the manufacturer to see what the issue is with the numbers being sewn on to the Elite 51 jerseys, and if it's intended to be this way.
To be noted - my father also ordered a personalized Elite jersey and received the same lettering type, so this isn't a one time issue.
The rest of the jersey is top notch - the materials are quality and everything else is up to spec, however, the numbers feel like the "Premier", $100 stitched Reebok jerseys that were offered by the NFL in the past. These numbers would permanently crease if they were bent too much, and I have a feeling that's what these will do. $300, huh?
I don't know if this is a manufacturer issue or if this is the NFL taking a short cut, but for $300 I want my jersey to be the EXACT jerseys worn on the field, not Elite 51 with the exception of cheap, plastic numbers in which a shortcut was clearly taken.
I'm incredibly disappointed, not only for receiving a jersey that isn't what is being advertised by the league themselves, but that NFLShop couldn't care less. I'm worried that a LOT of fans of not only the Seahawks, but other teams, may have been fleeced by this, and it's completely unacceptable. Why pay $300 for a jersey when it's not a true, Elite 51 jersey?
If you want a jersey that's actually Elite 51 down to the numbers, do not order from NFL Shop. Wait until they get this whole fiasco figured out, or order the jersey from the Pro Shop of the team you're affiliated with.
The images are all you need to see.
I apologize if this is a bit excessive, but I hope this gains traction - we're (Seahawks fans, maybe more?) being ripped off and no one at NFLShop seems to care as long as they're counting money. They'll offer to refund the jersey from the one person that notices, but the one refund for every 100 they sell won't matter. Hopefully if NFLShop gets a rash of calls and/or refunds they'll take this a little more serious. CHECK YOUR JERSEYS!
Image gallery:
http://imgur.com/a/QwTIa#6AdWJ
The first two images are the jerseys offered at the ProShop at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The second two are of the jersey I received from NFLShop advertised as "Elite". I've also included images of both my NFLShop.com receipt as well as the email from them explaining that it's not the twill numbers they advertise on the jersey listing on their site.
I've added a link to the Seahawks Elite jersey on NFLShop.com - notice how it says "premium twill numbers"? (Under Additional Details). I addressed the issue of them advertising them as twill when I've been told by a support rep that they're using "subliminated twill". They have no answer. I was told "it'll be updated soon". That was three weeks ago. They'll keep the listing as twill when it's clearly not, and they'll keep charging $300 for a jersey that I wouldn't pay $100 for. Not with those numbers.
NFLShop listing:
http://www.nflshop.com/product/index.js ... &cp=716699
Edit: I've had a couple people ask what the best way to contact NFLShop is. I've emailed
[email protected], and more effectively, called the tier two customer support number where you can leave a voicemail and have a tier two rep call you back. As far as I know, this number isn't readily given out (I could be wrong).
That number is 1-866-533-3467. Leave a voicemail here and a manager will call you at their convenience.
TLDR: Ordered a customized, Elite jersey from NFLShop.com that was supposed to have "premium twill numbers", jersey arrived with hard, plastic, non-twill numbers. NFLShop Customer Support admits they're supposed to be "subliminated twill", but won't change the listing on NFLShop and continues to charge $300 for what's supposed to be worn on the field but isn't. Other fans who have customized "Elite" jerseys may not be noticing this. If you have one and it has the cheap, plastic numbers, you're owed a refund. We shouldn't be paying $300 for jerseys that aren't as advertised, nor the quality worn on the field.
