HQ Flight Cage at Windy City Parrot

[PoysPoppa]

I just got the cage in the mail today from them and I was rather disappointed. This is the cage I am talking about: http://www.windycityparrot.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=19301061054&Category_Code=Flight&Product_Count=5

While I was putting it together, I noticed that many of the weld points had sharp spurs that scratched my skin. This is not good as it would surely cut a bird's foot. Also, some of the paint was gone in small areas, and was covered with a little bit of rust. Another thing that I noticed was that areas where a thin bar met the thick border of a wall of the cage were poorly welded. Instead of one smooth uniform weld, there were only 2 or 3 weld points, which left a gap where a small toe could get stuck.

I have called Windy City Parrots about this and they told me the manufacturer would call me tomorrow about this. I am not very confident about their QC process as many of the flaws were obvious. It doesn't make sense that he (Mitch ext.104) wants me to speak to the manufacturer who he stated was located on the East coast, when the cage is labeled to have been made in China. Since the cage was so cheap, I was kind of expecting this, but I hope that I just got a bad one of the bunch.

I will let everyone know how this ends up, hopefully by the end of tomorrow, which is what I was told would be when everything would be resolved. I really feel like I want a full refund, but we'll see what the manufacturer has to say.

Does anyone else have this cage that is completely satisfied? I really do not feel that this is a safe cage to place my bird in. The paint job and welding looked very inadequate as it was not as smooth and streamlined as it should be.

[SweetPeasMom]

Gosh, I dont have that cage from Windy City, but it looks similar to mine, mine has a bigger door, and 7 feeder doors. let us know what happens.

[chapala]

I thought you were unable to get the HQ cage because they were out of stock and that you purchased another similar cage??

The finish on my HQ cage is fine. I think I found one rough spot, but that was it. No rust - there definitely should not be any rust on the cage, that is not acceptable, nor is chipped paint. Not what you expect in a brand new cage. I would ask them to pick it up and refund your money or replace it with another cage which has been checked for quality control. I'm surprised because so many of us have purchased this HQ cage (though a different model with two doors), and haven't had problems. Most of us have bought the cage through Windy City too. I think they will guarantee your purchase to have a happy customer. Let us know what happens.
Reta

[PoysPoppa]

I thought you were unable to get the HQ cage because they were out of stock and that you purchased another similar cage??

The finish on my HQ cage is fine. I think I found one rough spot, but that was it. No rust - there definitely should not be any rust on the cage, that is not acceptable, nor is chipped paint. Not what you expect in a brand new cage. I would ask them to pick it up and refund your money or replace it with another cage which has been checked for quality control. I'm surprised because so many of us have purchased this HQ cage (though a different model with two doors), and haven't had problems. Most of us have bought the cage through Windy City too. I think they will guarantee your purchase to have a happy customer. Let us know what happens.
Reta

Sorry, you are right it is not the HQ flight cage. It is the AE flight cage that they have as a substitute of the HQ cage. I will post some pics soon.

[jodeg]

I have the HQ cage with 2 doors and it's fine, no problems with weld spots or rust. I would have raised HOLY H--- if it arrived the way you describe yours!! They should take that one back at their expense, and refund your money or send a replacement that has been checked out.

My friend received her HQ cage today, the one with 2 doors, that we found and ordered directly from HQ. My husband and I went to her house and he put it together for her. It's exactly like mine and looks just fine.

I wouldn't accept shoddy workmanship, no matter what the price was!

So sorry you're having these problems, especially since we've all raved about Windy City's HQ cage! GO AFTER THEM!!! :D

[chapala]

Oh okay, it's the AE cage. My memory is still working. ;) Well, it's not a great advertisement for AE cages to have such poor quality. I have heard of some problems with that brand's larger parrot cages also. Given the problems with this brand new cage, I don't think I'd want another one sent of this brand.

How long will it be before Windy City has the HQ cage available? Someone mentioned that the 2 door model most of us have is still available at other places for about the same price.
Reta

[PoysPoppa]

Shoot, I couldn't figure out how to edit the title of the thread so that people don't get confused. It is not the HQ flight cage, but rather the substitute they have for it, the AE flight cage which they say is identical but with only one door. I was told that the HQ cage is sold out in the whole country and when they do get it back in stock it will be priced at $169.

Anyways, here are some pics of the defects I am talking about:

First off, the spurs (some dont look sharp, but most are as I could not get the best angle for the pics):

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03022.jpg

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03025.jpg



http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03034.jpg

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03038.jpg







http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03049.jpg



The rust:
http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03053.jpg



http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03067.jpg

Lastly, the poor welding jobs:
This first pic is what I think it should look like with little to no gap
http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03071-1.jpg

These are the what the majority of them look like (just the right size for a little toe to get stuck):
http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03072-1.jpg

http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q435/mlkim1981/DSC03070.jpg

Does everyone else agree that I should be disappointed, or do you think I am just being paranoid and overreacting?

[Pado]

No, I don't think you're overreacting at all. Personally the rust would bother me the most - if its rusted now even if you clean it, it will rust again and that's not good for little bird tongues.

I have a Kings Cage and it did have a few sharp points when I received it but they sanded down easily and didn't leave a bare spot that could rust. The cage you have pictured has very large paint points that look large enough that if you sanded them down they may rust because the paint will be left bare.

Although a hassle - I would complain and I would expect... no, I would insist that the place I purchased the cage from handle the replacement not the manufacturer.

Sorry you are going through this - What a hassle.

[chapala]

Nope, unacceptable. Did you see Jo Anne's post above about her friend just recently ordering the cage directly from HQ? You might want to check if there are any left at a good price.
Reta

[PoysPoppa]

Yeah, I will definitely go through the HQ website once I get my refund back. I just hope it doesn't take forever because I can't afford to spend the money without getting it back first :(

[lineola]

You are not overreacting. Your photos depict a totally shoddy product.

Below is from a web site that discusses toxic paint ( http://www.happybirdy.com/ ) but I would imagine the same legalities would apply to your situation:

Legal Recourse

Many of you have asked either through posts or by email to me... "My cage tested lead or zinc toxic - I want my money back but where I bought it from... they are giving me the run-around."

Remember this... According to state and federal court rulings --- ALL in the supply chain are EQUALLY responsible... importer, distributor, brick and mortar retailer, and Internet retailer. And please understand - the Internet retailer cannot claim that they never handled the product because it was dropped shipped to you by the importer/distributor. Tell them - it is the United States Federal law that all in the supply chain are EQUALLY responsible. You do deserve your money back from where you bought your cage.

Personally I've gone after a couple of sellers successfully by sending them a complaint letter, then telling them I have copies that I'm going to send to the State Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau, and any other consumer groups that I can think of, and telling the retailer I hope he has fun responding to these agencies' inquiries and doing their paperwork. But this has been more of a last resort. Try to work with Windy City and the manufacturer first. Quote them the paragraphs above about supply chain responsibility and tell them you know your rights.

Have you sent the photos you posted here to Windy City and the manufacturer?

Maddie

[PoysPoppa]

Thanks a lot for the advice Maddie, I really appreciate how supportive everyone here has been. I did mention in my second phone call that I didn't understand why I had to handle this with the manufacturer, and Mitch at Windy City Parrots told me that he just wants the manufacturer to know the situation and to figure out where the item needs to be shipped to (still didn't make sense to me why they couldn't do it themselves, but I'll have more answers tomorrow). Mitch did tell me that everything would be resolved by the end of tomorrow and that I would not have to pay for any expenses, but we'll see what happens...The whole hassle of sending it back and waiting for another cage is stressing me out a little but I will just keep thinking positive. Once everything is resolved, I will let everyone know how it went.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I did not send them the pics of the problems with the cage. My original intention of taking the pics was for proof that there was a problem, as I did not want them to say nothing was wrong with it when they recieved it. I will email the pics tomorrow if necessary. If customer satisfaction is truly what they strive for, they should take my word for it, but we will see.

Thanks,
Matt

[jodeg]

Here's a link to the cage with 2 doors directly from HQ:
http://www.hqbirdcages.com/hq_flight_cage.html

It's $127 with free shipping, and my friend received hers today. When you click on the colors available, it says they are out of stock on the pure white and the blue.

Wonder why Windy City is going to start charging $169 now? Might as well buy it directly from HQ then!

Sorry you're having all this trouble and hope you get things ironed out soon! I wouldn't give them a moment's peace until I was satisfied! Tell them if they don't take care of you, all your friends from Talk Parrotlets will make them VERY SORRY!!!

Good luck!

[llcornell]

I also bought this cage from AE and was so pleased with the price its even cheaper if you buy from them directly. I thought I had done so well researching and getting a great cage at a great price. :D I placed the order and waited and waited weeks then months(they were out of the color I wanted) then finally it came. I was so excited and then as I opened it my excitment turned into complete shock :eek: it was so beat up rusted, bent, scratched, uneven color, rough spots and every possible other flaw you can imagine. I called them and they were very nice they picked up the old one and weeks later I recieved the new one that they had assured me would be better and it was but it still had a couple little wires sticking out like in one of your pics but I bent them off and sanded them and its good. Im happy with the cage but it was definatly a hassle and probably wouldnt order with them again. If I were you I think Id wait for the HQ.

[chapala]

Wonder why Windy City is going to start charging $169 now? Might as well buy it directly from HQ then!

I'm guessing that HQ is changing the model perhaps, and the new one (with one door) will be more expensive. Transportation costs sure have gone up! HQ might be selling out remaining stock of the old model. We will have to wait and see what the prices and availability of this very nice HQ cage will be. For anyone thinking about getting a new cage, now might be the time to get this one from HQ.
Reta

[ArtS]

I have the double wide version of this cage. Yours is of significantly worse quality than mine (mine wasn't perfect but my issues were similar to Pado's. As all of these cages are made by the same vendor somewhere in China, I don't think the quality is model or brand specific. I suspect that the one they send you in exchange will be fine.

Regards,

Art S.

[jodeg]

I think the one door cage is made by "AE" not HQ???? (as posted above). When I checked the HQ site and posted the link earlier in this thread, they're selling the two door one. I didn't see anything like the one door model at HQ's website.

Also, I think it was posted that when Windy City gets the HQ 2 door cage in stock again, they're (Windy City) going to sell it for $169, where as it's still available directly from HQ for $127.

Like you say, shipping is really expensive, so if someone wants a cage, and wants the 2 door HQ model, this might be the time to buy, but directly from HQ.

I sure hope Matt gets this straightened out to his total satisfaction and doesn't get the big weenie!!! If they do the right thing, they'll send someone to pick up that cage and give him an immediate refund so he can buy what he wants! I sure don't think it's too much to ask that a BRAND NEW cage NOT have RUST on it! GEEZ!!!

Okay, I'm done ranting......for today!! :D

[Kumiko]

I think shipping is going up, including prices, because of the truckers. Goverment issues, that sort of thing. :rolleyes:

[PoysPoppa]

Well, I just got off the phone with a rep from the AE cage company (Dan), and they are sending UPS out to pick it up tomorrow. I asked how quickly I can get a refund, and they said that it's in the hands of Windy City Parrots. I hope they give me everything back, and not a store credit, as I really would like to buy the HQ cage straight from their website. I was thinking about a double flight cage from AE but, I don't want to take another chance. Once everything is completely resolved I will let everyone know how it went.

Also, other than the hassle of having to ship the cage back, I originally paid with Paypal. I hope I don't get charged a percentage for getting the money back through Paypal...

[jodeg]

Matt -

I was just going to post and ask if you heard from Windy City or AE. Glad they're picking it up and taking it back at their cost. I'd be leery of buying another cage from them also -- "once burned, twice shy"!

I've used PayPal for years, used to sell a lot on eBay, but not sure how it works when you're getting a refund. Do you still have a free account, or have they up'd you to a "Premire" account where you have to pay a fee when payments are made to you? This type of account is assigned to users who receive a lots of payments -- think it says on the website how many you can receive and still stay free.

I was shifted to the Premire account years ago, when I was selling a lot on eBay. However, I do online surveys and when one of them pays me through PayPal, PayPal doesn't charge a fee -- don't know why, but I'm glad, because it isn't much money to begin with!

You might check out the website and see if you can find out if they charge a fee for refunds.

By the way, my friend, who receive her 2 door HQ cage directly from HQ yesterday, is very happy with it.

Good luck with your BIRD CAGE SAGA!!!!!

[jodeg]

Well, in PayPal's FAQ's I found a statement that says they don't charge a fee for a partial refund to your account. Couldn't find anything about a full refund -- strange!

I'm sure if you call PayPal, they can tell you.

[PoysPoppa]

Hmm, thanks for the info! I haven't received a payment from paypal in a while, but I think they took around 3-5% or something like that. Oh well, if they do take something it's not too bad. I can't wait to get the HQ cage. I'm trying to decide whether I should get it today or not. I just want to make sure the moeny is back into my paypal account for sure before I buy another cage!

[jodeg]

Maybe a refund is different from a payment (hope so!).

If you can afford it, maybe you'd better order the 2 door cage from HQ asap, just to be on the safe side???? Since people can't get one from Windy City, they'll be turning to HQ. By the way, don't know if you read my previous post, but they're out of stock on 2 of the colors, blue and pure white, I think. I have the platinum (light gray).

Hope they'll be as fast with the REFUND as they were with the CHARGE!!! :rolleyes:

Also hope you REALLY LIKE the HQ cage, since we've all said what a great cage it is!! :) I think for the money, it's worked out perfectly for me.....er..... Kiwi!!

Have you looked at the cage at Value Crate? It's the one door type, but also looks good for the money. It would have been my next choice after the HQ cage, but I liked the two doors, so went with HQ.

What a hassle this has been for you! Sure hope it all works out okay!

[SweetPeasMom]

I have the value crate cage, and have been very happy with it. here it is the link http://www.valuecrate.com/pcft32n.html# I love the shelf, dont know if I could do without it now.

[jodeg]

SweetPeasMom - Yes, I love that shelf in the Value Crate cage!

Since I bought the 2 door HQ cage, it didn't come with a shelf, and I wanted one somehow. I found a shelf at our local bird store, think it's called a "patio shelf". I put it inside her cage and have a ladder hooked onto it that goes down to the bottom grate. I hung little toys underneath it, and she plays underneath sometimes too.

Very handy addition to her cage! :D

[ChemESGH]

Sweetpea that cage looks awesome. I was looking at ordering one of the HQ cages but didn't like the fact that they didn't have feeder doors. I was about to ask if anyone had modified one to add feeder doors when you posted that one. I think I'm going to go with the value crate now since it has feeder doors already built in.

[PoysPoppa]

Well, I received an email from the president of windy city parrots stating that I will receive a full refund once the cage is received by the manufacturer since it was drop-shipped. Hopefully HQ will have the flight cage available by the time I get my money back. I just found out today that a check I had deposited almost 2 weeks ago bounced and times are tough...

If I'm too late and can no longer get the original HQ cage, I may just wait a little longer until I have enough for a doubleflight cage and spring for one of those. Well, I've got tape of that box now.

I'll be sure to give everyone an update once I get my refund :)

[jodeg]

Glad Windy City is cooperating and you'll get a FULL refund!

Boy, what a hassle! Please keep us posted on how this all turns out!

[PoysPoppa]

UPS picked up the package today and I hope that I get my refund without a hitch. AE should receive the cage back by early next week, and I should get my money back when the cage is received. I will let everyone know what happens.

[lineola]

Just for reference, this is the bird cage I purchased. It arrived quickly and in great shape:

http://birdcages4less.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?page=B/PROD/Small_Bird_Cages/PA5719

Maddie

[raiven]

That is the exact same cage I ordered, lineola. I have been completely happy with it. It arrived in about a week after ordering. It is not as cheap as some advertised but even with shipping and handling and custom charges it was less than anything available locally. Oh and the interior height is actually 35 inches not 30 inches as stated in the ad.

[PoysPoppa]

According to the UPS tracking number, AE should receive the cage on the 15th. I hope they refund me on the 15th like they said, so I can get the pure white HQ cage...I hear that there will be another 108 available in that color in about a week, and I have been quoted at $128 shipped for it. I have also heard that the price will be adjusted to meet demand for the HQ cage from other websites as well.

[SweetPeasMom]

http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/nitadeben/parrotlets/Pictures038.jpg
this is my value crate, the day I got it, of course today it has more toys and 2 birds in it

[Py & Cosmo]

Well...let's see what happens...I got my AE substitute flight cage for the HQ during the week - I'm going to OPEN THE BOX this weekend...please keep your fingers crossed that I have better luck that PoysPoppa!

[BeakerLuvsBunsen]

good luck with that Liz-
I have the AE cage and it worked out fine.
I had a few minor 'dents' but there were no sharp edges.
let us know how it works out for you

[PoysPoppa]

I'm thinking that I just had bad luck with that one cage. I hope it works out for you, but if it doesn't, I found that their customer service is decent. Let me know if you need any phone numbers, as I have the phone number for AE and for the guy in the cage dept. at Windy City Parrot.

[Py & Cosmo]

Well, we put the cage all together today. Except for one small wire that I found in the top corner that we flexed until it snapped off, it was in great shape...I can't believe that one little bird is going to have that entire cage to himself...but I'll work that out slowly over the next week so as not to get Cos too freaked out. I put the cage in their room today - SILENCE...absolute SILENCE...so I washed it off thoroughly and let it stay there empty for today...one step at a time...
Thanks PoysPoppa for your offers - seems that I'm OK so far.:D

[PoysPoppa]

That's great! What color did you get? Sounds like I was just one of the unlucky ones, that got one that wasn't properly inspected :(. I really want a pure white cage, and once HQ has them back in stock I will be sure to order one!

[Py & Cosmo]

I got Sandstone as the color - for me white or charcoal wouldn't work...

[PoysPoppa]

Well, AE received the cage yesterday and Windy City Parrot confirmed it only after I emailed them asking what the status was. They said that because no one made any Paypal payments to them today that they couldn't refund me until tomorrow as they should have more money in their account. If I get another excuse tomorrow I will let everyone know...

[jodeg]

Boy, that sounds like an excuse to me! You don't have to have "funds" in your PayPal account to pay someone! When you click on "send money" in PayPal, PayPal will draw first from whatever funds are in your account, then they will draw from your "backup funding source", which is usually a checking account or a credit card.

I do this all the time when paying with PayPal! I don't keep much money in my PayPal account, so there's usually only a few dollars. When I send someone money, they take those dollars first and then either make a charge to my credit card or my checking account, whichever I have chosen.

Don't let them give you the runaround! Keep us posted on how this turns out!

[PoysPoppa]

That's exactly what I was thinking...I don't know why they gave me that response, but if they send it to me tomorrow no worries. I just hope to receive it before the 17th so I can order the pure white HQ cage.

[PoysPoppa]

Here's another update:

I received the refund as a pending deposit into my Paypal account on Thursday, so although it took a couple days after AE received the cage, Windy City Parrot did refund me. As long as the pending deposit goes through without a hitch everything will have worked out okay. Oh yeah, Paypal is not charging me any percentage for the refund as far as I know.

I have heard that the pure white HQ cages have been delayed until next week and that there will be at least 100 available...now it's time to be more patient :)

[Mustang99]

I would definitely demand my money back and return the cage. How disappointing to receive the shipment and then receive an unacceptable product. I have the flight cage with two doors and it's wonderful. Sorry to hear that you're having to deal with this.

[jodeg]

HOORAY!

Glad you got your refund okay! What a hassle!! Are you ordering your white cage from Windy City Parrot? Maybe if you go direct to HQ's website, they'll have one in stock. That's what my friend did, because she wanted the 2-door model in platinum like I have.

GOOD LUCK!!

[PoysPoppa]

Yeah, finally! I'm either going to get the cage from the HQ website or http://www.birdscomfort.com/flight_bird_cage.html which looks just like the HQ website. I'll probably just go straight to the HQ website though.

[Mustang99]

Glad to see that you are getting your money back and I hope the next cage you order will come in perfect condition.

[unpoquito]

PoysPoppa, I got my HQ Flight Cage from BirdsComfort.com and was very happy! Not only did they sell them at a great price, but I paid exact shipping for DHL, and it arrived to me within 2 days of ordering it. The cage is in perfect condition. I looked it over carefully after reading your dilemma. It came with pictoral directions. I'm not at all handy but was able to put together the cage w/o my hubby's help! lol