Olivet International
reviews and complaints

In June 2009 (yes, 2009) I purchased a Dockers "Oceanside" 25 inch Exp. Upright Pullman suitcase. I used it just once, to travel from Washington DC to Mexico. I still have the suitcase and the US Airways luggage tag attached to the handle, dated June 22, 2009. If I had used it again, the airline would have removed that tag.

The inside plastic shell that gives this fabric suitcase its shape and structure fell apart, crumbled into pieces. This must have been a chemical reaction in the plastic because it has no flexibility and will snap off in your fingers like a saltine if you try to bend it in the slightest. In addition, the handle on the bottom of the suitcase snapped off. When you open the suitcase, it has a plastic chemical smell. I saved all the pieces. The three-fold hard cardboard brochure that came with the suitcase says it is 100% Polyester, made in China.

Unfortunately, I kept the suitcase carefully stored with my other luggage in my house and acknowledge I did not report it within the 10 year limited warranty period. However, this suitcase was expensive, priced at $200 even on a sale. I also did not use it again, just that one time. There is no sign of damage in handling by the airline on it, not a mark or a scuff. It definitely should not have fallen apart like this.

In February 2020, I corresponded with Olivet International, Inc. of Pomona, California, the company that markets Dockers luggage on the brochure. Their customer service replied on Feb 17 and asked me to send photos inside and outside, front and back, and detailed, plus a photo of the original receipt and the front and back of the warranty card. I put off working on this claim for several months, but got back in touch with them in early July. They responded on July 6 and asked for the same information. I no longer have the receipt or warranty card, but I did send them 17 detailed photos, including close-ups of all the areas where the shell broke and of the saved pieces.

I received a response from Olivet customer service on July 6 denying any responsibility. It read:

"Thank you for the information provided. We apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with your luggage. Unfortunately, based on the photos, it was determined that the damages on the bag are not considering manufacture defects. Something came into contact with the bag causing the luggage to crack. That was determined by the exterior/ interior photos. Therefore, we are unable to further assist you with this claim. ."

"Please note as per the warranty card we do not cover normal wear and tear or damage related to accidents, misuse, improper care, or damage resulting from airline mishandling."

"If an airline damages your luggage, you should immediately file a claim directly with the airline. "

This was a totally unsatisfactory response. . As I have noted, there is no sign of any damage whatsoever from handling by the airline, no cuts, no marks, no scuffs, no abrasions, no dents. But I took no further action because it seems clear that this company, Olivet International, simply will not stand by the quality of its products, nor will the Dockers brand, so there is nothing the consumer can do. However, I have finally decided to post some negative reviews of my experience as they may help others avoid the quality problems I encountered.

I also will never, ever purchase any luggage with the Dockers brand name on it at any price, or anything else sold by Olivet International.

The phone number of Olivet International on the brochure with the suitcase is [protected]. The phone number for customer service on their emails is [protected] ext 101. The email address is [protected]@olivetintl.com. The name of the representative on their emails was Marcia.