Customer Comments

Dear Sirs

Just a short note to inform you that your driver has collected my Outsole Sewing Machine. He arrived early despite the terrible weather and soon had things under control. With only a small amount of help we put the machine onto a wooden pallet and then used a pump up truck to wheel the machine up the driveway to the waiting lorry. The whole operation went like clockwork and was done in no time. I passed over the paper work and accepted the cheque. The driver was on his way again shortly afterwards. At present we have operation “Stack” running so your driver was going to the next call via the A2 instead of the M20 to avoid the traffic problems caused by the stack. Thank you for all your help in this matter. It is very nice dealing with a professional company who obviously take a pride in there work and make sure customers like myself have some good old fashioned customer care.  Something which is sadly lacking these days. I would like to wish you every success for the future.

Yours Sincerely
Douglas W Rimmer.

Sharon and Steve Birro of Quick Step in Shipley
(www.quickstepengraving.co.uk)

My husband has been in the shoe repairing industry since leaving school and I have had a number of occupations none of which has had anything to do with running a business.

For a number of years now we have wanted to open our own shop but as is usual we had trouble financing the venture.

To start the ball rolling I contacted Standard Engineering approximately 2 years ago and asked Keith Malyon (Sales Director) to send me some catalogues of machinery and prices; at which time we didn’t even have the finance in place let alone any premises in mind. He very politely told me I was getting a bit ahead of the game, but gave me average prices of what machinery I would need, what I could do without to start with and a number of other very relevant pieces of advice; none of which had anything to do with selling machinery but all of which was very relevant for a person with no business experience.

18 months later we had our finance, premises and business plan in place; we were ready to talk seriously about the machinery. Keith offered to come to the premises and suggest a possible layout and even e-mailed us a computer plan to work from. My husband and Keith spent some time discussing his machinery needs and reconciling them with the budget we had.

Due to delays and changing the shop location we didn’t actually place our order for a number of weeks but Keith was very understanding and kept me updated with production times and also offered to store the machinery until we were ready for delivery. All of this help was essential as I had planned a 3-week window to have the shop ready to open.

The machinery was delivered as promised at the end of the second week along with a machine they said they would transport for us from another location when they picked up some machinery we were selling to them. The three-week set up went to plan and “QUICK STEP” opened on the 13th August 2007.

During Keith’s last visit to take some pictures of the shop we talked for some time and again he offered a lot of advice on how to attract customers and more importantly how to keep them coming back.

Sanjay Chavda of "Mr Craftsman" in London

“Pleased with the service – good all round.”

Mark Thompson in Milton Keynes

“I was buying a finishing machine for the first time and the Sales Team were excellent in their knowledge of the industry.  I was kept informed every step of the way while my 710 finisher was being built.”

Ian Mason www.bigshoesuk.com

I would like to let you all know how delighted I am with my new machine.

Everything I have done so far has been quicker, cleaner and to a much higher quality than on the old one (hardly surprising!!). The only downside was that I wasn't allowed to take it on holiday!!

The new small diameter wheel on the bayonet is absolutely brilliant. I am able to finish the boots with this, which gives me a much better looking job, and it is also marvellous on the last making. I use it a lot. I just finished a pair of shoes with a 50mm lift on one, and the finish is far superior to anything I have been able to do before.

Adrian – Star Cobblers & Keycutters Ltd of Barnard Castle

“Many thanks for the service.  The outsole stitching machine I have has never been better. Very, very pleased.”

Richard Earl - E Pardoe & Son Shoe Repairs - Maidenhead

I have recently visited Standard’s new factory to have a look at an out-sole stitcher, with the intention of buying one. Well, I’ve been and am pleased to say that I am now the proud owner of a new machine. I cannot praise the machine enough suffice to say, why didn’t I do it a lot sooner.

Previously, whenever there were shoes to be stitched, it was always ‘Will the machine work today?’ but not anymore. I can now look forward to all the stitching jobs with relish and can’t wait to get on the machine. As with anything new, you have to take a bit of extra care when working but as this machine is nearly the same as my old one then there is not a lot different so it’s like going from a Mini to a Rolls Royce and boy am I glad!

Just a few words of thanks to all at Standard for the service and attention that I received. I asked for the machine to be delivered at 8.00 am on a Monday morning, mainly to fit in with my busy working week and sure enough, the guys were there on time and the machine installed in no time.

As an aside, if you can find the time then I recommend that you arrange a visit to Standards new premises in Kettering. They have a showroom full of all the equipment that you will ever need and you can try out everything on display.

Kirti and Suresh - Buckinghamshire

"When we contacted Standard regarding setting up a shoe repair and key cutting business, they invited us up to their factory and offered us a "Grand Tour!" We discussed our requirements with the friendly duo of Keith and Ken, and settled on a fair price for all the kit we required. This included some tailor made items. From date of order, they were always on hand for advice and were always helpful. We would not hesitate in using them again although they were a little stingy with the drinks on our Tour! Great people and great service!"

Roy Parkinson - Australia

"Your Dispatch Clerk and Invoicing Dept surely have to be the most efficient combination in the business world! I faxed my order on November 27th and received the goods at 10am on December 3rd. What excellent service, my congratulations."

John Gower - Kent

"I found Standard a pleasant company to deal with. They provided a high quality product, delivered when it was convenient for me and were very fair and honest during our negotiations on prices!"

Tim Elvins - North Wales

"When choosing a company to help me sets up a key cutting service Standard were one of those we asked for a quotation. Of all the Companies I contacted, Standard were the only one who seemed bothered to take the time to assist me. They offered sound advice, full support and back up, delivered my system and commissioned all the machines which gave me confidence in my new venture. A very professional organisation that I would not hesitate in recommending."