Paul Richard 

Got the wrong order. I contacted them, they asked me for a video as proof. Sen it to them. After that no more answers to several messages that I sent.

First, I love Paul Richard's product. His craftsmanship and commitment to quality products are next level. I think the product speaks for itself, beautifully designed and crafted, using high quality materials and hardware.

After a mistaken mis-shipment of the incorrect bag, the team at Paul Richard went to great lengths to correct the mistake. They understood my frustration and took immediate action, communicating quickly and effectively, and working to resolve the issue. Even though the bag that I had ordered was no longer in stock, they figured out a way to send me the correct bag as quickly as possible, offering a significant discount to right the wrong and allowing me to hold onto the incorrect bag. Not many companies show as much integrity as Paul Richard does.

I'm very happy with the bag I received and exceedingly happy with the customer service and care they took with my purchase.

Marketing (web site, language and messaging) implies these are made by an individual business, perhaps even a person named Paul Richard. Once I finally recieved a shipping confirmation, it became obvious the Bags are made in China, likley in a sweatshop.

Orders went in 12/7/24 for 2 bags, took up to 6 weeks to get both (sent separtely, not communcated that way).

Bag quality is OK, maybe worth the faux discounted price but clearly not of the quality implied by the web and full prices advertised.

Customer service was responsive, but evasive on details and where bags were made

I was completely misled by an advertisement for Paul Richard Bags's website, which deceptively presents itself as a small, artisanal operation run by a humble craftsman nearing retirement. In reality, I later discovered that these bags are mass-produced by a company in China.

When my order failed to arrive, I reached out to their customer service, only to be directed to the shipping company. An investigation with GOFO uncovered alarming evidence of fabricated delivery receipts and counterfeit photos. It is deeply concerning that "Paul Richard" is shipping from China while falsely claiming that their products are made in the USA.

This is a blatant act of internet fraud orchestrated by a Chinese company. Although their website and email communications may appear legitimate, they are anything but. I have repeatedly requested a refund, yet they keep deflecting my inquiries back to the GOFO delivery service. This operation is alarmingly sophisticated, using professional marketing tactics to create a false sense of credibility.

If you have already made a purchase from Paul Richard Bags, take solace in the fact that you were only partially deceived. Make no mistake; this company is not closing down anytime soon.

There was a delay but once we established communication and a different color chosen all went well. Very happy

I love the old school backpack, it made with quality products and put together in a beautiful fashion. I had to wait for it for a very long time but it was worth the wait.

I received my bags and am very impressed with the quality and craftsmanship.

Thank you Paul!

I purchased several items from Paul Richard on 12/24/2024. I then came across negative information about the company which influenced me to cancel the orders. I received one of the items, the others not. They were very professional and understanding and apologized for my experience. I have never experienced the understanding and supportive of my reasoning. I woul encourage others to discount the misinformation on this company. And the item I did receive was exactly as they stated excellent craftsmanship!

I received my new Laptop bag which is excellent quality! The team at Paul Richard were amazing and let me switch over my order from a rucksack to the laptop bag with non hassle at all. The bag is top quality and looks fantastic, a lot more room in it than i expected.
Delighted with my purchase and will definitely buy off this team again.

It might be made in China but it’s well made with good materials. I was informed of shipping along the way and it arrived on time. Packaging was excellent maybe because of the long voyage. Anyway I’m happy with my purchase and would buy again.

This company is fake, and they have false marketing. The reason I decided to buy the bag from thee guys is because of a Facebook ad about this guy shutting down his shop after many years and this is the last opportunity to get these hand-made in USA bags. Turns out the bags ship from China - I have screenshots of the shipping info. When I reached out to them, they said that it is just a way to get the cheapest shipping - the bags are still handmade and shipped from here. If that were the case the tracking should have shown the waybill going to a location in the US where it was manufactured before it came to me. THat wasn't the case. Its just Chinese goods sold under a fake company. Stay away!

The quality of the three leather backpacks met all of the expectations as advertised and indicated on the website.

Great experience all the way around - order went in smoothly, shipping and delivery was prompt and the backpack itself was just as advertised - really nice quality!

I bought this with one eye open not knowing what I was going to get and it was everything that I could imagine. Highest quality I could imagine, and I would certainly purchase one of these again. This is built very very well. Many of my friends ask me where I bought this as they too appreciate the work that went into it.

Ordered for Christmas and as of Jan 21, 2024 / still no bag. I did find out that the bad shipped from China despite the website and support emails saying it is handcrafted in the USA.

Do NOT buy from this fake company.

Excellent product, well made, you can tell the workmanship is of the highest quality. A lot of care and skill has gone into the production of this bag, and I think it will last a long time to come.

Also excellent customer relations and regular updates on production/shipping.

[Update May 2025]
I received the following request from TrustPilot and "Paul Richard"
_______________
You’ve written a review for Paul Richard, and they’ve asked for more details to better understand your experience.

If you provide some extra information within 3 days, it’ll help them recognize your experience and respond.
__________________
Yeah, naw. I'm not going to give "Paul" any further personal details. I do NOT trust "Paul" (insert some Chinese-based drop shipper) with my personal information.
===================

[Original Post]
I was looking for Christmas presents for the family and an FB ad for "Paul Richard - Handcrafted Bags" caught my eye. The website starts with:

"I’m Paul, and I’ve spent the last 27 years perfecting the art of leathercraft. Each piece is lovingly made with the finest materials, just for you."

Paul's story that this was "My Last Christmas Sale Ever!" got my attention as did his "About Paul" page.

[START OF SCAM-BAIT STORY]
"Hi, I’m Paul, and I’m thrilled you’ve discovered my work. Since 1997, I’ve been handcrafting leather goods with passion, care, and a deep commitment to quality. What began as a hobby grew into a lifelong journey, where each bag I create tells a story of tradition and craftsmanship. For over 27 years, I’ve poured my heart into every piece, knowing that my bags would find their way into the hands of those who value timeless design and true artisanal work.

A Heartfelt Farewell
As I prepare to close my workshop, it’s with a mixture of nostalgia and excitement. This journey has been filled with highs, challenges, and the joy of connecting with people like you, who appreciate what I’ve crafted. Though this chapter is ending, new adventures await, even as I say goodbye to this one.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Your support has meant everything to me. As a token of my gratitude, this farewell sale is your final opportunity to own one of my bags—a piece of my story—as I step forward into the next phase of my life.
[END OF SCAM-BAIT STORY]

So, I read all the info on the site including the FAQs and policies. I noted that it would take a few days to make my items. The FAQ said, "Since each bag is made with love and care, please allow 3-4 business days for processing. After your bag has been carefully crafted and inspected, it will be shipped directly to you."

This was okay since Christmas was still a few weeks away. So, I placed an order for a few items cost for a total of several hundreds of dollars. But the "going out of business" and "last Christmas sale ever" sale prices looked great.

To my surprise, just five hours after the order confirmation email I received a "your order is on the way" email for each of the items on my order and a tracking number. And the origination is China.

How do I reconcile the FAQ "After your bag has been carefully crafted and inspected, it will be shipped" and getting "your order is on the way" and shipment information in less than 5 hours from ordering?

Fishy. So I start doing some searches. You know ... is Paul Richard leather a scam?

Found MANY stories similar to mine. Paul is not real. He doesn't have a leather good shop. It's not going out of business. This is actually some drop-shipper out of China.

Ouch.

I research "Paul's" cancellation policy. "Cancellations are valid 24 hours after ordering."

Phew. I've got time. I initiate a cancellation before 24 hours has expired.

I get an email response. "After carefully reviewing your request, I regret to inform you that your order has already been fulfilled and processed. Unfortunately, at this stage, we’re unable to cancel the order."

I check the tracking information. Nothing has shipped yet. The shipper has only received the shipment information. Nothing has left the country. I persist.

I hear nothing back.

I contact my credit card company and enter a dispute. I provide all the information and correspondence. They start an investigation.

NOW I hear back.

"We are writing to inform you that your recent order has been successfully canceled, and the refund has been processed."

And it was, I got almost all my money back except they kept $4.95 for "Shipping Insurance" charge even though nothing had been shipped. Whatever.

TIME PASSES

Two weeks later I get another email from "Paul"

"I see that your tracking status is stuck on 'Info Received.' This happened because I was waiting on a delayed shipment of leather materials from my supplier."

Uh, okay.

And a few days after that, "Paul" emails me again.

"I hope your new bag has exceeded your expectations! Creating something meaningful for you has been an absolute joy."

Wow. Just wow.

LEARN FROM MY LESSON:
* Be SKEPTICAL about those targeted ads.
* Do your "is this 'insert name' a scam?" searches FIRST.
* Protect your personal information at all costs.

Ordered 2 bags and they were quite unknown to me , bags arrived , by courier and bags are really good quality

I’d really recommend

This site was unearthed entirely by accident, and I couldn't have been more pleased, excited, and impressed by what it has to offer. Every item is beautiful in design and unbelievably sturdy in its usefulness. Most reviews complain of the deceitfulness of the site - a Chinese scam - but, at the end of day, the proof is in the pudding, and these packs are genuinely very quality material; and, considering their overall specs, are competitive in price and condition with other bags/packs being sold online. I had no problem with customer service and correspondence; yes, the delivery was a few weeks, but that's hardly worth losing peace over. These bags can be well cherished and loved in their use, if you see them for what they are: well-made, durable, and genuinely attractive . . . . regardless of who's doing the work.

Paul's item that I ordered was a high quality product. Constructed with quality materials and was constructed with care. It will likely outlast me!