Hook and loop (aka Velcro) not working anymore?

[bigdeals.etc]

A buyer filed a SNAD saying the velcro doesn't work anymore. He says they've stopped sticking and falls off. I checked and he bought the item in mid May... I only have a 30 day return policy.

Anyway, I use the same items personally, given some to friends (and my dad) and all the closures hold up just fine. They and I have been using the same item for years now and nothing has happened to the closure. My question is, does anyone know of something the buyer might have done to make the hook and loop closures fail? The only thing I can possibly think of is combing out the loops with a metal brush?? But who would do that?

Would too much dirt over 2 months cause it to lose it's stickiness? I want to try and give the buyer advice on how to fix it.

[lotzofuniquegoodies]

@bigdeals.etc 

If you have a bit of buildup...Thread etc you can use industrial duct tape and usually cleans it up. Packing tape sometimes works too depending how sticky it is. Some brands of hook and loop almost inhale everything they are in contact with so occasional cleaning is required.

-Lotz

[wastingtime101]

If it's the rough hook side then too much dirt, hair or fuzz caught in it can cause the problem. A toothbrush or tweezers usually work to clean it out.

If it's the soft loop side then too much wear and tear can break the loops so that side would have to be replaced. There would be visible fraying if that was the issue.

[dhbookds]

says they've stopped sticking and falls off.

When I first read that I thought it was the backing that wasn't sticky anymore .........  IF it was the stick on type of Velco......I have had that happen

agree with the other poster that you can get a build up of "stuff" especially if you don't close it when washing a garment.....

[mtgraves7984]

^^^ To add to that good advice... I sell ball caps with lots of hook and loop closures. The problem I've noticed are more with the hook than with the loop.

Especially with ball caps, hair gets hung in the loop side... and fur from scarves and lint from clothing, etc. I've run a toothpick down the rows of hooks if simply scratching it clean with my fingernails didn't work.

We'd know with a photo, but I'd not risk asking... would I? That's all I got. Good luck!

[bigdeals.etc]

Yea I'm not entirely sure yet what exactly is causing the buyer's complaint because he was too general. I've asked for a photo of the straps so I can see if there is build up or something else. We'll see what he replies with.

The strap is stitched on, so there shouldn't be any issue with the backings.

PS. Also I've just realized my thread title can be misleading as someone might see it as the "term" Hook and loop doesn't work on ebay anymore (Vero), since so many people know about Velcro. Too bad I can't edit that title anymore. Oh welp.

[inhawaii]

I think you sold him DEFECTIVE Velcro.  I heard you were a crook.  😉

[slippinjimmy]

In my experience hook and loop can vary in quality quite a bit, Velcro® on the other hand has high standards and a matching price.

Still, even the cheapest H&L usually functions well enough and some is as good as true Velcro®. I have had cases where the loop (soft) side has disintegrated very quickly, the loops essentially torn apart by the hooks.

[bigdeals.etc]

Yea that’s true. But this type I’ve unintentionally tested myself by using it personally as well as with close family and friends. They are still going strong after many years... but it’s not like I pull and stick the straps like 10 times a day.

[bigdeals.etc]

So after asking the buyer to provide a photo, he just responds with "I want to send both of these hats back to you."

Because it's been well passed the 30 day return window, I think I'm just going to play the broken record and ask for a photo. I'm actually a bit curious too as I've never had a buyer complain about this.

[coffeebean832]

Since they're hats the culprit is probably hair clogging up the hooks.