Hi Everyone!
Thank you to everyone for your comments! Like I always say, we love to hear from you.
Many of you responded with questions, and we’re happy to answer them! Here are some answers to the questions that apply to everyone (if you have a more personal question, feel free to contact us through the link at the bottom of the website.):
How do I change my handles?
It’s so easy! Simply slide your handle to the side of the caribeener (round metal thing) to access the opening, push it open, and slide your handle off. Repeat on all 4 caribeeners, then slide your new handles in. Long or short, the choice is yours!
Are the magnets going to affect my credit cards?
The magnets are above the purse compartment entirely, so they will never even come in contact with the contents of your purse. But just to be safe, we tested them out, by leaving our own credit card and cell phone directly on them overnight. No problems whatsoever! (I’m told you need an industrial strength magnet -like those found at grocery store checkouts, etc- to really do anything to a credit card or cell phone.)
Will the magnets wear out?
Nope, they will never wear out! We use permanent magnets that are seriously strong – I couldn’t get them off my fridge when I tried them out. There are ways magnets can be de-magnetized, but it would take some serious force that a purse would have no business coming in contact with to make that happen. (If you’re a nerd like me, you can read all about the science behind why at http://www.physlink.com/Education/askexperts/ae472.cfm.) We actually decided on magnets (over any other type of fastener) not only because it gives such a sleek, seamless look to the design, but also because they won’t wear out as a snap will.
Will the purse cause issues with airport security?
They do get noticed occasionally, but in our experience (and that of our family, friends and local customers) we have never heard of any real issues. Michelle is currently abroad on a design trip and hasn’t had any problems whatsoever (but she has come up with tons of fantastic designs for the coming year, we can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back Miche!)
Where can I purchase a Miche Bag?
Our store locator is currently being re-vamped and updated (new locations are opening all over the world as we speak!) It will list both retail and home show contact info for all of the US. Our international page is also under construction, but we will soon link you to all of the international Miche websites as well. As always, if you can’t find one in your area, you can always purchase online (within the US).
I hope that you find these answers to be helpful. We’re still a fairly young company and we definitely depend on our customers to help us determine the direction we want to go, so thanks again for all of your comments!
Annette
What does the inside look like. why don’t you have pictures of the inside?
Here’s a helpful idea. Wanting an easy way to store & sort thru my purse shells, I’m using an expanding file purchased from a Barnes & Noble Bookstore(mine has 10 pockets, holds standard letter-sized pages/file folders & is covered in a pretty black cloth)for their storage. This works great. I love simple solutions!
I had a question from a co-worker in regards to the magnets affecting pace makers. I went online and this is just one article I found. What type of magnets are used and do they fall in this catagory. If so, you may want to add a warning to your site and products. I love my bag and have taken alot of orders for them! Please let me know about the magent/pacemaker issue.
sincerly,
Amy Radue
Magnets May Pose Serious Risks For Patients With Pacemakers And ICDs
ScienceDaily (Nov. 30, 2006) — Magnets may interfere with the operation of pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), according to a study published in the December 2006 edition of Heart Rhythm.
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See also:
Health & Medicine
Heart Disease
Stroke Prevention
Today’s Healthcare
Matter & Energy
Medical Technology
Electronics
Quantum Computing
Reference
Defibrillation
Echocardiography
Cardiac arrest
Artificial heart
Researchers found that while common magnets for home and office use with low magnetic strength posed little risk, stronger magnets made from neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) may cause interference with cardiac devices and pose potential hazards to patients. NdFeB magnets are increasingly being used in homes and office products, toys, jewelry and even clothing.
"Physicians should caution patients about the risks associated with these magnets," says Thomas Wolber, a cardiologist at the University Hospital of Zurich in Switzerland and lead author of the study. "We also recommend that the packaging include information on the potential risks that may be associated with these types of magnets."
Two spherical magnets of eight and 10 millimeters in diameter and one necklace made of 45 spherical magnets were tested on 70 patients, 41 with pacemakers and 29 with ICDs. Magnetic interference was observed in all patients. The cardiac devices resumed normal function after the magnets were removed.
In an accompanying editorial, Huagui Li, M.D., a cardiologist at the Minnesota Heart Clinic in Edina, MN., writes, "This study is timely and important to attract the attention of both the public and the medical profession about the potentially serious health consequences of magnets used in decoration products… for an ICD patient, the magnet interference can be fatal."
Dr. Li concludes that manufacturers who use magnets should be required to put warning labels on their products for optimal patient safety.
Annette,
Thank you for all the great information you have included in this blog post. I was also wondering how to change the straps. I will be going through the airport next week so I will see if I have any security issues with my Miche Bag then.
Barbi, you requested a picture of the inside of the Miche Bag. Here is one: http://www.michebag.com/content/image/128/image
Hi Ladies,
I just wanted to say i live in the UK and i bought my bags in washington dc, virginia. I bought a bag and four covers each for myself amd my mother and also my work colleague. We love them and everyone is amazed when we show them to people. Im sooo glad you now have an online shop.
Keep up the good work. Such a simple idea but well thought out….maybe you could create belts, purses and more designs for covers next.
Best wishes
Zoe
Salsibury, Stonehenge, UK
Hi I have purchase a miche bag and I am very happy with it. When I bought it, it came with 3 colours they chose, I like to choose my own colours but they wont let us can I order direct from you as I love the different colours you have. bye the way I am from Australia NSW wollongong 2505 please help me.
thanks cathy
Can you get some denium covers?
Also I noticed on Ebay a ALINA MB1059- (Coach looking style) I noticed your online site doesn;t carry??? Can you get more in like that style.
I have recently purchased one of these purses and I love it I hope the straps do not break on mine I have read a few comments on these straps, I have only had mine a couple days, but what a great idea I am the biggest purse nutt ever, luv it so far. Sincerely, Debi
What a great bag!!! Since buying mine I have turned 5 friends on to them. they all love theirs as well.
What is especially nice is the bag itself is excellent top quality construction.
**for you travelers…. I fly evey wednesday and have had no problem at all with TSA. So relax!!
can’t wait to see what you come up with next, I would love a straw summer look and something with an outside pocket. just my thoughts!
(I should be a distributer… I am so sold on this product and show it off wherever I go. Everyone loves it!!)
I have a Miche bag and 6 shells. I have noticed that some of the shells don’t hold onto the magnets very well and are ALWAYS falling off. The pink one is the worst (I can’t even use it). What can I do????
Hi. I would like to order Alina, MB1059. How can I do that? I do not see it on your website. They are selling on ebay for more than the suggested retail price. Do you know that?
Barbi, you can see the interior of the purse if you watch the video found on this web page: https://www.4miche.com/index.asp I like its inner side pockets, but find the interior small. I’ve lightened & downsized what I carry (my wallet, cell phone, checkbook, digital camera, keys).