Rifle Scopes SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

E

E Rock

Private
Minuteman
Oct 30, 2012
2
0
52
#1
Ordering from SWFA was one of the worst mistakes I've made all year. I apologize if this subject is in the wrong category or whatever. This is my 1st post in Sniper's Hide. I've read the forums on and off. But I signed up specifically so I could post my terrible experience with SWFA so hopefully no one else will have to experience the same.
Anyone remember when they did the promo coupon for the SS 5-20x50 deal?? 10,000 "likes" and you could order the SS 5-20x50 for $1299 and get the 1-6x24 for $299. Great deal right?? WRONG.
I placed that order with SWFA on the very day they hit 10,000 "likes" on their Facebook page. (and I'm sure there are those of you that tried this for SH's FB page too but SWFA reneged on that deal) So I receive my SS 5-20x50 within a week or 2. That was in the end of May. However, by the end of September is still had not received the 1-6x20. That's 4 months. FOUR MONTHS! So after many phone calls to SWFA, I write an email detailing my disappointment and request for a return. Shortly after I receive a RMA and a UPS label I can print. I quickly repackage the 5-20 in its original box and in completely unused condition, and ship it off. A week goes by, I hear nothing from SWFA. After a few more days I email and ask "what's the deal?" The response I get is basically, "Oh, it's been sitting on the dock, no one noticed it was there." So, once that was straightened out, I figure I should be receiving my refund some time soon. I am told at the time it should be 5-10 business days or some such thing. Here it is, almost 20 business days later, and all SWFA keeps telling me is that they are just waiting for their Credit Company to allow the refund to go through. And all along, I have not heard/read anything even remotely apologetic for any of this. SWFA had my money. I had a scope. They have their scope, AND still have all my money. This is total BS. I would like to take more time and write this more articulately and with more specific details and dates, but I am just writing from my heart right now as I am sOo friggin aggravated and just want to get this off my chest. As well as just get it out there for anyone else that is going through this or wants to AVOID going through this with SWFA. You are not alone! I feel your pain. My question, semi-rehtorical as it may be, how much longer should I wait before I file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau...
 
#2
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Helluva first post, bubba. You created an account just to bitch about something? I'm sure you'll get a lot of sympathy in this forum (sarcasm).
 
#3
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I too am waiting for the 1-6 from the promo deal but I spend the time to read the threads and information that has been posted and I'm waiting patiently. After all, they are pretty much giving the scope away for free - it's hard to complain about that.

I've also purchased several other scopes from them in the last month or two and have had nothing but great service.

They even gave me a fair trade-in price on a Nightforce scope.

Honestly, over the years I have had nothing but good transactions with SWFA.
 
#4
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Four months? Heh, I waited much longer than that for other scopes. New products with high demand involve waiting. Get over it.
 
#5
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I would have more sympathy if I weren't patiently waiting for the same scope (I expected this long a wait) and if you had the balls to post on your main account.
 
#6
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Too aggravated to think, so emotional you have to register here and fire off a first post berating a Hide sponsor.

I often find that in an emotion tirade, in a mindset completely devoid of reason or logic, that is the best time to post things online.

What specific commitment did they make and not keep?

Many here are waiting for their 1-6, it does get frustrating, but your approach is sub-optimal.

On a lighter note, thanks for canceling your order, that moves someone that much closer to getting the scope for which they are patiently waiting.
 
#7
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

While I have no problem with SWFA what-so-ever, I have always found it interesting how amazingly tolerant hide members can be of the whole "we have your money, now you get your stuff when we are good and ready to send it" and can even go to the point of abusing people who are not tolerant of it even when the frustration seems reasonable. . . since if this were any business other than this one, people would not let this fly for one moment.
 
#8
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">While I have no problem with SWFA what-so-ever, I have always found it interesting how amazingly tolerant hide members can be of the whole "we have your money, now you get your stuff when we are good and ready to send it" and can even go to the point of abusing people who are not tolerant of it even when the frustration seems reasonable. . . since if this were any business other than this one, people would not let this fly for one moment. </div></div>

What was the stated delivery date of the item ordered? Therein lies your answer. Its not just here that people participate in "pre-orders".
 
#9
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

People here are tolerant of long waits because they have to be. It sucks to wait, I'm a very impatient person myself. But if you want quality glass, especially at a good price, you're often going to have to wait for it. There's a wait because it's a pre-order of a new product from a well regarded company that fits the needs of a lot of people. It's a popular product for a reason. SWFA is hardly the first company to offer a pre-order on a new release.
 
#11
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tylerw02</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What was the stated delivery date of the item ordered? Therein lies your answer. Its not just here that people participate in "pre-orders". </div></div>

Not really what Im talking about brother.
 
#12
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

If you really want the SS 1-6 you have two options:
1. Buy early for a discount, be first ones to get.
2. Wait till they are available in store and buy at full price. And be at the end of the line of the pre-order people.

You chose option 1, which is the best option. Now relax and wait like everyone else and enjoy when it arrives.

Publicly bashing fellow Hide members and sponsors is not something we appreciate. If you have a beef, work with the vendor. SWFA is not in the rip-off business, they are well liked here on the Hide. I'm sure someone wouldn't mind taking your place in line.
 
#13
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

He's just pissed now because doesn't have refund yet.

No sympathy here. In my opinion he blew it on a great deal.
And he had 5-20 in hands quick too. Lots of guys I think didn't and some still don't maybe.

Now you don't have any new scope. Try to go get 2 great scopes for the price of one now, LOL!!!
 
#14
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

1. SWFA supports the Hide as a sponsor and has bent over backwards for many members on many occasions.

2. I am fairly certain SFWA committed to no specific delivery date, as this was a scope still in final development when the deal was posted.

3. As stated, the best way to get one quickly is wait till they are in stock - and pay allot more for it,

4. They offered a smoking deal on both scopes and had issues getting the 1-6 on the street as quickly as all would like. I appreciate that they didn't ship them not ready for prime time.

Hemingway said our greatest weapons are time and patience.
 
#15
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Guys,

The bottom line is that SWFA admits to being in possession of a scope which they approved to be returned. SWFA has not refunded the purchase price approximately a month after the return. I will not let loyalty blind me of the fact this is wrong, plain and simple.



 
#17
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ctsmith</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys,

The bottom line is that SWFA admits to being in possession of a scope which they approved to be returned. SWFA has not refunded the purchase price 20 weeks after the return. I will not let loyalty blind me of the fact this is wrong, plain and simple.



</div></div>

20 days, not weeks.
 
#19
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: E Rock</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My question, semi-rehtorical as it may be, how much longer should I wait before I file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau... </div></div>

double_facepalm.jpg
 
#21
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: E Rock</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ordering from SWFA was one of the worst mistakes I've made all year. I apologize if this subject is in the wrong category or whatever. This is my 1st post in Sniper's Hide. I've read the forums on and off. But I signed up specifically so I could post my terrible experience with SWFA so hopefully no one else will have to experience the same.
Anyone remember when they did the promo coupon for the SS 5-20x50 deal?? 10,000 "likes" and you could order the SS 5-20x50 for $1299 and get the 1-6x24 for $299. Great deal right?? WRONG.
I placed that order with SWFA on the very day they hit 10,000 "likes" on their Facebook page. (and I'm sure there are those of you that tried this for SH's FB page too but SWFA reneged on that deal) So I receive my SS 5-20x50 within a week or 2. That was in the end of May. However, by the end of September is still had not received the 1-6x20. That's 4 months. FOUR MONTHS! So after many phone calls to SWFA, I write an email detailing my disappointment and request for a return. Shortly after I receive a RMA and a UPS label I can print. I quickly repackage the 5-20 in its original box and in completely unused condition, and ship it off. A week goes by, I hear nothing from SWFA. After a few more days I email and ask "what's the deal?" The response I get is basically, "Oh, it's been sitting on the dock, no one noticed it was there." So, once that was straightened out, I figure I should be receiving my refund some time soon. I am told at the time it should be 5-10 business days or some such thing. Here it is, almost 20 business days later, and all SWFA keeps telling me is that they are just waiting for their Credit Company to allow the refund to go through. And all along, I have not heard/read anything even remotely apologetic for any of this. SWFA had my money. I had a scope. They have their scope, AND still have all my money. This is total BS. I would like to take more time and write this more articulately and with more specific details and dates, but I am just writing from my heart right now as I am sOo friggin aggravated and just want to get this off my chest. As well as just get it out there for anyone else that is going through this or wants to AVOID going through this with SWFA. You are not alone! I feel your pain. My question, semi-rehtorical as it may be, how much longer should I wait before I file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau... </div></div>


foot_in_mouth.jpg
 
#23
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Unfortunately most of the Hide Sheeple protect their chrished sponsors and accept shitty service. Just the fact SWFA never called the OP back is not good business.

Right now the gun business is rockin. manufacturers can't make the shit fast enough to keep all of us supplied (what bad economy???!!!), these sponsors shouldn't make offers they simply can't deliver.

I love the Hide, it's by far the best forum out there but sometimes the members should hold off on building the shrines to these "godlike" sponsors and gun builders.

If somebody tells me they will do something in a certain amount of time, then it's my decision if I wait or not. BUT if I'm told I'll have something within a certain time, it doesn't happen and I don't get a call....bad business. Over promise, under deliver will soon catch up with all businesses, Hide Sponsors or not.

Now, the sheeple can rag on me.........
 
#25
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Lets be clear, are you guys saying its okay for SWFA to wait at least 20 business days before refunding a return in which they approved?
 
#29
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MontanaMarine</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

There might be more to this story. Joining the forum to make this as a first post tells me more about the OP than SWFA. </div></div>


I'm sure there's more to the story, there always is, and most of the time the answer is in the middle. Its never fun to see this stuff played out online, especially from an unidentified accuser (as you pointed out).

My issue with the responses in this thread is that while the OP was moaning and groaning about wait time, that was not the problem. The main problem is that the OP is out $1300. I'm sure most of us wouldn't be happy being out $1300, its kinda a big deal. Alas, I'm sure there's another side.
 
#30
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buzzsaw</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unfortunately most of the Hide Sheeple protect their chrished sponsors and accept shitty service. Just the fact SWFA never called the OP back is not good business.

Right now the gun business is rockin. manufacturers can't make the shit fast enough to keep all of us supplied (what bad economy???!!!), these sponsors shouldn't make offers they simply can't deliver.

I love the Hide, it's by far the best forum out there but sometimes the members should hold off on building the shrines to these "godlike" sponsors and gun builders.

If somebody tells me they will do something in a certain amount of time, then it's my decision if I wait or not. BUT if I'm told I'll have something within a certain time, it doesn't happen and I don't get a call....bad business. Over promise, under deliver will soon catch up with all businesses, Hide Sponsors or not.

Now, the sheeple can rag on me......... </div></div>

Nope, sums it up rather well I think. Not that I'm directly relating this to SWFA.
 
#31
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

$300 for a $1000 scope that is probably specced out to the level of a $1500 scope.

We all went in knowing it would take a long time to get it... SWFA had some problems with the reticle, they've been resolved.

Frankly, I have no problem waiting longer to get scope of this caliber for $300.

I'm sure SWFA will give him his money back. They're not crooks.

BTW Folks... remember there is always two sides to a story.
smile.gif
 
#33
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

no sympathy here either, quit your whining and shut the full cup, there are bigger problems to deal with and usually arrogant pissy people wait longer.( not saying you are one of those)
cheers.
sucks to be you and welcome to the hide.
 
#34
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I had sent a product back with a similar waiting period on the dock for a return. I realize with the new growing business they have they are having trouble keeping up. It just took a quick call and they made all right. I've been very pleased with their products and now have them on 4 out of 4 of my long range rifles. Sorry to hear you had a bad experience but overall the business has a good attitude towards their customers. It's a small shop, not a corporation.
 
#35
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I love SWFA, love my service I've had, love the products I've bought. I think he was unwise to skip out on that deal, that's just me. But if it's true that SWFA hasn't refunded a sum they authorized for refund 20 days ago...that's pretty bad.
 
#37
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Yakface</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Think that's bad try waiting on the ATF to process a few sheets of paper. </div></div>

Lol... True...

I wonder if they would sell the returned scopes at a discount.
I'd buy one, pretty quick
 
#38
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Why is everyone responding to the portion of the story regarding the wait?

The wait time is not the point here.

The point is that this company hasn't/isn't returning this customer's money.

I don't know about y'all, but I don't lend out money interest-free.
 
#39
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I tend to agree with most on here with one thing anyway which is joining a forum and making a post like this as your first post is, well, a little weak. It's just not good form or etiquette on this or really any other type of forum. Maybe there is a lot of money to be made in writing an internet etiquette book for forums, blogs and IM. Perhaps it's already been done.

Having said all that I too am frustrated with the 1x6 issue and SWFA not meeting their stated goals and not efficiently or effectively communicating to their customers. This truly is the only industry, at least that I can think of, where not making deadlines and not communicating with your customer base is not only accepted but defended by their patrons. It's just an antiquated way of thinking and even a more antiquated way of doing business. I get that often times there are waits for products in optics and other industries but this has gone a little beyond that. It's fine if you are loyal to a company and like to support them though their bad times and mess ups. Nothing wrong with that. But there is also nothing wrong with people being frustrated with a company that has missed their target dates several times now and not communicated well through all of it. Yes they did give time lines a couple of times in fact. before someone posts again that they have never set those.

Personally I am going to ride it out and wait simply because at this point the season is over and I just don't have time to do the research and go look at other products to find something in my price point. Hopefully it is as nice as the last ones and they do make their new time frame. Even so this will likely be the last time I take part in any per-order from them and depending on how it ends maybe the last time I do business with them. We'll see.
 
#42
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I would have gave him his money if he would let me wait for the scope sucks that i have kids to buy christmas shit for or else i would have been waiting for this as well lol on the kid thing ,but my point is if u agree to wait then wait ,if u dont like to wait go to walmart and get ur shooting supplies
 
#43
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: borefodder</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I tend to agree with most on here with one thing anyway which is joining a forum and making a post like this as your first post is, well, a little weak. It's just not good form or etiquette on this or really any other type of forum. Maybe there is a lot of money to be made in writing an internet etiquette book for forums, blogs and IM. Perhaps it's already been done.

Having said all that I too am frustrated with the 1x6 issue and SWFA not meeting their stated goals and not efficiently or effectively <span style="font-weight: bold">communicating</span> to their customers. This truly is the only industry, at least that I can think of, where not making deadlines and not <span style="font-weight: bold">communicating</span> with your customer base is not only accepted but defended by their patrons. It's just an antiquated way of thinking and even a more antiquated way of doing business. I get that often times there are waits for products in optics and other industries but this has gone a little beyond that. It's fine if you are loyal to a company and like to support them though their bad times and mess ups. Nothing wrong with that. But there is also nothing wrong with people being frustrated with a company that has missed their target dates several times now and not <span style="font-weight: bold">communicated</span> well through all of it. Yes they did give time lines a couple of times in fact. before someone posts again that they have never set those.

Personally I am going to ride it out and wait simply because at this point the season is over and I just don't have time to do the research and go look at other products to find something in my price point. Hopefully it is as nice as the last ones and they do make their new time frame. Even so this will likely be the last time I take part in any per-order from them and depending on how it ends maybe the last time I do business with them. We'll see.

</div></div>

Well put in regard to the long wait for product "portion" of the issue.

As emboldened, most folks are pretty patient and willing to wait for quality, a good deal, or both. Most folks are even patient in dealing with delays and setbacks, because reasonable folks know it happens. It becomes frustrating, very quickly, when you have to hound someone to tell you there is a delay. Being forthcoming and forthright really helps this.

I'm surprised more companies/outfits in this industry don't put out a weekly or biweekly newsletter/email/whatever with a super-quick status report. People like that.
 
#44
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I've done quite a bit of biz with SWFA including trading in items to buy new ones. There is def some time lag when sending them stuff but whenever I've thought it was taking too long I just made a FRIENDLY phone call and in every case I received an apology for the delay and they processed my order while on the phone with me.A little understanding and patience goes a long way.
 
#45
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Alan_H</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That has to be the WORST first post ever, congrats on the biggest douche award </div></div>


LOL
 
#47
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

I would say they make good scopes for the price. There market are the guys who can't swing or do not want the $3000 glass. They just offered a good deal and a lot of people snagged it up. Sometimes the good deals you have to wait for. There is a wait for just about everything right now.

I have personally learned about communicating with customers. But, there are some people you just can't satisfy.

Zach
 
#48
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWammo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would say they make good scopes for the price. There market are the guys who can't swing or do not want the $3000 glass. They just offered a good deal and a lot of people snagged it up. Sometimes the good deals you have to wait for. There is a wait for just about everything right now.

I have personally learned about communicating with customers. But, there are some people you just can't satisfy.

Zach


</div></div>

Your communication is great. It totally changed my view of your company over the last year. As long as you exist and your prices are reasonable, I'll be doing my ammo purchases from you.
smile.gif
 
#49
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

Not getting a refund is definitly not the best business practice. However im jealous of the OP, im still waiting on my 5-20 from the group buy. Maybe they'll send me his? Lol
 
#50
Re: SWFA - hands down, WORST company I've dealt with

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: hk dave</div><div class="ubbcode-body">$300 for a $1000 scope that is probably specced out to the level of a $1500 scope.

We all went in knowing it would take a long time to get it... SWFA had some problems with the reticle, they've been resolved.

Frankly, I have no problem waiting longer to get scope of this caliber for $300.

I'm sure SWFA will give him his money back. They're not crooks.

BTW Folks... remember there is always two sides to a story.
smile.gif
</div></div>

$300?!?! I don't even know what model it is but I'll take his scope for $500.

Edit: Researched the model. Yes, I'll offer $500 for it.
 
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