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Rifle Scopes Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

azemspilot

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Sep 15, 2008
148
1
Gilbert, Arizona
I just submitted a bunch of my extra guns to SWFA for trade in, hoping to get a couple of SS 10x42HDs.

Has anyone used this service? Good or bad experience?

Thanks.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Yes, I have once or twice, but I traded-in optics, not rifles. But like trading in a rifle at a gun shop, you will not get top dollar. They have to make a profit too, which means less $ to you.

Other than take the experience was OK. You can always say no to the trade....

Bob
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I had expected that, I worked at a large gun store here before and we gave 70% of the book value for a trade in.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I traded an IOR 4-14 tactical with them and they gave me 50 bucks more than I paid for it new!
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I think you will find Chris and his staff at SWFA to be more than fair in trade deals, and very concerned about providing a high level of customer service, generally.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I did not use it but like the above post said they have to make some money in my case they offered me about 20% retail on a new in the box aimpoint I was trying to trade on an ACOG, but other than that I have heard nothing but great things from the guys over at swfa
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Rescue swimmer, did they offer you 20% of the price of a new Aimpoint, or 20% less than the price of a new one?

I have ordered pretty much all of my scopes from SWFA over a period of about 9 years, and have been completely satisfied.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I actually got more than I expected when I traded with them. Never traded optics for optics, though.

I would imagine that trading optics wouldn't be all that good since they are, after all, a HUGE retailer of them.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I just traded a Leupold 4.5-14 MK4 towards a S&B 5-25 PMII. I got exactly what I asked in trade, which I felt was fair. They didn't lowball me, I sent it in and they sent me a tracking number the same day my trade-in arrived.

Great experience with their CS, I would do it again.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Can you tell us how much value you got?

The offer to trade is sounds very tempting.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I've done trades with them as well and have had good results. I have done many trades with Alex at Euro Optics and seem to get similar trade in values with each. They are usually very fair..however all my trades have been glass...not guns.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AZ EMS Pilot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rescue swimmer, did they offer you 20% of the price of a new Aimpoint, or 20% less than the price of a new one?

I have ordered pretty much all of my scopes from SWFA over a period of about 9 years, and have been completely satisfied.

</div></div>

No doubt they have fair prices and like I said not bashing but they offered something like 125.00 for an aimpoint 2x ML2 and it was NIB, so I was not to thrilled, So I got close to retail over on ARFCOM for it.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rescueswimmer</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AZ EMS Pilot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Rescue swimmer, did they offer you 20% of the price of a new Aimpoint, or 20% less than the price of a new one?

I have ordered pretty much all of my scopes from SWFA over a period of about 9 years, and have been completely satisfied.

</div></div>

No doubt they have fair prices and like I said not bashing but they offered something like <span style="color: #FF0000">125.00</span> for an aimpoint 2x ML2 and it was NIB, so I was not to thrilled, So I got close to retail over on ARFCOM for it. </div></div>


Brian,

We offered you double what you recalled. No big deal, glad you sold it for more. Keep in mind that we are not the end user and most of the time you will get more selling it to the end user.


Sent: 2:40:00 PM
From: SWFA
To: [email protected]

Subject: Your Sample List trade-in request

Message:
Brian,

We appreciate your offer to trade and look forward to doing business with you, after reviewing your request we have determined that we can offer you $250.00 for your trade.

$955.95 TA01NSN
-<span style="color: #FF0000">$250.00</span> Aimpoint Comp M2 2x magnification
totals $705.95
plus $12.00 Shipping and Handling
Balance owed $717.95 (Texas residents add 8.25% sales tax)

If you agree, package your trade and ship it to:
SWFA, Inc.
Attention Trades Department
420 Century Way, #100
Red Oak, Texas 75154

Include your return address (U.S. only), a money order or credit card number for any difference and a copy of this e-mail. Thank you very much for choosing SWFA for your optics needs, SWFA / Trades Dept.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Sorry I was off on the price, I just remembered it was well less than retail, heck that had to be 3 or 4 years ago by now I guess. I too am glad I got close to retail for it. Never did get my Acog though?
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Mixed emotions with SWFA. Great company and I would definitely buy from them but like Brian said your better off selling it on your unless you want to lose your ass. I tried trading a Burris XTR 3-12x50 Illuminated MD that retails for $1000.00 and was offered about half. No hard feelings though. They are trying to run a business.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I have traded with them, and had a great experience! I dealt with them face to face at there store in redoak. I probably could have gotten a little more by saleing the item, but at the time being able to get the scope I wanted in my hand, not having to mess with posting and shipping charges, it was well worth it to me.

In my opinion, you will not find better service than what you recieve from SWFA.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I traded a used Leupold with them. I looked around to see what a used scope like I was trading was going for and the discount they gave me was the average price for the trade in scope in similar condition. I did throw in a BSA scope for free. Good news is they didn't bill me for taking it off my hands.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Kilosierra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I traded a used Leupold with them. I looked around to see what a used scope like I was trading was going for and the discount they gave me was the average price for the trade in scope in similar condition. I did throw in a BSA scope for free. Good news is they didn't bill me for taking it off my hands. </div></div>

Lol, the BSA Sweet 17 I have has to be the worst glass I've ever looked through.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

How long did it take to get a response from them after you filled out the trade in application? I did one mid last week and have not heard a peep from them.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ToddM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How long did it take to get a response from them after you filled out the trade in application? I did one mid last week and have not heard a peep from them.

</div></div>

The guy that handles all of our trade in appraisals was out all last week with the swine flu. He's back today and working on getting all of them caught up. Sorry for the delay.

Brady
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

No worries, just thought it might have got lost in the internet black hole. Hope he's feeling better!
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I got an appraisal the same day from Dave. But then about a week went by after my trades had been delivered. I figured they needed time for a the guns to clear a pawn ticket or something, but he sent me an email today that he was sick all last week, and then I received another email that my scopes had shipped.

I got what I asked for for my trades (guns) got a great price on a couple of new SS 10XHDs, and he even threw in a set of SS rings for me when I asked. I am very happy with this program, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to get rid of unused guns in exchange for quality optics.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I applied for one just the other day with my Falcon Menace. I was rejected!
No worries. I decided to keep it anyways before they trounced my self esteem.

Anyways, looking forward to my SS HD on the way.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I gave it a try last night... They offered me $350 for my Belgium Browning A5 in 20 gauge. It's by no means mint condition but a good solid 90-95%. I just thought that was a bit low.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Personally, No. But my BIL did earlier this year and was very pleased. He felt SWFA gave him a far trade value and he was able to get a steal on the Leupold he wanted..

YMMV.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I traded in two scopes and purchased one. fair price, quick turn-a-round.
Would recommend
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I have dealt with Dave at SWFA,when I told him I was a SH member,he added $50 to my trade in value,they do have great customer svc.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Brady, you have an email address for Dave?

I want to check on a package deal of several pieces in trade for 2 or 3 scopes, one email with pics of all would be easier to explain the deal vs. the apprasial form several times.

Thanks,
J
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I think the trade price you can expect is probably about what a local gun shop would offer. So if you can sell it outright you'll almost always up better, but it's more hassle for the customer. The one quote I received was about 20% below what they sell the same item on their sample list. When you are dealing with high end optics that adds up to be a lot of money compared to selling it outright.

Basically that's what is to be expected though. After all they have to resell it and make a profit. One of the reasons I've never liked "trade ins" The store makes a profit on the item you are trading in (usually more than what they make on the item you trade for). You get double whammy'd.

If it was something cheap I'd probably avoid the hassle and do the trade, but when you are talking $1000+ items 20% less is a lot to absorb.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Agreed Todd. I'm going to take some good pics and send all the details to Dave, we'll see the results. They also have some room to move on the new pricing, so if they discount some there and give decent trades, then it may be worth it for me. We'll see, I'll post my findings/thoughts here when it's all done. I really hope it works out easy, it'd be worth a little bit of $$$ to me to send all my trades to one place and not have all the hassles.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Jason,

Yeah I can see it especially if trading multiple items, that saves a lot of hassle. They didn't offer any discount on the item I was going to trade for ($3200 S&B scope) if they had given a little there to make up for what I would have lost in trade, or most of it, I'd have certainly done the trade. Hopefully you will have better luck!
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Well now I have to get it all done for if no other reason than to post a report.
smile.gif
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: AZ EMS Pilot</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I got an appraisal the same day from Dave. But then about a week went by after my trades had been delivered. I figured they needed time for a the guns to clear a pawn ticket or something, but he sent me an email today that he was sick all last week, and then I received another email that my scopes had shipped.

I got what I asked for for my trades (guns) got a great price on a couple of new SS 10XHDs, and he even threw in a set of SS rings for me when I asked. I am very happy with this program, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to get rid of unused guns in exchange for quality optics. </div></div>

We started listing all your guns at no reserve and no minimum on gunbroker.

We didn't quite make it to what we allowed on this S&W:
http://v2.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=147426082

The Winchester is doing a little better:
http://v2.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=147494534

We sold the Colt Police to a walk in customer for $275.

The Uberti should be on Gunbroker shortly.

Brady
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Yep, just click on Brady's link at the bottom of his post.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I've traded on 4 scopes with them. Each time, I could have got more selling it myself, but each time I walked out with a new scope. I figure my time and the effort is worth something and I know they will need to make a profit. If you are the type that needs every penny, you are better off taking the time to sell them yourself. If you are like me, and want it now, the trade in program is great.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Good info here. I've been wondering for a while now how their trade in system works. Might have to give it try soon
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

just did my first trade in with them for a old strait 16 power mark four leupold for a viper pst they gave me a great price for my leupld and made the transition a brezze. my new scope is still in the mail and im already doing my second transaction with them for a pair of 15x56 minox binos for the vortex 15x50 recon r/t moncular with the milrad reticale they again offerd me a great price on my minox. yea i could have spent hours posting them and trying to sell myself for 50 bucks more but its not worth my time these guys are great and highly recomended in my book....Thanks SWFA
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I've never thought about sending a scope TO SWFA, however, they have gotten pretty good at sending me scopes over the last twoish years. Great customer service and a Texas company to boot. I probably won't look to much further than them for my next purchase.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I have sent them inquiries on two different optics that I was looking to sell. I was surprised each time on what they offered to pay for my items, they were offering very fair prices as far as dealers go.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

I used it once so far and the deel was very good for us both I thought. Will do it again.
 
Re: Has anyone here used SWFA's trade in program?

Just used it and it was great! Traded my VX3 in to them and bought a SS 5-20x HD. Nice people and great service! The have already sold my VX3, so they did well too.