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Rifle Scopes SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

T

tomcatfan

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Nov 22, 2010
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Southern MD.
#1
I was just wondering if anyone on the forum has had any experience with SWFA's lowest price guarantee. They claim they will beat anyone's lowest price by 110%. I submitted a request for a price match a while a go and I haven't heard anything back from them. I know that some of thy guys on this forum have used SWFA so has anyone had any luck?

And before people go ape shit, this is no way bashing or endorsing SWFA, I am just wondering what peoples experience is if they have used their price match guarantee.
 
#4
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jrb572</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Call them. I did. Got a great price. </div></div>

Will do, I was just wondering how well they deal with requests made via the web. Thanks though.
 
#7
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Here is my experience with SWFA to date.

Their 110% price guarantee is worthless.

I had a price from Graf for a cheap Mueller for $90 with shipping included.

Price from JoeBob $130 with sunshade and free shipping.

Checked with SWFA sent them all the info and they would not match either price.

Why even give them a chance at a sale when someone has it cheaper and in stock already?

Buy from the person who sells it cheaper every day and not waste your time jumping through hoops to get the same price. Forum supporter or not it is not a blank check for them to charge higher prices to the forum members. They are not competitive if all they can do is match prices.

Everything I have purchased that they sell I have bought cheaper from other sources.

I will never spend one dime with them in the future.
 
#10
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I've purchased a lot from SWFA, but IMO, any "110% price guarantee" is absolute crap - regardless of the vendor that provides it. Most places have so many terms & requirements to do it that it's pointless (eg, - item must be "in stock" and must be from an "authorized retailer", etc). Since most of the big manufacturers require MAP, reporting a better deal usually just means that you're alerting one vendor to another vendor who isn't adhering to MAP, and they usually turn them in and get them in trouble.

While it's nice to try to support a vendor on the site, your best bet is to just go with the vendor with the lower price if price is what matters most to you.
 
#11
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I can't say I've had good dealings with them. I bought one of their recommended super sniper mount packages and it was WAY too high. Thy refused to accept a return because I had already mounted it. My next issue was when I ordered another ring and base set and they were backordered. It did not say this was the case anywhere on the their website. Three months went by with minimal response to my phone calls or updates so I finally changed it to something else.

Although I will say I was very satisfied with the super sniper.
 
#12
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've purchased a lot from SWFA, but IMO, any "110% price guarantee" is absolute crap - regardless of the vendor that provides it. Most places have so many terms & requirements to do it that it's pointless (eg, - item must be "in stock" and must be from an "authorized retailer", etc). Since most of the big manufacturers require MAP, reporting a better deal usually just means that you're alerting one vendor to another vendor who isn't adhering to MAP, and they usually turn them in and get them in trouble.

While it's nice to try to support a vendor on the site, your best bet is to just go with the vendor with the lower price if price is what matters most to you.

</div></div>

I have to concur with above. A couple of years ago CDNN had Kahles Scopes on sale at 50% off and they had a Multizero 3 x 12 52mm objective scope on sale for $699. A steal at that price and it was advertised in the CDNN catalog. SWFA had it on their Sample List for $1200. I called them and asked them if they would match CDNN's advertised price by 110% meaning they would have to sell it to me for $630. SWFA said no. Sample list scopes aren't discounted any further and the 110% guarantee does not apply. So I bought the brand new scope from CDNN. I do buy from SWFA but I have no confidence in their 110% price match guarantee.
 
#13
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.



<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm more concerned with them helping out on large ticket items then I am breaking their backs saving someone $10 on nickle and dime stuff.

They will still get my business. </div></div>

If they will not match prices on the low ticket items forum members want to purchase, be prepared to get out the Prep H for the big stuff.
 
#14
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

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

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm more concerned with them helping out on large ticket items then I am breaking their backs saving someone $10 on nickle and dime stuff.

They will still get my business. </div></div>

If they will not match prices on the low ticket items forum members want to purchase, be prepared to get out the Prep H for the big stuff. </div></div> Could not have been said better!
 
#15
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I think I'm just going to drop the hammer with another company. I wonder why companies claim they will price match when the know they have no intention of doing so? Wouldn't that just push customers away? I guess the above point about MAPs makes sense though.
 
#16
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I have had great service form swfa. If a scope is on clearance from another vendor, the price match would not apply unless swfa was getting the same deal from the scope maker. The matching price is for standard prices from other dealers. If I was in the same business, I would do the same thing. By the way I just picked up a SS10x HD and due to being a repeat customer, they gave me a great deal on it. Also swfa has had some great deals on some of thier close out scope. They had some Mk4 scope for sale at dealer cost. They are in business to provide a service and to make some money along the way.
John
 
#17
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think I'm just going to drop the hammer with another company. I wonder why companies claim they will price match when the know they have no intention of doing so? Wouldn't that just push customers away? I guess the above point about MAPs makes sense though. </div></div>

They offer it because to many people it tells them "Wow - if they are willing to offer that, they MUST have the lowest prices, so I may as well buy it here."


For most dealers, if you invoke a price match guarantee and they don't want to do it, they will just ignore you 99% of the time since they figure that you're the type of penny-pinching customer that they don't really want anyway. If you call them on the phone and try to invoke it, the typical response is to send them the details via an online forum or through email; then they have the option to ignore it if it's not what they want to match.

Price guarantees are a joke, pretty much across the board.
 
#18
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

As already stated, call them! It has been my experience that SWFA's customer service is second to none... But they due get a lot of E-mails. What is going to hurt, call and find out!
 
#19
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I just got an email from SWFA and they included a quote for the price match. They are meeting me at 110% of the cost compared to the competitor that I gave them. So as far as I'm concerned SWFA is good to go in my book.
 
#20
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Savage 10fp</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just got an email from SWFA and they included a quote for the price match. They are meeting me at 110% of the cost compared to the competitor that I gave them. So as far as I'm concerned SWFA is good to go in my book. </div></div>

Which scope was it for? If it was for a brand that requires dealers to adhere to MAP, you may have just shot us all in the foot.
 
#21
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

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

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: nly205</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm more concerned with them helping out on large ticket items then I am breaking their backs saving someone $10 on nickle and dime stuff.

They will still get my business. </div></div>

If they will not match prices on the low ticket items forum members want to purchase, be prepared to get out the Prep H for the big stuff. </div></div> Could not have been said better! </div></div>

This is why theirs no more "service" in america barely. Everyone cries cheaper cheaper cheaper. This is why you talk to frustrating machines in never ending loops instead of people on the pnone. And when you do get a person, they are often an idiot, because great workers don't work for crap money. Hope your product doesn't have any issues with it. A good seller will handle it themselves, sometimes just having you send your product in, replacing it themselves and shipping the damaged unit off for the months long wait for repair/replacement. Things like that are why I don't shop and joe blows cheap internet depot, or wall mart for that matter. By over exerting themselves to match the "bulk sellers" they will have to match their methods, because its the only way they can stay in business. You can have em, ill stick with the people who focus on quality and service instead of price.
 
#22
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

nly205,

The business model is changing in this country. Dealers need to know that there is no more local optics shop or any shop. Any optics shop is local and is as far away as your lap top computer keyboard. All businesses that cater to the public better get on the bandwagon and know that a shop in Pennsylvania is just as local to a buyer in California as if it were just down the street.

Its eat or be eaten in this world.

What makes SWFA unique is that they offer a large selection on line and carry hard to find items. Not necessarily the best price but when you need it you can have it from SWFA. That is there online niche and is why I continue to purchase from them.

 
#23
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ptalar</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nly205,

The business model is changing in this country. Dealers need to know that there is no more local optics shop or any shop. Any optics shop is local and is as far away as your lap top computer keyboard. All businesses that cater to the public better get on the bandwagon and know that a shop in Pennsylvania is just as local to a buyer in California as if it were just down the street.

Its eat or be eaten in this world.

What makes SWFA unique is that they offer a large selection on line and carry hard to find items. Not necessarily the best price but when you need it you can have it from SWFA. That is there online niche and is why I continue to purchase from them.

</div></div>

And at the end of the day whether you agree with it or not, that is capatilism. Thats just how things work.
 
#24
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

I had a good experience with SWFA. They price matched my scope for me.

I did it all online through their website. I followed the link, submitted all the requested information and received conformation a couple days later. I think it was about 3 or 4 days before I heard back.

They approved the price match.

The way it works is they give you a personal coupon code valid for 30 days.

I went back to their website and entered the code when I ordered my scope and got the discount.

Just for reference I ordered about $800 worth of goods.
 
#25
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magstang1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I had a good experience with SWFA. They price matched my scope for me.

I did it all online through their website. I followed the link, submitted all the requested information and received conformation a couple days later. I think it was about 3 or 4 days before I heard back.

They approved the price match.

The way it works is they give you a personal coupon code valid for 30 days.

Just for reference I ordered about $800 worth of goods. </div></div>



I went back to their website and entered the code when I ordered my scope and got the discount.







Isn't this exactly what I said earlier?

Hoop jumping without the pay of a NBA superstar.

Please explain the logic here. When you could have purchased it right then and there, had it in you hand in a couple of days.

I just can't even begin to understand that thinking.

 
#26
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

No, that's not what you said.

The logic is, now follow me here, I saved money.

When I got my new scope, there was more money in my bank account than if I had ordered it from the other vendor.

To each their own I suppose. I wasn't in a big rush.

Just my experience. Take it or leave it.
 
#27
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

How much money did you really save for all your time?

It is hard to follow when the leader has no idea where they are going.
 
#28
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kwak</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How much money did you really save for all your time?

It is hard to follow when the leader has no idea where they are going. </div></div>

I don't know about most people on here, but I don't need any of my gun accessories yesterday. It is just a hobby that I really enjoy doing. My life doesn't depend on any of my guns.

So what if I can't go to the range this weekend, I will only go next weekend. I don't know about his transaction, but I am saving about $75. Now if I were to charge the labor rate that I do at work, which is about $120/hour I still make out on the deal. It took me all of about 10 minutes to do everything. In working out the math, it cost me about $20 worth of labor to save $75. I will take that deal anywhere.
 
#29
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Thanks guys for understanding our policy and allowing SWFA the opportunity to serve you. For those that don't agree or understand our policy I offer the following explanations.

We do offer the best prices we can but we cannot monitor every competitor on a daily basis.

We change prices on hundreds of items a week to ensure that we stay competitive.

Many items we hit the mark right off the bat and are the market leader in regards to the lowest price. With over 10,000 (different) skus, it’s a full time job to police them all. We get to as many as we can a day and rely on the 110% Low Price Guarantee to catch the ones we miss.

Some brands have enforced Minimum Advertised Prices (MAP) and cannot be changed on our site due to contractual obligations that we agreed to abide by as an authorized dealer. We still price match these, we just can't change our site.

We know we can't win them all but the more sales we are able to land from non-Hide supporters the better off we are and The Hide is as it allows us to continue to support The Hide at a high level like we have for many years.

Thanks again.
 
#30
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

My question that I've been wondering about that I've not seen answered is if someone wants a site price matched that's selling a particular item below MAP, when you price match it do you turn them in to the manufacturer, or whoever you'd turn them into? Or do you just price match and go on?

That being said my one and only deal with SWFA went extremely well, although I didn't need anything price matched. I'd buy from them again if they had the best price.
 
#32
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

SWFA has been hiting out of the park for me. I placed an order and they upgraded to replace a part that was out of stock. A USA company with great prices, great service, gets my loyalty.
That's America.
 
#33
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Not a big fan of SWFA myself especially the hoop jumping. The other issue which kinda isn't their fault is the in state Tax on items. I have ordered several scopes from Sport Optics in LA and have them most of the time the next day. Usually they are on par or make it worth it to go with them over other companies.

Lets look at Leup's.

SWFA You pay for the scope, Tax (if in TX), and Shipping
Sport Optics You pay for the Scope, free shipping, free threaded lens covers and great CS.

I have e-mailed in the past to see if SWFA would match or beat with no luck. If they would honor the 110% on most things for Texas it would make it worth buying from them since 8% would cover the state tax.

I shop around a good bit when I want an optic but S.O. usually gets my money due to policies and the fact I don't have to jump through any hoops to save money with them as they are already pretty well priced.

If your out of state it might be worth jumping through the hoops. Both are sponsors here so you cannot go wrong either way.
 
#34
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Someone I know from another forum recently found a high end scope that he wanted on swfa. The site listed it as in stock. Not that it was life or death but he was pretty excited to receive his scope and you can see where I'm going with this. After painfully waiting for a tracking number, he received an email saying that it wasn't actually in stock but will be shortly. Against his better judgment he decided to wait it out. Today he posted that he received his scope but was sorely disappointed that the incorrect rings were inside the box. I could sense the disappointment in his words as he continued. He called swfa back and was told to contact the manufacturer of the optic since swfa doesn't have the correct rings in stock and those rings are generally supplied with the scope. The manufacturer told him to send the rings in and they'll mail him the correct set. Another agonizing wait ahead. The part where swfa comes in is that the rings inside the box had an swfa label on them. Apparently they were not what the manufacturers placed inside the box. I'm assuming that someone at swfa swapped these out for whatever reason.

Price match guarantee or not, even though I'm in the market for another optic, I dunno if I'll be shopping with swfa. I'm sure that they've served thousands of happy customers, but this had my blood boiling.
 
#35
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UserM4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Someone I know from another forum recently found a high end scope that he wanted on swfa. The site listed it as in stock. Not that it was life or death but he was pretty excited to receive his scope and obviously, after painfully waiting for a tracking number, he received and email saying that it wasn't actually in stock but will be shortly. Against his better judgement he decided to wait it out. Today he posted that he received his scope was sorely disappointed that the incorrect rings were inside the box. I could sense the disappointment in his words as he continued. He called swfa back and was told to contact the manufacturer of the optic since swfa doesn't have the correct rings instock and these rings are supplied with the scope. The manufacturer told him to send the rings in and they'll mail him the correct set. Another agonizing wait ahead. The part where swfa comes in is that the rings inside the box had an swfa label on them. Apparently they were not what the manufacturers placed inside box. </div></div>

You're suggesting that someone at SWFA pulled the rings that were supposed to come with the scope and replaced them with an inferior brand of rings? That's a pretty big accusation. What did SWFA say when your friend called them about it?

Where's the post at?
 
#36
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jtb33</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UserM4</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Someone I know from another forum recently found a high end scope that he wanted on swfa. The site listed it as in stock. Not that it was life or death but he was pretty excited to receive his scope and obviously, after painfully waiting for a tracking number, he received and email saying that it wasn't actually in stock but will be shortly. Against his better judgement he decided to wait it out. Today he posted that he received his scope was sorely disappointed that the incorrect rings were inside the box. I could sense the disappointment in his words as he continued. He called swfa back and was told to contact the manufacturer of the optic since swfa doesn't have the correct rings instock and these rings are supplied with the scope. The manufacturer told him to send the rings in and they'll mail him the correct set. Another agonizing wait ahead. The part where swfa comes in is that the rings inside the box had an swfa label on them. Apparently they were not what the manufacturers placed inside box. </div></div>

You're suggesting that someone at SWFA pulled the rings that were supposed to come with the scope and replaced them with an inferior brand of rings? That's a pretty big accusation. What did SWFA say when your friend called them about it?

Where's the post at? </div></div>

Not saying that they were inferior as they were just labeled SWFA but not the right size. SWFA said that they don't currently have the correct rings in stock and referred him to contact the manufacturer.
 
#37
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

SWFA is GTG for me. If i order something in the morning, I usually have it on my doorstep the next day. (it's good to live a stone's throw away, but in the next state) They have always been competitive price wise and top notch customer service if I ever needed it. Sorry some of you guys have had issues, but IMO that is for sure the exception, not the rule.
 
#38
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Poke,

We can price match sales tax and freebies on Leupold but Leupold is very specific on which freebies. If you ever have a question or need help contact me direct and I will take care of you.

[email protected]

UserM4,

Really need more details on this one, sounds pretty disturbing if true but I cannot see it being true. Why don't you have your buddy jump on here so we can hear it first hand.

I am trying to think which "high end" scopes come with rings and can only come up with Valdada where you have your choice of low, medium or high.
 
#39
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: UserM4</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Not saying that they were inferior as they were just labeled SWFA but not the right size. SWFA said that they don't currently have the correct rings in stock and referred him to contact the manufacturer.
</div></div>

Sounds like Valdada. We sell the rings stand alone and with the scopes. Val at Valdada is not very advanced technology wise and does not use stock numbers, bar codes, labels, etc. Recieving their stuff is a warehouse nightmare and shipments are very routinely wrong due to their lack of technology.

We have to make our own labels/bar codes for all of their stuff including the rings in order to scan them in and out. If you buddy got the wrong rings and we did not have the correct ones then the fastest solution would be for him to send them direct to Valdada for replacement. Of couse he could send them to us and we send them to Valdada and Valdada send us a replacemnt to send to him then we send them to him. I am sure we gave him the option.

Did he get a different size than what he ordered or did he need a different size than what he recieved. That is two different things. None the less, whatever happened to your buddy is not so bad to get your blood boiling.
 
#40
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

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

We can price match sales tax and freebies on Leupold but Leupold is very specific on which freebies. If you ever have a question or need help contact me direct and I will take care of you.

[email protected]

UserM4,

Really need more details on this one, sounds pretty disturbing if true but I cannot see it being true. Why don't you have your buddy jump on here so we can hear it first hand.

I am trying to think which "high end" scopes come with rings and can only come up with Valdada where you have your choice of low, medium or high. </div></div>

PM sent.
 
#41
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

No need to PM me the details, lets keep it out here.

So you confirmed it was Valdada and his scope was supposed to come with 35mm rings and came with 30mm. We still don't know much more than we did to start.

What is his order number? Hopefully he will chime in with more details so that I can get to the bottom of this.
 
#42
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

Last I heard before he logged off was that he was headed to the post office. I'm assuming to mail out the rings on his dime. Pretty sure that it's headed straight to Valvada.

Question, when he contacted the manufacturer, they told him that the rings and scope are packaged together. Why does SWFA need to add a SKU to the rings? Is it to verify height and label it to the box? Does Valvada not provide that info, ie a check mark next to the option or something archaic like that?
 
#43
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

10+ years of buying from SWFA, no problems.

haters.jpg
 
#44
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SWFA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No need to PM me the details, lets keep it out here.

So you confirmed it was Valdada and his scope was supposed to come with 35mm rings and came with 30mm. We still don't know much more than we did to start.

What is his order number? Hopefully he will chime in with more details so that I can get to the bottom of this. </div></div>

I am the customer in question. I pmd you before i saw the last couple replys. Long story short i was sent 30mm rings for a 35 mm scope. Im on a phone so im not posting the whole pm here.
 
#46
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magstang1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully this gets resolved.

+1 for SWFA for taking the time to come here and handle this. </div></div>

Chris has contacted me, and taking steps to care of me. For the record they were not non-valdada rings. They were just the wrong tube size. Apparently the scope came with low, and they tried to service me better by swapping out for highs. A mistake was made and 30mm were placed in the box instead of 35mm.

Too keep some what on topic to this thread they did have the best price I was able to find on my scope. So there was no need for a price match.
 
#48
Re: SWFA Low Price Guarantee.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Magstang1</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hopefully this gets resolved.

+1 for SWFA for taking the time to come here and handle this. </div></div>


If SWFA had handled this right in the first place it would be a + but because they failed to do anything right it is a MINUS for them again and again and AGAIN

As you can see they always fail to answer the questions directly

It appears they must have a Lawyer answer for them as they are trying to put the blame on someone else for this last one.

Did SWFA ever post anything about their great 110% price guarantee?
 
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