Buying from Kult of Athena


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Buying from Kult of Athena

by Calvin
(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

After extensively researching the swords I want and exhaustively researching who I want to buy it from, I have found that Kult of Athena consistently has the best prices on the market - especially now that our Canadian dollar is so strong. Ironically, Reliks.com (a Canadian company) isn't even on par when you apply their free-shipping discount. The Kult of Athena web-site is very easy to navigate. They are fairly up to date with what they have in stock, have great deals on "blemished" items, and you can quickly eliminate non-Battle Ready merchandise from your search. Shipping costs are easily calculated and reasonable.

After having dealt with them a couple of times, however, I can criticize them for one thing: their customer service. Very slow to answer emails, if they do at all, or return telephone calls, they can be a bit frustrating to deal with. Once you do have someone on the phone, however, they are easy to talk to, helpful and informative. Still, they could use some work.
For example, my last order took about 3 weeks for them to ship to me. I needed swords for a show I was choreographing the fights for, added a couple of items for my personal collection, and I placed the order in what I thought was a reasonable amount of time to receive them for rehearsals.

It turned out that one of the other items wasn't in stock and was on back-order, which they failed to tell me about, period. They finally sent the incomplete order, which I received a week before showtime! Everything arrived well packed (except for the back-ordered item), the cutlasses were beautiful, the Irish Two-handed sword enormous and amazing, but the Deepeeka swept-hilt dagger seemed horribly out of proportion. (I guess I shouldn't expect too much from Deepeeka...) When I called Kult of Athena about my order I was surprised at their lack of concern and eagerness to do... ANYTHING! The fellow on the other end was close to being apologetic about the tardiness of the shipment, but insisted that they generally email people when there is a back-ordered item.

He also told me that the item was now in and they would ship it right away, but I would have to pay the extra shipping charges! Uh, NO WAY! When I told him about my swept-hilt maine gauche that looked more like a short sword and didn't match their product picture, description or measurements, he informed me that they were hand made and were all a little different, pulled out another they had in stock, which, lovely for them, fit the description more closely. He again made no effort to remedy the situation, or even give exchange options.

So, now I have a tough decision to make when I buy in the future. A great site, amazing inventory, low prices, and people that can be quite helpful. But I'm hesitant to reward the sub-standard customer service I received with more of my business. Time will tell...

Comments for
Buying from Kult of Athena

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Jan 25, 2012
Rating

see below NEW
by: koa

This is not the place for a back and forth, but if you are going to publically bash us, we will point out the facts of the situation. In this case the facts are there for anyone to see. I won't bother getting in to it again. If you don't like the product that is fine, but to assume that we somehow screwed you because of that is ridiculous. I would have been happy to help you in any way I could. You could have returned it, exchanged it, etc. I would have worked with you to help you with suggestions on what you could use to make a ring for it. Instead you decided to bash us. Yes it is your right to act like this, and it is my right to defend my company. We try to offer the best service we can and for thousands of customers that is exactly what they get, but if you decide to jump to conclusions or act in a way that does not allow us to help you, there is nothing we can do about that. You made the choice here, not us. I feel it is extremely juvenile to resort to bickering on this forum, unfortunately this is what we are forced to deal with when people feel it is their right to attack a company any time they do not get their way, no matter how out of line they are.

Jan 24, 2012
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KoA response NEW
by: Maxim

Kult of Athena's reply to my Jan. 12 criticism illustrates observations from the essay by Calvin (intro this page) and clearly defines the tone of its business operation: Q.E.D.

Jan 16, 2012
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to the below NEW
by: koa

Seriously? I would really like to see some evidence that we told you to bend a sword blade back. As for your issue with the scabbard ring. No ring is shown in the picture or said to come with the item. You received exactly what you ordered, exactly as described and pictured. www.http://kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=CN926803. You asked if we could find you a ring for it, and I told you that I could not get one separately. If you had a problem with the low cost item you purchased, you were welcome to return it. We do not make these items, we only supply what is available. The fact that an item does not include additional pieces that are not described or pictured, hardly amounts to a quality control issue. If you are unhappy with a purchase, do the honorable thing and return it for a refund instead of publically bashing the source. We can not guarantee that everyone will like everything they buy, no matter how little research or thought they put into a purchase or how little they spend, especially if you are not going to take the time to look at the pictures provided. At some point you have to take responsibility for your own choices.

Jan 12, 2012
Rating

Kult of Athena quality control NEW
by: Maxim

first sword I bought from them: blade was bent with tip 4 inches to left of center line; their response: put it on floor and bend it back.

second sword I bought: no scabbard ring in ring bracket; they said they couldn't help me.

never again

Nov 08, 2011
Rating

Top Notch!!
by: Mike

I have purchased many items from KOA for reenactment: DSC subarmalis, Pompei gladius, roman plain pugio,roman pilum, and other items. This is the only U.S. company that I've used that sells roman gear and I haven't had any problem with. All the items I have listed are much higher priced at other sites and I have had quality control issues with, never have I had any problems with KoA gear and always got my products fast despite being on the other side of the U.S. from them.

Oct 23, 2011
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Kult of Athena is good... period.
by: Komrad_Tombstone

I've had nothing but good luck with KOA so far. Like the OP, I am from Canada as well. Their prices are good, the quality of the merchandise is good, the shipping has been fast everytime, and I've never had a problem with customer service. I'll definitely continue to shop at KOA for all my bladed-weapon needs. In fact, I think I may just go and buy something from them right now...

Sep 12, 2011
Rating

do the math
by: KOA

While we are at it I'll address "all of these bad reviews" count them if you'd like, it is four out of however many. The original post has been explained far below. Next you have 2 that are the result of international orders. In one case the package was lost and has been fully refunded. In the second, the customer was confused mistaking his postal tracking number for a UPS one. And last but certainly not least we have Ted. Ted would like to make it his life's work to destroy us, like he did the Chinese broad sword he returned. If it were up to him we should be drown in a lake of fire, because we had the nerve to ask him to cover his shipping costs to exchange a sword he tried out (quite roughly, I might add) and decided he did not want. He wanted something else. Now he's posting on here pretending to be someone else to drive his point home. One case of customer confusion, one USPS lost package and two customers with a bad case of "do it my way or else", is hardly a consensus.

Anyway, if anyone does have a problem, I'd appreciate if you contact us personally like and adult instead of kicking and screaming like a child on this board. It is much easier to deal with a problem if we know about it. Nothing could be done to make old Ted happy, but for most people we are pretty easy to work with.

Sep 12, 2011
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to the below
by: Anonymous

Thanks Ted. We get the point that you are pissed off, see his complaint below. I know it is you. Despite what you assume, there are VERY, VERY few people with the problems you suggest. It is pretty easy to figure out who is attacking us when there is only one stand out among hundreds or thousands. Everyone here is able to see that you are trying to punish us because you did not get your way. Get over it and move on. People are not stupid enough to take your word for it, they can read all the reviews and decide for themselves. You've made your point. Now grow up and move on. Have a nice day.
Thanks
KOA

Sep 12, 2011
Rating

Problems with Kult of Athena
by: Anonymous

I would caution anyone thinking of buying from KoA. If you take some time and look, a pattern emerges. Many people receive their merchandise promptly and are satisfied; those who have had to endure a more involved process are leaving poor reviews and cautionary tales. Not only was I treated rudely on the phone, I received a hostile and entirely unprofessional email response upon asking to return my order for a refund. If you follow the thread in these responses you will notice that Kult of Athena applies a peculiar and arbitrary thought process regarding defective items and returns. In this case a simple examination of the returned item would show the defect. If a merchant needs to exchange a defective item, what difference is there if the transaction changes slightly? The defect is the cause of any further proceedings and nothing else. The dubious logic on KoA's part is that there must be some "foul play" here. Their "policy" is far more concerned with customer misbehavior
than on good honest service on their end. Buying from Kult of Athena may seem attractive because of their low prices, the caveat though is that you get what you pay for. Ultimately their service and customer skills are abysmal and I am much more satisfied with the treatment I have received at other sites suggested by SBG/SMG.

Sep 12, 2011
Rating

think before you buy
by: DT - england

just received e-mail from koa sword will arrive in 2-3 weeks DT-england

Sep 12, 2011
Rating

think before you buy
by: DT - england

This is my first visit to koa.Proberly my last.Ordered a sword 12 days later still havent got it.Oh they got in touch when i sent wrong card details very quickly.received e-mail with tracking number couldnt track package.got in touch with ups customer servises told them the number response from ups it may be a fake e-mail tried to contact koa no response tried again no response tomorrow will be 13 days looks abit fishy dont you think.I have a idea about whats going on but cant realy say anything in case sword turns up. will post again soon DT-england

Sep 04, 2011
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Damascus viking sword
by: Sven Maaloe

Excellent and fast replies and service. The sword is a beauty, just top quality all over.

Sep 03, 2011
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And the otehr side of the story
by: KOA

Our policy is simple. We will exchange defective items at our cost. Which we offered to do in this case. The customer did not want an exchange of the same item. They wanted a different item. That is fine, but that becomes a different situation. He wanted to return one item and order a different item. As such it has to be considered as a new transaction.

Our policy is this way for a reason. If we were to allow customers to exchange "defective" items for completely different items at our cost, it would ultimately lead to putting us out of business. Unfortunately, a policy like that would lead to abuse from less than honest customers. Anyone could order whatever they wanted. If they decided that they did not like it, instead of sending it back for a refund as normal, they could damage it and request that we take it back as a defective item, so they could get something else without paying shipping. We would not only loose out on the shipping costs, but would now be stuck with damaged merchandise as well. I do not feel that this is an unfair policy, and we have to have some things in place to protect ourselves and our business.

This customer was just so upset that he could not have his way that he threw a fit about it. Though I do want to thank him for allowing us to address this publically and explain the policy and our reasoning behind it. We do not make a lot of profit, I do not feel it is unfair to expect a customer to pay the shipping costs involved in getting their orders to them. Occasionally we will encounter someone with such a sense of self entitlement that nothing we can do will make them happy. That is the case here. Ultimately, he can return the item for a full refund, with no restocking fees or other BS that another company would punish him with, but he is simply unable to see past his rage at not getting his way to realize the reality of the situation.

To boil it down. We will replace defective items with another of the same at our cost. We will not pay your shipping costs so you can try out an item, decide you do not like it, and get something else. We do allow you to do this, we just ask they you pay the shipping costs involved in the process. God forbid, we have a policy designed to allow us to stay in business. "Quick every one alert the media. KOA is the devil". Insert eye roll here.

Sep 02, 2011
Rating

Poor customer service
by: Ted

Poor customer service! I will never order from KoA again. I recently ordered two items from KoA and had an incredibly frustrating and terrible experience. The Paul Chen practical Dao was warped, having a subtle but easily noticeable twist to the blade. When my wife tried to return and upgrade the purchase as a nice gift for me she was told that she would have to pay all shipping charges including returning the defective item. I called myself very surprised by this and the man I spoke with was rude, accusatory and utterly unwilling to compromise. Apparently, if she had just swapped it that would have been fine, but because she wanted a different product though, Kult of Athena wanted us to pay all costs. Imagine offering a merchant more money and being told you can only spend more if you also pay $40 in fees to do so! The man told me that I couldn't just break something and return it for another item. He also said that he wouldn't be bullied! I chose to eat the shipping cost and order directly from the manufacturer.

Aug 25, 2011
Rating

Perfect
by: Alberto

I just bought the windlass classic medieval sword from kult of athena and it arrives in perfect condition, reealy good service

Jul 07, 2011
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"long delivery" - reply
by: Kult Of Athena

Xan, if any of this is true, you need to email me so I can take care of this for you. Asking us for help directly would get you better results than just complaining publically. I have no knowledge of this situation. If your shipment was shipped in April and has not arrived, we can claim on the insurance and replace or refund it for you. Email us at the address on our site and we can take care of it. We have no control over the postal service, so things can happen. All we can do is correct a problem when it comes up. But we can't fix it if we don't know about it, and we have to follow the correct procedures when filing an insurance claim.
Ryan KOA

Jul 07, 2011
Rating

Long delivery
by: Xan

I ordered a sword at KOA 4 months ago (Start of March), and was told it would be here in norway in about 2 months due to they didnt have it in stock right there, It was sent 29'th of april, and i still havent seen it.. Only feedback i get from them, is that they are looking into it, and cant do anything more...
Closing in on half a year for a single sword? Sorry, but thats taking way to long... Not reccomending this for international shipping atleast...

Jul 03, 2011
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Keep up the good work!
by: Anonymous

I REALLY never post comments, in fact this is my first, but I just had to comment on the main post of this page. I have placed several orders with KOA, and have always had great service. But recently one of the items I had my eye on became unavailable. KOA had this item for more than half off of the price every where else. I contacted them to see if they had any plans in the future to bring this product back, or had any left over. In a very timely manor they contacted me to let me know they did in fact have one left, and set me up a very convenient way of checking out. In fact I have asked more questions on there products, than I have purchased, and always get a quick and professional response! In my opinion KOA is the best! Keep up the good work!

Feb 17, 2011
Rating

Not their FAULT -- get clerk fired intsead !
by: Anonymous

I am sure is not KultOfAthena 's fault !
Quite positive !
Contact Human-resources or a Manager & get that clerk fired !

Regards

Nov 02, 2010
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my experience with KOA
by: jt

I have always had excellent service from KoA. Once, when UPS delivered my order to the wrong address, Kult of Athena went out of their way to help me track the shipment.

Nov 02, 2010
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Kult of Athena #1 in my book
by: jt

As a thrown weapons instructor for the Society for Creative Anachronism I have been dealing with KOA for quite a few years and have never had problems with their products or service which has always been first rate.
I write reviews on products I have tested on my website, Wulfgang on Weapons, and have found most of their axes to be of fine quality. The wood handles are not as durable as American hicory or ash but this is to be expected of axes made in the far east and handles are easily and cheaply replaced.
I have won more than a few competitions with axes from KOA.

May 30, 2010
Rating

Third "trip to the well" and still impressive!
by: Jeff Plair

Having finished my entire Roman Centurion armor and sword collection, I decided to add one more piece to finish the look. I decided to buy the Windlass wood handled Dagger and baldric to complement the Windlass Pompeii Gladius I bought a few weeks ago. It arrived in excellent condition and is a perfect match for the entire look I was trying for. Thanks again KOA and continued success to you!

May 20, 2010
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Just Keeps Getting Better
by: Jeff Plair

If you read below, you will see my first comment from May 16th. I was so pleased with Kult of Athena I decided to give them another try. I ordered the Windlass Red Roman Tunic (cotton one) and it was superb quality. A nice heavy weight cotton twill garment dyed a beautiful deep red. This will look great with the rest of my armor and that new Gladius! Only took 2 days to arrive after I ordered. I, for one, think the long tirade at the beginning of this column should be moved down and not used to give prospective customers the wrong idea! The owner of KOA writes a rebutal near the end of the column and admirably answers all the accusations, but most people may not read that far. For me, they did a super job, super fast. I couldn't ask for my experiences with KOA to have been any better. Thanks again guys!!!!

May 16, 2010
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A Great First Experience Overall
by: Jeff Plair

I happened on Kult of Athena while reading the SBG reviews of another company and decided to give them a try. I must say the shipping was extremely FAST (ordered online one day, the sword was delivered the next afternoon!) I purchased a Windlass Pompeii Gladius and it arrived well wrapped, oiled, and separate from its scabbard, which was also well wrapped. I had it sharpened and they did a very smooth job. It's a gorgeous weapon and very high quality. I know we all deal with companies that are not up to par and no company is going to please every customer every single time. I just want to say that for my experience, Kult of Athena gets a high rating. I have found that a person has to do their own legwork and make sure that who you are dealing with is handling their end of the transaction. You can't leave it to chance about what's going on on the other end. Don't be afraid to ask questions and pin them down with facts. For me, this time, dealing with Kult of Athena was a breeze.

Apr 07, 2010
Rating

KOA problems???????
by: Anonymous

I live less than 250 miles from KOA,not very
far, but this was still amazing to me.
3:45 pm placed the order, 4:05 pm recieved
E-mail order was shipped with trakking #.
next day 6:45 am checked trakking, will be delivered today!!!!!
17hrs 3min after placing order the weapon is
in my hands, thank you E-mail went right out,
responce less than 1hr later "happy to be of service" no KOA problems here!

Thank you Paul S. for recomendation.

Jan 05, 2010
Rating

Server Down
by: Akos

I read recently in a forum that the KoA servers are down and have been for a while now. Some people thought they were having inventory checks but right at Christmas is usually a lousy time to go offline. A rep from the company posted an explanation about some technical difficulties. Hopefully they get back up and running soon, I have a couple things I want to get from them.

Jan 04, 2010
Rating

Lord Of The Rings
by: Johnny Wilson

I have a large Licensed LOR Sword colection and I have never had a problem with the product or the time frame in wich they arrived. Just this past Christmas my wife got me Legolas' fighting knives(they look great on my wall!). Although I have been having trouble getting on their sit also. Thanks KOA

Jan 04, 2010
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I get redirected
by: Xavier

Im In mexico I have been buying since 4 years ago and i get the same problem now i m redirected are they gone?

Jan 03, 2010
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Are they gone?
by: Anonymous

I don't get it. At first the site wouldn't load. But now I get redirected to an other site :S
http://www.directnicparking.com/ that one to be specific. Anyone else having the same problems?

Jan 02, 2010
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what happened?
by: Anonymous

KOA is amazing but what happened to it? i can't get on it anymore

Jan 02, 2010
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Kult of Athena
by: Anonymous

I am searching for the website of Kult of Athena. Is there a new search criteria or location?

Jan 01, 2010
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Great Customer Service
by: Bryan Johnson

I recently ordered a Kriegswart from KoA. It showed up promptly. The sword had a portion of the sword hanger missing (not KoAs fault). I called the customer service # and got right through. They offered to replace the whole sword or send me another strap. Two days later I decided the length of the pommel was really to small for my hands to be comfortale with (I've got large hands). Again called KoA and got right through and with no need to explain they said send the sword on back and then they promptly refunded my money. I can't imagine any other comany being that undersanding about returns. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from them again. The other folks I know that have purchased from them recommend them as well.

Jan 01, 2010
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Dec 29, 2009
Rating

Kult Rocks
by: Blackwell

Kult of Athena Rocks! Great selection, great prices, great service. I've never had a problem with this company on any of my orders, and on the two Hanwei items I had to return (one sword improperly sharpened [not KoA's doing]one sword not sharpened which I did not realise came that way[my fault for poor research] their service department was fantastic. I like them much

Dec 26, 2009
Rating

The best you'll find.
by: Hilary

As a practicing chinese martial artist, I've been purchasing weapons (not just swords; spears/polearms as well) from Kult of Athena for the better part of 3 years. Everything from wooden wasters, competition/stage blades for demos and tournament forms, to the real deal for cut tests and my home collection. They've always had what I needed, they've always had it cheaper than anyone else, and they've always gotten it to me remarkably quick and undamaged.

The only qualm I've ever had with them is in trying to get ahold of someone to answer inquiries beyond the (usually sufficient) info on the site. Other than that, you won't find a better sword shop anywhere.

Dec 26, 2009
Rating

Satisfied customer
by: Todd (Pennsylvania)

I have bought four items from Kult of Athena on three different ocassions. First thing is it was refreshing to order a product from a retailer that actually has said items in stock rather then an internet company advertising an item that has to locate it at another warehouse and they never see the item themselves.
Second it was nice to physically speak with a person that knows what I am looking for and was able to give helpful suggestions to an alternative to what i was looking for as well.
Thirdly my products came within the specified time I was told they would be delivered if not earlier.
As far as the complaints i read about earlier im not sure as to wath you are looking for. As a business owner myself I understand mistakes happen, things can be busy or distractions occur and you ocassionally over look something and all you can do is remedy it as best as you can with sincere apology of course. I have nothing but the best regards for kult and i recommend them highly.

Nov 26, 2008
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About the emails
by: Zach

I just recently purchased a sword from them and emailed them about how long I could expect the shipment to take (I live in Ontario). I got a response within 12 minutes, and it told me exactly what I needed to know about shipment times and the reasons why it could take longer at this time of the year.

Really looking forward to it.

Jul 20, 2008
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left with questions...
by: S. Crawford

I recently ordered a Generation 2 Pompei Gladius from Kult of Athena, and although there wer a few issues, I have no real complaints.
My order arrived damaged, wooden guard cracked, guard plate a little out of place. The blade 'appeared' to have very subtle scuff marks on it, and since the sword also came stripped of the usual lubricants, plastic wrap etc., and came stored in its scabbard, I assumed that it had been previously sent out, used and returned.
I was assured that this was not the case; that a damaged item would never be sent back out, and that it was standard procedure for K.O A. to remove the lubricants and plastic wrap on all items so that a proper pre-shipping inspection could be performed.
My sword was replaced quickly and cheerfully; though its replacement, curiously enough, was heavily lubed, wrapped and seperate from its scabbard, like every other sword I have ever purchased online.
Again, no real complaints...just a sense of uncertainty. Had they admitted that it had been returned, perhaps by an unscrupulous user who 'neglected' to mention they'd abused it, I wouldn't have been offended. K.O.A cannot be held accountable for its customer's actions or honesty; and with so many items coming in and going out they can't possibly catch everything. As far as the pre-shipping inspection... It seems like a good idea... it wasn't very effective in my case, nor does it seem to be a consistant practice.
In closing, I would purchase from them again. They are very pleasent over the phone, almost neighborly, they have good prices and quick shipping. As long as they are willing to accept honest and reasonable returns I am satisfied.

Jun 12, 2008
Rating

Inaccurate
by: KultOfAthena

Calvin, I'm sorry to feel the need to publish online what amounts to libel against us. Your statements are misleading and inaccurate. You omit facts and "embellish" your story in an obvious attempt to "punish" us because you were unhappy with the Deepeeka dagger you received. Some facts you failed to mention: We emailed you regarding the back ordered item. If you did not receive that email, I apologize, AGAIN. You called us 2 weeks after placing the order to check on it, we gave you the option to wait for the back ordered item or ship the rest. You asked us to ship the rest of your order. You were fully aware that you would not receive the back ordered item. Your order was shipped 16 days after you ordered, not 3 weeks as stated. And it only took that long because we were waiting to hear from you. We offered to let you return the dagger for a refund, as is our policy. Which you did and we refunded you for it. What you also did not mention is that you placed another order after this for the same Deepeeka dagger. We shipped this to you along with a bowie knife we special ordered for you and some other items. I personally checked over the dagger to make sure it was closer to the website picture than the one you received originally. Once again you were not happy with it, even though you were very familiar with what to expect. Once again we allowed to return it and refunded you, along with the bowie knife we special ordered for you. Which is still sitting here, because we honor our return policy EVEN on special orders.
You do a tremendous disservice passing off these half-truths as fact, and may even be legally culpable for libel. The fact of the matter is that you were displeased with the quality of the Deepeeka product, which we allowed you to return. Why you've chosen to turn this into a crusade against us is beyond me. The rest of the items you received, you were happy with as you stated. I do not know what more we could have done for you.

As for our Phone / Email support. Many of our competitors will not provide a phone number at all. We are here answering the phone at established hours 40 hours a week. You had no problem getting through to us when you called about the returns. As for email, we get hundreds of emails a day, and answer them all as quickly as possible. All of your emails were answered quickly and professionally. We do not have banks of phone / email operators. We do the best we can.

Dec 11, 2007
Rating

Its a trade off
by: Paul Southren

I suppose like all things, it is a bit of a trade off...

They cut their margins razor thin, which means that they will naturally want to hold on to the profit in every sale or risk going out of business. So the choice is to shop around for someone who charges a little more, but offers better exchange options, or go for the lowest $ price possible. There are companies out there who charge around the same price but whose customer service is a heck of a lot worse...

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