SWAT are the worst online airsoft retailer in the UK - Discuss.
- Thread starter AlMcCann
- Start date
FreeFrag.UK
AF-UK patch owner
- Feb 16, 2018
- 615
- 106
Tried emailing SWAT the other day to inquire about stock as I was planning to place an order tomorrow but no reply. I called them today to ask if they had stock of the olive drab version of the VTG available as I was planning to place an order for a pair and collect them after work using the collection option as this shows up when accessing the site from my mobile. Apparently this is no longer an option and it's Hermes only. I was also informed that they don't have any of the olive drab or tan in stock at present and are unsure when they will receive the next batch.
It's a shame as I'm all for supporting the little guy but in this instance I think I'll just pick up a couple of the Dynatex timed delay BFG's.
It's a shame as I'm all for supporting the little guy but in this instance I think I'll just pick up a couple of the Dynatex timed delay BFG's.
Rogerborg
Supporters
- Aug 22, 2017
- 9,190
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+1. It is a damn shame as, after a tiny spooge of silicone spray, my VTG is working fine again. Still, at least your money is still in your pocket and can go on Dynatexen that actually exist.
Oh, I see the ASA has leapt into inaction and not done a damn thing about SWAT's site still implying that they have VTGs in stock. Or, now that I think about it, that VTGs are reduced from £140. Were they ever sold at that price?
FreeFrag.UK
AF-UK patch owner
- Feb 16, 2018
- 615
- 106
Just out of curiosity, why is it the VTG gets recommended over the Dynatex? I heard of the VTG prior to the Dynatex and I was told that it's the go to as I'm after a BFG on a timed fuse.
To be honest more needs to be done about retailers and these sorts of practices. If I recall correctly they shouldn't even be taking any money prior to dispatch according to some of the selling regulations.
SCAR_Jester
Members
- Jul 7, 2014
- 305
- 14
The Dynatex is discontinued, the design was bought by SWAT and rejigged (slightly).
So essentially the SWAT VTG should be better with less issues down the line.
However as you say a lot of places still stock a Dynatex, and SWAT have periodical outages of stock to make the VTG.
If you want the VTG I would call (never email SWAT - queue 2 week wait) and check do they have stock available to guarantee it being sent this week, or if there's a current number of backorders.
The certainly can build and send it in a day, but if a large group wipes their shelves, it can be months before a restock happens and they just love to keep taking your cash as you wait.
SCAR_Jester
Members
- Jul 7, 2014
- 305
- 14
Oh I could be wrong then! I was always under the impression SWAT owned the design and there was just a big stock left over to sell.
SCAR_Jester
Members
- Jul 7, 2014
- 305
- 14
They are, I believe aside from a different sized top section, they are identical internally.
Well that and the external pretty bits.
Rogerborg
Supporters
- Aug 22, 2017
- 9,190
- 6,048
There are some shrieky comments on YouTube reviews of VTGs claiming that they just cloned it and put the pineapple plastics on it.
Either way, I'd only ever buy any BFG from stock now, from an actual retailer.
SCAR_Jester
Members
- Jul 7, 2014
- 305
- 14
lokkers
Members
- Dec 11, 2018
- 65
- 72
I ordered a SWAT BFG on the 2nd October. No communication from them, despite several phone calls throughout November (each time told that it would be shipped imminently).
I've finally given up and called to cancel the order.
"Hi I'd like to cancel an order with you [gives order number]"
"Ok we'll get that sorted for you [puts phone down]"
Didn't ask why, nor offer to help resolve any problems.
What utterly terrible customer service. Based on my experience, they don't deserve anyone's custom.
I've finally given up and called to cancel the order.
"Hi I'd like to cancel an order with you [gives order number]"
"Ok we'll get that sorted for you [puts phone down]"
Didn't ask why, nor offer to help resolve any problems.
What utterly terrible customer service. Based on my experience, they don't deserve anyone's custom.
FreeFrag.UK
AF-UK patch owner
- Feb 16, 2018
- 615
- 106
I can only assume they do it on the side while focusing on something else as their main source of income. It's a shame as it's a product which has the ability to actually challenge (if not surpass) the Dynatex or at least be a viable competitor.
As you right surmised, the customer service offered is non-existent and the level of professionalism is a completely foreign concept.
Rogerborg
Supporters
- Aug 22, 2017
- 9,190
- 6,048
Didn't you get "I'll need to speak to Paul", or "The computer's down at the moment" ?
Best of luck in actually getting your money back. I'd suggest that you initiate a chargeback from your payment provider as well, as it'll take a while to get going. I only received my VTG after I'd done that, which wasn't actually what I wanted, but hey ho, it came out in the wash.
Dynatec all the way, and again: https://www.asa.org.uk/make-a-complaint.html
Druid799
Supporters
- Sep 9, 2015
- 4,695
- 2,403
I really don’t understand why players still try and buy from these asswipes , I almost got screwed over (thank god for credit card cover !) by them a couple of yrs ago back when there wasn’t much bad press about them BUT NOW ? Just do a very small amount or research in to them and you’ll find shit loads of horror stories about there customer service.
FreeFrag.UK
AF-UK patch owner
- Feb 16, 2018
- 615
- 106
I think it talks down to the product being quite highly regarded so people assuming the company are fine to deal with, as such people don't necessarily put in the research.
Edit: just an afterthought. I'll admit airsoft is the only hobby/interest I have where I find myself heavily researching retailers and companies prior to ordering. Even then with a lot of airsoft retailers I find I tend to make contact first to confirm stock.
There are a lot of cowboys in the airsoft market, something which does the hobby no favours.
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Rogerborg
Supporters
- Aug 22, 2017
- 9,190
- 6,048
Huh, I see they've updated their site to say that they're actively on sale for 2018-2019, and still have that deceptive listing that says that black is out of stock which implies that everything else is in stock. Still no mention that they're made to order - or more accurately, not made to order.
Thing is, if you see them being used at a site, and the site looks live, you might reasonably believe that they're still in the business of selling products rather than taking money in return for nothing beyond vague future intentions.
Which is why I warn everyone who asks about mine not to bother trying to buy one.
Thing is, if you see them being used at a site, and the site looks live, you might reasonably believe that they're still in the business of selling products rather than taking money in return for nothing beyond vague future intentions.
Which is why I warn everyone who asks about mine not to bother trying to buy one.
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