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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2010 1:50:35 GMT
I am looking to buy a new sword online as well as talking to the local sword shops. I tend to be paranoid with buying online and getting something that I did not pay for(a fake). The old saying “if it is to good to be true, it is” I was wondering how online sites can sell a $1000 swords for $400 dollars less than retail. Am I just to concerned about getting ripped off or does someone know something that i don't?
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SlayerofDarkness
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"Always give everyone the benefit of the doubt."
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jun 11, 2010 2:10:48 GMT
What is the sword and what is the site? As for steep discounts, most makers make the MSRP extra high so that vendors CAN discount them so much, and make it look like a really good deal. In some case (wiwingti, KOA, etc) it IS a really good deal, whereas some places have hanwei katana discounted $200 and it's still well above 'market value'. I hope this helps, but please keep in mind that more specific info would be valuable in assisting you. EDIT: Just noticed that this is your first post! Welcome to SBG, my newfound friend. ;D Feel free to ask as many questions as you like; we love 'em. And yes, I do have a smiley addiction, I'm sorry. -Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2010 2:22:46 GMT
I apologize about the ambiguous question. I am looking into 2 different swords right now. One is a Hanwei Ronin Katana that sells for $1319.00 and i can found at Knifecenter.com for $890.95 and The second sword is a Hanwei Bamboo Mat Katana that sells for $799.00 and can be found on swordnation.com for 475.99. the price gape is larger that I would think they could normally sell something for. That would be such a huge loss. That is why I tend to think some times buying swords online is a “too good to be true” sort of thing.
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Avery
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"It's alright little brother... There are more!!!
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Post by Avery on Jun 11, 2010 2:30:56 GMT
I apologize about the ambiguous question. I am looking into 2 different swords right now. One is a Hanwei Ronin Katana that sells for $1319.00 and i can found at Knifecenter.com for $890.95 and The second sword is a Hanwei Bamboo Mat Katana that sells for $799.00 and can be found on swordnation.com for 475.99. the price gape is larger that I would think they could normally sell something for. That would be such a huge loss. That is why I tend to think some times buying swords online is a “too good to be true” sort of thing. Well, there's a lot that goes into it. But to answer your question, I'll say this. I've never dealt with knifecenter so I'll not comment. About swordnation, though, well I know the owner/operator. I think that myself along with many others will say that Richard, the owner, is a standup guy and that anything you buy from him will be legit. And if(for some unknown reason) it's not he will make it right. I realize I'm just a face on the internet, but for what it's worth coming from me, you can trust Swordnation 100% to take care of you.
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SlayerofDarkness
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Post by SlayerofDarkness on Jun 11, 2010 2:31:12 GMT
Both are reliable from what I hear, and swordnation is ABSOLUTELY trsutworthy. HOWEVER, for even better deals on Hanwei items, check out the two vendors I mentioned, Wiwingtiswordsupply.com and kultofathena.com Wiwingti has the Ronin for $660 normally, discounted to $560 this week only (he has weekly specials), although I couldn't locate the Bamboo Mat on his site. As for reliability, Wiwingti (a forum member here) is a fantastic guy and will NOT let you down. He'll fight like hellfire with the company to solve any problems you could have. The guy is awesome. www.wiwingtiswordsupply.com/SH2360.htmlKultofathena, on the other hand, has the two swords for $738 and $380, respectively. kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2360kultofathena.com/product.asp?item=SH2438I would guess that Wiwingti could get you the Bamboo Mat for around $350, personally, he ALWAYS has the best prices on Hanwei stuff. So, stick with one of those two, or swordnation (though prices are a bit higher sometimes) and you WILL be taken care of. HTH, Slayer
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2010 2:35:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jun 11, 2010 2:42:40 GMT
You will find that many of the preferred dealers here mark down products alot off retail. That is why they are preferred here. You won't go wrong with SwordNation, Wiwingti, or Kult of Athena - all are reputable vendors with great customer service and solid return policies. As far as how retail pricing works, the companies build in alot of overhead into their price to set the market for the item. Authorized vendors will sell for alot less, because they are only paying 50% of the retail cost in most cases. It's not uncommon to see vendors selling 30%, 40%, or even a full 50% off of retail in the sword industry. Keep an eye out, because frequently around here, I have seen items selling for less than wholesale cost.
Good luck in your search. I hope you do have a good buying experience - both swords are quite nice from what little I know about Asian blades.
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