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Post by Derrick on May 20, 2016 20:25:24 GMT
I recently purchased a NEW KUMO sword from Skyjiro forge, and was sent something that looks entirely different from the sword I specifically purchased. And shortly after the price of the sword was raised. The sword I was sent looks like a sword on their site that sells for several hundred dollars less than what I paid. They told me that this was their new "vision" of the sword. I asked them why I wasn't told this at the time of purchase, and they told me they were out of town at a show and they messed up. But I kinda get the feeling that admitting to them that I had almost no experience in buying a sword, might have something to do with it. Is there any way of telling for sure that I wasn't just sent a cheaper sword? Or is there anything I can do to resolve the issue? Their support department seems to not be in a hurry to resolve the issue.
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Post by nddave on May 21, 2016 1:19:30 GMT
I recently purchased a NEW KUMO sword from Skyjiro forge, and was sent something that looks entirely different from the sword I specifically purchased. And shortly after the price of the sword was raised. The sword I was sent looks like a sword on their site that sells for several hundred dollars less than what I paid. They told me that this was their new "vision" of the sword. I asked them why I wasn't told this at the time of purchase, and they told me they were out of town at a show and they messed up. But I kinda get the feeling that admitting to them that I had almost no experience in buying a sword, might have something to do with it. Is there any way of telling for sure that I wasn't just sent a cheaper sword? Or is there anything I can do to resolve the issue? Their support department seems to not be in a hurry to resolve the issue. Either request a replacement for the one you wanted or request a full refund. That's about as simple as it gets. Probably best to just request the refund and return the sword from the way they're treating you.
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 21, 2016 1:37:06 GMT
That does sound shady. On the site, does the image of the sword that you ordered still reflect the one you wanted, or have they changed it to show the one you got? If it hasn't changed, it sounds like a mistake at best, a bait-and-switch at worst. Could you post a link to the one you ordered, and maybe an image of the one you got?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2016 1:42:51 GMT
You got something different than you were expecting. If you're ok with it call it a day. If the uncertainty is getting to you, you should be able to request a return. If they aren't responsive within a reasonable time, then hopefully you have some buyer protection mechanism to help you. I'd give them a chance first.
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pgandy
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Senior Forumite
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Post by pgandy on May 21, 2016 4:18:00 GMT
Once I ordered a cane rack. I knew that it would be a bit while I saved the money so a made copy of the item and saved it to avoid from having to go to the website to view my dream each time. Immediately before ordering I contacted the vendor asking specifically if he had that item number in stock to which he gave an affirmative and I ordered. What I got was not what was in the photo so wrote and the guy wrote back saying that was what I had ordered and implied that I was some kind of dummy and wanted to know why I was questioning the product and that I had some kind of wild imagination. I sent the copy that I had and asked if that refreshed his memory. I then got satisfaction.
I have since learned that some sellers, particularly on eBay, will advertise, send an inferior product, and then change their site to match the item sent. When the buyer complains the seller will present the present ad showing in detail the inferior product and say they sent what the customer ordered. I have learned to make and save a copy of any ad to which I respond.
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Post by chrisperoni on May 21, 2016 4:38:49 GMT
You are being ripped off plain and simple. Get screenshots and visual proof of what you ordered, get written proof like item description and number, demand a refund and they pay to take the item back, use buyer protection if you have any. Give them back their lie and take your money somewhere that deserves it.
Skyjiro is overpriced to begin with. Their excuse to you is an insult.
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Post by Derrick on May 21, 2016 6:16:05 GMT
www.skyjiroforge.com/new-kumo-cloud-polished-2016-p-13.htmlThis is the sword I ordered, the light blue wrapping. What I received looks exactly like their cheaper Kumo sword. I believe its called the kumo iaito or something like that. It looks exactly like it, just with no bohi. I ordered the New Kumo with no bohi, and when I told them I felt like I got a different sword than the one I ordered, they said that that couldn't be the case because the other kumo sword ONLY comes with a deep bohi. But literally... every other aspect of the sword looks exactly the same. Same wrapping and everything.
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Post by nddave on May 21, 2016 9:10:01 GMT
www.skyjiroforge.com/new-kumo-cloud-polished-2016-p-13.htmlThis is the sword I ordered, the light blue wrapping. What I received looks exactly like their cheaper Kumo sword. I believe its called the kumo iaito or something like that. It looks exactly like it, just with no bohi. I ordered the New Kumo with no bohi, and when I told them I felt like I got a different sword than the one I ordered, they said that that couldn't be the case because the other kumo sword ONLY comes with a deep bohi. But literally... every other aspect of the sword looks exactly the same. Same wrapping and everything. Ok so the only differences between your sword and the one linked is bo-hi (fuller)? Obviously if you got an Iaito it wouldn't be sharp so honestly if its the same sword, minus an inclusion of bo-hi what's the problem aside from bo-hi? You made it sound like you ordered a (for example) Hanwei Kami and instead got a Hanwei Practical Plus in the OP. To the point though if you're unsatisfied return it for refund. In my personal opinion bo-hi aside I feel you just got buyers remorse for spending close to $2000.00 on a Skyjiro katana! Meaning the sword was prettier in pics than in hand and doesn't really feel like $2000.00 well spent when in hand. I wouldn't give Skyjiro $2000.00 for anything as they're pretty shady as is and known to BS and overprice their swords. Seriously, refund and return. Then buy something truly worth $2000.00 like a Bugei or Citadel or simply save yourself $1200.00 and spend $800.00 elsewhere on a sword of similar value and construction to the Skyjiro you have now.
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Post by Derrick on May 21, 2016 16:40:41 GMT
I've emailed them for the past two days and still haven't received any reply. Their website doesn't even mention a return policy. I originally only bought the sword for the aesthetic appeal to it,and to admire the craftsmanship that went in to making a katana, so I specifically bought this sword for the look it had, I have no practical use for a katana just yet... so I was very specific about wanting the sword to look exactly the same as the one being advertised. And that was even acknowledged by Danny, but he never said anything about thier new "vision" of the sword until I contacted them asking why I didn't receive the sword I ordered.
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Post by Derrick on May 21, 2016 18:42:54 GMT
They contacted me and said they could replace the sword for a "new one", and would send me their shipping address on Monday (two days from now). My only question now is if I should just get my money back or try to get the sword I originally purchased. Shipping cost me almost $75 because they are out of Australia... if I ship this sword back to them, will I have to eat the cost of shipping back to them, plus potentially pay for shipping AGAIN just to receive it? Or would that be something they would be liable for since they have openly admitted that they made a mistake?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2016 20:54:43 GMT
You're probably going to be out the shipping charges either way. Most places if they do refunds will expect you to send the item back or will deduct a shipping label from whatever the return is. You might be able to make a stink about it if you insist that they made the mistake so they should cover shipping. You could always call up whoever you processed the payment through (credit or debit card? Paypal?), tell them the story and ask them what your options are. Might be smarter to start there so you go into your next email already knowing what actions you could take.
If you still want a sword from them, get photos showing details of the exact sword you'll be getting so you don't have to go through this again. If it isn't meeting expectations then get a refund either from them or your credit card / bank.
Good luck.
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Post by zabazagobo on May 21, 2016 21:39:10 GMT
Go for a return and full refund, eat any restocking fee. Skyjiro has less than a stellar reputation around these parts, and for good reason. I would never buy anything from them out of principle. What they are telling you is B.S. plain and simple. Sorry to hear about that situation, hope the return process goes smoothly. For what I mean by "less than stellar reputation" see this thread for starters: sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/thread/23066/skyjiro-forgeEDIT: For the money you paid, no way in hell should you keep it or get a replacement. You could get a Bugei, MAS or even a custom for that kind of money. Are they seriously expecting you to pay for return shipping when they sent you the wrong item? How did you pay for it? If you used payapal, contact payapal, open a dispute and raise all hell on them.
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Post by Jordan Williams on May 21, 2016 21:56:46 GMT
Well that thread wa a good read.
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Post by zabazagobo on May 21, 2016 22:01:46 GMT
Well that thread wa a good read. The sad part is some of the good stuff got deleted as "spam". But its a classic read.
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Post by Derrick on May 24, 2016 18:10:35 GMT
I've asked them to send me the address to their location here in the states so I could send the sword back to them and receive a refund in a timely manner and I won't have to pay for the shipping costs all the way back to Australia where I originally purchased it from, is that reasonable? After I receive my refund, I will be looking for a quality katana for around $1,300.. any suggestions for a reputable company within this price range?
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Post by nddave on May 24, 2016 18:53:14 GMT
I've asked them to send me the address to their location here in the states so I could send the sword back to them and receive a refund in a timely manner and I won't have to pay for the shipping costs all the way back to Australia where I originally purchased it from, is that reasonable? After I receive my refund, I will be looking for a quality katana for around $1,300.. any suggestions for a reputable company within this price range? I'd suggest Bugei. They're based in the states, use Hanwei blades, they do their own hilting and saya which is a step above most others in the production market and are right around your price range give or take a few hundred dollars above your $1,300 budget. One that has always interested me and is customizable in colors, koshirea and blade length is their Wave Katana. Though it is $400 more than your asking price if I were to buy a Bugei it would be that one due to the customization options (get your blue you seemed interested in). If that's too much there here are a few others in your price range from them that have been highly reviewed and recommended. www.bugei.com/wave-katana-345-prd1.htmwww.bugei.com/shobu-zukuri-katana-600-prd1.htmwww.bugei.com/samurai-katana-599-prd1.htmwww.bugei.com/old-pine-sword-1510-prd1.htm
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Post by Adrian Jordan on May 24, 2016 20:10:41 GMT
Hanwei has some nice higher-end options that you could look at. Kult of Athena is a great vendor to get them from. There are also some available at the SBG Sword Store. Ones that really catch my eye are the Bushido and Bamboo Mat models. Both models should come in well under a $1000. Another is the Tori models, which I find to be the most aesthetically attractive production swords on the market. Price tends to fluctuate, but they should be found at around $900-$1200.
Bugei is made by the same company that makes Hanwei, but they are made in smaller, more controlled batches with a greater eye for quality control and more effort and money is placed into the fittings. To be clear, Hanwei's aren't poor, Bugei is just a step above(which is reflected in the price).
Ronin Katana has their Elite series. The can be found at the SBG Sword Store and at roninkatana.com. They come in a bit under $900.
Dynasty Forge makes some nice looking swords. They can sometimes be a little hard to find, but when they are available you can find them at the Dynasty Forge website and Kult of Athena. Not positive on the prices, but well within your budget.
Lastly, forum member cottontail customs sells a brand called Feilong. Reviews have been pretty superb, and they come in at about half your budget. You can see them at cottontailcustoms.com.
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Post by Derrick on May 24, 2016 21:12:39 GMT
Thanks a bunch. You guys rock. If only I had found this place BEFORE my experience with skyjiro.
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Post by zabazagobo on May 24, 2016 21:25:14 GMT
Yeah, it's sad to hear about your experience to be honest. It really irks me to hear about shady shenanigans like that.
I second the recommendations Adrian Jordan provided. I love my Hanwei Bushido, and using the SBG discount code at Swords of the East you could get a pair of them for the same price as one Bugei (a deal which kind of sounds as awesome as it is).
A word of warning about Hanwei though: their attention to detail is somewhat lacking. While I still highly recommend their K120C folded steel line, I must acknowledge that there are some annoying flaws that honestly just strike me as being lazy. I'll detail these in depth in my reviews which should finally be posted in the next week or so. And while Bugei does by reputation stock swords with more attention to detail (can't say from experience), they also stock Skyjiro products, so I honestly don't know what to make of that. But keep in mind you can buy two Hanweis of appreciable quality for roughly the same price as one Bugei.
Feilong and Huawei are also good options if you're not looking for something with ornate fittings. Huawei's blades are great and their ito-maki is better than Hanwei's in my opinion, plus they're quite a bit cheaper. I've yet to try Feilong, but Josh knows his stuff and if he says they're good, they're good.
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Post by Derrick on May 24, 2016 21:31:28 GMT
All of these swords are capable of sword on sword combat if need be?
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