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Post by Trod1072 on May 4, 2022 20:14:31 GMT
Hello. I know there is an older thread for this discussion, but has anyone had recent experience ordering an Albion sword through Kult of Athena? I placed an order for a late Viking sword in December of 2020. Nearly seventeen months later and I have had to repeatedly ask Kult of Athena where my sword is in production. I didn't even start asking until 12 months had gone by. Their responses are vague. Albion is no help because they tell me I have to deal with the vendor. So now I am going in a circle. Plain and simple, at this point I should have SOME idea when the sword will be ready or I should be refunded. I am extremely frustrated. I recently ordered the Hungarian sword from Arms and Armor and they had the grace to respond with an estimated ship date.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on May 5, 2022 12:05:20 GMT
I am not fully qualified to answer your question as I’ve no experience with Albion. I have, however, seen many posts referencing them. Their wait times have been long. I think 12 months would be rapid for them. The virus has extended the time and from what I’ve heard I would not become overly worried at the point. We do have posts that discuss Albion’s wait times. Many choose to buy a previously owned Albion to avoid the wait. They appear from time to time in our Classified section. That’s not much light on the subject but may help if others don’t chime in.
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Post by fester on May 5, 2022 13:02:39 GMT
Since you ordered it from Kult of Athena that is who you will have to deal with unfortunately. KOA is not known for their rapid response or shipping times anymore. You might consider cancelling the order and getting a refund if you do not get a satisfactory answer from them.
As to Albion their current wait time is 12 plus months as stated in the other post. Personally I order directly from Albion since you are dealing directly with the maker and it is as easy as pie. I have never had an issue dealing with Albion directly. Their estimates have been right on target for me when ordering swords wait time wise. Only once did their estimate go way over and that was due to their craftsman who made the wooden grips for their roman swords had died and they had to find a replacement craftsman which took a while.
Also you can monitor the progress of your sword with Albion by contacting them if you ordered directly from them.
I think you issue is more with KOA at this point.
Eliminating the middle man in this case saves a lot of hassle and grief.
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Post by Trod1072 on May 5, 2022 16:04:55 GMT
Thanks, guys! I appreciate the responses.
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Post by Trod1072 on May 18, 2022 14:54:31 GMT
No updates. Still waiting to hear something from Kult of Athena. It's now hitting the 17th month mark. Honestly, if I had a real delivery window I wouldn't be emailing anyone, but I don't think it's right for a company to tie up someone's money without a definitive date. I have no idea if and when I will receive my order.
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Post by alientude on May 18, 2022 15:07:51 GMT
Something definitely seems weird. I've heard that Albion is currently working on orders placed around March of 2021. Have you called KoA and spoken to someone personally?
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Greg E
Member
little bit of this... and a whole lot of that
Posts: 1,289
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Post by Greg E on May 19, 2022 17:54:36 GMT
Vikingshield.com just got there line of 3 types of Albion Squire Line Viking swords in. Might one of them fit your needs? They have them in stock, minus one of the Gotlands I picked up. So Albion was at least working on these.
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Post by trod72 on May 20, 2022 20:41:27 GMT
I've sent KOA multiple emails. I have called but it goes to voicemail. The last reply I received was a month ago and they said they would check with Albion. Nothing since. Really just unprofessional at this point. And Albion won't help because I ordered through KOA. I'm thinking of working with PayPal to see if there is a resolution. It's less about the down payment and more about communication.
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on May 20, 2022 21:25:56 GMT
KoA use to be a pleasure to deal with. Unfortunately, things changed with their new management. My first dealings with them were a turn off and stopped dealing with them hoping things would get better in the future. I’d ask for a refund then go to PayPal.
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Post by alientude on May 20, 2022 21:29:06 GMT
I agree with pgandy. Albion is right not to discuss the order with you, since to them, KoA is the customer, not you. But KoA has no excuse for ghosting you. I'd ask for a refund. Unfortunately, I'm 99% sure Paypal won't help you out, since this is long past their 6 month dispute window. Hopefully KoA will honor the refund request.
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Post by Eric Bergeron on May 21, 2022 0:06:25 GMT
If you paid for a deposit through KoA, it is non refundable unfortunately, so I would keep trying to contact KoA on the phone, you will get through to someone, just have to not give up.
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Post by nicklw on May 24, 2022 23:13:29 GMT
If you paid for a deposit through KoA, it is non refundable unfortunately, so I would keep trying to contact KoA on the phone, you will get through to someone, just have to not give up. Agreed. I’ve always just kept calling them and someone, in my past experience, has eventually picked up and assisted me. Best of luck!
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Post by Trod1072 on May 27, 2022 15:47:21 GMT
Hi everyone!
Thank you for all your replies and suggestions. KOA did return my call. According to them, Albion is behind with their orders. Still doesn't make much sense considering I ordered my sword in December 2020 and Albion themselves told me they are currently working on March 2021. Well I guess my hands are tied. I just hope I get my sword before I reach old age.
Cheers to all!
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