Widespread crappy service

[Jeff Burger]

It seems no matter what I buy I dont get what I want and then there is a hassle in correcting it (if its ever corrected).

Lets start with my Meijin gi order. Wrong color embroidery, wrong name on belt. When I called to complain the woman called me an idiot. Thats was about ayear ago and I recently found out they didnt credit me after I returned the gi.

I have ordered tapes and got ones with glitches and they refused to reimburse me. Their reason... its a ego battle. Thats what they told the BBB, I got that in writting.
Thanks Cane Masters.

Columbus Day I took took a trip to NYC. I ordered some stuff from MA store. After several phone calls I finally got most of my order 3 weeks later. Still havent recieved the rest. Got a bunch of patches I didnt order.

Recently bought some Catch DVDs. Almost a week after I should have gotten them I called and they said they were already delivered. I got a confirmation # and they said I should have signed for them. I didnt the postman just left them in a hallway that is open to the street. Post office says no signature was required.
The company agreed to send me another order. I got it today...well most of it. Got one DVD I didnt order and still missing one I did.

This is just some of the stuff.
It seems like a service conspiracy. If we all suck it wont matter cause the consumer wont have a choice.

Jeff

[Erik]

That sucks, Jeff.

If it makes you feel any better I've gotten great service from Howard Combat Kimonos and from Gameness (the modern day Gameness - they had problems a few years ago).

This is just BJJ uniforms and not the other stuff you're interested in, but they may know where to look.

And it's nice to know there are some good, legit operators out there.

Just a thought for you.

[fightgrrl]

Jeff only mentioned HIS experiences.
I order all the other stuff for the school. Except for Century and Discipline EVERY other Martial Arts supply place has been absolutely terrible. Every single order I have placed this year from has had errors, usually more than one; wrong item/size/quantity or really slow service-well beyond the amount of time they say shipment will take, and customer service is really bad until you ask for managers or just tell people they really suck(which I have done). One place I ask the guy if he has what I want, because he sent a substitute on a previous order, he assures me he has it right there and will send the original item, then he sends me another one of the thing I didn't want in the first place!
I have worked in retail and customer service for a long time and I just can't believe how bad it has gotten.
Last year when we went to a mall to buy heavy bags we were in a sporting good store and a clerk wouldn't even wait on us when we asked her for help! Oh yeah, they sure did go out of business.
So if you have any suppliers you use and like - let us know.
thanks

[Abbax8]

I just purchased two blue judogis from the USJA website, size 3. It took two weeks for delivery with regular shipping, which is neither good or bad, but I got what I ordered. I have purchased books from them in the past and always received what I ordered, sometimes within days, they're in Colorado and I'm in PA. I also purchased some items from KarateMart, a bokken, some kubotans and a wooden tanto, it came within a week and the order was correct. All of these purchases were done via the internet with a credit card.

Peace

Dennis

[Cliff Hargrave]

You know over the years Century has been the best company I have ever dealt with. Everyone I speak to is friendly and helpful and they deliver fast.

I will NEVER order anything from Kwon again because of an extremely rude woman I spoke to. I also had a bad experience with an independant supplier that caused me to stop using them after spending about $2K.

In the BJJ scene, HKC is great and so is Atama. Great personal service, fast delivery, and great products.

[Cliff Hargrave]

I just purchased two blue judogis from the USJA website.....

Back a few years ago I ordered some gis from the USJA on-line. A few weeks later my credit card number was used for some unauthorized on-line purchases. The company it was used at tracked the IP address of the purchases to Colorado Springs, CO., which is where the USJA is located. The gis were the only thing I had ordered on-line with that card. Someone either hacked their server and stole the info or they had some printed hard copies laying around and someone took them out of the trash or whatever. Luckily the on-line company removed the charges without any hassle and my credit card company issed me a new account number. The USJA shopping site looks alot more secure now.

[David Craik]

I have found the best quality and service from places that specialize in specific martial arts, have a smaller group of clientele, and are overseen owned by folks that actually practice MA, rather than the big martial arts suppliers.

[jjaje]

So is this an opportunity for an entrepreneur (sp)?

Something to think about.

I have to agree with the Century positive comments. I ordered a DVD - it didn't play on my DVD player or my computer (actually it worked, it just stopped about 10 minutes into it, like a skip)

They sent me another one - with exactly the same problem. After sending that one back, they called me personally to apologize and credited my account accordingly.

[Jeff Burger]

Service means alot to me. Id rather pay more and get good service than to get it cheaper and worry about headaches.

I dont like alot of Century products (XMA gear, costume like uniforms...) but their service has always been great.
I might get it cheaper somehwere else but then again I might not get it at all.

Like Fightgrrl said from all our vendors we have had problems with EVERY SINGLE ORDER.

Jeff

[Pacificshore]

I usually get my stuff from Tiger Claw. I've always received what I have ordered and on time. Another supplier that I have used in the past was Sakura Martial Arts supply. Although I haven't used them much, everytime I did, I had nothing but positive dealings with them.

Sucks to hear about the crappy customer service out there in the martial arts supply field :mad:

[rubberband]

I have had problems with Sakura not sending the complete order and the sending the wrong size... I don't like Century because is seems over priced to me... and I hate the way their webpage is set up to override everything else... it comes across as pushy and unapproachable... I have had no luck with Shinobi Supply, the webpage will not accept my orders and when I try to contact the webmaster Jaime never replies... Mushamono sucks royal backside...

Karatedepot has been good though...

take care, steve

[Dennis Monk]

I have to echo what Cliff and some others said about Century. I have ordered several items through them and their service and shipping speed is second to none. I don't know about "costume" looking uniforms, although I have seen some strange looking stuff on several websites, but Century's standard karate uniform seems to hold up pretty well and looks good enough for me. I know I could get a Century brand karate uniform at Academy for the same price and not pay shipping, but since I run somewhat larger than a kids medium or adult small, I go where I can get it. :laugh:

[Spartan]

It seems no matter what I buy I dont get what I want and then there is a hassle in correcting it (if its ever corrected).

Lets start with my Meijin gi order. Wrong color embroidery, wrong name on belt. When I called to complain the woman called me an idiot. Thats was about ayear ago and I recently found out they didnt credit me after I returned the gi.

I have ordered tapes and got ones with glitches and they refused to reimburse me. Their reason... its a ego battle. Thats what they told the BBB, I got that in writting.
Thanks Cane Masters.

1. Always order with credit card.
2. Return any incorrect items. Keep return receipt, signed return and any other proof of returns.
3. If they don't credit you in the next bill, call the credit card company. Send them a follow up letter with copies of your return receipt.
4. The credit card company will refund your money AND charge the company a $30 fine.

[peacefulwarrior]

I always go to Golden Master, in Tacoma to get what i need. I prefer to go to a store and buy things, it eliminates the problems with mail order. They do sell on-line, never tried it, but if it is as good as thier store service, then i would recomend it.

[Jeff C.]

Jeff,

Please tell me who you spoke with at CaneMasters, what they said, and what you need to make it right. I will call Steve and try to straighten it out for you.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

[Jeff Burger]

I wrote and got response from Mr. Shuey.

Jeff

[Jeff C.]

Jeff, you didn't answer all of my questions. Do you want me to just leave this alone? I'm willing to go head to head with Mark to make this right, if you want.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

[Jeff Burger]

Thanks Jeff but dont trouble yourself.

Id like to know why he sent the BBB copies of MA mags pages that he says proves he won a world championship that dont even mention him.

You think he would have at least offered to replace the glitched tapes.

His reason for not accepting the return was that Im somebody who orders tapes makes copies and tries to get a refund.

Next step Comsumer Affairs.

I saw the guy who made the Tai Chi tape at a local tournament. He was reluctant to tell me who his teacher was. Then he said he studies under Yang Jwing Ming. When I told him I live and Boston and know he mentioned he had only trained with him a few times.
Im planning on giving that tape to Dr. Yang and asking his opinion even if I have to pay for the time as a private lesson.

Jeff

[DragonMind]

Jeff, thanks for the info, and I am sorry to hear about your experience. It makes me angry and it embarrasses me...

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu
You too? Steve has always been good to work with but lately...

[Jeff Burger]

Jeff
Your tape was the best technique wise out of the ones I got.
There were at least a couple of glitches on that tape (sound speed was off).
But thats not your doing.

Im a loyal costumer when I find something I like I stand by them and then some.
There is a small and growing company out of the country Im did some work with (gloves, head gear, Thai pads). I sent them a top quality gi to see if they can do it.
Seems once people get big they drop the personal touch.

Jeff

[Jeff C.]

Jeff, thanks for the compliment on the minicane techniques. Most people like it because I obviously inflict pain on Mark. ;) That company out of country you do business with - what kind of work do they do? I'm searching for better suppliers for equipment, gi's, embroidery, t-shirts, etc.

Jeff Cook
Wabujitsu

[Jeff Burger]

"Most people like it because I obviously inflict pain on Mark."
Too funny cause I popped it in today after my post and I was enjoying that part.

A small factory I found in Thailand that approched me about helping them do bussiness in USA.
I havent really looked into real imports.
I sent them a karate gi. I remember you saying you didnt like karate gis though. but if your interested tell me your size and Ill send you to try (when / if they will do it).
Currently they make Muay Thai equpiment (gloves, head gear Thai arm and belly pads.

Jeff

[BrianGlass]

I'd reccomend Sakura Martial Arts Supplies - http://www.sakura-0.com I get all my items from there. They do wholesale accounts for organizations. I know the people behind it and they are very skilled martial professionals who can give a reccomendation above and beyond most other places.

Hope this helps and sorry to hear about everyone's bad shopping experiences.

[Typoman]

About a year ago I stopped using Century as my major supplier of uniforms and equipment. I had a string of 4 months that every single order was missing something. I order allot and almost every other day. I made tons of calls, even talked to a VP, who attempted to argue with me that his "six sigma" computerized machinary couldn't get it wrong. I order about 75K-100K worth of wholesale EQ a year. So I went looking elseware.

For uniforms, custom orders I highly recommed THE BOLD LOOK out of Florida. They are awesome, get great deals,

For sparring gear, I went directly to Macho. Best thing I ever did. Better deals, fantastic service. Bobby Spica, sales rep is the best i have ever worked with.

I still order stuff from century a few items that I can't find elsewere, and they seem to get the small orders right. Apparently counting past 50 is a problem for them and those "six Sigma" machines. What surpises me the most is they didn't even attempt to find out why my account went from a 75K-100K to 5K a year. Go figure. I am glad I made the switch, better deal, better customer service, all around happier!!

Eric G.

[Cliff Hargrave]

I thought Century bought Macho.

[DragonMind]

I thought Century bought Macho.
I think it is just a distributor relationship with exclusive rights in the UK. I know a lot of resellers carry MACHO and Century would never allow that.

[DragonMind]

Here is Bold Look's web site http://www.boldlook.net/

[C@ttlePr0dder]

I've found that if there is a local store, buy from them...even if the prices are slightly higher. You'll save yourself a lot of aggrevation.

That said, if you have to order online, give Karate Korner a try. [www.karatekorner.com]. They basically carry everything AWMA.com does, its just a LOT cheaper! Occasionally, they have items on their site that are not in stock which they will NOT back order. To their credit, the CSRs work with you to find adequate replacements.

Happy new year!

[jakmak52]

I've excellent service from these suppliers:

Kamikaze (http://www.kamikazeusa.com/index.htm)

Kataaro (http://www.kataaro.com/index.html)

Tokaido (http://www.tokaidojapan.com/)

Juka/Dragon (http://www.juka.com/)

and of course:

Century (http://www.centuryfitness.com/)

[Jeff Burger]

Recently we have been waiting at least 3 weeks for a Century order.
When we called not only did they not know anything about the order but they had no record of us.
We have spents 10s of thousands of dollars with them.

Jeff

[jakmak52]

Recently we have been waiting at least 3 weeks for a Century order.
When we called not only did they not know anything about the order but they had no record of us.
We have spents 10s of thousands of dollars with them.

Jeff

I'm thinking they got overloaded with the holiday season...

[ssenniug]

When I was helping with my brother's school, we used Best Martial Arts (Sang Moo Sa) for equipment. http://www.sangmoosa.com/ They were almost always correct, and they made good on the items they messed up on.

We used http://www.choibrothers.com/ for Uniforms, same scenario.

[KRJMAA]

Okay I'm adding mine rant to the list. Three weeks ago I ordered belts and a gi's from www.heimas.com. Last week got the gi no belts. Email the owner who tells me the uniform came from his distributor because he didn't have them in stock and that he shipped the belts on the 1/17 and if they don't arrive on the 1/23 to let him know. It is now the 1/28 and no one answers their phone and no one has responded to my email or messages. Bad thing is I have promotions tonight and no belts to handout.

[jakmak52]

I feel for you Rene, is there no local supply near you?

[KRJMAA]

No the closet supply store is in Houston (1.5 hrs from here) I'll be there tomorrow and will pick up what I need. I'm go ahead with the awards ceremony today and hand out belts during class Monday. I've already explained to most of parents and they understand. I'm giving out some general awards today also so everything should be fine.

[jakmak52]

No the closet supply store is in Houston (1.5 hrs from here) I'll be there tomorrow and will pick up what I need. I'm go ahead with the awards ceremony today and hand out belts during class Monday. I've already explained to most of parents and they understand. I'm giving out some general awards today also so everything should be fine.


Well that's good, hope all works out well for you and your students. :)

[Rannosuke]

I have had like everyone good experiences and bad experiences with suppliers and if it's not one thing it’s another, late delivery, no communication, wrong size, and missing items I could go on. Everyone has there Favorite and it all boils down to how you got dealt with. I recently bought a Bokken from Australia and had it in my hands 24hrs later and a few emails from the bloke running it who asked me about my training and my school, what surprised me was that first he actually does martial arts and took the time to even give a damm about his customers. To me that’s what customer service is (going that extra step) and I have made a contact in Aus if I ever go there, not bad I reckon.

Rannosuke

[De_Franza]

like I've said, nothing but positive all the way for www.karatedepot.com. you can order over teh phone too, and the customer service really is top notch.

[kc_mizzou_fan]

I have been in the martial arts business for years.... went and did the century thing, etc. I noticed on here that someone had mentioned the name Bobby Spica @ Macho Martial Arts (772)388-9892 ext. 3103. This guy is the greatest. No, Macho does not supply everything, but for uniforms, gear, etc.... you should really give this sales rep a call. I'm telling you, loyalty is a lot and at Macho you get an actual rep in Bobby that goes to bat for you and is up front and honest. I love calling in and getting my personal rep each time that actually KNEW who I was and what was going on. Not pushy at all, as a matter of fact... just the opposite. He really did seem to work for our company. Most other companies are soooo impersonal and that is ok for some, but just like the martial art itself... it all comes down to trust, loyalty and keeping good faith.

[kc_mizzou_fan]

I thought Century bought Macho.

If Century bought Macho, you would just be an account # when you called in to Macho.... absolutely not. lol. Macho is a superior company when it comes to being your supplier. You do not have an actual rep when you call into Century... they have no idea who you are, they are just there to take an order, which usually comes to you wrong anyway.

[kc_mizzou_fan]

Recently we have been waiting at least 3 weeks for a Century order.
When we called not only did they not know anything about the order but they had no record of us.
We have spents 10s of thousands of dollars with them.

Jeff

Like I said, to Century you are just an account #... and they had no record of you???? To me that is so unprofessional and impersonal. I found that they are completely unknowing of anything... especially when you get an order w/ $240 worth of items you didn't order with them making the decision to replace something I ordered w/similar merchandise and then telling me I would have to pay to have it shipped back. It was unbelievable. I never dealt with them again. I found superior service for uniforms and gear w/Bobby Spica @ Macho products 772-388-9892. They have an 800 # on their site. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.

[jakmak52]

Just had a negative experience with martialartssupplies.com, I ordered a Tokaido custom embroidered belt back in mid December of last year, 1st order got lost by USPS, called the supplier a month ago for replacement and offered to pay half the expense but thay said no they would make and send a new belt immediately. Still no belt, email or land line call.... :confused: Live and learn.

[Patrick Hayes]

When I had my own dojo, I had a wholesale account with Tiger Claw, but now I have to buy everything retail. My experiences with Tiger Claw have always been positive, but their "red oak" bokken tend to break very easily. Eventually, I started contracting work out to friends and family: a friend of mine made some custom ironwood bokken (which were pretty awesome, but I broke one of those too) and my future mother-in-law made us some sword bags, tabis, and other sundries. It's definitely easier to go with only one supplier if you can find one that meets all your needs, but sometimes it helps to diversify.

[Chicago Iceman]

I've had great luck with Hatashita Enterprises, ordering everything from tatamis to gis. http://www.hatashita.com/

The owner, Roman Hatashita is a former Canadian Olympian, I believe, and you can speak directly with him whenever you need. He's been good to work with.

[Joseph Svinth]

Kim Taylor, of Seidokai ( http://sdksupplies.netfirms.com ) has recently begun selling martial art equipment in wholesale quantities. The website is http://pro-budo.ca/ and he says he can supply as many units as folks want to buy. If there is sufficient interest, he says he will try to track down upscale versions of aikido and judo/jujutsu uniforms too. Anyway, if you have suggestions for products, or just want to do some comparison shopping, drop him a line.

[SeekingThePath]

I, too, have dealt with some pretty crappy online retailers. I've ordered quite a bit from Academy of Karate Martial Art Supply, and have found that they tend to have some of the lowest retail pricest and great selection online. They also have very good service at least in my experience. You can also set up a wholesale account with them if that's what you're looking for.

http://www.martialartssupermarket.com/

Diana Laskos

[spdaddy]

Hello to everyone,

I've also ordered from Century and found their service to be good, although prices to be high.

Don't know if this helps, but Amazon.com has recently begun selling MA equipment. They have different vendors you can choose from, but not a whole lot of uniforms yet, mostly equipment. I don't know what anyones opinion is on Amazon, but I've been ordering from them for six years and never once had a complaint. In fact if you order over 25 dollars, you get free shipping.

Shipping with them is always fast and from my experience, the customer service reps don't treat you like your making them do(god forbid) their jobs. :)

[rudolph]

Hi Mr. Jeff Burger. Does aim china still offer chinese martial arts training? Can't reach you at aimchina@hotmail.com to confirm the info in your train in china web. I and my friends plan to study martial arts in China around the 2nd week of Feb. 2006.

Will appreciate your prompt reply. You can directly email me at rudolph894@yahoo.com.

Thanks.
rudolph

[rudolph]

It seems no matter what I buy I dont get what I want and then there is a hassle in correcting it (if its ever corrected).

Lets start with my Meijin gi order. Wrong color embroidery, wrong name on belt. When I called to complain the woman called me an idiot. Thats was about ayear ago and I recently found out they didnt credit me after I returned the gi.

I have ordered tapes and got ones with glitches and they refused to reimburse me. Their reason... its a ego battle. Thats what they told the BBB, I got that in writting.
Thanks Cane Masters.

Columbus Day I took took a trip to NYC. I ordered some stuff from MA store. After several phone calls I finally got most of my order 3 weeks later. Still havent recieved the rest. Got a bunch of patches I didnt order.

Recently bought some Catch DVDs. Almost a week after I should have gotten them I called and they said they were already delivered. I got a confirmation # and they said I should have signed for them. I didnt the postman just left them in a hallway that is open to the street. Post office says no signature was required.
The company agreed to send me another order. I got it today...well most of it. Got one DVD I didnt order and still missing one I did.

This is just some of the stuff.
It seems like a service conspiracy. If we all suck it wont matter cause the consumer wont have a choice.

Jeff

Hi Mr. Jeff Burger. Does aim china still offer chinese martial arts training? Can't reach you at aimchina@hotmail.com to confirm the info in your train in china web. I and my friends plan to study martial arts in China around the 2nd week of Feb. 2006.

Will appreciate your prompt reply. You can directly email me at rudolph894@yahoo.com.

Thanks.
rudolph

[Jeff Burger]

There is new management at the school I went to. They want to greatly increase the price so I will not send them anyone until they return to a reasonable deal.

I still can help you with going to China, just not to that particular school.

Why is did you post that in this thread?

You have sent me a couple of emails and I have replied to both.

[Janteil]

There hasn't been a lot of activity on this thread as of late, but I would like to call your attention to a site you might appreciate for Quality Martial Arts Supplies. We have been selling on eBay for quite some time and have had much success with our hand made products, thus wanted to extend our presense and create an online store and hope for an online community.

www.ironpalmarts.com


Phil Buchanon
IronPalmArts - Personally Involved Quality Martial Arts Supplier

[Jeff Burger]

Interesting place to make your ad and first post.
:rolleyes:

Jeff

[Janteil]

Well, I picked a thread where there seemed to be unhappy consumers and wanted to turn their day into a cheery one at that. Besides, we make the best Jow!

[Dion Wilbur]

I just received a dogi and obi from meijin, the embroidery was nice and correct, but they hype the quality of there Gi up too much, I dont like the Ties they use for the pants very low quality, although they fit nicely, the top has a weird cut to it, different from other dogis I have owned I find the sleeves too long for a 3/4 cut sleeve which its supposed to be.. Would I order from them again....No! I'd stick to Tokaido,Shureido or Isami..Top 3 from my experiences..

[Oelier]

I order from Macho for most of my gear and uniforms. I order from AWMA for weapons. The only set back I've had so far has been AWMA being out of stock of a couple of items I wanted.

Another site I've found to be good (especially if you don't have wholesale accounts) is Bill Wallace's www.superfoots.com . They take the Best Buy approach of selling lots of stuff, but under suggested retail price. Before we got our wholesale accounts, we used Superfoots.com for the majority of our purchases.

[Jessica]

I will add that the one time that we (Mas Shandy and I) had to return something to superfoots, we had to pay shipping, but there were no other issues, and they had the replacement items to us within 2 weeks.


Jessica Brawner

[shootemup1]

Please visit us at www.kamawan.com . We have a great selection of uniforms, dvd's, books, etc.You have my word that you will receive great products, great service, and you will deal with someone who actually uses the items that we sell. If you're not happy for any reason we will gladly give you a prompt refund.
-Steven England

[Gene Williams]

I've been dealing with Bob Elder and the folks at East Coast Martial Arts on East Colonial Drive, Orlando, Fla. since the early '80's. I can't say I've ever had a complaint. They carry Tokaido and Shureido, as well as other brands, lots of books and vids, weapons of all types, and Bob is a sword dealer and a swordsman. Good folks. Bob will try to find it if he doesn't have it.

[TonyU]

Gene, do they have website?

[Gene Williams]

Gene, do they have website?

www.ecmas.com

They have an ebay store, too.

phone:407-896-2487

email: ecmas@ecmas.com

[TonyU]

Thank you.

[jakmak52]

Has anyone had any dealings with this company?

[kumite]

Does anyone know of a good supplier for mats?

[kumite]

Jeff, thanks for the compliment on the minicane techniques. Most people like it because I obviously inflict pain on Mark. ;)

Jeff, what kind of tape did you do and if I order one, will you get a royalty from it? :D

[Jeff Burger]

I like Tiffins for mats. They are good mats and good costumer service.

You know Im still dealing with problems over those Shuey tapes.

The responses I get from him via the BBB are ridiculous.

Jeff

[jakmak52]

Looking for reliable, high quality black belt embroidery service??