By the Sword, or, a trip to the 10th level of Hell

by Dave Kelly
(Petersburg VA.)

In fairness I think these folks have made a real effort to improve their customer service over the last year. The last few exchanges with them I've got the sense that they are trying to be more sympathetic and helpful.

They do sell a lot of stuff. I mean really a lot of stuff. As far as period costuming and accessories nobody has as diverse a range of items.

Problem is that a lot of it is junk. Do they know it's junk? I dunno. Have bought several seuded leather jerkins from them that look like the critter they came from died from being drug under a truck. But By the Sword marketed it anyway.

It's a frustrating lottery. Sometimes you win, and sometimes you have to get on the phone and return the orders to try something else. If you're not happy the BTS folks just say, okay, and take it back.

I'm not going to tell you to not buy from BTS. I still do. But know what you're getting yourself into. Better ask questions via email than impulse buy.

Comments for By the Sword, or, a trip to the 10th level of Hell

Click here to add your own comments

Jul 21, 2014

I disagree
by: Lewis Campbell

I've order from BTS a few times. I've had the "out of stock" thing happen to me before. They have hundreds, maybe thousands(?) of items on their site that they get from suppliers and this happened to me at one point and I was made to understand that their suppliers rarely if ever give them any advance notice of an item not being available. The time I was going to have to wait for my item was not acceptable to me. I was of course disappointed and a little bit frustrated but I recognized that these things happen and it really isn't anyone's fault. I requested a refund and I was given one in its entirety. I was still disappointed but the outcome was satisfactory to me because reality is what it is. I have done business with BTS 2 or 3 times since then without any incident. I believe that the person I spoke with was Rose. I did not get a last name and I do not know if there is more than one Rose.

Mar 24, 2010

Thieves
by: Anonymous

Ordered an item, charged $10 s/h. One week goes by without item or email. When asked, their reply is 'We don't notify customers of out of stock items, they are back ordered and will ship 4-6 weeks later'. OK, I'd like to cancel the order. Their reply 'You've been refunded, minus $25 admin fee'. Amber is CS supervisor at this scam camp who said 'Didn't you read the fine print?' SO, NO ITEM, AND $25 LIGHTER BY PLACING AN ORDER AT A STORE WITH EMPTY SHELVES.

Nov 02, 2009

Thanks
by: Dave Kelly

Thanks Drue. New site to me. Will have to spend some time looking around. I eventually got a Ravenswood Ren Jerkin. Pricey, but they do eye popping good work. Will eventually post a pic of it in the forum...

Nov 02, 2009

Leather Jerlins
by: Drue

I bought some things from By the Sword, and yes they have alot of sheit.
If you are looking for leather goods try this site, http://heavyleather.com/jerkin.htm This guy makes all his stuff by hand and I can tell you first hand it is very nice. I bought a leather Jerkin from him and it is top knotch.
Good Luck
Drue
Balt. MD

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Directory Invitation.