Kevin Wilkins
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 7, 1998
- Messages
- 1,486
As someone who makes their living making and selling knives, I really hate reading some of the horror stories on this and other forums by folks who have been ripped off when buying - or trying to buy - knives online.
Bad experiences by buyers are BAD for the knife industry and there's hardly a professional Maker out there today who could survive without internet sales.
So I thought I'd put down some tips and advice for buyers to try and help them avoid getting ripped off or having negative experiences making online knife purchases.
First off: The VAST majority of Makers, Dealers AND Buyers are honest, hard working people who would never rip anyone off. Just wanted to say that right up front. But the few bad apples, as the saying goes...
Now the Tips:
1. It's been said often but here goes again. Use EXTREME caution when paying upfront for ANY knife that is not in stock and ready to ship as soon as your payment arrives. Paying for a knife upfront before it's been made is the best way to end up out the money and with no knife and no recourse. It is totally reasonable to request a photo of the actual knife be emailed to you BEFORE sending the payment. Beware of anyone asking for payment for goods they don't have in their possession. Knifemakers are usually "financially challenged" and it's easy for the Maker to end up running in front of a financial snowball they can never escape.
2. If asked to pay a deposit on a knife you order, make sure to get a written, signed contract from the Maker containing all pertinent info specifying the knife AND a fixed delivery date for the knife. Make sure the contract specifies that should the knife not be ready on the date promised in the contract, the Maker will refund the deposit immediately. I know a lot of folks are leery of any deposit - and with good reason - and unless there are extenuating circumstances like engraving or special materials, etc. stay away from deposits unless you're 100% sure of the person you're dealing with.
3. Do an online search on anyone you're thinking of doing business with BEFORE you do business with them. If the Seller / Maker / Dealer has an online history of problems you should reconsider having any business dealings with them.
4. If the deal looks TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE it probably is! One scam that is run constantly on the forums goes like this:
Maker offers a pretty good knife at price that can't possibly cover their costs in making it.
Makers sells the knife and sends it out. The buyer posts ecstatic praise and pics. (The Maker may even send out a couple of the knives.) Then the Makers sells THE SAME KNIFE 10 more times and receives payment from the buyers who all think they'll be getting their super cool super cheap knife real soon. They never do. Then the excuses start. "My dog died" "My car died" "I can't work now" "My new dog died" You've read 'em all same as I have.
Typically when the online outcry gets too loud the Makers sends someone on the list a knife. This usually quiets the mob of ripped off buyers some as they think, Oh, maybe I'll actually get a knife. Don't bet on it. The Maker took a $200 knife and sold it for $50 to 10 different buyers, only one of whom actually gets anything. See how the con works? When the heat finally gets too hot, the Maker takes an online powder and disappears. Unbelievably several Makers have managed to reincarnate themselves and run this con multiple times.
I'm sure there are some other scams and cons out there too. Maybe some other folks will offer their tips here too.
And THANK YOU to all the honest customers who continue to place not only their trust but their hard earned cash in the cutlery market. With a little common sense and reasonable caution, you won't be disappointed!
Bad experiences by buyers are BAD for the knife industry and there's hardly a professional Maker out there today who could survive without internet sales.
So I thought I'd put down some tips and advice for buyers to try and help them avoid getting ripped off or having negative experiences making online knife purchases.
First off: The VAST majority of Makers, Dealers AND Buyers are honest, hard working people who would never rip anyone off. Just wanted to say that right up front. But the few bad apples, as the saying goes...
Now the Tips:
1. It's been said often but here goes again. Use EXTREME caution when paying upfront for ANY knife that is not in stock and ready to ship as soon as your payment arrives. Paying for a knife upfront before it's been made is the best way to end up out the money and with no knife and no recourse. It is totally reasonable to request a photo of the actual knife be emailed to you BEFORE sending the payment. Beware of anyone asking for payment for goods they don't have in their possession. Knifemakers are usually "financially challenged" and it's easy for the Maker to end up running in front of a financial snowball they can never escape.
2. If asked to pay a deposit on a knife you order, make sure to get a written, signed contract from the Maker containing all pertinent info specifying the knife AND a fixed delivery date for the knife. Make sure the contract specifies that should the knife not be ready on the date promised in the contract, the Maker will refund the deposit immediately. I know a lot of folks are leery of any deposit - and with good reason - and unless there are extenuating circumstances like engraving or special materials, etc. stay away from deposits unless you're 100% sure of the person you're dealing with.
3. Do an online search on anyone you're thinking of doing business with BEFORE you do business with them. If the Seller / Maker / Dealer has an online history of problems you should reconsider having any business dealings with them.
4. If the deal looks TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE it probably is! One scam that is run constantly on the forums goes like this:
Maker offers a pretty good knife at price that can't possibly cover their costs in making it.
Makers sells the knife and sends it out. The buyer posts ecstatic praise and pics. (The Maker may even send out a couple of the knives.) Then the Makers sells THE SAME KNIFE 10 more times and receives payment from the buyers who all think they'll be getting their super cool super cheap knife real soon. They never do. Then the excuses start. "My dog died" "My car died" "I can't work now" "My new dog died" You've read 'em all same as I have.
Typically when the online outcry gets too loud the Makers sends someone on the list a knife. This usually quiets the mob of ripped off buyers some as they think, Oh, maybe I'll actually get a knife. Don't bet on it. The Maker took a $200 knife and sold it for $50 to 10 different buyers, only one of whom actually gets anything. See how the con works? When the heat finally gets too hot, the Maker takes an online powder and disappears. Unbelievably several Makers have managed to reincarnate themselves and run this con multiple times.
I'm sure there are some other scams and cons out there too. Maybe some other folks will offer their tips here too.
And THANK YOU to all the honest customers who continue to place not only their trust but their hard earned cash in the cutlery market. With a little common sense and reasonable caution, you won't be disappointed!
