I sent a product inquiry to Museum Replicas Limited approx. two weeks ago about importing one product as a sample and then a small bulk order for our reenactment group. I got an immediate reply at first but when I asked for the postage amount to place the order, I didnt get a reply. I sent another e-mail a week later and I still got no reply. I have just put an international call trough and I got put on hold so long I just had to hang up .
Does anyone out there know if they have gone on holidays or something ? Theres nothing on their website. I know that many of you have bought swords and other items from them.
Sorry if this is in the wrong forum, but i need to ask Sword purchasers.
Thanks for any help you can give.

Cheers.

Merv,
Unfortunately, this may be indicative of MRL's current customer service policies. Their customer service used to be one of the pluses ordering through them directly, but perhaps not any more.
A year or two ago, I e-mailed MRL asking them about the type of assembly used in one of their closeout swords (the "Schwert", I believe). I wanted to know if the tang end was peened over the pommel, or if the pommel screwed on a threaded tang. They responded to me in a day or two with the information. Earlier this year, I inquired about another closeout sword's construction, and never received a full response! I also found their advertising for their annual sale to be misleading. I know their annual sales in the past had always been "showroom only", but they never stated that on their web site when they advertised the sale this year. They did verify as such in an e-mail, but neglected to answer my questions about the sword I was interested in!
I also spoke to a gentleman who had an informational booth about swords at the local Scottish Games, and he made some rather disparaging remarks regarding MRL's customer service. They are also known for posting items on their web site long before they actually have them in stock!
If you could, I would recommend going through another dealer that sells Windlass items. I'm not sure if that's feasible in your location, but it might be a better option in the long run.
Hope this helps!
Stay safe!

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I have had pretty good luck with their customer service. I called twice in the last few weeks, got right through and had one item delivered promptly, the other is on backorder but was clearly stated in my invoice. Also note my calls where about the delivery, not about the make of something and not a large order going over sea's. Maybe try another call, before taking more serious steps.
BTW This coming Monday is a holiday in the states and they might be closed.
Good luck
Chuck

I was a dealer for them for a couple of years but let the arrangement lapse by not placing any orders. They contacted me in the summer, asking if I wanted to renew the arrangement, which I decided to do. I sent them a complete packet of information on my company in July and, as of today, have heard absolutely nothing. I have not called, because I have been busy, but will do so next week. Until now my experience with them has been pretty good. They seem to be in the throes of making some significant changes in their organization so that could have something to do with it.

LR

I have moved this topic to the Off-topic Talk forum.

Please note the description for this forum:

"Discussions of general history and other miscellaneous topics relating to arms and armour that do not specifically fit our other forums"

Thank you.

My experience with MRL's customer service on the phone has been excellent. They're helpful, responsive, and I have not been on hold for any length of time.

My experience with MRL's customer service via email has been completely non-existent. They have never, and I mean never, responded to a single email I've sent them. This has got to be in the 25-30 range of unanswered email.

This is an unfortunate thing for international customers, but I fear the only real way to contact them is via the phone.

My experience with MRLs customer service has been 50/50, regardless of the type of communication used.

I've never been put on hold and I have always talked to a live human being. However, that doesn't mean the product always arrived as stated, sometimes the product has never arrived at all (but they still took the money) or has been sent to an old address that's several years old. I have never received an e-mail response from them, ever. On the other hand I've always had good luck with their returns department. My experience in dealing with MRL directly is so spotty that I no longer do so. I'd rather go through a reliable vendor who carries MRL products than take my chances with MRL directly.

I agree with Patrick Kelly, their customer service does seem to be 50/50.
I must admit they seemed quick and helpful the times I've done business over the phone with them.
I think my opinion of them was soured by my last experience being a negative one.
Stay safe!

Gee, thanks everyone........On the whole it seems that they really need to get their act together........oh, well.....it only SALES !!!

Thanks !

I harassed them with a bunch of questions on distal taper, balance, cop, etc. when I bought the 15th C. longsword from them and they emailed me back within a day or so. I also called a couple of times and have always had good service on the phone.

I'm sorry to hear some of you other folks had some trouble with them, I hope they pull it together soon!

Gee.......What the hell happened to plain old fashined good manners !! ? I guess like so very many "modern"companies they only care about profits ! Surely they are not so short-staffed that they have to be rude ! Whats the use of having a web-site if you wont answer e-mails......we dont all live in Atlanta !!
Well, I'll just have to keep searching for someone responsable to deal with !! Can anyone give me a short list ?
Although I believe that more and more people are starting to get gear from Europe..............there's that Italian group, ( I'll have to look them up,) they've been getting lots of good reports from US customers. and a few in Germany. The thing I've found with European companies is that, IMHO, they make a wider range of items that are historically accurate ! If you look at period paintings and drawings you see a suprising variety of arms and armour in any one period whereas many companies seem to just re-vamp the same old Bascinets and swords, etc., some better that others.