• Swanson

Swanson

Overview

Swanson has a rating of 1.82 stars from 287 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally dissatisfied with their purchases. Reviewers complaining about Swanson most frequently mention customer service, free shipping, and long time problems. Swanson ranks 575th among Vitamins & Supplements sites.

  • Service
    86
  • Value
    87
  • Shipping
    85
  • Returns
    50
  • Quality
    73

This company responds to reviews on average within 21 days

Positive reviews (last 12 months): 8.8%
Positive
3
Neutral
3
Negative
28
27
See all photos

What reviewers want you to know

Positive highlights

  • I'm a long-time user and have only praise for their products and customer service.

Critical highlights

  • Not sure I will ever want to shop Swanson Vitamins ever again!
How would you rate Swanson?
Top Positive Review

“Much Improved”

John T.
11/2/23

My two supplements arrived in less than a week with standard shipping...good job Swanson! Of course, we like the products too, especially the quality and price are outstanding. Thanks again!

Top Critical Review

“Limit 1”

Maura L.
2/18/24

Swanson used to be my go to for certain supplements. There's only really 1 or 2 products that I need for them, so in order to save myself shipping on 30-60 days supplies, I'd stock up on 3-4 bottles at a time and pay that shipping all at once. Today I've gone on to buy my supply and there's a Limit of 1. For everything. I can't even buy 2 of the same lip balm. I like their products and have always liked their service in the past. But I refuse to pay $5.99 shipping every time I need a new bottle of a supplement. With that price added on it's cheaper to go somewhere else.

Reviews (287)

Rating

Timeframe

Other

Reviews that mention popular keywords

customer service (91) swanson vitamins (32)
Thumbnail of user cindylynnwalker75
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 29th, 2024

They wouldn't cancel my order after 1 hour after they alerted me to an auto ship, it's still processing but it's too inconvenient for them to stop an order I forgot was on auto ship after 4-5 months. To contact them only a phone # was given! So crappy customer service.

Products used:
Vitamin

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user huongt27
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 20th, 2024

I faithfully use the microdermaroller as directed by 1 of their associates, but I did not see good result. The lady kept contact me, Tina tried to sell me more product that she claim to help. But I'm not interested { I already have enough supply at home}. I tried to contact the office, and the sale man, but no answer. I contact Tina again before the 60 days guaranty to get my money back. She said what do I have to return since I use it all. She said she will contact the company and let me know, but it's been more than a week, she's seem disappeared. It's a waste money, and time

Products used:
Micro dermaroller

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user jchacin.bills
1 review
0 helpful votes
March 2nd, 2024

No concerns about the product.
I did the payment and it went through and then I see that it was refunded. I usually didn't check my email I just log in into Swanson's website and the order keeps saying processing. So after a while I called the company y the associate told me that my card was rejected. I mean that message should be on the portal and give the option to summit another card.
So I have to have a card number on the phone.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user markb5606
2 reviews
3 helpful votes
January 19th, 2024

I had set up an order to be sent every 2 months. The screen had a price for four lithium 5mg and two Ubiquinol 200mg at just over $44. When I went to pay, the screen had changed the price far upward on both products. I called Swanson, but they said they could not get the original prices again. I got no help at all. I was very frustrated, angry, and disappointed.

Service
Value
Shipping
Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Hi Mark - so sorry to hear that you didn't get this resolved when you contacted us! It's possible the price could've changed if the promotion was updated while you were shopping online, but we're happy to refund you the difference if you reach out to customercare@swansonhealth.com attn:Supervisor. Hope this helps!

Thumbnail of user tomm1119
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
August 5th, 2023

Been buying at Swanson for decades. No big issues except it was slow. I asked them to speed up the delivery if possible they have.They did add a fee on free shipping at times for a $1.79 not often. I checked around did not find any better for the price and quality.

Shipping
Thumbnail of user brenhutch
4 reviews
3 helpful votes
January 13th, 2024

I placed an order and selected the free 2 day shipping offered by Swanson as Shoprunner. Total BS! My package is now 10 DAYS out.
You won't get me again, Swanson...

Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Sorry to hear that, Bren! We do partner with Shoprunner on eligible orders and are always happy to reship the order if it hasn't gotten to you in time. Feel free to contact us by phone, chat or email customercare@swansonhealth.com to make it right.

Thumbnail of user rosap221
1 review
5 helpful votes
December 7th, 2023

I was repurchasing a supplement I regularly get from Swanson. The price was great and I was going to order several bottles. A 20% discount offer popped up for allowing text offers. As soon as I signed up the discount was added to my order. The problem is the price per bottle had nearly doubled. What would have been $23 for 5 bottles was suddenly $17 more expensive after supposedly adding a 20% discount! TOTAL SCAM!

Products used:
Vitamins

Value
Quality
Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Hi Rosa! So sorry to hear about that experience, I promise you that simplifying our online promotions is something that we are hard at work on. It sounds like selecting the 20% off pop-up ended up overriding the initial promotion you had, I'll be sure to share this information with our online team. If you ever need any assistance while shopping online, feel free to utilize our chat option and an agent will be able to help you lickity-split!

Thumbnail of user lisaj316
2 reviews
9 helpful votes
March 26th, 2024

Swansons has a REALLY WEIRD WAY of processing orders. Meaning they don't even put a hold on the money for 24-48 hours THEN they charge shipping SEPARATELY 2-3 days later when they finally ship the order. Oh and good luck getting the order refunded after they've overdrafted your account by charging at weird times, they'll 100% blame the banks and you'll be lucky you get anything back at all. Still waiting on what I thought would be a FULL refund but customer service says is only ten bucks (not my whole purchase) and swears they've already issued despite it not being in my bank. 100% sure they're crooks and I'll be telling everyone I know not to trust them.

Products used:
I didn't ever actually get anything because Swanson's likes to be weird about charging cards and decided to charge separately for shipping when I had zero dollars left. So nothing got shipped because shipping wasn't paid but they're being super cagey about giving my refund and have informed me it'll only be a partial refund despite me not getting partial product. RUN AWAY

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user maural30
1 review
2 helpful votes
February 18th, 2024

Swanson used to be my go to for certain supplements. There's only really 1 or 2 products that I need for them, so in order to save myself shipping on 30-60 days supplies, I'd stock up on 3-4 bottles at a time and pay that shipping all at once. Today I've gone on to buy my supply and there's a Limit of 1. For everything. I can't even buy 2 of the same lip balm. I like their products and have always liked their service in the past. But I refuse to pay $5.99 shipping every time I need a new bottle of a supplement. With that price added on it's cheaper to go somewhere else.

Tip for consumers:
That I'd have to pay 5.99 shipping for one tube of lip balm because I'm not allowed to buy more than that.

Products used:
Didn't end up buying because of the purchase limit on their website.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user johnt4739
1 review
0 helpful votes
November 2nd, 2023

My two supplements arrived in less than a week with standard shipping...good job Swanson! Of course, we like the products too, especially the quality and price are outstanding. Thanks again!

Tip for consumers:
This company has made a serious and successful effort to improve shipping times along with other things, so I will continue to purchase from Swanson.

Products used:
Extended release Vitamin C 1000mg and Olive Leaf Extract 500mg.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user bris53
1 review
1 helpful vote
January 8th, 2024

The Japanese dialect is hard to understand with some of these CSR's. They auto ordered B Vitamins to me and charged my Card $40. I NEVER agreed to auto ship, I don't do auto ship on anything. Maybe something was checked that should not have been but I did NOT do it nor see it! I asked the man to take my Credit Card out of their System and he said he couldn't do that and they don't have my number, B.S!
I'm not going to order from Swanson anymore I've been a Customer for 20 some years.

Tip for consumers:
No Company has the right to keep your Credit Card on File, for someone that's been a Customer for 20 some years you should show respect to their requests.

Products used:
Vit B Complex, lots over the years. I use to buy P.M.S. Stop and it worked great but that was 15-20 years ago.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Hi there, Bri - I'd love to have you chat with our Customer Service manager to resolve these issues, if you are interested simply send an email to customercare@swansonhealth.com attn: Emma. We're not able to set up our Easy Refill program over the phone, so it's likely that the Easy Refill Subscription option was selected when purchasing online. But we're happy to help remove that and refund the orders as needed - just reach out when you get a chance!

Thumbnail of user kk553
1 review
5 helpful votes
December 9th, 2023

I've been a Swanson customer for 30+ years. When Lee Swanson ran it, shipping was fast, customer service was in North Dakota with reps who knew what they were doing and could actually help you, prices were fair, extra shipping charges never occurred, the amount of milligrams in the supplements of whatever you're buying was higher, and there weren't extra things added to the supplements that nobody needs or wants.

Ever since he sold Swanson to a hedge fund and retired, EVERYTHING has gone downhill. Shipping takes forever now. Customer service is in the Philippines according to one rep I talked with and good luck with the connection. Prices have risen to ridiculous levels, probably to justify all the fillers now in the supplements. The strength of the supplements' active and beneficial ingredients has been decreased. Free shipping means nothing because they're adding $20+ for "overweight" packages and this charge is not mentioned ANYWHERE on their website until you're checking out when it appears on the line that says "Free Shipping".

VERY disappointed with Swanson and will be ordering vitamins from other companies without the fillers, lowered strength, and extra shipping charges. Leave it to a hedge fund to ruin a perfectly fine business.

Products used:
Vitamins and supplements

Thumbnail of user yacoubs4
0 reviews
2 helpful votes
January 22nd, 2022

So ive used them for 8 years now. The products are excellent quality and their prices are competitive.
A lot of prices have been hiked but not as bad as other reviewers have complained about.
Subscribe to the newsletter and you will keep getting discount codes ( a lot including free shipping - saving $7)

Heres as example: look at Apigenin - amazing new product - on amazon best price fro 120 caps of 50mg is between 19$ and 28$ different brands
Enter swanson: their MSRP for 90 pills of 50mg = 12$
With the usual codes you can get it for about 8-9$
But yesterday i bought it for 7$! They had a REAL 40% off

So to the complainers, give them another try
And to all others, always shop around for best deals, but include swanson in your short list:-)

Cheers

Tip for consumers:
recomended

Products used:
supplements

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user charlitta_reynolds
1 review
0 helpful votes
February 21st, 2024

Concern. I recently purchased a jug of magnesium oil. The packaging was horrible. With a bottle being that heavy in weight, there was no insulation in the box. It was put in a Liploc bag in a box with a piece of tape across the top of the cap. When it was delivery. It's was dropped on my porch leaking everywhere.

Thumbnail of user jabentay
1 review
0 helpful votes
January 9th, 2024

Minimum no shipping charge is too high. Delivery of products always a few days over what's promised.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user joanm1496
1 review
1 helpful vote
April 5th, 2024

I've been a dedicated on-line Swanson customer for 20 years and have received quality products and good customer service consistently, but that has changed with my last order. I've been using Swanson eye cream for years. The price is similar on Amazon or the Swanson site: Approximately $15 a 1oz jar or $25 for a 2 pack. When Swanson offers a BOGO on either size, I purchase it! Such was the case last week when the 2 pack was advertised "BOGO 2 pack". When I received my order instead of the usual 2 pack, I received 2 separate 1 oz jars. I called Swanson sales support and spoke to a customer rep and then a supervisor. They said Swanson was no longer offering single bottles but only 2 packs and that the 2 pack was $25. They said the BOGO was one 1 oz bottle plus a free 1 oz bottle. If the price of a 2 pack is $25 and I paid $25 for two one ounce bottles, what is the BOGO? If 1 oz bottles are no longer available, why did my receipt list one 1 oz bottle sold and one 1 oz bottle free? The two men didn't provide a credible response... they just repeated 1 oz bottles were no longer available and the BOGO was two 1 oz bottles until the I finally just gave up. BTW the product is available on Amazon for $15 and $25
For 1 oz and 2 pack respectively.

Tip for consumers:
The products are good values but customer service is poor. Both sales rep and supervisor did not address problem and just repeated information that didn't compute.

Products used:
Vitamin supplements, cosmetics

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user peterg1639
1 review
8 helpful votes
March 20th, 2023
Verified purchase

I've used Swanson a few times but this last time was a big disappointment. Delivery took 1 month and not the 2-5 business days promised, tracking did not provide much information and customer support was non-existant. Delivery cost me nearly $40 so I think I am entitled to complain about such poor service.
It's such a shame as Swanson used to be really good.

Tip for consumers:
Allow 30 days for delivery

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Hi Peter - I'm sorry to hear you experienced such a long delivery timeframe! Domestic shipping timeframes are 2-5 business days with a standard $5.99 shipping cost. I'd be happy to look into how this experience happened if you'd be willing to contact us at customercare@swansonhealth.com

Thumbnail of user willhurtinc
23 reviews
23 helpful votes
July 10th, 2023

I made the mistake of making a purchase from Swanson vitamins. They blew my email up so bad I had to spam them. I'm talking three or four emails every day. I hit the unsubscribe button so many times to no avail! I can't stand companies that do this! They harass you into thinking you may want to buy more! Absolutely the opposite! I just checked my spam folder there has to be a couple of hundred emails from them! I would rather buy the vitamins in a store and not have to give out my email

Thumbnail of user dariiaallen
2 reviews
1 helpful vote
June 28th, 2023
Verified purchase

Ordered a Pura D'or shampoo cause they had the lowest price. I think it was diluted with water.

I did end up having a good experience with ordering and returning this item, and didn't have any problems doing that.

Products used:
Shampoo

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A. – Swanson Rep

Hi Mary! So sorry to hear you didn't feel the Pura D'Or branded item was up to snuff! We'd love to get this product back so we can send it back to the vendor if you'd like to return it for a full refund.
We haven't received any other complaints about that brand, but if you send the details to customersupport@swansonvitamins.com we could certainly look into it further by contacting them directly.
There's also a way to directly contact that brand if you'd like https://purador.com/pages/contact-us

Thumbnail of user andyc542
1 review
9 helpful votes
September 5th, 2023

They claim they are giving you huge discount with their code, but after you spend time picking out items, loading your cart and go to check out you see the discount is ONLY for their Swanson products, plus they tack on all kinds of fees like charging more to have your shipment insured, handling fees etc etc. You don't see this until check out. This company is HORRIBLE, steer clear! Super deceptive company means it only starts at check out...so glad I didn't purchase anything.

Value
Thumbnail of user janetm1406
3 reviews
10 helpful votes
February 15th, 2023

I purchased many items from Swanson for 6 years. I finally stopped last September. All of a sudden they started this fuel surcharge. $1.99. Please. First they tell you you have free shipping, then if your order goes over 1 pound, they charge this ridiculous fuel surcharge fee. (this is what I was told by the customer service rep).

You could purchase $200 worth of vitamins, which would certainly weigh over 1 pound and you could get hit with the fuel surcharge fee. It's petty and a stupid business practice.

I won't order from them again until this dumb fee is revoked

Tip for consumers:
If your products are over 1 pound, you'll get hit with this 1.99 surcharge.

Products used:
Vitamins and CBD Oil.

Thumbnail of user valwillis78
1 review
4 helpful votes
August 24th, 2023

Want to improve your health? Don't buy from Swanson. I used this company's products for years. Never saw benefit. Then they double charged me for part of my order and after about 50 attempts to correct it, they didn't. It's the same inept no help every single time you try--even with a supervisor. Aside from not correcting overcharging a customer, they also do not care about customer retention. Swanson literally offers the WORST service I have seen in my life.

Tip for consumers:
HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE Overall. And Shipper was weird and didn't drop in a logical place. I literally called in about my last order for everything possible. And emailed. And never received the slightest decency--or a correction to overcharging!

Products used:
Several

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
Thumbnail of user steveb2803
1 review
5 helpful votes
February 9th, 2023

I'm a long time customer going on 5-years now and have always purchased large quantities to cover my needs for several months. I take as today, 21 different supplements and vitamins; some are once a day, twice a day, and then there are the three per day. I have also always enjoyed their regular discounting and of course, "Free Shipping on orders over $50!" However, that is no longer true as they have imposed what they're calling a shipping surcharge? My first up-charge was on an order over $250 and I called and was told due to the size of my package, they had to charge me $16 for it due to carrier up-charge. So, I reduced the next order to just over $50 and got charge again, a $1.99 up-charge. This is not free shipping! My question them was, "How can you advertise Free Shipping if you're going to charge anything, regardless of how you state it, a shipping fee?" I'm very disappointed that they're doing this and may begin seeking my needs elsewhere? There are many other reputable sources! Bluebonnet, Jarrow, etc.

Products used:
Vitamins and mineral supplements.

Service
Value
Shipping
Returns
Quality
Thumbnail of user sharons3070
1 review
2 helpful votes
December 21st, 2022

EphuroaLabs Amino Blend Capsules have all the protein that you need in your body for better functioning and building of muscle. It also helps in recovery of the muscle and reduces soreness in the body. It regulates the metabolism system to ensure great health. Capsules are made easy to swallow so you can take this daily or as advised by your doctor.

Thumbnail of user julianr132
1 review
35 helpful votes
January 27th, 2021
Verified purchase

So I bought some vitamins online and waited and waited for months for it to show up. Sent an email. No response. Finally waited for an hr on live chat to speak to somebody and was told that my order was canceled. They didn't give me a reason and said they don't notify of cancellations. I now have to go through my bank statements and see if they refunded me.

Dodgy company DO NOT USE!

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Company Representative

Thumbnail of user emmag632
Kim A.
Typically responds within 21 days

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