Top Gear NZ

This review is probably going to cost me $50, but I'm so sick of the drama that I don't care!

I ordered a knife online. Payment was processed and confirmation email received. The following day I had an email saying the knife was showing as out of stock when I ordered it (and yet it allowed me to make the purchase?), and when I asked if they were expecting more was told that they were unable to get them through customs (begs the question why it was still on website?)

So, I chose another knife, this one considerably dearer, and after chasing them up about how to pay the additional funds, got a reply, and did a bank tfr. The next day I received shipping details, and 2 days later the knife arrived.

Now it get's silly...

It was the wrong knife. Very similar, but not what I ordered. I called and explained this to Tess, who asked me to take pictures, which I did and emailed them to her as requested.

I asked if the knife I wanted was actually in stock and was told she would look the next day. I told Tess that if she couldn't find one, I'd keep the one they sent, but would need the $50 balance addressed, and a voucher would be fine.

Then I get this email:
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Hi Warren,

I just found this strange as we never ever sell Spyderco Sage 1. From the very start we only sell 3 models of Sage 5 knives.

Last year we sold 6 of the same knife and sold another 4 since February this year.

Can you please provide another picture of the knife locking side.

Kind regards

Tess

Top Gear
www.top-gear.co.nz
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So I took another picture and emailed it as requested, and received this:

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On 13/06/2022, at 9:14 PM, *******@top-gear.co.nz wrote:


Hi Warren,

Thanks for another picture.

This is what I mentioned to you when we spoke on the phone. I told you I have the knife but with the wrong box?

Regards

Tess
Top Gear
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So now I'm confused, and reply with:

I'm sorry but I don't follow you? Let me say again where I think we are…

*I ordered the Kershaw Blur and paid for it.
*You advised it was out of stock (apparently it said that on your website but I didn't notice that, and your online shop took my payment)
*I then looked again on your website and chose the spyderco sage 5 and transferred the additional funds.
*The knife arrived. It is a spyderco sage 1. I took pictures of that and its packaging after I called you and emailed them to you.

Today you asked for more evidence that the knife I received was indeed a sage 1 in the form of pictures of the locking mechanism which I supplied an hour later. It's plainly a sage 1 liner lock, not a sage 5 compression lock.

I'm becoming pretty frustrated with the amount of time I'm spending on this now. I've said several times now that if you do not have the knife I ordered I would settle for this one but there is a price difference of what appears to be $50. I haven't even asked for a refund, just a voucher which I think is more than reasonable.

If this is problematic then I will return under your unconditional 10 day money back guarantee. Obviously time is ticking on that so I look forward to your earliest reply.
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That was yesterday. Since then I have had no communication, and their phone goes unanswered. Tempted as I am to return the knife and buy elsewhere, I'm worried that I wouldn't get a refund, nor have a knife and be $400 out of pocket instead of just the current $50!

So yeah, DO NOT SHOP HERE would be my advice. I'm reporting to Consumer NZ and calling Fair Go. It's my new hobby...

I have previously ordered without incident from this store but I ordered a very nice Knife for over 200 dollars for my son just before Christmas.
I received a parcel undamaged in the post a few days later but without any knife inside. Just the pouch and box. I reported this to Top Gear and was informed that 3 members of their family checked the box before sending and basically calling me a thief. I have been left in no doubt that this company is a fraud and will probably be shortly out of business. Absolutely do not deal with them. They are theiving scamming liars. Look at their other feedback. Don't just take my word. I suspect half of the positive reviews are from themselves.

Confirmed with them before I purchased that the item would be sent, transferred my money, then the order was cancelled and they have ignored my requests for a refund. They insisted on direct credit into their bank account, so there's no way to get my money back!

They do not respond to emails, do not pick up their phone, do not communicate with their customer in any way after you pay them. Refunded my money after three days without explanation. Still list my ordered item as "in stock". Shop elsewhere.

Almost exactly like the last reviewer. Paid for an item but it has never arrived (it is 19 days now). No response to emails or to an inquiry through their website. Can't get them on the phone. Finally got an answer phone and have left a message stating that I will be going to the nz commerce commission and the Police. And I am a NZ citizen! They look ligit but I wouldn't trust them. Buyer beware. An update. I finally got a response after my threat of police and the commerce commision - Paypal has confirmed that I will received a refund. Will let you know if that doesn't happen.

Do not order from Top Gear NZ Outdoor Gear unless you are a citizen of New Zealand. My experience with this company has been one of utter frustration and disappointment. I ordered and paid for three items and the goods never came. I emailed Top Gear multiple times and rang before I was told they couldn’t supply the items and I would be given a refund. After more than a dozen emails and many more phone calls I still have no refund. The company will not respond to the emails or their webforms and also won’t answer the phone. NZ Consumer Affairs can’t assist because I am not an NZ citizen and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission can’t help either because the company is not Australian. Avoid having your money taken and not getting any goods and stick to reputable companies that provide a level of protection such as Amazon or eBay.