Comments on: SWFA Offers Trade-In Program for Optics

By: CZConvert

CZConvert — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 18:16:46 +0000

I realize this is old but since it was the only place I found where the SWFA trade in or “sample list” program was reviewed I decided to post.
About 2 weeks ago I sent in a Sample list quote request on a Vortex Viper HST 4-16×44 that I bought from SWFA for $500, I have had the scope for about 2 years and its seen its share of use but is in immaculate condition, I sent in the request for the scope and a set of butler creek tactical scope covers. I wanted to trade in the scope for the SWFA 3-15×42. They offered me $350 for a two year old $500-550 scope. I accepted, included a money order and sent my scope out. They accepted the trade and the SWFA 3-15×42 scope is in the mail.

I can understand how some people feel that they receive unreasonable offers for their kit. But even though you may never have used your optic its still a “used” optic.
Whenever you buy something it becomes used and you must accept that. A Brand new car instantly loses value the second you take delivery because its used.
While you may find an offer of $1500 for a $2500 unacceptable, take a look at the sample list, and see what they are charging for a similar condition scope of the same make and model, you will find they are charging only a small markup.

I bought a Demo A condition set of binoculars off the sample list, the neck strap was missing but other than that the binoculars were in the original packaging and immaculate, I got them for half what they would have cost me new.
As a whole I am happy with my experience with the SWFA sample list. I upgraded to a high quality FFP scope and paid for half of it with a scope I got a few years out of. Not a bad deal. I possibly could have got more for my scope on the used market, but that would take time to sell, If I could sell it at all. go to any shooting forum and there are hundreds of scopes of all makes and models for sale, and most have been there for a long time.

SWFA takes used gear off the owner offering instant cash or credit towards new gear. Much like a pawn shop they are shelling out cash on the spot for something they may have in the inventory for years.
Any time you trade something in you are accepting the reduction in sale price for the instant compensation. You will always get more for a used car or used scope on the private market. But that will take time, and for me, “losing out” on $50 maybe $75 bucks compared to what used Viper HS-T’s are going for was well worth the instant upgrade.

By: Lesley

Lesley — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 21:30:57 +0000

Dont bother with these people. I called them on the phone. They could not offer any service. Told me to fill out the form on there web sight. I did they offered 1600 for a new in the box 3000 dollar March 10×60. I see things have not changed there in years. They offer this trade in deal in the hope thy can steel a scope. Why is it they dont sell Nightforce or Priemere.Or even a March scope.They Cant sell them. Ask them why they cant.The first thing most of you will say is this is set up. Your right it is. I have several others that call and filled out forms to either trade in or sell there scopes. We all got the same lowball offer. About half of the value. So yes SWFA bit on our thade in offers. I even offered to take the scoe in for them to look at. The told me a March was only worth 1600 NIB. A Leupold MK4 Used with box and paper work is worth 550 to them and it was a 8.5×25

By: Tanner

Tanner — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:41:15 +0000

They offered me less than 50% on a used Leupold Rangefinder. I accepted their low bid because I was extremely unhappy with the rangefinder after using it a while. I wouldn’t have felt right selling that junk to an individual, but a SWFA doesn’t seem to have a problem selling Leupold rangefinders so I let them take it off my hands. Thanks!

By: chrisj

chrisj — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 18:40:45 +0000

Don’t waste your time with a trade to SWFA. I tried that with scopes including a NIB scope that I purchased from them and they offered an Absolutely Laughable price. One eaxample: I bought a NEW Tasco SS for around $400, never took it out of the box, tried to sell back after about 35-40 days and they offered me $100!