hello and help!

[fencing_mom]

Hello, I was thrilled to find this board! My son is 7 years old and has been fencing for 8 months. His instructor thinks he is ready for his first tournament. I'm trying to find used equipment for him so if anyone has any kids stuff to sell I'm in the market. Quade is RH foil and we are in need of everything! He has a childrens practice foil and a XXS glove that is way too big!
Thanks for all of your help!

[FoilyGeezer]

Hi!

I've got two boys 6 and 10 fencing and I'm a veteran fencer myself. You could look on ebay, but I'd be pretty skeptical about buying used stuff without a good amount of knowledge of what you're buying. We've been picking up bits an pieces of the boy's kits for a while and have found that the mid quality stuff you get from vendors like Physical Chess and Blue Gauntlet (check the Links section for links to various vendors) provides a good bang for the buck....even compared with used. Plus you get someone to ask questions to about stuff.

[davtsung]

blue-gauntlet is very helpful and has a good selection. Plus if you live on the east-coast, there is a very good chance you can expect delivery within 1-2 days!

[VorpalCat]

Originally Posted by davtsung

blue-gauntlet is very helpful and has a good selection. Plus if you live on the east-coast, there is a very good chance you can expect delivery within 1-2 days!

Unless you specify next day delivery, in which case you'll get it in three to four days. (ymmv, natch. My first experience with them may also be my last.)

[davtsung]

I never specify next day shipping and have always received from them within 1-2 days. Bummer about your experience with them

[Peach]

I usually get BG stuff almost immediately (I live on the East Coast too) except when they're at a tournament. I just placed an order with them today, in fact.

[shango]

I like Blue Gauntlet too, but they have a habit of switching orders. I ordered Napoleon Gum Sole Fencing Shoes, they didn't have my size, and so gave me the extremely ugly SG fencing shoes, which was around $20 less than what I payed for, and still gave me the wrong size! Everything else was good though, their customer service is excellent.

[VorpalCat]

Maybe I just caught them on a bad few days. I called them to confirm the next day delivery on my order (just like their website says to), was told no problem, the glove was in stock. And did I want to pay another $20 (or $25, I forget now) to guarantee that next day delivery? I was puzzled - didn't my order already indicate next day? Yes. So this $20 was in addition to the next day delivery charge I'd already requested? She said it was. Huh. So I said I wanted the order processed and shipped via next day delivery, just like the order form she had in hand indicated, no fees above the already-requested next-day delivery charge. No problem, it'll be there tomorrow (Friday), she replied.

Friday came and went - no glove. (Was an emergency replacement needed for the weekend.) I called BG three times on Monday. Each time someone took my info and said they'd call me back. No one ever called me back. I sent email as well as the day dragged on. No reply.

The glove finally showed up Monday night, accompanied by a printout of my web order showing next day delivery. And someone had written 'next day' on the form as well. Then someone else marked it out and wrote ground. (So at least I was only charged for ground. )

Okay, I can see how things happened. No problem, I can live with that. Stuff happens, after all. But what really has me disinclined to deal with BG again is the total lack of response to repeated calls and email for assistance. Yes, I was polite. I've worked various forms of customer service for too many years to be otherwise when looking for help or information. One quick callback in response to the first phone call saying, 'I found your order, here's what the form shows,' and it would've been fine. No response on their end, no return business on my end. *shrug*

[davtsung]

At least BG isn't Allstar or AmFence........those two I've given up on.

[hpfencing]

Back to the topic at hand.

1. I recommend asking aorund your club and seeing if anyone has any extra equipment that you might be able to use. Or see if your coach has alittle gear you could borrow.

2. Get a list of things you need and could not borrow and then shop around.

There are many quaity vendors around and the issue of next day, or next week doesn't have to be an issue if you urchase the equipment with lead time.

I sell gear at the club (not mail order by ny means) but would be glad to help you out if I can. Just let me know what you need.

[fencing_mom]

Well thanks to everyone for their input. My wonderful little fencer said that he wants his equipment for Christmas! He has just saved me major $$$! I'm going to give BG a try. I cant wait to see him all dressed and ready to compete!