I seem to be having similar experiences to other reviewers. My first complaint here is that I returned a $159 item because it was defective. I first called and had a fairly lengthy conversation with customer service rep "Kenna," who informed me that the shipping and online fee would be waived for this return because the item was defective. Upon checking my credit card statement, however, I saw that I was only refunded $159 of the $173.50 I was initially charged, so I attempted to contact them to request a refund of my shipping charges. There was a fairly large patch of missing hair on the front of this item, which was obvious before I even opened the plastic packaging, so it never should have been sent out. In fact, I believe that it had at least been opened by someone else, so I think that they saw that it was damaged but attempted to pawn it off on someone else after it was returned previously.
PS: number my bank gave me to reach them, to get around their customer service number, is 505-863-2837, if you just keep getting that recorded message.
I made multiple calls in an attempt to reach customer service, only getting a voicemail that states that they are on the phone with other customers, and to leave a voicemail for someone to return your call. Three calls and almost two weeks later, when my voicemails weren't being returned by customer service, I called another number which was provided to me by my bank, and actually reached someone. However, I was then informed by "Crystal" that no information had been entered that the item was defective, although I have a photo here of the return form I filled out and sent with the item, which clearly shows that I circled in red DEFECTIVE ITEM.
So, point here is: they definitely knew that it was defective, and are just trying to screw people out of some more money. I get that this is supposed to be a charity, but it needs to be an honest one. I have a photograph of the actual form I filled out, and "Crystal" informed me that the information stated that I just didn't want the item, so my shipping charges were not refunded. This is just blatant dishonesty, and I believe that they probably pull this all the time, just hoping that people won't notice that they haven't refunded the shipping charges. That's the kind of thing which will get you both a one-star Yelp review, a complaint with my credit card company and the Better Business Bureau, because I want this documented in case they try to pull this with anyone else, and I strongly believe that they likely do it routinely.
As other people have also commented, although I wasn't going to go there initially, the quality of this item was very poor in any case: the fringe was all crumpled, and there was a rather strong chemical odor. Just not the kind of quality I would pay nearly $200 for, charity or not.
Ordered an item from their online catalog in november here it is januaruy and have not received the item after multiple phone calls and emails still have not heard anything from them
I ordered a book from them on 11-7-20. I have yet to rec the book or any updates about shipping. I have e-mailed several times, getting no response. Several days ago I called them. I was told to leave a msg & they'd get back to me. That has not happened. I also have a Christmas gift order which I'm trying to cancel. Again, I cannot get in touch w/anyone. The phone is either busy or it just rings w/no answer. These people are either incompetent or outright scammers.
This catalog and web site is deceptive. Nowhere on the catalog nor on the main website, including the 'about us' page does it reveal itself to be a Catholic run store. It is-look at the Annual report and follow down to the address written by the Deacon of the Gallup Catholic Diocese. The site is a '.com,' also, not a '.org'. Now the diocese may be doing good work, but they should do it openly and not in this shady way-this is not a Tribal organization!!
The Soutwest Indian Organization send catalogs with so called authentic products. Be that as it may, I ordered an expensive item and have not received it, nor can I track it. From other reports, I see this has been going on for several years.
It is impossible to contact them in any way. I cannot believe the FTC has not come down on them!
AVOID -- these people are at best incompetent and at worst a scam. As another reviewer says below, if you do a little charity research you will find that this organization is not what it seems to be. They get people to purchase overpriced goods of unknown origin thinking they are "helping" the Indians, when in fact the particular church group who runs it refuses to disclose their financial information, making it appear that they are hiding something. Moreover, there is an obvious level of incompetence in how the operation is run. I was an unwitting one who ordered first and learned the facts later -- a mistake I will not repeat! After waiting patiently for an order of Christmas gifts for my family that never arrived, I learned they made a mistake and delivered the order to the wrong address. I immediately alerted them to their mistake, whereupon they failed to respond to multiple phone calls and emails asking them to either correct their error or cancel and refund the order. Various phone operators, some of them surly, could not provide any resolution and variously reported that their supervisor was away, at lunch, at a meeting, or "trying to get in touch." No one ever gave me a response. Finally I filed a complaint with my credit card money to rescind payment for the unfulfilled order. So much for "helping" the Indians. These people are in fact exploiting the Indians for financial gain, in keeping with a long tradition... throw that catalog away and avoid them at all costs!
I purchased an outfit consisting of pants and a top. I very specifically asked the length of the pants as I am fairly short. I was told 29" by the sales person on the phone. When the outfit arrived, the pants were actualy 33". I returned the outfit in the box with the label provided and followed all directions. The post office claims it was delivered. Southwest Indian claims otherwise and the person on the phone was very rude. I am out over $100.00 and will never shop there again. I was for many years a regular customer. No longer!
I have Happily ordered a great many items from Southwest Indian Foundation over the past four years for Birthdays and Christmas gifts, ETC. Without any problems whatsoever. However, this wasn't the case when I placed an order with them this past January (2016) As the Sale item I had ordered was charged for even more more money, than item would have cost at even it's regular price! It, took TWO months to get that debackle fixed! Even, so I decided I'd give them a second chance this April (2016) My order once again started out right as rain, only to once again find myself mysteriously over charged in both my bank statement and by e-mails from them, this time for TWO items instead of one! The woman on the the phone was somewhat polite about it, However she claims there was NO wrong doing on their end and that I must have placed TWO orders instead of just the ONE and claims that there is NO record of any such problem like this happening to me before also NOT TRUE! It sadness me that that I can NO longer trust this seemingly charitable company, but the reality is that this isn't of course the first seemingly charitable organization nore the last to rip people off like this. I DON'T have a lot of money to give so, whenever I can I like to buy things and make small donations whenevever wherever I can and if I ever do have enough to travel and make a bigger donations I will be buying a food basket and or stove and bringing it to the people myself! That way I can be sure the items go to the people and that the money DOES'T just go to corperate headquarters instead! As, for this last order it's probably more trouble than it's worth to leave it for the Post office like she said to do in hopes that they will be honest about returning said money, but sadly lesson learned and will no longer be recieving their tempting catologs, but will continue to by helpful goods else where just NOT with Southwest Indian Foundation anymore.
I was sent a email stating to used the tracking numbers nclosed in the email. But, the space for the numbers were blank. So, I sent two replies to them, asking for the tracking numbers! No responses yet. My order was made on the internet on December 18, 2015. It is December 28, 2015 now and no answers yet.
Southwest Indian Foundation Reviews
I seem to be having similar experiences to other reviewers. My first complaint here is that I returned a $159 item because it was defective. I first called and had a fairly lengthy conversation with customer service rep "Kenna," who informed me that the shipping and online fee would be waived for this return because the item was defective. Upon checking my credit card statement, however, I saw that I was only refunded $159 of the $173.50 I was initially charged, so I attempted to contact them to request a refund of my shipping charges. There was a fairly large patch of missing hair on the front of this item, which was obvious before I even opened the plastic packaging, so it never should have been sent out. In fact, I believe that it had at least been opened by someone else, so I think that they saw that it was damaged but attempted to pawn it off on someone else after it was returned previously.
PS: number my bank gave me to reach them, to get around their customer service number, is 505-863-2837, if you just keep getting that recorded message.
I made multiple calls in an attempt to reach customer service, only getting a voicemail that states that they are on the phone with other customers, and to leave a voicemail for someone to return your call. Three calls and almost two weeks later, when my voicemails weren't being returned by customer service, I called another number which was provided to me by my bank, and actually reached someone. However, I was then informed by "Crystal" that no information had been entered that the item was defective, although I have a photo here of the return form I filled out and sent with the item, which clearly shows that I circled in red DEFECTIVE ITEM.
So, point here is: they definitely knew that it was defective, and are just trying to screw people out of some more money. I get that this is supposed to be a charity, but it needs to be an honest one. I have a photograph of the actual form I filled out, and "Crystal" informed me that the information stated that I just didn't want the item, so my shipping charges were not refunded. This is just blatant dishonesty, and I believe that they probably pull this all the time, just hoping that people won't notice that they haven't refunded the shipping charges. That's the kind of thing which will get you both a one-star Yelp review, a complaint with my credit card company and the Better Business Bureau, because I want this documented in case they try to pull this with anyone else, and I strongly believe that they likely do it routinely.
As other people have also commented, although I wasn't going to go there initially, the quality of this item was very poor in any case: the fringe was all crumpled, and there was a rather strong chemical odor. Just not the kind of quality I would pay nearly $200 for, charity or not.
Ordered an item from their online catalog in november here it is januaruy and have not received the item after multiple phone calls and emails still have not heard anything from them
On Nov.16 I ordered a fresh pie by phone. I was given an order #. The phone rep was not knowledgeable.
To date, Nov. 24 I have no pie. They do not answer the toll-free # and do not respond to email.
It's like they don't exist. Southwest Indian Foundation has my money and I have no fresh pie form Pie Town, New Mexico.
I ordered a book from them on 11-7-20. I have yet to rec the book or any updates about shipping. I have e-mailed several times, getting no response. Several days ago I called them. I was told to leave a msg & they'd get back to me. That has not happened. I also have a Christmas gift order which I'm trying to cancel. Again, I cannot get in touch w/anyone. The phone is either busy or it just rings w/no answer. These people are either incompetent or outright scammers.
I placed an order for two pieces of jewelry, one for $59 and the other for $199. The envelope was delivered with only the $59 piece.
I called for six straight days to let them know and could only speak to people who take orders.
This company has avoided all response to my complaint. I finally filed a fraud dispute with the credit card company I used for payment.
I believe this company is designed to take and keep money.
They have elaborate check marks next to the items on the packing slip/invoice and an initial from the packer.
They include a note to the customer in the packages they send and talk about making right any problem.
But they refuse to respond to complaints and don't even think about getting a refund, a replacement or any type of monetary adjustment.
This company's business model is fraud, theft, and deception by design.
Also, they are not a registered charity and use "charity" as another scam to take your money.
You are better off ordering from a reputable company.
This catalog and web site is deceptive. Nowhere on the catalog nor on the main website, including the 'about us' page does it reveal itself to be a Catholic run store. It is-look at the Annual report and follow down to the address written by the Deacon of the Gallup Catholic Diocese. The site is a '.com,' also, not a '.org'. Now the diocese may be doing good work, but they should do it openly and not in this shady way-this is not a Tribal organization!!
The Soutwest Indian Organization send catalogs with so called authentic products. Be that as it may, I ordered an expensive item and have not received it, nor can I track it. From other reports, I see this has been going on for several years.
It is impossible to contact them in any way. I cannot believe the FTC has not come down on them!
AVOID -- these people are at best incompetent and at worst a scam. As another reviewer says below, if you do a little charity research you will find that this organization is not what it seems to be. They get people to purchase overpriced goods of unknown origin thinking they are "helping" the Indians, when in fact the particular church group who runs it refuses to disclose their financial information, making it appear that they are hiding something. Moreover, there is an obvious level of incompetence in how the operation is run. I was an unwitting one who ordered first and learned the facts later -- a mistake I will not repeat! After waiting patiently for an order of Christmas gifts for my family that never arrived, I learned they made a mistake and delivered the order to the wrong address. I immediately alerted them to their mistake, whereupon they failed to respond to multiple phone calls and emails asking them to either correct their error or cancel and refund the order. Various phone operators, some of them surly, could not provide any resolution and variously reported that their supervisor was away, at lunch, at a meeting, or "trying to get in touch." No one ever gave me a response. Finally I filed a complaint with my credit card money to rescind payment for the unfulfilled order. So much for "helping" the Indians. These people are in fact exploiting the Indians for financial gain, in keeping with a long tradition... throw that catalog away and avoid them at all costs!
I purchased an outfit consisting of pants and a top. I very specifically asked the length of the pants as I am fairly short. I was told 29" by the sales person on the phone. When the outfit arrived, the pants were actualy 33". I returned the outfit in the box with the label provided and followed all directions. The post office claims it was delivered. Southwest Indian claims otherwise and the person on the phone was very rude. I am out over $100.00 and will never shop there again. I was for many years a regular customer. No longer!
I have Happily ordered a great many items from Southwest Indian Foundation over the past four years for Birthdays and Christmas gifts, ETC. Without any problems whatsoever. However, this wasn't the case when I placed an order with them this past January (2016) As the Sale item I had ordered was charged for even more more money, than item would have cost at even it's regular price! It, took TWO months to get that debackle fixed! Even, so I decided I'd give them a second chance this April (2016) My order once again started out right as rain, only to once again find myself mysteriously over charged in both my bank statement and by e-mails from them, this time for TWO items instead of one! The woman on the the phone was somewhat polite about it, However she claims there was NO wrong doing on their end and that I must have placed TWO orders instead of just the ONE and claims that there is NO record of any such problem like this happening to me before also NOT TRUE! It sadness me that that I can NO longer trust this seemingly charitable company, but the reality is that this isn't of course the first seemingly charitable organization nore the last to rip people off like this. I DON'T have a lot of money to give so, whenever I can I like to buy things and make small donations whenevever wherever I can and if I ever do have enough to travel and make a bigger donations I will be buying a food basket and or stove and bringing it to the people myself! That way I can be sure the items go to the people and that the money DOES'T just go to corperate headquarters instead! As, for this last order it's probably more trouble than it's worth to leave it for the Post office like she said to do in hopes that they will be honest about returning said money, but sadly lesson learned and will no longer be recieving their tempting catologs, but will continue to by helpful goods else where just NOT with Southwest Indian Foundation anymore.
I was sent a email stating to used the tracking numbers nclosed in the email. But, the space for the numbers were blank. So, I sent two replies to them, asking for the tracking numbers! No responses yet. My order was made on the internet on December 18, 2015. It is December 28, 2015 now and no answers yet.