Grand Champion Saddlery Indpls In

[farmgirl]

Hi - Does anyone have experience with their customer service? Thx, fg

[desert_rat]

Overall I have had good experiences with GC. I have lived out of state for about 7 years, but many years when I go back for Traders Point horse show, I have visited the shop and bought odds and ends. I actually worked for them a long time ago for a summer back before they were in the store they are in now (almost 20 years ago!). My only concern in all the years I dealt with them (as a junior, ammy and pro) was that some employees were a bit "elistist"...the riders that rode with the BNTs got a little more attention (also spending more $$ though) and some employees had a tendency to "poo-poo" the smaller barns/NNT etc. However, they always tried to match a riders budget and be helpful in the store. The employees were always knowledgable and if you wanted something they didn't have, they would try to order it.

Again, it has been some time since I have dealt with them for anything outside of picking up odds and ends when I go back to visit etc. I do remember that they were pretty strict on their return policy and only did sales a couple times a year.

[EquitationRider]

yes!! i live in Indiana and Grand Champion is basically the only tack store around here and is close to were i live. They have large selections and if they dont have what you need they will order it for you. This helped a lot when i was saddle shopping =] the people in there are extremely helpful when picking out stuff or when trying on boots or something. I go there for everything i need before i even check online at stores like Dover. No complaints!!

[Renn/aissance]

When I needed a specific bridle part fast and called them after business hours, they returned my call first thing in the morning, gave patient descriptions of all their shipping options and charges, and I had the piece in hand within 72 hours. I had called 15 tack shops to try to find this part, and only three returned my call (including Grand Champion.) I believe I bought the original bridle for them as well. If they have what I need the next time, I will be a repeat customer. :)

[farmgirl]

I remember a thread discussing poor customer service, and I think they were mentioned for a specific reason. I am trying to find it. Does anyone else remember that? Thanks, fg

[Indy]

I've never delt with them online, but when I lived in Indiana I can say that I avoided going into that store like the plague because the customer service was less than desireable. Unless it was an emergency item, it wasn't worth the hastle and the crap service to go in there. I haven't lived there in 6 years, but the one trip I made there a few years ago while visiting family reaffirmed my previous opinions.

Things may have changed and they may be great to work with online or over the phone, I'm not sure, but I certainly can't recommend the in-store customer service.

[dmalbone]

Eh, I live in central indiana and while I'll go in there for some things, I avoid them for others. They're overpriced on certain things, i.e. don't go in there to try and find a pair of cheapo schooling breeches. I've also gotten some great deals... a $75 pair of Ariat tall field boots that were discontinued. Customer service has been great some times, but a lot of times they are just s.n.o.b.b.y as can be. I have no idea what they think they have on everyone else, but some people in there just make me cringe. Again, other people have been wonderful, so it's just hit or miss.

[enjoytheride]

customer service is great if you have a popular trainer, are headed for Florida, or are willing to go custom. I had trouble shopping for used saddles and it was made clear that new and expensive was better. I also had difficulty finding helmets and boots, they only carried multiple sizes in the more trendy brands and boots suggested I needed to order custom.

[babecakes]

Let me sum it up in one word -- Frances.

I took a saddle in there on consignment. Months later I was back in there and the saddle was gone, sold. News to me! When the clerk couldn't find my consignment papers Frances came charging out, already yelling at the clerk. Everyone working in the store at the time disappeared into the woodwork. Well, as Frances told me, it must have been 'someone's mistake'. She looked up the sale and 'told me' that they had sold the saddle for considerably less than the agreed upon price, that they did NOT have my contact information to reach me. Then I held out my copy of the consignment contract to the clerk who briefly looked at it and then Frances grabbed it yelling about 'who' had done this and not taken the info etc. The clerk was oddly very quiet while Frances looked down and realized that it was her handwriting (which I knew who had written the sale up - I had just let her rave on), and all of my contact infomation was on the paper of course.

The saddle I lost money on, the entertainment was priceless.

[Pirateer]

They used to have the GREATEST clearance on their online store but I haven't seen it lately. Sad.

[Indy]

Let me sum it up in one word -- Frances.


That one word says it all!

Your consignment story makes me glad I walked out and didn't argue with her when she told me she didn't want to take my Devon on consignment because it was out of fashion since it had suede knee patches (yeah, they're not exactly trendy but surely some pony kid would have liked it as a first saddle for the right price!).

[farmgirl]

Thanks, everyone. I had a very similar experience to Babecakes, and am wondering what to do. At least I know now it is not just me.

[Elementgrl2]

I really enjoy shopping there, they carry all the high end items to the basic items. If you need anything they will order it. I like working with Frances.... It's the only store in IN that carries the higher end products. :)

[Ponyclubrocks]

I have shopped there off and on for 20 years. I don't live in Indy but I make a point of dropping in when I am in town. I have always found the staff to be helpful and on several occasions Frances has cut me some spectacular deals on inverntory of top line stuff that she wanted to move. She doesnt know me (other than maybe by face recognition) and I can see that she is a bit of a character, but I really like the store. They also have a great selection of gift and decor type items and I always find something new to covet!