Crimson Trace Free Battery Scam

[trikerdon]

Tactical light and green laser

Check this one out. It is what I use.

Baldr Mini Micro Tactical Light 600 Lumen | OlightStore

 

[lrrifleman]

I am sorry to hear the horror stories associated with the Crimson Trace battery-a-year program. In November '19 I won a Crimson Trace CMR204 tactical laser. Even though I have yet to take possession of the P320 Xcompact (still awaiting issuance of the purchase permit) that will wear that laser, I sought my replacement battery back in June or July. Even though I registered the laser at the time I won it, I had to reregister it in order to receive my battery. I viewed the process as their way to confirm that I was the original owner. It took about 6-7 weeks for my free CR2 battery to arrive.

Up until last year, I had never given the idea of a pistol laser a second thought. However, I did install the laser on my G17.5 MOS a few times, and I did like the versatility that it offered. In fact, when I won a P365 this past October, I immediately started looking for a Lima365 to put on it. I am finding that, despite my disabilities, I can put a pistol into play defensively and safely much faster.

Based on my experience with Crimson Trace so far, I really don't believe that their battery-a-month program is a marketing scam. I would like to think that any delays that consumers are experiencing this year are a direct result of the COVID crisis that has hit our country and wreaked havoc with our economy!

 

[Saudade]

I'll admit, there have been times I bought Brand B over Brand A because B had something like a mail in rebate or some other freebie. That didn't make Brand B any better or even cheaper than Brand A but I thought I was getting a better value.

Then you go through the gyrations of receipts, forms, mailing/faxing/emailing, and then wait 6-8 weeks (if not more) to get your $2 check (or worse a gift card).

I don't let those kind of things sway me anymore. If I get the rebate, I get it. If not, I'm still happy with my prurchase.

 

[CBStuard]

I have at least 10 CTC lasers. I have gotten the free batteries twice mainly because I forget to call. I am pretty sure the last time was >2016. But more important than free batteries, I have never had a CTC laser fail.

 

[colt_saa]

I bought several Crimson Trace lasers when they offered "Free batteries for life." Not sure if they still do.

You've always had to jump through some hoops to get the batteries. At first, an email worked. Now you need to fill out a ridiculous form for every laser every time. And yet months after filling out the forms, no batteries.

I think S&W might reconsider bundling products from a company that doesn't honor its obligations.

Richard

This is really your first contribution to the Forum after being a member for 6 years

The "ridiculous form" only asks for your name, E-mail address and phone number. Thet use that to look up the registration card you filled out when you bought your product. They then mail the batteries to the address you registered the product with

So you do not like their method of giving you your FREE batteries.

How does that make it a Scam ?

Myself and my Family have plenty of CT products between us

I change all the batteries every year, on the same day that I change my smoke detector batteries

For more than 10 years now, my batteries have always come FREE from CT.

I give them a call, tell them what I need and in 4-10 days there is an envelope in my mailbox.

I have NEVER jumped through a hoop or had a problem

This is an Honorable Company that manufactures a good product.

 

[SW Gun Guy]

Extended warranty! How could I lose?

Much less frustration to just buy a new battery when needed.

+1 I bought my 642 with one on. I just remember that there were enough hoops to jump through and a lot of info to provide that I decided I would spring for a new battery when needed. The older you get the more you prefer the less time used for the easy way out.

 

[Fulton722]

This is really your first contribution to the Forum after being a member for 6 years

The "ridiculous form" only asks for your name, E-mail address and phone number. Thet use that to look up the registration card you filled out when you bought your product. They then mail the batteries to the address you registered the product with

So you do not like their method of giving you your FREE batteries.

How does that make it a Scam ?

Myself and my Family have plenty of CT products between us

I change all the batteries every year, on the same day that I change my smoke detector batteries

For more than 10 years now, my batteries have always come FREE from CT.

I give them a call, tell them what I need and in 4-10 days there is an envelope in my mailbox.

I have NEVER jumped through a hoop or had a problem

This is an Honorable Company that manufactures a good product.

The C-T website asks for name, address, email, serial numbers, battery numbers you are requesting, laser model, laser serial, etc.

I have completed the online form multiple times over the past 18 months, then I receive emails acknowledging that my request was received, then I hear no more from them, and haven't received the batteries.

In my opinion, this is either a scam, or an unacceptable level of incompetence.

 

[diyj98]

My experience with Crimson Trace customer service has been less than stellar. I won't be buying anymore of their grips.

 

[gnystrom]

I have six sets of CT lasers. I have called CT and even after S&W had purchased the company I have never had a problem. My last call was 10 months ago and an envelope with all six sets arrived in a few days.
I think calling is better than an e-mail.

 

[Stumblebumble1]

Battery Scam

I bought a CT laser for my 45 sheild and have been promised the batteries for 4 months and still have not gotten them. No big deal as they are cheap.
However I do not like being lied to.

 

[Ingramite]

I'm one of the smart guys that bought a set of 1911 laser grips from a Chinese vendor on Ebay.

They got my twelve dollars and I still don't have my laser grips.

Before anyone feels compelled to remind me that it's Christmas, or about Covid, or which way the wind blows....no worries.

 

[gnystrom]

My experience with Crimson Trace customer service has been less than stellar. I won't be buying anymore of their grips.

And I have had the opposite to the point they sent me a replacement set of grips on one of their very first introduction products.

Some days you eat the bear and some days the bear eats you.

 

[Racer X]

I agree and still awaiting the batteries. I sent Crimson Trace an email requesting a delivery update and never received even the courtesy of a reply...perhaps they bundled their reply with their batteries?

Pick up the phone and call. Ignoring emails or simply deleting them on the server with a filter before they even hit the inbox is easy. It's harder for an employee to lie on the phone. Because you can ask Why? Then they have to think of something else to say. Better yet, a snail mail letter to the CEO asking about why they don't follow their own guarantee?

 

[uncleted327]

Sounds a little ridiculous to me. If it's a good product who cares about the "free" batteries. Would it be a little disappointing to not get them after being advertised...yes. But it sounds like bitching about a good vehicle because you didn't get the free toaster they offered with purchase...first world problems...

 

[dbell54]

I've had CTs on a Combat Commander for years, never a problem getting batteries with a phone call. Now also have a Kimber Micro 9 with factory rosewood CT. Called to get batteries for both recently. Told that now you must fill out online form. Had to remove grips from both to get serial numbers. Filled out online form, got confirmation on Dec 4, still waiting for batteries. Very disappointed in change, but that's "progress" for you. I hope the batteries arrive eventually, not holding out much hope after reading this thread.

 

[Bob4southern]

After multiple follow up emails to Crimson Trace without even the courtesy of a reply I called to ask about the free batteries that I still had not received.

They have a record of my request and said that due to changes in how they can now ship batteries they are totally overwhelmed and behind in shipping. When I asked about the lack of email reply they said they don't have enough customer service people to respond.

I mentioned that they were being slammed on this forum as a scam, and the rep had nothing to say. He did tell me it would be at least another 2 months until they could ship the batteries.

My final comment to them was that if this is how they support their marketing programs, it gives me reason to doubt how they handle product development and customer service in general.

If a company cannot follow through on their own marketing, it seems to me that perhaps they should own up to it....and maybe come up with a different marketing plan? Just my opinion, ymmv...

 

[seldon14]

After multiple follow up emails to Crimson Trace without even the courtesy of a reply I called to ask about the free batteries that I still had not received.

They have a record of my request and said that due to changes in how they can now ship batteries they are totally overwhelmed and behind in shipping. When I asked about the lack of email reply they said they don't have enough customer service people to respond.

I mentioned that they were being slammed on this forum as a scam, and the rep had nothing to say. He did tell me it would be at least another 2 months until they could ship the batteries.

My final comment to them was that if this is how they support their marketing programs, it gives me reason to doubt how they handle product development and customer service in general.

If a company cannot follow through on their own marketing, it seems to me that perhaps they should own up to it....and maybe come up with a different marketing plan? Just my opinion, ymmv...

Is there anywhere in any of there marketing material that promises a set delivery time of the free batteries?

 

[Bob4southern]

Is there anywhere in any of there marketing material that promises a set delivery time of the free batteries?

Yes, in their confirmation of product registration email they say to allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Delays during a worldwide pandemic are totally understandable. Failure to recognize and acknowledge those delays is simply bad business and lack of customer service...in my opinion...ymmv.

 

[seldon14]

Yes, in their confirmation of product registration email they say to allow 4-6 weeks for delivery.

Delays during a worldwide pandemic are totally understandable. Failure to recognize and acknowledge those delays is simply bad business and lack of customer service...in my opinion...ymmv.

Fair enough. Yeah I get covid extending lead times, but if they are that far outside there range they should really have a banner notification at the top of the relevant web page with the same generic heads up I've seen on plenty of pages "due to disruptions in supply chains shipment of batteries are currently running 3-6 months behind" and a similar pre recorded message if you call.

 

[Bigpoppa]

Crimson Trace free batteries for life worked great 4-5 years ago before they started requiring registration for each laser that actually does not have a registration number. I have four CT laser grips for four of my M&P pistols and they work great. The battery for life program used to work with just a phone call to Crimson Trace and a request for batteries not anymore though. I can suspect that it got abused by people and they ended the program by requiring a number of hoops to jump through. Still a good product though.