I spend about $1200/year on motorcycle gear, and primarily purchase from US-based companies but once in a while order from overseas (Europe).
One such order was from Champion Helmets, for a pair of Dainese Trackpants along with two other items, a Revit riding hoodie and back protector. Champion Helmets had the best prices and a seemingly good reputation, so while I was aware that the Trackpants were on backorder, I was confident placing my order.<br />
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Prior to ordering, I asked Champion Helmets about the availability of the Trackpants, and was advised that they were in fact on backorder but they could get a pair direct from Dainese if I ordered. I placed the order on April 7th. I was reminded on April 10th that the pants were on backorder, but would ship within 7-10 business days if I confirmed the order, which I did. <br />
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Fast forward to April 20th (9 business days from order), and I asked Champion Helmets via their online chat support where my order was. I was told that the pants should be arriving to Champion Helmet "this week or early next week" and that I'd get tracking info as soon as it shipped out to me. Given this could have fallen within the 10 business day period, I said OK. <br />
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Having not received tracking info by Monday 4/24, I emailed Champion Helmets asking for an update. I was told that "Im expecting your pants to arrive at the end of this week or beginning of next week." So not only would the pants not ship out within the promised 7-10 business days, I had been misinformed about when the pants would even arrive to Champion Helmets. Based on this, my order would not ship out until nearly 1 month after I initially placed my order.<br />
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When I threatened to request a cancellation and refund, Champion Helmets miraculously received my pants that day, and said they would immediately ship out my entire order. I received two tracking #'s - one of which showed that the package had been turned over to FedEx the same day, but the second one still has not been turned over to FedEx. Based on shipment details, it is clear that the hoodie and back protector shipped out, and it is the label for the pants that has not shipped. So Champion Helmets simply created a shipping label and tracking # in the hopes of further buying more time, when in fact they have *not* received my pants yet, let alone shipped them out. <br />
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Champion may be good to deal with for items in stock, but they apparently resort to straight up lies if they fail on backorder items. They will not be getting any more business from me, and I'd advise caution for anyone considering ordering from them.
