FAQ's

Who do Swains service?

We are a Wholesale Distributor to trade accounts only.

How do I open an account?

All new accounts are opened following a visit from one of our Regional Sales Managers. Please contact our Sales Office on 01485 536200 to arrange.

What is Swains payment terms?

Our terms of trading are payment by Direct Debit on the 25th of the following month.

A Delivery Note/Invoice is sent with all goods showing the Net After Settlement purchase price and where applicable a suggested guide retail price. A statement of your account is emailed at the beginning of the month, however you can also view your account balance on our website at any time and obtain copy invoices and statements if required.

How do I place an order?

How much is delivery?

  • UK Mainland – Free on orders to the value of £200 of “in stock” lines only
  • Outside UK Mainland – Free on orders to the value of £250 of “in stock” lines only

Our Sales Team will advise of any delivery charges on any order which does not meet the minimum order value.

When can i expect to receive my order?

  • Deliveries to UK mainland – Our carriers are DPD and most orders are delivered NEXT DAY. Service upgrades are available upon request and are charged accordingly.
  • A DPD tracking reference will be emailed to all customers registered on our website once their goods have been dispatched.
  • We will use alternative carriers where appropriate at our discretion.
  • Island and highlands - 3 / 4 days
  • Northern Ireland - 2 / 3 days
  • Channel Islands - 3 / 4 days

After sales support

  • To return an item, authorisation must first be obtained from our Sales Office on 01485 536200. Once authorised, you will be advised of the return’s procedure.
  • When returning an item, it should be packed appropriately for safe return.
  • Please enclose with every returned item a returns note/document supplying your account number and an explanation of reason/fault.
  • If item is being returned under warranty terms please enclose a Consumer Proof of Purchase.
  • If product is authorised for a return for credit, please ensure the goods are packed in the "original box" and complete with all accessories.

Manufacturer Helpline numbers

  • Celestron – uktechsupport@celestron.com
  • Duracell – www.duracell.co.uk/help/#contact-us
  • Epson – 0871 423 7766
  • Fuji Digital Tech Support – 0344 553 2321
  • Fuji Photo Imaging – 03330 100200
  • Kodak – www.kodak.com/support
  • Olympus – OM Digital - https://explore.omsystem.com/gb/en/service-and-support
  • Panasonic Repairs – 01293 406850
  • Panasonic Technical Support – 0344 844 3899
  • Paterson Photographic – www.patersonphotographic.com
  • Polaroid – www.support.polaroid.com/hc/en-us
  • Sony – 0870 2408060
  • 3 Legged Thing – support@3leggedthing.com