Softopper customer service?

Eyeballying the Softopper. After reading recent reviews I've been hesitant, and was looking into a Bestop as well. Yes I know bestop acquired ST. Instead of rehashing old threads that yes I've read... More curious to hear from people who have ordered recently.

Reviews on their site are showing people very disgruntled about lack of communication. Often times 2 week replies (or none at all) to emails and impossible to get them on the phone.

ST to me looks superior in every way, and especially for the usage I envision.

Any feedback on (very recent please) warranty issues / missing parts? I'm ready to just order one, but it sounds like it can be a nightmare dealing with them. At least during the current times. Sounds like in the past everything was A+ but recently gone downhill.

 

I can only speak from my experience last before all this which isn't necessarily relevant but just be prepared to wait and not be contacted and you'll be fine. It's the superior product and as long as you don't want it in Jan/feb, you'll be fine

 

One big complaint I noticed is they arent providing shipment tracking. No replies to emails. Impossible to get ahold of. Etc. I'm fine with it taking a long time to get a back order out, but am more worried about the lack of support. And shocked that I saw many reviews stating no tracking info.

 

Thanks. Definitely hoping to hear from some peoppe with very recent experiences.

Figured I'd just order, and start working on the platforms and such I want to build, taking my sweet time. Not in a rush.

 

I have no doubt they’re a good company and stand by their product. Be prepared to wait and you’ll be fine. I think I waited about 8 weeks. If you call them in the morning they’re more inclined to answer from my experience, I usually called around 10 am and got ahold of someone most times. They were very nice and apologetic when I would call. I also didn’t bitch and moan to them about wait times and didn’t act like an entitled Karen when I didn’t receive a tracking number.

 

Order it and just be prepared to wait. That’s really all there is to it. They are still on back order but they’re not going to take your money and run. Sounds like you already made up your mind and I agree softopper is superior to bestop products, so just pull the trigger. I love mine and it was 100% worth waiting for.

 

I actually had the exact opposite experience of what you were describing. I ordered from Bestop first, a couple of weeks went by nothing happened, called them and couldn't get anyone, emailed and still nothing. Around two months of waiting I got a email saying my order has been cancelled with no reason as to why. I ordered from Softopper and received a shipping label that was created that week and the following week they updated it saying its been shipped. So roughly two weeks and a couple of days for it to be delivered, from my experience they create the label first but don't expect it to ship out ASAP. I ordered back in September and I'm really glad I went with Softopper.

 

I've had very good experiences with ST CS for parts and questions, but that was pre-Covid so I'm not really in a position to answer. I will say I lurk on most of the ST threads and no one seems to be reporting missing parts or anything, just shipping delays and bad communication.

But I'm replying mainly to suggest you troll around for a used one. People act like they are unobtanium but between CL, TW, FB Mkt, you can usually find one fairly easily. I set a email search through CL and had a basically new one in about 4 days, only had to drive like 70 miles too. Pro tip: set the search for all spelling and spacing variations of Soft Topper, softopper, Sof Topper, etc. I believe mine the guy had listed as a Softtoper. Also include Bestop and variations in your search and expand the search for more than just the Tacoma (Frontier is the same and possibly other 'compact' pickups). A lot of these sellers aren't connoisseurs and don't really know what they have, and mix and match brand names, or can't proofread their shit.

 

I bought mine off of Craigslist for a ridiculously low price. After using it for 6 months I sent it back to Softopper to get restiched for $75. Now this was before ST bought Bestop, or BT bought ST, I don't remember which.

Either way, ST threw in a couple extra snaps and buckles. I waited a couple weeks maybe a little more, but I don't remember ever being concerned about the transaction.

 

I should have done that! Bit the bullet yesterday and submitted an order.

 

I didnt have a bad experience, just reading reviews and very recent complaints. I placed an order yestersay.

 

Love mine well worth the wait

 

Have mixed experience with them. Ordered a topper in August and I'm still waiting. I was able to get someone on the phone two weeks ago and they said "they forgot to print my shipping label" so it hadn't shipped. Hopefully, I'll get it soon however I'm not holding my breath.

 

Softopper is leaps and bounds quality and service over Bestop. The fit and finish of Softopper is better and then customer service from Bestop was nothing but bad attitude when I called them.

I’ve had my Softopper for 3 years in Oregon rain and it has been awesome. The only thing you need to do is use tent seam sealer (a water based glue) on the seams and let it dry for a day before install

 

For anyone reading... I placed my order Sunday evening. I JUST received an email that it has shipped, and included the tracking info.

I'm sure that simply means that the label was printed, and it may not actually ship for days, or even another week.

But looks like either the reviews are fake, or they had some temporary setbacks. I couldnt find anything on their site stating that there is currently a shortage.

*edit*

Just received another email. So will see how long it actually takes on the end. Couldnt find anything stating whether it's back ordered or in stock...

Email included:

Order Update
Order *removed* is being prepared.



Backordered items ship within 3-5 weeks.

We appreciate your patience. It will be worth wait, we know you'll love your softopper!

In-stock items ship within 10 business days

 

Yikes. I saw some reviews like that. It does sound like it was rough for them in recent months. I already received a shipping label, so hope I dont run into that.

 

BEFORE install? Wouldnt you want to put it on after the fabric has been stretched out? (That would make more sense to me)

 

before and after. The seems open after it’s been put on. I did 3 coats. One before install and two after. Been great for 3 years now. It MUST dry before each coat

the real trick is stitching earth magnets between the Velcro and material layer so the back flap sticks to the tailgate. It’s the best without having to stick that Velcro to your truck. Major awesome topper upgrade @GrabNSnatchM

 

I ordered mine on Dec 19, received my tracking info the 20th which has only shown “printed” since yesterday 12/29. It showed up today 12/30 so 11 day wait give or take depending on the day ordered and location.


I had anticipated an 8 week delivery time and was surprised.


I have a 2nd Gen short bed and ordered in black .

 

Thanks for the info! Good thing I jumped on building my platforms already, been at it all day. A lot of work to do still, but now I'm hoping it arrives within 2 weeks.