I ordered a pair of sterling silver and set stone earrings from this company. The earrings are beautiful, well made, and I had no problem with delivery. I did not have occasion to deal with their customer service. For people complaining that what they received was smaller than expected, every item I looked at contained dimension information. It's obvious that not all items sold are made by Native Americans working from their homes. If you've ever priced hand-made Native American work, you'll know they'd be far more than the prices in this catalogue. It's because of the high percentage of foreign-made items that I took off a star. The company is registered as a 501(c)3, which is a non-profit entity that operates exclusively for charitable, religious, educational, scientific, or other specified public benefit purposes. For all the reviews stating this is claiming "church" status, they are wrong. read more

I along with my husband before he passed, have been customers for many years. Although I haven't ordered anything in recent years, I have always bought a Christmas basket as this was something we both agreed was a worthy cause and hoped it brought joy to the family. This year I purchased two as it was a good year for me. I bought them in my sons names and know they will enjoy the beautiful cards they sent me. They're always saying that they don't need anything so this is the perfect gift. Hoping that a family or two at SIF will enjoy this holiday season a bit more as I know it will add to our own happiness. Don't know how many more years I will be around as I'm almost 83 yrs. old, but I will continue to give something every year as long as I have food to eat and a roof over my head. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a worthy cause. JoAnn Y. read more

i also purchased the Sleeping Beauty men's Turquoise Watch and it didn't work. I called some mean rude woman in customer service and i was telling her how i liked my items, how good my men's watch fit me. But that it did not work. She was more than put out. Very rudely she said she would send me a return label, i asked do you have my email to send it, Yes ppfh i do. Well i could tell by her attitude that was never going to happen. So i went to my jeweler and had a new battery put in and they called the same day and it works and i am done with southwest indian foundation. Believe it or not They are not the only Indian store in the world. I spend my money with good folks and rude folks can forget it. Money talks bull s walks as they say read more

I received a necklace as a Christmas gift this year. Although the beads were beautiful, the necklace itself was way too short and the clasp resembled a paper clip, something you would find on a child's $5.00 necklace, not a necklace that costs $250.00. The return policy is ridiculous. I feel my elderly mother was completely scammed. She also ordered a blanket for my niece, which she has yet to receive 3 months later. We will not be ordering anything else again. read more

I purchased a beautiful "Sleeping Beauty" Turquoise Watch from Southwest Indian Foundation as a gift. It is gorgeous and will be a 'forever' treasure. I ordered the men's watch instead of the women's for a female relative because the men's watch face was bigger and easier to read - a definite plus! It didn't start right away, so I took it to a jeweler who looked it over and it now is fine. ********** read more

I first started ordering from here 10 years ago. My orders have always been filled correctly and on time with no issues. My most recent order was almost $400. Only one out of six items was backordered. And that was a custom hat, the ones with the state emblem on them. The day after I ordered, SIF emailed me and asked me if I wanted to wait for the B.O. item, substitute another item or cancel the item. I call that very customer service since I already knew at the time of ordering it was backordered. Every item I checked out online said whether it was in stock or backordered. Most items were in stock. Some sizes were not available and I can only assume they were sold out and could not restock before Christmas, therefore they wouldn't let you to order it. My order was shipped TWO days after ordering. It took one week to receive. The quality of their merchandise is high. I always been well satisfied with everything I have ordered. Do not be put off by all of the one star reviews. Notice how many reviews they have written. In a lot of cases only one, two or five reviews. read more

I was disappointed upon receiving what was described as a pendant which turned out to be as small as a charm for a bracelet. I am uncomfortable because weeks later I ordered a second pendant, of a different color, and I fear it will be small as well. I think a pendant should be at least one inch wide, not one quarter inch. These tiny things are priced at $48 each which is exorbitant. Unhappy customer! * read more

donot purchase the pistachio cookies! They are not scrumptious as stated, they are hard as brick! and expensive!! would not let me return

I seem to be having similar experiences to other reviewers. My first complaint here is that I returned a $159 item because it was defective. I first called and had a fairly lengthy conversation with customer service rep "Kenna," who informed me that the shipping and online fee would be waived for this return because the item was defective. Upon checking my credit card statement, however, I saw that I was only refunded $159 of the $173.50 I was initially charged, so I attempted to contact them to request a refund of my shipping charges. There was a fairly large patch of missing hair on the front of this item, which was obvious before I even opened the plastic packaging, so it never should have been sent out. In fact, I believe that it had at least been opened by someone else, so I think that they saw that it was damaged but attempted to pawn it off on someone else after it was returned previously. I made multiple calls in an attempt to reach customer service, only getting a voicemail that states that they are on the phone with other customers, and to leave a voicemail for someone to return your call. Three calls and almost two weeks later, when my voicemails weren't being returned by customer service, I called another number which was provided to me by my bank, and actually reached someone. However, I was then informed by "Crystal" that no information had been entered that the item was defective, although I have a photo here of the return form I filled out and sent with the item, which clearly shows that I circled in red DEFECTIVE ITEM. So, point here is: they definitely knew that it was defective, and are just trying to screw people out of some more money. I get that this is supposed to be a charity, but it needs to be an honest one. I have a photograph of the actual form I filled out, and "Crystal" informed me that the information stated that I just didn't want the item, so my shipping charges were not refunded. This is just blatant dishonesty, and I believe that they probably pull this all the time, just hoping that people won't notice that they haven't refunded the shipping charges. That's the kind of thing which will get you both a one-star Yelp review, a complaint with my credit card company and the Better Business Bureau, because I want this documented in case they try to pull this with anyone else, and I strongly believe that they likely do it routinely. As other people have also commented, although I wasn't going to go there initially, the quality of this item was very poor in any case: the fringe was all crumpled, and there was a rather strong chemical odor. Just not the kind of quality I would pay nearly $200 for, charity or not. read more

See all

Great products and quick shipping. Everything is quite unique. Whenever I wear their products I receive so many compliments.

Don't spend your money on this cheap Chinese crap. Should you not heed my warning, you'll only have yourself to blame when your calls and emails to their nonexistent customer service department goes unanswered. read more

What a rip off. I am unsuccessful with intercept my mom's catalogs deliveries since I do not live with her :-( so she keeps ordering junk so the flow of catalogs is endless. She once paid $65 for a 2" (that's inch, not feet) bird figurine that I fear poses a choking hazard for both grandchildren and dog. She also bought a set of ugly coffee mugs (4 for $100) which weigh about a 11/2 lbs ( not ounces) each which proved too heavy for her to lift. read more

A few years ago (2011), I bought a pair of very hip boots. Then, out of the blue, I received another item that I did NOT buy. I had to pay the postage to send it back. Absolutely, NOT impressed by this catalog company at all! If you want authentic American Indian items, either go to Arizona or New Mexico. Just my 2 pyreals. read more

I will never shop with the Southwest Indian Foundation again. They have lost a customer because of poor customer service. They sent the wrong item to my daughter for her birthday, and they refused to send the item I ordered to her. I sent two emails to customer service, and I never received a response. I called customer service and I was told someone would call me back. They never did. I guess they don't need my business. read more

I have ordered from this company multiple times. Everything I have ordered has arrived quickly, well packed, & has met every expectation. Baby items I sent overseas were met with much pleasure. I have ordered CD's, books, clothing, socks & pottery, too. The socks were a real treat to my fox-loving cousin. I have donated money for food baskets & have no doubt they were received by the people needing them most. read more

Worst rip-off company ever...do not order from them!!! They sell very low quality products for insane stupid money!!! Seriously, DO NOT ORDER FROM THIS COMPANY! Their quality is total garbage for...the very high prices they charge. Please, Please, Please...stay away from ordering from this totally over-hyped site....save your $$$$!!!! read more

We've ordered from and donated several times to this foundation and overall it's been great. High quality products and good service. We feel this is a top notch charity that helps the forgotten in multiple ways. Keep in mind almost all of the 1 star ratings are from 2020 when the foundation was struggling with extremely high rates of COVID that were much higher than the national average. Their high COVID rates were so high they were reported on the national news. Something these low raters seemed to have missed. We received several email communications from the foundation during this period explaining the work issues they were dealing with and apologized if anyone had problems. Keep in mind this is a charity, functioning in a challenging and limited resource area and not LL Bean. read more

I ordered two items from their catalog one was a dinner for a needy family and the other was a sand painting box in November,it's now January and I have not received the box,I've called and emailed them multiple times and they have not yet called or emailed me in regards to my repeated requests. I will never order from them again and will tell everyone I know not to deal with them,worst of all they may be even ripping off the people they are supposed to be helping. read more

The only thing this organization does well is produce a catalogue. Their customer service is the worst I have ever dealt with. I would not recommend them to my biggest enemy. They will gladly take your order but you will not receive any service afterward. I'm sorry I ever tried to deal with them. My best advice is STAY AWAY. Jerry Bianchi Sonoita AZ My star rating is one because I can't go lower! read more

I ordered $200 of items; 2 sweatshirts, 1 T-shirt, 1 men's wallet. The medium size bore no relationship to the sizechart, and the intended recipient would need to gain about 200 pounds to have it fit, "form fitting" T-shirt is anything but, with what look like embroidered decoration being only cheap stencil - and all the items are cheap fabric and Made in India! Somehow, I had imagined them being made by Southwestern Indians; silly me! The wallet, which cost $79, is tiny, looks nothing like the wallet pictured in catalogue (which looks sturdy and reasonable sized mens' wallet), and, while it may be leather, it looks & feels like plastic. These items are to be gifts, and I am totally embarassed to offer them to my family. Apparently realizing they're selling cheap junk, the SIF informs you on their invoice, that you can tax deduct 50% of the amount paid them for this stuff. Just researched their standing as a charity, & find they have not provided any financial disclosure. Their CEO has a name that sounds more Irish rather than American Indian. I think they're a grift, and wonder if their administration may be cheating the Indians as well as the customers, I will not buy from them again, NOR will I make any further donations to any Indian organization; once bit, twice shy. read more

This organization has repeatedly ignored requests to stop postal mailings addressed to my mother who passed away early this year. I would never support an organization that shows such blatant disregard for people. read more

If you notice a great many of the negative reviews were filed during the height of the pandemic. SIF, like many businesses, was extremely short handed, and also got severly hit by the shipping crises. I have ordered from them for several years, and although they may be a bit slow in shipping at times, I have never had any issues with them. I collect southwestern Indian jewelry, and the items I have purchased from them have all been first rate. This is NOT Amazon, so don't expect the package to arrive the next day! Allow sufficient time, and you will be rewarded! read more

I've purchased art, t-shirts, music, food and Jewelry from the Southwest Indian Foundation for many years. I've always received the best quality and original art work. I am a proud supporter of this company. read more

Terrible company. My elderly mother put in an order for $500. Yes she shouldn't have access to a credit card our fault. However We tried to stop the order but couldn't get through to them. Finally got a supervisor that said someone would call us back. 4 more calls to them nothing. Twice a supervisor said they would call us. Nothing. Found the name of sales person on the box. Left messages no return calls. We have 3 items that she didn't order (or ordered by mistake) and we can't find out how to return them. No return calls. Left multiple messages. Stopped payment on the card. Their customer service sucks!!! read more

The items I received were poor quality and not as described in the catalogue. Difficult to return and the people are incredibly rude.

Several weeks ago I made a donation of several food baskets and a stove as Christmas gifts for friends and family. I was told at the time I needed to call customer service to get the certificates and cards for the recipients I was gifting. I have called several times and no one picks up nor do they return my calls. It's only a week until Christmas and I have no proof of my donations except my credit card bill. This "foundation" is extremely unprofessional at best and after reading other reviews and doing more reasearch, have come to the conclusion that they are probably fraudulent. I did order several items from the catalog at the same time and they arrived in a timely manner. It seems the catalog department is completely legit and separate from the donation department which seems to be very sketchy. However, after doing research about this foundation, I won't be doing any further business with them in any department. Turns out there are a lot of reputable Native American Charities out there that will actually use your money helping First Nations people. Sadly, the Southwest Indian Foundation doesn't seem to be one of them. read more

Ordered 2 pies for my daughter's family last year for Thanksgiving which were FINALLY delivered to my daughter a month late. BUT, in the meantime, I also received a box from Southwest Indian Foundation to my address of items $500+ that I did not order. I tried to call and get it resolved, NO WAY to reach anyone, leave a message and get it resolved. Long story very short, I disputed with the credit card company and I had to end up sending all the stuff I DID NOT ORDER back to them at my own expense ($50) to get the credit card dispute resolved. I am still in process of trying to recoup my $50. There is NO customer service with this organization. It is IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone on the phone and if by any chance you receive a voice mail, you are wasting your time. No one returns any calls. I will NEVER order from them again and suggest that no one else does either. read more

This organization is not rated by Charity Navigator because as a Church operated group they do not need to file a '501'. Who knows what they are, but with the many bad reviews they ldon't look good. I rate them on price of pistachio nuts; 3- 8 oz. bags for $45. I buy pistachios at Ocean State Job Lot; 3 -1 lb bags for $17.97. 5 times the price per unit weight at SW. Top much even if they claim to be a charity. read more

Very dishonest company. Ordered from the catalogue for Xmas gifts and never received the merchandise. Cannot reach anyone on the phone. Emails not responded to. They sure took the money though!!! Do NOT buy from these crooks!!!! read more

I placed an order mid December.. was told my items would take 4 to 6 weeks.. right before Christmas Day I received my order.. I'm in awe of my beautiful Western Leather Bag and silver Navajo. Cuff bracelet.. everything went very smoothly.. I even called once to ck on my order someone answered the phone politely and efficiently. I rate the whole experience 5 stars read more

Once, many years ago, I ordered earrings from the Southwest Indian Foundation. When they finally arrived it was clear that they were not crafted in America or even Mexico but were cheap machine-made imitation silver. Since then I have learned that very little of their revenue goes to actual charities and they have no programs they run themselves. I will never order from them again, but they send me their slick catalogues of over-priced merchandise 6 or more times a year. What a waste! read more

I have ordered from them several times. I was satisfied with the merchandise and it arrived in a timely manner. I only get a catalog around Christmas...they never "hound" me with literature like other charities. read more

Worst experience of online shopping in two decades. Not only did they charge my card after I confirmed with them that the order should be cancelled, they never, ever answer any emails or phone calls. To make matters worse, I sent the item back but they never refunded my money. All of the terrible reviews are spot on. They are not a charity but a huge scam that takes advantage of people for profit. They are thieves and should be put out of business. read more

I have been purchasing items from SWIF for years. This year, I ordered two items for VERY special Christmas gifts (one for my Mother who is sick with cancer, the other for my elderly Uncle). First, the representative taking my order was rude and did not seem to recognize the item numbers I gave her. I proceeded, slowly and carefully, with my orders anyway. I was given order/confirmation numbers. Several weeks went by and the gifts have not arrived to their destinations. I have repeatedly called Southwest Indian Foundation customer service. No one picks up. Detailed messages were left including my return phone number. No one has returned my phone calls. Feeling very let down! Not only have I lost my hard earned money, but my family members will receive no gift for Christmas. I used to rely on SWIF to fulfill my special gift needs. NEVER AGAIN! I DO NOT RECOMMEND SOUTHWEST INDIAN FOUNDATION. What used to be a wonderful organization to work with has become horrible. DON'T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE I DID. read more

DO NOT BUY FROM THIS COMPANY! They took advantage of my 87yr old father. He placed an order of $415 over the phone and has NOT received it. It has been 4 weeks. We have called and left numerous messages. They don't call back. I emailed twice, no response. When he decided to call the number to "place an order", he got through right away (how convenient!), but when he explained that he needed help and no one was returning his calls or emails they told him they could not help him on the "place an order" line. SHAME SHAME SHAME on this company! I hope you go under! I will also report them to the Better Business Bureau. read more

I contacted the New Mexico Better Business Bureau and they put a stop to the endless mailings.

I ordered blankets from them awhile back with no problem. I noticed how some customers are mad because they feel they got the runaround. Ha! Kind of like what the government did to the Navaho. Anyway I will continue to give support even though I am strapped for cash. read more

Ordered a Christmas present. Received wrong item. Sent back in Jan. 3/16/21 and I'm STILL waiting for my replacement. Customer service line does not work and the 800 number listed on their site just hangs up on customers when they realize it isn't a sales order. Frustrated customer. read more

I do believe like many other reviewers that this company is a scam. I have been unsuccessful in reaching them about my order. The only thing they are good for is taking your money. Also, I found 2 additional charges on my account that I did not authorize..buyer beware! Do not waste your money... read more

Been a customer of Southwest Indian Foundation for many years. Used to annually purchase a wood burning stove for a family of their choice. I have been to their offices in Gallup. I have worked with their social services personnel concerning a large family who are long time friends of my family. Yes, they don't have telephone implants or walk around dittling their hand held smart phones. They are people who are doing their best to help their people. That is the culture of the Navajo. Family taking care of family. Uptight smart phone users could take a lesson from these wonderful people. They are not you and you are not them. Get over it. Chaplain Ruth San Diego, CA read more