Disappointed with Sterlingtek Purchase

So after reading a bunch of positive reviews, I decided to give Sterlingtek a try - I ordered a charger and a battery for my Canon T1i. I was so excited that I got it for a fraction of the cost of a genuine Canon battery! When the order came today, I put the Sterlingtek battery into the charger it came with and instantly the light turned green w/out charging - tried it in the Canon charger and it instantly started to charge. Doh! Defective charger... Called customer service (which was great) and said they would send me a new one and asked me to send the bad one back. Ok, I thought, no big deal.

When the Sterlingtek battery charge was complete, I put my hand to touch it and noticed it felt a little warm. Kind of odd I thought. Pulled the battery out and started to slide it a little into the camera and noticed it was a tight fit (It fit ok prior to the charge). Looked at the battery and noticed that it was swollen! DOH! Defective battery....

I learned my lesson.... Don't get me wrong, I am not bad mouthing Sterlingtek, the customer service was great. I am just disappointed that BOTH my items I received were bad. I guess I am just a few of the unlucky ones..at least I didn't put the battery in the camera and get it stuck..would have ruined my camera....! Hopefully, I can just return my items for a full refund.

Most people are happy with theirs, I guess it happens?

Funny the battery swelled up.

Is that a swollen battery in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

I've bought several batteries for my 20D from Stirlingtek and not had any problems with them. I'm not convinced they last as long as the original battery but they are cheap.

I did get a wrong order from them on AA rechargeables. They sent a lower rated battery. A call, an apology, and new ones on the way. And BTW - keep the ones you got.

JonSC wrote in post #10734676
Most people are happy with theirs, I guess it happens?

Funny the battery swelled up.

Yeah - I hear nothing but positive reviews - that's why I ordered them. It's really a bummer. Oh well, I am just one of the unlucky ones I guess. It could happen with any company.

Again, I must give them credit where it is due. They responded fast and are willing to send me a new charger. However, at this point, I am just going to ask for a full refund and buy an authentic Canon battery, just for my own piece of mind.

it'd be interesting to see if that battery would explode after a while

yeah, it happens to all products/companies, but it just doesn't feel right when it happens to you.
As least they were responsive and responsible, so that's a good sign.
I was thinking to get a spare battery from them, will definitely try them since they seem to have good customer service.

Sorry your luck wasn't in on that deal, though it can happen with any product.

I'm also a happy SterlingTek customer, with several batteries and never an issue.

bigpow wrote in post #10734717
it'd be interesting to see if that battery would explode after a while

yeah, it happens to all products/companies, but it just doesn't feel right when it happens to you.
As least they were responsive and responsible, so that's a good sign.
I was thinking to get a spare battery from them, will definitely try them since they seem to have good customer service.

From the positive reviews and great products that they have, I would say go for it!

Lol, good thing the battery didn't explode and destroy my charger with it!.