Got to agree, poor reputation for customer service. Special offers seem to be spurious. Not the suppliers that I'd like to be associated with.
Just because they can can be cheap doesn't make them on your side.
I bought some MHG chisels from Dick in Germany recently, very pleased with them, consistent quality. I have a set of old splitproof Marples and a set of recently acquired Footprint mortice chisels that are old but hold there edge and sharpen up well.
Might I suggest you buy something else at the same time? i know it sounds like a clever dick answer but I bet there will be something you want or will want in the very near future. I understand your point re the own branding, it appears to be a way of dumbing down an item or range but not...