Online parts sales rant

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

So back in February I ordered some odds and ends from one of the better-known VW parts outfits. They charged my CC, but as of this weekend, the parts hadn't arrived, so I called this AM to find out what was up. The guy looks up my order and says (paraphrased)

Him: "Hmm. First cut 36hp main bearings; those are hard to get"
Me: "Well, you had them listed on your site as 'in stock' and your site let me buy them, and you certainly charged me for them.
Him: "Yeah, we don't have them, but if we get them, we'll ship them."
Me: "What? When do you think you'll get them?"
Him: "No idea"
Me: "So what about the rest of the parts?"
Him: "They'll ship at the same time..."

WTF?

genrex · 03-19-2007, 08:41 AM

Is this one of the companies that has multi-page ads in Hot VWs?

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Another question: If you're buying 2 small items, and one item qualifies for 'free shipping,' doesn't it make sense that the 2nd item (which apparently doesn't qualify) can/should be shipped in the same box? Shipping for the second item is $7.50, which is almost the cost of the item itself...

notfarnow · 03-19-2007, 08:46 AM

cip1?

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

No, not CIP1 - I've actually had good luck with them; I'm withholding the name of the shop for now.

RickM · RickM's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by widebody911
Another question: If you're buying 2 small items, and one item qualifies for 'free shipping,' doesn't it make sense that the 2nd item (which apparently doesn't qualify) can/should be shipped in the same box? Shipping for the second item is $7.50, which is almost the cost of the item itself...

Depends if the parts are being shipped from the same location.

legion · 03-19-2007, 09:44 AM

Based in Effingham, IL?

David · David's Garage

I ordered some Suzuki MC parts from an online store in Texas not too far up the road from Houston. I saw that they charged my credit card so I figured all must be good. After two weeks and no parts I gave them a call. They said they don't have their Suzuki dealership yet (they do have Yamaha) but they expect to get it anyday!?!?!?!?!? At least they're honest about it, but holy crap are you kidding me?

stomachmonkey · 03-19-2007, 11:13 AM

I'd cancel the order, get a full refund and then order the parts that are in stock.

Process as many seperate transactions with them as possible.

They take a hit for every card transaction. Can be as high as $.30 per plus 3% of the total.

Oh, and shipping, it's a profit center for a lot of places.

BGCarrera32 · 03-19-2007, 11:43 AM

If they refuse to cancel the order on the spot, dispute the charge with your bank. A charge dispute hits their credit score and makes it more difficult for said business to obtain bank credit. Mind you this should be a last resort on your part...

I have to believe that there are other places on planet earth that will fill your Vdub order...good luck.

bt1211 · 03-19-2007, 12:02 PM

I have had great transactions with cip1 and mid-america. I think it is one of those with the multi-page ads. They are known to do that, so much so that I dont order from them anymore.

I had a big order and they "F" it up. Like they are the only people selling VW parts. Pull your order and buy it from another vendor.