dC Automotive- What Gives?

[ventana]

Three weeks ago (May 18) I placed a parts order with dC Automotive in North Carolina. They acknowledged my order and charged my Visa card immediately. Now they don't answer my emails concerning the disposition of my order. It was only $75 or so, just some trim parts and screws I need to finish off my quarter windows and door pockets. Their website said all the parts I ordered were in stock. You can call them but they never answer their phone, just a woman's voice on an answering machine with an annoying british accent.
Has anybody here done business with them? Did you get your parts? Are they just one of those places that take forever to get your stuff from? Quite a different level of service than that of our hosts for sure. The guy's name that orginally acknowledged my order was Robert Zampardi [sales@dcauto.com]. If they really do suck others here should know. All input is appreciated.

Thanks;
Ventana

[joetiii]

I found w/ dc auto that you need to call them. I've never got a respoonse online w/ replies but never had a problem w/ getting thru on phone. On my last order it was delayed and Bob said they were being discouraged from doing small orders. Maybe thats the reason.... but he did get things right out when I called back. ($20.00 order)FWIW

[ael911]

I recently purschased some parts from them. The shipping time was somewhat extended, about two weeks from time of order. I sent an email requesting the status on my order. The response back was immediate and I received my parts two days later. Overall, I was satisfied with my order and I am now awaiting my second order from them so we will see. Three weeks sounds a bit too long.

[ventana]

I've sent two emails to Robert and another email to dc automotive [orders@dcautomotive.com] and not received any answer. They would not let me place an order smaller than $50 which the website said was their minimum. I wanted to add two other parts to the order that I found out later I needed for the 1/4 windows but at this rate I might just as well get them from the local Porsche dealer. I'll keep trying.

[GothingNC]

I've had no problem with them.
It's much easier to contact them via phone.

One of their employees attends the local PCA meeting and he brings along any parts that I ordered.

[AngM018]

+1 on calling. I drove up there a few months ago to get some parts. they were all stellar people to deal with, and did nothing but help me get what I needed, and then some. I honestly think they only had one or two computers, and they spent all their time walking through the warehouse getting parts for people. all the sales guys were manned with cordless phones, so thats why you should try calling

[carmad]

I have bought quite a few items from them, never had a problem, but always spoke with Rob, never used email, or on line.

[azasadny]

I recently placed a small order with them and the order was shipped to me about a week later, complete and as represented. No problems at all....

[onboost]

I've done business with them over the years and they've always been pretty reliable. I think they may be a little short staffed right as I do know that they let a few people go.

You spoke with the owner (Zampardi) and I'm sure he's runnign around right now trying to do everything.. rarely do you get him on the phone.

I'm sure they'll get you taken care of...

[89911]

I and friends have used them several times. I had Robert delivery some items to Hershey last year and met them. Everything was as described and uneventful. I generally always spoke to them over the phone.

[dan79brooklyn]

I ordered some parts over the phone. Very pleaseant to deal with. Don't remember if I ever emailed them.

Why don't youu call them on the phone before complaining about their service.

[ventana]

Dan;
Please refer to my previous reply. I have tried to speak with them on the phone and all I get is a recording regardless of what time I try to call.

Ventana

[dan79brooklyn]

Sorry, that is frustrating..

[78silver]

I just completed an order with them. I ordered an alternator fan, some shims, and a belt. My CC was charged immediately upon order and I received an e-mail stating that the parts had been shipped that same day. I responded to the e-mail (this was all within five minutes of placing original order) and mentioned that I meant to add a pulley to the order. I immediately got an e-mail back from Robert stating that the first order had already packed and gone to shipping so the pulley would come separate (additional shipping) charge for second order even though placed just a few minutes apart.

Two weeks and a'half weeks later I received a package with just the belt in it. another week and a'half after that (four weeks after initial order) I received the rest of the items.

I was a little frustrated with the wait and seemed to get a lot of miscommunication but I will say that overall Robert was fairly easy to communicate with. If not by e-mail, I was able to get him on the phone.

All in all... not the best service however I'll still continue to use them because frankly I can save a lot of money buying used parts here and there.

My 2 cents...

[CharlieB]

I've been using DC for a couple of months now and have had no problems. Always spoke to Rob, he's Porsche savy and got the parts out to me promptly and as described!!!

[ventana]

OK, to keep all of this fair; I finally spoke with Bob on the phone this morning. I connected with a real, live human being after my fourth call. I suspect they have a rollover line that if all the lines are busy it rolls over to an answering machine. Anyway, Bob was helpful but seemed somewhat mystified as to why my order had not been shipped yet. He could not find a "trouble" ticket on the order or any backordered items.
I did order the additional window trim parts I need and before he hung up Bob promised my order would be picked, packed and shipped today. I will post back when I receive my order.
Thanks to everyone for your responses.

Ventana

[rs6er]

I ordered a part from them several months ago & was very happy with the whole transaction.

[rattlsnak]

ive used them a few times, and sometimes it does take a few days/week before they send your stuff.

[gestalt1]

i used them once, the shipping time took awhile. the second time i needed a part that was not on there web site, so i called. they updated there website while i was on the phone and told me i can now order the parts online. i went through the process online and before i confirmed the order i noticed the total was $50 more than the cost of the parts. i found that they have a $50 minimum order, and they added $50 on top of my $25 order! i cancelled the order and called parts heaven. i don't expect much from salvage yards but this was just stupid.
-matt

[fireant911]

An old thread but a familar name keeps reoccurring...

dCAutomotive nightmare, what should I do?