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They did it again. I called and ordered an Oil Pump and screen from ZIP 3 days ago wanting to get this car on the road.
This is the second time I have ordered products that go together, when you ask a customer service person, if a product is in stock I do not expect to be lied to. I asked more than onec if both products were in stock and was told yes they will ship today.
Well guess what the pickup is on a long backorder and they lied again.
It's tough to keep good quality service in a phone/internet order business that goes beyond the micro stage. Very few companies have a precise handle on inventory.
That's odd. I've never had a bad experience with Zip, and my house has seen enough Zip orders to completley restore my dad's 69 and enough to keep my 81 good enough for daily driving.
Well, our local parts stores exist of Murrays Auto Parts and they don't carry any brand name stuff. I looked at their timing chains and other stuff.
I sent the Melling 10552 back to Summit because it did not fin in the pan, so I figured I would buy the one from zip because it said it was the exact match, so it should fit in the pan right? we will see.
Usually for me anyways it is easier to order the stuff from Summit or a vendor. I don't usually have a lot of time and if I can order it and have it delivered it's easier. Usually a vendor will not tell you they have something in stock and they really do not. The only vendor that I have had this experience with is ZIP.
I will just use the old pickup and put some JB weld on the pick up.
The 10552 is not the correct pump for your engine and is a high volume pump with a larger body, so maybe that is where the fitment problem is. The correct pump is the Melling M55A and is the stock replacement for the Z28 pump which was on your engine. GM still sold these pumps as a few years ago but not sure if they still do. I would not reuse the old pickup, but rather get a new pickup from Murray's or wherever and press it on your new pump.
I feel for you. I hate when I'm expecting a part that day and it doesn't show up, or the orders wrong- WTF? I'll pay the Corvette tax, but along with that, these guys have go to deliver, or I might as well just shop around myself.
I deal with Jegs, Summit and Zip exclusively except for common things I can get at the local parts store and Mobil-1 which I buy at Walmart (always the best price). I've never had a problem with "not knowing" the status of orders. If something is backordered I know it when I'm placing the order while I still having a chance to change my mind.
I have had no major issues with ZIP. They take and process returns quickly, and ship quickly. The few times I have had backorder items I email thier CS and they always respond quickly. What I don't like are the shipping charges! I think they are a little pricey and based on value of order not weight and distance.
I also use Jeg's sometimes but have also found you can order many items on-line from Auto Advantage and pick it up at the store the next day. Save's shipping $$$ and time.
Why you would order engine parts from Zip as opposed to a local Auto machine shop is beyond me. Price and service would be better from local shop based on my expiriences. My friend just did a Zip order for a LT-1 pulley and they shipped him a big block pulley that was COMPLETLEY WRONG! good luck with your order.
Who was the sales person you called and do you have an order#. We do not lie to customers, however their could have been a problem you were not aware of. Did you order the part as soon as they told you it was here, if not it could have easily been sold even if it was 5 minutes, second it could just have been an inventory problem where the system shows that it is here to the salesperson but it is not there when they go to pull it or it is the wrong part. That stuff happens in any business and in ours, it is unfortunate and you should have been notified, but we do not make out by not telling a customer the truth, I would rather tell you it is not here then to have you call me wondering why it has not shipped.
Thanks
Justin Abbott
Zip Products
VP
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