Parts supplier problems....
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
Parts supplier problems....
I will not name names here because the problem has been resolved. But i have noticed a trend in corvette parts suppliers recently. That is claiming something is in stock, then sending you an email a week later saying that it is on back order. 
Because you know, i have all the time in the world to wait for parts, and there is no deadlines or anything i have to make.
The part supplier in question i sent many emails asking where my items were, to each one i got a response to the effect of "your order is being processed" then it was "a problem with shipping" then finally today i got an email saying that "they were on back order, expected ship date the 12th of April". I ordered these parts in late February or very early March.
These are parts available through any corvette parts dealer, the only reason i ordered from them is because they told me they were in stock. I have had similar problems with a few parts dealer.
Do they think that they will take a customer's money and then not ship their parts for a month and a half without the customer calling
?
i am now holding my breath waiting for a fee or something for canceling my order.
Because you know, i have all the time in the world to wait for parts, and there is no deadlines or anything i have to make. The part supplier in question i sent many emails asking where my items were, to each one i got a response to the effect of "your order is being processed" then it was "a problem with shipping" then finally today i got an email saying that "they were on back order, expected ship date the 12th of April". I ordered these parts in late February or very early March.
These are parts available through any corvette parts dealer, the only reason i ordered from them is because they told me they were in stock. I have had similar problems with a few parts dealer.
Do they think that they will take a customer's money and then not ship their parts for a month and a half without the customer calling
?i am now holding my breath waiting for a fee or something for canceling my order.
Last edited by Bowerss2; Mar 31, 2010 at 12:32 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,388
Likes: 2
From: Eagle River Alaska
I had the same problem. It took over 3 months to get my parts.
Same thing, they said the parts were in stock, and then after the order was made, I get an e-mail telling me the parts are on back order.
Same thing, they said the parts were in stock, and then after the order was made, I get an e-mail telling me the parts are on back order.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Central llinois
I am still waiting for part of my order to come in from a vendor that I ordered almost a month and a half ago now. In the first shipment that I waited about a week for I was sent the wrong oil pressure fitting, which I called about right away and they said it would be out asap and here we are a month later...I'm just glad this is a hobby for me, I don't know how the guys that do this as a business deal with this sort of thing.
Jeremy
Jeremy
Racer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Portage Michigan
I too have a similiar issue, ordered some parts about a week ago and after only recieving one of the 3 I emailed and was told stock was expected in the first week of April. Once I was emailing them their communication was good, but they didn't mention anything about back order until I got the invoice with the one part they did ship. Simply not saying something is in stock is not the same as saying its out of stock.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,094
Likes: 0
From: NYC - HK
Had that happen to me too. Bought something off a vendor on ebay and then a few hours later or the next day sent an email and a refund saying it was out of stock. Why list it if it's out of stock...?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,683
Likes: 34
From: Working on the car NY
Man, that stuff would drive me nuts. I just placed a small order with a company (starts with an E) on Tuesday for 3 small parts and got shipping conformation that I'll receive it Friday. I originally went to order from another supplier (starts with a Z) but they listed on their website one part isn't expect till 4/7 so I ordered from the other guy. Small parts but important nonetheless so that other parts (that I have) can be installed. I really can't complain too much except when I ordered a front surround 2 years ago that seemed to take forever 
but it's still in the box, not installed
but it's still in the box, not installed
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: SE Pennsylvania
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Oldtimer
I think if you consider all the special parts that we use, it's really tough for supplliers to keep everything in stock not knowing when any one of them is going be purchased. 
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I just went through this yesterday with a well recommended vendor on this forum. Ordered an upper radiator hose a week ago for my 65. I called after a week and was told they would have to contact their supplier and order it again and have it drop shipped to me. If I hadn't called to check on the status of the order, I probably never would have seen the part. They billed my Visa right away though 
My e-mail to the forum vendor to advise him of the problem has yet to be answered.
My e-mail to the forum vendor to advise him of the problem has yet to be answered.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne Australia
the world economy has changed of late and there is nothing we can do about it, but a bit of common courtecy goes a long way. its better to be told the truth up front as to what the waiting time will be, you may not be happy, but atleast you know the truth.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 605
Likes: 0
From: Alta Loma CA
Yup. Had this happen too recently with another of our well know vendors. Did not tell me it was backordered until I asked. Said it would ship in a week. When that did not happen they said it was GM's fault as they were going bankrupt. Lame excuse as far as I'm concerned. They did give a prompt refund. I found it elsewhere and had it in less than a week.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: Mascoutah Illinois
Why not name these suppliers to the rest of us so we do not fall into the cracks over back order parts. If they accept your order and even charge your card right away for a part they should know is there or not is just taking you for a ride when another supplier may have it in stock. I just ordered a part from Willcox and if I get the same story you can bet I will let you all know. It is my first time dealing with them so for now I will just have to wait and see.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,435
Likes: 9
From: Kalamazoo Mi
Why not name these suppliers to the rest of us so we do not fall into the cracks over back order parts. If they accept your order and even charge your card right away for a part they should know is there or not is just taking you for a ride when another supplier may have it in stock. I just ordered a part from Willcox and if I get the same story you can bet I will let you all know. It is my first time dealing with them so for now I will just have to wait and see.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
I think these places don't want to stock the inventory any more. So they take your order [like they have it in stock] and your credit card info, then send an order to China [or wherever] and leave you in limbo-land.
I don't know that there is a solution to this syndrome, but when you call to order, you can ask if they have the items in stock and when you can expect to receive the order. Then if they pull that "Now you can wait till he!! freezes over" routine and the receipt date passes by, just call your credit card company and ask them to reimburse your money as the vendor didn't meet their stated committment. I don't know that you will do any better with the next vendor, but it's better than sitting around with your thumb 'you know where'.
I don't know that there is a solution to this syndrome, but when you call to order, you can ask if they have the items in stock and when you can expect to receive the order. Then if they pull that "Now you can wait till he!! freezes over" routine and the receipt date passes by, just call your credit card company and ask them to reimburse your money as the vendor didn't meet their stated committment. I don't know that you will do any better with the next vendor, but it's better than sitting around with your thumb 'you know where'.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
For Faster Vette Parts Go Local
One should consider the crossover parts that are available at the local parts stores and would be best served with them rather than the Corvette parts places. Unless its exclusively for a Vette and even then the large Auto stores will carry a majority of Vette parts ie Chassis, exhaust, brakes, engine, electrical and speed or performance ect and are normally specialists to help you. We even carried interiors at our auto parts store. This could free up inventory dollars for the Vette parts store by not duplicating whats available locally that can normally provide the part straight from inventory or with one day or less service .
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 98
From: Ontario
One should consider the crossover parts that are available at the local parts stores and would be best served with them rather than the Corvette parts places. Unless its exclusively for a Vette and even then the large Auto stores will carry a majority of Vette parts ie Chassis, exhaust, brakes, engine, electrical and speed or performance ect and are normally specialists to help you. We even carried interiors at our auto parts store. This could free up inventory dollars for the Vette parts store by not duplicating whats available locally that can normally provide the part straight from inventory or with one day or less service .
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Caldwell Idaho
I agree 100% but I do not agree that the vendor should not be named even if the problem has been resolved.
c-ya
ToddG
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3,363
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From: Lansdale 19446 PA
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Unmodified
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I do not think it is legal for any CC accepting company to charge your card and NOT ship in a certain amount of days. I think the law was like the vendor must ship within 7 days. Check your CC company. That might give you some leverage.
I agree - if their website says they have it - they SHOULD have it - get it right!
I agree - if their website says they have it - they SHOULD have it - get it right!