General Vendor Rant
Thread Starter
Track Addict
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 88
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From: San Jose California
General Vendor Rant
Is it so damn hard for vendors to communicate to their customers? I've sworn to never buy from two again because I have to pry updates out of them. One says he'll update me "tomorrow", I wait two weeks before even inquiring, and am then given an unhelpful answer. One guy I had to beg for updates for EACH COMPONENT of the order.
Also, is it so damn hard to notify the customer if the part is in stock? I've just been burned for my last time ordering a part two-day shipping or next day air to find out a WEEK LATER that the part was on backorder and cannot ship for 3-4 weeks -- all the while taking my $150+ for next day shipping. BEST CASE would be to post in-stock status on the website, but I'll settle for an email following the order saying "Hey, this is on backorder."
I fully understand some of this stuff takes time to make. I understand delays occur. I am sympathetic to the fact that the vendors don't always get timely updates from the manufacturer. I get it, I really do.
Just COMMUNICATE, guys. Also, a measure of good will would be to offer to refund the sky-high next-day shipping charge when there's no bloody way in hell I'll get the part this calendar quarter. I mean really, what's 3-5 days to arrive when I had to wait 5-6 weeks FOR it to ship.
I would expect more from forum vendors. Luckily, I've found two that communicate pretty well so as long as they stock the part they're going to get all of my business.
I am completely done with 2 others, and jury's still out on one. You won't get one more cent of my money. If it's a part no one else carries, I'll go without. I've now spent more than my car's purchase price in mods, and will probably double that next year. FWIW I bought my '12 GS new.
Your loss.
One of them is dangerously close to a chargeback if I don't get a SATISFACTORY update this week. By satisfactory, I mean a tracking number, the part showing up at my door, or a hard date when I WILL get a tracking number.
Not sure about the rules concerning vendor rants so I've omitted names. If I can post them, I am happy to amend this.
Also, is it so damn hard to notify the customer if the part is in stock? I've just been burned for my last time ordering a part two-day shipping or next day air to find out a WEEK LATER that the part was on backorder and cannot ship for 3-4 weeks -- all the while taking my $150+ for next day shipping. BEST CASE would be to post in-stock status on the website, but I'll settle for an email following the order saying "Hey, this is on backorder."
I fully understand some of this stuff takes time to make. I understand delays occur. I am sympathetic to the fact that the vendors don't always get timely updates from the manufacturer. I get it, I really do.
Just COMMUNICATE, guys. Also, a measure of good will would be to offer to refund the sky-high next-day shipping charge when there's no bloody way in hell I'll get the part this calendar quarter. I mean really, what's 3-5 days to arrive when I had to wait 5-6 weeks FOR it to ship.
I would expect more from forum vendors. Luckily, I've found two that communicate pretty well so as long as they stock the part they're going to get all of my business.
I am completely done with 2 others, and jury's still out on one. You won't get one more cent of my money. If it's a part no one else carries, I'll go without. I've now spent more than my car's purchase price in mods, and will probably double that next year. FWIW I bought my '12 GS new.
Your loss.
One of them is dangerously close to a chargeback if I don't get a SATISFACTORY update this week. By satisfactory, I mean a tracking number, the part showing up at my door, or a hard date when I WILL get a tracking number.
Not sure about the rules concerning vendor rants so I've omitted names. If I can post them, I am happy to amend this.
Last edited by PSTOUT1; Apr 22, 2014 at 05:15 PM. Reason: Basic arithmetic fails when angry.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 5,463
Likes: 1,138
From: Chino CA
I will assume that it is ok to give positive feedback on a sponsoring vendor so here goes. I ordered an indoor cover in Monterey Red from Corvette America last week. The next morning I had an e mail from Rob telling me it was not in stock and would ship directly to me from his vendor. Today I got another e mail from Rob with the shipping date and also an offer of a complete refund if I did not want to wait.
That is proper customer service. I have no problem waiting for a car cover that is a specific color to match my car and really appreciated the timely updates.
Rob and Corvette America will be getting first shot at my future business.
That is proper customer service. I have no problem waiting for a car cover that is a specific color to match my car and really appreciated the timely updates.
Rob and Corvette America will be getting first shot at my future business.
Last edited by HBsurfer; Apr 22, 2014 at 05:18 PM.
Thread Starter
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From: San Jose California
That's a good point -- can't be anything wrong with positive feedback.
The best vendor from whom I've ordered AND received my order is West Coast Corvettes. JT rocks. Had one instance where he had the part in stock (Akrapovic exhaust) and one where the part was backordered (APR carbon diffuser). The exhaust kit arrived as expected. The diffuser didn't arrive when promised and JT was quick to communicate what happened and tell me the new expected date -- it arrived on the updated date. Thrilled with the communication here.
Steve from Elite Engineering wowed me with his quick and comprehensive response when I ordered an out-of-stock part on 2-day shipping AND offered a stellar solution to try and still get it to me on time.
I've had a pretty decent experience working with John Caravaggio on my interior project. I have a few emails go unanswered but he answers all of the ones that matter and we've had two productive phone conversations. It'll still be some time before the parts ship, but this expectation was set from the very beginning so not an issue. I have to say my expectations have been exceeded so far.
I would recommend these three to anyone based upon my experiences so far
The best vendor from whom I've ordered AND received my order is West Coast Corvettes. JT rocks. Had one instance where he had the part in stock (Akrapovic exhaust) and one where the part was backordered (APR carbon diffuser). The exhaust kit arrived as expected. The diffuser didn't arrive when promised and JT was quick to communicate what happened and tell me the new expected date -- it arrived on the updated date. Thrilled with the communication here.
Steve from Elite Engineering wowed me with his quick and comprehensive response when I ordered an out-of-stock part on 2-day shipping AND offered a stellar solution to try and still get it to me on time.
I've had a pretty decent experience working with John Caravaggio on my interior project. I have a few emails go unanswered but he answers all of the ones that matter and we've had two productive phone conversations. It'll still be some time before the parts ship, but this expectation was set from the very beginning so not an issue. I have to say my expectations have been exceeded so far.
I would recommend these three to anyone based upon my experiences so far
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
If you ask me, I'd ask you, what form of communication did you use? Email? No response? Why not order but only over the phone? That way, you can ask your important questions up front and immediately get an answer---not wait for someone to respond to your email.
I get it that you want to do it the easy way, or the only way the vendor will take your order---so you email order or fill out their order form. If that is the only way to get the product, then maybe they are not YOUR type of vendor to begin with!!!
Why? Because they can't, or won't answer your questions BEFORE you order. Thus, you are buying blind.
What if you were buying a car, not for hundreds of dollars but tens of thousands, and four dealers wouldn't answer your questions via email? Would you buy from one of them, then complain about it? What if the fifth took all the time to answer your questions because you called and asked for him? Makes sense to buy from whom? Answer is simple to me. Why expect less just because the cost of the object is less?
I get it that you want to do it the easy way, or the only way the vendor will take your order---so you email order or fill out their order form. If that is the only way to get the product, then maybe they are not YOUR type of vendor to begin with!!!
Why? Because they can't, or won't answer your questions BEFORE you order. Thus, you are buying blind.
What if you were buying a car, not for hundreds of dollars but tens of thousands, and four dealers wouldn't answer your questions via email? Would you buy from one of them, then complain about it? What if the fifth took all the time to answer your questions because you called and asked for him? Makes sense to buy from whom? Answer is simple to me. Why expect less just because the cost of the object is less?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: San Jose California
@AORoads
The two I've written off I have tried to call on several occasions and just received voicemails. A few times I was called back but mostly ignored.
Yes, I can accept some fault for implying trust based upon their forum vendor status, but to be candid why the hell are we allowing untrustworthy vendors to advertise? This only erodes trust in Corvette Forum.
I have an expectation that if a vendor -- car parts, Apple, computers, books, appliances, ANYONE -- operates an e-commerce site that vendor honors communication attempts for orders placed through that site. If they provide a phone number and/or an email address I expect that they answer it. I really don't think this is asking too much.
You are right, I have chosen to vote with my wallet in this case, but I think we should remove vendors who give crappy experiences from the list of forum vendors.
Cost should be irrelevant. My best experience to date has been with a $300 part ordered from Elite Engineering.
The two I've written off I have tried to call on several occasions and just received voicemails. A few times I was called back but mostly ignored.
Yes, I can accept some fault for implying trust based upon their forum vendor status, but to be candid why the hell are we allowing untrustworthy vendors to advertise? This only erodes trust in Corvette Forum.
I have an expectation that if a vendor -- car parts, Apple, computers, books, appliances, ANYONE -- operates an e-commerce site that vendor honors communication attempts for orders placed through that site. If they provide a phone number and/or an email address I expect that they answer it. I really don't think this is asking too much.
You are right, I have chosen to vote with my wallet in this case, but I think we should remove vendors who give crappy experiences from the list of forum vendors.
Cost should be irrelevant. My best experience to date has been with a $300 part ordered from Elite Engineering.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 141
From: Toronto Ontario
Through the years I have been very disappointed with the service from a couple of the vendors on here and I simply will not order from them anymore. Anyone can pay to be a forum sponsor, you just have to weed out the bad ones.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
I was just thinking about posting a rant myself. A few of these vendors seem to think it’s ok to screw you over and then whine to the moderators when you post an honest opinion about your experience on a thread. Whimps! Thankfully there are more good then bad vendors. I’m guessing we have had trouble with the same ones. Can’t post their names on this site but they can’t stop me from posting on others. Buyer beware
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Carrollton GA
W. GA Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15
Customer service these days is the exception vs the rule. For vendors reading this, if you want to separate yourself from the others, then provide good customer service.
OP, sadly AORoads is right, you often have to micro manage the engagement with sellers these days to make sure your expectations are met. Sometimes even if you ask all the right questions, poorly run organizations will find a way to disappoint.
Hang in there, we are all in the same boat.
OP, sadly AORoads is right, you often have to micro manage the engagement with sellers these days to make sure your expectations are met. Sometimes even if you ask all the right questions, poorly run organizations will find a way to disappoint.
Hang in there, we are all in the same boat.
Last edited by JKbride; Apr 22, 2014 at 07:42 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 88
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From: San Jose California
To the "anyone can pay to be a vendor" comment,
Yes, you're absolutely right. Also, any member can pay to become a supporting member. I did just today because I mostly enjoy my experience here, find it to be a treasure trove of information, and want to contribute to its continued success.
As a paying forum member, however, I am entitled to no special treatment and expected to follow the same rules as everyone else. And it absolutely should be like this.
Why should that not also apply to vendors? I think CF should implement vendor codes of conduct and hold vendors to that. A bad experience with a "supporting vendor" reflects poorly on the vendor AND Corvette Forum by association. We can argue all day about whether or not "guilty by association" *should* happen, but the reality is that it does.
I work in high tech and if one of our suppliers or partners runs afoul of our code of conduct, they won't be doing business with us for long for this very reason. I've worked for companies in the past that decided not to renew multimillion dollar contracts because of bad press on a partner and we didn't want to be caught up in it.
Inb4 other "you did it wrong" posts -- you are right, I take full responsibility for my own getting burned and it will not happen again. Hindsight is always 20/20 and it's very easy for someone to say "you should have" after the fact.
I just hope that these vendors either get their crap together or that my experiences don't happen to the next unsuspecting forum member.
I hope it doesn't go to transaction feedback as this isn't one particular transaction... C6 may not be the best place for it, but all the parts ordered were for a C6 so I started here :P
Yes, you're absolutely right. Also, any member can pay to become a supporting member. I did just today because I mostly enjoy my experience here, find it to be a treasure trove of information, and want to contribute to its continued success.
As a paying forum member, however, I am entitled to no special treatment and expected to follow the same rules as everyone else. And it absolutely should be like this.
Why should that not also apply to vendors? I think CF should implement vendor codes of conduct and hold vendors to that. A bad experience with a "supporting vendor" reflects poorly on the vendor AND Corvette Forum by association. We can argue all day about whether or not "guilty by association" *should* happen, but the reality is that it does.
I work in high tech and if one of our suppliers or partners runs afoul of our code of conduct, they won't be doing business with us for long for this very reason. I've worked for companies in the past that decided not to renew multimillion dollar contracts because of bad press on a partner and we didn't want to be caught up in it.
Inb4 other "you did it wrong" posts -- you are right, I take full responsibility for my own getting burned and it will not happen again. Hindsight is always 20/20 and it's very easy for someone to say "you should have" after the fact.
I just hope that these vendors either get their crap together or that my experiences don't happen to the next unsuspecting forum member.
I hope it doesn't go to transaction feedback as this isn't one particular transaction... C6 may not be the best place for it, but all the parts ordered were for a C6 so I started here :P
Last edited by PSTOUT1; Apr 22, 2014 at 07:35 PM.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,898
Likes: 4,350
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
There are no issues with general commentary such as this. The issue comes when a particular vendor or vendors is/are singled out. At that point, the member is welcome to follow the rules for transaction feedback. All members should do their due diligence and check transaction feedback among other places before doing business - just as you would with any business.
Transaction Feedback/Unresolved disputes:
Transaction Feedback/Unresolved disputes:
The Forum allows a factual post on an unresolved dispute with a vendor or another member once all efforts to resolve the issue offline have been exhausted. Then, the post must be factual and cannot be used to bash the vendor or the member. It should be posted in the Transactions Feedback section. Once the post has been made, it cannot be repeated in other sections or on other days.
Moderators will try to leave such threads open until everybody with direct knowledge of the issue being addressed has had a chance to provide their version of the facts. The thread must not become a running debate on the accuracy of the “facts” and may not deteriorate into an exchange of personal attacks. Neither should be used as an opportunity for speculation by those who do not have direct knowledge of the issue.
Once there has been the opportunity for the facts on all sides to be posted, the thread will be locked. It will remain in the database and will be available for review by those who are researching the topic, vendor or member.
The Forum is not in a position to monitor transactions or to determine the “true facts” in most disputes. Upon request, however, the Forum will try to intervene and mediate a settlement suitable to all parties in a dispute. When issues are resolved in the matter, it will be posted to the original dispute thread so it becomes part of the searchable record. We believe that is a more useful record of performance for potential customers than would be an eBay-style rating system.
As has been our past practice, members or vendors who show a pattern of unresolved issues will be removed from Corvetteforum.com.
Occasionally, members fail to recognize the importance of exhausting all efforts to settle an unresolved dispute, issue, or concern offline.
Such action can seriously damage the reputation of the business, the owner, their employees, or another member.
Members need to realize that when they create a thread, even if the information is factual, if they have not given the business/owner/member the opportunity to make things right, hundreds of members will still read the thread and walk away thinking less of the business and member, and could hinder future purchases.
Therefore, it is imperative that members contact the business/member via phone, e-mail, or PM to attempt to settle an issue or concern offline and afford them the opportunity to make things right or to clarify what may have gone wrong
Moderators will try to leave such threads open until everybody with direct knowledge of the issue being addressed has had a chance to provide their version of the facts. The thread must not become a running debate on the accuracy of the “facts” and may not deteriorate into an exchange of personal attacks. Neither should be used as an opportunity for speculation by those who do not have direct knowledge of the issue.
Once there has been the opportunity for the facts on all sides to be posted, the thread will be locked. It will remain in the database and will be available for review by those who are researching the topic, vendor or member.
The Forum is not in a position to monitor transactions or to determine the “true facts” in most disputes. Upon request, however, the Forum will try to intervene and mediate a settlement suitable to all parties in a dispute. When issues are resolved in the matter, it will be posted to the original dispute thread so it becomes part of the searchable record. We believe that is a more useful record of performance for potential customers than would be an eBay-style rating system.
As has been our past practice, members or vendors who show a pattern of unresolved issues will be removed from Corvetteforum.com.
Occasionally, members fail to recognize the importance of exhausting all efforts to settle an unresolved dispute, issue, or concern offline.
Such action can seriously damage the reputation of the business, the owner, their employees, or another member.
Members need to realize that when they create a thread, even if the information is factual, if they have not given the business/owner/member the opportunity to make things right, hundreds of members will still read the thread and walk away thinking less of the business and member, and could hinder future purchases.
Therefore, it is imperative that members contact the business/member via phone, e-mail, or PM to attempt to settle an issue or concern offline and afford them the opportunity to make things right or to clarify what may have gone wrong
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
There are no issues with general commentary such as this. The issue comes when a particular vendor or vendors is/are singled out. At that point, the member is welcome to follow the rules for transaction feedback. All members should do their due diligence and check transaction feedback among other places before doing business - just as you would with any business.
Transaction Feedback/Unresolved disputes:
Transaction Feedback/Unresolved disputes:
Forum members keep these vendors in business and they should not be given carte blanche to ignore CF members or have posts removed. There is no other way to keep them held accountable for their poor service and responses. That is just my opinion and I will state this anytime I see another member post something similar.
I think some of the vendors have been taking advantage.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
OP, I read you loud and clear. And let me be clear: I'd like to say I have never violated my own rules of answer my questions first, or nothing gets sent, like my money. But that is not accurate.
Still, I like and also do "vote with my wallet." That's one of the best ways to prove a point. Good luck with it!
Still, I like and also do "vote with my wallet." That's one of the best ways to prove a point. Good luck with it!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Organizer St. Jude Fundraiser
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 40,898
Likes: 4,350
From: Lakewood Ranch, FL
Funny I just had a post removed due to my opinion to an OP regarding a vendor. I just posted this to the MOD that removed it.
Forum members keep these vendors in business and they should not be given carte blanche to ignore CF members or have posts removed. There is no other way to keep them held accountable for their poor service and responses. That is just my opinion and I will state this anytime I see another member post something similar.
I think some of the vendors have been taking advantage.
Forum members keep these vendors in business and they should not be given carte blanche to ignore CF members or have posts removed. There is no other way to keep them held accountable for their poor service and responses. That is just my opinion and I will state this anytime I see another member post something similar.
I think some of the vendors have been taking advantage.
Bashing vendors or other members in open, general forum threads is not within the rules and will not be tolerated. Commentary within a Vendor Sales Thread that does not advance the thread's purpose is also not allowed and such posts will be deleted. Continued interference will jeopardize the member's posting privileges. These rules apply equally to members/supporting members and vendors.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 174,312
Likes: 1,217
From: Here
Pilot of Beer Force 1
Tampa Regional Coordinator
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Organizer St. Jude Fundraiser
I believe in the Beer Fairy
Funny I just had a post removed due to my opinion to an OP regarding a vendor. I just posted this to the MOD that removed it.
Forum members keep these vendors in business and they should not be given carte blanche to ignore CF members or have posts removed. There is no other way to keep them held accountable for their poor service and responses. That is just my opinion and I will state this anytime I see another member post something similar.
I think some of the vendors have been taking advantage.
Forum members keep these vendors in business and they should not be given carte blanche to ignore CF members or have posts removed. There is no other way to keep them held accountable for their poor service and responses. That is just my opinion and I will state this anytime I see another member post something similar.
I think some of the vendors have been taking advantage.
did the Mod tell you WHY he moved the post?
OP, if you don't name names and post it where we know to find it we cannot address it or help you contact the vendors in question.
The Transaction / Feedback section took months to put together to have ONE place for users to post feedback good and bad for other members to research. Its only good if you use it. We are always available to help if you need contacting a vendor.
If we can help let us know.
Thread Starter
Track Addict
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 88
Likes: 7
From: San Jose California
My thread was more on the macro issue here. I've never had such an issue with communication as I have with Corvette aftermarket parts. I still maintain my argument that this reflects poorly on CF if it's allowed to continue.
I'd use the example of Apple or Amazon, but some would consider it apples to oranges since these vendors do much lower sales volumes.
If Joe's Sandwich Shop has a web form for placing delivery orders and I order this way, I expect lunch to show up for my team's offsite the following day. I don't expect to hear nothing and be told 3 weeks later that he couldn't fill my order because pastrami was on backorder. Sure, borderline reductio ad absurdum, but a better example than Amazon.
If this happened with my lunch vendor, I'd never order from them again and advise everyone I knew of my experience.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,937
Likes: 336
again....the rules are clear....everyone needs to post their OWN dispute not pile on in one thread.
did the Mod tell you WHY he moved the post?
OP, if you don't name names and post it where we know to find it we cannot address it or help you contact the vendors in question.
The Transaction / Feedback section took months to put together to have ONE place for users to post feedback good and bad for other members to research. Its only good if you use it. We are always available to help if you need contacting a vendor.
If we can help let us know.
did the Mod tell you WHY he moved the post?
OP, if you don't name names and post it where we know to find it we cannot address it or help you contact the vendors in question.
The Transaction / Feedback section took months to put together to have ONE place for users to post feedback good and bad for other members to research. Its only good if you use it. We are always available to help if you need contacting a vendor.
If we can help let us know.
I worked through the vendor. They were less than helpful. Long story short, I ordered an item in VR that came in Torch red. They claimed I was wrong. I ordered same item from another vendor and low and behold, they sent the right color. One tried to pass off torch red as victory red and the other sent the correct item. If that's not being taken advantage of, I don't know what is but who am I? I could give a crap about the 100 bucks but I don't like companies that care less about my complaints. I only spend 10 or 20K a year on MODs for my cars and motorcycles. I bet some of the legitimate vendors on this site would hate to see some of us go.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 575
Likes: 26
From: Sunny Southern California
I do not think the OP was asking for help in resolving any single transaction. I feel they were just voicing their opinion across ALL vendors that we as consumers are getting tired of some of the "business practices" people are using. I have my own list of vendors I will NEVER deal with again as I am sure that everyone else on these boards do. If you do not have said list, continue to mod and I can guarantee you will be making one of those mental lists soon enough. I for one have seen too many times a "vendor" use the excuse that they are not a brick-and-mortar store so they are at the mercy of drop shipping from larger companies to do their business. In my opinion, others may agree while some may not, that is a load of bull----. I as a consumer do not care what your store front, or lack there of, looks like. I ONLY care that you are running a business that states something is IN STOCK, then after I make the decision to purchase your IN STOCK item you flag it as a backorder that will take 10-15 days to fulfil. All the while during that 10-15 days I am waiting your website STILL lists the item as IN STOCK. To me that speaks volumes towards a "vendor" that should not be running a business. But then again, this may only be my opinion. Take it for what you will...