my63vette

So last night I went on-line and placed an order for some parts for my C2 corvette with Paragon Corvette Reproductions. It wasn't much and at the most weighed 3 pounds. At check out Paragon Corvette charged me $41.50 in shipping. Now this really annoyed me and I'm aware of the slimy practices of some parts suppliers, but I wanted the parts this week because I have time to work on the car. This morning I woke to an email from Paragon stating they needed to charge me an additional $20+ dollars due to a part that would need to be drop shipped and would not be available for another 4-6 weeks.

Needless to say I replied with "cancel my order" and an explanation as to why. Clearly they didn't care and canceled my order without any inquiry as to how to make me (the customer) happy and how they could keep my business.

No more Paragon for me and I hope this thread will save someone the aggrivation and frustration I had to deal with.

Can anyone suggest a supplier where we don't have to worry about being screwed and they actually value our patronage ?

wraplock

Try Corvette Central I've had nothing but good experiences with them. Stay far away from Ecklers!

my63vette

Thank you for the reply WRAPLOCK. I appreciate it.

Hey 65hihp, wake up on the wrong side of the bed this morning ? I was just trying to convey a recent experience, but apparently its not welcomed on this forum. I wont bother in the future.

Bill32

Yea, I've always had great service from Paragon.

One order they screwed up, sent part of the order in a UPS cardboard letter, emailed them about the missing parts. They asked for a pic of the cardboard letter, sent out the rest of my order the next day, UPS 2 day with NO CHARGE for the shipping.

Gary's '66

I've always had pretty good luck with Zips and Long Island Corvette especially, when ordering online. Corvette Central isn't bad either but, WILL NOT tell you online if the parts are available so, if ordering from them CALL! Also, Corvette America is very good.

Both will let you know at the time whether or not the item is in stock. L.I.C. will say: "if the price is not shown, item is not in stock" and Zips Corvette will indicate (in green) "ITEM IN STOCK" or (in red) "ITEM IS NOT IN STOCK" but, will give an approx. time as to when a backordered item is expected. Also, if an item is to be "drop shipped" they will tell you that as well.

Shipping costs from either one is pretty much in line with the rest however, they will usually (especially L.I.C.) have the parts you need in stock and ready for shipping.

The BEST customer service that I personally have gotten was from Corvette America. I ordered a carpet kit that was on sale at the time but, didn't get around to installing it until about a year later. When I got to the back I found the kit was for a convertible instead of a coupe. Oh crap! I thought "well, I'm probably screwed but I'll call anyway" and to my surprise (shock actually) they were very understanding and, not only immediately sent out the correct piece BUT sent a pre-paid return label. Now THAT'S what I call a company who values their clientele!

Gary

capevettes

To the OP: Sorry you had a bad experience, but I must say i have been buying parts from Paragon for decades and have never experienced any exorbitant shipping costs and the parts are as good, and most often better than most suppliers. Sometimes the shipping charges are beyond their control, especially if you want expedited shipping.

Give them another try. In the long run, I think you will be pleased with them.

wmf62

I won't buy from Paragon again..

I have a set of their reproduction C1 front bumpers that the chrome is bubbling, and they could care less...

Bill

61 Roadster

That is a bit alarming; I had to replace my recently rechromed front left bumper last year and the Paragon unit was a perfect match. So far, it is undectable from the rest of the original rechormed parts in both fit and finish.

My experience mirrors most others here; Paragon is my first choice for quality but pricey, Corvette Central second and Zip is the fastest shipper with the most information available regarding inventory. I've done well by Eckler's, but usually use them for non critical items (speakers, floor mats, etc).

This is indeed an expensive hobby.

Mike Terry

For Mid Year and C 1 parts I use Corvette Central but that is about all the Corvettes I ever buy are C1 and C 2 cars. If Central don't have it in stock they will drop ship it or get it in and ship it when they get it and no extra shipping cost to you. BUT you have to ask if they have it n stock and if not when will they have it and tell them that you will not pay an extra shipping because they do not have it in stock and they will OK that deal at least they always have with me, but you have to ASK and SPEAK UP for yourself.

prestige6

I too have been dealing with Paragon for over 15 years. I have folders filled with receipts. Not only do I get a discount, and not have to pay sales tax. They are excellent to talk on the phone they have pulled parts to look at something. They are all pretty much the same with shipping. And no problem with returns.

phil2302

I consider myself lucky to live about 8-9 miles from LICS.
Parts are good and its nice to walk up to a parts counter and leave with what you need eliminating the delivery wait.

Bluestripe67

It's very unfortunate the OP had a bad experience. I have read through the thread and didn't find the answer to my following question. What is his location relative to Paragons location? The distance between them my be a factor on the shipping charges. Am I off base with this thought? Dennis

MrTrim

Boy, am I sorry to hear of your concerns with Paragon. They have been my first choice for many years. I never had a problem with quality or shipping with them. My second choice for mid year parts is LICS and I've always found it easier to buy online than in person or on the phone. Sometimes I think they have answered to many goofy questions some days and can be a little harsh. That said, their parts arrive fast and great quality as well.
Like the others have said, I'd give Paragon another chance.
Just my 2 cents here,
Chris

William Buckley

I just ordered a blank ignition key from Paragon. $7.00 for the key, and $11.00 for shipping a very small key in an envelope! Thought the shipping charge was excessive.

59BlueSilver

Gary's '66

Well Dennis,

Since the OP only listed "U.S." in his statistics section and, seeing that we haven't heard from him again since 65hihp gave him ANOTHER bad experience here on the forum which, seems to have mysteriously disappeared, (see post # 3) we have no way of knowing where he's located so, that doesn't give us much to go on.

If he's located in the lower 48 shipping should be about the same pretty much all over. For instance, I've purchased many parts from L.I.C. on the east coast and the shipping costs have usually been about the same as Paragon (Swartz Creek, MI.), Zips (Richmond, VA.) and many others and have usually gotten about the same shipping quotes from every vendor I've used unless, of course, the occasional "free shipping" events that occur from time to time.

Gary

61corv

Funny thing is I just received a item I bought in May from them this Monday, 5 months late, I thought I forgot to ordered it. I better check the shipping on it.

William Buckley

watson

When I restored my 67 a few years ago I bought everything from Paragon. In general, the service was good and the prices were reasonable with the frequent flyer discount. When I started my 65 project, I ordered the first parts from Paragon. It seemed that their attitude had changed and I got the impression that they could not care less that I was buying hundreds of dollars of parts. This time, the shipping time was shorter but the shipping cost went off the charts.When I compared the prices including shipping, Paragon was the the highest. I then discovered that many of the parts were made by EC Products. After a little research I found out that EC Products makes a lot of the parts that the major vendors sell and they have a retail division called Corvette Pacifica. I ordered almost everything for the 65 from them and I have been very happy with the service, prices, and quality. You can order online or by phone. They almost always have what I want in stock. If they have to back order something, they ship it for free. Nice folks to deal with.

Doc

vettebuyer6369

It appears the OP is not continuing this Transaction thread and I doubt Paragon will comment. All posting are by third parties at this point.

If the OP has an update to the Transaction or the vendor wants to respond, they can contact a section moderator and it can be added.