Vendor Rant Options

[Bulldog9]

I've spent a lot of $$ the last 3 years..... I try to use P car specific vendors, and like most of you have had good and bad experiences, most, especially 914 have been outstanding. I will say though that some need to get their crap in gear. This Monday I ordered 2 parts. 1 from Summit, 1 from Pelican. Standard shipping, nothing special. I receive the part from Summit on Tuesday afternoon and as of 6 pm nothing from Pelican.

This has happened many times from Pelican and though I value their contribution, 50% of the time I order and PAY only to find there is a delay, and it always takes 5-8 days to get the part. Frankly, that's why I dont/wont use them for parts unless necessary. It is unfortunate because they provide such a valuable resource for us.

Why do I only find out the part is delayed until after I pay? Many websites let you know when you order it it is not in stock. BLUF, this is the last time I will order from Pelican unless it is my only option. I understand that suppliers like CFR, Rebel, Original Customs, 914 Rubber etc. are builders and enthusiasts first and suppliers second, but their customer service turn around and response are outstanding..... Companies like Pelican and Summit present themselves as parts suppliers and IMO SUmit is rocking it..... FWIW, I wont order from Rock Auto anymore for the same reason.

rant over............

[somd914]

Had a heck of time with Pelican recently. I ordered Kendal 80-90W limited slip tranny oil for my 911, and with that I ordered an assortment of other parts. When I placed the order, the oil was advertised to be in stock, but for several days the order sat in a "in progress" state. After inquiring with them I was informed the oil was back ordered for three weeks and the remaining parts would be held until the oil came in unless I wanted to pay additional shipping charges. I convinced them to break the order up w/o additional shipping charges.

To make a long story short, the oil order became a several month saga with the back order date slipping and then with Pelican shipping the incorrect oil three times, each time with the excuse that the oil they shipped was stocked adjacent to the Kendal and they kept pulling the incorrect oil - twice it was Swepco 20-50 motor oil, the third time Kendal tranny oil w/o limited slip additive.

Fortunately customer service was on the ball and professional. I've made many orders with Pelican over the years w/o issues, but lately I've seen threads on the Bird and now this about related issues...

As for Rock Auto and Parts Geek, I despise their multiple warehouse system and having to pay multiple shipping charges if you place an order that contains parts from various warehouses., which always seems to be case for me. I've had excellent experiences with Summit.