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............

[r_towle]

If you go to a lot of websites that sell parts, like rock auto, autozone etc you will notice the interface to look up parts is the same, pull down windows for year, make model etc...then scroll a list of part groups etc.

That interface is WorldPac...a direct feed to what was a Java interface, may have changed now....but about 6 years ago you would get an account as a vendor, have access to that interface and you would customize it with your logo....then you are in business.

So, when you need normal stuff, most any online store can get you what you need, drop shipped from WorldPac. For unique stuff, you need to hunt down a vendor that has it in stock, or go to the porsche dealer with a warehouse in Atlanta.....

[mepstein]

If you go to a lot of websites that sell parts, like rock auto, autozone etc you will notice the interface to look up parts is the same, pull down windows for year, make model etc...then scroll a list of part groups etc.

That interface is WorldPac...a direct feed to what was a Java interface, may have changed now....but about 6 years ago you would get an account as a vendor, have access to that interface and you would customize it with your logo....then you are in business.

So, when you need normal stuff, most any online store can get you what you need, drop shipped from WorldPac. For unique stuff, you need to hunt down a vendor that has it in stock, or go to the porsche dealer with a warehouse in Atlanta.....

We're not using it to resell but I was rebuilding a 3.6 and missing a couple seals and one of the guys also needed a carb rebuild kit and we had them by lunch. Love it!