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

[Bulldog9]

Between my wife and myself we've owned 3 BMW's 3 SAAB's a Subaru and now a Mercedes (SHe just bought a GLA) over the last 10 years. I also own and old GM Muscle Car, several old Motorcycles. Most if no all were 'fixer uppers" I bought cheap, and thus needed parts.

As such, and wanting OEM parts, Local Auto Parts Stores rarely fit the bill. I bought from E Europarts, the Saab Source, FCP Euro, with occasional Rock Auto or other

My 912E was my first Porsche, and opened up a whole new world of vendors. All the 914 world associated (which as said earlier are outstanding) but also Pelican, Auto Motion, AA, GPR, Sierra Madre, Parts Klassic, and the list goes on. I've also continued to buy essential OEM parts from FCP Euro who have really gotten better over the same timeframe. I even bought (holding my nose) from Parts Geek and AUtoparts King (same company).

Pelican was a great find and still is. The problem is the long delay in shipping relatively HIGH shipping prices, and not notifying you of a parts delay or out of stock/unavailable part until 2-3 days after you purchase. For me, this last part was a seat belt bolt..... Nothing on the website about time or availability of the part, not when I added it to the cart, not when I checked out, but only a day or two later I get an e-mail notifying me it is delayed for an unknown period of time. Not acceptable, particularly for specialty and rare parts.

My point is that they ARE a great source, and C.S. is excellent, but it looks like the Peter Principle is at work. They need to fix their shipping and inventory cost and problems. When most competitors can get the part out and to your door faster and for less (shipping and parts wise), you have a problem. I'm at the end of my restoration, and there are few parts I will need other than maintenance items. I love Pelican and want to see them continue, but also would like to see them bring their site and shipping up to date.