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]

I recently ordered some clutch cable parts from pelican, over the phone.
I had him check on each item to see if it was in stock, they all showed in stock, plenty of inventory.

Only after I confirmed everything was in stock did I place the order, 2 day delivery.
Well, they did nothing on the order for a week, it was "being assembled"
I called the main line.
Several of the parts were on back order, no clue on ETA.

I felt lied to by the company, certainly no the people I worked with.
The computer system says its in stock, it should be in stock, not a special order.
It was parts I COULD have called around and found elsewhere.

Tell Wayne to get his inventory controls better....he used to be spot on, but as he grew, he got sloppy, too sloppy to maintain a solid reputation.

Things happen, it's how you fix these growing pains that determines if your business survives and keeps growing or fails due to lack of solid middle management that actually give a shit.

I blame middle management 100% for this failure.
The parts sales guys don't control it.
Wayne is to busy managing the whole business.
The staff he hired to take over these functions a failing to do the job that is required, yet they are pulling a nice paycheck.
Put the middle management in a room and give them a pep talk-walk talk...
Keep up the reputation you built, make sure they start giving a shit about time.....because your customers have a choice and WE care about time.

And, like George.....have Wayne come answer.....he used to participate in the hobby and talk to people outside his own forum......he needs to do that again to keep his reputation solid.