Online Companies Getting Worse?

[stanger04]

Okay maybe this is just me and I'm sure it is but wondering if you've noticed this?

I order a lot of accessories online and will try different sites at least once, but it just seems to me shipping (cost and time) is getting out of hand. Here's an example, I ordered a decal grip kit for a G19. Cost was around $10.00, not bad price see them range from 9-12. Shipping and handling was $5.00, a little high I thought but again not a problem. I order product and was told after I ordered (through a message window, online) I would receive product in 7-10 days.

This is when I got a little irked but not bad. Well, 7 days then 10 days went by and no parts. On the 12th day I call to see whats going on, making sure it wasn't lost and such.

I was advised 7-10 days after processing was done. They had my money (credit card/debit card) so what would take so long to process a 1 part order, they could give no answer, that's just how it is.

I get the part wrong part, and find out they shipped it regular mail, not UPS or even a priority USPS. To me this whole shipping and handling is becoming a joke, I expect this on Gunbroker and/or Ebay. I have no problem with that as I know they are just making a few more dollars or maybe they have to drive to the post office to mail an item. I just get agitated when a "so called company" does it, knowing full and well they do get discounts on shipping due to volume.

My biggest thing or point to my rant is why? (other than they can get away with it, lol) What happened to taking care of customers and trying to get repeat business? I don't mind paying a so and so amount, I didn't have to, I chose to. I just think on an order that is really small like 1 to 2 items, a 7 day processing is too long and an envelope package that took about 3 weeks to get for $5.00 shipping is way too high.

I won't name a name but this company is a bigger online seller, not a fly by night company. I just don't get it, I've never dealt with this from Midway or Brownells and this company is along the same lines as them as an online seller.

So if you know any good online stores let me know, I like to look a lot and the weirder or more off the wall parts the better. I have a son with CP and now stay home and take care of him, so this is my hobby now....window shopping,lol.

 

[slowr1der]

Natchezss.com is a great about shipping my order quickly and I usually get it fast, but I will mention that the shipping is crazy high sometimes. The shipping is almost always $13-15 no matter what I order. So if I'm placing a small order it's not worth it. If I'm buying $100 or so worth of stuff, the savings usually outweigh the shipping cost. I wish they would offer cheaper shipping on small orders though.

Grafs offers $5 shipping, but their prices are a little higher and it often takes me a little longer to get the items.

 

[788Ham]

I know of what you speak. I ordered a part from Brownells, $126 and some change, $5.35 for 1st class postage, seems a tad high, HOWEVER, the firearm isn't made anymore. Brownells has the part I need....... do I buy it or........ yeah, why not, I need it! The particular firearm won't fire without this particular piece, see which part of the proverbial barrel I'm over?!

 

[Gromky]

I know of what you speak. I ordered a part from Brownells, $126 and some change, $5.35 for 1st class postage, seems a tad high,

As someone who ships regularly, that's not high. A flat for a 5x7 photo or CD runs $1.30-2.00. That's for a photo, which doesn't have to be priced as a parcel. If it isn't thin it has to ship as a parcel for USPS, which adds significantly to the price. I was actually happy to pay $5 shipping for a Timney trigger from Brownell's this week, I'd have to check but based upon the box they probably paid ~$4 to ship it to me, and typically it's "shipping and handling."

 

[stanger04]

I guess my thing is mainly why charge a huge fee and take a month to get me what I ordered, yet other places charge less and I get faster. I always live by the rule of 3; fast, cheap, and good quality. You can only pick 2. If I'm buying something that will fit in a regular envelope and paying about 3x the shipping it should be fast.

 

[splithoof]

I prefer Midway; prices are fair, better when on sale, and service is first-rate. Been ordering from them when they produced a "news paper" format ad. Great service.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Online Companies Getting Worse?

With a sample of just one company, why do you think the problems would be applicable to other companies?

 

[dho3]

No offense, but why won't you name a name.

 

[Dagnabitblah]

Agreed, would you mind sharing the name? Without it, we could all be using the company and suffer the same issue. We'll at least be able to decide if we want to still purchase from them that way.

 

[dho3]

I prefer Midway; prices are fair, better when on sale, and service is first-rate. Been ordering from them when they produced a "news paper" format ad. Great service.

Midway has some great deals. When they have close outs, that is really the time to buy. I once purchased a Zeiss Conquest 2.5-8x38 for 329. Demo, but perfect. Just about a year and a half ago. Just today and I know I have posted it several times, I bought a Sightron SII Big Sky 3-9x42 for 225 after rebate. www.swfa.com wants 380 for the same scope which is 305 after rebate. It really pays to spend a little time looking around. www.sportsmansguide.com is another great company to deal with. www.cdnninvestments.com had a Kahles at 599 that I really wanted and Sportsmansguide had it for 1100. They advertise they would match any advertised price and I wanted to buy it from them because they do 4 pay, divide the cost by 4 and pay over 4 months to hide it better if you get my drift. They matched it and it is one of my favorites. So, it really would be helpful to know the name of this company.