Quality of Vendors

[wake74]

I am not one to typically complain about vendor quality, especially as a relatively new owner, however, either I've been very unlikely or just unique. So far, I have placed orders with three of the "major" parts suppliers, and I am only 1 for 3 with quality customer support. I had to threaten one with refusing the charge on my credit card, for lack of shipment and not returning correspondence, and the 2nd was very late with correspondence, and generally lax with actual information (shipping confirmation, tracking etc, what parts a rebuild kit would actually contain, wrong parts, etc.). Is returning emails or answering the phone too much to expect?

I have spent thousands on parts for my MGB V8 over the last 5 years, and never had the types of issues I've had in the three months of BMW ownership.

Is this typical of BMW parts suppliers, or have I just been dealing with the wrong companies? This is turning the "joy" of 2002 ownership, into a frustrating experience.

Thanks!

Glenn

[SOUTHBAYeric]

If you tell us the vendors, we can tell you where you went wrong.

[cj]

Rob at 2002 Haus has always given great customer service and timely delivery. His knowledge is second to none not to mention exclusive and specialty parts. Give him a try!

Cris

[HarryPR]

If it is OEM parts you need, Blunt right here on this board can get them for you at good prices.

I agree with CJ about Rob Torres' great service. He also has vast knowledge about our cars and is very helpful.

I had an experience with Bavauto two weeks ago which left me dissapointed. After many years and thousands of dollars of purchases (I bought most of my parts with them when I restored my '02), I called them to order a few small parts which would've probably fit in a large envelope (wheel emblems, alternator bushings, etc). I called in the order and asked them to ship USPS Priority, which would've cost $4.40, even if they placed the parts in a box.

They said that they could not do it and that they would ship it via UPS at a cost of $20.21. Needless to say, I cancelled the order.

Oh, how I miss the late Michel Potheau's CTC !!

[ingraham]

It's always a bummer to pay what seems like an excessive charge for shipping, especially on a small order. Most vendors don't like shipping via USPS, because tracking is essentially non-existent, and making a claim for a lost package is a PITA and s-l-o-w.

Also keep in mind that what a vendor charges for "shipping" may be several things in addition to the carrier's charge: a box, packing material, forms, labor, etc.

[HarryPR]

I guess that, if I lived within the 48 contiguous states, I would prefer UPS. However, Here in Puerto Rico (Hawaii might have the same situation) UPS is three to four times the cost of USPS.

I don't think vendors should inflate shipping costs to reflect packaging, handling, etc. If a company's business is mostly mail order, as I believe is the case with Bavauto, BMW, et al are, catalog prices should have these added costs factored in.

I have ordered many times from AutohausAZ and they are very fair and flexible when it comes to shipping. Definitely recommended.