Funny…I dodn;t know that Wholesale Trains was Gary Lantz…I guess thats why my Indy came in a box form Lantz Hobby Shop eh?
I had no problems with my first four orders. The fifth order had missing parts. Four emails and three phone calls later I was told the parts had been shipped twice. A year later I’m still waiting for them. I guess about $6 in parts is worth losing thousands of dollars in future sales…
-Brian
I’ve had the same thing happen to me from other suppliers. Stuff happens.
Can we let this thing die a quick death. Almost everyone has had something go wrong. I do not know why it happens. Yes, it is frustrating, but posting “I hate…(insert target for tonight here)” doesn’t help anyone.
Soap box off.
Steve Featherkile said:
I've had the same thing happen to me from other suppliers. Stuff happens.Can we let this thing die a quick death. Almost everyone has had something go wrong. I do not know why it happens. Yes, it is frustrating, but posting “I hate…(insert target for tonight here)” doesn’t help anyone.
Soap box off.
I hear ya, Steve, but if I don’t gripe to you guys who am I going to gripe to? Its not like the wife ever listens to me. I’m perfectly understanding of screw ups. What pissed me off was being lied to twice. Don’t tell me a problem has been fixed when nothing has been done.
-Brian
I don’t know what the right way to post bad new is, but it seems there should be some way, I read the forums to learn from others.
If one vendor habitually does bad things, then I would like to be forwarned.
On the other hand, vehement “griping” does not seem to be really the right answer.
So, I think there must be a middle ground. For the record, I ordered a bunch of rail clamps from wholesaletrains. The box was left on my doorstep by ups. It was poorly packed and wrapped. (wholesale trains), it was burst open at the end (UPS)… and about $40 of merchandise was missing.
I took pictures and told wholesale trains. They told me to file a claim. I filed the claim. After a month, UPS (or maybe FedEx, I have forgotten) told me the shipper must file the claim.
Wholesale trains, when contacted, refused to file the claim or do anything.
I will no longer order from them. I have since learned that EVERY shipper requires the sender to file the claim. Obviously wholesale trains knows this.
So, they are on one of my 2 lists: One list is my favorites, with great service and good prices, and the other is the “watch out” list, with many reports of poor service, or disreputable business practices.
OK, now likewise stepping off soap box.
Regards, Greg
I’ve done business with Wholesaletrains for a long time and been very happy. I’ve spent a lot of money with them. I’ve bought products for myself, my son and my school from them.
My last order however was for a N scale Shay. I asked many times for updates on shipping only to be told it would be as soon as the products arrived from the manufacturer. After stock started showing up I even asked them to ship me a road name they listed as in stock. Nope, they told me to wait just a bit longer. Finally I canceled the order because every hobby shop in Michigan had them in piles on their shelves. All the other online dealers had loads of them as well. When I canceled the order I was charged a restock fee. It was only about $20.00 but after all that I’m done. I’m not going to buy from them for myself, my son or the two train clubs I run at school. I’d rather pay extra for “better” service.
And don’t take this as a bash. I had fantastic service from Gary for many years. This is just how it is now. Money is tight and these are just trains. If I’m spending money on this stuff I better get treated right.
Jon.
I don’t see how they can charge a restock fee on something they never sold. If it hasn’t been received by them and sent to you the sale has never taken place. $20 or no I would have filed a complaint with the State Attorney General’s office.
Warren Mumpower said:Don Quixote Warren. Always tilting at windmills. No wonder your BP is so high! :D
I don't see how they can charge a restock fee on something they never sold. If it hasn't been received by them and sent to you the sale has never taken place. $20 or no I would have filed a complaint with the State Attorney General's office.
Blood pressure is just fine, Steve. I just don’t like being screwed.
I dont see how a $20 restocking fee is legal for an item they dont have in stock.
I was upset about it too but now I know where I’ll be spending money the next time I buy something. Or should I say I know where I won’t be spending the money.
Jon.
When ordering any parts, I use the phone after checking the web site and ads in Garden RR’s listings for prices. Then, at the phone call, I ask for the name of the clerk and use it in the conversation. Here’s either the problem source or the solution to the problem that has yet to happen. I have had good service, no delays, packaging OK, and no hidden freight costs from San Val, St. Aubin (Vegas), Trainworld, and Ridge Road Station. Personal service from my end, I think, is rewarded at the sales end.
Wendell
The gist of my response was that ALL of these retailers, or at least the ones I’ve dealt with so far have provided great service as well as rotten service from time to time. Online, Over the phone, & In person. Each one is a learning curve for me (& if I chose to gripe publicly) to others. Considering the variations in shipping and weather and location and time of day and week and year any number of things can a do happen. I have learned never to say never. I have learned (I hope) to be cautious of my words, deeds, and actions however. There are times to throw caution to the winds too. A good vent at times makes one feel better.
Chas