Large Scale Central

Web Ordering wooos

Problem Solving
#1

Has anyone used Wholesaletrains.com before and if so what was your experience with them? I placed an Order for on USA trains Archbar Truck to replace a broken one on one of my Charles Ro Cabeese. Thier web site said they had it available, so I placed the order on July 2nd. Well this is the 26th and I have not received the order. My CC has not been billed yet. I sent them two emails after 2 weeks asking for an status update on the order, and I have yet to receive any reply from them. Is this normal for them?

Today I sent them another email asking for a status again and asked if this item was in stock or if it was back ordered. I also told them that if it was on back order which is contrary to thier website that I wanted to cancel the order and I will try and find a replacement part elsewhere.

So whats your experience with this company?

Dan S.

#2

Same as yours

#3

Best bet is to call them and talk to a live person instead of waiting on web reply,

#4

Just ordered a kit for my friend, he received it in less than a week. I had heard about some problems with ordering from them, but we called them, made sure the item was in stock before we paid and ordered. Friend had it in less than a week. It was a Piko kit. I would always call them and try to speak with a live person first. Give em a call I think they will help you better than emailing. Regal

#5

They are not real quick on the web orders, however their prices are consistent and very competitive. However, I try to direct my purchases over to Robbie at RLD Hobbies, he offers very personalized service.

#6

If the item was marked available on their web site, that does not mean it was in stock. Available means they can get it.
They do not say when. The item must be marked ‘next day’ to be considered in stock. This status is provided for everything
on their site. The best answer is to pick up the telephone.
Tom

#7

Tom is correct that companies do NOT have to have in hand a product to say “available.”
If “available” means the retailer “knows” the mfg. or distributor has a product, then the following: Once the order comes in from the prospective customer, they order it from the mfg., or the mfg’s distributor – then to the customer. But…IF the mfg. is “out” then…uh…well…people wait.

#8

Dan you would be better off just to go directly to USA Trains or Charles RO as you can buy replacement parts directly from them. All that Wholesale Trains is going to do is have the part drop shipped from USA trains to you. It’s the same reason Aristo-Craft has no dealer net work anymore, you can buy it directly from them at dealer pricing. That way they cut out the middle man.

#9

Thanks for the replies guys. Looks like I will Go straight to USA trains to get the Truck I need. It is dis-hearting that a company that advertises in Garden Railway Magazine to get online business is so dis-interested in replying to emails for customers. With sevice like that it would make most anyone think twice about even calling to place an order.

I order products everyday at work for the Museum and 90% is online ordering and never have I had this kind of service. In most cases I get am order confirmation within a minute or two of placing my order and a followup email a day or so later telling me my order has shipped, and if it is an order for a part that is not in stock, I receive an email telling me that the item has been delayed and gives an estimated date of shipment.

I guess Wholesaletrains doesn’t consider a order for a $6.00 part worth its time to process. Here is one dealer I will cross off my list for doing business with.

Dan S.

#10

I deal with a company in Florida for parts for my custom-built PC. Thier web ordering is beyond approach. They have automated updates on shipment, PLUS, once teh package’s tracking info shows it arrived, they send an email a couple days later checking to ensure everythign arrived safe & correctly. I’ve bought nothing major from them yet, just parts here and there but spent over 500 with them last year alone.

#11

I find most of the computer parts dealers have excellent web-sites. But, as they’re in a tech business, it comes as no surprise.
With most of the hobby sites, I’ve been less than impressed.
The one exception, Ridge Road Station…is no more :frowning:
Ralph

#12
Ralph Berg said:
The one exception, Ridge Road Station.............is no more :( Ralph
Sadly. I loved dealing with RRS. However, my recent dealings with Wholesale Trains have been satisfactory -- and I am aware of the difference between 'available' and 'next day'. My quibble with Wholesale is that they will not ship USPS, thus exposing the Canadian customer to the courier mobs' 'brokerage fees'. However, I eventually discovered the dodge of having goods shipped to the UPS store in Ogdensburg NY, and picking them up there. I was probably the last person hereabouts to find this out :P -- you should see the Canadian plates in the parking lot. US Customs asks you where you're going: "Just down the road to shop." "OK, have a nice day, sir." Canada Customs is equally familiar with the game; they collect sales tax, but no duty on model railway items (and no brokerage fees). Incidentally, I read recently that during the War of 1812, the good burghers of Ogdensburg were quite happy when the British ran the American garrison out of town -- they had been interfering with profitable trade across the river :D
#13

My only complaint with Wholesale Trains, and I have
ordered a bit of stuff from them, was when I ordered
a $6.00 item from them a year or so ago and was
charged $16 and change to ship on the item to me…

#14

Chuck-
Please check the new posting re: Aristo-Craft relying on customer-to-factory sales – you may have further information to offer.