Is it me...

Might just be you.

I'm just a small potatoes customer (only a couple $k in orders to date) and I've had guys call me from home on their off days to update me on my order status.

I've even seen updates to website functionality just from making a suggestion through Facebook.

Of course, if you don't name names we can only assume... but I've got nothing but love for T. Rutlands. Ricambi's done me well too.

 

I only ever really had issues with a lesser supplier, not a Ferrari specialist. They had most of the parts, but got incorrect ones on several occasions. They always wanted to make it right, but the main players have always been fantastic, answer the phones right away, great with answering questions and very helpful and knowledgeable. However there was one dealer that begged for the right to bid on my business when I was there in person. I called to order some bits and left 3 messages for two different people over a period of two weeks. It's been 1.5 years and I still haven't gotten the call back. That confused me.

 

...your post is confusing...are you fishing for commentary by being purposefully vague in your "usual" vendors comment?? Are you referring to Ferrari parts vendors? Be specific and if you have an issue that warrants scrutiny/opinion by the broader public be prepared to argue your position...if not, you are trolling.

I for one, have had great luck with Ricambi America - they are great communicators and ship content out promptly, same for Eurospares.

 

I think it's the squeaky wheel thing. If you're dashing off an e-mail and expecting people to jump for example, you may not get the kind of attention you are looking for. Now if you send an e-mail and say call a couple of times you should be getting what you're looking for providing it's not some impossible to get part or request. I find it hard to believe that people aren't willing to take your money these days unless they don't have what you want.

 

You must realize/accept/assume that you are not their only customer and that there could also be a lack of 'man power' at said company. I realize communication is important between the client and vendor but do not expect a daily update, get your order number and if required a shipping/tracking number.

 

When you say the "usual" suppliers it's hard to tell who you mean.

In my humble experience and opinion.....

Ricambi America= excellent and above average communucation-even getting emails or phone calls on weekends and days off

FerrParts= excellent communication if by phone. Average or better if by email

Superformance UK= not always the best communication but some of the fastest shipping I've ever seen. I usually have parts from them within a couple days (and they are coming from the U.K.)

TRutlands= I haven't dealt a ton with them as the rest of the above usually have what I need but communication is average to above on the phone but sometimes slower via email.

Eurospares= decent communication and service

Italiancarparts= pretty bad communication and total lack of updating items listed for sale

Allferrarparts(Dennis McCann)= I've never really dealt with so can't comment

GT car parts for used parts= great communication and service

Ferrari UK (Maranello Classic Parts)= average communication and sometimes spotty online inventory but I haven't really dealt with them lately

Again, these are merely my observations over the last 10-11 years of buying parts and pieces. I'd say if you have a particular gripe with one of them, let 'em know. I can't imagine it's one of the great ones, but if it is I'm sure they will not only listen to your complaint but will be glad to hear it so they can improve!!

 

Well, Dr., why not enlighten us as to how it should be so easy to find parts for a 35+ year old, hand-built car of which only a few thousand were ever produced?

I think you've set some unrealistic expectations...

 

Yeah, it's you. You've been *****ing and moaning since you bought that GT4, to the point of besmirching the name of a great former owner. Perhaps you would be happier with a Corvette.

 

In the Dr's defense I think he could be new to this whole process and could use more support and understanding instead of criticism, after all we are simply car guys right?

 

NOTE TO SELF:
Be carefull of what you say here as one can easily wad the panties of others with delicate ego's.

 

You don't want to say who it is you had an issue with, yet you still want to throw vauge complaints out there. What is it you are really looking for? Seems like all you really wanted with this thread was for someone to commiserate with??

Sure there are a few of the "usuals" who over-promise and under-deliver, but for the most part I've always had great luck with most of them. If you have particular trouble with one, learn from it and move on to the next. That's the way it works!!

 

If it is a part I need urgently I always call in person to make sure it is in inventory and then place the order over the phone and arrange shipping according to my needs. If it isn't urgent I may just order online and wait for the parts to make their way through the channels.
Jes

 

Yes, it really is that difficult... It's not like the local MegaVolumeBigBoxStore, which gets its inventory in neatly itemized pallets with bar codes and electronic scanners, is hooked into a world-wide computer network that extends back into the wholesaler's IT systems, knows where every piece of stock is at any moment, automatically reorders whenever stock is running low, is basically set up to match orders to shipping product as efficiently and with as little human involvement as possible.

 

Well, sorry your feelings were hurt. I think there were several posts that were trying to be helpful, but without knowing what you really want help with it's kinda hard. I listed my experiences with just about every supplier I could think of. I think that falls under "discuss problems, solutions, gain info, give info, et cetera...?!" don't you?

I'm really not sure who you are referring to when you talk about bullies and weak kids though??