Burned by Auto Atlanta
05-22-2011, 12:06 PM
#32
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I can't remember the last time our shipping manager ever packed up a box and mailed it to someone. If a manager at Wal-Mart took a sick day do you think they'd close the whole store? C'mon!
05-22-2011, 10:16 PM
#33
Instructor
I have also had similar experiences with Auto Atlanta and have decided not to use them anymore. Out of 4 transactions, 0 went as expected.
I order everything I can from Pelican. The service is impeccable. They will make it right no matter what. For example:
Back in 1997, I was selling a 914 and the guy test driving it had a head gasket blow and drove it back to me with a huge hole burned in the head. He was still ready to buy but I needed a new 1.7L head ASAP. I called Wayne and he overnited the part while the purchaser slept on my couch. I paid $50 shipping (gas was cheaper then I guess). The head arrived and it didn't fit as it was a 1.8L head. I immediately got on the phone to Wayne and he said...oops! He then overnited me the correct part, at his cost, and paid extra for Saturday delivery. That's service!
So, it's not being perfect that makes a company a pleasure to do business with. It IS admitting fault, and making the customer happy....no matter what.
-Mark
I order everything I can from Pelican. The service is impeccable. They will make it right no matter what. For example:
Back in 1997, I was selling a 914 and the guy test driving it had a head gasket blow and drove it back to me with a huge hole burned in the head. He was still ready to buy but I needed a new 1.7L head ASAP. I called Wayne and he overnited the part while the purchaser slept on my couch. I paid $50 shipping (gas was cheaper then I guess). The head arrived and it didn't fit as it was a 1.8L head. I immediately got on the phone to Wayne and he said...oops! He then overnited me the correct part, at his cost, and paid extra for Saturday delivery. That's service!
So, it's not being perfect that makes a company a pleasure to do business with. It IS admitting fault, and making the customer happy....no matter what.
-Mark
05-23-2011, 02:46 PM
#35
Former Vendor
That's so classic I almost fell over: "Here's our lame excuse....oh, but we're not trying to make an excuse."
I can't remember the last time our shipping manager ever packed up a box and mailed it to someone. If a manager at Wal-Mart took a sick day do you think they'd close the whole store? C'mon!
I can't remember the last time our shipping manager ever packed up a box and mailed it to someone. If a manager at Wal-Mart took a sick day do you think they'd close the whole store? C'mon!
05-23-2011, 04:17 PM
#36
Really problems like this come from a lack of good communication with your customers. I have found even if things don't go like planned as long as you keep them in the loop with regular contact, even an email letting them know what is going on they are much less agitated when things go wrong.
It is when they don't hear anything or get mis-information or contradictory people get mad. Even when all is well and they don't hear anything or know what is going they get mad.
It is when they don't hear anything or get mis-information or contradictory people get mad. Even when all is well and they don't hear anything or know what is going they get mad.
05-24-2011, 12:04 AM
#37
Former Vendor
Really problems like this come from a lack of good communication with your customers. I have found even if things don't go like planned as long as you keep them in the loop with regular contact, even an email letting them know what is going on they are much less agitated when things go wrong.
It is when they don't hear anything or get mis-information or contradictory people get mad. Even when all is well and they don't hear anything or know what is going they get mad.
It is when they don't hear anything or get mis-information or contradictory people get mad. Even when all is well and they don't hear anything or know what is going they get mad.
We are also working on the communication side of things with a bit more transparency than we previously had. There are several steps of the order process, and when an order progresses to the next step, the customer will be informed.
05-24-2011, 04:48 PM
#39
Former Vendor
yes, he was asked to not come back. We have actually replaced him with someone who is much more efficient, (promoted from within), and we still need to replace the replacement's position.
Things are changing for the better here in Marietta, GA. Mostly thanks to our great employees, but we are being dragged down by a couple large albatrosses around our collective neck...mainly the decrepit old building we operate out of, and partly the man who owns it...
Things are changing for the better here in Marietta, GA. Mostly thanks to our great employees, but we are being dragged down by a couple large albatrosses around our collective neck...mainly the decrepit old building we operate out of, and partly the man who owns it...
05-24-2011, 05:12 PM
#40
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07-12-2011, 01:27 AM
#41
2nd Gear
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I am also getting burned by AutoAtlanta. My own fault. I read this thread and decided to chance ordering a hard to get part. Communication from AutoAtlanta says a week later that the item is backordered and no ETA. i try to cancel my order and they say the parts are ready to ship. This is ongoing and I am anticipating a long delayed wait. Wait and see. Should have heeded the warnings. don't deal with AutoAtlanta.
07-12-2011, 09:31 AM
#42
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
I should mention I recently sent a FedEx letter to Atlanta from CT and it did cost me more than the $25 I stated in my first post, it was closer to $40 with a fuel surcharge.
Last edited by SuperUser; 07-12-2011 at 11:25 AM.
07-12-2011, 10:01 AM
#43
Intermediate
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I know and can understand why a lot of us use Pelican and Sunset (me too!), but I've recently had extremely good service and pricing from my local Porsche dealer. They frequently (a) have the part I need in stock (and with no shipping charge); and (b) their prices often match Pelican's. And with the 10% discount they offer all PCA members, I'm way ahead. Just an fyi.
Last edited by Chunkyd65; 07-12-2011 at 10:43 PM.
07-12-2011, 07:20 PM
#44
07-12-2011, 08:11 PM
#45
Three Wheelin'
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Interesting...guaranteed overnight shipping from Porsche's distribution centers (Atlanta, Ontario CA, and Easton, PA) costs the dealership 20% or $20, whichever is more...