I placed an order from a well known and reputable supplier around the first of June. It is now seven weeks later and I have no product. I called three weeks ago and they told me they had just received my payment. Is it normal that these things take this long? I have been very happy with my treatment, but I am getting impatient.
Jeff

 

Depends - the Big 3 usually ship within 24 hours, assuming they have it in stock...

 

would this "reputable" dealer happen to be in Chicago?

 

I bought something that took quite a while - a couple of months maybe, but I am certain that it was a back ordered item. My CC was not charged until the order was shipped. I wasn't in a hurry so no problem for me.

Probably a good idea to confirm that the items are in stock at the time the order was placed. Not sure how suppliers safeguard themselves against bad checks, ... do they hang onto the checks to verify funds? Dunno. I thought that credit card charges are not supposed to be submitted until the item is ready to go out the door.

Sure hope it wasn't something you NEEDED.

 

It may or may not be the fault of the supplier from which you ordered the product but a problem with the supplier's supplier. If the supplier's supplier is Porsche and the product is a 928 part then yes, seven weeks it might be. Some 928 parts remain on back-order for a long time. Some forever. Depends upon the part. The Big Three 928 suppliers will usually be (they have never not - for me) up front about the time-availability of parts. In some cases it is simply a case of 'it/they is/are back-ordered and Porsche will take whatever time Porsche takes to ship the parts.'

 

Like someone aluded to...some vendors are faster and/or more conscientiously service-oriented than others in keeping the buyer informed of order status. I once ordered an obscure part from 928 International that was not available in the entire US and they were at the mercy of Porsche/Germany for a shipment to the US...but they busted their rears to find ways to help me resolve my issue and quickly get my car back on the road (for which I'm still appreciative). By trying various vendors you will soon find which are best for certain kinds of parts/services for you. If you deal with some company that does not understand 928s, or has a poor or limited parts tracking protocol, you could have a pretty long wait.

Harvey

 

if they are reputable they could give detailed explination

 

Jeff
Probably a good move not "outing" the company. Someone once flamed one of the big 3 and let's just say it was a bloodbath. Can I suggest a talk with the company, if you're unhappy with the response cancel the order. There are certainly other people that can get you what you need. This is probably not the forum at this point (IMHO)
Good Luck

 

Well it seems like a backordered part or parts is the mopst likely explaination. I am okay with that. Thank you guys for pouring cold water on me before I made a fool of myself.
jeff

 

I buy from 3 or 4 vendors with 90+% going to INTL and Specialists. Checking about the item being in stock helps set your expectations properly and avoids misunderstandings. In all cases, I have never had any of these vendors ding the CC before they sent the item. If your issue is with either of the two I mentioned, call them immediately. They are both great organizations, who are exceptionally well thought of by the vast majority of folks here who do business with them. I am sure you will get a satisfactory answer and an apology for the delay.

 

WOO HOOO!
I got my parts today! Good news because my wife has given me a deadline of the end of October to convert my workshop back to a garage where she can park.

jeff

 

Jeff what exactly was the part that took 13 weeks to get ? that may help others plan their repairs .

 

J.B good one.

 

A full engine gasket set, water pump, timing belt replacement parts & tool, and knock sensors.
Jeff

 

for future FYI ...

if some parts were holding up the entire order, breaking up the order for the critical path items (e.g., this job would be the engine gasket set, which is most assuredly available if not immediately, then close to it) might be the way to go.

Have fun with that stuff.