[cubs-n-bxrs]

Originally Posted by ironman

Well it looks like members opinions and experiences are all over the map on this subject. Both good and bad results with most of the major providers of specialty items. I guess if you are satisfied with the one you've used before, stick with them. If not, all you can do is spin the wheel an take your chances.

As far as shipping costs go, I don't think anyone objects to paying the price as long as it is reasonable and up front. For instance, a while back I decided to purchase some lawn mower parts from a higher profile, small engine internet vendor. Their shipping charge was a set amount, rather high, but if your order totaled over a certain amount the shipping was free. My total was just shy so I added in a couple of pre-wound weed-wacker spools that are easily bought anywhere, to put me into free shipping.

So my order arrives, no mower parts, one weed-wacker spool. The invoice says mower parts are "out of stock, don't know when they will be in stock", the weed-wacker spool I got was "last one in stock, let them know if I want other one back ordered". They only charged me for the one weed-wacker spool but you guessed it, they charged me the set shipping charge, about 4 times the cost, for one weed-wacker spool.

They had my email and fone number on the order but did not contact me to see if I wanted to wait for a complete order or cancel. How do you avoid ripoffs other than not ordering from a vendor like this ever again?

With the exception of McMaster Carr pulling that split shipping crap on me I have really had no problem whatsoever with any on line orders. Ironman I guess the only way to get around the problems you discussed would be to go old school and call on a land line before placing a order.