How Long is To Long? Vendor Pre Order

[comtn4x4]

So in fairness to the vendor I'm not going to mention them in this post.

So when ordering a custom fabricated item there are obviously some variables.
That being said, at what point has it just gone on to long? In the situation I'm referring to, we (All those who placed a pre order) were given 90 days as a lead time. (Ordered Early March) Now it's suddenly check back at the end of July/Beginning of August and we'll be going to powder coating. It seems like we'll be more like 180 days now. Additionally, had I not e-mailed to ask it seems like I would have never known.
There's really no recourse in this situation for two reasons. First, they have my money. Second, this is a unique product with really nothing to this caliber out there. Although, when another similar item ran way longer than was quoted I was given 50% off another set of items to make up for it.
As well based on the significant interest in this product, it seems to me the vendor probably took more orders than was realistic to produce in the given time frame.

Thoughts?

 

[hasoon2000]

Anything is possible. As you mentioned, there are variables.

What if they found an engineering flaw and need to correct it?
Materials were incorrect?
Materials were delayed from their supplier?

A lot of things can happen and a lot of companies push back in they have encountered an issue. While it sucks for it to happen, I'd rather have them take a little extra time to make sure it's perfect for when the product gets delivered.

 

[Jetboy]

Kinda depends how long it takes you to build it yourself. I've never bought something a vendor didn't have in stock for my 4runner. If it's too long - most items can be fabricated locally for about the same cost. Roof racks, sliders, and skids are easy to build for almost any fabrication shop. Things like bumpers that require a lot more design time are more worth waiting for.

 

[Titanpat57]

So in fairness to the vendor I'm not going to mention them in this post.

So when ordering a custom fabricated item there are obviously some variables.
That being said, at what point has it just gone on to long? In the situation I'm referring to, we (All those who placed a pre order) were given 90 days as a lead time. (Ordered Early March) Now it's suddenly check back at the end of July/Beginning of August and we'll be going to powder coating. It seems like we'll be more like 180 days now. Additionally, had I not e-mailed to ask it seems like I would have never known.
There's really no recourse in this situation for two reasons. First, they have my money. Second, this is a unique product with really nothing to this caliber out there. Although, when another similar item ran way longer than was quoted I was given 50% off another set of items to make up for it.
As well based on the significant interest in this product, it seems to me the vendor probably took more orders than was realistic to produce in the given time frame.

Thoughts?

Go sit in a cancer ward waiting room for an hour...I guarantee none of this stuff will matter.

Sadly with smaller business' they bite off more then they can chew, and can't deliver. I think at one time or another we're all guilty of that.

Unless you feel like there's something suspicious going on (and yes, trust that little voice in your head) sit it out.

 

[wfo9]

You have to be patient. If the caliber of the product is so great, it is totally worth the wait.

I always remember this quote when I'm buying or building something.

THE BITTERNESS OF POOR QUALITY REMAINS LONG AFTER THE SWEETNESS OF LOW PRICE IS FORGOTTEN

Same holds true for quick delivery or builds sometimes.

But the real question is what the quality of the end product is and if you have a legitimate use case for it. I've seen some junk here being pumped up to be breakthrough.. If you are confident in the product based on a proven track record and a solid design.. then you just have to be patient.

I think you are now doubting the hype is my guess. And yes, lots of hype around here related to big heavy hunks of steel LOL Keep your truck minimalist and you will be much happier in the long run.

 

[rochmpr]

Did you order a Drabbits rack?

 

[headpaneer]

I am willing to wait much longer for something, if the vendor is proactive in keeping me updated on delays, redesigns, etc. That level of customer service seems to be rare these days, however.

 

[1984d]

PELFREYBILT Rear bumper.. Paid end of January, estimated to be done and shipped around April.

The story and time frame you pointed out sounds all too familiar..

Around this time (Jan) they said they had around 25 pre orders.. easily around $75,000..

Honestly I've thought about canceling many times especially now that C4 and SSO have new options out there.

So in fairness to the vendor I'm not going to mention them in this post.

So when ordering a custom fabricated item there are obviously some variables.
That being said, at what point has it just gone on to long? In the situation I'm referring to, we (All those who placed a pre order) were given 90 days as a lead time. (Ordered Early March) Now it's suddenly check back at the end of July/Beginning of August and we'll be going to powder coating. It seems like we'll be more like 180 days now. Additionally, had I not e-mailed to ask it seems like I would have never known.
There's really no recourse in this situation for two reasons. First, they have my money. Second, this is a unique product with really nothing to this caliber out there. Although, when another similar item ran way longer than was quoted I was given 50% off another set of items to make up for it.
As well based on the significant interest in this product, it seems to me the vendor probably took more orders than was realistic to produce in the given time frame.

Thoughts?

 

[comtn4x4]

The quality of the product isn't necessarily in question, although I personally have not been able to see it. However, as was stated above, the quality of the customer service is in question. There are some arrangements and other work/people that will be done to accommodate for this piece. So therefore notification of an extended delay is a requirement.
I'm all about quality pieces and quality workmanship. However, before, and after I receive it all I have to go on is customer service. Customer service is the most prevalent reason I discontinue supporting companies.

 

[flyrv9]

You don't mention the vendor's name in fairness, however, it appears they are not being fair to you. That makes no sense. I'd mention their name and tell them you are documenting your experience with this purchase on this site.

 

[nglayton]

Did you pay up front? IF so that's too f'ing long.

Did you just pre-order with a CC that they will charge when it ships? Then who cares how long it takes.

There is no way to measure patience.

 

[comtn4x4]

Did you pay up front? IF so that's too f'ing long.

Did you just pre-order with a CC that they will charge when it ships? Then who cares how long it takes.

There is no way to measure patience.

I paid in full up front. No credit card involved.

 

[nglayton]

I paid in full up front. No credit card involved.

Sorry OP, I went back and re-read your first post. Somehow I missed the "they have my money" that you mentioned.

Yeah, it's too long, especially since you paid cash/check.

All you can do now is wait or cancel.

Cancelling will be a hassle no doubt since it will involve a refund of money that was possibly already committed to buying materials/labor to complete the project.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Preorder, Group Buy, Unique Product, Small Vendor.

Words such as these mean long wait times.

If I had a dollar for every time someone posted a complaint regarding lead times...

In my mind calling them and requesting updates doesn't speed things up, what if everyone did that? They would be swamped with calls. The vendors should be posting updates on the GB thread where everyone can see.

Yeah they might have a huge influx of cash coming in like another poster on here mentioned, but it's not like it's sitting there in an account. They are buying supplies like crazy to build whatever they are selling. It hurts them if you cancel halfway through so you can be certain they are trying their best to finish their orders as quickly as possible.

 

[MaddoxPics]

Definitely sounds like Pelfrey. Have a few buddies who are in the same boat and aren't happy either.

I agree they should be keeping you all updated. C4 was very good at keeping everyone up to date when they lost some welders during their group buy, which caused a couple weeks delay.

Definitely deserve better when they have your $$$. Regardless though, they make quality products so I wouldn't expect anything bad in the end. Hopefully they update you guys or at least overshot the completion times

 

[rayofsi]

i paid for half my bumper to pelfrey. early november. Base bumper, no swing outs..
I'll have it, someday. lol