Date:         Fri, 4 Aug 2000 13:03:13 EDT
Reply-To:     EVEHART33@aol.com
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Hunter <EVEHART33@aol.com>
Subject:      Bus Depot; mailorder reminders
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Having worked a number of years in mailorder autoparts I should have known
better.  It was a small and simple order; a pump for my Westy water tank, 3
gaskets for the outside water and electrical covers, and a flue vent cover.
The order taker was friendly, I got my list discount, I was told all items
were in stock, shipping was reasonable, and I  received my order priority
mail. But when I opened the box yesterday 1) the vent cover was b/o, and 2)
the rubber grommet pictured with the pump
(http://199.217.241.240/partsimages/255070805.JPG) was missing. I was told by
BD that the grommet wasn't pictured in their catalog and not available.
In my case, fine. A dab of silicone on my old grommet and I don't need the
cover right now anyway. No big deal.My van is parked in the driveway. Here's
the point: IF YOU REALLY NEED THE STUFF or you're broke down 200 miles from
home 1)realize that part# order takers and receving/inventory people are
often new and inexperienced. Its usually where you start in a company 2) what
is pictured in a catalog may not be what you get (suppliers change,etc). Ask
when ordering and/or have somebody actually look at the part. 3) Don't trust
computer inventory. If you really need it have somebody actually pull the
part and verify that there is enough stock so the order ahead of yours
doesn't get the last one. 4)If something is b/o and you really need it ask to
speak to the owner. The boss may have parts set aside and not inventoried or
some other resources available to expedite things.
I have no problem with BD. My problem was not remembering my own advice.






Ken Hunter
82 Westy 1.9D
84 Jetta 1.5D
89 Mitsubishi van