Please try and take this message as a suggestion when placing an order. THis is not meant to be a complaint.

I placed an online order with Langs monday AM with priority mail delivery. I assumed I would receive it thursday or friday. Friday AM it was not here, so I contacted Langs. They were holding the order until one of the items was back in stock, so of course the item I needed this weekend was never shipped. Unfortunately they never contacted me or I would have canceled part of the order and told them to please ship me the rest. The gentleman that answered informed me that they were trying to save me shipping charges.

I guess I should have ordered later in the morning when there was a person there to take my order, and they could have informed me that one item was not available.

I will continue ordering from Langs, but I will obviously not use their online ordering system again.

Priority mail delivery should have told them something - dont ya think?? They did the same to me, and I will always have to elaborate a bit more in the future, but I always think that if you are spending the money for "priority" mail - thats exactly what it is telling someone - "I need this asap" So if Im out of stock, maybe I need to contact my customer and see what is really the "priority" item. Heres your sign!

I've had similar experiences and I don't even remember from whom right now, but I have learned a lesson. I almost always order by phone and if they (The vendor, no one in particular) don't tell me up front, I ask if everything is in stock before I get off the phone.

On the flip side Lang's called be about an out of stock item on a non-priority e-mail order. Just adding to the confusion to follow.

I think the key is a personal call, they told me up front that the part I was ordering was not in stock and we agreed to hold the order 'til it got there. You can't emphasize necessity online.

Ordering by phone is always the best way to ensure that the vendor has your parts in stock.

I know that when I order online from Langs there is an option to "ship parts as available" or "hold order until complete" in case of backorders.

Each time I've requested Priority Mail shipping from one of the vendors, it seems like it's something they don't like to do. They charge the "book" rate plus a surcharge. I guess they've never heard of Flat Rate and Free boxes. The PO even has free pickup. On top of that, the order seems to get stalled for a few days before it's even shipped. I select Priority Mail in hopes that it gets here in three days instead of the usual 6-10 days but that doesn't happen. You would think that paying extra for shipping and requesting Priority Mail WOULD be a clue that the parts are needed sooner than usual. Apparently, the vendors are clueless.

I order from a certain vendor in Ohio, and my order arrives two days later, no matter what I order. No back-orders, period.

However, they do not carry some items, so one is forced to purchase from others.

My experience with any vendor (and not just T stuff) is I will need A part, and gee, that's not enough for an order, so let's see--OK, I'll order some of this and that.
The order arrives and this and that are there, BUT the one thing I needed is back ordered--or made now of unobtainium.
Mr. Murphy has me on speed dial, I'm certain!
T'
David D.

I as a kid worked as an apprentice mechanic, then as a parts counter man, later a mechanic, and now am a end user. One thing I was taught early in life, when ordering parts always ask if they are in stock! That question has served me well all my life, seems common sense to me!

I have to come to Lang's defence and say that I have ordered oarts a few times from them and received excellent service every time.
I am in Australia and usually would be ordering a few parts at a time, all done by email. They have always asked me if I need the parts as avaiable or if something is on back order should they wait and ship all together.
Last month I ordered a complete '24 - '25 hood and some other small related parts, they advised me the hood was made to order and there could be a three week wait, so did I want the other parts now? I replied, no they can wait, two weeks later I was notified the complete order was shipped and received the lot in Australia five days later, all correct and well pagkaged.
Also, as John says above, (and I too have followed a similar career path) if there is any urgency it is up to the customer to explain and check what is available and when.
Chris Martin

Greg mentioned:

"I know that when I order online from Langs there is an option to "ship parts as available" or "hold order until complete" in case of backorders."

On the surface, this sounds like a good idea, but I wouldn't know how to answer this unless I knew which of the items I ordered were the ones on backorder.

So ask.

Chris Martin

Hal,

That’s why I think it is the person doing the ordering's responsibility to ask if they have everything in stock. I want to know so I know if I have to wait for a part that will hold me up or not. Again seems common sense to me, but also common sense in not so common anymore, the new way is let someone else do your thinking for you! Then complain when you are not happy.

I agree. The quote of Greg's was in reference to an on-line order. No way to ask. That was my point. That is why I prefer to order by phone.

Followup to my original post.

Langs called me late this afternoon. The item that was back ordered is in, and they will give me that item for free. They are also shipping all my items overnite express at no charge to me. They did not have to do this, but they felt it was the fair thing to do, and I very much appreciate it.

THIS IS SUPERB CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THEIR PART AND I WANT YOU ALL TO KNOW THIS.

I also want to say Thank You to the entire Lang's staff. Thank you.

Excellent.

Now, if I could only get the same service from the local Ford dealer that sold me my latest truck.......

Hal,

I wasn't giving you a hard time, just a general comment. No offence!

None taken.

Apparently someone who works at Lang's (probably Ashley) was reading this thread and wanted to fix someone else's oversight. I too have had problems with ordering via the website, specifically holding an order until some of the parts came in. The reason I used the website in the first place was to save time. I always use the telephone now and ask about availability if it's a time-sensitive part.

If in doubt when ordering online, you could still send an email requesting such info. But glad to see Langs looked after this case so quickly. As I said before, I have had only excellent service from Langs and will continue to use them.
Shame the Brassworks thread has not had such a happy ending.
Chris Martin

I'll say this much for langs - they are nice people, and they have helped me alot! (if they could just ship a bit faster????) But - they are great!

I use Lang's website all the time but I only make and print a list than I call in the order. Never a problem any more.

I use their website to order all the time. No issues using it at all. The key is to make sure you check all the appropriate boxes and there is a place for comments/ shipping instructions for the user to use. Your order confirmation comes in via email as soon as it is picked and ready to ship. If anything is not available, you will see it. Keep up the good work.

My guess is that all the suppliers are running their inventories a little skinny these days. Once a part that is depleted and only sells twice a year, it takes a big decision to re-order during tight cash flow. It would be nice if the suppliers got together and used each others inventories for drop-ship. I also have experienced a few more backorders these days.

Dave, I didn't take the time to read all the comments here because I started a long thread about this same sort of problem a week or so ago, I think it was titled, (I HATE THOSE VENDOR BACK ORDERS!)so I may be repeating what was already stated here in your thread. The bottom line from my many responses was obvious, if you need it in a hurry, call direct, assume nothing, ask questions, get confirmations, get names. I learned the hard way. I like the good folks at Lang's, they always seem to follow up very quickly when I have a problem or complaint so I would not discourage anybody from using them but having things in stock or available for immediate shipment seems to be an increasing problem. My advice is, just make sure you get a firm committment before you close the deal on an order and talk to a human being if its time sensitive. Jimmy

The guys at Langs are the best you can get. I used to like to blame Trish for everything but now it's Ashleys turn. Ha Ha. The biggets problem I'v ever had with Langs is that Ashley failed to be at Hershey this year. Hopfully this problem will be rectifed next year.

AMEN TO THAT WILL....

JACK '25 ROADSTER PICK-UP

Did Trish attend Hershey ?

Trish may have been at Hershey, but she retired from Lang's a few months ago.

Gee, you'da thunk she'd at least hang around the tent for a while now and then like an old fire horse just so we could meet her in the flesh. <grin>

I ran into Trish's dad at Hershey and he informed my that she was not there due to a cold or stomach bug or something not serious. And no, I didn't find out what she is up to now. Bill

I'm not Trish@Lang's anymore but I'm still Trish!
I was ready, willing and quite excited to go to Hershey this year. The plan was to hang around with the one and only at Russ Potter's booth and actually see Hershey! Unfortunately, I had to have some minor surgery (no, no implants or anything lol) - and during recovery got quite sick. I actually coughed hard enough during one attack that I cracked a rib! So now I'm getting better, looking for a new job, and hoping for Chickasha!
I'm not with Sears anymore after a minor misunderstanding. I thought I was bringing a point of bad customer service to a Regional Mgr. Turns out I was addressing a Queen! I didn't think I expressed myself in enough detail. She thought I had said more than enough lol Now she's in charge of signing off on my back pay owed me. They agree they owe me over $1000 but, she's a busy woman they say. Been over a month! Anyone know a good lawyer? I've already tried Senator Kerry and the Attorney General's office...
Anyone hiring? I'm demanding and a bit spoiled but I get the job done and will call if there's a back order! lol

Trish;
Sorry to hear about the run in with Sears. I don't think Sears will last much longer in this economy. Walmart is killing everyone! No offense to other suppliers. But did you ever think about opening up your own parts business?
Gary

Trish, get them to put their money where their mouths are, you apparently know how to deal with people, know the parts, etc., Create a buying service, where they tell you what they want, you look it up, order it, attend to the details, get them the best price from all the suppliers, etc. All for a fee of $xxx- you could be the personal shopper for us T people.

Trish please do!

I had a situation a few years ago where I placed an over night rush order with a T parts source and was told "since you're not a regular customer I can't promise you delivery" Needless to say my order didn't show up and he was right I never became a "regular".

Good service is what makes people "regulars" and will allow them to forgive the back orders and problems that come up.

Poor service is what eventually destroys firms like Sears and others. (I will never buy anything from Sears or any of their affiliates for that very reason)!

Trish I can set you up with the ignition wire sets from RJ&L wiring..They make the best sets I have seen. Same day shipping too!!!No back orders.

Uh,Snyders,has anyone used them?Smith and Jones maby?
I can call Smith and Jones in the morning,and the next day,the parts will be in my hand UPS and no problems.They will check to see if the parts are in stock,something in question they will check the stock while on the phone.Internet ordering for parts aint for folkes in a hurry.
Snyders,once I ordered a bunch of stuff,they called me the next day after my order form got there and explained a part was not in stock and ask how to handle it.That is service

I have to agree with the comment above about Sears. I took a gas powered pressure washer in for repair last month because the engine ran fine but the pump quit putting out any pressure. It came back 3 weeks later with a $125 carburetor rebuild and detailed instructions about using fresh gasoline to run the unit! No one at Sears could explain how the working engine needed a carburetor rebuild or why the pump was now working. I guess I should not complain since the unit now works but wonder if I was charged extra for something that diudn't need to be repaired.

I always paid cash at Sears and stuck to tools only. When I was young and was trying to establish a credit rating I applied for a Sears card and was refused. I hold grudges a long time.

Michael, the reason for the carb was that the pump fix was probably a 10-minute job. They had to do something to add to the bill. There's a bypass valve that sometimes sticks when pumps sit idle. You remove the valve, spray a little WD-40 and presto! They probably fixed the carb because it was sitting THERE so long.

I used to buy all my tires at Sears. I always bought their hi mileage warranty tires because I drove about 35000 miles per year. The last set I bought, the right front tire belts separated after about 10,000 mi. I took it in and the manager told me I probably hit a big pothole and ruined the tire. I told him if I hit chuck hole that would have done that, I would probably remember it. Finally I asked him if that was the case, why wasn't the right rear tire ruined because it would have hit the same hole. He said because you were probably turning and your rear tires would have straddled it. After explaining to him why I was never coming back to his store I wobbled down the street to the nearest tire shop and bought a new tire. That was in 87 and I've spent thousands of dollars on tires since, but not at Sears.

John B,

The customer is always right! The guy treated you like the money to replace your tire was comming out of his pocket. It wasn't, he was wrong and didn't follow Sears policy. That kind of customer treatment is what is causing Sears to fail, it won't be long and Sears and K Mart will both be gone!

Haven't read every reply here, but I order exclusively from Lang's if I can. Friendly, helpful folks and the service is superb.

If you use their website, you are asked to check a box if you want an order held until it is complete, or ship a partial order if something is out of stock. As others said, best bet is to order by phone and ask if the item is in stock.

Nobody is perfect, but I have no complaint against Lang. There are reasons why I will not order from several other vendors, but I haven't found reason to put Lang on that list.

--Scott

sears Sucks just like the suits! I was also refused a credit card by them. Have not spent a cent there after that.

Buyer beware! The last straw for me working there was when a very nice couple who purchased a fridge in July couldn't get drawers. 3 shipments of broken drawers and 2 tech calls to their house they came into the store. I was new enough I gave them my name and cell number and told them good news/bad news. Bad news being I was new and the good being I was determined. I was told through customer care they were taken care of but on Sept 16th they called me to say no they weren't! After 3 phone calls I approached the Regional Mgr who happened to be at our store. She told me "her manager's" such as myself should not be bothered with customer problems and "sales people should take care of it if they want to secure their commission". I informed her the sales person was a college kid only working Saturdays and considering what these people had gone through that wasn't going to cut it. She left the store and made a phone call. I was dismissed to the "shock" of the Mgr and HR person on duty to dismiss me at once without cause.
The saddest part - the customer called me again aboout two weeks later on my cell begging for my help. I had to inform him that 3 Managers higher than my position were all well aware of the situation as I had verbally as well as physically documented all the chain of events. I also had to tell him I was dismissed after bringing it to the Rgnl Mgr so I was now powerless on a store level but had reported everything to the state departments. I have found lawyers don't want to take on the big lawyers of Sears so Sears can bully their workers and customers alike.
I'm stubborn enough I'd rather go hungry than work for people like that.

Now on a lighter note. I've had people suggest to me before on the personal shopper idea Dolores posted above. I'm starting to think if 10 people tell you it's raining outside it might just be raining. Please post a seperate string if you think there is a true demand.
Peter please email me with more details at trishbulger@aol.com.
Thank you everyone!!!

The appliance repair places in town here won't even deal with sears appliances. They are always offshoots of name brand appliances with downgraded parts. Home Depot does the same thing. Look at the serial number, if an appliance has the letters HD in the serial number, it is not the same quality you would get in the same model from a GE dealer and no GE appliance repair place will touch it. It is a GE case with downgraded parts...

I like the bit that Ron White does about Sears tires falling off his car. I bet that story cost Sears hundreds of thousands of dollars in business nationwide...

And I foolishly bought a used Sears air compressor from Fast (Talking) Frank - Harris...

I just replaced it with a nearly NOS 1999 Sears 220 model, to throw lots of heavy paint with my HVLP gun.

False and misleading specifications of air compressors is worth a different thread.

rdr

Hey guys /girls lets move this Sears issue on another thread..this has nothing to do with Langs!!!

I have not had any problems with Lang's. They are a good company.

However, I used to like Sears underwear, but not anymore. They have now a size 36-38. It is too big. That's at least a 3 inch range. Smaller than 36 is too small, but they have made it about size 38. Not enough size selection, so I won't get them there anymore. So that's the reason people go to Wal mart or elsewhere.

When I get Model T parts, I usually first check which company has all the parts I want. If more than one have the parts, then I go for the lowest price. The lowest price includes the shipping price.
Norm