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Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 9:33 pm
by 5 WoodenWheels
Good evening,
I need a part from Chaffin's. Anything special I need to know about ordering? I see a phone number which I tried several times. Busy signal. Haven't heard one of those in quite a while. There is also a customer support email which I also tried and in all fairness that was just today so I don't fault anyone for not getting back to me yet.
I'm used to moving the mouse over a particular item, clicking on it and then forgetting about it until it arrives. Maybe I'm missing something, didn't see an online ordering menu. I don't mind stepping back in time and doing things how we used to, just want to know how Chaffin's is set up. If need be I'll dust off my Smith Corona with auto-correction tape and send them a request through the US Mail. I'm in no hurry--I own a Model T after all.
Thanks for any help,
Gerrit
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 9:41 pm
by Distagon2
Chaffins does not have an online ordering system as you have found out. Yes, sometimes it is hard to get through on the phone too. Call around the time they open and just keep trying. They are good folks and very helpful. They are not deliberately ignoring you!
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 9:44 pm
by 5 WoodenWheels
Distagon2 wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 9:41 pm
Chaffins does not have an online ordering system as you have found out. Yes, sometimes it is hard to get through on the phone too. Call around the time they open and just keep trying. They are good folks and very helpful. They are not deliberately ignoring you!
Thank you, that's what I wanted to know. I appreciate the reply.
Gerrit
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 9:52 pm
by Craig Leach
Hi Gerrit,
Keep trying Dave is the parts guy, He is busy as all get out. I like to buy from Chaffins garage because I get to talk to Dave someone that
knows T parts way better than I do and will take the time to make sure I get the part I need. It is hard to get through sometimes. But I
think you will be happy with the service you will get.
Craig.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 10:01 pm
by 5 WoodenWheels
Craig Leach wrote: ↑Mon May 01, 2023 9:52 pm
Hi Gerrit,
Keep trying Dave is the parts guy, He is busy as all get out. I like to buy from Chaffins garage because I get to talk to Dave someone that
knows T parts way better than I do and will take the time to make sure I get the part I need. It is hard to get through sometimes. But I
think you will be happy with the service you will get.
Craig.
I'll keep trying. It'll save me quite a bit of money as the part I need is sold separately at Chaffin's and comes as an assembly from some of the other places. I don't need the other parts that are attached. Looking forward to talking to Dave.
Gerrit
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 10:08 pm
by Steve Jelf
The last I knew it was just one very busy guy answering the phone and taking orders. Keep phoning until you get an answer. Dave is very helpful, and if the part is in stock he will get it on its way to you promptly.
Most of our parts dealers are small operations, with staffs of two or three people, and it's rather miraculous that they operate as efficiently as they do. I don't buy a lot of parts, but I do try to spread my little bit of spending among several of our good dealers who deserve our support.
Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 10:08 pm
by FreighTer Jim
Order With Confidrnce !
Second generation family owned.
Second generation family operated.
Mark is a good man.
FJ
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 01, 2023 11:37 pm
by ModelTWoods
As has been said before, most of our T vendors are very good people who do their best to please the customer. I've only ever complained about one vendor and it wasn't: Chaffin's, Antique Auto Ranch, Bob's, Snyder's, or Lang's.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 1:37 am
by Steve Jelf
I've only ever complained about one vendor and it wasn't: Chaffin's, Antique Auto Ranch, Bob's, Snyder's, or Lang's.
Or Birdhaven, or Smith & Jones, or ... I bet I know who it was.
I crossed that outfit off my list thirty years ago.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 10:06 am
by Mark Chaffin
Good morning all, that includes you too Gerrit.
Sorry you are having a difficult time getting through to us. Like some have stated, we are a two man operation. Dave works the phone and counter while I chase the book keeping and parts manufacturing. Dave does spend alot of time on the phone answering questions and providing technical advise. He does so to ensure you get the parts you need and sometimes don't need. It does mean you will often get a busy signal when calling and we do apologize for the inconvenience; however, we want to help you with your project in any way possible.
We are looking at modernizing our website to include a shopping cart. A customer actually approached us and offered to assist with this venture which was much appreciated. We will see what that brings.
At the moment, hiring more people is not an option as we are currently putting all our pennies into building our inventory back to what it was before dad liquidated most of it several years ago. Again, we know most of you understand and appreciate your patience.
Lastly, I don't take a wage and that's fine with me. I enjoy keeping busy and view it as an honor to keep this business going. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back. It is my choice to do everything I can to build the business back to what it was as fast as possible. We are almost there! Thank you all for your ongoing support. We wouldn't succeed without you.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 10:30 am
by Scott_Conger
Mark, I am thrilled for your willingness to keep things going...and a shout out to Dave, who is simply "the best".
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 11:01 am
by tdump
Wow,it is nice to read that there are still some folks out there with a good work ethic and are willing to make things work as they should.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 11:19 am
by Norman Kling
Chaffin's are great people do deal with. They recently relocated from Corona to Lake Elsinore, so have been busy. Also some of the parts they import from others, have been in short supply, so have had a few problems this year, but they are a good company and I have used them as a parts source for at least 30 years.
I wouldn't know about any on line ordering. I have tried it a few times from those who have that service and find that I end up either cancelling my order or ordering twice, so I prefer to use the telephone. I also do not like business phones who use an automated system push 1 for this push 2 for that etc. I prefer a rotary dial because I can look at the number and feel the position on the dial with the hand so I don't have to shift my eyes. The buttons (especially on cell phone) are hard to find and sometimes the line times out before I can find my place. I guess I am old fashoned but I like driving Model T's.
Norm
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 11:29 am
by 5 WoodenWheels
Update: Just got off the phone with Dave, part is on its way.
Thanks for the replies.
Gerrit
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 11:33 am
by 5 WoodenWheels
Mark Chaffin wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2023 10:06 am
Good morning all, that includes you too Gerrit.
Sorry you are having a difficult time getting through to us. Like some have stated, we are a two man operation. Dave works the phone and counter while I chase the book keeping and parts manufacturing.
Thank you, Mark. I wanted to emphasize that my post was by no means a criticism of your operation, just needed to know how to navigate your ordering process and find out if I were missing something obvious--which tends to be a problem with me.
Dave called with the part I need and I should be receiving it shortly. Thanks for taking the time to write. Wishing you much success.
Gerrit
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 12:37 pm
by TRDxB2
Mark Chaffin wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2023 10:06 am
Good morning all, that includes you too Gerrit.
Sorry you are having a difficult time getting through to us. Like some have stated, we are a two man operation. Dave works the phone and counter while I chase the book keeping and parts manufacturing. Dave does spend alot of time on the phone answering questions and providing technical advise. He does so to ensure you get the parts you need and sometimes don't need. It does mean you will often get a busy signal when calling and we do apologize for the inconvenience; however, we want to help you with your project in any way possible.
We are looking at modernizing our website to include a shopping cart. A customer actually approached us and offered to assist with this venture which was much appreciated. We will see what that brings.
At the moment, hiring more people is not an option as we are currently putting all our pennies into building our inventory back to what it was before dad liquidated most of it several years ago. Again, we know most of you understand and appreciate your patience.
Lastly, I don't take a wage and that's fine with me. I enjoy keeping busy and view it as an honor to keep this business going. I'm not saying this to pat myself on the back. It is my choice to do everything I can to build the business back to what it was as fast as possible. We are almost there! Thank you all for your ongoing support. We wouldn't succeed without you.
If you modernize your web site I would suggest also adding a Wish List. As we age, we often loose track of what we need or may be interested in. Its like putting things in a box to save on shipping costs. Some other item things that will help you save time: Showing "out-of-stock" or "discontinued" message when applicable & for us options to note when ordering. Hold to order complete and Cancel Back Ordered item. Even for people who prefer to use a phone, on-line information is a time saver. The images of parts in your current on-line catalogue are the best!
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 2:53 pm
by Mark Chaffin
Gerrit,
No offense taken at all. We like receiving feedback. With only so many pennies in the piggy bank, we have to decide where they are best served. In these economically tumultuous times, keeping prices down is our top priority. Thank you all for your continued support.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 5:18 pm
by ModelTWoods
Mark Chaffin wrote: ↑Tue May 02, 2023 2:53 pm
Gerrit,
No offense taken at all. We like receiving feedback. With only so many pennies in the piggy bank, we have to decide where they are best served. In these economically tumultuous times, keeping prices down is our top priority. Thank you all for your continued support.
Mark, I thoroughly loved my time back in the 1970's, working for Tommy Traylor at Specialized Auto Parts in Houston. If the situation were different and I were a native Californian, living in Lake Elsinore, I'd offer to answer phones and work at Chaffins for minimum wage, maybe less.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 7:31 pm
by DHort
Is it possible to text Dave and have him call you when he has a chance?
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 02, 2023 10:02 pm
by Mark Chaffin
No. We can't do that with a land line and Dave does not give out his personal cell number for obvious reasons.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Thu May 11, 2023 6:44 pm
by SurfCityGene
Mark, In your earlier post you noted that Dave is only doing TWO things, Answering the phone and working the Counter??
Ha Ha We've been in your shop and watched Dave work his magic locating and picking up parts, boxing up parts, mailing out parts, returning to stock parts, putting away new parts while at the Same time talking on the phone making sure the guy gets the right part for his car, listening to the guy on the phone asking him what might be the problem that's causing that noise he hears. We have first hand knowledge that Dave can do all that AND at the same time talk to us while we're in the shop and he's adding up what our bill is and somehow still can give us some good advise about what to tell our wife why we needed to spend that money!
Every parts supplier need a guy like Dave!!
Just let that phone ring a few extra minutes until Dave can put down a few other things and answer your call. If not simply call back in two minutes
Thanks Mark and DAVE !!
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Thu May 11, 2023 8:53 pm
by Mark Chaffin
Yes. Dave is all that and more. I keep threatening to have him wear a wig and change his name to Trish. That would be the ultimate! I must add, Dave did receive an award for Employee of The Year recently.
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Mon May 15, 2023 2:10 pm
by rbishop26
Mark, I've told Dave over the years that you should give the parts away for free and charge for his advice! I'm sure I've received more value in his advice than what I've paid you for parts. Thank you both and best wishes for the future!
Re: Ordering from Chaffin's
Posted: Tue May 16, 2023 12:19 am
by Mark Chaffin
Appreciate the positive comments. Thank you Bob.