Parts Bin experience - heads up

[Jim Jordan]

Hi,

A few days ago I bought 2 radiator hoses and an expansion tank cap online
from Parts Bin;  the prices looked okay and all were labeled as "in stock"
la de dah.  Deal went smoothly except that I got emails with about 4
different order numbers but I ignored that.  Lo and behold a package showed
up 2 days later.  What a deal!

Then I opened the package and the fun began.  One of the hoses was missing
and I began to check.  I talked to about 4 different call center wannabees
that couldn't grab their gluteus maximus with their left hand.  I went
online and found 2 tracking numbers, the 2nd of which was declared invalid
by UPS.  I talked to UPS but they couldn't help.  

I finally got it.  Parts bin is nothing more than a front end for 30
different warehouses.  I don't know how they allocate orders to warehouses,
maybe by who's up next, maybe by price.  The final hose was allegedly
shipped on 8/23/06 from a warehouse in Eastern New York State.  Late last
night the tracking number info says it's "in transit".  The last mule train
headed West, no doubt.  

So, here's the heads up.  If you're doing a project that would be best done
with all parts available before you begin, forget Parts Bin unless you can
live with the pacing item, the last item that is delivered.

Cheers!

Jim Jordan
Patiently waiting in Sacramento