Not impressed by Rock Auto

[SC Maintenance]

I agree RA shipping is hit or miss.

I also agree that I have learned to not order heavy parts with delicate parts. In this case the OP had no choice - but that is part of the RA game. The product is technically still fine. He likely paid half.

Its worth the game to most of us. If it bothers you pay local prices? You can have good, fast or cheap but not all. On a really, really good day you might get 2 of 3.

 

[Hootbro]

Rock Auto has always been a running average with me. The few negatives have not tip the scale for me to stop using them.

 

[Hohn]

I think RockAuto like Amazon uses minimal packaging assuming a percentage of the products will get damaged. And of those that receive damaged products, some will return and some will be annoyed but keep the product. But the savings due to minimal packaging is higher than the cost of returns.

At least that's my feeling.

Surely some mba somewhere did the math. I suspect you are correct.

 

[dishdude]

I quit RA a long time ago, shipping always killed the deal. Their parts catalog allowed me to find the part I was after for less elsewhere, so that I still use.

 

[Donald]

So are there other mail order places worth checking out? Any with free shipping with a minimum amount (say $100) order?

 

[RooflessVW]

I've used RA with success for the last 15 years, with the only casualties being a few loose spark plugs.

 

[repairman54]

I'm RA first. I'm rural so shipping is less than fuel for me to go get OEM parts that may not be in stock at the dealer an hour away so 2 trips would be the norm. Not to mention lower price. Location dictates where parts are dropped shipped from. My most used RA drop warehouse is 1.5 hours away so less issues with the shipper having to handle the box over a great distance. Amazon is no better, its all on the shippers.

 

[xspeedy]

This sort of thing can happen from anyone. I haven't had issues with Rock Auto, but have with others like an online dealer or two. You are rolling the dice with who packs your stuff and who handles it during shipment.

 

[CarbonToast]

So are there other mail order places worth checking out? Any with free shipping with a minimum amount (say $100) order?

I like ordering direct from Ford either delivery or pickup at dealer. The website is ok. https://www.ford.com/parts

 

[Hootbro]

So are there other mail order places worth checking out? Any with free shipping with a minimum amount (say $100) order?

Quite honestly, I have not seen another operation like Rock Auto that offers the depth, variety and vehicle coverage of parts like they do. Rock Auto is basically a shell front for other parts distributors, that explains the varied amount of different shipping locations.

Just about all the other automotive retailers like FCP Euro or 1A Auto for example, they are either brand niche specific and/or they are selling parts re-labeled under their house brand with no other variety of selection.

 

[GW.]

So are there other mail order places worth checking out? Any with free shipping with a minimum amount (say $100) order?

I use Summit Racing mostly now.

 

[dfarr67]

Looking at shocks (one manufacturer)- front set comes out of one wharehouse, the rears....another. They like to play games with shipping.

 

[goofy]

The fact that RA wont ship is my biggest issue with them. Here in 65 land, I end up having to use Wally or ebay frequently.

 

[Hootbro]

The fact that RA wont ship is my biggest issue with them. Here in 65 land, I end up having to use Wally or ebay frequently.

What is "65 land"?

 

[goofy]

What is "65 land"?

peoples republic of california

 

[MaximumMini]

RockAuto drops ships a lot of reman parts directly from little shops.
More than once I received something like a brake booster that was completely garbage, but didn't find out until I pulled it from my stock for use long after the return period.

I will NOT buy anything possibly remanufactured from them ever again.
A lot of bogus shops unload their unusable junk parts via rockauto to unsuspecting buyers. At least it's happened to me.

 

[MaximumMini]

peoples republic of california

Don't a lot of fruits, nuts and vegetables come from CA ?

 

[Hootbro]

peoples republic of california

Ok, so Prop 65 stuff. Makes sense now.

 

[Kira]

I should go find the complete, carefully crafted RA post I made a while back.
1) The games they play with shipping is plainly dishonest. Goods from one warehouse magically come from another when it suits them.

2) If I live to be a cogent 150 years old, I'll never get over how several BITOGers defended RA's shipping lies as "they gotta do it".

3) STILL, I place their prices and generally economical shipping into account when I buy through them.

4) I'll never buy a heavy item (alternator, AC compressor or anvil) from them if core returns are involved.

5) A serpentine belt tensioner I bought was frozen solid and RA made it right.

6) One of their clients sent me dented oil filters AND included strips of paper saying they wouldn't consider exchanging them.

 

[goofy]

Don't a lot of fruits, nuts and vegetables come from CA ?

came from and come to