RockAuto shipping costs....again

[pbm]

Last week I asked about various AC parts brands and after reading the replies I decided to go with a Denso compressor and condenser...I placed both in the 'cart' at RockAuto and then found a different brand Receiver/Dryer that shipped from the same warehouse (there was no Denso R/D so I went with one that matched the OE part number). I put a few other small items in the cart that shipped from the same warehouse (an orifice tube and an oil filter) and the shipping charge stayed the same. Today, it shows the compressor listed as shipping from a different warehouse and the shipping cost has nearly doubled (from $16 to $30) because the compressor now costs an additional $14 to ship.

I assume that the original warehouse no longer has that compressor and that it now has to come from another warehouse.

RockAuto and their shipping is very frustrating.


I'm wondering if the compressor will come back in stock at warehouse 'A' if I wait a while...or is RA playing with me?

 

[HangFire]

Once you hit "buy" the purchase is a contract. If they ship from elsewhere and charge you more, they should fix it and correct the charge. Get ahold of their customer support and get it straightened out.

 

[eljefino]

OP put stuff in the cart but didn't buy. Is frustrating. Could call customer service and find out.

 

[Trav]

No more phone contact at Rock Auto that I could fine last time I looked, email and automated only.

 

[HangFire]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
OP put stuff in the cart but didn't buy. Is frustrating. Could call customer service and find out.


Missed that. Then the inventory situation is, what it is. Wait it out, or go elsewhere.

 

[wdn]

I hear you. I have had this happen before and sometimes cancel the order other times remove one of the items from the basket. Often their shipping can be very fair my Rock Auto last order last week was two Wix 42479 air filters for a Tundra and shipping was only $5.99 — and to my surprise they shipped it 1 day delivery. It was like hitting the jackpot.

 

[Hall]

You have to play with RockAuto's system. Their part prices can be amazingly low sometimes but if you need (2) different items (say brake pads + rotors) and they come from two different warehouses, their shipping costs can put them up higher than Amazon, for instance. I recently bought rotors from them and the pads from Amazon in order to save the most money.

 

[Hall]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Today, it shows the compressor listed as shipping from a different warehouse and the shipping cost has nearly doubled (from $16 to $30) because the compressor now costs an additional $14 to ship.

I assume that the original warehouse no longer has that compressor and that it now has to come from another warehouse.

I'm wondering if the compressor will come back in stock at warehouse 'A' if I wait a while...or is RA playing with me?

What you suspect it almost exactly what happened and isn't at all surprising. "Playing with you" ? That's laughable !

 

[SR20DE]

I have not visited RockAuto's site in years. Just had a look to see if it still had the ancient look-and-feel and it does. I swear it hasn't changed since I used to see their ads in Car and Driver over 10 years ago. How do they expect to compete with Amazon and the like?

 

[sloinker]

I always laugh when people whine about Rockauto and their nefarious shipping charges. I suspect these may be the same people that only use the lowest price oil that meets minimum specs. That's cool, do what suits you, It's a free country. Don't use Rockauto if it bothers you.

 

[14Accent]

I'll admit it -

My main use for Rockauto is their catalog. I LOVE the old-school look to it, makes things SUPER easy to find compared to the "catalog" I use at work.

Their compilations of OEM PN's, images, part fitment descriptions, cross references etc. are INVALUABLE to me when I'm trying to find certain parts, both on the job and personally.

I typically will shop 3 places for generic car parts (aka a wheel hub or the like): Amazon, Rockauto, and my local vendors. Local, I have to pay 10% over cost + sales tax. Amazon, usually free shipping but part usually costs more. Rockauto + 5% discount code + shipping usually wins.

I do agree that they appeal to a "cheap" repair man/shade tree me mechanic, however they really do offer some decent deals if you do your homework.

 

[pbm]

Eljefino is correct...I put them in the cart but didn't hit 'buy' because I was still shopping....RAs shipping costs and policies cause me to do that.

There is currently another thread about RA selling a 'vintage' AC9 oil filter.....A couple of years ago RA sold me filters that were over 20 years old and rusty....they should have thrown them in the trash rather than shipping them.....

 

[khittner]

So you’re complaining because, while shopping around for an even better deal from someone else, RA’s inventory situation changed, their warehouse with a part you needed was now further away, and your failure to pull the trigger earlier at a lower shipping price was somehow their fault? Ya’ OK.

 

[ZZman]

Originally Posted By: SR20DE
I have not visited RockAuto's site in years. Just had a look to see if it still had the ancient look-and-feel and it does. I swear it hasn't changed since I used to see their ads in Car and Driver over 10 years ago. How do they expect to compete with Amazon and the like?


I love their website. Easy to use.

 

[SR20DE]

Originally Posted By: ZZman

I love their website. Easy to use.


Originally Posted By: 14Accent
I'll admit it -
My main use for Rockauto is their catalog. I LOVE the old-school look to it, makes things SUPER easy to find compared to the "catalog" I use at work.


Point taken. Now that you mention it, it reminds me that I am glad Craigslist doesn't mess around too much with their site.

 

[Hall]

Originally Posted By: pbm
Elj There is currently another thread about RA selling a 'vintage' AC9 oil filter.....A couple of years ago RA sold me filters that were over 20 years old and rusty....they should have thrown them in the trash rather than shipping them.....


Does RockAuto stock/sell anything or do they simply "link" various warehouse/suppliers who do the stocking and shipping ?

 

[dlundblad]

I'm not seeing anything to be frustrated about.. They're still cheaper than the dealer or parts store too.

 

[Sayjac]

Quote:
OP put stuff in the cart but didn't buy. Is frustrating. Could call customer service and find out.

Yep, that would be a preferable solution. Unfortunately as noted it's now 'no human, drop down menu, canned response CS model. Very unsatisfactory IME.

I would say the lesson I take from this is, once you get the RA items in the cart and the shipping costs and warehouse to your satisfaction, better click buy and not wait. That said, if one is still shopping that can be difficult to do.

 

[Kira]

SUBJECT: RockAuto
SHIFTING WAREHOUSES: Long established fact. So much more than mere fluctuating costs. The A, B, C of warehouses changes if you shuffle your order around.
SELECTION: Truly a strong suit. So often you have MANY selections.
BENEFIT: Very often for older vehicles the Dorman part is available. Directional levers for older cars is just one example. AA+ in my book.
NEWS: I'll be listing my RockAuto "Collector's Magnets" for sale soon. Stand by.

It's so good to go to their catalog and get a number and go around looking for a sale online.

It's funny that any website can look "old fashioned". The 1903 Sears Roebuck Catalog, now THAT looks old fashioned!

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: dlundblad
I'm not seeing anything to be frustrated about.. They're still cheaper than the dealer or parts store too.


Not really. When I bought brakes for my Vic, just shipping from RA was as much as the rotors cost locally!