I've done hundreds of orders with Rock Auto for something like 18 years and had very few problems. As someone else mentioned, I've never imagined that Rock auto has any warehouse of their own. If they do it's very limited. They use a network of independent parts jobbers. I usually don't waste my time cross checking prices with Amazon unless it's a heavy item that Amazon's free shipping may result in a lower overall price. Amazon's application listings are also useless, you have to know what part no. you need. With RA, depending on the application, you usually get a good choice of brands and quality. The chain joints usually offer bottom of the barrel and maybe middle quality choices. Some years ago, RA started indicating which parts are shipping from the same location as something that you already have in your cart. Some of the jobbers offer Postal service shipping on small, lighter items. Maybe $2.99 for first class package service. The bulbs that a place like Auto Zone or Napa will want $6 a piece for may be $.39 at RA. The wholesale closeouts can be a steal.
RA gave me some grief on one return about 15 years ago. I didn't have cause to return anything else until abut a year ago. I did 3 separate returns with no fuss or drama. In 2 of the cases, they didn't even want the return back due to them eating the shipping. All of those damaged parts were from a Bronx jobber. I do miss the days when they didn't charge home state sales tax.
