On Line knife vendor order frusrtration

[Landshark99]

Twice in two days I have placed an order with two different vendors, each website said the knife was in stock when ordered, both confirmed the order by email, with the first, the web site order said processing for over a day and then changed the status to back ordered, canceled that order found another website that said one of those knives was in stock, I ordered it, again received a confirmation email, checked the web site again. Stock count now said zero after my order, today I received an email from the second vendor stating that my knife is now on back order. I do not mind ordering a back ordered item as long as I know that is what I am doing. Very frustrated with these vendors. Finally found a third who says they have stock, we will see

 

[choombak]

Maintaining a "real-time" inventory requires a lot of investment (something that possibly amazon is capable of). I don't think any knife dealer maintains real-time, there is always a lag between what's actually in stock, and what the web-site shows to be in stock. Besides, if you ordered from a dealer who has a brick-and-mortar store, the the update may take even more time if point-of-sale system isn't hooked up with the web-site inventory. And from your post, I guess you ordered a sprint, or something that has been recently released and is selling like hot-cakes. End of the day, its a hobby, and considering the above facts, I just take it easy. Hope this helps alleviate the anxiety you have waiting on *that* knife!

 

[EyeDog]

The best at this IMO is KSF (Knives Ship Free). They list only what's in stock and must have an automated system as twice I've ordered the last one and in minutes it's off the site.

They have great CS and when I've called and talked to Jason or Tyler they've let me know for sure the status of availability.

I've also had good results with CollectorKnives and JSR Sports.

Mike

 

[gzb]

Twice in two days I have placed an order with two different vendors, each website said the knife was in stock when ordered, both confirmed the order by email, with the first, the web site order said processing for over a day and then changed the status to back ordered, canceled that order found another website that said one of those knives was in stock, I ordered it, again received a confirmation email, checked the web site again. Stock count now said zero after my order, today I received an email from the second vendor stating that my knife is now on back order. I do not mind ordering a back ordered item as long as I know that is what I am doing. Very frustrated with these vendors. Finally found a third who says they have stock, we will see

Call first and talk to a real person about knife's status...

 

[dkb45]

Always call when you are in doubt. I sent back some knives I ordered to Knifeworks and told the lady what I wanted instead, and she went and checked the stock and looked at the knives for me (mostly because that knife has been made with different blade steels).

 

[RevDevil]

Call first and talk to a real person about knife's status...

Yep, a little research goes a long way. I just stick with the same retailers and haven't had too many outstanding issues that would cause me to vent here.

 

[Landshark99]

I appreciate the advice and feedback, calling ahead would be the best idea, yes, but many times on line buying happens when the store or cs is closed. This was not a sprint or limited release knife, but one that is new and in short supply. If it has to be pre-ordered or back ordered that is fine, just say so at the time of ordering, and not sell with the false promise of it will ship in 2 days and then 2 days later say it is backordered, this first vendor has now done this 3 times, so I will just move on with them. The second shop has been good in the past and does have a live order inventory system, it just failed to function correctly. My only point in bringing this up is that other vendors I deal with have a very well designed and functional live order website. It is more my fault with not wishing to wait with the vendors I like and went instead with vendors made me believe I could score one sooner from them.

 

[knifeswapper]

First, make sure they are a stocking dealer instead of a drop-shipper or store that orders from wholesalers after you place your order.

Pre-order knives should be noted as just that. And if they let you pay, you have the right to be aggravated if you don't get a knife - regardless of the circumstances!