Ok, I needed bullets, powder and primers yesterday. I go to a very large supplier of all things bang bang and start building an order. I totally expect to pay a hazmat fee and shipping costs, so I order a little extra powder to make up for it all so to speak. Invoice says. Powder is shipped by XXXX and shipping is 11.00 plus hazmat of 19.95 plus powder...good so far. BUT the primers are shipped by original company. With bullets and primers it's again 11.00 shipping and another 19.95 hazmat. In other words. The company that lists the powder doesn't really have any powder and they forward the order to some third party who hammers you again. Well, now 150.00 in powder and primers is going to cost me about 62.00 in shipping and hazmats. Needles to say that didn't go thru. Now I get all those reminder emails about leaving stuff in a cart etc... Second order. Ordered from a huge supplier who said it was in stock. Then 6 days later without shipping notification I call and ooops, one item on back order. I showed them the original invoice where it was in stock. "Not sure how that happened, we can ship whats here but you have to pay an additional hazmat fee when the rest ships later". Is it just me? You will notice I have not named anyone in this mini rant.
Strange business model today
- Thread starter dickn52
- Start date
Strange? No, not hardly... the new "normal".
Few vendors really stock all the stuff they advertise for sale, it's cheaper - for them - and more flexible to drop-ship from their suppliers. Problem is you may not see this up-front, it takes a robust marketing plan (not uncommon but that takes time & money too) as well as almost real-time inventory status to work.
Least offensive practice IMHO is to pick a vendor or two for the stuff you need most frequently, who's business presentation model you can stomach, then stick with them. That way at least you know what to expect when you place an order.
Few vendors really stock all the stuff they advertise for sale, it's cheaper - for them - and more flexible to drop-ship from their suppliers. Problem is you may not see this up-front, it takes a robust marketing plan (not uncommon but that takes time & money too) as well as almost real-time inventory status to work.
Least offensive practice IMHO is to pick a vendor or two for the stuff you need most frequently, who's business presentation model you can stomach, then stick with them. That way at least you know what to expect when you place an order.
I agree, that type of dropship business is becoming the new norm. I started using Powder Valley for all my powder and primers a few years ago and have never looked back. They have most items in stock and at very reasonable prices.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Didnt brownells just have $.01 hazmat?
jepp2
Gold $$ Contributor
If you are talking about the one I am thinking about, they have been doing that for over 10 years. That is just one reason I switched to PV for my needs.
thekriebles
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes they did. It was a one-day promo, which they offer periodically. For orders over $150 they had free shipping, $.01 hazmat and $15 off.
Dusty Stevens
Shiner
Thats a good deal
thekriebles
Gold $$ Contributor
Yes, it was exceptional. One of the members here, "McGraw", posted a heads-up about it on the day it was a valid offer.
You have named half the problem.
If and when the LGS carries or stocks the items I want, then I'll be at the door when they open. Problem is I might be the only person in town who wants powder xxxxx, and the LGS has to order a minimum. So they don't want to tie up cash in inventory.
I missed this .01 special. Did a chat w Brownells & asked for the promo the following day. Answer was - no can do. Rep suggested signing up for the emails so I'd get a heads up on specials. I did. I don't think sales are advertised in advance; I could be wrong.
thekriebles
Gold $$ Contributor
You'll receive an e-mail on the day of the sale date.
I have never paid a hazmat fee. I talked with a few people at the gun show years ago that sell reloading stuff. One of the guys seemed like a straight shooter and good guy. Got his business card, has cell number on it. I call him with wants and went near his place I drop by and pick up what I need. I support a local guy and don't get hosed on a $20 hazmat fee that they can charge a penny for if they want to.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
I live in a pretty low population area, and it's still easy enough to find a good selection of powder and primers within ten or fifteen miles from my home.
If I pencil in shipping and Hazmat costs, there's no way I could justify spending my money through the mail as opposed to the guys and gals I bump shoulders with locally. jd
If I pencil in shipping and Hazmat costs, there's no way I could justify spending my money through the mail as opposed to the guys and gals I bump shoulders with locally. jd
jghoghunter
Gold $$ Contributor
This is fine and I like to support local business. BUT when your local gun shop wants $5 for a 100 cci 450 and $39/lb powder that every place else wants $23-28 for its hard to support local business. I can order and pay hazmat in most cases than buy from my local gun shop.
jds holler
Gold $$ Contributor
Sounds like they're charging Union prices for their merchandise.
EEEEZZZZY now, I'm just kidding around.
jd
pirate ammo
Guaranteed to take the wind out of their sails
I could be your local guy,,I try to keep a fair inventory and fair prices,,primers $30-$35 per 1K,,powder $24-$30 all depends on freight,,want 8 pounders might have to wait until I make an
order,small places like mine can't go crazy with inventory,but we do try I'm moving more away from stocking firearms and more into reloading,,but still have a way to go,,check close
to home,they could be someone doing the same thing,,
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