I was on the Rockauto site last night and found a"wholesale closeout" carb kit for a real good price 6.79 with shipping 12.12.I ordered it got a order confirmation number etc.Today i get an e-mail saying sorry its out of stock you can substitue it or cancel.They are not giving me it at sold price the substitued part is 3 times the sold price.I cancelled the order and probably never going to buy anything from them again.Another thing that they try to screw you is when you order multiple items they ship from multiple locations and shipping costs are outrageous.Nick

 

That's a bummer Nick. I've bought a few parts from RockAuto and I had a great experience. I bought a Fram Air Hog air fliter for my 71 98 for less than $5. It's a resusable one like the K&N air filters. Hopefully you find a good deal on your carburetor kit at the local auto parts store.

 

I agree on the multiple warehouse issue. Most of my dealings with them has been great.

 

I like rock, more choices. But you do have to watch the shipping costs. Alot of their closeout prices are exactly that, and sometimes they sell out before removing it. Many of their prices are still a bargain with the shipping unless you place a large order that comes from different warehouses. I have also talked to them on the phone when they made a mistake and their cust. service was great.

 

That is not a "bait and switch" and they do not "try to screw you". If you're not happy, that is your right. But to make these exaggerated claims is not your right. They should have just told you they did not have your part and not attempted to do you any service by offering you anything else, because all they get from you is a public trashing.
Sure, their shipping charges are not cheap, and they can add up from multiple locations, but that is a stated policy. They are not "outrageous". Apparently you have not shipped anything yourself recently.
If you don't like it, buy elsewhere. Rock is a more than a reputable supplier, and does a great service to the classic car hobby not only having parts available usually much cheaper than reproduction parts suppliers (even with the shipping), they also make it easy to find parts for you particular application.
Methinks thou dost protest too much.

 

They do indicate that item that come from different warehouses before you buy. Just something to consider on an order. A more expensive option might be cheaper if it ships from the same warehouse as other item.
I've always had good experiences with them.

 

I don't care how awesome a business has been in the past to whatever special interest group; one simply must honor one's word each time, every time. Until that ad is modified off their website, good business ethics requires them to honor it.

 

X2 - their prices and selection are some of the best you will find.

 

Personally I won't slam anybody or business in a public forum. I will commend or recommend them if I feel they deserve it.

 

I am 99% certain that a computer program offered you alternatives for the same application. It wasn't somebody manually picking out the most expensive ones.

 

I have learned to look for the little truck icon that means it comes from the same warehouse, and select accordingly. Got spark plugs for the hot rod for 18 CENTS each after rebate.

Rock Auto... rocks vigorously.

 

I've had good dealings with them in the past,but not this time,i will purchase locally for less then them on this item.

 

I didn't see the ad so it is hard to be specific but wouldn't "close out special" infer that they were selling off the remaining or old stock? I would take this to mean that they did not plan to restock this item and it would no longer be offered for sale. A replacement would be a different item! I have had good service from Rock Auto but you really need to watch the shipping costs.

 

Even after 25 orders or so with them, they are always great to deal with.
A closeout item going out of stock happens anywhere.
Rockauto often has closeouts from particular locations - not companywide. That is why there will often be a closeout and a regular inventory choice in a dropdown box.
I would not let one small issue keep you away from a great company. Even at regular price with shipping,t hey are usually lower than the corner parts store and you do not have to go get it. Also the perpetual 5% discount helps with shipping.
They did give you the option to cancel the order and not charge you the higher price, so not really bait and switch. Somewhere I read that closeouts are limited to stock on hand and your part was probably popular.
Go grab a beer and give em another chance later. I bet it will be a favorable one.

 

Yes i have shipped recently and shipping costs are outrageous.None of my claims are exaggerated just the facts.I'm unhappy about it but i'll go grab a beer as Rob said and give em another chance.Nick

 

If I were you, I would call them over the phone, calmly explain what happened, how the options they gave you are unacceptable, and how you'd like to see if you can have a raincheck for the item in question. Of course, if the page said "while supplies last" then you're SOL but can't place blame on them for that.

 

As I'm from Germany I have to watch shipping costs even closer. There's a difference of "Warehouse A: 90$" and "Warehouse A: 90$ PLUS warehouse B 120$"



But I hope you've seen the online help at RockAuto that shows you that the (advanced mode) site version can help you combine shipping by selecting some checkbox?

http://www.rockauto.com/lang/en/answ...alternateparts

Doesn't work for all parts, but sure is a chance to reduce shipping costs a fair amount

 

But I hope you've seen the online help at RockAuto that shows you that the (advanced mode) site version can help you combine shipping by selecting some checkbox?

http://www.rockauto.com/lang/en/answ...alternateparts

Doesn't work for all parts, but sure is a chance to reduce shipping costs a fair amount[/QUOTE]

A good point. I have sometimes switched to a slightly more expensive choice to get all items from the same warehouse. Overall the cost was lower.
Closeouts are often of limited quantity availability. There may be a bit of time required between when an item becomes exhausted and when the catalog is updated.
In general, Rock has been a good source for me.
The old process of "shopping around" applies to auto parts also. I have a tendency of dealing with the people who give me the best deal which includes quality, cost, and service.

 

Actually the shipping costs are pretty reasonable. Quite a bit cheaper than if I sent a similar load to the same place.
Certain brands seem to be lumped together, so i was able to have Lady's complete front end kit (25lbs) shipped together for 10 bucks. No tax either, so another plus.
So if you end up with several shipping points, change brands on some and see if that helps. It is an annoying game, but for the savings, service, and ease of ordering, I cannot complain. They are still my favorite supplier.

 

My company is in the process of being set up as a supplier to Rock. They have a great biz model that allows for some incredible deals to be passed onto end users - especially on the factory closeout items. Remember Rock itself does not actually stock anything - they are dependent upon their suppliers providing daily quantities on hand to Rock to update their catalog, and if the inventory is inaccurate for any of a thousand different reasons, you might have an issue. I just placed an 79 line item order with them including a lot of factory close outs and had zero problems.