Non completed order what to do?
Discussion
Not sure which forum to place this in but I'm looking for some genuine advice on a supply problem.
In February, after discussions with a supplier, I ordered some items which he advertises but hadn't in stock. He suggested that it would be a 12 week wait whilst he had them made.
I ordered on the understanding that they would arrive in around 12 weeks. No money changed hands.
It's now late July, 21 weeks later and still no parts. I've spoken a number of times both on the 'phone and email and get various reasons why I still haven't a delivery date.
I emailed last weekend and haven't even had a reply.
Do I
a) 'phone yet again and get some semi patronising excuse which keeps me hanging on for another two or three wasted weeks
b) ring or email him and just cancel - he's allegedly had some parts manufactured
c) walk away,forget this altogether, ignore any correspondence I may possibly get in the future and get an alternative from another supplier.
I'm not the sort of person to just drop someone in but don't like getting taken for a ride either. I feel 21 weeks is just too long and his delay is causing delays elsewhere with a project.
In February, after discussions with a supplier, I ordered some items which he advertises but hadn't in stock. He suggested that it would be a 12 week wait whilst he had them made.
I ordered on the understanding that they would arrive in around 12 weeks. No money changed hands.
It's now late July, 21 weeks later and still no parts. I've spoken a number of times both on the 'phone and email and get various reasons why I still haven't a delivery date.
I emailed last weekend and haven't even had a reply.
Do I
a) 'phone yet again and get some semi patronising excuse which keeps me hanging on for another two or three wasted weeks
b) ring or email him and just cancel - he's allegedly had some parts manufactured
c) walk away,forget this altogether, ignore any correspondence I may possibly get in the future and get an alternative from another supplier.
I'm not the sort of person to just drop someone in but don't like getting taken for a ride either. I feel 21 weeks is just too long and his delay is causing delays elsewhere with a project.
The supplier is in breach of contract by failing to meet the agree manufacture and delivery timescale, so I would say you can cancel without to much worry (remembering you can't control his actions if he makes life awkward).
Can you source the item elsewhere, if so what's the delivery timescale?
Can you source the item elsewhere, if so what's the delivery timescale?
PurpleMoonlight said:
The supplier is in breach of contract by failing to meet the agree manufacture and delivery timescale, so I would say you can cancel without to much worry (remembering you can't control his actions if he makes life awkward).
Can you source the item elsewhere, if so what's the delivery timescale?
Thanks, and it's the "awkward" bit that worries me. Can you source the item elsewhere, if so what's the delivery timescale?
No I cannot order the exact same item elsewhere but there is an alternative route to the final result. (I'm being careful not to name the company or the items to avoid any link to me or to them).
To be honest, apart from the "it's set up on the machine now" and they are "off for *****" now I have no idea if they've actually started manufacture.
Is this general business or classic car?
Normal business rules say walk away, but classic car stuff is very different.
I nearly lost the will to live with a very skilled but disorganized classic car man.
Eventually I got the car back, six months overdue.
I had to sit him out with constant chasing, making daily unanswered phone calls, and constant pressure.
It was only a few bits & pieces; the workmanship was top quality, the cost would not have been unreasonable at +50%.
The experience was a nightmare, I'll never ask him for anything ever again, but because he had the car, or parts, I had to see it through.
I still feel angry two years later
Normal business rules say walk away, but classic car stuff is very different.
I nearly lost the will to live with a very skilled but disorganized classic car man.
Eventually I got the car back, six months overdue.
I had to sit him out with constant chasing, making daily unanswered phone calls, and constant pressure.
It was only a few bits & pieces; the workmanship was top quality, the cost would not have been unreasonable at +50%.
The experience was a nightmare, I'll never ask him for anything ever again, but because he had the car, or parts, I had to see it through.
I still feel angry two years later
dartissimus said:
Is this general business or classic car?
Normal business rules say walk away, but classic car stuff is very different.
I nearly lost the will to live with a very skilled but disorganized classic car man.
Eventually I got the car back, six months overdue.
I had to sit him out with constant chasing, making daily unanswered phone calls, and constant pressure.
It was only a few bits & pieces; the workmanship was top quality, the cost would not have been unreasonable at +50%.
The experience was a nightmare, I'll never ask him for anything ever again, but because he had the car, or parts, I had to see it through.
I still feel angry two years later
I don't want to divulge the product or manufacturer/supplier as that'll leave me open to "name and shame" etc but it is not s business deal, more a personal order for items to repair something that I own and am rejuvenating for personal use, not for profit.Normal business rules say walk away, but classic car stuff is very different.
I nearly lost the will to live with a very skilled but disorganized classic car man.
Eventually I got the car back, six months overdue.
I had to sit him out with constant chasing, making daily unanswered phone calls, and constant pressure.
It was only a few bits & pieces; the workmanship was top quality, the cost would not have been unreasonable at +50%.
The experience was a nightmare, I'll never ask him for anything ever again, but because he had the car, or parts, I had to see it through.
I still feel angry two years later
The feelings now are that I have waited so long for these items, been fobbed off with numerous excuses for the delays and the items aren't cheap, that my enthusiasm for the project has diminished considerably to the point where I wish I hadn't become involved.
I certainly wouldn't recommend the company to others, or make any other purchases.
Simpo Two said:
How about writing to him with the story to date and stating that if he doesn't deliver within 14 days the order will be cancelled? That would look fairer if it goes legal.
That does sound like the decent thing to do although it gives them another two weeks to dither on and fob me off with excuses.Skyedriver said:
That does sound like the decent thing to do although it gives them another two weeks to dither on and fob me off with excuses.
Agreed, but you don't know what the ground on the other side is like. He might be glad to be let off the hook, or he might (unlikely) plan to deliver it next week but hasn't told you. Or, if he wants to be silly, he might claim that he was just about to deliver, say your unannounced decision left him £x out of pocket and that he's going to sue you for it. Every fight has two sides and whilst you know your side very well, you have to put yourself in the opponent's shoes. 14 days gives him a chance to respond intelligently, or add to his demise by ignoring it.If there is any risk it might end up in court, you must be seen to be reasonable. Even if it hurts! And the more rope you give someone, the more there is to hang them with.
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