Non completed order what to do?

[Skyedriver]

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.

[Skyedriver]

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.
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.

[Skyedriver]

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.
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.

[Skyedriver]

anothernameitist said:

if he has some parts - are they useful to you.

Buy them and source the rest elsewhere.

But if you have doubts then walk away

I would need all or nothing here as the various items are not interchangeable

[Skyedriver]

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]

dartissimus said:

Personal visit to collect bits, try & stay friendly, make your escape, don't look back.

Too far to travel just to be told "oh these parts aren't ready yet"

[Skyedriver]

Would you believe, 7 days after I wrote yet again asking for a delivery date, I get an update on progress......
You'd think he's read this thread.

[Skyedriver]

superlightr said:

Skyedriver said:

Would you believe, 7 days after I wrote yet again asking for a delivery date, I get an update on progress......
You'd think he's read this thread.

you mean you have been stalled again? got the parts yet or a firm date?

Errr, Yes & errr No....

[Skyedriver]

Well i thought I'd better get back on here to conclude the thread.
I had yet another "delay apology" gave an ultimatum which wasn't acknowledged until after the deadline date.
Cancelled order.
Received another apology....

Have arranged alternative kit.

Thanks for all who gave advice, the sad thing is the guy seems a really nice person but his business ethic and those of his suppliers do not a good operation make.

You live and learn