I buy a lot of my stuff for my layout from online stores like Scenery Express or Hobbyinc, even some from eBay. Lately I have noticed that Hobbyinc has gotten real slow on getting orders shipped, for instance on Sunday I placed an order for some parts that I wanted to add to my Flag Stop Station and each item said it was in stock (I always check that) and hoped that it would be here by now or tomorrow at the latest. I received notification that a shipping label was created for it just yesterday evening, which means it will be the middle of next week before I see the parts I am waiting for. The prior order that I received from them last week, took almost 2 weeks to receive. On Wednesday evening I placed an order from Scenery Express and received it this afternoon. Now I can understand difference due to distance but 4 - 5 days before even shipping? I always receive my orders from Scenery Express in 1 - 2 days. Who do you buy your supplies from and are they quick to ship? Has anyone else run into a problem with Hobbyinc being slow to ship? I like that they carry so many different items for constructing things on the layout, but am getting frustrated with waiting 2 weeks for it.

Paul, it may be the shipping method. FedEx, USPS, whatever. I usually order through Walthers. I ordered some things on the 11th. They shipped the 12th. Went from Milwaukee to the New Bern, Wisc. sorting center on the 12th. Just left there this morning. If all follows through like my last order it will be in the Charlotte, NC sorting center tonight or tomorrow morning, where it will sit for 2 to 3 more days before shipping to me. 3 hours away. I believe this is USPS. But Walthers does offer order tracking on their website.

I understand different shippers especially UPS that if it sent UPS Ground they let it sit for days so that it arrives in the longest specified time that is allowed. I was talking about a supplier taking 4 - 5 days before they even ship it. I will try Walthers for supplies next. I was really hoping to have the Station done for this Sunday but you guys will just have to look at unfiinshed work LMAO!

I have no explanation for the supplier taking 4-5 days. I will say Walthers is usually quick in shipping. But, the last order I placed, though it showed on line an item was in stock it got back-ordered ? This is the first time this has happened to me. Their policy is when the back ordered item if filled they hold it until the next order exceeds $20 and tack it on to that order, no shipping charge, for that item. I checked my back orders on line and it showed the item was now in stock. So I ordered $20 dollars worth of stuff to get the back ordered item, checking to make sure all were in stock. When the order shipped, there was another back ordered item. But at least not the one I was waiting for.

But bottom line I think they are great to work with, just not sure what's going on with the back order merry-go-round.

It might have something to do with all the snow some of us have been getting. Even our garbage collection has fallen behind.

Well, it could be many things; vacations, end-of-year accounting, influenza, etc. If you usually have good service I wouldn't get worried.

I think everything should slow down in the middle of winter. Then I have time to play with my trains

Rand

Hey, I finally got my order !!

quote:

Originally posted by Vulcan:
Hey, I finally got my order !!

We will miss you.

Rand

No, no,no...... ORDER not ORDERS! I'm too old to follow orders.

I can't even follow my own regiment.

My theory on certain retailers lately is that their staffs are down to the bare bones minimum. It's ususally the backroom help that gets hit first when the economy goes south. Slower to get items shipped but they sure can bill the Master Card quickly.

It seems to that UPS is taking longer to pool shipments too. UPS transit times have been slower for me since the first of the year.

quote:

Originally posted by Vulcan:
No, no,no...... ORDER not ORDERS! I'm too old to follow orders.

I can't even follow my own regiment.

Now that I'm older I follow a strict regimen too...mainly lots of fiber and.......OHH! you said regiment !!!

Jim