WAS :REFLECTOR: New velocity builder setting up shop. Now harborFreight problems.

[Chuck Jensen]

Steve,

Your experience with HF is not totally unique but perhaps to a greater
degree than most builders experience.  One thing to keep in mind as you
encounter checkered support and business conduct--the prices.  

Granted, a lot of the stuff is of marginal quality but for the one-time
builder, HF is a source of materials and tools that are used a few
times, then set aside or thrown away.  Rarely does bargain-basement
prices come with top- shelf service.....HF is no exception.  So don't be
upset with them, they are what they are, and that's not all bad.

Chuck Jensen
Do Not Archive
 

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Steven Oakley
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 1:13 PM
To: 'Velocity Aircraft Owners and Builders list'
Subject: WAS :REFLECTOR: New velocity builder setting up shop. Now
harborFreight problems.

>Gotta love Harbor Freight.  If'n I was making my living with the tools
from
>there, no go.  But, for us small time operators, even with big
projects,
>they are great....and all but disposable at the price.
 
Well I decided to try Harbor Freight, yes the prices are attractive, but
they advertise items as being available when they have no stock or any
committed supply date.
 
I ordered some items including an Air Saw, the website has no available
stock details, my order arrived missing the air saw, no documentation to
say
why. I contacted the customer support was told it is back ordered
expected
in stock at the end of February, I contacted them again today it is now
backordered till the end of March. When I enquired about alternatives
the
only item they have in stock is the $89.99 air saw all the others are on
back order, I asked what assurances they have from the supplier that the
items will make the March due date, I was told none the comment I got
was
"our suppliers are free to adjust back order dates at will".

I asked them if they felt this was acceptable to wait without any
committed
supply date, I was told it is out of their control, they are sorry I can
cancel the order if I wish.

I would accept this if just one of the available air saws was on
backorder,
but three of the four available is bad for business unless you want to
catch
your customers with the $39.99, $49.99 price tag then get them to
eventually
buy the $89.99 item when they get fed up with waiting.

Other people might get better service, but I will not be using them
again.

Steve. 
 

________________________________


Barber Law Firm wrote: 
Ok, one obvious omission, at least to me, is a shop vac.  I must use it
'bout as much as any other tool.  Also, good quality sandpaper....this
is
one place where HF is not the answer.  The one I like the most is from
Home
Depot (Lowes does not carry it in the Houston area) is Norton brand 3X.
It
is advertised on the labels not to clog and to last 3 times as
long....from
what I can see, that is a very accurate claim.  This has become much
more
pressing to me since I am in the TEDIOUS micro, sand, repeat, repeat,
repeat
process.  If you do not yet know how much a difference good sand paper
can
make, buy some HB cheap stuff and some good stuff and compare.  It IS
worth
the time (it was for me)
 
I echo Alex's comments.  I have a 5 inch DA sander and an inline sander
and
have used them with much success in conjunction with hand sanding
including
a really long block for wings.  Some would never think to use a power
tool
on their plane.....I, on the other hand have had no problems with power
tools and appreciate the perceived time savings.
 
Gotta love Harbor Freight.  If'n I was making my living with the tools
from
there, no go.  But, for us small time operators, even with big projects,
they are great....and all but disposable at the price.
 
FWIW.
 
All the best,
 
Chris
 
Christopher Barber
Attorney and Counselor at Law
 
"Serving the needs of Senior Texans"
 
Barber Law Firm
10827 Tower Bridge St.
Houston, Texas 77075-5032
281-464-LAWS (5297)
 
 


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