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

[Al Gietzen]

Steve;

I bought things at Harbor Frieght a few times early in my project, but very
soon learned that anything of reasonable quality was available at comparable
prices at Home Depot or Costco.  Things that I could get there for less
failed after just a few uses.

Your mileage may vary,

Al

-----Original Message-----
From: reflector-bounces at tvbf.org [mailto:reflector-bounces at tvbf.org] On
Behalf Of Steven Oakley
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:13 AM
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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