Purchasing WW tools at on-line supplier

[Sandingdust]

Hi all,

I am a new member of this forum. This is my first post. I have many things to ask but let me start with this topic before I actually ask the real woodworking problem.

I need your advise on the security aspect when purchasing at on-line supplier/retailer. I purchased most of my ww tools & hardware through internet. Usually I feel very confident when the processing time of the order is reasonable & acceptable.

On isolated occassion, the processing time was very long. At that time I felt very unsafe. I worried so much that my critical info like credit card number and the like might fall in the wrong hand. To simplify what problems that I need your guidance, tips and advise, I put them in point form question.

Q 1. How to choose the most reliable on-line retailer/supplier ?

Q 2. The order was confimed, the credit card was charged but the shipment's

confirmation was never received from the supplier. What shall we do next ?

Q 3. Reminder after reminder, but we never receive the merchandise. What action can

we take and after how long ?

Thanking you in advance.

SD.

[Roy]

Answer to all three: Lee Valley Tools.

Do a google search on Lee Valley for this group. Must be tons of rave posts for them. They have the kind of customer support that other companies only promise. LV does it.

Usual disclaimer. My only arrangement with LV is that I send them money, and they send me really neat, well made stuff.

Roy

[N Hurst]

1) In order to feel more secure, you can check out a company's ratings at and Google search for problems. "[Company name] sucks" is generally a good way to get started. 2) Try calling them. If they don't want to talk to you, go to #3: 3) I would call your credit card company and contest the charges, and have them put a hold on the charge. Let your CC company fight with the other company.

Here are some vendor recommendations: I've had lots of good luck with Amazon.com, Harteville Tools, and Rockler.

-Nathan

[Pig]

I have had good success with, and trust, Lee Valley; Rockler, Amazon, Woodcraft; between all these sources you will find most if not all of the things you might need, or want.

Mutt

Sand> Hi all,

[alexy]

I'd add Highland Hardware, Grizzly, and Patrick Leach.

Also (by reputation although I don't have first-hand experience) toolsforworkingwood, lie-nielsen, Ron Hock, Steve Knight (who frequents this NG, and japanwoodworker.

You've received the best advice already--look for complaints here and in other woodworking forums. Almost any supplier with a sizable business will have some complaints, but the discussion of those complaints will tell you lots about what service you should expect.

[JimR]

[snip]> 3) > I would call your credit card company and contest the charges, and have

[snip]

Don't just call -- if you don't question the missing shipment in writing your credit card company doesn't have to take any action. As soon as you suspect a problem, call the company, and immediately back it up with a written report mailed to them. Or, as soon as you get your monthly statement which includes items you haven't received, challenge the missing items in writing, before the due date of the statement. Regards --

[Phisherman]

If there is a missing item contact the vendor and your credit card company immediately. I know that Discover is very good with this issue and will protect your purchase.

[Andrew Williams]

I'd have to agree there. I have ordered from Rockler, Hartville, and Lee Valley. All are reliable, high quality online merchants. LV has had the fastest shipping (by far) and has made me happiest. I would gladly deal with any of them again.

I use "virtual account numbers" when buying online. My bank (Citi) has an online credit card system that will generate a CC number for one purchase only. I use the number for the purchase, and then the system will not allow that number to be used again. All the purchases still show up on my regular CC statement.

If a merchant is *clearly* trying to take advantage of me and defraud (not responding), I will call the CC company. They usually have entire departments to deal with fraud and will take the matter up, and people go to jail for it. I would only do this if it was obvious that the merchant was up to no good.

[Brent Beal]

I back up buying from Steve Knight. Wonderful to do business with. (more than once)

[Sandingdust]

Hello Andrew William Thank you for the tips and advice. So far I am very happy shopping at Lee Valley, Woodcraft, MLCS, Amazon and

also 110220volts.com. They are very prompt. Give good customer support and all.

Thank you to Roy, N Hurst, Pig, alexy JimR, Phishermen, and Brent Beal.

Sandingdust.

[Pig]

Yeah, Highland Hardware is one I forgot, quality people there too.

Mutt

alexy wrote:

[Patriarch]

I've dealt with most of these as well - fine people, with reputations that reach back years in the community. And my tool shelves are full of their goodies.

Patriarch