Just went through a two-week ordeal trying to order a replacement water heater for my boat. I found the model I wanted at Fore & Aft Marine in Florida. I ordered on May 22nd. They charged by credit card immediately. When it had not arrived by June 1st, I started calling. It took me three hours and over 20 calls to get past the busy signal/no answer to talk to someone. They promised to "call me right back." They didn't. In fact, I had to keep calling time and again to get them to look into this. To make a long story short, the water heater arrived yesterday (June 7th) in the middle of the investigation, much to everyone's surprise. They finally found the UPS tracking number AFTER it was dropped off at my door. Anyone can misplace an order. What bugged me is that I couldn't get them to take any action after it was clear something was wrong. Too many good vendors out there, I'd avoid this one. YMMV. Paul McGhee sv Escape Artist h336
Fore and Aft Marine Supply -- my problems
- Thread starter Paul McGhee
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I'd cut 'em a little slack, Paul
Fore and Aft has pretty good reputation AND excellent prices...but nobody's perfect. You placed your order the week before Memorial Day--the first weekend on the water for a lot of boat owners...a time when all marine retailers are slammed ('cuz NObody ever figures out what they need/want till the last minute, then want it NOW!), which was obvious by the time it took you to get past the busy signals. They prob'ly also had new and/or temp help--which is always a mixed blessing for a company during their busiest times, 'cuz the help is untrained and they don't have time to train 'em, and often indifferent too (I've been there!). So I'd give 'em one more chance before deciding that they're a vendor to avoid.
Fore and Aft has pretty good reputation AND excellent prices...but nobody's perfect. You placed your order the week before Memorial Day--the first weekend on the water for a lot of boat owners...a time when all marine retailers are slammed ('cuz NObody ever figures out what they need/want till the last minute, then want it NOW!), which was obvious by the time it took you to get past the busy signals. They prob'ly also had new and/or temp help--which is always a mixed blessing for a company during their busiest times, 'cuz the help is untrained and they don't have time to train 'em, and often indifferent too (I've been there!). So I'd give 'em one more chance before deciding that they're a vendor to avoid.
I think I stuck to the facts
You're right, we all go through this mad scramble every spring, it's part of the boating life and the boating business. However, it was still an unusual experience for me, and I wanted to share it. I tried not to exaggerate what happened in any way. I actually did count the calls I made.
You're right, we all go through this mad scramble every spring, it's part of the boating life and the boating business. However, it was still an unusual experience for me, and I wanted to share it. I tried not to exaggerate what happened in any way. I actually did count the calls I made.
Not arguing with your facts...
Just suggesting that you not be quite so quick to condemn the retailer.
Just suggesting that you not be quite so quick to condemn the retailer.
Follow the tracking number
...and check the dates. See when it "hit the road" on the way to your delivery point. Maybe UPS is to blame.
...and check the dates. See when it "hit the road" on the way to your delivery point. Maybe UPS is to blame.
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