Rock Auto

[swathdiver]

Here's my Rock Auto horror story.

Placed a sizeable order last week or so. In transit, the transmission fluid and gear oil box was damaged and the remaining items were shipped back to RA. RA sent an email notifying me of the situation and said that once the shipment was returned to their loading dock, I could expect a refund within 3 business days. They did not offer to immediately ship out the items, instead, their website said I had to place a new order. So, as not to waste time, I ordered the fluids again and had to pay a whopping $3.26 extra (likely because the order was smaller and I wasn't saving on shipping).

Two or three days after the broken box arrived at their loading dock, the CC was credited and the replacement shipment was already sitting on the workbench.

Two tool boxes are full of RA magnets, the side of my pc is about 2/3 full of RA magnets and have even started using the washing machine to display them! There's a few on the side of the fridge that my wife hasn't noticed yet too!

Got 6 magnets out of this order, sorry @Sir_Hiro !

As for the title of this little tome, I was being facetious!

 

[GMCChevy]

I only order off Rock Auto for the magnets and the last 2 orders have not had a magnet..I DEMAND A REFUND!

My last order didn't have magnets either

 

[EddieC]

I just received a part in one day. I have yet to check for a magnet though.
Wonder what they are worth on Ebay.

Checked and here it is. So, collectable in 100 years?

 

[mikez71]

Got my rear spring isolator mounts in about 3 days.. no magnet!

 

[the blur]

Every order from RA, the box is ripped open. The parts are someone else's return. Old address labels crossed out. It's totally ridiculous. I pay for NEW unopened parts!! Brand new in box. Not recycled auto parts. Who even know if the parts are correct on an open box item.

 

[mikez71]

I have had a torn box or two, opened bag a few times..
Returns as you say..

 

[EddieC]

Every order from RA, the box is ripped open. The parts are someone else's return. Old address labels crossed out. It's totally ridiculous. I pay for NEW unopened parts!! Brand new in box. Not recycled auto parts. Who even know if the parts are correct on an open box item.

I have only had that happen once and there was no argument for the return.
I can imagine it's in the hands of the facility that ships the particular parts and I suspect RA only arranges the deal, but I may be corrected on that.
Thinking about it, that can happen anywhere, including buying locally.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

As long as I get the proper parts, undamaged, on my order, I don't give a "F" how it was packaged, or if was returned, undamaged, from another customer order.

 

[mikez71]

Agree, it goes hand in hand with our ability to return parts, and not pay a premium.

Although I understand why it can be concerning. If someone opened it, could be missing parts, damaged, etc.
But you inspect to your satisfaction, or return it.. Sometimes factory new parts are bad, so you always inspect anyway.

Imagine having to check all returns. There is no way I would know if the part was swapped out, or missing a little bag of washers etc.
Honor system on the returning party.

When there is an issue, it will unfortunately have to be dealt with down the line.
Not worth anyone's time to ensure perfect packaging or go through extensive inspection/testing of returned parts.

If you want the pick of the litter, you order 2 or 3 of the same part, then return the ones you don't want.

 

[LsHart]

Has anyone ever heard of and/or used Parts Geek? Their prices are not as good as RA and have no discount code and maybe even higher shipping charges. I tried them once and it took 2 days longer than what I was told, for shipping.

Man, I used them on a lot of things and shipping sucks and u can't get anyone on the phone and if u do all they tell u is just wait. No shipping options. I would pay for quick ship but they do not offer. Will not use them again.