Dealing with opticsplanet.com

[omgwtfbbq]

This might be a "cool story bra" kind of tale or it might be a cautionary story about the business done with opticsplanet, I'm not sure, but I'm sure you guys will let me know

Anyways just over two weeks ago I ordered a DeSantis Facilitator OWB holster from opticsplanet. I had heard that they tend to have reasonable prices and on most items shipping is free. After shopping around I found that the price was about even with other retailers but with the free shipping it was going to be the best deal. When I ordered the holster at the selection screen and the checkout the item was listed as "In stock, read to shop", but after placing the order I received an email explaining that the holster had been put on back order and would ship in a couple of days. I emailed them back asking to be sent a shipping confirmation.

They responded ensuring that I would be notified when the order shipped and that they expect it to be sent off on or about the 21st-24th of feb. It's now the 28th and I've heard nothing. I decided to email them notifying them that I've found the holster elsewhere not on backorder and would cancel my order.

On the upside the representative I spoke with via email was respectful and answered my questions, however, I'm moving soon and don't feel that I should have to wait for a holster that may or may not come in time. In any case, have any others had similar experiences with optics planet or have I just been an over-eager brat? I was very polite when I cancelled my order but it's the first time I've ever felt the need to do so, so I'm curious as to whether or not I handled it properly. Should I have given them more time?

Thanks in advance.

UPDATE
I log into my email accound this morning to find an email from Opticsplanet explaining that my order has been cancelled, but instead it's a shipping confirmation for the item. Now I have two holsters being send to me... I understand that they might not check their email everyday but how likely is it that the day I decide to cancel is the day they decide to ship it?

I send them an email explaining that I have already cancelled my order with them and have purchased the item through a different company, and if the holster does show up, I will send it directly back to them and will not be charged or will have my charges removed from my card.

[alfred1222]

i think you handled it just fine. when a company gives you a time window, they need to stick to it, and you gave them a clear week after their deadline before canceling your order.

[thomashoward]

I just got notice that my back ordered scope has shipped.
Good prices, Free ship that's all I need to know

[sd_shooter]

Typical outcome at opticsplanet. Just buy it somewhere else if they don't have it in stock after all.

[omgwtfbbq]

I just got notice that my back ordered scope has shipped.
Good prices, Free ship that's all I need to know

How long did they keep it on backorder before shipping? I'm just curious. I probably would have just waited if it weren't for the fact that I'm relocating soon and they made a commitment to have it shipped by a certain date and didn't meet that commitment.

[Oceanbob]

Opticsplanet is a large and usually well stocked with competitively priced items. Once in a while, like any company, demand may sell out a popular item. Consider that they also may see that they are getting low on certain items and the supplier simply can't meet the delivery schedule. Not really anything they can do about it except try hard and refund your money if you can't wait.

http://www.opticsplanet.com/

I've used them for years; always happy with their performance and pricing.


Good luck with the move...I hate moving....Arrrgg.

Be well, Bob

[PhantomII]

I quit doing business with them when a Red Dot I wanted showed as 'in-stock' so I placed the order, received a confirmation, then... Nothing for three days.

I called and asked when it would ship and was told it was back ordered for three weeks.

I would think they would at least have the courtesy to send out an e-mail letting customers know when an item is back ordered rather than leave them guessing.
I chalked it up to poor customer service and moved on.

Anyway, their prices are competitive but not the best. I can usually get a better deal by shopping around.

[Shellshocker66]

It's probably for the best you canceled the order. While I've had good luck with the couple of orders I've placed with Opticsplanet.com, that free shipping comes with a wait. They use that very slow, "I could of walked faster out there" UPS shipping.

I remember my last order took 10 days to get here after I got shipping confirmation.

[thomashoward]

How long did they keep it on backorder before shipping? I'm just curious. I probably would have just waited if it weren't for the fact that I'm relocating soon and they made a commitment to have it shipped by a certain date and didn't meet that commitment.

They told me B.O. until March 20 emailed me today shipping
They have great prices and they are moving a butt load of merchandise. You can pay more and get it quicker if you like. Your choice

[dobek]

When they have it in stock - you can't beat opticsplanet - when it is out of stock - sit back - relax - it will be there in a month.... what I have done is when you get the backorder notice - call and see if they will discount for the extra wait time - I have only had one order backordered (out of maybe 6-7) but they took an extra 5% just for asking.

Steve

[omgwtfbbq]

I found it through MidwayUSA and it was on clearance for 31 bucks. With shipping, insurance, and the NRA round up donation it was $38.00, which is cheaper than what Opticsplanet had it for in the first place.

I'm assuming the back order was due to maybe the product getting discontinued or something like that. That would explain the short supply, long wait, and the clearance price at Midway.

I don't plan on swearing off opticsplanet entirely, especially since they seem to have some great reviews, and the free shipping is awesome. Just probably going to be a little wary about holsters. I guess it's just my luck that the holster I want ends up being in short supply haha.

[voiceofreason]

I ordered 2 holsters in stock from Opticsplanet recently.

One shipped a few days after. The other was on backorder.

A few weeks later, still hadn't received it. Needed it and wasn't going to have it. Sucks, but I knew it was on backorder.

Emailed them a cancellation. They answered back acknowledging the cancellation with an apology for not being able to fulfill the order.

Not the best IMO, but not bad or negative either.

Would probably order again based on this last experience. Would order from somewhere else if it was on backorder.

[831Shooter]

When they have it in stock - you can't beat opticsplanet - when it is out of stock - sit back - relax - it will be there in a month....

Agreed, except I'm impatient.. if I get the email that it is backordered I call and cancel.

It is QUITE annoying that they list things as "in stock, ready to ship" when they know damn well that it is not. I would expect that a business as large as OP would have real time stock info on their website.

So, if they have it, you get a good deal. If not call and cancel. They will give you no hassle about canceling.

[SOCAL INFIDEL]

My lady friend ordered me some night sights for my M&P from them. They sent her the exact ones she ordered (the WRONG ones). When I told her I wanted night sights for my M&P and NOT my Glock she contacted them, told them the story and they shipped and sent the new sights before even receiving the Glock ones without double charging her, AND it was free shipping. Any place that'll do this WITHIN A WEEK is OK in my book.

[negolien]

I have used them alot as with their partners dvor have had 0 issues however if you were moving canceling the order seems smart /shrug.