Dealing with opticsplanet.com

[K7addict]

Never had an issue with them myself I've made about 6 purchases over the past 3-4 four years. Although, aside from the free shipping and low prices, I've found a 5% off coupon code online every time I've ordered. Seems it always works and it hasn't changed. Gotta make the decision that works for you though.

[1 SIG fan]

They stock very little but take orders for it regardless. Sooo.... Lots of back orders and delays you don't know about until after u expected to have it shipped. Argh

[omgwtfbbq]

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.

[TNP'R]

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

Yep opticsplanet done that a time or two to me as well. It annoying and inexcusable. Just take your business else where.

[sholling]

There is a secret to doing business with Optics Planet and that secret is call and check stock. The way Optics Planet keeps their prices low is that they avoid the high cost of maintaining large inventories of hundreds of items and use drop shipping instead - that's a legitimate business model. When an order comes in they have the manufacturer or distributor send it directly to you. The downside to that is their website cannot tell if the manufacturer/distributor has any in stock and you sometimes get caught in backorder limbo. The way to avoid that is call and talk to a customer service rep because they have access to their vendors' inventory systems and can tell you how many are in stock.

A larger company would be able to tie their website's inventory system into the vendors' inventory systems but that is a huge investment with huge ongoing maintenance costs that would have to be passed on to the customers in the form of higher prices.

[OpticsPlanet]

I responded to something similar to this a few days ago.

We don't have the stock status on our website, and it sucks. It's something we're working on right now, but it's been quite difficult because our website doesn't update in real-time and the sheer number of items we ship everyday. But it's a priority for guys like me (in marketing) and development all the way to the president and CEO of the company.

If you call us at 800-504-5897, one of our reps can look up the stock of any item on our website for you right through our warehouse. You can then order over the phone, order online, or check on the availability of other items. Our live chat reps can check availability too. It's not something we're trying to hide from customers - it's something we just haven't gotten a working fix for yet.

Once again, really sorry for the frustration this has caused.

Just to address a common misconception in this thread -

We do have inventory. I don't know if anyone can match the amount of product we keep on the shelves in our warehouse. The only thing holding us back from having an even larger inventory is space - and I know we never stop looking for more/better warehouse space.

Alessandro M.

[negolien]

LOL

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.

That's your bad dude really... Canceling an order should be done over the phone that would have solved that issue before it happened. As for they don't stock alot o always have back orders.. Maybe you've had bad luck Sig or are just a hater because I have NEVER had a back order and always recieve my shipments promptly.. Well Done Optics Planet keep up the good work.

[DasBoost]

I've heard both good and bad about Optics Planet and usually I can find the same item for roughly the same price elsewhere. However, I am a member of Dvor, their daily discounter site. Got some cool items and flat rate shipping isn't bad at $9.99 except for small stuff. I had two issues with Dvor and each time I have called their CS dept and spoken with someone and had a RMA label in my inbox within 10mins. You have to pay for shipping but both of my issues were handled promptly and left me still a customer.

[omgwtfbbq]

I responded to something similar to this a few days ago.


Just to address a common misconception in this thread -

We do have inventory. I don't know if anyone can match the amount of product we keep on the shelves in our warehouse. The only thing holding us back from having an even larger inventory is space - and I know we never stop looking for more/better warehouse space.

Alessandro M.

I called and talked to a representative this morning. She was extremely helpful and emailed me instructions on how to return the holster if I decide to do so.

I supposed I've learned a bit about patience this go around, but what can I say, I am a gear hound.

[DasBoost]

I called and talked to a representative this morning. She was extremely helpful and emailed me instructions on how to return the holster if I decide to do so.

I supposed I've learned a bit about patience this go around, but what can I say, I am a gear hound.

Only thing I would've changed OP was to call first instead of email. Seems like youve got it sorted now though.

[krisjon]

I'm not dealing with OpticsPlanet again. I just canceled the other half of an order I had with them.

I previously had an order in for a RDS sight and Safariland holster, both of which went immediately to backorder. I was willing to wait, but then when I started receiving further delay emails after they indicated a time it was expected to stock/ship, I started wondering if I had made a mistake with these guys.

I went ahead and canceled the order on the sight (found it through another retailer IN STOCK), but still wanted to give them a chance on the holster. What happens today? Another email indicating another month-long delay on the holster when they said they'd have it this week. I need it for a class April 7th, so no dice. I'm done with these guys selling things 1) they don't stock 2) can't seem to even get in stock when they say they can.

Regardless of what their employees and shills say, be forewarned CalGunners....

Edited to add: And yes, I dealt directly both by phone and online chat MULTIPLE times with OpticsPlanet (Starr, Kathleen and a few others) customer service. Can't say they were unpleasant, just completely unable to deliver as a company.

[Steve-O]

I have always been satisfied with my dealings with OpticsPlanet.

And on a side note, I am very happy with their OPMOD 8x binocs I recently bought.

[amd64]

If I don't need something fast, I order from them.

[lrdchivalry]

I have only ordered from them once (a safariland holster) and it took almost three months to get it, especially, as others have pointed out, the item was listed as in stock and ready to ship. I haven't ordered from them since and not sure I ever will.

[Databyter]

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.

It happens.

I had a similar situation with Lucky Gunner, and they actually sent me an extra 1000 rounds of ammo, and didn't even charge me for it.

I fought off my greed and need and ended up sending the ammo back with an RMA.

Regarding Optics Planet, I had an issue with a weapon light they sent me being defective from the factory. I found them easy to deal with, good communication, got my RMA and had the new light sent out virtually simultaneously.

They will get my business in the future both for their prices, and for their ability to actually provide customer communications and service in those rare instances where it is necessary.