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General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Dick Pacini on June 19, 2012, 01:29:33 PM

Title: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Dick Pacini on June 19, 2012, 01:29:33 PM

I just ordered a roll of Ultracote from Horizon Hobbies, which was priced at $15.99.  The freight charge was $11.72, which was a surprise.  My issue was that their ordering software doesn't reveal the shipping costs until you have pulled the trigger on the credit card.

I called their 800 number and asked why the freight was so high and the nice young man I spoke to said they had another complaint today about the same thing.  I told him I buy everything on line and most other vendors show the freight costs before you confirm the order.  Often times, you can even increase your order with little or no change in freight.

Well, they offered shipping by mail for $4 and change or UPS for $7 and change.  I was able to double my order and buy two rolls without additional freight costs.  I took the UPS and should have the order in a couple of days.  It pays to ask questions.

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Douglas Ames on June 19, 2012, 02:50:25 PM

Thanks for the info. Scratch Horizon off MY list...

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Dick Pacini on June 19, 2012, 03:10:04 PM

Quote from: Douglas Ames on June 19, 2012, 02:50:25 PM

Thanks for the info. Scratch Horizon off MY list...

On the contrary, I won't scratch them off my list.  They made good and admitted there is a glitch in their shipping/billing system today.   I have bought quite a bit from Horizon and this is the first time I had this freight cost issue.  It happens sometimes when we let computers do our jobs.

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Doug Moon on June 19, 2012, 05:52:04 PM

Horizon is a great company and will do their best to meet your expectations, at least from my experience.

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Randy Powell on June 19, 2012, 07:08:00 PM

Yea, I just bought (gasp!) and electric motor from them. Shipping was very reasonable (like 5 bucks).

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Dennis Adamisin on June 19, 2012, 08:06:04 PM

THanks for sharing that info, Dick.  My LHS will gt any Horizon stuff I want in just a couple days, no shipping charges.  Is there a way to select which shipping method Horizon uses or do you have to call immediately after placing the order?

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Dick Pacini on June 19, 2012, 08:12:08 PM

Quote from: Dennis Adamisin on June 19, 2012, 08:06:04 PM

THanks for sharing that info, Dick.  My LHS will gt any Horizon stuff I want in just a couple days, no shipping charges.  Is there a way to select which shipping method Horizon uses or do you have to call immediately after placing the order?

There doesn't appear to be any choice.  If I hadn't called, I wouldn't have gotten a lower price or had my choice of shippers. 

I buy from Horizon, Tower, Sig, Brodak, CLC, RHM and others.  I accept shipping charges as the cost of doing business over the web.  I have no hobby shops in my area so everything comes in a box.

Title: Re: It Pays To Ask Why
Post by: Heman Lee on June 19, 2012, 08:26:09 PM

Quote from: Dick Pacini on June 19, 2012, 01:29:33 PM

I just ordered a roll of Ultracote from Horizon Hobbies, which was priced at $15.99.  The freight charge was $11.72, which was a surprise.  My issue was that their ordering software doesn't reveal the shipping costs until you have pulled the trigger on the credit card.

I bought many items from Horizon and online in general.  A lot of vendors had a special rate with one freight company.  On items that are relatively large and inexpensive the shipping rate is going to be high.  That is why I don't order online unless my shopping list is large enough.