I just ordered a few items fropm Branford--they were the only source I could find for tubular tire cement in a can. The order came just shy of $100, so I wrote them and asked if they could waive the extra shipping charge if I were to add a Campy oval decal, since it would not raise the shipping costs.
The answer was "no." The reasoning was that their ordering system added the shipping automatically. Now, if you understand modern retail management systems, you shrug your shoulders and say "no harm asking." If this approach to customer service bothers you, go to your LBS, where you can usually expect more personalized service. Fact is, Branford consistently offers very good prices and low shipping charges. The only way they can do this is through streamlining. If you don't like the negative aspects of streamlining, maybe this is not the shopping venue for you.
Steve Barner, glad I don't work retail anymore, Bolton, Vermont
> Date: Wed, 23 Apr 2003 10:42:23 EDT
> From: Curtistex@aol.com
> To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
> Subject: [CR]Caveat emptor, a tale of the absurd
> This is a little off topic but everyone buys parts.=20
> I ordered some lizard skin patches to keep my frame pump from rubbing
paint=20
> off my frame on rotten roads. I got them from Branford Bikes. The
website=20
> said use the secure order form for Free expedited processing. It also
said=20
> that orders up to $100 would be shipped for $5.50 and shipped UPS ground
or=20
> least expensive carrier. My invoice said UPS ground shipping to zone 7.
The=20
> 4"x6" padded envelope came USPS first class mail at a cost of 60=A2.
There=20=
> was=20
> no insurance, the envelope cost 11=A2 and the $4.90 was handling.=20
>
> Two or three emails later and it comes down to a deal is a deal. When
they=20
> say least expensive shipping it is their savings not yours. Free
expedited=20
> order processing is exactly what it says, they run your order through in
a=20
> hurry. The patches took a week to get here.
>
> I am refraining from some of the more colorful comments that come to mind
an=
> d=20
> just trying to state the facts. I was stupid to order something so=20
> inexpensive with such dear shipping. In my excitement for the trip I
was=20
> heading out on I neglected to read carefully before ordering and if I
feel=20
> like a fool it is mostly my own fault.
>
> Curtis Whatley
> Mission, Texas