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Author Topic:   Boats.net order experience

tjxtreme posted 06-21-2012 10:53 AM ET (US)
I recently ordered [apparently via a website at BOATS.NET] drive pins for a kicker motor. They were sold to me as "drive pins 10pk," which to me meant that there were ten of them.
Only one arrived, in a baggy marked "drive pins 10pk"
I called, and the guy agreed with me, but then checked with someone else who said that all items are sold individually, and that I should only get one drive pin. No refund or other pins were offered. I think they messed up and sold me 10 pins whether they meant to or not, and should make it right.
Pretty sneaky if you ask me... not sure what to do except never order from them again.
gusgus posted 06-21-2012 12:39 PM ET (US)
I ordered $200 plus of parts that their website said was available. These parts were in 3 separate orders. One order eventually was flatly denied, due to credit card issues. I quickly checked and there was never an attempt at charging my card. So, OK, I just ordered the same stuff again (now 4 orders) All along I had begun receiving emails, lot of them. Last count was 23 receipts and so called informative emails. Each order (except the xld one) took on the same "insane" results. First it was that all was there and all was fine. Then all wasn't fine, some things aren't available, and in one order nothing ordered was available. NOTHING? Really?
A letter sent to them did little more than make my undies smell like smoke. Now it is 12 days later, waiting for the first order sent by FedUps, that must still be in a buggy crossing the plains. But this morning I received the next email saying everything was in route and "if you click here it will track your order. But no word from the trackers, maybe a Bar et em!
I guess it is simply complaining, but Boats.net has seen my last dime.
Good luck with your pins.
number9 posted 06-21-2012 12:39 PM ET (US)
Without a link to the product page for own interpretation it would be difficult for some to comment one way or the other. You and the guy are probably correct.
gnr posted 06-21-2012 12:53 PM ET (US)
I work for a fairly large mail order business that has been around much longer than the internet.
Of course we've had a website for quite some time now from which our customers could order.
Recently "we" decided that we had outgrown our more or less homebuilt website and contracted a development company to build us a new one with all the bells and whistles.
The first month after launch was a nightmare.
All of the problems that are described here and then some.
This from a company that puts customer service first and foremost.
Technology can be a fickle bitch.
newt posted 06-21-2012 12:59 PM ET (US)
I have ordered from Boats.net a number of times and have always had good service. They tend to send out a lot of emails - one or two per day - to update on the order status. For OMC engine parts, they are a great resource.
gusgus posted 06-21-2012 03:56 PM ET (US)
I ordered one order for four bolts, three days ago from Boats.net.
The first email I received specifically said all is well and all 4 bolts were coming, the next email (12 hours later) said no they weren't available. NOW understand I NEED these bolts ASAP.
So after another email sent to them asking for an explanation, no answer has yet been received. Then last night I ordered the bolts from another online source the cost was 30% higher, but I NEED these bolts.
This morning I receive an email that Boats.net substituted the bolts which are exactly like the ordered bolts, but have different part numbers. UGH!!!!
I am so done with Boats.net! There is absolutely no communication, just a barrage of emails which are very likely the current truth, but not the real truth.
I would tell everyone to be very careful with these guys.
6992WHALER posted 06-21-2012 05:59 PM ET (US)
I ordered from them in November 2011. My order was 17 little Yamaha parts, things like fuel filter gaskets and oil strainers.
All the parts came fast and no hassle. I have to say my experience was completely opposite of yours.
Maybe they do well if everything goes as planned but if there is a stock problem they fall apart?
Tom W Clark posted 06-22-2012 09:40 AM ET (US)
I have used Boats.net a number of times and have had exactly ZERO problems. I recommend them.
Just last week I ordered a two spare ignition keys from Boats.net for a Mercury powered boat. The Mercury part number is for a "2pk" of these keys so I also had some confusion about whether I was ordering two keys, or two pairs of keys.
However, the price was very low and that web page did have a prominent note in red stating that "Price is for one part. We sell all parts individually." so I concluded I needed to select the quantity 2 if I wanted to get two keys delivered.
They arrived at my house three days later.
placerville posted 06-22-2012 10:18 AM ET (US)
I've had the exact experience that Tom and 6992 have had.
In 6 orders, I've had no problems. Fast delivery.
I like that they have the schematic diagrams to find your particular part.
tjxtreme posted 06-22-2012 11:46 AM ET (US)
I agree that the parts diagrams are helpful. I now know that they only sell one part at a time... they just shouldn't list it as "10pk."
Tom- Yes, of course if it is just listed as one key, then you would order two if you needed two. But if it was listed as a "key 2pk" I wonder if you would have still ordered two quantities.
Just a little sloppy is all I'm saying. I understand mistakes are made, but some help from customer service after realizing their mistake would have been nice.
number9 posted 06-22-2012 12:32 PM ET (US)

quote:

Price is for one part. We sell all parts individually.

Typically placed in part description.
tjxtreme posted 06-22-2012 02:09 PM ET (US)
Ha, Tom, didn't see that you wrote the keys were also listed as "2pk"
Its just sloppy and an easy fix... sure it says that they're individual, but if it says both, how do you know which one is correct? I guessed the wrong one- one 10pk.
They are just setting up their customers for disappointment.
fno posted 06-23-2012 12:14 AM ET (US)
Why would anyone order bolts and screws from a boat motor supply house and expect good results. Buy a pair of calipers (digital,chinese,$15) and a thread gauge. Next step, order your bolts and screws from McMaster-Carr. The foremost reputable industrial supplier of all good things for industry and yes,the common boat owner....
Just my two cents on the subject, as I can see several have had good results with this supplier, but hey if you are brave enough to tear a motor down, you should be aware of the real suppliers of hardware and not rely upon the so called marine experts...
gusgus posted 06-23-2012 05:10 AM ET (US)
[Changed topic to begin discussion the participants in the discussion instead of the topic under discussion. Post deleted--jimh]
Binkster posted 06-23-2012 06:58 AM ET (US)
[Changed topic to begin discussing the change in topic proposed in the now deleted posting above; post deleted.--jimh]
Dave Sutton posted 06-23-2012 08:58 AM ET (US)
"Why would anyone order bolts and screws from a boat motor supply house and expect good results. Buy a pair of calipers (digital,chinese,$15) and a thread gauge. Next step, order your bolts and screws from McMaster-Carr. "

Probably some of the best advice given here. If you want to spend $8.00 for a bolt, go ahead. For that you can likely buy a box of 100 from McMaster-Carr. People run factories from their supply catalog. Top quality industrial supplier, usuall recieve their parts the next day even if ordering ground UPS. Their service is simply unbelievable.
[Changed topic to also discuss the topic of the participants; this portion deleted--jimh]
Dave
.
gusgus posted 06-23-2012 11:14 AM ET (US)
[Changed topic again, now talking about how ot moderate a discussion forum; comments deleted--jimh]
You should be pleased I am [fastidious] enough to order from a source which in my eyes sells the right bolts, not an off the shelf look alike. I am [fastidious or circumspect] because it keeps you and I safe. Period. I am an airline mechanic-inspector and a general aviation FAA inspector, and hardware is critical and with even subtle differences in appearance can mean disaster due to corrosion. My information for hardware and Mercury has been tough to find and as you might have read I am making decisions about engine parts as I find the needs for them. hoping the parts ordered are the best and quickest found. One source is easier for many reasons, usually. This is why I am so disappointed in Boats.net.
newt posted 06-23-2012 11:52 AM ET (US)
Why would anyone order from Boats.net? Simple. They have the exploded parts diagrams online and make it very easy to order OEM parts at a discount. Beep beep. Done.
contender posted 06-23-2012 08:27 PM ET (US)
I have use Boats.Net many times and recommend them to others. I always speak to someone while ordering the parts so we are both on the same page so to speak of. I have never have or never had any problems with them, and always get fast service. Once the parts were back ordered but still not problem got them on time. I also like the exploded views of the engines and parts, this is what I use when ordering and I get the sales man on the same view screen and repeat the same stock numbers as well for the order.
jimh posted 06-24-2012 08:34 AM ET (US)
ASIDE: It would be helpful if the topic could be limited to on-line ordering from BOATS.NET, rather than digressing into the personalities of people who participate in the discussion. Thank you--jimh.
Tom W Clark posted 06-24-2012 10:28 AM ET (US)

quote:
...sure it says that they're individual, but if it says both, how do you know which one is correct? I guessed the wrong one- one 10pk.
Again, I agree there is some ambiguity that should not be there but I did not make a guess. I considered the possibilities and reached the logical conclusion which was correct.

quote:
I think they messed up and sold me 10 pins whether they meant to or not, and should make it right.
If that were the case, you should easily be able to find the same part from another vendor for approximately 1/10 the price for one part or approximately the same price for all ten of them. What is the part number in question?
Tom W Clark posted 06-24-2012 10:34 AM ET (US)
I've been recommending McMaster-Carr to folks here for over ten years.
www.mcmaster.com
They are one of my favorite hardware vendors and I make use of them frequently. However, they do not sell ignition keys to Mercury outboard motors. Nor do they sell power leads for Yamaha outboards, or oil level sensors, or switch boxes or alarm modules for my motors...or drive pins for kicker motors, for that matter.
If I want a generic bolt or screw, I do not use McMaster-Carr or Boats.net, I drive or ride to my local (and excellent) hardware store.
number9 posted 06-24-2012 11:02 AM ET (US)

quote:
or drive pins for kicker motors, for that matter.

They in fact do sell shear and low strength drive pins that may work?
tom976 posted 06-25-2012 11:20 AM ET (US)
I have ordered from boats.net a few times myself. Some orders were ok, others not so much. I've ordered things and they simply never sent them out. Their excuse was because Yamaha didnt have the part available within 30 days so it was cancelled. Thanks for the 411 boats.net.
I did have SOME positive experiences there too. Mainly I use them because of the prices. Some of the local charge soooo much more, if I factor in shipping and tax it still cheaper than the local guy. I really WANT to use local vendors for parts but if they continue to charge prices that are sometimes at or ABOVE msrp, no thanks.
You really need to track that boats.net order. I went back and forth with them about a bolt. Turns out the bolt in the numbered package was incorrect. (someone opened it and swapped out the wrong bolt) Once they got new ones in and realized the problem, they sent me a new one asap.
If you are in a hurry... local guy.
If you want to save some time and plan ahead... boats.net
199213 posted 06-25-2012 03:22 PM ET (US)
The part description comes from engine manufacturer, not the store. The store does not modify the manufacturer's part description.
The dealers have to order them from the manufacturer in the pack of ten. However the store does not require you to buy the entire package of ten. Almost every item page on boats.net clearly states "Price is for one part. We sell all parts individually."
There was no sneakiness involved. They clearly told you what they were selling you.
lizard posted 06-26-2012 07:29 PM ET (US)
tjxtreme- your experience with Boats.net is analogous to the experience I have had buying Honda motorcycle parts online. MOST of these online "brokers" carry parts for every make of motorcycle you can imagine. They order them from the manufacturer when they receive an order, they can't possibly keep everything in stock. My experience was that the manufacturer's site was not updated for the broker's use AND the broker's site was also not updated for parts that were no longer available. The local Honda dealer had the same issues I did, when I tried to get the part through them, for more than twice the price.
This is the price of doing business online, instead of shopping at locally owned, smaller businesses. I do both, but I know what I am getting, going in.
For me, shopping is a tactile experience, I like to touch what I am buying, turn it over, examine it, putting a magnet to what is labeled "stainless steel" (you'd be surprised), etc. Sometimes, when I need to cast a wider net looking for something, the internet is easier and faster.
contender posted 06-26-2012 08:09 PM ET (US)
I ordered a water pump for my 250 Yamaha today from boats.net, they said it would be shipped out today, I will let everyone know when it arrives....
gusgus posted 06-27-2012 03:28 AM ET (US)
I am also waiting, nothing has arrived yet.
The tracking system is suggesting the 29th for delivery for most of the order. No more emails, which I am sure relieved to (not) see. Fingers crossed.
contender posted 06-27-2012 10:52 AM ET (US)
Received the water pump for my 250 Yamaha this morning at 1020 hrs. from Boats.Net, less than 24 hrs for an order and delivery. I can not complain about this one. I do understand that they are in Fla. and getting parts across the country may not be BoatsNets fault/problem. I think if the order is placed like I do it, check to see if the item is in stock, and talk to someone over the phone, get on the same page (exploded view of the parts you are requesting) the fault may lie in the carrier. So far I have been using them for years and have had no problem to this date...Good luck to all of you.
contender posted 06-27-2012 11:06 AM ET (US)
Lizard: I think that Honda has a scam to begin with. I have a large Honda pressure cleaner, about a month ago after using the pressure cleaner the carb began to leak badly. So off to the local Honda Parts Dealer. I requested a rebuilt kit for the carb, The dealer told me that they cost $46.78 for a kit but they are out of stock and would take 3-4 weeks to get one, However a brand new carb for the cleaner is $44.53 and I can have it here tomorrow. Questions: why does it take only one day to get a carb and 3-4 weeks to get a kit if both are not in stock? How can Honda sell a complete carb for less than the gaskets in the carb when the gaskets are in the carb? My theory is that Honda forces you to purchase the carb so that they make more money, They do this by telling you a kit cost more than a new carb when it actually does not, and then any normal person would just purchase the new carb for the cheaper price.
gusgus posted 06-27-2012 01:21 PM ET (US)
contender, you are of course correct and accurate for you, however not for everyone, meaning not for me. I refer to the statement "I think if the order is placed like I do it, check to see if the item is in stock, and talk to someone over the phone, get on the same page (exploded view of the parts you are requesting)"
The items I ordered were listed as "in stock". Being on the west coast the 4 hours difference puts a second shift worker in a spot. Do I miss sleep or trust their online system, since they aren't answering their phones when I am off of work. Also the first responses of the orders (assuming human fingers entered the response/s) were acknowledging that the parts "were" in stock and available.
The shipping companies aren't any of the troubles except in the suspense factor of what feels today like gambling. Roll your dice and take your chances kind of feel with so many flip flops in what is available and/or shipped.
I printed all of the emails and laid them out in line to understand what was actually being said, it made me and my friends laugh and struggle with our expectations. One guy believes the ordered list might be filled and the guy next to him says not a chance you're getting what you ordered. We shall see very soon, I am hopeful and half expecting to receive all of it and more since I ordered a duplicate order (informed unavailability from Boats.net) from a second supplier.
tjxtreme posted 06-27-2012 03:02 PM ET (US)
From their website terms and conditions:
"We are not responsible for incorrect ordering of items due to the listing of incorrect information."
What!? You mean you won't even pay for shipping to return an item that you listed incorrectly?
Another example of sloppiness... they should take responsibility for their mistakes. And just because they use the same part numbers, doesn't make it ok to list "10 pk" or "2 pk" if its just one item. I'm not sure why anyone would try to defend that position.
I also need to order "screw with washer" also... so which one will I get? The screw or the washer? (I wouldn't actually order this from them, but its just another example).
But then again, you get what you pay for... cheap supplier, cheap service.

gusgus posted 07-01-2012 04:58 PM ET (US)
Well the parts Boats.net decided I really needed are here. Missing are the engine mounts, a few small grommets and another week (minimum) to wait for someone else to get in the parts I had ordered and still need.
Oh, Boats.net told me they didn't have the parts that I didn't receive, but only after they sent me a confirmation that the parts were in stock and going to be shipped.
Will I use them again? My anger has subsided enough and I will probably order from them again, but I sure won't trust them to do as they say, at least not at the first set of emails.
Lastly, they were only painted metal parts, but one small air filled cushion in the large box was minimally effective. The trip to NAPA for paint is just another thing to roll my eyes in an "oh well" moment.
Iboats.com and boatpartsource.com have been awesome. No mistakes, fast and correct communication, and well cushioned boxes.
Tom W Clark posted 07-06-2012 03:11 PM ET (US)
I just received a small obscure part for a 26 year old outboard. I ordered the part from Boats.net on Monday and it arrived in today's mail.
$1.75 shipping charge.
I'm liking Boats.net more and more.
gusgus posted 07-14-2012 05:17 AM ET (US)
I ordered a couple hundred in parts and stuff tonight. Not from Boats.net or Iboats.com, but from other sources. I can't yet feel OK with the issues I brought up about Boats.net awhile back.
I would have ordered from Iboats, but the system was to restrictive asking for personal info before I knew how much it would cost. I will provide all the information after I know how much it shall be.
Tom W Clark posted 07-14-2012 10:15 AM ET (US)
I needed a water pump impeller for a Honda outboard so I went to my local Honda Outboard Service Center to pick up an impeller and some gaskets and am informed they do not stock parts, but they would be happy to order them for me. I pointed out that I can order parts for myself but instead of that I had been hoping to patronize my local brick and mortar store to get the parts that day.
I ordered the parts from Boats.net instead and they arrived on my doorstep yesterday morning. The parts are now installed, the motor is pumping water perfectly again.
gusgus posted 07-18-2012 05:22 AM ET (US)
It is time to awaken this dying thread!
I ordered from boats.net just now. I ordered 2 gaskets and asked (paid for) 2 day fed ex shipping. Now we wait and wonder, did I make the right choice?
gusgus posted 07-18-2012 01:40 PM ET (US)
I received an email last night that neither gasket was available. I just called the boats.net number and found that they were in fact available, but the overnight shipping (that was darned expensive) was still charged, however the shipment time starts after they received the items, which would be (maybe, possibly) Monday. So Overnight shipping for boats.net is 7 or more days.
I cancelled the order.
gusgus posted 07-19-2012 03:29 AM ET (US)
UPDATE:
I went down to the local Mercury parts house and bought both gaskets cheaper and walked out with them.
I believe I am done buying from boats.net, instead I will use it for parts diagrams and numbers.
But I believe I have learned my lesson. I will use Boats.net when nothing else will work, but not until.
frontier posted 07-19-2012 10:28 AM ET (US)
I've used boats.net for years.
Fantastic service, great prices and quick shipping.
tom976 posted 07-19-2012 03:31 PM ET (US)
I don't think they are that bad, but if you need something quickly, i would rather go locally.
A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
gusgus posted 07-20-2012 03:05 AM ET (US)
tom976:
What do you mean by that? That bad? You don't believe they have done the things I say they have?
Go right ahead and use them, just leave the passive aggressive stuff for someone else.
6992WHALER posted 07-21-2012 11:05 AM ET (US)
I ordered a Yamaha oil pump on July 18th, it was just delivered today July 21st FedEx ground.
Two emails total and no problems.
Unless the local dealer had it in stock I don't think I could have received it any faster.
pcrussell50 posted 09-12-2012 11:35 AM ET (US)
I pinched my nose and ordered from them. Wish me luck. Armed with TJ's warning about how they price only one item, I made sure I got as many as I needed.
FWIW, what I ordered was a new impeller and lower unit seal kit for the Yamaha on my 13 Sport, and some carburetor top cover gaskets for the Mercury on my 17 Alert (special service Montauk).*
Boats.net has (as expected) sent me an email update every day since I placed my order Sunday night.
*I like to shop local, but there is no local Mercury dealer, and only one quasi-local Yamaha dealer, (35 miles away). I have bought from the Yamaha dealer before as long as I didn't have to make a (wasteful) special trip just for it. Their prices are high (of course), but they are very easy to deal with and from what little service I've had them perform for me, they are very competent and professional. They cost a lot, but you get what you pay for. They are a Yamaha dealer, but I have bought parts for my "Mercaha" Mercury there--the ones that are common to the Yamaha F100.
-Peter
knothead posted 09-12-2012 02:13 PM ET (US)
I just receivged $345.00 worth of assorted parts (lots of pieces) for my 2001 Johnson 90hp from Boats.net.
Not only was the order shipped complete, it was delivered in 5 days and much less expensive and quicker than the local dealer who would have had to order most of the parts anyway.
I would much rather patronize the local guys, but paying them lots more for something that has to be ordered doesn't make much sense to me.
My experience with boats.net is that they are quick, accurate, and one of the less expensive places to obtain OEM parts from.
Your experience may vary.
regards---knothead

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