Jester's How To Guide: Ordering Online

[Jester316]

Welcome to Jester316's guide to purchasing items (airsoft or other) online. I will go over some of the important things to do when placing an order that is not face to face.

1) Ensure that the product is what you want

This can be done using a number of different methods. While most websites give you a description, sometimes the description can be wrong (either intentionally, or unintentionally). It is up to you to determine if the item you want is the item that is being advertised.

2) Ensure the item is in stock

This is one of the areas that many people run into issues with. They go to click the order button and realize that the item they want is out of stock (OOS). They now face the decision of keeping the item on the order, but waiting longer to get it, or canceling. This is your decision and I will not attempt to make it for you. The reason that this happens, is because companies rely on computer systems to keep track of their inventory. As we all know, computers have their good days and their bad days. Sometimes computers can crash (like the AP server did not long ago). Sometimes companies don't use a real time tracking software and must rely on human input to update. This can be slow, and often times not occur in a timely manner.

To ensure that the item is in stock, I offer this solution: call the company. During normal business hours (usually listed in a websites contact info), you will get to speak with a real live human being that has a name and a manager. If you are worried that your item is OOS than pick up the phone. Be polite (people are more willing to assist polite people). Be straight forward. If the person on the other end is giving you a hard time or the run around, ask to speak with their manager. Again, be polite. Always keep a written record of who you talked to. If you have to call again, it's nice to talk to someone who has some sort of knowledge of your situation.

4) Double check you order before submitting

This seems like a dumb statement, but even I've clicked submit and realized I hadn't added the one item I actually was looking for.

5) WAIT

This seems like the hardest part. We all get excited about new things. It happens. However, you have to remember that companies follow a many step procedure for pulling, packing, and shipping your order. Also remember that you aren't the only person on this earth. People order things all the time. 99% chance that you aren't the only person to submit an order at 0345. Orders are packed in the order they are received*.

Also keep in mind WHEN you submitted your order. The earlier in the week you do, the better chance it has of going out before the weekend. Submitting an order at 4pm on Friday afternoon most likely will result in your order not shipping out until the next week.

Another thing to remember is that next day shipping only takes effect once the product has been delivered to the shipping company. It may take 3 days to pull/pack your order. This is time that is not covered by the claim of "next day". All it means is that UPS/USPS/FedEx/DHL/... is offering to have it to you the day after they get it.

If you haven't gotten any confirmation of shipping (either on their website, via an email, or a tacking number) within 5 days of placing the order, CALL. Don't email. Refer to #2 for the benefits of calling. It is perfectly acceptable to call and ask for an update on your item. However, it is NOT acceptable to call within 24 hours of placing the order (especially if the order was on a weekend). Again, be polite. CS reps generally have no influence on your order, they are just the messengers. If they are not being helpful, escalate to a manager.

*Unless a company offers a "rush" option for your order. This usually costs extra.

6) Delivery

When your item is delivered the very first thing you should do is inspect for damage. Don't immediately tear it down to install that new TBB you ordered with the gun. Make sure things are as they were claimed to be. If they are not how they should be, take pictures immediately (if possible). As soon as you can, call the company back. Talk to them about what is wrong. They should start walking you through the RMA process they have set up.

7)Enjoyment

Go have fun with whatever your money has gotten you.

[Switchback]

Nominating for a sticky. But then, nobody will read it.
Never mind then.

[CalvinB]

I do have to ask. What prompted you to do this write up?

[G Runner]

I do have to ask. What prompted you to do this write up?

[Jester316]

Prompted from this thread.

[Wombat Six]

Nominated for post of the year.

[Icepick]

So we need a guide to order online? Hmm... Seems kinda fishy.

[CalvinB]

I ORD3R3D S0M3THIN 7.5 S3C0NDS 4G0 4ND N00N3 H4Z 4NSW3R3D M3, THEIR A CR4PY C0MP'NY

[-Shifty-]

This is good for anyone ordering from airsoftpost.com. They're pretty bad about updating what they have and don't have in stock on their website. When buying from them (especially guns) I would do as Jester stated above, and call the company.

[Infidel]

You forgot step 8: Open up box to see the wrong piece of gear in the wrong color. and step 9 (the most important step): phony pony about Evike on AP.

[Jester316]

Step 8 is rolled in with Step 6 with the phrase "Make sure things are as they were claimed to be. If they are not how they should be, take pictures immediately (if possible). As soon as you can, call the company back. Talk to them about what is wrong."

Your step 9 is something that does not need to be written. It comes in the disclaimer that Evike makes you sign (in really small print)...

"By proceeding with your order, you certify that you will post on airsoftpacific.com about your dealings with Evike.com. You will not indicate what was right with your order, only what was wrong. You will not make any effort to rectify your situation, and will place all blame solely on us, EVIKE.com."

[Blender]

Your welcome Jester for the prompt of your post.
-----(CLAPS)------

[Infidel]

Oh so that's what that says. I always assumed it was something about when something says "In Stock" on the website, that means we're gonna call you in 3-7 days and tell you its not in stock.

[ogrejager]

Step 0--proofread a long post that might get turned into a stickie to prevent dumb errors that your spellchecker didn't catch because they're actual words. Just the wrong words.

[Jester316]

Wouldn't step 0 come before everything else, including the writing of the post? How can you proofread something that isn't written?