[TenTec] Re: Why should I still order an Argo V?

[J. Duffy Beischel]

When a web site clearly states that if you order the product by 2:00 pm
EDST, they will ship it the same day, then they are saying we have the radio
in stock and will ship it provided you place the order by 2:00 pm EDST.  It
does not say, we'll ship it if we have it in stock, it does not say they are
out-of-stock, it does not say call to insure availability. It says order by
2:00pm and we'll ship it that same day.  So why call if the commitment is on
their web ordering system that they will ship it if my order is in by 2:00
pm?  If that is truely the case, why even have an internet ordering system?

For example, Gigaparts indicates on their web site "out of stock",
"in-stock", "limited quantity" - you know what the inventory status is.  HRO
does the same thing almost in that the web site shows in-stock or
out-of-stock.  TenTec's promise to ship the same day if the order is in by
2:00 pm amounts to telling the customer it is in stock and ready to ship.
If they suddenly ran out of stock that very day, I would have understood if
only someone picked up a phone and called or emailed me the day the order
was placed.  It is simply that easy.


>>>Perhaps it's time to look in the mirror.  When you placed the order did
you
ask if the Argosy was in stock?  Did you ask when it would be shipped? Or,
did you assume that there was a warehouse full--ready to ship out the door?
This reflector has recounted the anticipation times of several folks waiting
for
their Argosy, or Orion or whatever.  It seems that T-T sets up their line to
make a number of one item, then changes the line to make something else.  If
you call in when there is an inventory, you might get your radio in 1 or 2
days.
Call at the wrong time?  Maybe you wait one or two months.
A manufacturer has to forecast demand, make enough product for anticipated
demand, then go on to the next product.  Too much production?  The carrying
cost kills them.  Worse, a product improvement becomes desirable . . . or
necessary.  How much more does it cost to remanufacture units in
inventory--compared to incorporating the change in the next production run?
If you want ANY small portable transceiver, there are several alternatives.
Most may be in stock at GOFARS (good old friendly amateur radio store)
today. If you WANT an Argosy, for the particular features it offers, you
might have
to wait. I recently ordered an antenna from a small lot California company
which
sells direct.  When I asked about delivery, I was told "Five weeks."  I want
that
antenna, I'll wait.

Happy Independence Day<<<