G'day lads. I spoke to Debby at ecklers about the problems a couple of you chaps have had.
In relation to shipping:-
Debby informs me that they have no control over the shipping cost. It is all done by external couriers.
On this note guys the minimum charge you will get on a LARGE item, say door trim panels, is going to be around the $200 mark. I know this from experience. It's what they call the "Minimum Charge" that you will pay on a bulcky item. Even if it was small but to big for UPS or FED EX it's going to cost you a minimum of around $200. [Figures based on using Bax Global] Ecklers have an account with Bax Global.
I have imported just about everything for my Vette, from radiator support frames, to window mechs, to brake calipers. I have pretty well got the system down to a fine art.
If any one needs assistance with bringing goods in I'm more than happy to guide you through the steps to ensure you get your goods on time and not pay too much freight.
In relation to e-mail not being returned
This one concerned Debby the most. First she asked me to apologise to any one who's e-mail's have not been replied to. She asked me to please explain that there is her, Linda and one other assistant that handle ALL of the overseas orders. All the e-mails that are sent end up on Debby''s computer. About 100 per day she informs me. Her advise was that if you do not get a reply to any of your e-mails within 24 hours to PLEASE fax her on:-
FAX:-0011 1 321 383 2059
The fax machine is right behind her desk.
Remember when ordering it is always best to do it on the phone and always quote our account number to get the discount. Now while I'm on that. There is a glitch in the system. When you quote the clubs discount number the system automatically brings up NSW Corvettes. You have to tell the girls to make sure that they change it to your name that appears on your credit card. If you do not the system will use your credit card number but "NSW Corvettes" as the name and it will be rejected. This will happen AFTER you have made your call and you won't know till much later. I always double check ALL the details before I finish my call and get the girls to read it back to me. Our accents some times throw them off.
Contact phone number for Ecklers:- 0011 1 321 269 9680
Debby's ext is 407 and is available from 7am to 5pm their time
Linda's ext is 480 and is available from 9am to 6pm their time.
Technical is Justin on ext 310. 9am to 5pm
Time difference. 9.00pm our time is 7.00am their time at this time of the year. [3/4/06]
In closing, I know from experience that when dealing with overseas companies that it can be quite frustrating. Their customs and business dealing practises can differ from what we are use to here. But with a little patience and learning about their quirks you can usually get a good result.
Hope this helps.
Cam:v
