Posted: 1/8/2013 3:47:05 PM EDT
|
Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA?
Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? |
|
Originally Posted By OffSafety: Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. |
|
Sorry about the delay in getting an answer for you. We are constrained not only by staff but by space and also telephone lines.
We do have a back order, but we alway have had on most of our production. We are still making product and have increased production as far as existing constraints allow. |
|
Originally Posted By RedFalconBill:
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. Yeah...that's the way business in a capitalist economy works. Hire some temporary employees - again, a STANDARD business practice here in the U.S. of A. Offer them a contract job (W-9) for a few months. Virginia has one of the worst unemployment rates in the U.S. I'd bet that a few of the nearly 250,000 unemployed people in that state would love to get any type of work right now. |
|
Originally Posted By AlexanderArms:
Sorry about the delay in getting an answer for you. We are constrained not only by staff but by space and also telephone lines. We do have a back order, but we alway have had on most of our production. We are still making product and have increased production as far as existing constraints allow. I have an ammo order placed on the 17th. You said in another thread today plenty in stock. Know you are busy and have only sent one email this week on any update. However; how long does it take to ship ammo in stock? I'll come pick it up. |
|
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Originally Posted By RedFalconBill:
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. Yeah...that's the way business in a capitalist economy works. Hire some temporary employees - again, a STANDARD business practice here in the U.S. of A. Offer them a contract job (W-9) for a few months. Virginia has one of the worst unemployment rates in the U.S. I'd bet that a few of the nearly 250,000 unemployed people in that state would love to get any type of work right now. No, that's the way SOME business work. Some businesses prefer to slowly build a good staff, and would rather offer stable, long term employment to their employees than risk hiring temps who might, or might not, be able to maintain a high level of quality. The industry is stupid busy right now, AA will catch up, it will take time. Just like everyone else. |
|
Originally Posted By fishorwife:
Originally Posted By AlexanderArms:
Sorry about the delay in getting an answer for you. We are constrained not only by staff but by space and also telephone lines. We do have a back order, but we alway have had on most of our production. We are still making product and have increased production as far as existing constraints allow. I have an ammo order placed on the 17th. You said in another thread today plenty in stock. Know you are busy and have only sent one email this week on any update. However; how long does it take to ship ammo in stock? I'll come pick it up. My last ammo order, to an outfit many times AA's size, was just processed, and they have told me that they plan on shipping the last week of January. AA is small, they have 2-3 people who handle shipping, and in todays market, with the orders the way they are, its going to take some time. |
|
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Originally Posted By RedFalconBill:
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. Yeah...that's the way business in a capitalist economy works. Hire some temporary employees - again, a STANDARD business practice here in the U.S. of A. Offer them a contract job (W-9) for a few months. Virginia has one of the worst unemployment rates in the U.S. I'd bet that a few of the nearly 250,000 unemployed people in that state would love to get any type of work right now. Building guns isn't pushing buttons, and seriously... are you really telling AA how to run their business? 
|
Broaden your mind. When all you know is the schoolyard... you treat everything like a schoolyard.
|
Originally Posted By OffSafety: Originally Posted By RedFalconBill: Originally Posted By OffSafety: Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. Yeah...that's the way business in a capitalist economy works. Hire some temporary employees - again, a STANDARD business practice here in the U.S. of A. Offer them a contract job (W-9) for a few months. Virginia has one of the worst unemployment rates in the U.S. I'd bet that a few of the nearly 250,000 unemployed people in that state would love to get any type of work right now. You really do not understand how much it would cost to expand and the locus of control you give up by hiring temps. The 1920's called, they want their mode of production back. Oh, Stag, which is a much larger company, is 12 to 15 weeks for a 5H, or 6H in SPC. Good luck. |
|
Originally Posted By CSM:
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Originally Posted By RedFalconBill:
Originally Posted By OffSafety:
Does anybody have any idea what the wait time is on uppers from AA? Placed an order several weeks ago, and I get nothing but automated emails. I've been trying for 2 weeks to get ahold of a real person to give me some sort of idea when I can expect my order. I understand that things are going crazy right now, but this is getting ridiculous! I'm trying to give them $1,000, and they can't even get back to me with any response at all. Even saying, "We have no idea" would be better than ignoring me. And the whole "we're swamped right now" thing - do what every other business in the history of America has done - HIRE MORE PEOPLE! There is no shortage of people looking for work right now, and AA has so much business that they can't even treat their customers better than the DMV, BUT they won't hire more people??? And when you do not want anything else from AA, they will have to fire said new hire. Yeah...that's the way business in a capitalist economy works. Hire some temporary employees - again, a STANDARD business practice here in the U.S. of A. Offer them a contract job (W-9) for a few months. Virginia has one of the worst unemployment rates in the U.S. I'd bet that a few of the nearly 250,000 unemployed people in that state would love to get any type of work right now. Building guns isn't pushing buttons, and seriously... are you really telling AA how to run their business?
I'm not complaining about the wait on building guns. I am extremely frustrated that it takes 3 weeks to respond to an Email. And yes, I am telling AA how to run their business. They are experts at building great guns, BUT they are clearly not a well-run business. I'm an exec at an eCommerce business, and I do know a thing or two about customer service. This kind of service would get people fired in most industries, when the solution to is so simple. Hire a few more people to respond to Emails and answer phone calls. We use interns for most of our customer service and have consistently received great reviews. This isn't rocket science - this is simply having people on hand to respond to customers. |
|
Perhaps the panic of the situation presently has everyone rather on edge?
We are not a huge enterprise but we do have a complex and diverse product base so untrained or minimal trained staff are not really a good option for our customers. That said we are indeed short staffed and constrained by both office space and also telephone lines. While I am sure we could outsource our customer service to a call center which would provide a more prompt response I do not think the quality of the information would suffice. If you would IM your request noting the items you are asking about I will endeavor to provide a reply. |
|
I'm not complaining about the wait on building guns. I am extremely frustrated that it takes 3 weeks to respond to an Email.
And yes, I am telling AA how to run their business. They are experts at building great guns, BUT they are clearly not a well-run business. I'm an exec at an eCommerce business, and I do know a thing or two about customer service. This kind of service would get people fired in most industries, when the solution to is so simple. Hire a few more people to respond to Emails and answer phone calls. We use interns for most of our customer service and have consistently received great reviews. This isn't rocket science - this is simply having people on hand to respond to customers. Hmmm....you want to use temporary employees in a small, highly technical business where people start calling and asking questions like, "The Lapua Scenars ballistic coefficient is better than the ballistic coefficient of the Nosler Ballistic Tip, but the Ballistic Tip is more accurate out of my Grendel, why is that?" or "My .17 HMR ejection pattern is very random and sometimes I will have a failure to eject after 500 rounds or so, why is that?" or "Why does my Beowulf have problems feeding from PMags?" Those are all questions that commonly get asked to the people at AA. How long do you think it would take to train people to answer those questions and the myriad of similar ones that they will be asked? And you are an exec at an eCommerce business doing what? Manufacturing, trouble shooting product, assisting people with deciding between an 18 inch or 20 inch barrel? Or, like most eCommerce businesses, is yours simply a middle man who ships product that is made elsewhere? eCommerce businesses are famous for putting on and laying off staff, a lot like stores do around Christmas time. Its the nature of the beast in a competitive market. AA is a manufacturer, who sells direct AND to dealers. They could completely solve this issue by selling ONLY to dealers. I'm glad they don't, and hope they never do. But I trade that "instant" gratification for knowing that when they do build my stuff and ship it, it will be done right. I also know that it drives Bill Alexander and the staff at AA crazy that they can't respond immediately to every email and phone call, but once again, it is the nature of the beast. |
|
What's with all the bashing of the OP for being accurate in his observations? Personally, I concur with his point. I placed an order with AA for a basic 6.5/223 receiver on Halloween in October 2012. It took 3 weeks from the order date for the receiver to go out the door from the AA warehouse, it did not arrive at the FFL until after Thanksgiving. Discussions with AA customer reps at the end of October and beginning of November indicated the receiver was in stock the entire time. AA received a copy of my FFL dealer's license the first working day after Halloween. It then took two months to simply hear back on the status of a second order for two additional receivers that was placed Mid-November 2012 despite following up on the order via emails. That’s not two months for the part to ship out, it was two months of waiting to get any kind of response on the status of the order that wasn’t an automated reply. Both of the orders were placed prior to It's understood that companies need to watch overhead, but why does it take 3 weeks to ship a single part that was in stock? And why does it take two months to reply to status inquiries about orders that were placed and haven't shipped? That's walking away from money on the table. *shakes head*Obama’s anti-gun comments so the crisis buying that has ensued would not have affected their handling, although the handling delay has since made the receivers unavailable. The fact is; If I can’t get a straightforward order for a $100 part that is in stock processed accurately and in a timely manner, there’s no way I’m going to drop $2,000+ ordering a rifle from the same vendor. I hope this feedback is interpreted as constructive but if it is not, it doesn't change the fact that it's true. |
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather a tireless minority.
Sam Adams
Sam Adams
I can outshoot you so there's your title biatch.
Joined:
Jan 2011
Posts:
2308
EE: 100% (39)
OK, USA
|
I've had my order in since the 4th and, no doubt, there are people who've been waiting even longer. I went through the anger/frustration phase recently with a different company over my order time and the fact that they won't answer Emails or phone calls. I agree, it's frustrating when you can't get emails or calls returned. The other company I mentioned would used an automated service to take your call and then disconnect you immediately...talk about frustration!
It's hard for me to not understand how a company can't simply hire temps to at least answer simple questions but I've not seen their shop so as much as I want to be angry I have to realize sometimes the logistics just aren't there. I ordered several mags both Beowulf and Grendel plus several hundred dollars worth of Beowulf ammo and I really, really want it but I'd settle for just knowing when I'll get it. However, things being what they are I've tried to go all Zen and just hope to see it arrive the day lol. I don't mean to make light of your frustration but if you just put your trust into AA that they will get you your upper as soon as they can it helps a bit. If the AA rep wants to check the status of my order himself I'd happily let him  .
On the bright side I've had my Beowulf for around a year and I've just recently finished tricking it and my Grendel out and they will both be getting their inaugural run tomorrow! Another reason why I need my ammo  lol.
|
Sic gorgiamus allows subjectos nunc
| I placed an order for a 6.5 grendel complete rifle 10/22/12, have no more info about when I will receive it than I did then. Last contact I made with AA, I was told the hold up was the barrel. Recently talked with someone who ordered in Nov and has confirmation that his is shipping next week. Feeling frustrated and concerned, have tried to be patient, which is hard when later orders are already filled. I don't want to sacrifice quality so I guess I have to wait, but it is getting harder and harder. |
|
Just to update everyone on the cluster f**k going on over at AA.
I PM'd AA and was told on 2/5 that my upper would ship the following week. Nearly 3 weeks go by with nothing. I again PM AA and am told by Bill A. that he will check again and that my order should have gone out already. Since then, he has gone completely dark. Although I have sent numerous PM's and I have seen that he has logged into his AR15.com account, I have received NO RESPONSE. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THESE GUYS. On the other hand, I have had great experience with Precision FIrearms. The owner, Mark, has always managed to respond to me and sends out periodic updates AND the upper is an absolute tack driver! I know AA is the big name in the Grendel market - that's why I tried to buy from them initially - but they have clearly been surpassed in terms of running a business. |
|
The only reason that I am un happy is because you have IGNORED ME! What "external influences" have made it impossible for you to reply to my PM's? I don't care that the upper is taking a long time, I am frustrated that you began ignoring me instead of giving me a response!
For over 2 weeks, you have ignored every PM. Once I make a public statement you respond. How long would you have ignored me if I hadn't gone public with this? What worse is that when you finally responded, you didn't even take the time to respond to me, but instead to make some lame excuse about "external influences" instead of answering my question. |
I can outshoot you so there's your title biatch.
Joined:
Jan 2011
Posts:
2760
EE: 100% (39)
OK, USA
I can top that.....I sent an Email to tell them my CC info had changed and I get a reply that says they don't have time to respond to questions about orders. Obviously they didn't read the Email at all so now I have no idea if I'll even get my quite pricey order that I've been waiting on since December 
|
Sic gorgiamus allows subjectos nunc
|
Originally Posted By Brandi:
I can top that.....I sent an Email to tell them my CC info had changed and I get a reply that says they don't have time to respond to questions about orders. Obviously they didn't read the Email at all so now I have no idea if I'll even get my quite pricey order that I've been waiting on since December Brandi, If your Credit Card information with your order won't run, AA generally will email to get new information. It wouldn't hurt to call and leave a message stating what you've said above, with your order number if you know it, and ask for a call back. |
|
Originally Posted By Goros:
It's taken a month each time I sent an email to inquire about product myself. It is what it is. I was told 20 week lead times on uppers about 3 days ago. I'm currently at 34 weeks and still waiting on my Grendel upper. 
|
See gun... like gun.... buy gun... shoot gun... put in safe. Repeat as necessary.
I can outshoot you so there's your title biatch.
Joined:
Jan 2011
Posts:
2787
EE: 100% (39)
OK, USA
|
Originally Posted By GrendelAA:
Originally Posted By Brandi:
I can top that.....I sent an Email to tell them my CC info had changed and I get a reply that says they don't have time to respond to questions about orders. Obviously they didn't read the Email at all so now I have no idea if I'll even get my quite pricey order that I've been waiting on since December Brandi, If your Credit Card information with your order won't run, AA generally will email to get new information. It wouldn't hurt to call and leave a message stating what you've said above, with your order number if you know it, and ask for a call back. Will do, thanks. |
Sic gorgiamus allows subjectos nunc
|
Originally Posted By cantgrowup:
Originally Posted By dross80:
I was contemplating ordering an upper, this thread has made me rethink it. Hell will freeze over before before you'd get it. The worst part is that they don't seem to have any idea about where/when they're gonna get the stuff they are offering for sale. Most you get "ooooooo, those are in short supply." DUH, not helpful. HEY ALEXANDER ARMS. How many barrels do you get a month? How many barrel orders do you have? Divide number of barrel orders by the number you get a month. This gives the months of back order. THAT would be helpful information. I suspect that "How many barrels do you get a month" is approximately zero and they don't want to admit it. But what the hell do I know. All I can do is sit around and make stupid wild ass guesses. If I had some information I wouldn't be doing that. |
I can outshoot you so there's your title biatch.
Joined:
Jan 2011
Posts:
2837
EE: 100% (39)
OK, USA
|
I understand everything is backed up and a huge mess. I've had orders outstanding from AA and other companies from December. I'm frustrated but, having worked at similar businesses, I've seen this happen before on a much smaller scale that crippled the "system". I'm not angry at Alexander Arms but I'm to the point, because it's taken so long, that I don't even care if they fill my order or not. When I made the order I had a lot more disposable income than I do now so, while I need the ammo and mags I ordered, I've just become apathetic about the whole thing. I suspect others are reaching that point which is bad for businesses but there's really no other options .
|
Sic gorgiamus allows subjectos nunc
|
I am comfortable waiting. I'm at round 12 weeks right now and fully expected 20.
I am a little concerned that midway usa has gotten some stock uppers since my order was placed but I'm not sure of when they placed their po's. |
NRA - EPL; SAF; GOA; NYSRPA; SCOPE
The Heritage Foundation; Hillsdale College
The Heritage Foundation; Hillsdale College
| I had talked with Bill about a month and half ago and everything seemed to be ok but it turned out there was some miscommunication between him and his shipping staff that he personally took care of and I've since received part of my order which is good enough to get me going so I'm happy with that. They are trying...they are dealing with the same things as customers themselves from their suppliers. All things considered I'm happy and my faith in AA has been renewed, Bill himself, is a really good guy so it's hard to be mad at him lol. |
Sic gorgiamus allows subjectos nunc
SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO ARM BEARS!!!
SUPPORT YOUR RIGHT TO ARM BEARS!!!
| I ordered one of the uppers Jan 19 2013, went on deployment, and got it a week before I came back home on the 3rd of July. I understand the long wait figured that's all I'd be doing on deployment anyway. The only complaint I have is for whatever reason the ammo and magazines I ordered with the gun were not sent with the order. I have since ordered about 100 more rounds and some more mags and have no clue on the status of either order. I emailed AA but haven't heard anything back yet. Trying to be patient but it's starting to wear thin. I can't imagine it will take longer to make 80 rounds (part of my original order) than it does for a complete upper. Hoping I can get some ammo and shoot soon before I have to redeploy. |
Join the Community
Your next conversation starts here.
Create your free account to join discussions, share your experience, save topics, and connect with the AR15.COM community.
- Join discussions
- Follow topics and replies
- Connect with fellow enthusiasts
Already a member? Sign in
Stay informed by subscribing to our Newsletter