Posted by Jason Iannuzzi at 1/24/2001 10:15 AM EST
Engineer on team #11, Marauders, from Mt. Olive HS. and BASF, Rame Hart, CCM.
I know that SPI has been a long time supporter of FIRST, and I hate to bite the hand that feeds me, but I just can’t stand the turnaround we get on parts from them.
This year we’re certainly more “locked-in” to SPI with the removal of Gears/Sprockets/Chain from the AHW List, and it’s killing us.
Example, 7 days ago I placed an order for 4 60T gears for 2 day delivery, the order was placed at 10a.m. I expected the order Friday. The parts arrived Monday instead, one day isn’t THAT bad, but only 3 of the gears arrived. The final gear arrived today. That’s a 7-day turnaround on a 2-day order. Those 5 days really hurt over a 6-week timeframe. Not to mention, it’s a fairly common part. I can’t imagine that SPI would be suprised when many, many teams placed orders for 60T gears, considering they are the only source for gears this year.
I’m continually disappointed with FIRST (and Co.) Customer Service. 6 weeks is too little time to be screwing around with the little things.
Posted by Anton Abaya at 1/25/2001 10:46 PM EST
Coach on team #419, Rambots, from UMass Boston / BC High and NONE AT THE MOMENT! :(.
In Reply to: Small Parts — ARGH!!!
Posted by Jason Iannuzzi on 1/24/2001 10:15 AM EST:
: I know that SPI has been a long time supporter of FIRST, and I hate to bite the hand that feeds me, but I just can’t stand the turnaround we get on parts from them.
: This year we’re certainly more “locked-in” to SPI with the removal of Gears/Sprockets/Chain from the AHW List, and it’s killing us.
: Example, 7 days ago I placed an order for 4 60T gears for 2 day delivery, the order was placed at 10a.m. I expected the order Friday. The parts arrived Monday instead, one day isn’t THAT bad, but only 3 of the gears arrived. The final gear arrived today. That’s a 7-day turnaround on a 2-day order. Those 5 days really hurt over a 6-week timeframe. Not to mention, it’s a fairly common part. I can’t imagine that SPI would be suprised when many, many teams placed orders for 60T gears, considering they are the only source for gears this year.
: I’m continually disappointed with FIRST (and Co.) Customer Service. 6 weeks is too little time to be screwing around with the little things.
i have to go through several channels just to place an order… it’s much harder for me.
on the other hand, i just tell them to ship it overnight. 
-anton