I have placed a handful of orders from Squadron so far.
I have yet to get a confirmation email that my order has shipped, And on their site, my orders from months ago are still showing as ‘processing’. IOW, I am unable to watch the progress which Sprue Bros spoiled me in being able to do.
I have received all orders (all ground service) so far within 3 working days, fantastic service IMO.
Just curious if this is normal? If others are seeing the same, I won’t bother Squadron with this. Otherwise, perhaps I will.
This is normal with Squadron. They use an antiquated computer system, with the warehouse pick sheets still being printed on a dot matrix printer. Their email notification system is non-existant, but I have NEVER had any problems with delivery from them, and I have been ordering from them since 1978.
I wouldn’t sweat that too much Greg. I’ve been ordering from them for friggin years and never had a problem yet. If something goes wrong I’ve always had prompt service.
I’ve used them for many years, going back to the pre-Internet days, when you either mailed them an order form with a check or called it in over the telephone.
I can only think of a couple of times when I had issues. One when there was an error with an incorrect item being shipped. Quickly corrected with a phone call to customer service.
The other, more bizzare event was when I received a shipment out of the blue that was obviously was supposed to go to someone else. I didn’t have anything on order at the time and all I can figure is they somehow inadvertently printed out a shipping label with my name on it. In their defense, it was around the Holidays and I just figured they were overwhelmed with shipments.
I have ordered from them many times, and usually the item arrives at my door within 3 or 4 days. I also get an immediate e-mail confirmation right after I place the order, and another e-mail with tracking info, when it ships.
Their customer service is superb, so if something doesn’t seem to be working right, give them a call or e-mail. The CS manager’s name is Jeff Melton, and he has always been super helpful to me.
I just ordered some items from Squadron last week. I got the “In Process” email but nothing else. After calling customer service, I was informed that their system doesn’t provide tracking or notification or when the items are shipped. The only way you can check is to call customer service. I received my stuff in a very timely manner, however, but will probably rely on Sprue Brothers and Micro Mark more in the future.
Chuck, confusing that you are getting these emails. Nobody else seems to be. Out of curiosity, are you able to actually track shipments? What carrier?
Fixer, fwiw I was sort of panicked with my first order from squadron, no confirmations, figured something went wrong. Then it showed up at my door sooner than expected. I’ve come to trust them already. I just tend to be anal about why things don’t happen that a vendor says will happen. No big deal as they’ve yet to drop the ball on me.
Micromark is the same, pretty much. I find Sprue Bros system the best. I guess I just like following tracking.
Hey Greg, just another confirmation for you. I order from Squadron all the time. I get an e-mail saying thanks for the order, but that’s it. I always have to call to get a tracking number. Their customer service is superb and they don’t mind the call. It is a little inconvenient but nothing to loose sleep over. I once had a big shipment coming and it was in 2 boxes. One box made it, the other was lost in the P.O. abyss. I called and they sent another shipment with the missing kits and said to keep the original if it ever showed up! So customer service is pretty good.
When I order a model or parts from Squadron they always send it as best way feasible . I always get it in good condition and usually within the week I ordered it .This has been the experience with them since the " Good Old days " of no internet . Now as was said . I had a three box order one time , way back when .One box Never found it’s way to my door Before , During or After the holidays .I called them and they sent another Via Fed- Ex ! The other missing stuff wound up , I guess, in modelers No - Man’s land . I recommend them strongly .Good folks ,old system . Tanker - Builder
Just to confirm all the confirmations, my order arrived today, one day ahead of schedule far as I’m concerned. Squadron is now 5 for 5, (in the best possible way) and I am not going to worry about the lack of confirming info or one-click tracking anymore. Good to know a quick phone call will work, if I really want to track the order that badly.
I don’t think I’ve read a negative comment about Squadron anywhere, so far. Just praise.
Hmm… perhaps my memory is faulty about the shipping/tracking notice or I am confusing them with Sprue Bros, whom I also use.
Or maybe they have made recent changes in procedure. Could have sworn I’d gotten those notices in the past. Oh, well, they say the memory is the first to go as one ages…
