Aircraft Spruce

[mlefebvre]

I know this is an old debate but it has been a while according to the archives and have read a few webpages discussing the past customer service issues with Aircraft Spruce. Does anyone have any current experiences to relate regarding the customer service?

 

I am going to be starting the build soon and am getting all my ducks in a row and Aircraft Spruce seems to have all the chapters laid out and can be purchased in bulk as you go and seem very organized. I also read that they are taking over Cozy ownership. However, I have also read about past nightmares with customer service and many have switched to Wicks as a result. What are the current experiences that you builders are having out there? I have also read that A.S. is cheaper than Wicks but when it comes to customer service, that can be priceless, especially when in a bind.

 

Marc

[John Slade]

Spruce seem to be trying lately, and their prices can be considerably lower. See http://kgarden.com/cozy/spruce.htm for details of my recent experiences with them.

 

Wicks are without doubt the nicest people I've ever done business with, but they do need to do something with their prices. As they say - nice guys finish last in business.

[Dave Clifford]

When I order from Wicks, the item is shipped the same day and I get it within 2 days. Three weeks ago, I ordered a 3/8" X 3" aluminum bar stock from A/S because Wicks did not stock that size. It took almost two weeks to arrive. I'll give them a day or two due to thanksgiving, but thats WAY to long to wait a one item order that was in stock.

[Big Steve]

I realize this is a very old post but I have some recent exsperience that I need to share. I bought my plans from acs in Aug. 06 by the first of oct. 06 I ordered basically all of the Chapt. 4-7 foam fiberglass and some small parts. The order got split all the stuff that was small got sent right away. It is now the first week of Nov. I am still waiting on my foam and epoxy and fiberglass. I was held up for 2 weeks because I wanted Mgs epoxy and they had the epoxy but no hardner. Well I changed to ez epoxy so I could get started. That was two weeks ago. They have still not shipped the order. I have called and talked to literally 5-8 different people they all tell me that is not how they treat customers they promise to get this sent. I think it might cost more to get a shipment from Wicks out here to Idaho but at this rate I will never get this plane even started let alone fininished. I guess I am venting a bit I spent a lot of time and effort getting my shop ready to build in. It is now ready I even have a week off of work and nothing to build with. I am frustrated. STeve

[Phil Kriley]

Order your epoxy hardener from Wicks?

[Jon Matcho]

Steve, sounds awful. Ask AS&S what they can do at this point to keep you as a customer. An easy answer would be to upgrade your shipping to overnight for no additional charge. Write a letter to Renee or Jim over there. Renee keeps tabs on us canard folk.

[Big Steve]

Phil:

 

Right after acs told me they did not have any hardner for the mgs I called Wicks they did not have any either. So I figured I would start with the ez poxy and get some mgs when it comes in on the slow boat from Germany. Steve

[rpellicciotti]

I do my best to buy anything I can from Wicks. They are terrific. Part of my success with them is that I get UPS ground shipments in one working day from there. It can take a long time to get something from ACS.

 

There is a mention of prices higher up in this thread. Typically, Wicks is more expensive. I have had some success with calling Wicks and referring to a specific ACS catalog page and item number. Usually Wicks will try to match the price. Just like paying a higher tip for good service, sometimes it is worth a little to get timely service and correct orders.

 

ACS came under a lot of critisism on customer service a few years ago. They have improved considerably but they have a long way to go to get to Wicks or Sportys' level.