Sent a small order about 4 days ago to try them out, see what happens.

 

I also order from them on the 15 called they said wouldnt ship for 10 more days. After they said they had 4 in stock.

 

Thanks for this post MUSTB! I have the same experience at Chicago-HD. I have some big $$ to spend on upgrades and I thought I would throw them a bone and see how they worked out. I ordered 3 very common items that you would find in 90% of dealers thinking full well I would get my parts shipped in day or two. Two days passed after my accounts saying "checking stock/processing order" only to have it posted on 3rd day that it was special order. Special order? I call them up to inquire about when the items might ship and I talk to a Mike in internet sales. What a disappointing experience. Wow, if this guy worked for me I would fire him (I have only fired 1 person in over 20 years, that's what a miserable impression he made). I was made to feel like an a** for even inquiring about my order. I will not order another item from them and will try Zinotti's. I was going to come here and rant, but I was thinking that my experience was unique. Reading this post lets me know they have issues and will not get any more of my hard earn cash. I would rather pay retail then give them a dime.

 

If Zanottis would get their chit straight with shipping I would have no problem using them. But they are one state away and shipping charges are almost double what CHD are. Not that I use them anymore either after getting the old "we have to order and it will take 3-4 weeks" line too many times. I was using Charlie's HD in WV and ordering by phone. Always got my parts, even ones that had to be ordered, in a week or less. But as of the end of this month they are ceasing the 20% off. Wish I could find another reliable discount source that doesn't gouge on shipping.

 

I really don't understand the anger over this issue. Each of us has a local HD dealer where we can go and get parts at msrp. Chicago HD, and a couple of others, are knocking 20% off on internet orders, saving some people hundreds of dollars on orders. Should it be a big surprise that they get back logged, when word is getting out across the country and more and more people are using them? If you need your parts right away, suck it up and buy them local from your local dealer at msrp. But, if you want to save the 20%, waiting is sometimes a price to be paid. If Zanottis is better use them by all means. But compaining that you are waiting for hugely discounted parts is like kicking a gift horse in the mouth...just my opinion.

 

At our company we have customers who spend $2,000 a year and customers who spend $1,000,000 plus a year. Guess what? Both get equally great service and for that reason we are successful even in these lean times. My point is this. If you are going to sell at 20% off, it is not an excuse for giving poor service. If someone gives crappy service at 20% off, they will give you crappy service at retail. Chicago HD has issues.

 

Try to plan ahead or have plan b&c inplace before ordering parts.
If I was going on a big trip I would not wait for the last minute to be changing things on my bike.
You also need time to make adjustments so you wont be working on the bike during the trip.

 

So don't use them.....it's pretty simple really. My point is this, they obviously have alot of part going out the door at discounted prices. So back orders etc are going to occur. It's part of the game when buying at discount. There is always the option of paying msrp at the local. I've never used them, so I can't speak to the rudeness issue, I know one guy who has and he said they were great to deal with. Bottom line is no one is forcing anyone to order from them, right, so why get all bent out of shape over them.

 

Just had to say something about missing a chance to get away on a nice ride because of waiting for "comfort" parts...*****!

Alright, I feel better now...lol.

(I'm sure your buds echoed the same)

 

Chicago HD sucks... I ordered $1800 worth of stuff last year this time and it took 6 weeks to get it.When I called after the 5th week the kid ininternetsales said that everythinghad been in for about a week, I asked why had it been sitting there for a week and he said that he did like to go down to the post office.After I spoke to his boss I got the order in a week. Zanottis has the same 20% off and are a lot faster. They get all of my business now.



Jeff