Flat4online

[WR 1MPOSTER]

Hi all, has anyone used flat4online, a few things on there interest me, but they don't answer the phone, although its say's so on there website it's "not for ordering", they hav'nt replied to my email that was sent last week !

There based in Clydebank.

Edited June 9, 2008 by WR 1MPOSTER

[cossie_eater]

they never answer there phones. when i need to contact them i email both there email address theirs an out of office one. they do contact you back within 24 hours normaly, there deliverys can be slow as they import alot of it

BUT

There products are 100% top notch and cheep, and would recomend them to anyone. (god send company)

[thewelsho]

Used them once for a Vortex Generator. Came within a week, well packaged and good quality, would use them again.

[p1ggm]

used them in the past for a heap of stuff, headers took a while but the guy always replied to my mails

[JohnSt]

used them in the past for a heap of stuff, headers took a while but the guy always replied to my mails

In my humble opinion, Scott is a top bloke, he has a few knockers on here but I suspect that's more personal than professional.

He has helped me out a couple of times at the last minute and gone right out of his way to do it too.

---john---

[WR 1MPOSTER]

Thanks for the advice all.

Resent email to the orders, trade and the webmaster email given, would like to speak to

Scott himself but he does'nt answer for some reason. Give him until friday then will look elsewhere.

[colin_ross]

Decent prices but would not recommend him if you need the parts quickly. Yes some people get them the next day but lots of reports of looooong timelines and broken promises.

When I bought injectors from him I paid extra for next day delivery, they turned up 3 weeks later (2 days before my mapping session was due) and I could not get hold of him at all whist waiting for them.

[AlanG]

The company in my eyes is just a "box shifting" company. I dare say they may do some physical modification or repair work, who knows, but the company is predominantly there to sell parts and it's an easy way to make money if you can get a computer to do the work for you! I stand to be corrected of course.

They have done an admiral job in making a glossy website full of parts and have built up a decent business arrangement with numerous suppliers, but as a suggestion before ordering, it might be worthwhile asking if they have the item(s) you want in stock and if not, the expected turnaround, based on past experience with the supplier to obtain the item. If he's honest enough to give realistic timescales for those items not in stock, then the purchaser can make an informed decision on what he/she wants to do. I'm quite sure most would want to wait a week or two for a part if it's cheap enough.

If you do "business" that way, then you won't be disappointed about part(s) arriving "late". The problem that arises with flat4 in the eyes of certain customers that have expected their goods in a timely manner is the fact that you can't speak readily with the company when things go wrong and that raises suspicions. The other side of the coin of course is that customers expect answers NOW!! and waiting for an E-mail which may not be instant causes concern especially when money has been taken from the customers account.

Edited June 10, 2008 by AlanG

[AlanG]

When I bought injectors from him I paid extra for next day delivery, they turned up 3 weeks later (2 days before my mapping session was due) and I could not get hold of him at all whist waiting for them.

Could that not have been the case you did get them "next day"? i.e. the day after Scott received them?!?

[colin_ross]

The problem that arises with flat4 in the eyes of certain customers that have expected their goods in a timely manner

Exactly.

The injectors I ordered were describes as in stock and next day delivery for a little extra. If he'd have said 3 weeks from now I'd have either bought them and booked a realistic mapping date or went elsewhere. I've spent thousands on my car since then but not one penny of it at flat4online. I'd rather pay more than deal with someone who takes your money, dodges your attempts to contact him and send out the parts whenever he feels like or more likely whenever he's ordered them in himself.

[colin_ross]

Could that not have been the case you did get them "next day"? i.e. the day after Scott received them?!?

I suspected that too Alan. But why lie about it if you're sure to be found out?

[AlanG]

It would mean a little more work and constant updating of the site, but it would help customers if they click on an item and it states "in stock now" or " 3 week delivery", something like that. I haven't looked at the site, so if that kind of stuff is already on it, then feck knows what to say!

[AlanG]

I suspected that too Alan. But why lie about it if you're sure to be found out?

Certainly if it was stated it was in stock and turned out not to be, i'd be a bit concerned if it were my company, as a lot of the business in that type of industry is repeat business! Why look at today when you can look at what tomorrow may bring!

[buffalo]

Not surprised i found this post as i was thinking of posting one myself. long and short of the story is that my up pipe was just over a week to note 'dispatched' or 'posted' in the my accounts section and 4 days after that before i recieved it. Although i recieved confirmation e-mails when i tried to fone there was never an answer which i found distressing as being fobbed off by a person is better than a faceless e-mail. it does state that under no circumstances can you collect in person i do not see why you cant as postage is free anyway.

i can't fault the company though and do not wish to in this post as the product was top notch and the website is well laid out i just feel it would benefit customers and perceptions if there was someone to answer queries or dish out trackers numbers etc

[sti pretender]

Contacted Flat4online today to see how long for a 2.5 engine, give the guy his dues quick reply and said usually 14 days to get his delivery.

Bought a strut brace a while back and got it in 2 days. But then have heard bad reports as well.

[AlanG]

it does state that under no circumstances can you collect in person i do not see why you cant as postage is free anyway.

You can't collect because there is no "shop" to collect the goods. If there was, then there would be front counter staff or whatever to deal with day to day queries on products. That's not to say they don't have premises, but no retail outlet for customers to go to.

[WR 1MPOSTER]

Contacted Flat4online today to see how long for a 2.5 engine, give the guy his dues quick reply and said usually 14 days to get his delivery.

Bought a strut brace a while back and got it in 2 days. But then have heard bad reports as well.

5 emails and 6 days to get a reply !

but if you can be prepared to wait the prices are spot on !

[fai17]

have read that there is no returns and goods are sold with no warranty/...

[AlanG]

Think you need to read again Peter!

There are also consumer rights and product liability policies which can take care of any issues with goods purchased.

[emoe]

Think you need to read again Peter!

There are also consumer rights and product liability policies which can take care of any issues with goods purchased.

I bought an Autobahn top mount from Scott, after he chatted via email every day explaining what he could sell me, i paid for it and asked for it to be shipped ASAP. but as soon as i paid and ordered, the emails cease!

nothing came for 5 days, and no answer to emails! in this time i alaso ordered a walbro pump. I finally got a tracking number from him for the intercooler, a week after i orginally ordered it.

Now this isnt a long time, and the intercooler is really nice!!

If you can wait for the stuff its good, but he doesnt have top communication.

STILL waiting for comfirmation on the walbro pump, also now a week!

Echoes what others say, the goods are good quality but no comms means he must be loosing custom!

[burns]

I have ordered stuff from him and found his prices excellent and quality, no problem at all.

But whatever delivery he promises, just allow 4 weeks.

No hassle then and a pleasant surprise if it arrives earlier.

[emoe]

I have ordered stuff from him and found his prices excellent and quality, no problem at all.

But whatever delivery he promises, just allow 4 weeks.

No hassle then and a pleasant surprise if it arrives earlier.

Well i have been let down by Scott today.

I ordered the 4mm RED hose for the dumpvalve and the new 3 port solenoid.

After a week and a half he sends 6mm BLUE!!

Does he answer his emails? does he hell!

does he answer the phone? Does he hell!

I WILL NOT be using flat4online again!