Midnight Raver said:
Depending where something is coming from, UPS is pretty fast even on ground delivery. If it is going up and down the coast and eastern part of the USA, it usually takes no more than 2 - 3 days. From the west it is 4 - 5 days at most. The real holdup may be the companies themselves.
You're right, but I ordered some stuff from a Columbia store over the summer (not gun stuff, something else) and it was shipped on a Monday, sat in West Columbia Tuesday and Wednesday, according to tracking info, and was delivered about 8pm on Thursday. Pretty unacceptable for a 45-minute drive. I actually didn't realize the company I was buying from was in Columbia or I would have purchased it directly from them (and have since).
I definitely think that PSA needs to better prepare for big sales. So far, I'm happy with their communication when I have emailed them and I'm happy with all of the products I've purchased from them, but pre-building a certain number of items wouldn't hurt. It's not like they won't sell eventually.
Also, a better order tracking system should be in place. My order has said "Processing" for 20 days. I think it should go something like this:
1. Processing (This is right after you place the order before your order is received in the system and your card is being charged.)
2. Acceptance (This is after your card has been charged and your order is in the system.)
3. Assembly (This is for full guns and uppers that require assembly.)
4. Testing (This is for full guns and uppers that require testing.)
5. Preparing for Shipment (This is after assembly/testing is complete or after the order has been pulled from the warehouse and is being packaged for shipment.)
6. Shipped (Obviously, this is after the item has left the warehouse and a tracking number is provided.)
Adding in specific status updates such as "Backorder" or "On Order" or "Awaiting Payment" would aid in determining cause for delay.
Putting a system in place such as this would give people an idea of where their order stands. Especially on the build-to-order items. It would also cut down on generic email traffic ("Where's my order?" "When will my order ship?" "What's your eta for .308 uppers from the sale 6 weeks ago?") as well as phone inquiries.
I realize that PSA is growing and they're offering great products at unbelievable prices, but they need to initiate a stronger, more information-based infrastructure.
Just my two cents...