Problems with BassPro.Com?

[snakesandarrows]

Have any of you ever experienced problems with Bass Pro Shops online store?  I guess I just need to vent, but unless they change their outrageous shipping charges and incredibly slow shipping methods, I will never order from them again.  I am planning a fishing trip to Minnesota in about ten days.  I ordered several lures and whatnot about a week ago and still haven't received my package.  I placed a second order on Friday night, and still haven't received a confirmation e-mail.  I called customer service yesterday, and the girl told me that my first package was in Georgia; she said I should receive by Wednesday.  She went on to tell me that my second order wouldn't reach me until June 22nd.  "Okay," I said, "I will be in Minnesota by then; can I change the shipping address?"  "No!" was the reply.

I used to order a lot of stuff from Bass Pro Shops when I was younger; I couldn't wait to get my catalog every year.  And I assumed, because of my experiences with other online stores (Amazon.com, Cabelas.com, etc.) that BassPro.com would be a safe bet to get my stuff to me on time.  Heck, I've ordered tons of stuff from Amazon and I always order over $25 worth of stuff or more, which qualifies for super saver shipping  (FREE shipping via regular mail).  Although their site tells you that it could take up to 10 days to receive merchandise, it has never taken over 3 days to reach my front door.   It has never taken over three days for Cabela's merchandise to get to me via regular mail.

I started to order a spool of Fireline with a $25 BassPro giftcard I received (knowing that I would have to make up the rest with my credit card.  The line costs $28.49; shipping would be $6.95.  The total would be $35.44. Then it will take 7-10 days to get to me! I'm sorry, but that's RIDICULOUS!

The only reason that I ordered from BassPro to begin with was the name and past reputation, not to mention that they carried crazy crawlers.  A friend of mine ordered some of the same stuff from another online (independent) vendor a couple of days after I did, and received his stuff in three days-regular mail.  And he paid a flat $5 shipping fee.  Altogether, I paid nearly $16 shipping (both orders combined) from BassPro and may not get it in time for my trip.   :'(

The girl in customer service at Bass Pro did say that she would "try" to get my second order shipped via  complimentary 3 day shipping.  We'll see!

It really does pay to shop around - even online.

What have your experiences been with Bass Pro Shops online store...and others?

[burleytog]

If you want it quickly from BPS, spring for the 2 day air shipping.  Even then, they sit on the order for a couple of days before packing and shipping it.

Last Monday afternoon I called in an order to BPS.  2 day air via FedEx.  Package ETA Thursday.  Order was placed around 1PM CDT.  Didn't leave their warehouse till Wed. afternoon.

I noticed last week that they no longer refer to it as 'shipping and handling'.  Now it is 'packaging and delivery'.

I won't order from BPS unless I can't get it anywhere else.  Cabelas is good about getting stuff out to me in less than 5 days even with standard shipping.  That said, I have noticed them sitting on orders for a day or three lately before shipping.

All I know is that I wish they would stop basing shipping totals on price.  My last order from Cabelas consisted of 1 Navionics card and 2 packages of chigger craws.  2nd day air UPS, $20.  And they shipped it in a box about 5x too big.

[Cephkiller]

One little trick I use is I order a bottle of Spike-it plastic dye with every order.  It costs less than $5 which is less than 3 day express shipping.  Because of federal shipping laws, it must be sent Fedex, so you'll get your order in 3-5 days instead of 10-12.  At least you get something for your $5 this way.

[T-rig]

That's why I order from ***!

[Jeff H]

That poor service will eventually bite them in the butt as more and more people go in search of options.  I've noticed the slow service too and frankly I just don't trust USPS for shipping anything.  I think Fed Ex is the best of the lot but I don't know about international shipments.

Barlows is faster than BPS and quite a bit further away from me.  BPS is by far the biggest outfit I've ordered from and they also offer the worst service I've experienced.  I'm done with BPS except for their off season sales.

[BucketmouthAngler13]

That's why I order from ***!

I'll seccond that.

BPS is as slow as anything.

[jaskoh]

I just ordered a lot of soft plastics from bass pro online on June 7th.  I checked my order to see what was going on and was told it was shipped on the 8th.  It was going regular ground but comming from Springfield MO (I live in St. Louis).  So If she didn't lie about it leaving on the 8th I should see it today or tomorrow.  I will keep you posted.  

[the ohh face]

Heres a third thumb up for TW.

[basscat73]

I love going to experience Bass Pro, the retail store, about once a year down in Gurnee, IL. However, I never purchase online from them anymore. Between the ridiculous shipping charges and then finding out two weeks later about items in my order that went on backorder and never get shipped, I now look elsewhere.

Their shipping process may be cost effective for them, but the turn-around time and fees is a major disservice to their customers.

[snakesandarrows]

I called back today to check on my orders; everyone I talk to gives me a different story.  Come to find out that my first order, which was placed on June 3rd, and, according to my e-mail confirmation shipped on the 4th, was actually not shipped until the 5th.  Now they are telling me that it should arrive by Thursday or Friday this week (June 14th or 15th).  As for the second order, which the lady told me she would try to do a complimentary 3-day ship, was also sent regular mail.  The order was placed on Friday, June 9th, but wasn't actually shipped until today.  The first guy I talked to today stated that they tried to change the shipping venue, but it was "too late."  Another customer service agent told me that I should get the second order prior to leaving for Minnesota next Wednesday.  Whatever...Right now I'm worried about receiving my first order on time!  They must be using freaking horse and carriage to ship their orders-it's only around 1500 miles from Springfield, MO to Goldsboro, NC.  GEEEEEEESE!

My buddy ordered his stuff from Sportsman's Guide and Kyle Lafountain's Buy Fishing Stuff.com last Wednesday.  He received all of his stuff this past Saturday, and didn't pay any more than $5 shipping from either place.  In fact, he got a $20 giftcard from Sportsman's Guide for re-upping his membership.

Dreaming of MN; Worried in NC!  >

[jaskoh]

I got my package today and everything was accounted for.  I guess when your not in a rush for something it will always shows up but when you need it stuff happens

[Jimzee]

One little trick I use is I order a bottle of Spike-it plastic dye with every order. It costs less than $5 which is less than 3 day express shipping. Because of federal shipping laws, it must be sent Fedex, so you'll get your order in 3-5 days instead of 10-12. At least you get something for your $5 this way.

That there is a well thought out plan.........Thanks for sharing!!!

[frogtog]

I ordered some stuff two weeks ago from BPS.com and at the bottom it

has a space for comments. It also said this could delay my order, so I said what the heck. I wrote ( Your Shipping Sucks: Need to tell Johnny Morris to get his but in gear or get out ) This was on Sunday night and got my order on Tuesday.

Oh yea I heard that Fedx was buying UPS and the new name will be

Fedup.  

[burleytog]

That's not a bad idea.  I might have to actually order online rather than phoning it in so I give them a piece of my mind.

[lacab]

I totally agree. Bass Pro is ridiculous! From 05' thru mid 06' I spent nearly $3000 at BPS. My last few orders took way to long to get. I have since ordered exclusively from Cabela's because their shipping is excellent.