RockAuto's shipping policies/prices are annoying

[MaximRecoil]

I like RockAuto in terms of service; I've ordered from them many times, never a problem. However, I've also started to order from them many times, and said screw that when I saw what was going on with the shipping. Their "ships from location A, ships from location B, ships from location C" crap is maddening when ordering multiple items of different types. Ordering 10 items could easily result in 10 full shipping costs all added together; no better than ordering each item from 10 completely different sites. I know of no other site that does this.

Today I ran into a similar, but different kind of annoyance on their site. I wanted to order some spark plugs. The weirdness started with the little drop down menu next to the spark plugs I wanted. There were 2 options:

Individual = $2.01 (comes to $16.08 for 8 of them)
Packs of 4 = $2.04 for each plug in the pack ($16.32 total for 2 packs of 4)

I'd guess that the 4-packs aren't a popular option.

Then comes the shipping. I entered a quantity of 8 for the $2.01 individual ones, and the shipping came to $7.63 (same shipping price if you ordered the slightly more expensive two 4 packs), which seemed a little steep. I then decided to see what the shipping was for different quantities:

1 for $1.90
2 for $2.25
3 for $2.60
4 for $2.96
5 for $3.14
6 for $3.45
7 for $5.56
8 for $7.63

Incredible. So I ordered 6 of them, and after completing that order I went right back and ordered 2 of them. Total shipping cost for the two orders was $5.70, saving me about 2 dollars. It is going to be twice the work and twice the amount of packaging material on RockAuto's part, and they charged me ~2 dollars less than sending them all in a single order.

Utterly asinine.

[b5blue]

Yup they caught me one time on brake parts that way, never again. If ANYTHING is wrong, even if the part will NOT fit...you eat your shipping to you. (I just munched down on my last 10.95.) Just not worth the hassle on most things anymore. I was going to order two shocks and each were from separate places! Many things appear cheaper till you add shipping then Advance Auto wins hands down (Like on Moog.) and if anything is wrong/needing warranty just go back to the store. I think they are just a supplier network. 

[Dino]

I'm done with rockauto, used to love the place but after that power window fiasco that cost me I am no longer shopping with these folks. 

[bakerhillpins]

I had been dabbling on their site a bit but never ended up buying stuff from them because of the same confusion.. Looks like I will simply avoid them from now on.

Thanks for the heads up guys! 

[MaximRecoil]

I'm done with rockauto, used to love the place but after that power window fiasco that cost me I am no longer shopping with these folks. 

What was the power window fiasco?

[charger Downunder]

I like these guys got fed up with rock auto shipping.
http://www.discountautoparts.com/

[Dino]

I'm done with rockauto, used to love the place but after that power window fiasco that cost me I am no longer shopping with these folks. 

What was the power window fiasco?

Rockauto sells 2 different motors for our cars, one is made by Dorman, I forget the other brand.  I ordered 4 and received 2 Dorman and 2 of the others.  Of course different motors require different brackets and wiring but to be sure this would be an issue I test them out and the Dorman's spin faster than the others.  I can't have two windows go slower so I contact RA.  I ask them for a return shipping label which they provide.  I send back the 2 non Dorman motors and ask to replace them with Dormans.  I get an email a day later stating that Dorman bought the other brand so they will be shipping me the same motors I just sent back.  I tell them that's no good and I tell them on their website they are two totally different motors yet what I bought and received are two different things.  No go, they can't send me any more Dorman motors although they are on the website.  I also paid more for the Dorman while receiving the cheaper motors.  Several emails back and forth didn't resolve anything, I'm still stuck with two motors and out some money. 

Their customer service was appalling to say the least so I've done my last shopping with them. The shipping issues told here are absolutely true as well.  Damn shame, they have good stuff at a decent price but I'll pay a bit more and get the service I expect.

[MrSnicks]

Unless rockauto is having a major clearance/blowout on something I need for one of the cars, their shipping is too crazy. I use amazon.com mostly now.  I short by free/prime shipping. Returns if part is wrong are easy and free. Haven't ordered something from rockauto.com in a while.

Patrick

[ODZKing]

Their customer service was appalling to say the least so I've done my last shopping with them. The shipping issues told here are absolutely true as well.  Damn shame, they have good stuff at a decent price but I'll pay a bit more and get the service I expect.

Yes, just went through that with them on the phone.  The people can't even answer a question about the "look" a part mostly because they are just the middle guy. They have nothing in stock and drop ship everything.

[Steve P.]

Damn good thread.       I haven't bought from there in ages, but was looking for brakes and rotors for a buddy's Nissan 350Z. I guess they just lost an expensive sale.. I certainly will not deal with that shit. 

[Just 6T9 CHGR]

I just used them for rear rotors & pads for my truck....no problems.  You just have to watch the shipping from different locations...been that way since their inception.  I still find them cheaper & still use them for stuff that I dont need right away

[resq302]

I just used them for rear rotors & pads for my truck....no problems.  You just have to watch the shipping from different locations...been that way since their inception.  I still find them cheaper & still use them for stuff that I dont need right away

I also have used them for a lot of stuff with my daily drivers.  I got a shock from them (monroe) and it was all banged up and damaged.  They sent another one out right away from a different warehouse that was closer to me.  I have, however, had one instance when I was working on my brother in laws car and had to replace the injectors.  One of the injectors that I got was already used and was put back in the box so I was short a injector.  They took care of it no problem.

Like Chris said, you have to watch where the parts are shipped from.  Has always been like that since I can remember.  They also have stuff that no other places have like individual parts for rebuilding parts such as starters, alternators, master cylidners, and also calipers.

[Silver R/T]

I still buy from these guys from time to time. However I wait till I need to place large order and I look so that it all ships from one location. Sometimes ebay still has a better deal.

[adauto]

I've bought from Rock myself, but have found once you add shipping Its usually more than if I just call oriellys and have them deliver. And then I'm not waiting a few days.....

[resq302]

Again,

It all depends on what you need to get.  O'Reilleys or Advance Auto parts does not have rebuild kits for stuff.  I like to try and keep the original stuff with my cars if at all possible so once you ship your core out, its pretty much gone for good unless you keep yours and pay the core charge.