Just a friendly warning: I just entered an on-line order for some parts for my 68. Order included (4) cowl vent bolts, antenna nut, horn button, emergency flasher button, turn signal switch, and classic update wiring harness. Items would probably all fit in a large shoe box and weigh less than 10lbs. I entered my 20% off code and almost hit submit when I noticed the shipping charge....$49.95 plus $2.50 for insurance. Total for shipping and insurance was $52.45 - for items that would fit in a large shoe box! I called to talk to a representative over the phone to see if there was some kind of problem with their on-line ordering process and the rep stated the shipping charge was correct. They base off of item pricing. So let me get this straight, the more money I spend with them, the more they want to charge me to ship. Sound fair to you? Size and weight do not play into the formula like when I ship? Anyhow, they offered to ship for $32.77 - I offered $20 and no more. In the end, I cancelled my order due to the inflated shipping charge - but had I not looked at the shipping charge before I hit submit...Just want everyone to pay attention to shipping charges now. Rick's is only about 2.5 hours from me, guess I will make a trip to Athens.

I think it is about time they heard about this unless they are monitoring the board here. That is patently absurd. Shipping is based on package weight and size. The only thing that is impacted by price is shipping insurance.

alan

during the build process of my project i always waited for the 20% code and then fortunately i live within driving distance so i always will-called my order.

i agree the shipping in most cases will kick yer teeth in :(

They have the highest shipping costs in the business.

Classic update harness probably weights 20+lbs and is more like 4 large shoeboxes... I got one right next to my desk staring at me begging to be installed.

I tried having something oversized shipped one time and it cost more to ship than the part was. So I know sometimes their shipping is overpriced. But I did recently have a pedal kit shipped to me and was very reasonable $3.00 in shipping (but I am local). Will-call is great option if you aren't too far, or just wait for the 20% off and realize that its really like free shipping.

This seems to be common issue with Classic. Even though I'm only ~450 miles north of Classic I can actually get stuff shipped for cheaper cost from Rick's in GA nearly 2500 miles away. The trade off is if I'm willing to wait an extra 4-5 days for delivery. Unfortunately Classic has some things that Steve's in San Bruno doesn't have.

Classic update harness probably weights 20+lbs and is more like 4 large shoeboxes...

This is what I was going to say. The wiring harness alone is the size of a briefcase, and they probably put it and the other stuff in a bigger box. $50 plus is probably too much, unless it is insured, but it is not a $5 shipment either.

They are known for their inflated shipping costs which is why most that know and read the shipping statement hit the BACK BUTTON and buy elsewhere. Ricks is honest with shipping charges and speaks volumes to their customer service and recognizing that shipping is a big part of customer satisfaction! Ricks even has the shipping practice down for North of the border. They know how to ship via USPS and the actual least expensive way to ship the parts including the budget bubble envelope service.

You constantly see venders offering parts on eBay as an example that will fit in a bubble pack envelope and ship for $3.00 but they instead want $15.00 - $20.00. It is too bad people do not take the 20 mins to investigate how to ship items cost effectively. Those that have, get the business i find.

My favorite is still UPS for being the worst for shipping if one lives north of the border. You give them the address to ship and they advise you the shipping cost. You pay the shipping and then one day your package arrives and they want an additional $56.00 on top of what you already paid!

They calmly state that they are the brokerage fees and taxes! Ok I fully understand the taxes but when you place an order to ship and they know it is going across the border they know there is a brokerage fee! That is why we request and pay the shipping up front. Instead one gets hit with an outrageous surprise of having their parcel held hostage or pay up! They choose to pass the buck back to the vender and claim they should have told you? Told me what? That there pricing for shipping is incorrect! What a great scam as long as you can get away with it. I’m curious what my initial $27.00 in shipping cost went to as quoted to ship to the address given? Perhaps it was to dial the phone to have UPS pick up a parcel? Thats one exspensive call. :)

These people are bandits and the only thing separating from Jesse James is that Jesse James had the decency to wear a bandanna!

The best thing people can do is refuse to do bussiness with these types of companies and give their moneys to those that look after their customers concerns and who reconise that shipping is a vital factor in customer satisfaction.

They have the highest shipping costs in the business.

Word.Everyone must have figured this out by now...avoid if at all possible.:yes:

The guy that runs the shipping department must have a phd in philosophy and commands a $100K / yr salary.

I only use National Parts Depot (NPD). Free shipping over $300. I ordered two items once that were over sized.They charged me an oversize fee for each item. I called and asked if both items fit in one over sized box why two charges?. He agreed and adjusted. I also request the same sales guy when i call. Once in a while they throw in a little something extra. Last time I got a nice big poster.:thumbsup:

I discovered the same thing when looking for parts at Classic Industries and their high shipping charges.

I'll drive to Steve's Camaros any time for what I need as it's always a pleasure to talk with Steve and he can get you everything you'd ever need.

They have the highest shipping costs in the business.

X-2....I would love to buy some stuff from them because they have some stuff others don't....with the shipping costs I just have to go elsewhere..:sad:...Their Catalog is cool though!

I have called before to find out if what I wanted was in stock.This is before I asked a friend who lives less than a mile from them to pick it up for me.Needless to say they were less than helpful when they found out it would be picked up and not shipped.....

They used to offer the 20% discount plus free shipping for any order greater than $1K. I took advantage of that twice when building my car. The first time a tractor trailer truck backed up to my driveway to make the delivery of goods which included several over sized packages.
Rick's is 1.5 hours west of me and without Classic's discount I would have ordered the bulk items from them. Most of my follow up orders came from Rick's.

I have called before to find out if what I wanted was in stock.This is before I asked a friend who lives less than a mile from them to pick it up for me.Needless to say they were less than helpful when they found out it would be picked up and not shipped.....


Wow. That seems to hint at what may be going on behind the scenes.
Can't prove it, but...........;)

Wonder if they ever come onto the forums?

I usually drive make the drive to Year One in Georgia to to get many parts especially the big stuff.
Not long ago I purchased a full trunk floor and in the past this is where I got my nos fenders ($299.00 ea.).

Classic Headquarters doesn't gouge you on shipping, and their prices are the same or better than others for the same items.
Quick shipment times as well.
:thumbsup:

I remember a thread mentioning them not long ago, but hell if I can find it.

most items I want in the C.I. catalog are "discount exempt". Does that go for this 20% Sept. sale also? I'm glad I noticed this thread this morning. I woke up early to have time to flip through their catalog. They are about an hour and half away from me if I can tolerate that terrible drive into Orange County. As far as shipping goes, the U.S. Postal Service says it will ship anything that fits in a certain box, regardless of weight. Isn't weight consideration EVERYTHING when it comes to shipping. I guess they figure it will even out if they can ship a gas cap for the same price they charge for shipping a carburator.

Yep, I ordered a pivot stud for my clutch assembly a few months ago. Next day shipping was going to be $65...for a $3 bolt!!!!!!! insane shipping prices.

most items I want in the C.I. catalog are "discount exempt". Does that go for this 20% Sept. sale also?

Yep ! All the big ticket stuff at Classic is discount exempt so no 20% off. That is why I try to buy as much big items elsewhere.

Wouldn't it make more sense to reward a customer that spends more money with cheaper shipping? Instead they want to penalize you for spending more money with them. No thanks, I will take my business somewhere else from now on. Many companies offer price matching, wonder if they will honor the 20% off and still ship for a reasonable rate?

I almost always wait for the discount. Yet, sometimes I need the part immediately and go make the 1-1.5 hour drive. I go early on the weekends because it gets very busy and I have the order invoice printed out from home. They also have will call :) and their customer service is exceptional. Eventhough they are my preferred vendor, I shop around. Classic Industries has never overcharged me on the shipping and I have noticed the other vendors sometimes charge comparably higher in shipping cost. As the saying goes, "Sometimes you are the windshield, sometimes you are the bug."

I don't want to rat hole but everyone's experience is different and if I were within driving distance of Classic I'd probably will call parts too.

I've have placed similar sized and weight orders with different suppliers and in every case Classic seems to charge 2-4x for ground UPS shipping. Couple that with the fact that a majority of their large or big ticket items are discount exempt and it makes their 20% off sales not really that interesting to me.

I use a couple suppliers, Steve's, Classic, Rick's, YearOne, and Summit and pretty much buy what I need, when I need it.

Couple that with the fact that a majority of their large or big ticket items are discount exempt and it makes their 20% off sales not really that interesting to me.

I called them for a large item and eventhough it showed discount exempt on the catalog, the discount was honored by phone.

Inflated shipping cost is why I did not order my clutch parts from Classic, instead, I ordered from Ricks. satisfied

I called them for a large item and eventhough it showed discount exempt on the catalog, the discount was honored by phone.

well, that's certainly interesting. As stated earlier, I live about an hour and half away. 20% off, will-call pick up for someone who needs: complete interior, more suspension stuff, exhaust... and probably stuff I don't even know yet; that's a pretty good savings. Of course, gettting them to honor the 20% by phone is the key.

Why does CI do this and how do they get away with it ? Because we , as consumers , allow them to . They have a great catalog , color and pics of everything , in -your-face advertising and they expect the norm , consumers not reading the fine print . They bank on the buyer being wowed and impressed by the smoke and mirrors . I'll stop before this turns to bashing , but I have seen it first hand , my FIL bought exclusively from CI , simply because he could see a pic of the part he was ordering , and spent probably 2Gs more on shipping over the life of the build . I also will not buy from vendors on Ebay who inflate shipping prices either . Sorry for the rant , this just strikes a nerve with me .

I discovered the same thing when looking for parts at Classic Industries and their high shipping charges.

I'll drive to Steve's Camaros any time for what I need as it's always a pleasure to talk with Steve and he can get you everything you'd ever need.

Agreed,do all you can to support guys like Steve.:yes:
Nicest guy you'd ever meet,make's you feel like family when you step behind the counter and share a nice cigar with Steve and his staff.:thumbsup:

Someone on the board here, who lives near Classic Industries needs to open a business. Buy from Classic, pick it up there, then ship it for 1/2 what they would. :) You know another middle man !

I use a couple suppliers, Steve's, Classic, Rick's, YearOne, and Summit and pretty much buy what I need, when I need it.

Not all of us can afford to do that. You probably don't look at gas prices either. Just fill it up when it needs it.

It must be nice to have more money then you need. :)

Try shipping to Sweden...
Bought 2 new rotors and some bearings from Ricks for my 67.
Order was worth around $150.

Shipping was $175:(...

I actually think I can find and airline ticket for $175. Then I could see your beautiful country, shop parts for my car and hand carry it on the plane coming back...

I just ordered a set of GM NOS headlight bezels, hood lip molding and hood emblem for my Nova from Classic. Yes, they hit me for 43.00 shipping, but the 20% discount knocked off over 100.00 so all in all not bad. Without the 20% discount they offer at times i would never order from them.

As a retailer I can tell you there is no other excuse for inflated shipping other than managements policy. I try to send out my orders through the US post office. They will ship up to 70 lbs and are half the price of UPS. I don't understand why other stores don't use this. I don't pay for pick up, can do everything online and print my own postage.
Its not right to make a profit on the shipping. Many of my competitors low ball the part price and then hit the total with handling and extra shipping charges.
Look before you confirm!

Just got a b/o from Classic. I'm filling out the customer sat card that came with the order and all I'm putting is "Your shipping charges are too high". I would suggest anyone else that feels their shipping is too expensive should do the same.

As for the comment on having money, just gonna say I took a bag lunch to work for 16 years so my wife could be a stay at home mom. Now it's my turn to spend a bit. As for gas prices... really never look at them as it does no good till we start charging an equivalent price for all the corn, wheat, and other foods we export.

I live pretty close to C.I and own a Chevy Silverado; probably hold a lot of car parts. I could go in the delivery business. just get together and place your orders at the same time and I'll pick up the orders at the will-call. Great way for me to pay my way to the OU/Texas game on Oct. 17th! (NOTICE: if TEAM CAMARO wants to pay for an advertising logo on the side of my truck, it'll be $100 per side. Hell, I'll even wash and wax my truck)

Agreed,do all you can to support guys like Steve.:yes:
Nicest guy you'd ever meet,make's you feel like family when you step behind the counter and share a nice cigar with Steve and his staff.:thumbsup:

I've been buying my parts from Steve’s. Great group of people good prices and being somewhat local I get my parts consistently the next day.

I live pretty close to C.I and own a Chevy Silverado; probably hold a lot of car parts. I could go in the delivery business. just get together and place your orders at the same time and I'll pick up the orders at the will-call. Great way for me to pay my way to the OU/Texas game on Oct. 17th! (NOTICE: if TEAM CAMARO wants to pay for an advertising logo on the side of my truck, it'll be $100 per side. Hell, I'll even wash and wax my truck)

LOL. I just might take you up on the offer. Last time I went to pickup a large part, it wouldn't fit in my politically correct SUV. My best man lives 2 miles from the store, so I managed to have him stash it in his garage with his wife's approval. He even delivered it to my door the following week in his Suburban.

It's disgusting reading these replies!....I only ordered once from this place mainly because they are located on the left coast and I live in the opposite direction and not only the shipping charge was outrageous, it took like over a week to receive!....I only ordered a hood tach for my Poncho and it cost like over 20 bucks to ship mainly because they throw in that big *** catalog that weighs a ton and adds to the shipping cost!

You members who live near this place should order a bunch of the priority shipping boxes from the United States Postal Service, they are free of charge and you can cram up to like 70 lbs of stuff for one low priority shipping charge!.....You can even print the shipping labels and arrange for your mailman to pick up the package from your residence!

Someone on the board here, who lives near Classic Industries needs to open a business. Buy from Classic, pick it up there, then ship it for 1/2 what they would. :) You know another middle man !

sounds good til stuff needs returned if it didnt work or was the wrong crap

sounds good til stuff needs returned if it didnt work or was the wrong crap

didn't work?? wrong crap?? that never happens does it?

Seriously, its obvious why shipping is so high with them. How else are they going to publish their 5000 page high quality color catalogs?

I ordered a few parts for Classic and I was shocked by the shipping cost. Not to mention the fact that it took two weeks to get my parts. I actually had to send one part back. It cost me about a 1/2 of the cost to ship it back to them. I haven't ordered anything else from them. Funny I no longer get their new catalogs or emails. When I order from Rick's or Ground up, shipping is much quicker and cheaper.

I just Fedex'd a giant box that weighed 54 lbs. Cost me $27. How can theses places justify $40 for a few small items?

FedEx is always cheaper in my experience. So is the P.O.
But then again I always box\pack\tape my own stuff.

There is some good info in this thread but there is also a lot of commentary that we could do without... The originator of this thread IMO has understated the size and weight of what he was ordering which unfairly biases the initial "warning".

I'm not sure if the intent is to warn folks about high shipping practices or just to vent (high shipping costs are a common practice) This is 2010 and shipping and handling charges are a part of internet and mailorder which is a part of the hobby for most of us. If the shipping and handling isn't disclosed it's one thing, but if it's presented to the consumer before he commits to a purchase then there is an option.

I'm 53 years old and I remember the $.99 spy kits and toy solder kits you could send away for in the back of Boys Life magazine and comic books. I saved my pennys until I had enough to cover the $.99 plus a stamp, filled out and cut out the order form and went proudly to mom to have her send my order off. I'll never forget my disappointment when she told me I didn't read the fine print and would need another dollar for the shipping charge! There is no way I can believe there is a person visiting this forum and reading this thread that is as naive about shipping and handling costs as I was that day so long ago.

Let's put this one to rest, be aware that shipping and handling charges can get expensive and if you feel an order is being padded by S&H don't place it. Go somewhere else and if you find less expensive shipping for the same items let the company charging too much know why you didn't do business with them...