Disappointing service from Force 4

colind3782

colind3782

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18 Jan 2011
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Shropshire/Empuriabrava
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I called them this morning after the electric toilet I bought from them last year packed up, just out of warranty of course, and asked them to send a replacement to me here in Empuriabrava. The chap I spoke to said they didn't ship to Spain but when I explained that they shipped the faulty one to Spain with no problem last year he said he would check and call me back.

He didn't. I called again and spoke to a female voice who said she would get him to call me back straightaway.

He didn't.

As I was in a hurry to get a working toilet, I ended up sourcing the parts locally from Uship who couldn't have been more helpful.

When I messaged Force 4 to ask why my call back hadn't happened I got a generic "we've been busy" reply. Is it just me or is this a normal level of service from Force 4?
 
I have found the service from Force 4 in Plymouth outstanding. What is very apparent is the world has been stuck at home for the last 12 weeks and all want to get out on the water now - this very instant and expect that everything is working like it did last year. Well its not, the supply chains are creaking between the links and the staff are working hard to keep a lot of people happy.
 
I visited my local force 4 today and never seen them so busy. I also ordered bits online with them in the last couple of weeks and they did take a couple of days longer to arrive So pressure seems to be getting to them but I always find them very helpful
 
Sandy said:
I”What is very apparent is the world has been stuck at home for the last 12 weeks and all want to get out on the water now - this very instant and expect everything to be working as it did last year. Well its not, the supply chains are creaking between the links and the staff are working hard to keep a lot of people happy.”
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+1. Tried to get some headstand bearings for my folding bike this am. First store said he would normally have them in stock, but awaiting delivery. Next tried Halfords. Same answer but suggested I tried the next two nearest branches. Hit lucky at the first, but I had their penultimate item. Supply chains are now in disarray because of world wide shut downs.
 
ashtead said:
I’ve had the same story on supply chains. Maybe they carriers have furloughed all their staff ?
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Some (non-boat-related) electronics assemblies I wanted are low on stock because the manufacturer in the US has been making face shields and similar things instead of their normal products.

Pete
 
We are at work just starting to see the delayed effect of the lockdowns, parts normally either in stock or on short lead times from European manufactures are now missing expected delivery slots, making life very difficult
 
colind3782 said:
OK, fair comments but when I say I will call someone back, I call them. If I'm too busy I don't say it.
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Even when the phones are red hot with 100 customers all wanting stuff now. Sir, you must be superhuman. When working I have had an expected 15 minute call turn in to a two hour epic. OK, this was not just sorting out an electric toilet, but more life and death type stuff!
 
Sandy said:
Even when the phones are red hot with 100 customers all wanting stuff now. Sir, you must be superhuman. When working I have had an expected 15 minute call turn in to a two hour epic. OK, this was not just sorting out an electric toilet, but more life and death type stuff!
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The reply to my email was instant so not that busy. I guess we just have different standards.

Let's move on.
 
found Force4 very good, must be the lockdown/reduced staff

a year ago i bought a NOA solar mount. i then decided after fitting it i needed the model with the side supprts, but Force4 didnt stock that model, but they took the one i had back and issued a refund without question
 
In the pass I always had a good service when ordering good but I was very disappoint two years ago when I ordered a new fridge kit , hands up I broke the gas pipe while fitting it , call ed and explain what happen and if they could sell me a new plate , they said plate are not sold separate and could only sell me a new kit , which wasn't true , other chandler had them in stock , in the end I called isotherm in Italy and explained what I did , they sent me a new plate no charge and refused my offer to pay for the carnage.
Since then I guess I spend a couple of K in bits none from force 4 .
 
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