Rant about auto parts suppliers

[blur911]

I ordered a wheel bearing, oil filter, and axle nut for my Honda from Partsavatar.ca, they've sat on the order for a week and haven't shipped it.  I ask and they can't give a date for it to  be shipped and can't cancel the order.  So I told them I'd inform as many customers as I can of their policy.   (they've been good so far, dunno is up with this order)

So, I go to Autopartsway.ca to see what they have and shipping times.  At checkout they now ask for a tip!  A freaking tip on an online order...I didn't order from them either.

[Bridgecity]

That's ridiculous (both accounts). 

I'm finding I'm buying more parts locally these days, with the odd order from Rockauto.  Shipping on some items can sometimes negate any savings from Rockauto.  I guess the same can be said for the Canadian suppliers also.

[Firm]

RockAuto really is the only reliable option of all those online only general parts suppliers. I use them quite a bit, especially if it's not urgent, and harder to find locally. That said, local options in the US are much stronger than in Canada...Most metro areas have a "mega hub" for at least a couple of the big-3 auto parts retailers that'll have just about anything you'd ever need - in stock.
I recently got a CPS for the SLK, and a starter for the LT1 Firebird, at my local AutoZone Mega Hub. 15 Minute drive beats waiting for a delivery, even if I pay a little more.

[dkazzed]

I didn't have the warm and fuzzies about ordering from either AutoPartsWay or PartsAvatar. I'd rather support a local shop if I needed something more urgent than RockAuto. I've had some success with Amazon as well.