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Author Topic: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT  (Read 32404 times)

AA4EZ

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HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« on: October 31, 2016, 08:59:55 PM »

I recently made a purchase from HRO Atlanta on a Wednesday for two items, one a VHF/UHF SWR/Power meter and a cable for amplifier connection.  The power meter was in stock at Atlanta, which is about 120 miles from me.  I have ordered many big ticket Icom items from them in the recent past, and I usually get next day delivery by UPS if I call in and order before their UPS pickup.  I made the mistake of ASSUMING they would do the same.  I needed the meter for antenna work to be done that weekend.  They shipped from Texas because the cheap MFJ cable was not in stock in Atlanta, so I got the order on Tuesday.  I complained via email to the Atlanta HRO and was forwarded to the HRO head manager.  He called me on the phone and proceeded to tell me that they would not make as much money if they had shipped as two orders (yeah, two bucks to ship a 1 oz cable 1st class).  He basically told me that it did not matter that Atlanta had the expensive meter that I needed, that it was more important for them to make a profit than to keep amateurs happy.  In the last two years I had ordered from Atlanta HRO an Icom IC-7600 and an Icom IC-9100 transceiver plus much more over the years.

I can assure you that when I order the IC-7610 this spring that it will be from DX Engineering.

73, Ray AK4RL
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PBJOK

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #1 on: November 01, 2016, 03:08:49 AM »

Jeez, do you want some whine with your cheese and cable? You said it yourself - you ASSUMED... so, you're an ass.
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SWMAN

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #2 on: November 01, 2016, 04:38:36 AM »

 OMG. How terrible .
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N4MU

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #3 on: November 01, 2016, 04:54:36 AM »

So why did you wait until the last minute to order. Even if ATL had both items you may not have received them in 1 day. I have dealt with the ATL folks, and Mark (Mgr of over a quater century) on MANY occasions, with specific needs and problems and they (he for sure) have always gone out of their way to assist. Just recently Mark made it happen for me - the opposite of your story - by shipping individual pieces from different locations so I would have a complete system for an upcoming trip (instead of waiting for the 3 piece package to become in stock at ATL, which BTW did not happen because of manufacturer shipping). Nope...HRO is tops with me...and, sorry, no sympathy for you sir. (If I wanted it tomorrow I would have ordered it tomorrow, etc.)
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N9AOP

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #4 on: November 01, 2016, 05:46:28 AM »

HRO is not like AMAZON where you can order your product today and get it today. 
Art
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K7JQ

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #5 on: November 01, 2016, 06:07:33 AM »

ASSUME = ASS out of U and ME.
First of all, the manager shouldn't say that they "make more money" by shipping it that way. But besides that, you are being completely unfair with your rant. When dealing with shipping, nothing is written in stone...so many possibilities for delay. HRO has been a reputable company for many decades. If you want something today or the next day, go to a store and pick it up. Otherwise, if you wait until last minute, don't bitch about it.
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KD8TUT

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #6 on: November 01, 2016, 07:02:13 AM »

I recently made a purchase from HRO Atlanta on a Wednesday for two items, one a VHF/UHF SWR/Power meter and a cable for amplifier connection.  The power meter was in stock at Atlanta, which is about 120 miles from me.  I have ordered many big ticket Icom items from them in the recent past, and I usually get next day delivery by UPS if I call in and order before their UPS pickup.  I made the mistake of ASSUMING they would do the same.  I needed the meter for antenna work to be done that weekend.  They shipped from Texas because the cheap MFJ cable was not in stock in Atlanta, so I got the order on Tuesday.  I complained via email to the Atlanta HRO and was forwarded to the HRO head manager.  He called me on the phone and proceeded to tell me that they would not make as much money if they had shipped as two orders (yeah, two bucks to ship a 1 oz cable 1st class).  He basically told me that it did not matter that Atlanta had the expensive meter that I needed, that it was more important for them to make a profit than to keep amateurs happy.  In the last two years I had ordered from Atlanta HRO an Icom IC-7600 and an Icom IC-9100 transceiver plus much more over the years.

I can assure you that when I order the IC-7610 this spring that it will be from DX Engineering.

73, Ray AK4RL

Hi Ray,

First off let me offer you my support with your issue. If you feel you've been mistreated- you probably have been.

Second, please ignore these idiots taking you to task for voicing your dissatisfaction. You have every right. And since it is your inconvenience and your money- even more so.

It's been my theory for a while that when a larger vendor gets criticized, friends or very loyal customers jump into the fray to defend the vendor in question. The ham community is small, so if you criticize HRO, "friends" of employees or owners will drop out of the sky blaming you for the problem. Which is sad- because it's the exact opposite of what should happen.

I have not had good experiences with HRO. And I'm not shy about it. In my case HRO screwed up and order- then told me an untruth which was that I needed to deal with the post office to recover the item. The truth was the item was never shipped. Eventually after complaining here they took action and got my items to me.

But not before I got my behind chewed up by "friends of HRO".

Stick to your guns. Vendors have a responsibility to create satisfied customers.

Don't even get me started on the 2 meter amp that took HRO a year to ship. Then promptly failed after a couple of hours of use... that's another story.
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Putting a Shatnerologist in a room full of ordinary people is like putting a velociraptor in a room full of wiener dogs.

WB8NUT

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #7 on: November 01, 2016, 08:05:14 AM »

I have made a huge number of purchases from HRO in Atlanta. There is no better sales staff and management team of any of the other amateur dealers that I have been able to find.

The first time I set foot in their store was about five or six years ago when I was in Atlanta visiting my daughter. I wanted to learn about DStar. Mark, the manager spent over an hour and a half with me to show me everything I ever needed to know about DStar. That was putting the amateur over profit for sure.

However, since the wonderful service, I buy 90% of my purchases from Mark and his store. They are great.

What people do not understand is that margins are slim. They are in business to make money. Companies are not benevolent organizations there to serve customers on a break even basis.

If you wanted something overnighted, tell them. If you need it in a certain number of days, tell them. It's not their fault that they did not read your mind, intentions or know of your assumptions.

DX Engineering is a fine company also. Buy from them, if you don't like HRO, but from my experience and the experience of many others, Mark and the Atlanta are top notch and Mark is a huge ambassador for amateur radio.
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N4MU

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #8 on: November 01, 2016, 09:44:11 AM »

If you read my earlier reply you'll understand why I'm adding the comment below (copied from a mid-October email from Mark at HRO ATL.) Been thinking it over and why shouldn't we support our "friends" and good suppliers? It's about time somebody did!


Mark
Oct 14
Reply
to me
As long as you are H A P P Y J
I am H A P P Y J
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WI0T

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #9 on: November 01, 2016, 11:51:37 AM »

If you needed something by a certain date, why did you not tell them or request priority shipping ?

I've dealt with HRO for years. No problem.

I've dealt with other vendors and I have requested expedited shipping so I have it by a certain date.

This is not HRO's fault.

 
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W9FIB

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #10 on: November 01, 2016, 03:53:13 PM »

I have to agree its not HRO's fault. No shipping company guarantee next day shipping unless you pay for it. Hence the next day air service.

It just is nice when things are delivered quickly, but unless you pay, don't count on it.
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73, Stan
Travelling the world one signal at a time.

KQ4YA

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #11 on: November 03, 2016, 03:33:54 AM »

I won't address this specific issue since I sure don't have all the facts. But I can say that the Atlanta store is run by some terrific people. I live in Atlanta and they've been helpful and just good guys to be around. I would trust them to do their best.
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N1CX

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2016, 03:12:34 AM »

I'm sorry you feel entitled to get something for free and then cry like a little baby when you don't.

I hope someone superglues your cheerios together in your breakfast bowl.

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KG4RUL

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2016, 06:11:21 AM »

I'm sorry you feel entitled to get something for free and then cry like a little baby when you don't.

I hope someone superglues your cheerios together in your breakfast bowl.



I think I just wet myself laughing!  :D
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KC2QYM

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RE: HRO DOESN'T CARE ABOUT THE AMATEUR, JUST BOTTOM LINE PROFIT
« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2016, 08:44:21 AM »

I believe that we have been conditioned to expect instant service and gratification when in restaurants, stores, customer service interaction, etc.  So when we encounter a glitch or in this case a late shipment we feel cheated and lash out in frustration such as in this thread.  If you now feel better that you let this out then perhaps it's a good thing..you got it off your chest.  The fact that others thought that you indignantly over reacted and some let you have it should not surprise you.  Whenever you complain about something that really bothers you to others (either in a message forum or in person) you have to expect that others will be turned off by your rant or just agree in sympathy.  The bottom line here is this:  Do you feel better or worse after reading the responses to your supposed plight?
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