Problem with Cabelas? Anyone else?

[Stinky Fingers]

I was wondering if anyone has had problems with Cabelas when it comes to their phone order processing and shipping. I called and placed an order on Tuesday the 12th, when I placed the order I paid an extra $7.00 to guarantee that I would have it on Friday the 15th. Here is where my dilemma starts, I called this morning to get the tracking number and the very nice lady I spoke to told me that my order was shipped yesterday the 14th, 2nd day air with a delivery date of Monday the 18th. Ah, what happened to the $7.00 guarantee for Friday’s delivery???? Well, sir, I’m not sure, its shows here on your account that you paid the $7.00 and that it was supposed to be guaranteed delivery on Friday the 15th. But I don’t know why it took two days for us to process and ship your order. If you like I can remove the $7.00 from your bill….

Its not the $7 that is pissing me off it’s the fact that they promised me something on a certain date and then dropped the ball on their end. I could understand if the item was backordered or something happened with UPS. But the fact is that it took them two days to pull two items off of a shelf and put them in a box…...

Has anyone else had a similar experience with Cabelas? It’s my LAST one!!! Not like it will matter to them…

[J.P.]

All my orders came in less time than what they told me. I think they are excellant.

[Nordicron]

I just placed a good sized website order a few weeks ago and it was on a tuesday. I just took the standard 2-3 day deliver and expected that it would be on Friday. I called to make sure order got processed and the nice person told me yes everything looked fine and the expected delivery was the following tuesday. I next looked at the Cablas website and it showed the same expected delivery on the following tuesday. Well that friday when I got home from work guess what was waiting at my door, my order! So I guess there is hope for you yet. But I would still be mad if I where you a guarantee is just that.

[Wambo]

Over the years (many of them) I've ordered literally thousands of $'s worth of products from Cabela's, both phone and now internet. I have never had any problems.... NONE....Zilch...... Always got what was ordered, and always on time. Like most of you guys, once I order something I'm looking for the UPS guy. Cabela's is always my first choice to look for fishing, hunting, and boating equipment.

Don't let ONE little screw-up, taint your opinion of a first class operation.

Once that item was shipped, there isn't a thing anyone can do to speed it up.

[Road King]

All of my experiences have been very positive. I normally do not pay the extra charges for priority shipping because I get most of my orders in three days anyway. They are the best company I have ever delt with when it comes to returning products. I just wish they would stop building all of the new stores in other states and build one in Eastern Nebraska..

[eyegetit]

Ditto what JP said.

[Schnauzer]

I have placed a few orders from Cabelas and each time, the order came early. Not only that, despite complicated orders including single jigs here and odd ball things there, I have yet to see a quantity or item mistake on one of my orders. In every respect, my orders have been handled flawlessly.

Like the earlier post said, I don't pay extra to get the order faster because it comes so quickly anyway.

I measure service not as much by mistakes, but more on how mistakes are taken care of. Volunteering to take the $7 off seems like the best they can do in this situation and they offered to do so right away.

[Stinky Fingers]

I guess I am just pissed because I needed the stuff this weekend. I too have bought THOUSANDS of dollars worth of equipment. If I didn't need the item today I wouldn't be as pissed and it wouldn't be an issues. I was just really really really disappointed to find out that I paid extra money to expidite my order and then it still sat around for two days before being shipped. Oh well, nothing I can do now....

[CarpetBagger]

To tell you the truth im starting to wonder if Cabela's is all they are cracked up to be. For instance their prices are really starting to stink. Ive found that if you dont need a product ASAP its better to search around for it. Alot of Tackle distributors offer great discounts and flat rate shipping. I just bought about 80 new walleye jigs the other day online and saved about 25cents a jig compared to cabelas. And that was without shipping from cabela's. I've also found trolling reels other places 5 and 10 bucks cheaper with a flat rate of shipping.

Cabela's is a great store and I have bought alot of stuff off of them, but if you do a lil lookin around u can find some better deals.

CB

[Skis]

I always get mine standard delivery. They say five days and mine are always here before that. Good service.

[SnellTier]

ditto to the ditto. Been buying for 10 years and never never ever had a bad delivery.

[NateW]

If all businesses ran like Cabela's there would be a lot less lawyers in the world.

Yes in some cases their prices are a little higher, but I'll usually pay it because I know what I'm getting, I'll get it on time and I know how I'll be treated if there's a problem.

[MOeyez]

Stinky Fingers, I used to order from Cabela's, and always found their service to be excellent. These days, though, I work for their major competitor, so I get my gear here--but that doesn't diminish my respect for Cabela's one bit. If I needed something I couldn't get here, I'd have no reservations about buying it from them.

I agree with the other post: if a company has always treated you right, that should be worth something. Committing one error doesn't mean they've turned their back on you. Perhaps their offer of the refund isn't enough to make it right for you, and if not, you should let them know your expectations. I think they value your business much more than you give them credit for.

Mike

[punch1]

I don't know where people get the idea that Cabelas has competitive prices. If I can find the same item here at Fleet Farm I can all but guarantee that Cabelas' price will be higher. At the very best, they might have the same price, but that is the exception rather than the norm.

Having said that, I do make many purchases from Cabelas for the simple fact that they do carry a lot of items that I can't get at the store mentioned above. I also refuse to buy from the local Gander Mountain unless it is on clearance there. But that's another issue. I guess I'm also willing to pay a few bucks more for those one or two items that I can get locally becuase it's a matter of conveniance for me.

One thing with Cabelas, as mentioned several times above, is that I learned to go with the cheapest shipping method and 9 times out of 10, I'll have it in three days. As a matter of fact I ordered a trolling motor mount along with a trolling motor plug and receptacle on Tuesday evening and the UPS truck just left my driveway. I can recognize the sound of the UPS truck like no one other. Just don't tell my wife that. Wait, I guess she already knows.

Tell me people, is the UPS tracking number the greatest thing ever? Perhaps part of the quick delivery here is becuase all the items appear to originate from Oak Creek, WI. Do they have a store there or is that just a distribution center?

Pat

[DaCoder]

Last week Wednesday, 3/6, I placed a phone order and took standard shipping. On Friday, 3/8, I placed another phone order, also with standard shipping.

On Monday, 3/11, the first order arrived. I found a white hankerchief in the pocket of one of the pair of shorts I ordered. It was clean, but I didn't order it! I called Cabela's Customer Service the next day and they were very apologetic, and they sent me a new pair of shorts free and told me I could keep the first pair if I wanted. On Thursday, 3/14, the new shorts and the second order showed up.

That's why I keep buying from them. Their items show up on/before the expected date, and I can't complain about their Customer Service. They're still number one with me.

[IaCraig]

Never had a problem with slow delivery from Cabelas, and I've never had a problem with customer service on catalog orders. Cabela's may not be the cheapest on everything, however their selection is very good and I feel their prices are always in the ballpark.

I wonder how much more Cabela's can grow before they start having problems though. Eventually they are bound to get greedy management who will cut the wrong corners and trash the company.

Until then, I am a Cabela's fan.

[perchjerker]

I agree with other satisified Cab's customers.
Case in point: My Minnkota AP65 cost $11 in shipping, came a week earlier than promised. Bass Pro wanted $55 shipping for the same unit.

Never had any gripes with Cabelas.

[JerryA]

Cabelas is one of the best companies I've ever dealt with. They screwed up you order. I'd file it away under "sh__ happens" and give them another chance.

[Stinky Fingers]

The main reason I posted was to see if anyone else was having problems. Well, I guess you guys answered my question... It was an isolated incident. Hopefully it doesn't happen again!!!

[Fishoil]

Over the years I've spent a lot more money with Cabelas than my wife will ever know and I have never had a single problem. You may find a better price elsewhere, but I doubt you'll find better customer service.

[wyosteve]

Stinkyfingers, I don't know if this was the reason for your problem, but I live in Cheyenne, 100 miles west of Sidney. We had a fairly major snowstorm go through here Wed. night into Thurs. a.m. I-80 and I-25 were closed for something like 16 hrs. Could be that they got hit as well and UPS couldn't get trucks in or out. Like everyone else, I've never had a problem with them.

[WalleyeJason]

I wish they would build one here in Washington. I think Spokane would make a nice location.

WJ

[WAeyes]

Have to jump on the bandwagon here. I have had nothing but fantastic service from Cabelas. Never a question when I return anything and always a quick replacement or credit to the card.

[TK_551]

Never have had a problem with Cabelas as well. It has always been UPS dropping the ball. When I lived in an apartment, they failed to notice me that they were there. They delivered my stuff to the office where is sat for a week. When I called asking where my order was, the person from Cabelas was the one who told me that it was signed for by so and so from the office. A few other times they refunded my shipping charge because of UPS screwing up.

Tom
#551

[EricCO]

I've had similiar crap happen with Cabelas, but I still love them.

Complain loud enough and to enough people and you will get someone that will bribe you with store credit. Works for me.

"Hunting 'eyes in the Three-O-Three"

[Kevin/CO]

Never had a problem but always order online so that might be a factor. I have ordered from cabela's ten minutes apart and had guaranteed delivery on one order and standard delivery on the other. Well safe to say I hate UPS and FedEx, their delivery dates never line up like they are supposed to for me and the only reason in my mind to ever use them is the increased insurance. Cabelas has never processed oreders slow for me but UPS has and Cabela's doesn't finalize the order till it leaves their facilities. It might not be Cabela's that did that to you. Oh yeah use Reelbait.com its a great site and Al is one of the nicest guys around, very dedicated to his customers and their happiness. When I can I make sure to go there first.

[haugboss]

not a ploblem 1 with shipping in my area ks

[Reels]

Been great for me, but I have noticed thier prices are creeping higher. There use to be a time when no one could beat Bass Pro or Cabella's, now, its not so hard to do.

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[Sandman]

I order from Cabelas very frequently and have never had a problem. I live in Minnesota and always use standard shipping and usually recieve my orders in 3 days! Best of all they have an excellent return policy and I have never been given a hard time. I wish more companies offered their level of customer service.

[StoneyPointeTom]

Probably an isolated incident. I have never had any delivery problems yet. In my opinion Cabela's provides the best possible customer service you will see anywhere.

My personal example of good customer service:
I bought a Ruger 22 Mag and a scope from them the end of last summer. They mounted and bore sighted the gun for me. When I got up to Northern Lower Michigan I was planning on sighting it in. I ran into a big problem. The bolt action was hitting the scope. I wish I would have caught it at the store but I did not. They just screwed up and put the low rings on when it should have had the high rings. I left my cabin and drove down to Franks in BAy City and bought the correct scope rings and mounted them my self at my cabin. I got the gun sighted in before the end of the weekend.

When I got back home to Monroe, Mi. I went back out to Cabela's. They apoligized for the problem and immediately offered the refund of my cost to correct the problem even though I did not buy the parts at cabela's. I returned the low scope rings to them and they refunded me based upon my Franks receipt for the high rings. The parts were actually more at Franks than Cabela's also. Since then I have purchased a Ruger .243 with Leopold scope from them. I know if there is ever a problem that they will see that it is taken care of with no hassels.

My personal example of bad customer service:
I bought a new 2 stroke 15 hp Mercury from Bass Pro in Auburn Hills. Before I ever used it I decided I should have got the 20 HP. I called up to the store and told them what I wanted to do and they said since I had not used it to bring it up and I could return it and upgrade to the 20 hp. I drive the 1 hour and 20 minutes to go back to the store the next weekend. The boating department manager then tells me that he can not take back a sold motor end of story. Something to do with the warranty system. He then offered me to trade it in at used value of 1100 dollars even though I had just paid over 1900 the week before. That would have been some serious depreciation! I can live with the story of not being able to take it back but to offer me 800 dollars less than I paid 7 days earlier was like an insult to my intelligence. The guy was a total ashole! My wife had to drag me out of the store before I made a big scene and embarassed myself or worse. I will never ever buy anything from the marine department in that store ever again.

[Al]

Over the last 6 years I've purchased 3 big bow mount minn kotas from Cabs. Never a problem and always arrived very fast. As mentioned by others, the shipping charge was minimal comapared to competitors like BPS. One other thing I like about Cabs is that they back everything they sell. I had a pair of waders that got a small leak after two seasons use. I called to see if they could have me send them to someone to professionally repair them (they were 180.00 neoprenes). They gave me the return address and sent me a brand new pair free of charge. Right there they got a customer for life.

[tshot]

Our favorite company to deal with. Orders always on time or earlier than expected. A class operation.
tshot

[bluelund]

Cabela's has the best customer service of any retailer or mail order business I have ever dealt with, bar none. If there is ever any problem with anything purchased from them, just return it and they will take it back with a smile. They may be a little higher on some of their prices but their service more than makes up for it. I sent in a prop to be rebuilt a couple of years ago, a few days after I mailed it I received a box in the mail from Cabela's, I hadn't ordered anything and I knew my prop couldn't have been repaired that quickly so I was curious to see what they sent me. I opened the package to find the two bath towels I had wrapped the prop in to ship it, all nicely laundered and folded and shipped back to me by priority mail!!!!! I will be a customer for life and I have nothing but good things to say about their operation. They are a class act.

Take care and good fishing,

Bob Martin

[Waterwolff]

I've never experienced any problems with the company although I have never placed an order over the phone but I have bought plenty online and all goods have arrived within the scheduled time

[Chev4sur]

All of my orders from Cabelas have come in less time than what they promised. With each order, I have been surprised by the earlier-than-promised delivery. I have also found the customer service department to be very friendly, helpful and competent - they can solve the problem and make the corrections right at the very time you talk with them. I have never gotten the "I'll have to bring this to my manager and get back to you, sir." I have not found a customer service department thatprovides better service than Cabelas. Jack

[Bradnd]

Being a ups driver, I can offer a little advice on Cabelas ordering. Unless you absolutely need your order within 2 days, just order the standard ground delivery. Most cases, if the order was sent out on time, it will be delivered in 3 days. Cabelas stores are pretty well centralized (US). Many times I have found that the customer requested ground delivery & it was shipped 2nd day air at no extra charge by Cabelas! Not many Co.'s will do that. 9 times out of 10, the order usually arrives before the customer expected it.
If you live in an apartment, the driver needs a signature upon delivery. Just by leaving a note for the driver with instructions, if not home, helps speed up the delivery.
If possible, have your order sent to a bussiness. It is cheaper (dollar or more per pkg.) than sending to a residential address.
I have ordered Cabelas many times myself, and have to say they are one of the best.


Take care,

Brad

[wiley walleye]

Nice post ups and thanks for the advice. My experience would support your comments. After seeing Cabela's support of the Walleye Central gathering last year and my always good service, this one incident amongst xxxxxxxxx is nothing in todays world.
Joe

[Beach]

I have ordered many many things fron Cabela's and have always had on time delivery or sooner. Hang in there, probably one that fell through the cracks. Not a consistant thing with Cabela's. :7

[Waterwolf]

I ordered a new baitcasting reel from them recently, and when it arrived, it was obvioulsy a used product! There was actually still a length of line on the spool, and the paddles on the handle were filthy! Plus to top it all off, the thumbar would not engage! Returned it for a refund and ordered one from Reeds. Got it in three days, and it was brand new, and clean.
Reeds is great, and I think that their prices are better on most things.
Have a good one!
The Wolf

[jigmeister]

Not true, if he did not get the product when promised he has a valid reason to complaint. Sorry not trying to ruffle any feathers but his dissatisfaction has a valid reason and he should be able to voice his opinion.

[mnjimcarp]

JP, you couldn't be more right on. i feel sorry for any guy that would remove cabelas from their list of places to do business. cabelas has earned my business and they will keep it for many years. i am sure my wife would love it if i could find something wrong with cabelas! order up!!! gotta go.

[Apel]

Careful what you ask for....

Once they build a store or warehouse in your state, they have to start charging you state sales tax on your purchases. Don't get me wrong, I love Cabelas as much as the next guy and I visit the Prairie du Chien store quite often. It's just costs a little extra now.

Take care.
Apel

[CarpetBagger]

All i gota say is American Angler Ultra Electric Knife 54.99 at cablea's + shippin...and i got mine for 29.99 at wallmart and it works great.

CB

[Jawjerker]

NEVER a problem

[NC]

I bought a cover from them which tore of my boat 50 miles from their parking lot. Called them back and they refunded my money for the cover, but while tearing, it caused $250.00 worth of damage to my boat. I was politely told they did not cover "outside" damager their products may cause. They did send me the name and number of the manufacturer of the cover who paid for my problems. Cabelas got me to the right people, but they completely and totally shucked all responsibility. I know I'm in the minority on this, but I was not treated worth a ##### from them on this issue.
So from now on, BassPro will be getting the majority of my orders.
NC

[Ungawa]

I haven't ordered anything yet this spring, but I've had dozens of orders over the years....some regular freight...but most of them either next day or second day and they have not missed a beat! All my orders were sent on time as promised and all the merchandise ordered was rec'd ok and no damage. Cabela's will continue to get business from me. Unfortunately, you had a bad experience, which is very rare with Cabela's.

[Stan]

I have been ordering from Cabelas for years. The only problem I have ever had with them was I dont catch enough fish on their stuff. I called them and told them that I wasnt catching enough fish and they sent me a to bad,so sad card. I think that is pretty good service.

[Weyes1]

Sticky,
No matter where you shop you will have atleast one bad experience. I also have spent alot of money with them. I did have one bad experience, similar to the one that you had. This however didn't compare the the multiple bad experiences I had with their major competitor. One bad experience shouldn't loose your business. I use the three strike method. 1st goof is a gimme, 2nd goof is strike one, 3rd goof is strike two and 4th goof you're out of there!
In the 20 or so years of dealing with Cabela's they only have a gimme.

--
Weyes1
Kevin Clark
weyes1@wamego.net

[Bass pro!]

I can promise you that Bass Pro would not have even done as much as Cabela's did for you! They probably would have found a reason not to refund your money. They probably would have told you that the cover was not secured properly which is probably the truth here! You would have been hard pressed to get anything out of them. This has been my personal experience with Bass Pro.

Go ahead and take your business to Bass Pro, leaves more parking space at Cabela's for the rest of us!

[JRS]

I've had nothing but super service from Cabelas. I run a small internet business and understand first hand the problems associated with taking orders, picking the merchandise, packing it, entering the data etc and believe me Cabelas is good. I only wish everyone that ordered over the internet or by phone had some understanding of the problems these retailers deal with. If they did they certainly would appreciate the quality of service (not always pwerfect) that they get dealing with these great suppliers.

Jeff in Illinois

[Mr. Cabela]

I'm lucky enough to get $100- 400 a month in Cabela's bucks to spend!
I've only had 1 problem when a utility sled never arrived. UPS has probably delivered here 50 times in the past couple years. They have alot of stuff back ordered which tells me they probably don't STOCK as much as you would think! Never take the quaranteed delivery unless you really ,really need it- most stuff will be delivered within 3-4 days anyways. My friends call me "Mr. Cabela'"!! Return policy is fandamtastic!!

[NC]

Well the cover was secured correctly in the first place, since the Cabelas clerk came outside with me and secured it. Secondly, you can't assure anyone of anything unless you are actually the person I would have to call with a problem at Bass Pro. You obviously have a problem with Bass Pro which is cool with me, however my post was relating to my experience with Cabelas and how poorly they treated me. That's my opinion and if you don't like it, go ##### yourself.

[Weyes1]

Order a new cover from Bass Pro and see just how many covers you have to receive and send back to get the right one for your boat. 2 years ago I ordered the exact same cover 6 times and I received 5 different covers and wound up taking the first cover they sent me, which was the correct one but defective to say the least. Oh they gave me a break on the price, $20.00 on a $200.00 cover. This didn't even cover the cost to have the defect fixed. This was a cover made for their own Tracker Boats.
As for damage to your boat? Maybe you should have spent the extra money and purchased a cover from the manufacturer of your boat. They do sell custom covers. In my opinion it would be the cover manfacturers responsibility for the damage to your boat. Don't go blaming the store that sold it when the manufacturer made it and therefore is responsible for their product.


--
Weyes1
Kevin Clark
weyes1@wamego.net

--
Weyes1
Kevin Clark
weyes1@wamego.net

[CORSEC]

Only had 1 problem with Cabela's over the years. When I first started getting their catalogs, mine would always arrived a week or so after everyone else's. I sent them an e-mail requesting that they rectify the problem. Ever since then I have always been the first person on the block to receive the latest catalog, even specialty ones that I never requested. As for delivery, never had a problem, usually arrives sooner than expected.