After recent experiences with Thunder Racing, I would like to suggest to anyone that is told their order involves a backorder to just go and order your parts someplace else.

I placed an order with Thunder over 7 weeks ago for several parts, including a Fidenza flywheel. I was informed that the flywheel was back ordered and that they didn't have an expected back in stock date.

After a few weeks I started sending emails to find out the status since I had not received any updates. The first few emails were answered with in a day or two, still lacking any information about any expected back in stock or possible ship date.

With in the last few weeks I have even gone as far as calling and leaving messages to try to find out where the flywheel is or when i could expect to see it. Finally today after two weeks of calling I got to talk to a real live person only to be informed that the flywheel was jsut going out today!!!

I was also told that they don't have the resources to keep up with phone messages and emails right now.

The other back order issue I had with Thunder was for an FTRA. I was informed of the back order and while waiting(about a week later) called Fast Toys to order one of their 85mm lids. When I placed the order at Fast Toys I was informed that they had a package ready to be dropped shipped to me that was going out that same day. When I mentioned that it was the back order from Thunder, the person taking the order told me that they weren't out of stock at any time recently and that Thunder had just called THAT DAY to have the FTRA drop shipped.

I am not a fool and do not expect that Thunder would be able to keep every last item they carry in stock at all times. They are a distributer of products, not a manufacturer. I do not think that is any excuse for not keeping customers informed, not responding to customer inquiries, and not knowing your product reorder and restock information well enough to give some sort of estimated back in stock or shipping dates.

Thunder has not proven to be a very reliable resource to me and I do not intend to place any more orders with them in the future.

 

Right now their main office is going through some transition of staff, its tough to wait out who will be back on top of what.

I think this is the most difficult time of year to wait on parts since winter builds are underway - we all want to be ready for the first run in February. Lets hope Thunder gets caught up and sorted soon, thanks for posting your experience.

 

Tim,

I am very sorry for any bad dealings you may have had with us. Right now we are VERY short handed and sometimes things do fall through the cracks due to the workload that we have right now. We are working to get the staffing back on track. If there is anything I can do to help you please let me know.

Thanks

 

I appreciate your concern and response Geoff. I suppose the easiest way I can sum up my view of the situation is to say that success is no excuse for being behind. Whether it is product management or customer service, there were steps taken to make the company successful and it just feels as if Thunder somewhat lost track of continuing process to maintain that success.

Good luck to you and Thunder Racing in the future. If you would like to discuss this further feel free to contact me privately.

Thanks
Tim