Potomac Supplies Order

Intended more as observation than complaint....

On November 19, I placed an online order for a few stock sheets from Potomac Supplies (aka Maryland Stamp & Coin).

Nothing happened. When I didn't receive any kind of confirmation email, I assumed that the Internet transaction had failed. As a new customer, their online shopping cart forced me to create an account, with my email and a password. After a couple days, I logged in and didn't see any outstanding order information. So then I was convinced my transaction had failed.

I didn't re-order, but put it on my mental "to-do" list and promptly began procrastinating.

Today, December 15, I received an email from Potomac saying my order had been received, filled, and is ready for shipping.

I know I'm sometimes guilty of enjoying instant gratification with online shopping from places like Amazon, but I'm a little surprised that it took almost a month to fill my order (even during the holidays).

Am I being unreasonable?

KirkS

No, they are really slow.

I think it might be worthwhile sharing your "feedback" with the company. It might be a glitch in their system that they would grateful for information about. At least the order should have shown up in your account.

Kirk,

I don't think so. Absent a good reason as to why it took so long to process your order, I'd think you would want to find another supplier. I have had good results ordering from both Showgard ( http://www.showgard.com/home.htm ) and Amos Advantage ( https://www.amosadvantage.com/scott.../default.asp ).

Steve

I think their service was more than slow. It amazes me at what passes for customer service some days. Please do complain before taking your business elsewhere.

It has been many years since I purchased from Potomac. I've never had any problems, so I am disappointed to hear that you ran into problems. In fact, my very last purchase from them was when they first started implementing their online shopping cart, and the transaction and delivery went very smoothly. But back then, I didn't have to create an account; I only had to enter payment and shipping information.

I agree, you should let them know. They are a full-time supplies dealer, so they should be providing service like a full-time dealer. They used to have a toll-free number.

Thanks for the feedback.

I think you're all correct -- I should send my comments to the seller, especially if I intend to complain in other forums.

Before I do that, I am glad to know that you all agree that I'm not being unreasonable about the time frame.

I have in the past, purchased supplies from Amos and Subway. I ordered from Potomac this time based solely on the price of Vario Plus stock sheets. Also, I'm not necessarily saying I wouldn't order from them again in the future. But if so, I won't wait until I'm out of an item before re-ordering

I'll post an update after the supplies arrive.

KirkS

Kirk,

After I responded to your posting this morning, I placed an order with a firm in New York called Green Dragon Stuff -- it was the first time I've dealt with the company but I found their prices to be reasonable.

I just received the following notification from them:




If you're interested, I'll let you know how this transaction turns out.

Steve

Steve,
the transaction will turn out good. I order from www.MatildasCheapSupplies.com all the time...

I would have called Potomac personally. It's a family run business and I've known the Most's for years now and they do good work so I'm a bit surprised myself. When I lived in Maryland, they would give me some of the best deals on bulk lots and collections then I could ever hope for from any other dealer.
Will

Daryl, that's good to know. Thanks.

since we are on the subject of online stores. I saw green dragon mentioned, thought you'd like to know they are associated! or owned? by TradeWinds in California. I just bought 2000 envelopes from Tradewinds and are enroute while I type this. they provided me with a UPS tracking number the next day, and a confirm email instantly.. (yes 2000 glassines!, I'm going to create a glassine box file for all my usa extras used and mint. then I'll be more effective trading them out...

NOTE: Below is their additional email sent to me because I had them ship from California to FL. it was nice to see them offer a closer store for purchases.
"We would like to let you know that we have opened a second web store for stamp and coin collecting supplies with a more diverse product line. This store ships from the east coast. You can find us here: www.MatildasCheapSupplies.com

If you are interested in purchasing from the fine Vidiform product line (which includes Supersafe, Showgard, Hawid, Morley Bright and Hagner), we offer Green Dragon Supplies at www.GreenDragonStuff.com - also shipping from the east coast. Additionally, Green Dragon serves customers outside of the United States as well as within.

Thanks for shopping with us here at TradeWinds"http://www.tradewindssupplies.com/

TradeWinds is the parent company.

The owner originally operated Clem's 2-Bit Supply Store, of which I used to be a customer before I had to temporarily stop collecting. I lost track of them during that time.

I didn't realize the owner had set up a web-based business under a different name. Thanks for the link!

Hi

I am fortunate to have a friend who owns a stamp store here in Atlanta, Georgia that is run like an old fashioned New York store. He stocks stamps from the entire world and has almost any stamp related item that you can want. You cannot order anything on-line but one can order by phone, e-mail and snail mail. He has a small web site:

http://stampsunlimitedofga.com/

The owner, Tony Roozen, ships orders the same day as received, unless there are a ton of stamps being ordered in which case a day or so.

Jerry B

Hi jbcev80, I see from the previous post that you are in Atlanta. I am just down the road from you so to speak. About a hundred miles down I-20 toward Augusta. I didn't know that Atlanta still had a brick and mortar store. The next time I am there I will have to look it up.

Ron H.

Well I know where my next Vario pages are coming from--Matildas. There prices are lower than any I have seen.