Why Im not ordering from setnetpro

[dpilati]

Ok - I always like to support forum people. I get to their site and there is mention of coupons/discount - just log in. Well I log in - I have a password - and can't seem to get any special pricing. So then I leave to come back today and my cart is empty. Well - If you are going to have a log in - at least save the cart. Plenty of websites save your cart just in a cookie - without a login. So I call the order line - well the message just says - "enter extension number of the party you want". Well - since I don't know - you think there would be an option but there wasn't. So I hung up. They probably would have $200 profit for just filling some boxes with product but they lost my business. I am ordering an Elk system with some extras.

The website is pretty bad - although better than automated outlet. So I've resigned to buying off ebay - so much for supporting forum folks....

 

[AceCannon]

I ordered a bunch of ALC lighting stuff from them. I noted the normal prices, then logged in and the prices shown were all different (lower). The site does not display both prices simultaneously. Maybe this is what you were experiencing?

I've called those guys before to ask questions and very quickly got a knowledgeable tech guy on the phone who was very nice, helpful. I would have to say my experience was far different from yours. FWIW, YMMV, etc etc.

Disclaimer: I have no connection to Setnetpro whatsoever.

 

[inline]

When I was looking I had called SetNetpro and had a good conversation with them and they were my #2 choice in terms of order, however ultimately I went with AutomatedOutlet and had a very good experience.

 

[Steve]

Ok - I always like to support forum people. I get to their site and there is mention of coupons/discount - just log in. Well I log in - I have a password - and can't seem to get any special pricing. So then I leave to come back today and my cart is empty. Well - If you are going to have a log in - at least save the cart. Plenty of websites save your cart just in a cookie - without a login. So I call the order line - well the message just says - "enter extension number of the party you want". Well - since I don't know - you think there would be an option but there wasn't. So I hung up. They probably would have $200 profit for just filling some boxes with product but they lost my business. I am ordering an Elk system with some extras.

The website is pretty bad - although better than automated outlet. So I've resigned to buying off ebay - so much for supporting forum folks....

IMHO you will be doing yourself a dis-service by ordering an Elk off ebay, especially from an unknown source. Have you tried AO's new website? Sure it can be prettier and they are still tweaking it and working things out but I've never had trouble like you seem to have. I also think service and support is much more important than how pretty the website is. AO always (well, probably 97.3% of the time) answers live when you choose the 'Sales' option.

And if you don't want to deal with any of them, there are other larger (like ASIHome) and 'independent' (like Icanautomate) dealers that advertise here that seem to be very helpful. I would certainly use them before an unknown on ebay.

 

[sic0048]

I've called Setnet several times recently - whatever number is listed on their website - and they always list the names of individuals and their extensions. I think they give that initial annoucement in case you already know the extension you want to get to.

Personally I think their site is just fine. You can search by keyword or find things by drilling down through major categories. Actually I think their category method is one of the best as far as balancing a fine line between having too many categories and not finding what you want vs not having enough categories and having to weed through tons of stuff. It is certainly 100% better than AO website (although I haven't played on the new site very much).

 

[Digger]

Ok - I always like to support forum people. I get to their site and there is mention of coupons/discount - just log in. Well I log in - I have a password - and can't seem to get any special pricing. So then I leave to come back today and my cart is empty. Well - If you are going to have a log in - at least save the cart. Plenty of websites save your cart just in a cookie - without a login. So I call the order line - well the message just says - "enter extension number of the party you want". Well - since I don't know - you think there would be an option but there wasn't. So I hung up. They probably would have $200 profit for just filling some boxes with product but they lost my business. I am ordering an Elk system with some extras.

The website is pretty bad - although better than automated outlet. So I've resigned to buying off ebay - so much for supporting forum folks....

IMHO you will be doing yourself a dis-service by ordering an Elk off ebay, especially from an unknown source. Have you tried AO's new website? Sure it can be prettier and they are still tweaking it and working things out but I've never had trouble like you seem to have. I also think service and support is much more important than how pretty the website is. AO always (well, probably 97.3% of the time) answers live when you choose the 'Sales' option.

And if you don't want to deal with any of them, there are other larger (like ASIHome) and 'independent' (like Icanautomate) dealers that advertise here that seem to be very helpful. I would certainly use them before an unknown on ebay.

I am about the only person selling on ELK on ebay (there was another guy for a few weeks and I was watching him as he was violating MAP pricing and then he disappeared without selling anything). If someone is authorized to sell ELK products then why does it matter where you buy it (ebay, amazon, private website etc) as long as you verify their reputation? Granted the prices are a little higher on ebay even with a best offer since the ebay fees are a killer. Some months I fork over a few thousand to ebay (but those months are less and less lately as my regular customers moved to my website) and that is why I started the website.

Personally I have always heard great things about SETNET and I am surprised to hear otherwise. It could be a temporary thing. I know my phone line was down for two days and I didnt realize it (thought it was kinda quite) and it was embaressing to say the least. Things happen.

To be honest I would buy from SETNET if they sell something that I dont have access to and need. Same goes for AO and others.

 

[royalj7]

I think the state of alot of HA sellers websites is less than desirable. Automated Outlet, SETNET, Worthington all have websites that either don't add anything to the shopping experience or at worst distract from it. I think Amazon and Newegg should be best in class examples for any e-commerce site. Neweggs sorting function and Amazon's overall layout are great IMO.

That being said, it's not about the website with HA. Worthington's folks have always been helpful, courteous, and go the extra mile with any order I call in. I will be buying my Nuvo system from SETNET because they have the best price and Tony took the time to answer all my newbie questions. All the above I would feel confident and, as retarded as it sounds, proud to order from.

 

[Neurorad]

The login stuff on setnetpro is pretty hoaky - they're not allowed to show many 'lowest prices' because of manufacturer agreements.

If I want a good price on something, and setnetpro carries it, I call them and ask for Tony Stewart.

He's very knowledgable, about Elk and Channel Vision, and their prices are as low as you'll find anywhere.

When you buy an Elk as a DIY'er, you're best off finding someone who knows the system well, that can help you decide on components and troubleshoot - Digger (check out his website), Tony Stewart, and Martin/Brandon at AO all seem to be good choices, from what I've read. People have posted positive experiences from all of them.

 

[felixrosbergen]

Havent bought from Setnet recently (last 3 months) but had good experiences before. Tony Sr and Jr are helpfull and reachable by phone. I thought they used to have a 'For sales or supprt' phone option.

Anyway, not telling you to buy from a specific vendor, but just wanted to give Setnet (and AO) the benefit of the doubt.

 

[electron]

I think the state of alot of HA sellers websites is less than desirable. Automated Outlet, SETNET, Worthington all have websites that either don't add anything to the shopping experience or at worst distract from it. I think Amazon and Newegg should be best in class examples for any e-commerce site. Neweggs sorting function and Amazon's overall layout are great IMO.

That being said, it's not about the website with HA. Worthington's folks have always been helpful, courteous, and go the extra mile with any order I call in. I will be buying my Nuvo system from SETNET because they have the best price and Tony took the time to answer all my newbie questions. All the above I would feel confident and, as retarded as it sounds, proud to order from.

AutomatedOutet's website works just fine IMO. Granted, there is no fancy AJAX or state of the art graphics (which I am sure will change for the better in the near future, since they just upgraded), but the software is reliable and secure, it's not like someone hacked together a few HTML pages, the site is HUGE.

 

[Ed Nelson]

I have been with SETNET for nearly 3 years now and not only found them extremely helpful in product knowledge and assisting in selection, but the real test is when things go wrong. They were exceptionally helpful and even provided for Adv. Replacement a few time when I had a customer that went off the rails. Further, the sales support tool that I have directed my customer to in order to assist in defining a custom HA design is truly unique. I realize this must sound like I work for them, but they are one of 3 supply vendors I leverage, but SETNET is always my number 1 choice.