Anyone ever had problems with Bingham?

[Tron]

I just got a package from Bingham Projects so I figured I would check before I wrote the company off based on a bad first impression.  

The problems began with the ordering.  Having never ordered from them before, I was shocked when they told me they would charge me after they figured out what the actual shipping was.  Ok that's fine, but I would at least like an email double checking the final total before shipment, allowing me to know exactly how much they were charging to my card.  Am I out of line with that and is that just the way the company works?

The second problem I had was with the order when it arrived this afternoon.  At first glance everything looked fine, fiberglass came in a roll, the lams wrapped in a bundle together.  Upon closer inspection I noticed that the .060 parallel actionboo core I had ordered came in two pieces, one parallel, and one tapered.  That's a big problem IMHO.  I haven't done a lot of bow building but common sense tells us that just wont make a good bow.  

Normally I could even get around the odd shipping policy if the products were quality and I at least got the right order.  I was shocked because I've heard nothing but good things about them.  Overall just not a good first impression at all.  I hope this is an anomaly.  I'm sending an email to them but do not expect a response until Monday, seeing as it is after business hours for them, and I'll give them a call on Monday.

[arrowlauncherdj]

Ive never had an issue with them but their shipping costs are out of sight to me.  Always got the order in a reasonable amount of time and its been correct. You oughta check out kennym for awesome product and fast reasonable shipping

[bjansen]

I have always had good luck with Binghams, never an order problem and he is real good to talk to on the phone. I am sure it will be corrected with no problems...that stuff does happen now and again to anyone.  Binghams have helped a lot of guys start out, and continue to field questions which is appreciated.  Unfortunetly, that is how their shipping works, and it is indeed very high.  But don't give up on them just yet.

Kennym charges actual shipping, with the 15% USPS discount that you get when you buy online.  Coupled with that he inspects the products and glass that he sends and you can't beat that.

[JamesV]

2X on KennyM..................

[Don Armstrong]

A lot of business's don't add shipping till they ship.Kenny will give you great service. Don

[jsweka]

Bingham's has been good to me.  Sometimes they take a week or two to ship your order.

However, Kenny does have them beat as far as quality and service.

[Walt Francis]

I have always received excellent service and products from Binghams.  For me, their shipping/billing is unusuaL, but fair, and fast.  I prefer to use KennyM for the personal service but binghams inventory/selection is more extensive.

[michaelschwister]

You have to splice the two pieces together.  All tapered lams come like that. I angle each 45 degrees and use a gell super glue to stick them together for gluing.  I then slightly stagger the joints under the grip section.  The glass backing will be one piece.  Never had a problem and I have made glass bows to nearly 80#  draw

[Glunt]

I've had decent luck with Binghams.  Slower than Kenny and did have some lams that were not the proper thickness.  Kennys have all been spot on.  One tapered and one parallel is a problem.  They will likely take care of it.  I ship stuff every day for a living and its very hard to never have an issue if there is any volume involved.

[shongexoe]

i have had good luck with binghams, i dont like there shipping procedure but thats how they do it. if i have questions, i call they are very helpful. dont give up on them.

[stickmonkey]

Never had any issues with them but I only buy what KennyM does not sell.

[Tron]

Sounds like Kenny is the way to go.  Thanks guys

[Robertfishes]

Let me start by saying that I buy most of my supplies from KennyM and yes he has been awesome.. When I got started 3 years ago Binghams had everything I needed to get started building bows.  Binghams has been in business since 1959 and they have helped 1000's of back yard hobby builders (like me) when they needed them..by providing plans, materials and answering our newby questions.. for that I thank them. I really feel bad for you and Binghams that your order was not filled correctly, it was Human error and I'm sure they will make it right.

[Tron]

Update: I got a response from Bingham and after a short dialogue of the phone, they're sending me the correct lam, should be here later this week.  Great response time and customer service.  I have to say the shipping policy still bugs me a bit, but I'm very happy with the resolution of my problem.

[razorback]

Glad to hear it worked out for you. I have not dealt with Binghams but know many who have and for being the "Big Box Store" of bow building supply, they seem to have great service. That said Kenny is like going to the local hardware store, got just about everything you need and great service.

[wookiewebster]

I also got started with a Bingham kit. I was a bit shocked when I got the bill with the shipping and tax added in.  It is quite steep!  Their products worked great and the bows came out fine, but I had to start looking for some other options because of the extra costs. Too bad, I wanted to support the locals more.