I do have a complaint. It is about Woodcraft, and about RL Carriers. I placed an order for a new lathe, and stand, with Woodcraft on September 30th. They are a woodworking supply chain with stores throughout the United States. I figured it would be a simple matter of them shipping a lathe up to me from one of their local stores, such as the one about two hours from here in Salt Lake City, or even the shop in Boise, Idaho, which is further, but at least in the same state as me. If not, they have the same lathe also in stock in Loveland, Colorado. It is further, but it is the third closest shop their website listed it in stock. No problem. Then I got confirmation that they shipped it.
It is coming from a store, for sure, but in Parkersburg, West Virginia! WHY? Why is is being shipped from West Virginia?
So the shipping company moved it quickly through a couple of towns in West Virginia, and Ohio, before dumping it off at a depot in Chicago, where it has now sat idle for five days. I have spoken to their customer service line once to ask of the status, then again to reply to a message on the webpage apparently telling me to call them. Both times I spoke to a pleasant agent who seemed quite helpful. The first time she noted the documents to say it needs to get on a truck that day, as it is already late. The second agent said it would be on the truck this weekend, and at my door on Tuesday. There is still time for this to be accomplished, as it is Sunday morning that I am writing this.
But what the hell is the purpose in a world of high carbon emissions and modern logistics of sending me something from West Virginia to Idaho, when it could be had at any of three shops within ten hours of me? I am frustrated with the sipping company, to be sure, but I am more frustrated with Woodcraft for originating the order from a standard storefront location several hundred more miles than necessary from me!
I know that to some this may come off as petty. To me, it is the first step in defeating why I ordered the tool in the first place, which is to make things at home, in a homespun lifestyle, to reduce carbon emissions, and to increase our family’s independence. Next it has to get here, and work properly, and do what I want it to do, without having to return it to Woodcraft. This is my first time buying online from them, but it may well be my last.