Thread: Carbatec

Originally Posted by wolften

Lee Valley Canada

All Australian retailers will learn from them.

Thank you. However, it is just a little too far to drop into for a browse.

Originally Posted by cava

Thank you. However, it is just a little too far to drop into for a browse.

I agree. Man I wish I could have a store like lee valley to browse. Their online photos and descriptions are great for now though. They have a great amount of product knowledge for each item.

Originally Posted by cava

Whats the alternative to Carbatec for Melbourne woodworkers? For me, I work in Moorabbin and live on the Peninsula.

For power tools try Machinery House in Dandenong they also carry woodturning chisels.

Sorry - dont know where you might go for other hand tools, try googling ? Bound to be a few shops around but probably not as big as Carbatec.

I went into Carbatec in Adelaide whilst I was on holiday, they were very helpful, bought some small things and learnt a lot about table saws and bandsaws.

Havent been to Melbourne Carba shop yet but have ordered stuff via Bunnings. Worked well.

Bill



Bill

Originally Posted by malb

....
After my last episode, I actually sent a message via their contact us tab on website, outlined situation and requested to be removed from catalogue and email mailing lists as I would not be buying off them again. No acknowledgement or attempt to make up, but surprise, the emails and cats keep coming. Now in my blocked sender list.

Not worth persisting with now I am a grumpy old man.

o

malb, I have had experience trying to get a name off the CT mailing list. Apparently they have two databases, one for general accounts with customer info and another with mailing list details. I had to actually speak with someone on the phone to remove an email/posting address

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Mulgabill

malb, I have had experience trying to get a name off the CT mailing list. Apparently they have two databases, one for general accounts with customer info and another with mailing list details. I had to actually speak with someone on the phone to remove an email/posting address

Good luck!

Blocked senders list is coping quite well with emails, 240L recycling bin collected fortnightly normally has 400mm of empty space each collection, should cope with one cat per quarter.

I send them the message to make them aware that I was not impressed, give them a chance to make ammends, or save themselves $10pa by not printing and posting cats to me. They choose to ignore me, just as they do in store. No skin off my nose, I'll just top up the bin some more on a quarterly basis.

Ordered last Monday, still nothing in my hands. I believe they dispatch from QLD, I'm in Perth. Now I realise this is a big country and all but last Monday I also ordered a bunch of bike parts from the UK which included 26" mountain bike tyres (big box) and I got them on Friday. Cost me $15 shipping, same as CT and they managed to send it half way across the world in less than 5 days!

First and last time Carbatec.

I had similar issues about the sales staff. I ended calling the Brisbane head office and spoke to the general manager for a gripe. He ended up helping me personally and posted freight free.

I reluctantly shop there all the time. The service is very poor and all but a few of the employees have more then a basic understanding of woodworking or customer service.

of my last 8 purchases 7 have either had a part missing or not working properly.

The order i look for tools are WWF, Amazon, eBay, Grays Online, GumTree, Hare & Forbes and then Bunnings. CarbaTec is a reluctant visit.

In the midst of all this negativity I attended Carbatec Adelaide on Saturday (the last of the 3 day sale) with the Stinkette and Little Stink and managed to purchase the three items that I had on my list ..... all at 10% off.

I did get one of those CMT Tungsten Tipped Forstner Bits .... even with 10% off it still hurt ($30 for a single drill bit) .... looking forward to trying it out.

Whilst I agree with the points raised and how frustrating it all can be ..... it would be a real shame to loose one of the larger woodworking retailers.

Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot

In the midst of all this negativity I attended Carbatec Adelaide on Saturday (the last of the 3 day sale) with the Stinkette and Little Stink and managed to purchase the three items that I had on my list ..... all at 10% off.

I did get one of those CMT Tungsten Tipped Forstner Bits .... even with 10% off it still hurt ($30 for a single drill bit) .... looking forward to trying it out.

Whilst I agree with the points raised and how frustrating it all can be ..... it would be a real shame to loose one of the larger woodworking retailers.

I've found that the place directly across the road is cheaper for Forsner bits. Plus you don't have to leave the Carbatec car park!

If Carbatec actually gave good customer service, there'd probably be less negative feedback. After all, it's just as easy for me to get my 'whatever' from 'tools from Japan', where its cheaper, and wait for postal time, than it is to wait for Adelaide to get it from Brisbane and I have to make a 2nd trip.

Hello,

Am amazed at these negative comments. I've only had positive experience at Carbatec.

Went to Carbatec in Adelaide earlier this year and a chap spent a long time with me explaining the pros and cons of various tablesaws and bandsaws in great detail.

Any time I've ordered stuff from Melbourne there have been no problems.

Bill

Hi,,

I've been dealing with Carbatec for about 4 years now, and I would have to say that about 50% of my dealings have been good and the others have met with all sorts of problems, like missing parts from kits etc.
It is very frustrating, but there are no other options but to go overseas. I am 600 km north of Perth so can't just go and pick up what I want.
That said , it would be a shame to loose such a dealer. I just wish they would smarten up their staff.

Bob.

Got my Kreg Jig yesterday, that's 9 business days from order to delivery. Still waiting on the back ordered screws, might order the big multi size box from Amazon and see if it gets here faster. I know I've been quite critical of their online service, I wouldn't use it again, far too slow. If I want something quickly I'll go elsewhere or see what the service/stock levels are like in their Perth store. So I haven't written them off completely. =]

Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot

In the midst of all this negativity I attended Carbatec Adelaide on Saturday (the last of the 3 day sale) with the Stinkette and Little Stink and managed to purchase the three items that I had on my list ..... all at 10% off.

I did get one of those CMT Tungsten Tipped Forstner Bits .... even with 10% off it still hurt ($30 for a single drill bit) .... looking forward to trying it out.

Whilst I agree with the points raised and how frustrating it all can be ..... it would be a real shame to loose one of the larger woodworking retailers.

Hi, I own 2 CMT forstner bits. (20mm and 35mm). The quality is exceptional and although expensive, will last a very long time. What I like about them is that the centre spur does not make a deep divot when one needs to drill a hole say 13mm deep in 16mm melamine or mdf.
Regards
Les