My dealings with Marstar... (LONG)

[Dok]

I ordered a cleaning rod and a takedown tool from Marstar Canada so I could have items to fit my cases to. My order was placed on May 10th over the net. I asked for UPS shipping.


By May 15 I hadn't received the order, so I sent an email to Marstar enquiring about the order. They emailed back the next day saying the order was shipped on May 11th but that they had sent it via the postal service.


By May 28 I still hadn't heard anything, so I sent another email also enquiring why they hadn't shipped UPS as I had instructed. They replied, saying that while they reported that the package was theoretically shipped May 11, it probably didn't leave their facility until May 14, and the mail would take about 10 days, but there was a Canadian Public Holiday in there which would extend that time, but that I should be receiving the package any time now. They don't ship UPS because of the extra cost involved.


I finally received this package on June 7, almost a month from the date I ordered it, and the main item I wanted (cleaning rod) was backordered. I sent them an email saying cancel the backorder that I would get the cleaning rod from another source.


They wrote back saying they were sorry, but the item I had ordered (LUG118) was out of stock, but a similar item LUG119 was in stock. I replied that it would have been good service to have contacted me by email and discussed the issues, I might have been willing to pay that extra cost for UPS (after all I asked for it by name) and I would have been willing to take the other cleaning rod, but they chose not to do that. So I don't think I will ever deal with them again, and I pass this on for your information.

[Thor]

Marstar was just about my only source of Luger parts along with EBAY! Then came along Tom Heller, my savior! I wont buy parts from MARSTAR unless Tom goes out of business, Please dont Tom. Tom's service is stellar, his parts are excellent ++, his prices are outstanding and Marstar, well......they are slow as hell and you dont always get what you order and they make no bones about telling you squat! Got a sideplate up rust bluing with the new SWISS forumula, going to go get a little breakfast, yep can yu guess what it is? CFS&E w/ HB and Coffee! YUMMy for Thor's tummy! Thor

[Frank]

I haven't had many dealings with marstar, but those I have had have been good. I have placed my orders by phone, not internet. I do agree with Teedoor, Tom Heller is a great and quick source for Luger (and other) parts. That's OK Tom, just give me a really big discount on my next order !!!

The guys (and woman) at Marstar are great folks but I have come to expect confusing and unstructured service. Several years ago I ordered a bunch of K98 bayonets. The advertised bayonets never materialized but a large lot of mismatched refinished K98 bayos did appear. It was disappointing that the advertised bayonets did not arrive but I received a refund check. The same thing happened with K98 slings and luger magazines. I was assured some were available but three years later and no slings or magazines. I was told there were some slings but they were in poor shape and were sold to a Japanese businessman.


Nice people but it has been a complete waste of time trying to order from them.


Never received a single item advertised by them.


dm

[Dok]

in our Links & Resources if they give such poor service?? Should we carry a caveat next to their listing?

[Thor]

IMO, I would list them if TH is out of a specific part and you want to roll the dice and try them, some times you will get what you ask for, I have, but I also specified (by phone) a DWM toggle link to replace an S/42 Link and they sent me a link coded "42" after waiting for it for a month. RES came to the rescue and I had the right link in two days! I have got the right stuff in two weeks but Tom is much better all around! I think we should leave them (not give the perferred status and put next to them (sometimes out and sometimes slow) as a follow up for the buyer to be forewarned! The are a resource and many Luger parts are drying up! Thor

[Dok]

next to their listing. It can be clicked on, and the reader can read the warning, and govern him/her self accordingly. I tried not to be too heavy handed (and if I was please let me know) but I believe it's important to keep members informed. If I had known this info, I never would have ordered from them.

[BILL]

First, I like to do business with the folks here on the Lugerforum. Second, I like to keep my money in the United States. Third, I will go without if the customer is not recognized as to who is important to a business. Needless to say I am glad there is a warning button next to Marstar (a Mr. Yuk is also a warning..a warning to steer clear).

[Matt]

I ordered a breech block from them and received it in less than two weeks, so I can't complain about the service. The price also was half what Sarco advertised them for, who were out of them at the time. I had not heard of Tom at the time though and the next time I need a part, I will check with him first.

I appreciate your kind comments regarding my service. Since I "sprecken ze Parabellum" I'm happy to try to find you the most appropriate part (right serial number, die set, proofs, etc) for your matching luger, which I can do as a small one man operation. This also has its down side. If I go out of town to a show or on vacation, your orders will just have to wait. I'm sure that John at Marstar does his best to hire competent employees as does Sarco & Gun parts corp. But none of us are experts in everything. I have bought many parts from Marstar in the past, but lately they've been out of every thing I've requested, and do not generally get back to you at all, unless they have the requested part. Such is life in a big operation I guess. Tom Heller