| Beware of Walton Feed | |
Date:
November 02, 1997 09:07 PM
Author: Shek Borkowski
(sborkowski@dmci.net)
Subject: Beware of Walton Feed
For all considering buying supplies from Walton Feed. DON'T!!! Their service is slow and inefficient. You will need to beg to receive any information about your order. I have placed an order (on Gary North's recommendation) at the end of May. They cashed my check on June 7, 1997. I still have not received my order, and every time I call, I am given a delivery date. Of course nothing happens. Originally I was told I can expect my order in six weeks. Then I was told August, end of August, early September, October. I am beggining to believe that they are cheats. I even wrote to Gary North for help in resolving my problem. Nothing happend! Tomorrow I will file a lawsuite to get my money back. Save yourself money, time and aggrevation. Use any other outfit but Walton Feed.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=4988)
Date:
November 02, 1997 11:01 PM
Author: Jpe Jeffries
(joejeffries@hotmail.com)
Subject: Repeat of my reply from general discussion
Well, I, like others here, am certainly sorry that this gentleman has had such a hard time. I must report however that my experience, HALF A CONTINENT AWAY FROM WALTON FEED, has been excellent.
I would say this. Before you file a lawsuit, have you asked to cancel your order and receive your money back?
-Joe
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=4995)
Date:
November 03, 1997 12:07 AM
Author: Will_richards
(will_richards@hotmail.com)
Subject: Says me again
I have not placed any large orders, but everything I have order has arrived. Some things have been slow, but no worse then any other outfit I order from, except of course Lehmans. I think Lehmans hires Santa's elves for the off season, they are fast.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=4999)
Date:
November 03, 1997 11:19 AM
Author: Alonzo W. Wight
(alonzow@usa.net)
Subject: Service
I ordered a ton from them in late June and waited until the end of October for them to arrange transportation. They did warn me about the delay when I placed the order. Another recent 300# order to be sent by UPS hundredweight was given an ETA of 4-6 weeks.
However, they were very polite and did respond to my inquiries. Also, if you pay by credit card, they won't charge your account until they ship, avoiding the cashed check problem.
It makes a difference where you live, since they wait to fill a truck before shipping at the lower freight rate. If nobody else in your area orders, it might be a long wait.
Does anyone want to suggest a better alternative source of similar product? My Net search didn't turn up much. I did find that Arrowhead Mills in Texas no longer produces the Simpler Life bulk storage food. I think that everyone better order early.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5017)
Date:
November 04, 1997 01:17 AM
Author: Al Durtschi
(rcox@mail.lcc.whecn.edu)
Subject: Responce from Al at Walton Feed.
As Dr. North foresaw back in March when he made his tape with Walton's manager, Mr. Stephen Portela, things have only got more and more busy at Walton Feed. Because of a real scare in the 1996 commodities markets there was a small run on the grain bank last year. It took us 9 months to catch up on some of these orders. Early this spring we significantly upgraded our cannery and shipping sections to prevent such a thing from happening again. But with the Y2K thing we are starting to see a repeat of last year. The thing here is, as the year 2,000 gets closer, I can only guess it will only get more hectic.
Our UPS section has been hanging in there really well but even they are running 1-2 weeks behind right now. Our freight section is further behind. For several weeks now I have been telling customers who would like to go with our freight system that they can expect a delay of 1 to 4 months. Even that isn't a 100% thing as there are a couple of orders still on our books that are older than that. Obviously, Mr. Borkowski's order is one of them.
For those who can not wait several months for their order to be delivered may I suggest you consider UPS. It costs about 4 times more but delivery can generally be made within 3-5 weeks. One of the reasons it takes a little longer for us to fill an order is we don't package your order until after we receive it. You can be assured that your food storage hasn't been sitting around for months or years in cans or buckets waiting for you to place your order. With the numerous orders we get every day, it just takes this long to move your order through the system in these busy times.
We at Walton Feed sincerely regret Mr. Borkowski's dilemma. We sincerely do care about our customers and under the circumstances we are doing the best we can.
Hopefully this post will at least clear the air a little bit on what you can expect if you should place an order with Walton Feed. To my knowledge, and I've been with this 51 year old company 2 years now, there hasn't been a customer that hasn't gotten his food, although there has sometimes been quite a wait if he has decided to go freight.
Al
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5053)
Date:
November 04, 1997 11:28 PM
Author: Joe Stout
(joewstout@iswt.com)
Subject: Walton's orders
I just received today an order that was placed less than 2 weeks ago. It was delivered by UPS. I placed it on a credit card and have not received billing yet. I have a feeling this may be a dire warning. Wait til more of the public learns what we on this forum know and you wont be able to receive an order at all. My 4 cents worth. Inflation has set in. Joe Stout
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5128)
Date:
November 05, 1997 10:16 PM
Author: Will_richards
(will_richards@hotmail.com)
Subject: Waltons is alright.
I have recieved both my orders within a month, by UPS. One was during the UPS strike so we expected the delay.
I can also say I am impressed with the quality of the products and the usefulness of the books I ordered. I wish I had the money to order all my supplies from them. Because I am on a tight budget I have to can and package alot of my own stuff or items I purchase in bulk.
Something else to consider thier is noth other company out there that is giving up their bandwidth to teach people the skills to be more self relient. Even teaching them how to do many of the things they sell at home. The spread sheets that Al has on the site are priceless and free, use them.
I would like to say this to Mr. Borkowski, except God's lesson in patience and be glad you did not wait another year to place your order. I also think you owe Waltons an apology, I know that they told you it would take time and they have placed warnings in numerous places that as things develope the order/fill/ship dates would be longer. Your slanderous post could hurt their business and their personal reputations.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5198)
Date:
November 04, 1997 04:09 PM
Author: David B
(db23@hotmail.com)
Subject: Waltons Orders
My food storage rotation schedule is on a spreadsheet, and I went back and checked. Since 11/28/96 I've placed 8 orders with Walton's, all UPS, in the 300-400lb range.
Almost all arrived within 4 weeks, one in 5 weeks, one in 2 weeks, and all have been exactly on target with whatever the web site says the shipping backlog is that week. There was one earlier 96 order that was eight weeks shipping. At the time the web site said they had a 4 week backlog. I specifically didn't order freight, since they don't make 4wd semi-trucks, and and that's about all that would make it up my drive. (The UPS driver loves me...he says he's lost five lbs since I moved onto his route). That's my 2 cents. David
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5090)
Date:
November 12, 1997 08:20 PM
Author: barney gilli
(beariam@hotmail.com)
Subject: Walton freight
I also have an order in with Walton since aug., it was set to go freight, but after a few months I changed to UPS, I expect it in a couple weeks (after talking with Al). My question with Walton is, Why can't Walton use a common Carrier, like Roadway, Yellow, ect. Any other place I buy a large item will send it with a common carrier and I get it in 1 week or possibly 2. Walton told me they use local drivers and wait till a truck is full. It would seem to me they could speed things up by changing thier freight procedures, it might cost a bit more with a common carrier, but its probably cheaper than UPS, and customers would be happier! BG
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5575)
Date:
November 13, 1997 11:21 PM
Author: Al Durtschi
(rcox@mail.lcc.whecn.edu)
Subject: Barney brings up some good points.
>Why can't Walton use a common Carrier, like Roadway,
>Yellow, etc.
In my experience in working with the different freight companies, UPS's plus 500 lb rate often beats the different common carriers.
We at Walton Feed have just recently worked up a new arrangement with Consolidated Freight, but their prices are still 20%-100% higher than our own freight system. If you can stand to wait, our system is still by far the cheapest. Of course, if you are willing to pay the difference, we are not at all opposed to sending your order on a common carrier.
Al
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5639)
Date:
December 20, 1997 01:49 AM
Author: observer
(none)
Subject: thanks for the tip -I'll *pass *on Walton Feed!!!
So Walton - which is it?
>Because of a real scare in the 1996 commodities markets there was a small run on the grain bank last year. It took us 9 months to catch up on some of these orders. Early this spring >>>(hmmmm where is that May order then?) we significantly upgraded our cannery and shipping sections to prevent such a thing from happening again. >But with the Y2K thing we are starting to see a repeat of last year. The thing here is, as the year 2,000 gets closer, I can only guess it will only >get more hectic.
OR.....
>We at Walton Feed have just recently worked up a new arrangement with Consolidated Freight, but their prices are still 20%-100% higher than our own freight system.
hmmmmm..any company that would cash a check and make the customer wait since May for their delivery, and STILL wait, or charge them 3-4 times more for UPS, so they can use THEIR drivers - wait for full loads....
Think I'll pass!
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=8024)
Date:
January 17, 1998 10:46 PM
Author: Willie Nix
(cleft@bigfoot.com)
Subject: Walton's delevery
Barnie How about the Walton driver that says "All I do is drive the truck - you want it unloaded, you unload it." "And by the way, I'm in the K-Mart parking lot out on the highway, and I don't delever into residential areas - too many trees". At least a common carrier would go into the area where the delevery needs to be made. Who knows, maybe even help get the ton of food off the truck (a UPS shipment would not work for that amount). Walton is missing the mark by not getting the merchandise to the consumer. Anyone know of an alternative? Willie Nix
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=10696)
Date:
January 19, 1998 02:52 PM
Author: Corinne Hayes
(hayesm@erols.com)
Subject: Unloading=small price to pay
Speaking as someone who has helped to unload a Walton's delivery truck a couple of times, I find it to be a small price to pay for some of the best products at the best prices I've been able to find. And the drivers have been helpful and courteous, plus the ones I've met DO drive into residential areas. Believe me, I was NOT happy last year when I had to wait 9 months for my order, but I am ordering from Walton again this year because I have been searching for another company that will supply the quality of Walton's at a reasonable price. Can't find one.
As for a common carrier. I am having my shipment sent by Consolidated Freight because Walton just sent a truck out here and their track record indicates another one may not be out this way until next winter. Consolidated won't unload the shipment either!
Consider getting a few other like-minded folks to order with you with the stipulation that when the truck arrives, everyone is to be on hand to help unload. The groups I've worked with are not only cooperative about this but seem to have a lot of fun working together--which may be what we will all need to do in a short time, eh?
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=10839)
Date:
January 19, 1998 09:10 PM
Author: Chrissy
(chrissyb@usa.net)
Subject: delivery & unloading
I agree with Corinne. I had to drive one hour to meet the truck at a site just off the Interstate. I was glad to do it. I live in Florida and deliveries here are few and far between. The driver did not help to unload but we all knew that he would not and each group brought plenty of husbands and sons. As they unloaded the ladies checked everything. I operate a food co-op and have looked far and wide for better prices than Walton's. So far I haven't found any.
I feel much better about everything now that I have this order. We are, however, preparing a new one with the expectation of a very long delivery date.
I have never thought Walton to be dishonest, just very busy and as frustrated as we are about not being able to please everyone with a speedy delivery. Being abusive won't make it reach you any faster.
BTW, Al, I do appreciate the time you spend here answering our questions and pointing us in the right direction for further information.
Chrissy
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=10879)
Date:
January 19, 1998 08:39 PM
Author: Al Durtschi
(rcox@mail.lcc.whecn.edu)
Subject: Walton's Freight Policies.
>"All I do is drive the truck - you want it unloaded, you unload it."
Our policy is that the customer unloads the truck when shipping by freight. Most if not all of our drivers are happy to help do this, however. But I expect they feel a little abused when the customer isn't willing to help.
>"And by the way, I'm in the K-Mart parking lot out on the
>highway, and I don't delever into residential areas - too many trees".
I've E-mailed this guy for specifics as this did sound more than a little rude. Our policy is that if the order weighs less than 2,000 lbs, the receiver must travel to a central location to pick it up. If the customer has a minimum 2,000 lb order we take it to his location which costs another $25 for the drop.
Al
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=10876)
Date:
January 20, 1998 05:02 PM
Author: Al Durtschi
(rcox@mail.lcc.whecn.edu)
Subject: Followup from Mr. Portela
Mr. Portela, the manager at Walton Feed told me the following...
"Tell the folks on the forum this was an isolated incident. Most every driver will try to get as close to their drop point as possible. Just to let you know, I make small drops under 2000# when possible, but it is getting harder to do."
Al
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=10981)
Date:
November 03, 1997 02:58 PM
Author: J Werner
(jwerner15@hotmail.com)
Subject: Possible alternative
I have never dealt with them, but Happy Hovel Foods, Yelm, WA, is a regular advertiser in Countryside Magazine. They offer food storage plans, bulk foods, equipment, etc. Catalog $7. 1-800-637-7772 email: haphov@seanet.com web: www.wwmagic.com/haphov
J Werner
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5034)
Date:
November 20, 1997 03:11 PM
Author: Alonzo W. Wight
(alonzow@usa.net)
Subject: I Got Their Catalog...
I got their catalog, and they are a lot more expensive than Walton Feed.
Also checked out Best Prices Storable Foods. Looks to me like they get their goods from Walton Feed, since they use all the same product codes in their catalog as Walton Feed, and sell Golden 86 wheat, which I have never seen anywhere else. Could be their orders are just drop shipped from Walton Feed.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=6045)
Date:
November 12, 1997 11:31 AM
Author: Shek Borkowski
(sborkowski@dmci.net)
Subject: Walton Feed
I finally received my order. Everything came nicely packaged. I think that overall I am satisfied with Walton Feed. I wrote the original message in a moment of annoyance. I now (after talking to Mr. Portela)understand their position and situation. If I could make a suggestion to Walton Feed it would be to communicate better with their customers. Their product is good, service is good. Communication should improve.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5544)
Date:
November 12, 1997 01:31 PM
Author: Will_richards
(will_richards@hotmail.com)
Subject: Constructive criticism
Thank you Shek for Posting your last. From what I have gather in speaking to the folks at Waltons they will take your constructive criticism and make it work to improve their bussiness. I find that with most bussinesses I have trouble with, it is usaully caused by bad communications. Mine and theirs. I tell them, if they here it, it should improve. If it does not, I go elsewhere.
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5554)
Date:
November 14, 1997 12:58 PM
Author: Geoffrey
(g.w.brooks@usa.net)
Subject: Suggestions to Waltons
Hi All!
I made suggestions to Waltons about shipping UPS and they implemented the changes on my next shpment. They do listen.
Oh, I suggested cardboard dividers in UPS shipped items to prevent rough handling from doing so much denting (read that crushing) of the cans.
Geofrey
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5684)
Date:
November 13, 1997 01:46 AM
Author: robert
(robert@avicom.net)
Sometimes we don't get the whole picture. Trucks at waltons are limited. it can be frustrating to wait for your order. however there is always UPS. you will get your food in generally 2 to 3 weeks. be patient you will be glad you have your food when the crunch happens. Ready Made REsources 1-800-627-3809
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=5595)
Date:
January 31, 1998 07:41 PM
Author: Meg Meis
(jackmeis@gvi.net)
Subject: Thank you Walton's!
I want to thank you and your company, Al! You have and continue to save many lives. In cases, too, where it is more practical/cost effective for a person to purchase locally, you are honest with them! Thank you very much for everything and I will always support your company because of its character and heart!
(http://garynorth.entrewave.com/forums/Index.cfm?CFApp=16&Message_ID=12074)