Our company has an ongoing problem getting spare parts (for control panels) into Thailand via distributors, the latest headache is that we placed an order with a Schneider distributor in Bangkok for some components (coming from France), we were promised 3 week delivery (2 weeks + 1 weeks customs clearance), delivery was via DHL at a cost of 18,000 THB - as the components are essential this high cost was something we had no choice paying so we agreed.

Delivery date was imminent so we called today to check progress - the answer - 'Cannot, Cannot'

Despite placing the order 3 weeks ago and receiving an order acknowlegement confirming the delivery date from their quotation, they have simply not placed the order, we now have had to contact Schneider directly and place a pro-forma with them at an even greater expense for the parts but we have to wait another 3 weeks; at least this time we KNOW the parts are on order.

This is not the first time and definately wont be the last - TIT I suppose have to grin and bear it.

I will be meeting this distributor next week to find out what happened and try to ensure it doesnt happen again but as usual I will get the nod and smile, nod and smile and no further on.

Has any TVs had similar experiences? What solutions are there (if any) we are not blessed with 'Choice' of suppliers or distributors in LOS as we are in Europe especially when it comes to specialist parts.

25,000 baht buys a return ticket dusseldorf and 30kg baggage allowance

Customs is as erratic as heck. One day its okay, tomorrow its 100,000 baht for your 2300 baht part, and on Saturday, no can do! If you need a part for anything that is not in stock, you have to place the order direct and have a good customs agent that can carry the bag. Tell the company to just pay the distributor their fee but handle all the paperwork. Most commercial product distributors here are really not much more than bag men for government contracts and would not have a clue on how to handle after market support.

Has any TVs had similar experiences? What solutions are there (if any) we are not blessed with 'Choice' of suppliers or distributors in LOS as we are in Europe especially when it comes to specialist parts.

Alot of importers/distributors in Thailand have a monoploy on the products they distibute. This is where the "take it or leave it" or "up to you" attitude comes from.

For example, about 4 yearsago I went to get some work done on my Range Rover in Suttisarn BKK. I was given a quote for the parts I needed, & I almost died of shock. They were nearly 4 times the price of the same genuine RR part that you would pay in Aussie or England. I asked why this was the case, considering importing auto parts, even for prestige vehicles, are only subjected to minimal import duties. They turned around & told me that that was the price ... up to you. I subsequently bought the required "genuine" parts from Australia, went back to RR BKK & was told they would not fit the parts to my car because I hadn't bought them through ULR Thailand, (unless I took out a 300K baht "membership" fee). That to me is business done with a gun pointed at your head.

I have had similar experiences with imported building materials.

Cheers,

Soundman.

25,000 baht buys a return ticket dusseldorf and 30kg baggage allowance

This sounds crazy but - believe it or not the company has actually done this in the past - but not Dusseldorf, Denmark!!

What solutions are there (if any) we are not blessed with 'Choice' of suppliers or distributors in LOS as we are in Europe especially when it comes to specialist parts.

Best choice would be to have a larger inventory of spare parts so you never run out. Based on experience you probably know what and how many spare parts you need in a year or every 6 months. Based on delivery time you determine a minimum stock level and re-order when you reach the minimum.

If it's cheaper to fly down and get the parts yourself as required instead of increasing your stock than I guess that would be the better way.