Good old fashioned service at Bunny's Bolts (UK dealer)

[andy5405]

I had a good ring round some UK Festool dealers today as I had this wishlist for a delivery tomorrow:

491503 1900 rail
489790 quick action clamp
495717 parallel guides
495718 guide extension
491588 guide rail kit
495543 mft top
497892 pencils

I thought it would be a 15 min job to get it ordered but no way. I won't mention any of the companies that didn't quite come up to the mark but I struggled to find anyone who had any stock beyond the 1900 rail or who had any idea what most of it was. They all said we can get it and quoted deliveries from 3 days to 2 weeks. It was all very vague and frankly disappointing. I had a decent payment last night for a job, had money in my pocket, wanted some toys and couldn't get them.

Fortunately I eventually decided to ring Bunny's Bolts and initially spoke to a lovely lady there who couldn't have been more polite and helpful. She apologised for not having enough technical knowledge and suggested I speak to Warren on a couple of issues. She was still streets ahead of the others I had rung and a Festool user as well. The best bit was that they had everything in stock for a next day delivery which was great as I had begun to feel like I was searching for the Holy Grail. So it's all on it's way at a price I'm happy with. Happy days!!!

Also I was so impressed with Laura (think that's her name) that I tried a few obscure items from the Festool website to see if they had stock and they did. The only thing that I could find that they didn't have was the Festool multi function stool (498967). I'm sure there are other items but it was an all round positive buying experience and I'm more than happy to relay it  to other FOG users

 

[jmbfestool]

I ordered some items from Bunny bolts  a rail 2700 and sortainer    Rail arrived next day undamaged and sortainer came a day or two later!  Good service and was a VERY good price very good!

My mate also bought a 2700 rail from Warren aswell the other day and also quick delivery.

JMB

 

[Mat D]

I too have recently received an order from Warren and Co. and have to
say what a pleasure it was and is to do business with them.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to any of the UK guys
and gals on the forum.
Simply Superb!

Mat.

 

[andy5405]

It all arrived yesterday. I was waiting eagerly at the back of the couriers van to get my bits and watched the muppet lay the 1900 rail on the floor one end with the other end propped on a box. He then shifted a big heavy box and planted it bang in the middle of the rail and bent it like a banana. It straightened up after he removed the box.

I immediately felt like using some words derived from our Anglo Saxon ancestors but stayed calm and politely informed him I wasn't accepting it unless I could check the rail with a straight edge. He tried telling me I had to accept it and if it was damaged I would have to ring Bunny's Bolts who would in turn contact his superiors and they would ring me to arrange a time to send him out to collect it!! I stayed calm and informed him that I knew it was damaged as I had just watched him do it. I did check it and it was bent. He then denied that he had done it and said it must have happened in the packing office on the conveyors? By this time I have guessed that this guy is not likely to ever work for Nasa and I'm approaching boiling point. I told him in no uncertain terms that it was staying on his van and he got the point. I did all this without the use of expletives!

Anyway I rang Warren and laughed about it and fortunately he had already ordered another rail from Germany to replace his stock. He will ring me as soon at it arrives to ask where I would like it delivered. Apparently he is building his stock so that he has at least one of almost everything Festool produce. Strangely they don't stock the multi function stool, I would love to know if anyone has actually bought one. I would like to see a Paul Marcel review on that one!

 

[GPowers]

Some of the things that are not available in the United States. 

 

[ajones]

Bad luck with the rail I bought my 2.7 rail from slingers 1858 and it came all the way from preston in good shape, but It does my noodle in just had a ts75 arrived damaged you can see the imprint of the bottom of the saw in the insert and the t-loc was damaged
probably walked over or thrown,

I find it hard understand why so much stuff gets damaged.

why a 1900 rail? transport?

 

[Umbro]

Glad you guys are getting good service from Bunnys,
One place I wouldn't recommend is Powertoolworld.  My 1st order took 2 weeks to arrive together with a lame excuse for the delay. I thought hey ho things happen. I've placed a second order 9 days ago, still no delivery. Sent 2 email enquiring where it is, no replies. Absolutely useless.
I always tend to use Axminster. Excellent service. Lightning delivery. Thoroughly recommended

 

[ajones]

I  am afraid I can not recommend axminster as I have found them to be dishonest in the recent past.

 

[neth27]

Glad you guys are getting good service from Bunnys,
One place I wouldn't recommend is Powertoolworld.  My 1st order took 2 weeks to arrive together with a lame excuse for the delay. I thought hey ho things happen. I've placed a second order 9 days ago, still no delivery. Sent 2 email enquiring where it is, no replies. Absolutely useless.
I always tend to use Axminster. Excellent service. Lightning delivery. Thoroughly recommended

I have used powertoolworld with no problems.. they are usually the cheapest too .... I have recently used Bunnybolts  three times in the last few weeks and they have been great .. Used Axminster too and agree they have been excellent...

John....

 

[jmbfestool]

Bunny bolts does deliver good service and if you get a damaged item he quickly gets it replaced.  

I received two tools from him both systainers damaged and needed replacing.   I have heard others have had damaged goods due to delivery.

I got my 2700 rail the other week undamaged and my sortainer undamaged and speedy delivery!  but I do think their is a very HIGH chance of his deliveries being damaged!

1. His packing is very poor he sends  the tools in systainers as he gets them from Germany.   Which is a cardboard box  tight no air gap no bubble rap no nothing.  The box is a really tight fit around the systainer.  The only thing this cardboard box will protect is from scratches no impact.    Again doesnt mater to much cus he sorts out the problem soon as you call him up.

2. The delivery company he uses!  They are very poor!   You can tell from the Van they look old and worn!  The depot is a run down building looks more like a farmers barn. The people who work their are rough.  

When I received my first two damaged systainers I wasnt at home and so had to go to the depo to pick the items up.  I couldnt find the entrance for 10mins cus their are no signs.  I found a half open door and just shouted hello!   This guy just said come in!  I walked in and it looked like a mess!  Parcels ALL over the place no order at all.

I gave him my ticket he checked on this little windows 98 computer and then went ummm I think it might be over here some where!  I had to wait 15mins while he threw boxes around to find my parcels.

He then went here you go these are yours as he did that he pushed one of the parcels of a 4ft height onto the floor! BANG! He picked it up and went oh and this one is your also!   I was like thats most likely going to be damaged!   He then turned to me and said its two parcels your expecting!  I didnt know because I didnt know how Warren had packed them at the time.  He could of stuck everything in ONE big box for all I knew.   Then went oh not their is another 1 here you have 3 parcels.

Soon as I got home opened up the boxes and YIP both systainers had damage on the corners and lids.

JMB

 

[Umbro]

Glad you guys are getting good service from Bunnys,
One place I wouldn't recommend is Powertoolworld.  My 1st order took 2 weeks to arrive together with a lame excuse for the delay. I thought hey ho things happen. I've placed a second order 9 days ago, still no delivery. Sent 2 email enquiring where it is, no replies. Absolutely useless.
I always tend to use Axminster. Excellent service. Lightning delivery. Thoroughly recommended

I have used powertoolworld with no problems.. they are usually the cheapest too .... I have recently used Bunnybolts  three times in the last few weeks and they have been great .. Used Axminster too and agree they have been excellent...

Any Festool dealer will price match. Powertoolworld do list the lowest prices but from my experience they don't keep a lot on their shelves. They quote a 1-2 day despatch time but they don't deliver.
The only reason I placed a second order with them is I recently bought an RO150 and they supposedly stocked the granit disc in 10x packs so I could make a decision on grits before buying bigger packs.
Won't ever bother with them again. I'll just use their prices with other dealers.

 

[ajones]

Slingers do use a stouter cardboard box and bubble wrap etc. but if some clown jumps on/drops/or throws these systainers they are just not Strong enough to stand up to the abuse esecially if they have the weight of a tool in them

 

[jmbfestool]

Slingers do use a stouter cardboard box and bubble wrap etc. but if some clown jumps on/drops/or throws these systainers they are just not Strong enough to stand up to the abuse esecially if they have the weight of a tool in them

Well my other dealer I use!   Uses boxes FAR larger than the systainers and sticks loads of smaller boxes and little air bags all around.  Also uses a much better delivery service!  The delivery man is very friendly the van looks a lot smarter and cleaner he knows where to leave the parcel if no one is in instead of taking it back to the depo which is annoying!   The depo is much larger and is well organised and has a guest entrance.

BUT!  Warren was Free delivery on the 2700 rail! My other dealer wanted £25 at first and then was able to drop it to £10 (I think cant remember)  So I suppose theirs the difference!

JMB

 

[neth27]

Bunny bolts does deliver good service and if you get a damaged item he quickly gets it replaced.  

I received two tools from him both systainers damaged and needed replacing.   I have heard others have had damaged goods due to delivery.

I got my 2700 rail the other week undamaged and my sortainer undamaged and speedy delivery!  but I do think their is a very HIGH chance of his deliveries being damaged!

1. His packing is very poor he sends  the tools in systainers as he gets them from Germany.   Which is a cardboard box  tight no air gap no bubble rap no nothing.  The box is a really tight fit around the systainer.  The only thing this cardboard box will protect is from scratches no impact.    Again doesnt mater to much cus he sorts out the problem soon as you call him up.

2. The delivery company he uses!  They are very poor!   You can tell from the Van they look old and worn!  The depot is a run down building looks more like a farmers barn. The people who work their are rough.  

When I received my first two damaged systainers I wasnt at home and so had to go to the depo to pick the items up.  I couldnt find the entrance for 10mins cus their are no signs.  I found a half open door and just shouted hello!   This guy just said come in!  I walked in and it looked like a mess!  Parcels ALL over the place no order at all.

I gave him my ticket he checked on this little windows 98 computer and then went ummm I think it might be over here some where!  I had to wait 15mins while he threw boxes around to find my parcels.

He then went here you go these are yours as he did that he pushed one of the parcels of a 4ft height onto the floor! BANG! He picked it up and went oh and this one is your also!   I was like thats most likely going to be damaged!   He then turned to me and said its two parcels your expecting!  I didnt know because I didnt know how Warren had packed them at the time.  He could of stuck everything in ONE big box for all I knew.   Then went oh not their is another 1 here you have 3 parcels.

Soon as I got home opened up the boxes and YIP both systainers had damage on the corners and lids.

JMB

He uses Citylink which i think are great.... my local depot is very professional.. they even give you a 1 hour time slot that they are going to be delivered.. What else could you want?

John

 

[jmbfestool]

Bunny bolts does deliver good service and if you get a damaged item he quickly gets it replaced.  

I received two tools from him both systainers damaged and needed replacing.   I have heard others have had damaged goods due to delivery.

I got my 2700 rail the other week undamaged and my sortainer undamaged and speedy delivery!  but I do think their is a very HIGH chance of his deliveries being damaged!

1. His packing is very poor he sends  the tools in systainers as he gets them from Germany.   Which is a cardboard box  tight no air gap no bubble rap no nothing.  The box is a really tight fit around the systainer.  The only thing this cardboard box will protect is from scratches no impact.    Again doesnt mater to much cus he sorts out the problem soon as you call him up.

2. The delivery company he uses!  They are very poor!   You can tell from the Van they look old and worn!  The depot is a run down building looks more like a farmers barn. The people who work their are rough.  

When I received my first two damaged systainers I wasnt at home and so had to go to the depo to pick the items up.  I couldnt find the entrance for 10mins cus their are no signs.  I found a half open door and just shouted hello!   This guy just said come in!  I walked in and it looked like a mess!  Parcels ALL over the place no order at all.

I gave him my ticket he checked on this little windows 98 computer and then went ummm I think it might be over here some where!  I had to wait 15mins while he threw boxes around to find my parcels.

He then went here you go these are yours as he did that he pushed one of the parcels of a 4ft height onto the floor! BANG! He picked it up and went oh and this one is your also!   I was like thats most likely going to be damaged!   He then turned to me and said its two parcels your expecting!  I didnt know because I didnt know how Warren had packed them at the time.  He could of stuck everything in ONE big box for all I knew.   Then went oh not their is another 1 here you have 3 parcels.

Soon as I got home opened up the boxes and YIP both systainers had damage on the corners and lids.

JMB

He uses Citylink which i think are great.... my local depot is very professional.. they even give you a 1 hour time slot that they are going to be delivered.. What else could you want?

John

Yes its Citylink  very poor round here! or was about a year ago when I went up to the Depo.     I didnt see the Van this recent delivery some one was in and took the delivery for me. I did tell Warren and he said the same thing!  He said Citylink is good round his area.    Not here unfortunately!  Nor do I get the 1 hour time slot hence why I had to go to the depo to pick the parcels up cus I had a little note saying We missed you!

JMB

 

[neth27]

I get a email telling me "your parcel will be delivered today between 11.20-12.20 today" etc.. As I'm usually not in the delivery driver knows where to put any parcels for me.  I have deliveries from other companies who just throw the parcel over the back fence.. My carvex was delivered yesterday and put in the dog kennel  [scared]

John...

 

[Waka]

I have used BB in the past and found them excellent, having said that it was only for small items. Recently I have been using Slingers and am very impressed with the service , their packages have all arrived in good condition, I put in  another order today for some more "T" Locks, these seem to be taking over my world, while I wasn't going to replace my original systainers with "T"Locks it looks like I'm well on the way.

 

[joiner1970]

I just replaced most of mine just another 4 systainers left they've sold like hot cakes on eBay , I had originally put them up for sale on a forum for what I thought were reasonable prices and had people comment and say they were too expensive then sold them for way over those prices on eBay  [big grin]

I'm gonna get a few more t locs and I've got one of the tanos tool boxes on order.

 

[andy5405]

Bad luck with the rail I bought my 2.7 rail from slingers 1858 and it came all the way from preston in good shape, but It does my noodle in just had a ts75 arrived damaged you can see the imprint of the bottom of the saw in the insert and the t-loc was damaged
probably walked over or thrown,

I find it hard understand why so much stuff gets damaged.

why a 1900 rail? transport?

I already have a 1400 and an 800 so I figured the 1900 would be a good addition. It's easy to transport and will go with my 800 to give me a 2700 leaving me with a 1400 for crosscuts without breaking anything down.

The courier BB's used for me was Interlink. The driver was an idiot and it must be so frustrating for someone in business to have done everything right to be let down by couriers. My systainer did come in a cardboard box that was perfectly matched to it's size. It was sturdy and I did think it was more than adequate packaging and in my case it did arrive in perfect condition. T-Locs are pretty tough anyway so if they do arrive damaged as in JMB's case I hate to think what the couriers are doing to them. Surely they would have to be dropped from a fairly significant height to crack them?  I have loads of them and sit and stand on them on site. I used them the other day to support heavy oak worktops that I was oiling when I ran out of trestles.

Warren has promised to strap the replacement 1900 rail to a piece of wood to try and avoid any other problems. It certainly hasn't put me off using Bunny's Bolts again as I figure anyone could have the same problem with couriers. The important thing for me me was the fact that they were the only dealer that I could find that had everything in stock and knew what they were talking about.

I spoke to other dealers as I mentioned earlier in the thread and there seemed to be a consensus that getting reliable delivery times from Festool Germany was extremely difficult. It seems that those that order less get more problems. I was told by one that Festool offer free delivery over a certain value so there must be a temptation for the dealers to sit on a smaller order and put it through once they have enough other orders to make the cutoff point. Another told me that Festool Germany will sit on an order if another one is placed soon afterwards and the earlier one is only dispatched once the later order is processed. Warren has told me that he places orders on a daily basis with Festool as he immediately orders replacement stock as soon as he has sold something. It will be interesting to see when my new rail arrives.

It all seems to add up to the usual Festool arrogance and they do it how they like to do it. If Festool had a missus I'm sure it would be a very loyal one. Don't they say treat them mean to keep them keen?

 

[jmbfestool]

Bad luck with the rail I bought my 2.7 rail from slingers 1858 and it came all the way from preston in good shape, but It does my noodle in just had a ts75 arrived damaged you can see the imprint of the bottom of the saw in the insert and the t-loc was damaged
probably walked over or thrown,

I find it hard understand why so much stuff gets damaged.

why a 1900 rail? transport?

I already have a 1400 and an 800 so I figured the 1900 would be a good addition. It's easy to transport and will go with my 800 to give me a 2700 leaving me with a 1400 for crosscuts without breaking anything down.

The courier BB's used for me was Interlink. The driver was an idiot and it must be so frustrating for someone in business to have done everything right to be let down by couriers. My systainer did come in a cardboard box that was perfectly matched to it's size. It was sturdy and I did think it was more than adequate packaging and in my case it did arrive in perfect condition. T-Locs are pretty tough anyway so if they do arrive damaged as in JMB's case I hate to think what the couriers are doing to them. Surely they would have to be dropped from a fairly significant height to crack them?  I have loads of them and sit and stand on them on site. I used them the other day to support heavy oak worktops that I was oiling when I ran out of trestles.

Warren has promised to strap the replacement 1900 rail to a piece of wood to try and avoid any other problems. It certainly hasn't put me off using Bunny's Bolts again as I figure anyone could have the same problem with couriers. The important thing for me me was the fact that they were the only dealer that I could find that had everything in stock and knew what they were talking about.

I spoke to other dealers as I mentioned earlier in the thread and there seemed to be a consensus that getting reliable delivery times from Festool Germany was extremely difficult. It seems that those that order less get more problems. I was told by one that Festool offer free delivery over a certain value so there must be a temptation for the dealers to sit on a smaller order and put it through once they have enough other orders to make the cutoff point. Another told me that Festool Germany will sit on an order if another one is placed soon afterwards and the earlier one is only dispatched once the later order is processed. Warren has told me that he places orders on a daily basis with Festool as he immediately orders replacement stock as soon as he has sold something. It will be interesting to see when my new rail arrives.

It all seems to add up to the usual Festool arrogance and they do it how they like to do it. If Festool had a missus I'm sure it would be a very loyal one. Don't they say treat them mean to keep them keen?

My regular dealer does keep his  stock updated very well!

It all depends with the dealer how good his relationship is with festool I'm sure! because my regular dealer if he doesn't have it in stock he gets it within two days normally from Germany  

but my LOCAL festool dealer takes ages!  Can take 2weeks!  Also my local dealer doesn't stock a lot of festool most of the festool he has are all display items. So if you want it now you have to take the display and he then gets a new one to replace the display.

I have always got my festool stuff quicker from my regular dealer via delivery than my local store I can walk into 10mins from me!  How rubbish is that!   About 90% of the time  I pretty much get get my stuff from my regular dealer the fallowing day as long as I ordered before 12 o'clock if he has it in stock!  If he doesnt and has to order it from Germany if I ordered Monday I would normally get it Thursday/Friday

Jmb