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General => Direct Service/Parts Queries => Topic started by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 04:43:46

Title: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 04:43:46
I wasn't sure where to start this topic,so I hope a moderator can fix it if its not right.

Well here's me question...I have heard many people say and talk about them getting parts from DS.

And I haven't found out yet what DS is. I really would like to know. What is DS??

Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on July 31, 2010, 04:51:30
Its the Direct Service of playmobil where you can order parts, accessories, whole sets etc!
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 06:20:29
Wolf Knight is right and the US has a DS (although it doesn't sound very good judging by people's comments.  Bill Blackhurst prefers to buy his parts through me from UK DS and then pay for them to be sent by me to him airmail.) 

I know that you order by 'phone but maybe one of the US members can tell you more.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on July 31, 2010, 06:26:02
Its even worse in Greece! Playmobil Hellas is not willing to accept order of any single parts at any quantities. When trying to order from UK or Germany, my mails were redirected back to Playmobil Hellas, with the appropriate refusal...

Giorginetto managed to place a bit order of spare parts but I guess they accepted his order as he is a good customer with them!

I am still trying to complete my list and I 'll ask them if they accept it... Otherwise.. :( :( :(
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 07:22:23


I am still trying to complete my list and I 'll ask them if they accept it... Otherwise.. :( :( :(

....you could ask playmofire.  It'll cost extra postage, but you should get everything and in one order.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on July 31, 2010, 07:34:34
....you could ask playmofire.  It'll cost extra postage, but you should get everything and in one order.

Thank you once again Gordon!!! I'll contact Playmobil Hellas first (they are closed for the summer btw) and if I hit a brick wall I'll let you know!!!
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 12:16:27
Can you give me a link to it, or how can I get to it?



Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 12:23:05
Thank you Slyvia!


B-W  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 12:54:43
Thank you Slyvia!


B-W  :wave:

Did Sylvia give you a link?
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 13:02:16
Did Sylvia give you a link?

Ah, I understand, she moved the thread.

Bill can put you in touch with US DS.  I looked on their website but wasn't sure where to begin.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 13:03:10
No she just moved it.


Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 13:24:16
Oh and can someone also tell me howit works or how I can do you use it, and how you can get the website to oder parts or sets?

Please help...

Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 13:27:40
No she just moved it.


Baden  :wave:

You can't use the website but there should be contact details there.  You can order by 'phone or by email. 
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 13:30:08
So you just order parts y email or phone, like lets say I call them and I saw I need ten axes, four hose this length, and two oxygen tanks how much would that be?

Baden ???
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 13:32:14
So you just order parts y email or phone, like lets say I call them and I saw I need ten axes, four hose this length, and two oxygen tanks how much would that be?

Baden ???

I think that's how the US site works - you have to quote the part numbers of course.  But check with Bill, he's used them in the past.  UK DS works rather differently.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 13:33:42
So if you just one single part thats fine? Sorry to ask so much.. :-[


Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 13:46:20
So if you just one single part thats fine? Sorry to ask so much.. :-[


Baden  :wave:

So far as I know, yes, but the cost of shipping might make it expensive.

Here's a link which might help, although it isn't over clear:

http://store.playmobilusa.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-US-Site/en_US/Link-Page?cid=P_HELP
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 13:49:27
Oh thank you Gordon...One last question before Bill wrights me, do they have like everything or when you call the or send them an email, do you just ask them what you need or give them the item number...and if you don't have the item number do you just ask them directly what part you need?


Baden  :)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 14:05:37
a chance for me to ask !!!!!  they have available all the parts from every set ever produced ??
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 14:20:38
a chance for me to ask !!!!!  they have available all the parts from every set ever produced ??

Oh and also thank you Alex!

Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 14:37:57
Oh thank you Gordon...One last question before Bill wrights me, do they have like everything or when you call the or send them an email, do you just ask them what you need or give them the item number...and if you don't have the item number do you just ask them directly what part you need?


Baden  :)

You ask for what you want and, if Bill's experience is general, they often don't have it!  I doubt if they could find a part on the basis of it's name as what you call it may not be what Playmobil call it and the Playmobil name may be in German.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: basilsdad on July 31, 2010, 15:26:55
Thank you Baden for asking the original question and thank you Gordon for all the answers you provided.  All this information is new to me!   ;D
Joe
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 15:31:02
Oh and also thank you Alex!

Baden  :wave:

 

so in ds you can find all parts from every set ever produced?
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 15:36:41
Thanks Alex!


B-W
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 15:47:32
Thanks Alex!


B-W

 
baden ??  ??? ???  i ask if in ds you can find all parts from every set ever produced?
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on July 31, 2010, 15:51:48
Oh sorry Alex.... :-[   :-[  :-[  :-[ I'm very sorry...it looks like maybe they don't have every single part but almost all. Like maybe only the parts from right know. But still ask Gordon anyways...because I'm not sure.


Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 16:17:35
Oh sorry Alex.... :-[   :-[  :-[  :-[ I'm very sorry...it looks like maybe they don't have every single part but almost all. Like maybe only the parts from right know. But still ask Gordon anyways...because I'm not sure.


Baden  :wave:


 

perhaps only the current parts .. hope gordon knows this ........
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on July 31, 2010, 17:08:43
Alex, DS has access to all parts yes, but if they can send them to you it depends on the availability of the part, if they have it in stock. If they do not have it, they will order it from the factory or the warehouse, and they will send it to you.
There are of course parts and accessories that are not produced anymeor, and they are not in stock either! So they will tell you if they can get it for you. Again, this is the case in Germany, Belgium, UK, the US etc but not in Greece!
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 17:10:33
Alex, DS has access to all parts yes, but if they can send them to you it depends on the availability of the part, if they have it in stock. If they do not have it, they will order it from the factory or the warehouse, and they will send it to you.
There are of course parts and accessories that are not produced anymeor, and they are not in stock either! So they will tell you if they can get it for you. Again, this is the case in Germany, Belgium, UK, the US etc but not in Greece!

your list is only from current parts??
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Martin Milner on July 31, 2010, 17:31:23
so in ds you can find all parts from every set ever produced?

I know I have answered this question from you before in great detail, so this time please pay attention and remember.

1) You order parts by number. If you do no know the number you can't order it. This would be the case for most Specials, and sets that do not include any assembly instructions. Playmodb or a set of instructions in your own collection are the best sources for part numbers.

2) In ordering, it is a good idea to put a name or desciption by the number, as sometimes numbers get mis-typed or mixed up. This also help you when your order arrives. I use the Playmodb descriptions unless I think they are too vague.

e.g. 10 x 30 07 6120 Wall, Flat, Plain, Double-Male Connectors

means I wish to order ten of the standard flat plain steck walls.

3) Some parts have had more than one number over the years. I always use the most recent number when ordering for the best chance of the part being in stock.

4) They can't possibly keep everything in stock. Sets released in the last 1-5 years have the best chance of spare parts being in stock, but older parts may be available. You can always try to order them it doesn't hurt. Older than 5 years, it is reasonable for Playmobil to assume the kids are no longer playing with the same sets, but many old parts are so popular or common (e.g. most steck pieces) that they are still stocked.

5) Very recently released sets have a smaller chance of parts beign in stock. The service is intended to be for replacing lost or broken parts, and it is reasonable to assume that it takes a while for parts to be lost or broken. That said, parts can be in stock immediately or within six months of initial release. You can always try to order them it doesn't hurt.



Strictly speaking DS (Direct Service) is NOT the ordering of spare parts, but the ordering of any set direct from Playmobil. This includes all the add-on sets that are rarely to be found in normal retailers.

The ordering of spare parts (by phone or email) is called the Spare Parts Service. This is supposed to work via each country's website, but when I tried (in the UK) I never once got a response. I eventually got a contact name, phone number and email address for one of the nice ladies in their Basildon offices, and all the spare parts orders I placed over the last three years went through her. I would put my order together, send it via email, and usually the same day get a response with the available parts totalled up for cost includign shipping. I then rang her with my credit card detail, and 2-3 weeks later the order would arrive.

UK orders come direct from Germany in batches, so it is possible to receive, in one postal delivery, two orders placed at different times. It is also possible to have them separated by several weeks if you miss a batch of orders.

I have never orderd any parts in the US, partly because I understand it is almost hopeless. Justindo placed several orders through me while I was still in the UK, because like Bill Blackhurst, he gets a better hit rate this way.

If I were to try an order in the US (which I may in the next few months), I would use this email service@SPAMBLOCKERplaymobilusa.com

Remember to remove the SPAMBLOCKER
 
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on July 31, 2010, 18:34:53
Martin, in my experience (like yours) the email link to UK DS has never worked either.

Turnaround time is now much quicker than it was - orders are fulfilled in 7 to 10 days of paying for them, sometimes less.

And Caroline is as helpful a ever.

The time for spare parts to be available used to be for 10 years after a set was withdrawn and then was reduced to 7.  It may now be shorter with the increase in the number of sets issued each year.

I certainly can confirm it's worth asking for parts from sets withdrawn more than 5 to 7 years ago - you can have some pleasant surprises - but people should do so sparingly.  No one likes to input an order or deal with requests where out of, say, 25 items all but 2 are not available as they feel they have wasted their time and, more importantly, been unable to help the customer.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Ronastoo on July 31, 2010, 19:41:09
I have never orderd any parts in the US, partly because I understand it is almost hopeless.
Well, it's not ALWAYS hopeless.   :)   I have successfully placed orders for spare parts many times.  I always call.  And, because I have a nice person on the phone with me it is sometimes possible to get part numbers for a limited number of parts that don't have instruction sheets with part numbers (for example, Specials) but you do have to know the set number and a very detailed description of the part that you want.
Emphasis on limited.  Maybe one or two during an order.  Don't be greedy.   ;D
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on July 31, 2010, 21:49:45
I know I have answered this question from you before in great detail, so this time please pay attention and remember.

1) You order parts by number. If you do no know the number you can't order it. This would be the case for most Specials, and sets that do not include any assembly instructions. Playmodb or a set of instructions in your own collection are the best sources for part numbers.

2) In ordering, it is a good idea to put a name or desciption by the number, as sometimes numbers get mis-typed or mixed up. This also help you when your order arrives. I use the Playmodb descriptions unless I think they are too vague.

e.g. 10 x 30 07 6120 Wall, Flat, Plain, Double-Male Connectors

means I wish to order ten of the standard flat plain steck walls.

3) Some parts have had more than one number over the years. I always use the most recent number when ordering for the best chance of the part being in stock.

4) They can't possibly keep everything in stock. Sets released in the last 1-5 years have the best chance of spare parts being in stock, but older parts may be available. You can always try to order them it doesn't hurt. Older than 5 years, it is reasonable for Playmobil to assume the kids are no longer playing with the same sets, but many old parts are so popular or common (e.g. most steck pieces) that they are still stocked.

5) Very recently released sets have a smaller chance of parts beign in stock. The service is intended to be for replacing lost or broken parts, and it is reasonable to assume that it takes a while for parts to be lost or broken. That said, parts can be in stock immediately or within six months of initial release. You can always try to order them it doesn't hurt.



Strictly speaking DS (Direct Service) is NOT the ordering of spare parts, but the ordering of any set direct from Playmobil. This includes all the add-on sets that are rarely to be found in normal retailers.

The ordering of spare parts (by phone or email) is called the Spare Parts Service. This is supposed to work via each country's website, but when I tried (in the UK) I never once got a response. I eventually got a contact name, phone number and email address for one of the nice ladies in their Basildon offices, and all the spare parts orders I placed over the last three years went through her. I would put my order together, send it via email, and usually the same day get a response with the available parts totalled up for cost includign shipping. I then rang her with my credit card detail, and 2-3 weeks later the order would arrive.

UK orders come direct from Germany in batches, so it is possible to receive, in one postal delivery, two orders placed at different times. It is also possible to have them separated by several weeks if you miss a batch of orders.

I have never orderd any parts in the US, partly because I understand it is almost hopeless. Justindo placed several orders through me while I was still in the UK, because like Bill Blackhurst, he gets a better hit rate this way.

If I were to try an order in the US (which I may in the next few months), I would use this email service@SPAMBLOCKERplaymobilusa.com

Remember to remove the SPAMBLOCKER
 

 

 wow :o :o :o  thanks for this detailed text martin ,a 3750 boat only the boat could be named as a part ,or the parts are in one average size??

 
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on August 01, 2010, 07:20:14
If by boat you mean just the hull (bottom part) and the deck (upper part) then they are two separate items, thus two separate part numbers. If you alos mean the lower foredeck, the inside of the cabin and its furniture, the upper deck where the wheel goes, these are all separate items, thus separate numbers.

Have not got throught the pages of playmoDB (database) yet? Or dont you know about it?

Here is the playmoDB page for 3750
3750 - Pirate Ship (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3750&pics=on)

You can find all part numbers here!
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Justindo on August 01, 2010, 08:06:44
I have never orderd any parts in the US, partly because I understand it is almost hopeless. Justindo placed several orders through me while I was still in the UK, because like Bill Blackhurst, he gets a better hit rate this way.

I truly appreciate Martin's help in this, although now I have another parts list and US DS has almost none of it in stock! :'(
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 13:35:14
WoW!!  :o Thanks everyone! Now I'm starting to get the hang of it. So you all say its better not to order like 50 pieces at one phone call or email right?

Baden  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Martin Milner on August 01, 2010, 13:49:56
If by boat you mean just the hull (bottom part) and the deck (upper part) then they are two separate items, thus two separate part numbers. If you alos mean the lower foredeck, the inside of the cabin and its furniture, the upper deck where the wheel goes, these are all separate items, thus separate numbers.

Have not got throught the pages of playmoDB (database) yet? Or dont you know about it?

Here is the playmoDB page for 3750
3750 - Pirate Ship (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3750&pics=on)

You can find all part numbers here!

Perfect answer!

A part is almost always a single molding. As a "boat" byhwich I assume you mean the ship, not the dingy, has many pieces. Even a rowboat has the hull and the seats and oars, but the seast and oars come as one molding so that is one "part". 

playmobil1989, do please LOOK at the inventory lists, I think it is entirely clear what constitutes a part. If you ask another unresearched question I shall ignore it, as I will assume you are trolling.


baden-wurtemberg, you can order 50 or more parts in one order, but I would do it by email not phone. Most of us who order parts produce lists up to 200 items long.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 13:52:24
Would it be the same thing if you order many of them but of the same part....like 20 shovels from 3935 the flatbed truck?

B-W  :)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Heronimus on August 01, 2010, 14:18:59
WoW!!  :o Thanks everyone! Now I'm starting to get the hang of it. So you all say its better not to order like 50 pieces at one phone call or email right?

Baden  :wave:
I am curious, you will sell them on ebay afterward?  :wave:

I saw you are selling quite a lot of parts from your link below :love:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on August 01, 2010, 14:38:00
Would it be the same thing if you order many of them but of the same part....like 20 shovels from 3935 the flatbed truck?

B-W  :)

The shovel is part number 30 09 7030 and you'd just ask for 20 of those.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 17:09:05
I am curious, you will sell them on eBay afterward?  :wave:

I saw you are selling quite a lot of parts from your link below :love:

Not really the things that I will probably order are for me only.  :)

B-W
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 17:09:54
The shovel is part number 30 09 7030 and you'd just ask for 20 of those.

That was just an example Gordon. Thanks anyways.

B-W  :)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on August 01, 2010, 18:06:38
Perfect answer!

A part is almost always a single molding. As a "boat" byhwich I assume you mean the ship, not the dingy, has many pieces. Even a rowboat has the hull and the seats and oars, but the seast and oars come as one molding so that is one "part". 

playmobil1989, do please LOOK at the inventory lists, I think it is entirely clear what constitutes a part. If you ask another unresearched question I shall ignore it, as I will assume you are trolling.



 trolling ??  ??? ???   what's the inventory lists ??

Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on August 01, 2010, 19:25:44

 trolling ??  ??? ???   what's the inventory lists ??



This inventory list: 3750 - Pirate Ship (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3750) I've post it 10 posts ago. Its from PlaymoDB...

Alex, I believe any confusion you have in communication is due to lack of good knowledge of the english language. This is ok, not all know good english. But please try to read more carefully and use a vocabulary from time to time! :)

As for what is trolling, here is the link to wikipedia  ;)! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: WarriorOfToys on August 01, 2010, 19:56:23
Ok Baden,
Here is how it works in the US DS... (Incase Bill has not emailed you yet...)

First you send them an email at:
service@playmobilusa.com

You ask for the parts, (20- 30 51 6440 (Ax))
Then you wait for their reply...
Sometimes this takes a while (like a week) or sometimes a few hours... ::)

When they do reply they will tell you if they have the parts you want and how many.
(Usually the answer is no, as many people have said.)

But when the answer is YES!  :)
You can give them your credit card and some other things they will tell you in the email...
Or if you dont like the idea of giving your credit card in an email,
They also give you thier phone number which is:
1 800 351-8697
You can call them (Only after you have the "confirmation email" they sent you)
To order the parts they confirmed that they had.

Dont worry, if they take a while to answer the phone... (Like several day... :o ::) )
Your parts will not be taken. They are reserved for you the moment the confirmation email is sent.

So thats how it works, have fun! :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 20:06:04
Thank you very much Wot! Now I really know what to do. Thanks again!


B-W  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on August 01, 2010, 22:11:29
This inventory list: 3750 - Pirate Ship (http://playmodb.org/cgi-bin/showinv.pl?setnum=3750) I've post it 10 posts ago. Its from PlaymoDB...

Alex, I believe any confusion you have in communication is due to lack of good knowledge of the english language. This is ok, not all know good english. But please try to read more carefully and use a vocabulary from time to time! :)

As for what is trolling, here is the link to wikipedia  ;)! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)


 
thanks pano  :)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 01, 2010, 22:29:24
Oh yeah and thank you also Panos! I forgot you!
B-W  :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Giorginetto on August 02, 2010, 13:42:00
Its even worse in Greece! Playmobil Hellas is not willing to accept order of any single parts at any quantities. When trying to order from UK or Germany, my mails were redirected back to Playmobil Hellas, with the appropriate refusal...

Giorginetto managed to place a bit order of spare parts but I guess they accepted his order as he is a good customer with them!

I am still trying to complete my list and I 'll ask them if they accept it... Otherwise.. :( :( :(

Any nes on that Sir Wolf ?? Apologies if that question been answered elsewhere too many post i am trying to follow in the forum ...  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[... did you have any luck , spoken to their Marketing / PR Manager ???
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on August 02, 2010, 13:46:36
Any nes on that Sir Wolf ?? Apologies if that question been answered elsewhere too many post i am trying to follow in the forum ...  :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[... did you have any luck , spoken to their Marketing / PR Manager ???

Well, as you said, they are closed for the summer, and if I recall corectly from an order I placed last year's July, they will be reopening after the 20th of August!!! So we'll find out then!
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Giorginetto on August 02, 2010, 13:53:06
Well, as you said, they are closed for the summer, and if I recall corectly from an order I placed last year's July, they will be reopening after the 20th of August!!! So we'll find out then!

Thast true , the funpark is closed but dunno if their Marketing Office is also. Might be worth to give them a ring. :wave:
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Wolf Knight on August 02, 2010, 13:59:48
Thast true , the funpark is closed but dunno if their Marketing Office is also. Might be worth to give them a ring. :wave:

Last year they told me they would not be taking any orders during vacation days! Ihave not completed my list anyway, so it will have to take a little longer...
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on August 02, 2010, 14:13:46
Well, as you said, they are closed for the summer, and if I recall corectly from an order I placed last year's July, they will be reopening after the 20th of August!!! So we'll find out then!

 

oh yes they got tired from too much work  :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no:  only in greece these things happen ,i want to do my driving exams and the ministry is closed for august  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( does this happen in all playmobil fun parks ??
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 02, 2010, 14:18:10
I don't know if in all the parks, but that has to happen in every park like once in a while.


B-W
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on August 02, 2010, 14:22:10
I don't know if in all the parks, but that has to happen in every park like once in a while.


B-W


 
when you say once in a while ? when and for how long ??
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: baden-wurttemberg on August 02, 2010, 14:22:51
Well like I said I'm just thinking, I'm not sure really.  :-[


B-W
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmo1989 on August 02, 2010, 14:26:40
Well like I said I'm just thinking, I'm not sure really.  :-[


B-W
 
oh ok  :) here in greece the bad is in genural the last is the fun park
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: shirona33 on August 29, 2010, 23:30:35

 

oh yes they got tired from too much work  :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no: :no:  only in greece these things happen ,i want to do my driving exams and the ministry is closed for august  >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( >:( does this happen in all playmobil fun parks ??

FunPark Zirndorf only close a few weeks in winter. In summer there are so many people visiting the Park, it's not the best time to go there. ::)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: cowabounga on August 31, 2010, 12:44:09
Hi guys.
Just to share the experience, this is how things used to be in France. You emailed or posted your order, (as it's been said it's advisable to join a quick description of the item such as playmoDB's  when you haven't already checked the item number with a previous order), they wouldn't take orders by phone, though you can reach them during office hours very easily. Then (after a long time) you'd get an invoice for the parts that were actually available featuring the amount due with shipping. You'd just send a check to pay and acknowledge for the invoice by signing it. By then, i.e. until last year, you could order as many items you wanted withut any restriction providing they were on stock. EG: I used to order the archer's armguard for my knights (30 22 8840) by 80 at a time!

That was last year though...

Nowadays they have limited the number of parts you can order for each item number. There's no definite rule, but for my last I order I only 20 of the 80 armguards I wanted. No restrictions it seems regarding the figures, though of course, I never ordered 80 identical figures! My last order was sent in two different packages with a couple of weeks gap. The restriction seems to be around 20 items for the same reference, no matter if it's a helmet or one of the struts for a Roman tent.
When I asked the reason behind those restrictions I was answered that the DS was not originally designed to be a spare parts ordering service, and they now had had so much "success" they couldn't cope with it.
For what I know, ordering spare parts from the German DS is easy, no matter how many you want. Why should it be so complicated everywhere else??? (Not asking, just complaining.)

Well. That's about it.
Cheers.

Arnaud
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: shirona33 on August 31, 2010, 13:37:11

For what I know, ordering spare parts from the German DS is easy, no matter how many you want. Why should it be so complicated everywhere else??? (Not asking, just complaining.)

Well. That's about it.
Cheers.

Arnaud

Since a few month, in Germany there is still the same problem. Somebody wanted 200 arm protectors and got 20. ::) But by sending pics, showing your a collector, it's getting better. ;)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on August 31, 2010, 16:53:28
I find UK DS very good.  With my latest order, this was the timescale:

12th August, 15:17 - email checking availability and prices of parts to UK DS

12th August, 15:39 - email from UK DS with information asked for

13th August, 07:30 - order sent in as spreadsheet attached to an email

13th August 14:15 - email from UK DS with cost of order and confirming all parts available

1th August  - telephoned to pay for order

26th August - order arrived
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Walts-Trains on September 01, 2010, 19:57:29
I can to better then that. Last order in August first part arrived in two days and the rest in ten days Gorden.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on September 01, 2010, 20:11:30
I can to better then that. Last order in August first part arrived in two days and the rest in ten days Gorden.


That's excellent, Walt.  Was the first part from the catalogue and the second part spares?  Mine was all spares.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Justindo on September 02, 2010, 07:44:11
I find UK DS very good.  With my latest order, this was the timescale:

12th August, 15:17 - email checking availability and prices of parts to UK DS

12th August, 15:39 - email from UK DS with information asked for

13th August, 07:30 - order sent in as spreadsheet attached to an email

13th August 14:15 - email from UK DS with cost of order and confirming all parts available

1th August  - telephoned to pay for order

26th August - order arrived

That sounds great, Playmofire!  I've got several unfinished projects needing parts, and US DS never seems to have anything! >:(
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: playmofire on September 02, 2010, 11:29:40
That sounds great, Playmofire!  I've got several unfinished projects needing parts, and US DS never seems to have anything! >:(

I've heard that complaint before and if I can help, let me know.

Here's what I bought on my order:

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=5585.msg79329#new
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: tanotrooper on September 02, 2010, 11:55:47
Hello,

it's been several years since I've ordered anything off DS, and I lost the email-adress. Does anyone happen to know the Belgian email? I've contacted Playmobil through the 'parts after purchase' service but they don't seem to be responding.
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Justindo on September 03, 2010, 02:47:19
I've heard that complaint before and if I can help, let me know.

Here's what I bought on my order:

http://www.playmofriends.com/forum/index.php?topic=5585.msg79329#new

Thanks for your very kind offer, Gordon.  I may take you up on it in time. ;)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Gis on September 09, 2010, 10:59:42
Hello,

it's been several years since I've ordered anything off DS, and I lost the email-adress. Does anyone happen to know the Belgian email? I've contacted Playmobil through the 'parts after purchase' service but they don't seem to be responding.

Sorry only have the Dutch one: DirectService_NL@playmobil.de
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Giorginetto on September 09, 2010, 11:13:19
For over 10 years I used to order from Playmobil UK ( in Essex ) DS. I had no issues or whatsover, they never denied any orders , very helpfull stuff and quick . No issues or whatsover. On the 3rd of Oct in our Greek club meeting we have arranged to meet with senior management of Playmobil Greece and we shall also discuss DS orders etc etc  ;D
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: skypurr on September 09, 2010, 11:29:31
It was some time since I had ordered from DS but I needed various spares for the exhibition displays, so ordered them in July. 
This is how it went:

ordered on 13th July by email,
email received from DS on 14th July with cost of order,
Paid for on 14th July by phone
Order arrived on either 20th or 21st July (know I was baking for Produce Fair when it arrived so was one of those days)

It was all for spares - 37 different items, 118 individual parts.
21 other items weren't available/out of stock.

The people I spoke to were very pleasant, I was worried that they wouldn't like me ordering so many items but this was never mentioned. 
Overall I was very impressed with the service.  :wow:

Elaine (http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/mgqueen.gif)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: tanotrooper on September 14, 2010, 12:29:04
Got a phone yesterday morning from DS, saying I could only order 25 different parts.  :-\ (I had sent quite a list  :lol: )

@Gis: thanks for the email, I'll try if it works if I replace NL with BE  :)
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Martin Milner on September 14, 2010, 13:51:24
Got a phone yesterday morning from DS, saying I could only order 25 different parts .  :-\ (I had sent quite a list  :lol: )

@Gis: thanks for the email, I'll try if it works if I replace NL with BE  :)

It does seem that collectors' use of the DS service has grown beyond what Playmobil originally intended or expected, but rather than trying to limit our purchasing, it would seem a better marketing move to develop the service to meet customers' expectations.

It feels like collectors are a nuisance to Playmobil, and they would rather we stopped trying to buy what we like, and simply bought what Playmobil want to produce.  ::)

Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Rasputin on September 15, 2010, 04:21:26
Hi

The last few times I sent my full list (twice now in the last 6 months) I just have not heard back at all  :lol: I know I would be quite annoyed after having worked in a John Deere parts department for a year. It would be like a person ordering a car part by part rather than just going to the lot and buying it pre-assembled. 

I am expecting to get on some kind of parts black list where my email's & #'s are blocked  :lol:

Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
Title: Re: What is DS?
Post by: Heronimus on September 15, 2010, 04:31:08
Hi

The last few times I sent my full list (twice now in the last 6 months) I just have not heard back at all  :lol: I know I would be quite annoyed after having worked in a John Deere parts department for a year. It would be like a person ordering a car part by part rather than just going to the lot and buying it pre-assembled. 

I am expecting to get on some kind of parts black list where my email's & #'s are blocked  :lol:

Rasputin "The Mad Monk"
US DS?????????????????? ::)