PlaymoFriends
General => Direct Service/Parts Queries => Topic started by: naflibomyalp on May 13, 2011, 12:30:52
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I want to place a fairly large order for the 5301 extension floor, the stairs to go with it , the victorian fence and a load of spare parts but the last time I placed an order that contained mixed items from the DS catalogue and spare parts I sent a spreadsheet and some of my parts were missed off the order. They were very nice about it, however, they said it was because it was in a spreadsheet...so what is the best was for me to do my next order? I know they don't do large orders over the phone.
Thanks,
naflibomyalp
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The last one I did, I just did in table form, ie three columns with part number, description and quantity. I sent it as an e-mail attachment. It ran to 16 A4 sheets and they got 98% of it right!! I got a couple of bits I didn't ask for, double the quantities of some bits (fortunately little ones like flower heads, and I can live with that) and missed off about four things.
They e-mailed me back the day after I sent it to tell me which parts they wouldn't be able to supply (ie out of stock/discontinued) and gave me a quote for the amount.
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In the past with UK DS I've used a spreadsheet without any problems but in the last year so switched to a table form with columns for part number, description and quantity in that order. I also sort the items into ascending numerical order as this helps the encoding. The form also shows my customer number and the date of the order at the top of each sheet and my name and address and 'phone number in the footer.
When it comes to ordering spare parts and items from the DS catalogue, you need to put in two separate orders, one for spare parts and one for the DS catalogue items as they are processed separately.
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Gordon's order sheet works well for my DS parts orders, too. It is extremely easy to use, & keeps things orderly. ;)
Gordon, is it a possibility to post an example of a order sheet with numbers, etc. to show how we've been using this method? ???
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That would be great. I have never placed an order either, but would like too ;)
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Gordon's order sheet works well for my DS parts orders, too. It is extremely easy to use, & keeps things orderly. ;)
Gordon, is it a possibility to post an example of a order sheet with numbers, etc. to show how we've been using this method? ???
No problem, Bill. I'll sort something out in the next 24 hours.
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We were given a spreadsheet file from Playmobil Hellas stating our personal details and the coloumns with the part number, the set number of which the part comes from, the quantity, and finally the description of the part...But that is only working for us in Greece as the solution is temporary until being final...
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Here's a sample of the DS order form I devised after talking with UK DS. I usually limit it to no more than three pages, but that's from my own experience of working with data preparation. As you can see, the items are in ascending part number but that doesn't mean that you have to enter them in that order as you can do a data sort on the part number column when the order is complete and before emailing it off.
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I don't.... see anything.
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I think Gordon forgot to attach it or post the link? :P
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I think Gordon forgot to attach it or post the link? :P
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOPS! you right! :-[ :-[ :-[ I was about to attach when I was called for dinner and forgot.
Here it is:
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Excellent! Thank you for sharing this order copy with us, Gordon! It will be most helpful to many! :thanks:
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Thank you for much for sharing this with us :thanks:
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omg i always type DB's super long description :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
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omg i always type DB's super long description :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[ :-[
They actually go by part numbers since descriptions vary so much. A short description should work just as well. :)9
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This is great, very simple and easy to follow. Thanks!
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They actually go by part numbers since descriptions vary so much. A short description should work just as well. :)9
good to know that :-[ :P :-[
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No problem, I hope this new order form that Gordon developed helps you! :)9
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Thanks, I will follow this format but do you attach it as a word document or something similar or type it into an email?
naflibomyalp
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Thanks, I will follow this format but do you attach it as a word document or something similar or type it into an email?
naflibomyalp
Attach it to an email. If you PM me your address, I will send you a copy of the document.
Usually, I limit my orders to 2 to 3 pages as that usually means free p and p and is also a good size for quick and efficient data preparation from my data prep experience.
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Actually it's better to give your own description or playmodb's, so they know what you mean, if there's a doubt. I just received an invoice from PM France and the item # 30 88 1412 is called "INJECTED AND PLATED IN CHINA", how's that for shiny silver armgreaves? ;D ;D ;D
Arnaud
By the way: we never get free p&p here in France. :'(
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A little tip if you don't restrict your order to 3 or so pages (as mentioned above, my recent one was 16 pages) ...
if you are familiar with using tables, make a fourth column for yourself to remind yourself what you want the pieces for (eg I needed trolley wheels for a couple of different trolleys, and two different kinds of motorcycle centre stands, etc) so that when you get bags and bags of unrecognisable bits you know what they are. Particularly if some of the order relates to things to enhance your collection, rather than to replace lost or broken parts. Sometimes it's really hard to work out what the bits are when they come (I spent ages trying to identify the back rack for a motorcycle :-[ :-[)
Before you send the order in, delete the column and re-save so you have two copies - one for Playmobil with three columns, and one for yourself with the fourth reference column.
I've just re-read that and it sounds complicated. Hopefully, if you already know what I mean it won't sound too bad.
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I understand, and it's a great idea! I think I may do that for my next order!
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Complicated at first glance, but makes a lot of sense when I reread it! Great idea! :clap:
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Do you put your address and credit card information in the email you send them? They sent me a list and prices, and I emailed them back saying, now what but I haven't heard from them for a few days now.
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A little tip if you don't restrict your order to 3 or so pages (as mentioned above, my recent one was 16 pages) ...
if you are familiar with using tables, make a fourth column for yourself to remind yourself what you want the pieces for (eg I needed trolley wheels for a couple of different trolleys, and two different kinds of motorcycle centre stands, etc) so that when you get bags and bags of unrecognisable bits you know what they are. Particularly if some of the order relates to things to enhance your collection, rather than to replace lost or broken parts. Sometimes it's really hard to work out what the bits are when they come (I spent ages trying to identify the back rack for a motorcycle :-[ :-[)
Before you send the order in, delete the column and re-save so you have two copies - one for Playmobil with three columns, and one for yourself with the fourth reference column.
I've just re-read that and it sounds complicated. Hopefully, if you already know what I mean it won't sound too bad.
If a spreadsheet version of the order form is used, the fourth column can simply be hidden before sending the order in to DS.
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Do you put your address and credit card information in the email you send them? They sent me a list and prices, and I emailed them back saying, now what but I haven't heard from them for a few days now.
I have my address and 'phone number in the footer of the order form. After the order has been processed, UK DS email the total cost to me, together with details of any items not available, and I 'phone them with my credit card details. I NEVER put bank account or credit card details in emails or letters.
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I believe in the email you got, it should have told you the number to call to pay for it.
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That's how it usually works.
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that's funny that they said you were missing parts b/c you sent a spreadsheet. i sent a list and they asked me to put my order in a spreadsheet next time. hmmmm......
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thanks for sharing your table with us gordon.
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could you send the table to gisa@butterflygardenpreschool.com...if you wouldn't mind so i have it to refer to next time i place an order? thank you!!!!!!
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Thanks for emailing it to me Gordon. I have a customer number somewhere-I just need to find it! :-[
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could you send the table to gisa@butterflygardenpreschool.com...if you wouldn't mind so i have it to refer to next time i place an order? thank you!!!!!!
Will do.
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This is interesting info. I didn't realize you could place a spare parts order by email. I've always called, but I've also always had a small list of replacement items (8 or less).
I've got another small list of items (about 10) that I was going to order soon from Playmobil USA. Does anyone have a recommendation about whether it is best to call or email them?
Thanks for helping out. I'm a newbie to all this! :)
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This is interesting info. I didn't realize you could place a spare parts order by email. I've always called, but I've also always had a small list of replacement items (8 or less).
I've got another small list of items (about 10) that I was going to order soon from Playmobil USA. Does anyone have a recommendation about whether it is best to call or email them?
If the order is only a couple of numbers they will except it most of the time verbally via phone. However, if it goes above that they want you to email your order for pricing & availability preferably using Gordon's style of order sheet. Then you will get a responce with in stock items & prices with instructions on how to continue to finalize the order. ;D
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Thanks, Bill! I will try the email and spreadsheet ordering method. Hopefully they will have all of the little tiny and random parts I need.
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Well I finally placed my order it only took me 1 and a half months. :lol:
Wow Gordon your contact, Caroline Hayward, is VERY efficient. I received a reply with the price exactly 10 minutes after I sent the email! I'm impressed! :o :clap: :clap: :clap: And thanks for the blank order form...it made life a lot easier. :thanks:
I ordered the following and I assume because there was no reference to it in the email all parts are available! :woohoo:
Set number Description: Quantity
7477 Fence for 5302 Grande mansion 1
7775 Grande mansion staircase 3
7776 Grande mansion extension floor 1
Part numberDescription: Quantity
30 05 7460 White door insert 1
30 05 7480 Mansion base clip 2
30 05 7520 White flower box 7
30 06 3130 Pink girl’s hat 1
30 08 9610 Log stilt 1
30 09 6170 Male black hair 1
30 09 6180 Male brown hair 1
30 20 5140 White hat feather 1
30 22 0060 Green semi-circle shelf 2
30 22 0780 White table top 2
30 22 0790 Table legs 2
30 22 0900 Blue chair frame 6
30 22 0910 Chair cushion 6
30 22 7900 Flower pot soil 1
30 23 8240 Ice cream scoop 1
30 24 9860 Finial 5
30 25 0000 White closed rose 6
30 25 0010 Dark pink open rose 4
30 25 0020 Light pink half open rose 6
30 25 2810 White flower blossom 6
30 28 7640 Climbing vine, end piece 1
30 28 7650 Climbing vine, horizontal extension 4
30 28 8820 Climbing vine, top extension 3
30 28 8830 Climbing vine base 1
30 29 1780 Blue cupboard 2
30 29 1790 Green lower shelf 2
30 29 1800 Green upper shelf 2
30 61 5060 Gold door handle 1
30 61 5820 Helicopter blade clips 1
30 62 7802 Grey flower pot 1
It came to £89.15 which sounds expensive but it was the extension, stairs and fence (obviously must have items ;D) that really bumped up the price.
Now all I have to do is wait until my mum gets home from work so that she can use her credit card to pay then I'll have to go to the bank with identification to withdraw the cash for her. (oh, the joys of a 16-18 bank account).
I know it's not as huge as somepeople's orders and doesn't look much from the time it's taken but I kept saying "well so and so is arriving from eBay any day now and you never know I might need a part for that" :lol: so I kept putting it off and putting it off but today I drew the line and I recommend Gordon's table and Caroline Hayward for any of you in the UK!
naflibomyalp
;)
(Going to check my bank balance online after the spending spree I have been on in the past week. 8})
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Well I finally placed my order it only took me 1 and a half months. :lol:
Wow Gordon your contact, Caroline Hayward, is VERY efficient. I received a reply with the price exactly 10 minutes after I sent the email! I'm impressed! :o :clap: :clap: :clap:
yes, she is very good and always very helpfull. she even was looking up for numbers i didnt know and wasnt in the DB!
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Thanks for the update, Verity. As you have found out, Caroline is very good. As regards the size of your order, it's what you get that's important, not the amount you spend! ;D
If parts are not available, they are specified in the email sent telling you how much the order is for. Sometimes, things become unavailable after this point and so don't appear on the order when it reaches you. Again, though, there is usually a note on the invoice when this happens.
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My mum just paid and was told to expect delivery in the next 5 working days which seems to be a lot quicker than last time (I may be imagining it but I'm sure it was 3 weeks). I also fulfil the requirement for free postage and the free gift so overall I'm really pleased especially with the standard of service.
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My mum just paid and was told to expect delivery in the next 5 working days which seems to be a lot quicker than last time (I may be imagining it but I'm sure it was 3 weeks). I also fulfil the requirement for free postage and the free gift so overall I'm really pleased especially with the standard of service.
The delivery time recently came down to 7-10 working days, so this is a further reduction.
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:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
It's arrived! :love: And it only took 3 working days! I'm really impressed by their service. I'll post in more detail after lunch! ;)
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Congratualtions!!! Have fun!!!