Availability question before customs concern?
 

So as you can see, I'm new to this sport. I was curious about what availability was like before the s**t hit the fan. How long did it take to get qoutes and/or orders when the border was open (or less closed)? I found the sport as everything closed.

I'm asking because it seems almost impossible to get a special order item.

I did look in the faq's.

Thanx, Kevin

Availability of what? Importing what is seen as Replicas never was easy and still required expensive permits.

Contact ASC armoury.

I didn't realize on a "airsoft" website that I needed to spell it out. But for you Mr Greylocks, I will. I was asking about how long it took to special order a airsoft firearm and/or the accessories that will go with that airsoft firearm. Not everyone was able to order before the customs issue came up this time, this serious. I realize was never easy, but I also believe it wasn't this hard. Retailers use to have items in stock, did they not.

I have contacted ASC Armouries. 2 1/2 months for a qoute is excessive, don't you think.

Your standard reply is starting to be a little repetitive.

They dont have to give you a quote on anything, Its all on the website, link at top of page, you pick what you want and order it... The webpage does it all for you and them.

EDIT: The only thing you would have to contact and get a quote directly would be special order items.

I ordered an gun and some accessories (rare ones at that) in September and am still waiting, with no delivery date in sight.

Waiting 2+ months for a quote is alot excessive, but the norm when waiting for the product itself. If ASCA is not able to deliver to you, try out another retailer. I know prior to this whole mess, there were lots of retailers and importers. Special order usually took only a few weeks, rather than a few months.

Grey is right BTW, I didn't know if you were asking about gear, accessories, updgrades or actual AS weapons.

Also depends if you order a few items and you want them to ship complete or partial (When all items have been picked or send as they arrive in stock).

Ok, I apologize for not being specific enough. What I was asking was about special order items to be qouted-ordered-received. I have asked for qoute/availability of a specific gun and metal body/slide from ASC and a couple other suppliers. I have yet to be given information about when/if it will even be ordered. I was trying to find out if this kind of wait was normal or just a result of the importaion issues discussed elsewhere.

Wasn't trying to be rude, I was just asking how long the wait would normally be?

Thanx Mcguyver for actually supplying a helpful answer.

My reply matches the original question in it's precision. This is not what you said at first.

If you have a problem with ASCA's speed, take it up with them. Think first, you are not the only person sending them messages.

Special order items are rarely in stock, or are limited production. Their importation issues have not really changed. As then, so it is now; not everyone can order anyway.

So sorry to tell you, but you are incorrect. And my reply still is correct even if you dont like it.

I realize my original question was too open-ended for a specific reply. I was trying to find out if ASCA's speed is the norm or just a result of the recent events. I also realize special order items are rarely in stock, otherwise they wouldn't be special order. I know they receive alot of messages, but I have pm'ed/e-mailed/telephoned. On the phone I spoke to a very helpful and polite gentleman (I don't remember his name). Before I try again, I thought I would try to research how long the wait normally is.

MY Spec-Ops M4 was ordered in mid-June. It arrived September 2nd. It was in-stock at WGC. My Systema was out-of-stock for around 2 months and just recently came back into stock at Redwolf. I ordered it mid-September. It still is not here and no firm date for it either.

It hasn't been like this in the last 3 years that I can remember. This is not guessing or speculation, but fact from experience. Others may have had better results, but not me. Non-restricted items I get in 3-4 weeks like clockwork. But that is through a different supplier.

Thank you. That's all I really wanted to know.

Right now, I would say that the primary problem is ASCA being swamped with messages and orders for the Xmas rush.
Then there's the supplier who may well be out of a lot of things.

And then, it all depends on exactly what you order. If a slide was in limited production to start with, you are competing against everyone in the world who wants one.

With what just happened in Asia (the quake that destroyed internet cable lines), responses may be even longer to come by. If your part is manufactured in Taiwan, it compounds the delays.

And finally, when the stuff arrives at the Border, it faces the backlog of things coming in AND the whim of CBSA.

Murphy's Law in action.