Higginson Primers
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Attempting to deal with these guys is absolutely brutal.
I've been trying to reach them for over a week, calling several times a day but never getting an answer. Sent in one of their forms (after printing it to PDF and emailing it to them as their link on the doc itself didn't work) and received an email several days later saying they were out of the ones I requested. Immediately responded asking for an alternative that was still in stock, sent my CC information and no response since. Sent another order form. No response. No idea how you guys are managing to order from them.
Deeply frustrating.
I've been trying to reach them for over a week, calling several times a day but never getting an answer. Sent in one of their forms (after printing it to PDF and emailing it to them as their link on the doc itself didn't work) and received an email several days later saying they were out of the ones I requested. Immediately responded asking for an alternative that was still in stock, sent my CC information and no response since. Sent another order form. No response. No idea how you guys are managing to order from them.
Deeply frustrating.
RE: the "submit form" link on the PDF did not work:
Depending on your software versions, sometimes built-in functions in Adobe PDF may or may not work. (I get these errors all the time with my basic Adobe Reader version for many PDF documents from all over the web). But there is a work-around, and you do not need to use the "submit form" button:
Save the PDF blank order form onto your hard drive with a new file name. Then fill it in with your order details on your computer, and save it again.
Then make an email to Higginson's and attach the PDF as an attachment.
RE the out-of-stock issue when you saw it in-stock on the online catalogue: Yes this is an old-fashioned catalogue system that has to be manually updated by someone in the shop, and not a real-time instant inventory system. I like to put it in perspective that it is only old-fashioned by a few years, i.e. most of my life was entirely the old fashioned inventory system for everything, everywhere, so while I notice it, I am not stressed-out by it. We all get used to online real-time inventory systems very quickly, because it is really impressive and convenient, but somehow we survived up to just a few years ago without these amazing systems.
Despite the "old-fashioned" system, Higginson's is my preferred shop for primers and the Hodgdon-owned powders. Their shipping costs are the lowest in my experience. Usually there is not this global shortage which generates the crushing demand, and the busy message when phone calling. (I get my Vihtavuori powders from other CGN sponsor vendors who specialize in those powders).
Depending on your software versions, sometimes built-in functions in Adobe PDF may or may not work. (I get these errors all the time with my basic Adobe Reader version for many PDF documents from all over the web). But there is a work-around, and you do not need to use the "submit form" button:
Save the PDF blank order form onto your hard drive with a new file name. Then fill it in with your order details on your computer, and save it again.
Then make an email to Higginson's and attach the PDF as an attachment.
RE the out-of-stock issue when you saw it in-stock on the online catalogue: Yes this is an old-fashioned catalogue system that has to be manually updated by someone in the shop, and not a real-time instant inventory system. I like to put it in perspective that it is only old-fashioned by a few years, i.e. most of my life was entirely the old fashioned inventory system for everything, everywhere, so while I notice it, I am not stressed-out by it. We all get used to online real-time inventory systems very quickly, because it is really impressive and convenient, but somehow we survived up to just a few years ago without these amazing systems.
Despite the "old-fashioned" system, Higginson's is my preferred shop for primers and the Hodgdon-owned powders. Their shipping costs are the lowest in my experience. Usually there is not this global shortage which generates the crushing demand, and the busy message when phone calling. (I get my Vihtavuori powders from other CGN sponsor vendors who specialize in those powders).
There’s 5 of us shipping all our primers together, 5 individuals who all managed to contact Higginson, and place their orders, and this was all done individually. And ghee whiz everyone got what the ordered and the 2, 25 pound packages are on their way as of Wednesday.
I can’t understand the hate on by some people over how Higginson runs their business. Is this a byproduct of the “microwave generations”(instant gratification). My experiences with Higginson over the last 30 or so years has been nothing but positive. Try finding an outfit who will split shipping amongst all persons wanting their orders to ship together.
Higginson has existed as a business (used to be called Ammo-Mart) for 125 years, so my guess would be they have a solid business model and understand how to please their customers.
I’m sorry that some people got a bad experience, but explain how for over 30 years, and likely a dozen orders, has been nothing but positive experiences for myself and others.
I can’t understand the hate on by some people over how Higginson runs their business. Is this a byproduct of the “microwave generations”(instant gratification). My experiences with Higginson over the last 30 or so years has been nothing but positive. Try finding an outfit who will split shipping amongst all persons wanting their orders to ship together.
Higginson has existed as a business (used to be called Ammo-Mart) for 125 years, so my guess would be they have a solid business model and understand how to please their customers.
I’m sorry that some people got a bad experience, but explain how for over 30 years, and likely a dozen orders, has been nothing but positive experiences for myself and others.
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Picked up primers and powder yesterday - not that I really need any but was passing by.
I've been dealing with Higginson's for 20+ years, and they are a small family run business. Sure, their online presence is lacking - but they sell out of primers/powders as it is so I don't think they feel the need to upgrade substantially.
It's usually 1-2 people running the store-front which isn't anything more that a pick up counter really - service has always been second to none.
I've been dealing with Higginson's for 20+ years, and they are a small family run business. Sure, their online presence is lacking - but they sell out of primers/powders as it is so I don't think they feel the need to upgrade substantially.
It's usually 1-2 people running the store-front which isn't anything more that a pick up counter really - service has always been second to none.
Really????
You haven't been around for very long.
There was a time when there really wasn't any other option than to purchase most things by mail order, out of heavy catalogues, which only came once a year with a few supplemental upgrades throughout the year. Our mailing systems weren't nearly as efficient as they are today. Most orders took between a week to two weeks to get to the outlet, then another two to three weeks to be received by the buyer. Depending on where you lived, that was considered fast.
Things are different today and our mail delivery systems are much more efficient but way more expensive. There was a time, when hand written letters and bills were the backbone of our mail delivery system. Email has eliminated most of that.
Funny how the wheel keeps turning full circle.
Higginson's have aways been good people. I don't know Andrew well but I knew and liked his grandfather "Tom" a lot.
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Not to be one to complain and run without setting the record straight. I since was contacted by Higginson and they found me a box of the primers I was looking for. Looks like they came through in the end at least as best they could. I can imagine they were overwhelmed being perhaps the only source for many types of primers in the whole country after a long drought. I'll give them a look again in the future, hopefully when things are less busy!
