Question about refusing a FedEx package?

[Poll_Blind]

Hey there. I have been hunting for a few weeks for a very specific piece of wireless equipment. It's not terribly expensive but it is very hard to come by recently. Anyway, I found the manufacturer's website and ordered from one of their "premium" resellers because I wanted to make sure I would have as few problems as possible with the transaction. In my order in the comments section I asked them to let me know if the unit was not in stock currently, though their online stock system showed that it was. I called the reseller, who is an individual in Texas, and confirmed with them that the order was going to be sent out today, with FedEx Next Day Priority (usually before 10:30 AM).

  My quandry: I ordered the unit plus a specific antenna for it. The unit was around $60 the antenna $10. Priority Overnight is about $30. I received the FedEx tracking number, which shows the weight at .5lbs. Seems a little light. So, I went back to the web page where I ordered and lo and behold the device is now marked as being out of stock and will not be stocked for at least another 10 days. What I'm thinking is that I've only been mailed the antenna.

  I went through unusual lengths, both in the comment section of the order to ask for notification if the item was out of stock, plus calling them to find out if there were any problems. None. Now, it appears that only the antenna may have been sent and it is no-where near as hard to get as the unit I'm attaching it to. I usually do my computer shopping through NewEgg (used them for literally years, best on-line comp. parts store in the world, as far as I'm concerned) but they don't carry this device.

  So if the package appears only to contain the antenna, I'm going to refuse the order. I'm sure others have been in a similar situation. Do you have any advice on what to do in such a situation? The e-tailer shows that both parts were shipped, does not indicate on my order form that one was delayed, FWIW.

  Any thoughts, nomatter how anecdotal, are much appreciated.

PB

[lvx35]

1. Is it a long range wireless interface?

Like the type sold at Netgate.com? (with antenna?)
http://www.netgate.com/

If so, .5 pounds would be about right for the PCI or PCMCIA version, at least for mine. I wouldn't freak out until you open it, my bet is you just ordered the last one.

edit: spelling

[Poll_Blind]

4. Yes, but it's an external model, (via USB). Similar though!

I am cursed/blessed with PCExpress/54 until the manufacturers catch up and the stock laptop card doesn't do for me what I need it to do.

Thank you for the input! I know these things are typically light but 8oz. seemed a little toooo light.

PB

[lvx35]

10. Ah, you're in for a treat!

Those things are wonderful. I had a PCMCIA model for my laptop with 5dbi omni antenna, and it picked up so many networks. I could get online almost anywhere. And its nice to have fast stable access to distant access points.

[Poll_Blind]

11. (corssing fingers!) Thanks again! You guys are great... n/t

PB

[The Straight Story]

2. If shipper shipped and packaged himself he might has estimated the weight

to save some money. They may readjust it.

[Poll_Blind]

6. OK, thank you! I mostly buy from one place (Newegg) and they've...

...never messed up the order at all. But I'm always suspicious (at first, anyway) of new e-tailors simply. That it could be an estimate which might not reflect the actual weight of the shipment gives me hope!

PB

[The_Casual_Observer]

3. You are jumping to conclusions.

If they said they shipped them both I would believe them. Sending it back will really complicate things.

[Poll_Blind]

5. You're right. One of the things that made me think I could examine...

...the package was the apparent shipping of the item in an envelope which would give away the contents if it were just an antenna, more easily. I had read the site and the reseller had good comments but...well...you never know.

PB

[progdonkey]

7. yeah, I'd wait until you can actually have your hands on the package...

I don't really know FedEx's procedures, but another possibility might be that they didn't weigh it at all, and the lowest weight they can register is .5lbs, or something along those lines. :shrug:

As far as the product being out of stock now, maybe it's because you got the last one and they really are out of stock now. ;-)

(Quick side note: totally right about NewEgg. :headbang:)

[Poll_Blind]

8. That's what I'm hoping! Thank you for the input! Really, the responses...

...are so helpful. Because I tend to order quite a bit from e-tailors once I know there's nothing fishy about 'em I don't often go with new organizations.

Thanks!

PB

[Poll_Blind]

9. Thanks everyone for your comments! Feeling a bit better! n/t

PB