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Amiga computer related discussion => General chat about Amiga topics => Topic started by: 23703jim on April 21, 2007, 12:19:33 PM

Title: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: 23703jim on April 21, 2007, 12:19:33 PM
Software hut has not changed there listings in quite some time. I have bought from them before and always had good service and quality products.
Before i order something from them i normally e-mail them for a "you still have it" or "have you got it". the last two or three times "no reply" so i had to go elsewhere for the item. no use ordering somthing and get a "not in stock" some days later.
has anyone been in contact with them lately? he is one of the few dealers left in the usa.
amigakit has good products, but the shipping prices are "outta sight".

thanks much
james portsmouth va :-?  :-D
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: on April 21, 2007, 12:23:56 PM
Quote

23703jim wrote:
Software hut has not changed there listings in quite some time. I have bought from them before and always had good service and quality products.
Before i order something from them i normally e-mail them for a "you still have it" or "have you got it". the last two or three times "no reply" so i had to go elsewhere for the item. no use ordering somthing and get a "not in stock" some days later.
has anyone been in contact with them lately? he is one of the few dealers left in the usa.
amigakit has good products, but the shipping prices are "outta sight".

thanks much
james portsmouth va :-?  :-D


I bought a Cybervision64 from them a few weeks ago. Got it quickly.

However I did get the "not in stock" experience as I ordered a GVP SIMM along that was listed as being in stock and I was told they supply problems with these.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: motorollin on April 21, 2007, 12:43:43 PM
Hmmm, I emailed them a couple of weeks ago to ask if they had an Algor in stock. I received a reply within the hour.

--
moto
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2007, 01:11:04 PM
Every time I actually place an order with them I either get the merchandise quickly or a reply stating that they don't have it in stock.  However, if I email them to ask a question, or try and contact them by phone I don't usually get a reply. So, I usually just place the order and wait. It has always worked out so far...

Good Luck,
Jeff
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: countzero on April 21, 2007, 01:16:33 PM
I placed an order for gvp simms many moons ago after repeated failures of communication. no reply, no information, nothing ...
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Amigaz on April 21, 2007, 01:28:39 PM
Quote

countzero wrote:
I placed an order for gvp simms many moons ago after repeated failures of communication. no reply, no information, nothing ...


Have had the same experience with them when I asked them about ZIP ram for my A3000 about 3 years ago..so I thought it was no point bothering them anymore

Same thing happened with another US Amiga dealer...can't remember if it was Mr Hardware Computers which I believe is totally dead now but this was also about 3 years ago

Maybe the US Amiga shops are only for US customers, who knows  :roll:
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Vlabguy1 on April 21, 2007, 01:35:58 PM
I ordered a few things from him about a month ago..and everything worked out GREAT.  Email and even phone convo..was just perfect!!
Perhaps he is on a vacation??

I will buy from him again, and soon..as Im getting my list together :-)

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Jeff on April 21, 2007, 01:56:04 PM
The last conversation I had with them they stated that the Amiga side of the business was just a "hobby" for them now since they can't make enough money selling Amiga products anymore to earn a living.  The Amiga stuff they do is supported by the "PC" side of the business. They were working on some PC games I think. I even checked out that web site once, but I can't find it now.

Perhaps they just don't always find the time to reply quickly? Overall my results have always been positive with them even though sometimes communication can be lacking.

I bought a used Warp Engine a while ago for a very fair price and it turned out it was DOA. I sent it back, and when they couldn't have it repaired they refunded my money without any hassle.  

Good Luck,
Jeff
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Ilwrath on April 21, 2007, 01:57:20 PM
Software Hut has occasionally been slow to respond, but I've never had them not get back to me.  I've also never ever had a problem with their service.  (They either have what I want and get it to me in a reasonable time, or admit they don't have it.)

They do seem to have a bit more listed on their site than they actually stock (or even have a hope of stocking), nowadays.  I guess I can't blame them, though.  Not really much (any) of a market left.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Amigaz on April 21, 2007, 02:35:11 PM
Quote

Ilwrath wrote:
Software Hut has occasionally been slow to respond, but I've never had them not get back to me.  I've also never ever had a problem with their service.  (They either have what I want and get it to me in a reasonable time, or admit they don't have it.)

They do seem to have a bit more listed on their site than they actually stock (or even have a hope of stocking), nowadays.  I guess I can't blame them, though.  Not really much (any) of a market left.


Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens
 :roll:
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Debaser on April 21, 2007, 04:00:16 PM
 ...[/quote]


Same thing happened with another US Amiga dealer...can't remember if it was Mr Hardware Computers which I believe is totally dead now but this was also about 3 years ago

Maybe the US Amiga shops are only for US customers, who knows  :roll: [/quote]

Mr. Hardware Computers is still operational and open for business. Though last time the site was updated was in Nov. of '06 I think. The owner, Russ Norrby, just posted a message on our user group's mailing list - and verified that he is still in business. Probably best to email availability questions them them first.

http://www.mrhardwarecomputers.com/

Perhaps its Compuquick in Columbus, Ohio that might be out
of biz - anyone know?


Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: pyrre on April 21, 2007, 04:00:28 PM
You could try to get in contact with datakompaniet (http://www.datakompaniet.no/) it is a Norwegian webshop. In the early days they had some nifty amiga parts. Though they don't advertise it on the site.  they may have something laying around. I you know specific what to ask for... Maybe someone could be lucky there...
(last time I spoke to them they had some BVisions in stock, and I do believe they got some leftover GVP simms...)
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Amigaz on April 21, 2007, 04:56:40 PM
Quote

pyrre wrote:
You could try to get in contact with datakompaniet (http://www.datakompaniet.no/) it is a Norwegian webshop. In the early days they had some nifty amiga parts. Though they don't advertise it on the site.  they may have something laying around. I you know specific what to ask for... Maybe someone could be lucky there...
(last time I spoke to them they had some BVisions in stock, and I do believe they got some leftover GVP simms...)


Didn't know they had removed the Amiga shop section...actually bought some stuff from them 3-4 years ago
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: 4pLaY on April 21, 2007, 05:07:07 PM
You can reach theyr Amiga section using Amiga.no
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: AmiKit on April 21, 2007, 05:12:48 PM
@AMIGAZ
Quote
Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens

I got a reply from SoftwareHut, it was about half a year ago or so. Your "US only" hypothesis is wrong :-)
Maybe your emails were trapped in a spam filter or something...
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Vlabguy1 on April 21, 2007, 05:17:57 PM


Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens
 :roll: [/quote]

I wouldnt say that really.  When did you email them?

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on April 21, 2007, 05:34:33 PM
I've always liked Software Hut... bought an A500 from them sometime back in '92 or so. ;-)

They've always been polite and honest in my dealings with them.

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on April 21, 2007, 05:37:21 PM
Quote

Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens
 :roll:


Yeah, but they don't *KNOW* I'm from the US when I email them... and yet they answer. I'm sure they have no problem selling overseas.

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Amigaz on April 21, 2007, 05:45:57 PM
Quote

Vlabguy1 wrote:


Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens
 :roll:


I wouldnt say that really.  When did you email them?

[/quote]

Circa 3 years ago
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: motorollin on April 21, 2007, 09:45:01 PM
Quote
AMIGAZ wrote:
Since only US people have responded with positive feedback on them it seems they don't prioritize non US citizens
 :roll:

I'm not from the US, and I responded positively :-)

--
moto
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: da9000 on April 21, 2007, 11:42:05 PM
Quote

pyrre wrote:
You could try to get in contact with datakompaniet (http://www.datakompaniet.no/) it is a Norwegian webshop. In the early days they had some nifty amiga parts. Though they don't advertise it on the site.  they may have something laying around. I you know specific what to ask for... Maybe someone could be lucky there...
(last time I spoke to them they had some BVisions in stock, and I do believe they got some leftover GVP simms...)


Not at the prices they want...

And they also seem to carry Dragon and SharkPPC cards, according to their site! Hmmm...  :-?
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: motorollin on April 22, 2007, 07:58:37 AM
I have to say I find it extremely irritating when web shops have items on their site, with no indication it is out of stock, when in fact they don't have any. There's really no excuse for this when a web store can be pretty much self-maintaining.

Here's an example. On Friday I had a PM from Amigakit letting me know they had ONE DCE ScanDoubler in stock. I immediately followed the link he provided and bought it quickly before someone else did :-) Minutes later I wanted to go back and check whether it comes with the loop-back cable for the CV64, and the product page was already gone from their site.

Why can't Softhut's web store work the same way? My guess is that the products are manually added and removed from their site rather than being inserted in to a database. It's really quite simple, if you have a proper PHP/MYSQL database, to check stock levels. For example:

$result=mysql_query("SELECT stock FROM products WHERE product_id='$product_id'");
$stock=mysql_result($result,0,"stock");
if ( $stock > 0 ){
  //Code here to display the product page
} else {
  //Code here to display an "out of stock" message
}


Just in case someone from Softhut is reading ;-)

--
moto
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: dammy on April 22, 2007, 11:13:21 AM
I bought items from them once many years ago, swore I would never do business with them again.  I really do not need an attitude when I am the customer.  Perhaps things have changed, or not.

OTOH, I'd do business with Software Hut before I would ever deal with Mr. Hardware.  

Dammy
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on April 23, 2007, 06:55:00 AM
@Dammy

Yeah, there are a few I won't deal with again, either.

BUT... I went ahead and ordered something little from SoftHut today (first time in a few years), and they responded almost right away... after hours, on a Sunday. Pretty cool if you ask me. If the need arises, I'd consider giving them another shot.

cheers :pint:

Damion


Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Methuselas on April 23, 2007, 07:03:02 AM
Back in 2000, I bought a "new" A1200, from them. Everything came perfect, but he WB disk, of all things, was corrupted. I called them, about a replacement, but they never returned my calls. I emailed them, but they ignored those too. In fact, I didn't even get the disk, until I actually emailed Big Mac, down at AI. *THEN*, Softhut came through with an email asking why I went to all that trouble. (It had been weeks, since I had the machine shipped and then a couple more weeks after that, before I got a replacement.)

I'm hit and miss with them. 1 good, 1 bad, throughout the years. I'd order from them only if I absolutely had to.

Thank God my Amiga purchases are next to nothing now. ;) I'm almost completely out of options.  :-?
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Amiduffer on April 23, 2007, 07:05:30 AM
Once in a while I email Softhut to see if any ZIP chips show up since they were out of stock for a short time. When some came in, they sent me a notice. Too bad my bank account crashed and I couldn't get them. It was a nice touch though.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: madsjm on April 23, 2007, 08:23:12 AM
I tried contacting them in February, but never got a reply.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on May 08, 2007, 02:50:54 AM

Hmm, maybe I spoke too soon, LOL.

Here we are two weeks later, and I have yet to receive my order. The first email (last week) went unanswered, I just sent another... we'll see what happens.

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: shillard on May 08, 2007, 03:12:18 AM
Utterly hopeless in my experience - I emailed looking to spend around US$2,000 with no reply.

Amigakit leaves them for dead - instant response, fastest shipping I've ever had from the UK.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Vlabguy1 on May 08, 2007, 03:54:56 AM
Thats a bit harsh..
SoftwareHut has been great!!  Been a customer since the early 90s..and I just
recently bought some boards for my 4000T.  All went well, communicated via
email and phone just fine.

perhaps you should try emailing them again..




Quote

shillard wrote:
Utterly hopeless in my experience - I emailed looking to spend around US$2,000 with no reply.

Amigakit leaves them for dead - instant response, fastest shipping I've ever had from the UK.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: shillard on May 08, 2007, 04:22:44 AM
Perhaps not.

If you're interested in my business, you respond in a timely manner.  If you snooze, you lose.

That ended up being around US$2,200 lost to Software Hut, gained by Versalia and Amigakit.


Both of whom, funnily enough, responded to my email enquiry....


If they're only interested in domestic business they should explicitly state that.  If any of the people working for me were so blase about customer service, I'd have them taken out the back and shot.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: on May 08, 2007, 06:25:55 AM
Quote

shillard wrote:
Perhaps not.

If you're interested in my business, you respond in a timely manner.  If you snooze, you lose.

That ended up being around US$2,200 lost to Software Hut, gained by Versalia and Amigakit.


Both of whom, funnily enough, responded to my email enquiry....


If they're only interested in domestic business they should explicitly state that.  If any of the people working for me were so blase about customer service, I'd have them taken out the back and shot.


Well said and done. There is a lot of stuff on Software Hut's website that is listed as available and you can even pay for it online but they don't have it and don't seem to be about to.

Just be careful with Vesalia, however. I recently ordered an A1200 MoBo from them and I got a totally dead board and they didn't answer any of my emails about it.

There is a similar ongoing story with Maurice Randall (CMDRKEY) in the C64 arena.
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on May 08, 2007, 07:47:37 AM
AmigaKit is the one business I *only* hear good things about. Everywhere else seems hit and miss, which doth suck. Sad to say, but these days I trust my luck on ebay far more than most so-called dealers.

KDH was another good one, too bad they tanked (or so it seems).

Eslapion I wish you the best, Vesalia have treated me well in the past, so I'm a little surprised to hear about your board. Keep at them until it gets straightened out.

Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: Damion on May 11, 2007, 08:20:01 PM
OK, these guys (SoftHut) are alright. Just busy with a real business, something I can relate to running a small biz myself. Alles jetzt in ordnung.

On that happy note,

:pint:


 
Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: jorkany on May 11, 2007, 08:38:20 PM
eslapion,
Quote
Just be careful with Vesalia, however. I recently ordered an A1200 MoBo from them and I got a totally dead board and they didn't answer any of my emails about it.

Are you the one who got a dead board and immediately started popping components off of it to use in other systems because a phone call to Germany was against your principals?



Title: Re: SOFTWARE HUT???????
Post by: deBrun on May 12, 2007, 12:06:15 AM
:D  I remember Software Hut!!!  I used to order all kinds of hardware & software from them back in the day!  I hope this new Amiga sheh-bang lifts off and can revisit them someday.

Hmmm... might go see what they got!  Its been a decade, maybe they have something interesting...  What the heck.

As for the thread, well they were always spectacular with my business.  Thanks for the memories!

-Cheers