The Innards @ Sporty's

[Jim Rosenow]

Flew down to Sporty's last week to pick up a few items, and shot this out the window from the sim room into the warehouse. Thought there might be some interest in seeing where all that cool stuff comes from.

If you fly into Sporty's, plan to be treated like royalty. Fast, efficient, and already good follow-up when their supplier fumbled on what was 'in the box'.

 

[X3 Skier]

Our EAA Chapter did a fly/drive visit to Sporty's. Great tour and we were well treated.

Cheers

 

[Skip Miller]

Many years ago now I did an Aviation Merit Badge course for the local Boy Scout troop. I sent Sporty's a request for a copy of that photo of the C-172 panel. Sporty's sent enough for every Scout. (Plus the obligatory copies of the Sporty's catalog!!) The only thing they didn't send is the full size photo of Hal himself.... =Skip

 

[SoonerAviator]

I like Sporty's selection and service, but their shipping costs are f'ing ridiculous.

 

[frfly172]

Prices are no bargain especially if you factor in the shipping cost.

 

[AggieMike88]

@jesse needs to link his story about purchasing art from them.

 

[Goofy]

Sure different than aircraft shaft west. They could care less and you can't see anything.

 

[Clip4]

I always shop Sporty's to get the highest price on a given item.

 

[iflyvfr]

Those mets and dogs aren't free! But the employees at the front counter are always very nice.

 

[Katamarino]

That explains what the crazy shipping costs are funding. Sporty's are always low on my list when shopping.

 

[ktup-flyer]

@jesse needs to link his story about purchasing art from them.

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/com...ilot-shop-does-not-honor-return-policy.61043/

 

[dell30rb]

They tend to be higher priced but they do have a great catalog, online store and are quick with the shipping. One thing they do get right, their "flight gear" bags are very competitive in terms of price/quality.

 

[Jim Rosenow]

https://www.pilotsofamerica.com/com...ilot-shop-does-not-honor-return-policy.61043/

I went back and read this ^^^ thread...seems a classic case of work up the chain of command until the issue is resolved to your satisfaction. Should we have to....nope? Does it happen...yup.

Case in point...the 'supplier fumble' I mentioned in my OP was a major simulator provider. One reason we flew to Sporty's was to refresh hands-on experience with their 'stuff' before purchase. After being given free rein to push/pull and probe the equipment while there, we made the purchase.

Unboxing at home, we found a bracket that holds things to a table was missing. I sent an email to support at both the supplier and Sporty's. The supplier's response was that the bracket was an extra-cost item... $80 and shipping. That made no sense, as the unit slides around a table without it. I made Doug Ranley, the product specialist we worked with at Sporty's, aware of the response. Within a couple hours, I received an email indicating that the bracket had already shipped....repeat, had already shipped....from the supplier at no cost to me.

We've always had good luck with Sporty's....obviously YMMV, of course.

Jim