Lenovo Processing Time

I ordered a customized T410s on December 27th, 2010 and have been patiently waiting for my laptop. For the first week after I ordered the laptop, the order status on their website said the estimated shipping date was to be January 13th. However, ever since a few days ago, the estimated shipping date is blank and it states:

"If no ship date is given above, there may be an issue with your order. If you would like more information on the status, please call 866-426-0013."

I've called this number on 3 separate occasions now and each time I explain to them how my status has changed and what, if any, problems there might have been. Each time, the representative simply tells me that the estimated shipping date is the 13th (tomorrow).

I write to ask if I should be concerned with the arrival time of my laptop. I've heard in the past that people have generally been pleased with their laptops arriving even before their quoted shipping date, yet mine seems to still be "in process". I've been living without a computer lately, and it's become quite bothersome so I was hoping to inquire more accurate information on what could be going on with my laptop and others' experiences on their processing and shipping times. Thanks.

 

welcome to the forum!

typically when status changes like that the system is set to ship within the next few days if not sooner.

there's no reason to be concerned at this point in time.

 

I ordered mine on the 7th and it shipped today, it was suppose to ship on the 19th ;P . I think Lenovo waits and ships when they reach a certain quantity, but that's just my guess. Hopefully everything gets settled for you.

 

Hello. Thanks for the replies. It's now the day of, and the status has yet to change. Additionally, I realize I've paid through Amazon payments and the order has yet to show up on my credit card bill. Could this perhaps be the holdup? When do they usually charge your credit card?

 

As far as I know credit cards are usually charged only when item you purchased has been actually shipped out to you. Not delivered, but shipped out by seller.
I might be wrong, but this has been the case for me at least.

 

I understand the anxiety of not being connected - not having a computer is a strange experience for most of us today - we're a bit spoiled (or is it addicted?). And if you use your computer for business or education, it is a serious inconvience to be without.

But I think you miss the wonder of getting a complex, Custom built electronic device in such a short time from half way around the world. Some of us keep a spare old computer around just to guard against being completely disconnected - Murphy is always lurking, waiting for just the right moment!

An off the shelf, standard "inventoried" factory model with no unique options would be different, of course. It should just ship from the US based seller. Three days in the US, tops.

But if Lenovo can take a Custom Order, by telephone in the US, (one of thousands a day) process and convert it into a build sheet, transmit it to it's Asian factories, draw all the specified parts from inventory and vendors AND have your unique product assembled from scratch, packaged and shipped to your door in under three weeks, I'd certainly be satisfied!

In fact, I'd call that pretty efficent. I have ordered custom goods before, and had one of my custom "choices" hold up the order due to an unforseen parts shortage from a vendor. In this day of small inventories and "on time delivery" to the production line, a ripple in the supply chain or unforseen excess demand is always possible.

Many firms use "suggested" or "target" shipping dates. If they imply a promise, they should compensate the buyer if they miss it. Lenovo uses "estimated" - and that's all it is, an estimate. My T61p was delivered quickly, and the accessories have always arrived in remarkably short time frames, so I suspect you don't have long to wait. Cheers. TPF

 

Hello Thinkpad Fan,

Thanks for the insight, and I entirely agree. I hope you didn't mistake my thread to be one rooted in deep anxiety and disappointment that I've yet to receive my product. I am aware of the intricacies and monumental amounts of organization it takes for the company to process, build, and ship what I've ordered.

That being said, because I've little prior experience with how Lenovo manages their shipments, I was wondering if my case was unusual and if there was something I could do on my part to either

1) realize there is something wrong that will cause a delay in my order and trying to find ways to compensate for an extended duration without access to a computer or
2) fix a payment error, etc. etc.

Everyone else, thanks for your input, as well. I'm still waiting for the status of my order to update. I'll keep you posted.