Why so slow in IBM shipping procedure?

I ordered T61 this monday (October 15), but I got the email showing the estimated shipping date is November 2. Why IBM needs about two weeks to shipp out their product. Is this normal schedule? If you have a similar experience, please let me know. Thanks.

 

This has been pretty common for Lenovo. It is actually fairly common for many of the other manufacturers although I think Lenovo is probably among the slowest.

You have to keep in mind that if you configured your order (which you did if you are in the U.S. and ordered from the main Lenoco website) it is a custom built machine. They build them as they are ordered. So when you place your order you have to wait in line for all the people who ordered before you for their laptops to be built. Then they ship it after it is built.

Also, they tend to get a limited supply of certain parts (like LCD screens) and occasionally they run out of a part and have to wait for a shipment of parts. Thus slowing down things even more. Often times this is unavoidable. It's not because Lenovo doesn't order enough parts. It's often because the parts suppliers can't keep up with the demand.

 

If you need a computer delivered quickly, don't order IBM.

If you want an amazing machine and can wait a bit, do order IBM.

There have been various shipping issues; you just have to be patient. A Thinkpad is worth the wait

 

Just a reminder to all... You are buying a Lenovo laptop, not IBM... IBM provides service, etc. Lenovo builds/sells the machines, and has for a couple of years.

 

I was under the impression Lenovo has always built the laptops.

 

Yes, you are right.... Built by Lenovo (Legend) for IBM... now built by Lenovo for Lenovo.

 

My take is that they are especially slow on the more cutting-edge laptops. Since the tech is so new they can charge a large premium on the laptop, they string you along until they can cut a better deal with the component suppliers, typically 2-3 months (a long time in the hardware business), then build your laptop and thus -overcharge- you for tech that was the bomb 3 months ago, but now is the norm.

 

I'm not convinced it's cutting edge, I think they are equal opportunity Seems to be things are much slower on product launches.... T61.... T61p.... X61... etc.. All of them were 4-6 weeks from order to delivery, and then over time folks are getting them in a week.

 

I've been waiting since the 3rd for a SXGA+ unfortunately... lenovo has no clue as to why its been taking forever.

 

Lenovo always has a long long lead time for their new designed machines. I would rather believe they are sometimes conservative about new technology. So be patient when you decide to buy a fresh model during the first month after launch.

For the most advanced technology, Dell and Sony are most willing to provide such models, like SDD, LED backlight, and widescreen display. I don't want to be subjective, but they seems not very professional dealing with these new stuffs, and always provide something with flaw, such as 32GB SDD (so small), flex LCD cover, and huge heat emission.

 

I ordered October 16 and originally the shipping date was also November 2, but now it is November 7. It’s ok, no problem, but the weird was that at the same time they changed the shipping date, they also changed the price! It was around $100.00 more (at least if it was less… dawn it ). I kept calm and I called Lenovo . After some talk, the representative found out I had used a 10% discount coupon on my order which was not displayed in my order status anymore. He said that’s a normal procedure and I will be able to see again the 10% coupon once the laptop is shipped. Well, is that really the normal procedure? It just make the things more obscure...

 

I work for Lenovo and the reason you have a two week leadtime is very very very simple..... we give a standard SLA of ten days, working days, not calendar days... okay so are you following, good, that means for the general joe's among you, it will take TWO WEEKS to be delivered... eg five days to build the machine and five days to ship... remember working days, not calendar...

To keep overheads down we mostly build to order except when we have 'high focus' Large Enterprise customers then we can hold some buffer stock to fulfil their requirements quickly, often with an SLA of 7 days delivery from order receipt.

Nonsense,
Lenovo purchased the IBM PCD division back in 2005, and for 3/4 years prior to that, IBM outsourced much of the manufacturing to Sanmina SCI.

More nonsense,
Lenovo, who now manufacture the Thinkpad range under license, have never, and WILL NEVER string along customers with a view to reducing costs from component suppliers. Think about the business we are in..... the industry is HIGHLY competitive and any business in this market needs to keep their product ranges fresh, with new technology, and keep the customers happy with prompt, efficient deliveries, and good communication.

The 'Thinkpad' range of laptops are the Rolls Royce of laptops/notebooks, and this is the reason for the price ranges we have on offer. If you want a poor quality notebook, then why not just pop down to your PC store... they have plenty of cheaper and lesser quality offerings.

I'm going to answer the 2-3 month quote above also..... often there are worldwide shortages on some components which will delay an order being built and shipped. This not only affects Lenovo, but every other manufacturer, and therefore if you tried to order say an HP/Compaq machine with the same component shortage then you'll no doubt find this order is also delayed...

Have you ever tried ordering two similar machines from two separate suppliers.... I suggest you do so as I'd love to hear the results.

 

NO, sorry you're wrong... Lenovo have 'never' manufactured on behalf of IBM.

 

Well, right now, Lenovo is falling far short of the "good communication". There are people that have ordered the exact same laptop as I have on the exact same day and they got theirs. Others have ESD that keep sliding and being told different "constraints" are the reason. I'm not as upset by the continual slipping dates, but by the non-communication from Lenovo (never received any email notification) and the attitude of the CSRs I talked to when I called to inquire. And then, when I talk with a sales rep, they say there are no constraints for the build of laptop I want only to be told by the CSRs that sales doesn't know what they are talking about. All in all. very BAD communication on Lenovos part.

Again, I have found numerous people that are ordering AND receiving Dells, HPs, ASUS, etc. laptops with almost identical configs as my "hope to receive some day" T61p with no constraints or 2-3 month time frames. Definitely doesn't bode well for Lenovo. Hopefully they are trying to make changes to improve service.

 

Here is a good read from wikipedia of all places:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenovo_Group

What's going on at Lenovo Mr. JackBlack? Quality products? Well, maybe. Poor Customer Service? Well, that's the reputation.

 

In answer to you jmbailey, I understand your frustration and what I've read on your situation is unacceptable. It is true we have numerous constraints on components, but the non-communication is a hard pill to swallow. What I 'can' say to you is that sales people all over the world are guilty of elaborating the truth, and if they told you there's no shortages and your order would take a fortnight to deliver, then it's bad selling.

To defend the CSR's they have all the up to date information on supply but I'm unable to defend a specific CSR you've spoken to.

Which GEO are you in? US / EMEA?

Lenovo as No.3 in the market are led by a massively strong China market, and we are in infancy in US / EMEA / Latin America.... we have a lot to learn, and I agree we really have got some way to go to find the perfect supply chain solution.

The Lenovo T61p is the best laptop on the market right now, and therefore in huge demand..... please hang in there you really won't be sorry...

please read this review from CNET UK

And the winner is... the Lenovo ThinkPad T61p!

 

Refer to your own web site and various sites on the internet, Jack.

http://www.pc.ibm.com/us/lenovo/about/history.html

 

... That link says, if I'm reading it right(and I may not be?), that Lenovo acquired IBM's PCD(Personal Computing Division) in 2005 and then started manufacturing systems for "IBM"... Where does it refute his claim?

 

I agree, prior to 2005 that website clearly denotes a difference between IBM PCD machines being produced and Legend machines. I think you are confusing the 2 lines. That IBM PCD Thinkpads are on there is simply to provide a history of the Thinkpad, but the Legends lineup is different from the Thinkpad lineup.

 

LOL... you're still wrong, and blind by the look of it.

All this shows on the Lenovo website are the timelines of both companies until the acquisition of IBM PCD Division by Lenovo (formerly known as Legend) in 2005.

Like I said, Lenovo have NEVER manufactured on behalf of IBM.

 

By the way... I am not trying to get one-up on you Mr.Guru but you plainly disagreed with my post and I had to come back with the facts.

Granted, Lenovo 'now' manufacture the Thinkpad brand, but we purchased the brand' from IBM.

 

Thanks for the insult. I think we're arguing symantecs of who made what, when, and where, and I'm not sure it's worth it, especially if it's going to start a thread of name calling. End of my presence on this thread.

 

I digress, here's another reference from this forum, guess this guy is wrong too:

Legend Computer is the largest PC manufacturer in China, a long time PC maker for IBM PC Division, the maker of Thinkpad. Later, Legend Computer change its name to Lenovo and acquire its former employer, IBM PC Division. If you googling and search in wikipedia, there are many interesting articles about this.

 

Insult? Name calling? oh dry your eyes man.... you put the final nail in your own coffin.

 

Heh, I think was can all safely assume that JackBlack does not work in customer service......

 

boy jackblack90,
You claim to work for Lenovo. I actually hope this is not true, because you are doing your company a disservice with your tone and attitude in this thread. You should suggest to your bosses that they dedicate a couple of their CS/supply people to this forum to answer questions people have regarding supply constraints, etc. I think it would clear-up a lot of the confusion and rumors that float around in this forum at times.

I think most here would agree that the Thinkpads are one of the best laptops on the market. However, the lack of polite and competent customer service is turning a lot people away from this brand as evidenced in many of these threads.

As for myself, I am willing to put up with delays in shipping but I would like to get straight answers from the company when I ask them a question. I have been promised three times in the last 2 weeks that I would be called by a CS representative who could answer a question I had, but I still haven't received the call or gotten an email...

 

Correct, I don't work in customer service. All I've done is point out a simple fact to someone, to correct an incorrect post; this does not make me a name caller or have a bad tone or attitude.

A lot of the threads in this section are 'Lenovo' bashing and I've made a few good posts to defend the company I work for, and as far as the CS team posting our supply position in a public forum is ludicrous.

 

IBM's PC division 'for sale'

 

Nail in my coffin? What in the world are you talking about? Chill out.

If your sole purpose here is to stop Lenovo bashing, you've chosen your targets poorly. I've got four thinkpads in my house at the moment -- I'd more likely be confused as a fanboy than a critic.

 

This thread has gone too far - please, don't take conversations to insulting others on a personal level. It's against the forum rules and looks bad on the participant's parts.