VOC and Vinparts spares experience
I've used VOC and Vinparts since I started needing bits in 2002. I have used Conways for services VOC and V-P don't provide. I make my own arrangements for major engine work.
I almost always use websites to order, knowing that if there is no price listed, on both VOC or VP sites, there is no stock. This, possibly by chance, has never held me up. Once or twice I have telephoned orders.
I've never had an order go AWOL. Occasionally deliveries are delayed which usually means that one item is temporarily out of stock. I have had 'phone calls to ask if they should hold all, or send what they had less the missing item, from both. The last delay was because VOC had taken the bits to where they thought I would be (thus saving me time and postage), where, unfortunately, I wasn't. I'm not complaining. Had it been urgent, I would have made that clear.
I find it difficult to believe that I alone have had a seven year run of luck. If I have, it hasn't stretched to lottery tickets. Alas.
I NEVER order by email: far too many of my emails are already floating about in hyperspace, unread, unreceived, to consider it. Email is like fax: it's only reliable for the first 3000 miles. The last leg, 25 yards, fax machine to desk, server to screen, is where it is most likely to go pear-shaped. I like organised websites. If the order is taken (and payment accepted), I get confirmation. It's called a closed loop system. I LIKE closed loop systems. I do NOT like open-loop systems, fax, email, so I avoid them.
Tom