Anyone order from Franks tools?

[espyking83]

And actually have their items shipped? Seriously. I've tried ordering twice from this guy and both times he sat on them for over a week. I emailed the guy and asked him why it takes so long every time. I dont expect it to arrive that quickly, but I do at least think it's appropriate to ship within that window. You guys know of any other place to order Koken tools? Thanks!

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Subscribed....there's some Frank's Tools on my wishlist...

 

[espyking83]

So you got your orders?


This guy is sending me threatening emails lol.

 

[tube_guy]

I ordered two items from Frank's tools, maybe a week and a half ago. He was out of stock on one of the items I ordered. I ordered late on a Friday afternoon and he emailed me immediately to tell me he was out of stock and that he'd get another item on Monday. On Monday he got the item, just like he said he would, and shipped both items to me. I haven't received the items I ordered yet, but he did contact me to tell me the items were on their way. So far I'm happy with the way the transaction has gone.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

So you got your orders?


This guy is sending me threatening emails lol.

I have not ordered. I just have the wanted items saved on my computer to buy when I get around to it. But I don't want problems...

 

[dede2897234]

So you got your orders?


This guy is sending me threatening emails lol.

Hi espyking83,

Can you please post an excerpt(s) of that "threatening" email from Frank here? Frank has become someone I would not recommend doing business.

For about two years, Frank used to be a reliable tool reseller and trusted Garage Journal member. I would look forward to his postings and included pictures in the "Tools of Japan" thread about unusual Japanese hand tools unavailable for purchase in the US. Since he was a member of the military, he could ship orders cheaply through the US postal system. In late 2013, for some unknown reason(s), his desire for great customer service was no longer a priority for him (ex: late package shipments; no or rude responses to customer emails). His business has certainly taken a nose dive. Click on the following to go to the "Tools of Japan" thread page where Frank rudely responds to his customers who chime in on his bad business practices (starts with #543): LINK.

Dave

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Well, I hope ole Frank is ok. That's his business and I do not need to know it. But my business is buying tools from a trusted source, so it looks like I got my answer.

 

[ricleh]

I personally have not had problems ordering from Frank. I received an order last Friday and am waiting for another order currently. I have purchased a few thousand dollars worth of tools from Frank and I have no complaints.

 

[imom]

I dealt with Frank for close to a month now. I made an initial order and he was responsive. I never saw Frank being rude in any of my email conversations. Shortly after the initial order and payment, I added to my order for more items I needed. The both orders totaled $450+.

There were times Frank said he was busy with his day job and I understand and was fairly patient. When it came time to ask for a tracking number, I never got a reply. So while Frank was never outright rude, he wouldn't answer some questions at time...the other times he would tell me the post office don't open on Monday. Then said he would ship on Tuesday. Then told me the post office is closed for a week and will offer refund if I am not happy or he will ship next week. That next week is this week.

I sent another inquiry after 4 days and asking for a tracking number or let me know what items are missing from the order. Without notice Frank refunds my second order (the smaller order) and doesn't say anything. My first larger order? No refund...so I filed a dispute and an email asking for the second refund and what a waste of a month it has been and added frustration.

Frank responds saying he couldn't take all my emails asking for when it would ship and he couldn't refund my money now because I filed a paypal dispute. For those that don't know...the dispute is resolved by issuing a refund since no shipment was made. Now I have to wait for Frank's responds or the seller response expires for paypal to refund my money.

I believe if Frank has an item he will ship from what I am reading. If he doesn't have an item, I believe his mistake is not saying he doesn't have it and he doesn't communicate well with his customers. Frank has said to me in an email that he's stuck with all my special order items. I'm not sure why he is stuck...I paid him to ship the items and I've always been respectful with my responds except for the last email that shared my frustration of non shipment. I would be okay with non shipment if he promised a date and shipped that date, but it kept on slipping the day he would ship. I didn't cancel my order...Frank did...then I had to ask for refund of my first order that never shipped.

Frank's prices are reasonable and so are his shipping cost. I suggest if Frank reads this that he only accepts orders he can ship and not take payment for items he can't do or offer a refundable deposit for special orders... I'm not sure what the solution Frank will take...but his current way of selling does not work for me. I'm really disappointed because I only wanted my tools.

I tried to be non partial and only present facts as I can with my response to this thread.

 

[HalfFlip]

I have had a hit and miss experience with frankstools as well.

The first time I placed an order and Frank replied saying that one of the tools I wanted was out of stock and asked if I wanted to continue or cancel my order. I replied to the email saying that I choose to cancel the order.

After that Frank stopped responding to me and I waited for a about week for him to refund my money. After another email with no response, I chose to file a paypal dispute and within a couple hours he responds angrily about how he cant refund the money now because of the dispute and Ill have to wait until paypal resolves the issue, which was a misunderstanding on his part and I explained that all he has to do is refund the money, so then he does this and the issue was resolved...seems odd for someone to get hostile over reclaiming money that wasnt theirs . Im not one to give out interest free loans.

...Now after this experience most would probably never deal this him again, HOWEVER he had a great 10% off sale and I couldnt resist taking another chance. This time everything went smoothly and the items were shipped promptly along with a tracking number and good email interaction.

so take my experiences for what they are worth. I know this guy probably has other things going on in his life and I dont blame him for it.

 

[3baygarage]

Hi espyking83,

Can you please post an excerpt(s) of that "threatening" email from Frank here? Frank has become someone I would not recommend doing business.

For about two years, Frank used to be a reliable tool reseller and trusted Garage Journal member. I would look forward to his postings and included pictures in the "Tools of Japan" thread about unusual Japanese hand tools unavailable for purchase in the US. Since he was a member of the military, he could ship orders cheaply through the US postal system. In late 2013, for some unknown reason(s), his desire for great customer service was no longer a priority for him (ex: late package shipments; no or rude responses to customer emails). His business has certainly taken a nose dive. Click on the following to go to the "Tools of Japan" thread page where Frank rudely responds to his customers who chime in on his bad business practices (starts with #543): LINK.

Dave

ROFLMFAO. Check out post #548 in the above link. Scam artist NorthCountry gets snubbed!

 

[imom]

Hi, I just wanted to update that I got my refund from Frank. I always try to be respectfully even in situations like these and the issue resolved itself. As I said before...Frank was never rude to me. I don't take him as a dishonest person, but I do believe he needs to work on his communication skills.

The advice I give to Frank and his customers is to make sure Frank has all the tools in stock before sending payment. It would make the situation less of an issue because the customer wouldn't have to worry about not getting the items paid for in time of the paypal or credit card disputes. This way both sides are still protected and it's less stressful. I really did wish I had received my tools instead of a refund. Good luck.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I am happy to have received some Ko-Ken sockets from Frank last weekend.
There was delay and I did follow up with him which may have helped the order ship.
I hope he can sort through whatever may ail him.

 

[MikeF2316]

ROFLMFAO. Check out post #548 in the above link. Scam artist NorthCountry gets snubbed!

I got a giggle or two from that as well.

 

[JoeMA]

I placed an order for Japanese tools with levelchrome.com and my experience was excellent. I received the order in less than 48 hours (TX to PA). My order contained 24 items. The invoice included a color picture of each item in the order, so it was easy to check that I received everything. I will order from them again.

 

[ricleh]

Some of my recent purchases from Frankstools.

 

[Peluo]

Wow Ricleh your tool collection is insane

 

[espyking83]

Just wanted to let everyone know that I decided to give Frank my business again the other week and he seems to be back on track. Great service, it's only fair that I give good feedback when it is deserved.

 

[engleson1]

I placed an order for 4 Koken quick-release adapters (which are very nice, BTW) on 2020-03-16. He sent 2 of the 4 and marked the order as complete. After I complained, he sent me this:

"I made a note on the shipping notice that was short 2. I placed them on order from Japan

Frank"

There was no note on the pack slip, and he never sent the other 2. He kept the money though and did not respond the last time I emailed him. I DO NOT recommend Frankstools. -Ivan

 

[speed88]

Stay away from frankstools! I’ve had a really bad experience with him. Very very shady person.

 

[cherrybomb]

Where would a guy get Koken then?

 

[Verg]

Recently bought a few koken sockets from frank. No issues or complaints, shipping took a long time ~6-8 weeks, but that was expected.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[speed88]

Where would a guy get Koken then?

I had good luck with amazon Japan. Fast shipping too.

 

[speed88]

Recently bought a few koken sockets from frank. No issues or complaints, shipping took a long time ~6-8 weeks, but that was expected.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

Wish I could say the same. Guy kept giving me the runaround and has yet to refund me my money. He’s good at coming up with excuses.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

You guys pay with a credit card or PayPal? You usually have 90 days to open a claim.

Sent from my Pixel 3a XL using Tapatalk

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I have ordered one thing from them a couple years ago I got the item in three weeks no complaints or anything. He was recommended on YouTube so I figured I’d give him a try he didn’t try to scam me or anything like that.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[anndel]

Not sure about the current pandemic situation in Japan but parcels from Japan starting in March/April stopped shipping to the USA. My friend works at the USPS and inspects international parcels and it stopped.

 

[Ralf11]

Where would a guy get Koken then?

https://palmac.net/brands/

- slow but it gets here

ebay has several good seller - ninja-something worked fine for me

 

[noid]

Pre covid, I had 2 orders that went just fine. Last order pre-covid however was a nightmare; no responses for months and then it finally showed up.

Hit and miss really.

 

[speed88]

He says he has refunded me my money but I have yet to see anything on my credit card statement. He told me I should buy my tools elsewhere like Kmart. I guess he is upset because I asked for my money back when I keep getting promised it will show up in 2 to 3 weeks and when the time passes he will promises it will be in the next few weeks and then the next few weeks etc. etc. The guy lies and is very shady. It has been over two months since I’ve placed my order with him. At this point I just want my money back from this low life pos! I’ll keep you guys up to date if I ever get my refund. For some reason I have my doubts. What I found funny and odd is that he asked me if I was a member of garagejournal. I’m just trying to warn people to stay away from this crook or at least buy at your own risk. First time I have ever bought from this guy and it will be my last.

 

[Retroman]

Just ordered some KTC hose clamp pliers from him. Ordered early in the morning west coast time and he shipped them the same same day. Answered emails very quickly within a few minutes. Got no complaints and am quite satisfied as I need them for project next weekend and they will be here Monday.

 

[speed88]

Just ordered some KTC hose clamp pliers from him. Ordered early in the morning west coast time and he shipped them the same same day. Answered emails very quickly within a few minutes. Got no complaints and am quite satisfied as I need them for project next weekend and they will be here Monday.

Wish I could say I had the same experience.

 

[65k10]

https://palmac.net/brands/

- slow but it gets here

That's been my experience. I gave Palmac a chance when I wanted to buy some inch pattern sockets since those don't seem as easy to find from overseas sellers. I ordered back in August and they let me know it would probably be late September before the sockets would be available. I wasn't in any hurry and did not mind. True to their word in the past week most of my order has been delivered, save for one socket set which is in transit and should be here Monday. Overall, I'm happy with them and will probably use them in the future if I'm looking for something Koken that isn't found on Amazon Japan.

 

[mazdeuce]

I've ordered from Palmac recently as well and was happy. Of note, they have greatly increased their web catalog in the past few weeks and now have darn near the entire Koken line on there.

 

[GrantCee]

I've ordered from Frank several times, and will again should he have what I need in stock. No, he's not the fastest shipper, but he's a one-man band; I cut him a lot of slack because of that.

No complaints about Palmac, either. I've ordered from them twice in the last month, and they were about as quick to ship as Amazon Prime is these days. (That's more an indictment of Amazon than of Palmac.)

 

[nomadicbohunk]

I've ordered from him twice. The first order about a year ago shipped in 3 weeks. Listed in stock.

I ordered a couple items this summer listed on his site as in stock. It's been pushing 90 days.

I emailed him once with no response. Even a "they are on order, covid..." would have been fine. I saw he was rolling out a new website, but took that off facebook.

I checked with the credit card company and they said no time limit on a chargeback because I let them know. I figure I'll wait about 120-150 days. I don't want to screw the guy, but a response back would be nice. I'm mildly grumpy as one of the tools is needed for a non time sensitive project that's becoming time sensitive after this much time.

I know stuff is getting through from Japan because I just ordered a separate unrelated thing as a gift (silky saw). The company told me it got shipped to the person right after they got it straight from Japan. They said shipping time on their end is a couple weeks from the exporters. That is as of last week. I called them after I ordered it wondering. I happened to call right when they got the shipment in.

I ordered some other things from Palmac today.

 

[toddmorr]

amazon japan, price is good, shipping is fast. good selection too but sometimes you have to creatively search to find it on the website.

 

[pizza]

if you want to order from frank, do yourself a favor and ask if he has your stuff in stock first. and if it's not in stock, why wait months if you can get your tools in under a week elsewhere?

Not sure about the current pandemic situation in Japan but parcels from Japan starting in March/April stopped shipping to the USA. My friend works at the USPS and inspects international parcels and it stopped.

good thing there are other shipping options.

afaik, amazon.co.jp has shipped tools (including koken stuff i ordered) basically without interruption throughout the pandemic.

 

[steelespeed]

I ordered a KTC spark plug socket from Frank this past spring. It made it to my door a few days after I placed the order. Frank has also replied to any emails I have sent him within a day or two.

I think anything not in stock coming by way of Japan is currently taking a bit longer due to the current global situation. For example, I have been dealing with long delays for Japanese motorcycle parts most of this year.

Hope this helps.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've never had a problem ordering from Frank's tools. However, i believe he retired from his job in Japan and relocated stateside so, he may not have access to the inventory that he once had. Secondly, he was having issues with getting Koken items. I'm not sure if that's been resolved or not. He always provided excellent service in the past but, it's been awhile since my last order.
Additionally, Covid has things screwed up beyond all recognition which is understandable.

Not to derail the thread but, since Palmac was mentioned already, I ordered a few Koken things from Palmac last week after seeing them listed on one of Mr Subaru's You Tube videos. As someone else said, Palmac has most of the Koken catalog online. Prices seemed ok and I got my items in less than a week. Packed well too. Hell, they even threw in a few Koken decals.

Since, I'm only picking up a few Koken unique tools like nut grip sockets, their unusual adapters and swivel joints, and not replacing everything with Koken I think Palmac might work for me.