One thing that our industry really drops the ball on are real-time updates on orders in production. This can be very frustrating for the dealer and customer both, as neither are aware of a particular order status without making a phone call. Perhaps one day suppliers will have real-time access on order status available to their dealer network via an internet dealer log-in, but that day is not here yet.

Even Hancock and Moore, considered a mainstay in the industry, has no system in place of notifying their dealers when an order is running late due to a leather out-of-stock. As a dealer, I have to make a phone call every time I want an update.

So when you order your pieces, don't expect too much in the way or progress tracking of your order. Call or email your store to get updates if you would like to have them, and they in turn can call the factory.

Seems like an archaic system in the age of computers, doesn't it?