When you buy a go kart online, it can be a little anxiety-inducing. It's a large amount to spend on the internet, and you're probably not sure what to expect. In this article, I'll break it down for you into a detailed process so you can understand exactly what will happen.
Why you have to buy a go kart online
We used to sell our go karts in-store only. But the internet opened the door to online sales. GoKartMasters grew quickly online, and it fits our family better to sell online only. We no longer have a brick an mortar store or showroom. There are still some Trailmaster dealers with showrooms, but not enough to be close to everyone in the country.
How are go karts packed to ship?
Trailmaster packs their go karts into crate at the factory in China. Everything is packed neatly and efficiently to maximize the number of go karts they can fit into shipping containers. The karts travel across the ocean and are imported into Texas.
Every go kart is bolted down to a metal frame. The tires, roll bars, steering wheel, seats, and all hardware are wrapped up and packed tightly in the cockpit of the unit. A metal frame is then bolted over the entire kart and secured to the lower frame. The whole kart is wrapped in industrial weight plastic. Finally, a heavy duty cardboard shell is placed over the metal crate.
When you order from any online dealer, that dealer will submit an order to Trailmaster to drop ship the unit. Trailmaster selects the correct unit and color and loads it onto a semi truck. The crate is never opened until you receive your kart.
Once the go kart is on a semi truck, anything can happen! Pallets go missing, so the crate has to be drug around. Forklift operators are careless and drop the crate. Sometimes the trucks drives haphazardly and the crates flip around inside the trailer. But that is why Trailmaster packs the crates so securely.
Ordering timeline to receive your go kart
So, once you place your order on our website, your payment information will be used to place a pending charge to your account for the total of your order. The payment processor will typically take 24-48 hours to run your payment details through fraud checks. The money is not released to our bank account until all fraud checks have been completed.
Once the money is released to Go Kart Masters, we will submit your freight order to Trailmaster. Depending on how busy they are, they may respond immediately or within about 36 hours. They will arrange shipment to the address you provide on your order.
When the freight company issues the tracking details, Trailmaster will send it to us. Then, we'll send you an email with lots of information inside.
Within your welcome email you will find the following:
- Freight Line that shipped your go kart
- Pro Tracing or Tracking number to track the shipment
- correct website to trace your order
- a google drive link to your full color, step by step assembly guide
- any service bulletins that will help you get your kart started, and take care of your kart
- contact info for us
Welcome Package Shipment
Within the first few days of your order, you will receive a tracking e-mail. This tracking email will provide details for a shipment with the US Post Service. This is NOT for your go kart. Your welcome kit will be contained in this shipment. You will receive a hard copy of your assembly guide, a few free gifts, and sometimes seasonal freebies that we like to include.
Please continue to watch your email for the details on the actual go kart. When you receive that welcome email, carefully read all of the contents!
How your go kart will be delivered
Once the shipment reaches your local freight hub, it will be transfeered to a delivery truck. The delivery truck will typically be a semi with a liftgate. This liftgate will allow the truck driver to get teh crate out of the truck withough a loading dock or fork lift. With every go kart order, you get this liftgate service for free!
When your kart arrives, you may find that the cardboard is damaged or missing. The metal crate may be bent, dented, or damaged. Sometimes there will be holes in the cardboard and plastic from forklift forks. Unfortunately, those things are just normal for how the freight lines treat our shipments. But please don't be concerned.
What to do if there is shipping damage
Document any damages to your kart on the bill of lading. Make your delviery driver sign it, and make sure you take a picture of the bill of lading and the damage. Simply email or text the images to us and we will warranty any parts that are damaged.
The only reason to refuse a delivery is if the engine itself is punctured or if the lower cockpit of the go kart is damaged. If you're not sure what to do, please text us immediately. We do our best to respond quickly, even after hours.
Order a Go Kart Online today
Now that you understand more about the shipping process, what is holding you back? Pick out the best model to fit your needs, and make the purchase. You can shop below:
