I can understand you're being ticked off, with an experience like that. Part of the problem with ordering online or long distance is that it's a faceless experience. IPD does it pretty well, but they're really expensive compared to FCP for most items. IPD is the friendly boutique experience, and FCP is the Walmart experience.

I've ordered thousands of dollars in parts over the last few years from FCP. A few times I've been dissapointed with some items I've received that were ScanTech when the catalog description said "Made in Sweden", or the Canadian blower motor I received instead of the German one I was expecting ... but I had the option to return that stuff if I wanted, and I'm pretty sure they would have refunded my money if I had bothered to ship them back.

There's definitely something to be said for finding a good local parts shop that carries volvo stuff, and establish a relationship with them. Some heavy parts like brake rotors and calipers, and bulky stuff like exhaust parts, just don't make sense to mail order. And sometimes it's worth it to pay a few dollars more when you get to see the thing you're buying BEFORE you've paid for it. I especially use the local shop when I need something in a few days, rather than trusting the mail and someone on the phone two states away to get everything right.

--
'92 245 5-speed, '92 944 GL auto