In a message dated 97-03-03 23:44:24 EST, lseidman@erols.com (Lenny Seidman)
writes:
>Here we go again! Instead of putting your/our complaints about a
>supplier and how they conduct business or starting rumors about them on
>the list why don't we all just reply directly to each other in areas
>such as these instead of getting a large heated/flame discussion on the
>list. That way no one will get insulted, look like an ass, or influence
>other list subscribers with our biased opinions.
>
>
The list is a very important tool for those of us in the LBC hobby to share
information that is of concern to us all. This certainly includes
information about problems with suppliers. Through this list and VTR, and
other car clubs, we consumers can unite and protect ourselves. This was not
possible in any effective way before the internet and this list, and, as an
aside to MJB, for what we recieve, we are truly grateful.
With respect to TRF and Charles' response:
1. While I think it is clear that CR and TRF are committed to this hobby,
and to supplying quality parts, it is also clear, to many of us, that they
aren't as good as they used to be. A few cases in point are the backorder
problems, and the failure to have a decent catalog for the TR3.
2. For my first 10 years in this hobby, I ordered all of my parts from TRF
(and many thousands of dollars worth) even though they were a little more
expensive. I did this because I perceived that they were reinvesting that
money into new parts manufacture, which was good for the hobby.
3. TRF used to charge the same price to everyone. I considered this to be a
"quid pro quo" for my loyalty.
4. At some point, TRF began to give discounts to commercial customers, and
to have those monthly specials that went out with orders. To me this
evidenced a real "what have you done for me lately" attitude, which I didn't
appreciate, since I was paying more for parts through loyalty.
5. At about the same time, TRF started selling Tin Tin books, hair brushes,
purses, etc., started pushing Teddy Ruxpin on us, and started pushing the
Coventry Inn
memberships. I felt that CR and TRF were now (especially on the Inn and its
memberships) trying to capitalize on the hobby and their customer's loyalty
without giving value in return. I felt that the extra money that I was
paying for parts was now being spent on these frivolous things, rather than
being invested in new parts. This is about the time that TRF started having
problems with back-orders, advertising and having specials on parts that
weren't available (e.g. the forever backordered TR6 choke cable and radiator
hoses) and quit publishing a comprehensive TR3 catalog.
6. In essence, I felt that TRF betrayed their customer's loyalty. I wrote a
letter to CR about it, and never got a reply.
7. Therefore, I resolved to treat TRF like any other supplier. If they have
the best quality, the best price, or the best service, or the combination of
the three that I am looking for, I buy from them. If they do not, I buy
elsewhere. I never accept a back-order if someone else has it available at
ANY kind of a reasonable price. I believe that if everyone did this, it
would be best for the hobby. Competition will make TRF a better supplier,
and Moss and others as well. Incidentally, Moss spends a lot on parts
development too, although they don't crow about it as much as TRF does.
8. Finally (and thank God you say) this response from Charles was a very
long time in coming. Isn't anyone at TRF interested enough in ther hobby to
monitor this list? And frankly, I did not appreciate either the tone or the
content of his response. I don't think that he understands the problem that
some of us long time customers have with him and his company. I would have
been a lot better disposed to TRF if he had said, "Yes, we have backorder
problems and we'll fix them. We'll get you a TR3 Catalog, and we'll quit
spending your money on frivolities." CR and TRF can do whatever they want
with their company, and their money. So can its customers. It's called free
enterprise, and it works even better when the customers have a forum like
this list to share information.
Soap Box Mode now off.
Paul Vander Woude
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