On Thu, 25 Feb 1999 14:43:31 EST, you wrote:
>Tim Schorn laments:
>
> "people like Seth Doulton have been in this business for many years and
>they
>know how to make money...that is his goal, not satisfying you, no matter what
>the business spin doctors tell you. His formula is low or no inventory and
>cheap labor."
>
> I had another point in mind. Seth Doulton, (who I assume from the
>context has
>something to do with Golden State) has indeed run a successful business for
>some years and may well continue into the unpredictable future. No argument
>there! The point is that he is not MAXIMIZING his profits by pissing good
>customers off. His motivation, while possibly interesting in a gossipy sort of
>way, is not a concern of mine. The service of his people and quality of the
>parts he provides are my concern.
> I my own case, I have now spent something like $700. at his place but
>have
>decided to take most of my future purchases to Carter's, Chevy Duty, Patrick's
>and perhaps Obsolete Chevy based on communication with other customers, mostly
>here on this list. We no longer HAVE to take bad service because we have
>nowhere else to turn. We have all heard a lot about the way computers and the
>"net" will alter our lives. Mr. Doulton may well be introduced to one of them.
>
>Tom Caperton recalls:
>
> "I believe Jim Forbes (previous Oletrucker) contacted one or two
>vendors to
>try and get them interested in the list. I don't believe he had any success.
>It's a great idea....and makes perfect sense...but vendors don't seem to be
>too interested."
>
> That's sad.
>
>Tom goes on to ask:
>
> "Has anyone ever approached a vendor and said..."We have 500 members. If
>you'll give us a 10% (or 20% or whatever) discount, we can give you lots of
>business." Maybe it hasn't happened because we've just never presented it."
We did this awhile back. I approached around 6 or so vendors, and asked others
to do the same with vendors they dealt with (only one other member went to a
different vendor) and I did all that I had time to, or had dealt with
personally. I had a computer crash not too long ago, and lost most of what
might have helped to answer this question, but there were a couple that did
offer us some discount (in one case it was 5%, but most offered 10%). I do
recall specifically, that Golden State did not even reply to my request (on two
occassions). The problem was that some of the vendors wanted a list of members
in exchange for them to offer the discount, which I, and many others, thought
was fair exchange. However, some didn't. So we ended up polling the members
and I put together a list of who wanted to participate in the discount (with the
provision of their being willing to provide their address), and then when I
would get an answer from one vendor or another, I would provide this list (only)
with a list of the vendor and what their offer was. So, unless someone else who
was around then can remember which vendors offered the discount, I can't be much
help other than to say, that surprisingly, most turned us down!, But if someone
else wants to reactivate this issue, I'd be happy to discuss this at greater
length. Just be aware that you rarely get something for nothing.
Rob
>
> While this is a terrific idea for those of us on this list, and may
>well be a
>good money maker for some sharp vendor, I had a different point in mind by my
>question. I am on another computer list like the oletruck list called Brit-
>Iron that focuses on British motorcycles. Just as in the old Chevy truck
>world, there are many competing vendors for parts and service. On the "Brit-
>Iron" list many of our suppliers participate by posting how-to tips and help
>with diagnosing problems. They also send off list e-mail offers to sell parts,
>often at a discount. We all benefit because we know each other and can work
>out any hitches among friends
>
>Paul O'Neil,
>1951 Chevrolet 3600 Pickup Project, See it at:
>The Poor Man's Advanced Design Tech Tips Page
>http://home.earthlink.net/~conntest47/
>Fullerton, California USA
>Hudson29@aol.com
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
|