Over the last two weeks I've put in a number of inquires to various vendors on what I consider decent-sized purchases ($500-$1500 -- orders I would have bent over backwards to take when I was working at HPF). I've been amazed that during this economic downturn, so many of them have flat-out ignored my inquiries.
Some examples:
A large clutch company: I contacted them via their website 2 weeks ago. After a couple of days without even an email confirming they got my message, I called (during business hours). I was transferred to the "import specialist" and left a message on his voicemail. After a couple more days without a reply, I called again, was transferred, and left another message. Still nothing back.
A well known Supra vendor (mostly MKIV): I contacted them over aim about a custom turbo (a package I'd expect to cost $1300-$1500). I'm told what I want is possible, so I ask for pricing and an estimated timeline. My aim messages then go ignored (the rep signs on/off various times throughout the next few days). I leave a message on their forum. They make plenty of posts in the meantime, but ignore my post. I then call, am transfered, and leave a message. Days go by and no response...
Numerous gauge calibration companies: I contact them about having my OEM gauges recalibrated (for stock-type look and to cut down on the number of gauges I'd need in pods). I let them know that if my gauges come out well, I'm sure there will be plenty of interest from others in the mk3 community (even show some of the lengths people have gone to try and keep an oem-look). I sometimes get transfered to a representative who takes down the specifications, but after a week none of them have gotten back to me.
A car for sale at a shop. This one is a bit convuluted, but basically someone built a pretty decent mk3 at a shop ($15,000+ in mods) while they were serving overseas. They're back and across the country now and just want to sell it. The shop owner is still owed ~$1000 from the bill and obviously would get that once the car sells (not to mention have some space freed up). I call a few times and leave messages to iron out the logistics of me traveling 700+ miles to see/buy the car, but this shop owner never calls back.
I mean even just a "I'm sorry I don't know off hand, let me check for you." or a "I'm sorry, we can't do that right now." would be fine. But wtf is with just ignoring people???
On the other hand, it seems most of the smaller vendors are doing even more for their customers now than ever. These good guys are worth mentioning: Raptor Racing, Rabid Chimp, BIC, 935, drift motion
/rant
Some examples:
A large clutch company: I contacted them via their website 2 weeks ago. After a couple of days without even an email confirming they got my message, I called (during business hours). I was transferred to the "import specialist" and left a message on his voicemail. After a couple more days without a reply, I called again, was transferred, and left another message. Still nothing back.
A well known Supra vendor (mostly MKIV): I contacted them over aim about a custom turbo (a package I'd expect to cost $1300-$1500). I'm told what I want is possible, so I ask for pricing and an estimated timeline. My aim messages then go ignored (the rep signs on/off various times throughout the next few days). I leave a message on their forum. They make plenty of posts in the meantime, but ignore my post. I then call, am transfered, and leave a message. Days go by and no response...
Numerous gauge calibration companies: I contact them about having my OEM gauges recalibrated (for stock-type look and to cut down on the number of gauges I'd need in pods). I let them know that if my gauges come out well, I'm sure there will be plenty of interest from others in the mk3 community (even show some of the lengths people have gone to try and keep an oem-look). I sometimes get transfered to a representative who takes down the specifications, but after a week none of them have gotten back to me.
A car for sale at a shop. This one is a bit convuluted, but basically someone built a pretty decent mk3 at a shop ($15,000+ in mods) while they were serving overseas. They're back and across the country now and just want to sell it. The shop owner is still owed ~$1000 from the bill and obviously would get that once the car sells (not to mention have some space freed up). I call a few times and leave messages to iron out the logistics of me traveling 700+ miles to see/buy the car, but this shop owner never calls back.
I mean even just a "I'm sorry I don't know off hand, let me check for you." or a "I'm sorry, we can't do that right now." would be fine. But wtf is with just ignoring people???
On the other hand, it seems most of the smaller vendors are doing even more for their customers now than ever. These good guys are worth mentioning: Raptor Racing, Rabid Chimp, BIC, 935, drift motion
/rant
