I know this will have been aired before but . . . I'm planning a transmission/rear suspension rebuild & started by pricing DeDion bush & transmission mounts. To my surprise I'm quoted around 50% better on USA (International Auto Parts) bits compared to a local firm - which I've always found helpful & prompt BTW. That's including a postal charge of USD$40! How could I refuse?
Have any other Alfetta people found this sort of price difference?
Totally. I have some stuff on order through Centreline as I type... With the exchang rate the way it is, you just gotta go where you get the most bang for your buck. I like to support local business, but when it is going to cost me 2-3 times more to do so, I just balk at that as it is 2-3 less things I can get sorted for the same money.
Australian parts distributors cant compete with American or continental suppliers for price
Australian suppliers have one thing in their favour.... convenience
If you have a local supplier SUPPORT THEM
Because if you dont they wont be there when you NEED them
Recently I needed a new gearbox and diff, i was able to have one delivered from the UK for about $1000 cheaper than it cost for a local unit, plus it was for a Q2 diff
Quote from: Sportiva on August 05, 2010, 02:10:52 PM
Australian parts distributors cant compete with American or continental suppliers for price
Australian suppliers have one thing in their favour.... convenience
If you have a local supplier SUPPORT THEM
Because if you dont they wont be there when you NEED them
Well said....the last statement "Because if you dont they wont be there when you NEED them " So very tru...
But you DON'T need them. They charge exorbitant prices for everything, so why support them?
I can get any part I want delivered to my door, by business that actually care enough earn my money, within 7 days from anywhere in the world.
Local parts suppliers- order parts, wait two weeks, go in to find out why you weren't called. Find out parts are either wrong or not even ordered. Wait two weeks and repeat.
Sorry but I don't pay money to charity businesses. If you want my money, lift your game, get parts in when you say you will and import your own stock, instead of being lazy and going through wholesalers (who are the ones who make parts prices so high).
Can't compete with online stores? Tough, it's the 21st century, re evaluate your business model or go under. I used to work in the spare parts industry, I know how much we're being bent over here by parts businesses, margins of 50% are nothing, I've seen 200-250%.
Regards, Andrew.
I am fairly new to Alfa ownership and in the midst of shopping around for new & used parts for my 105.
I'm all for supporting local businesses that support local enthusiast. I think we all acknowledge how important this is!
In a past life with old BMW's, I had some great local suppliers of new and used parts that not only offered good value but great advise and service.
The American and UK suppliers certainly have great websites and appear to be a very user friendly way of ordering parts, but surely we have some local businesses that are a good first point of call?
I am based in Melbourne and would love to hear of any positive stories about local suppliers?
It's cheaper to wait ;)