Vendor's communication

[Koa]

Originally Posted by AznKirby

Giant corporations are making it hard on vendors, so the paying customers have to suffer?

If prices are cheaper on Amazon, but service and communication is upheld at a particular "mom and pop" vendor, I'm definitely going to buy from said vendor.

But if it's cheaper on eBay, and the "mom and pop" vendor doesn't even want to give me the time of day because it isn't profitable, there's no reason why I shouldn't buy it from eBay.

There's no way you can win the prices war, but you can separate from the masses by being a source of information, or a reputable shop with good customer service.
Mike from CSG, for example, has largely contributed to the pool of knowledge on these forums, and I'm sure many people appreciate it and have bought from them because of it.

Just my .02

Competing on price is the lowest form of competition and being a low cost leader is the weakest competitive advantage unless economies of scale and scope are absurdly large, especially from a retail standpoint. However all else being equal, damn right we shouldn't purchase from mum & pap stores that have their noses in the air. You hit it on the head

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Koa

Competing on price is the lowest form of competition and being a low cost leader is the weakest competitive advantage unless economies of scale and scope are absurdly large, especially from a retail standpoint. However all else being equal, damn right we shouldn't purchase from mum & pap stores that have their noses in the air. You hit it on the head

Support dat Walmart!

You'd be surprised at how often people will exchange 15+ PMs with us, and then purchase elsewhere, only to come back to ask us how to set up/install/use what they purchased. Often, we're not even asked for a quote, and other times, lose the sale because someone else beat us by $15 bucks on a $2000+ item. That's not even 1%!

It also reminds me of some products sold on this forum that are cheap up front, but then the consumer gets nickeled and dimed for "highly recommended add ons" and "you should get this too" items that end up driving the cost higher than the high quality/high price (but complete without addons) part. But, I digress.

I do realize that often, we're not able to get back to people as quickly as possible. It's often suggested that more employees are the solution, but in CSG's case, more employees are just not feasible. Even my time spent on this forum is voluntary, and my only compensation is being able to drive (beat on) the CSG car a few times a month.

[Koa]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

Support dat Walmart!

You'd be surprised at how often people will exchange 15+ PMs with us, and then purchase elsewhere, only to come back to ask us how to set up/install/use what they purchased. Often, we're not even asked for a quote, and other times, lose the sale because someone else beat us by $15 bucks on a $2000+ item. That's not even 1%!

It also reminds me of some products sold on this forum that are cheap up front, but then the consumer gets nickeled and dimed for "highly recommended add ons" and "you should get this too" items that end up driving the cost higher than the high quality/high price (but complete without addons) part. But, I digress.

I do realize that often, we're not able to get back to people as quickly as possible. It's often suggested that more employees are the solution, but in CSG's case, more employees are just not feasible. Even my time spent on this forum is voluntary, and my only compensation is being able to drive (beat on) the CSG car a few times a month.

When I am ready to take this car to track level, ya'll are first on the list believe that. Not trying to toot your guys' horn but very impressed at the help and availability from the CSG and RCE teams so far

[Infamous Performance]

At CSG Mike, I hear you. We live in very similar worlds.

[yomny]

@CSG Mike I don't if you're just making a general statement about the PMs and not being able to get back quick enough but I did specify being content with your services. I would understand if this is just a comment but just want to clarify this isnt my point or complaint.

General
Not sure where this is headed but I'm not a business owner nor do I understand lots of the things being discussed. I know it sucks to have questions asked then have the buyer go else where, where he got it cheaper. I guess now is vendor turn to vent. Well bottom like vendors business need the consumer, if you're not willing answer a million questions and have to battle out fornprices then focus on quality and communication. Like I said I pay for my service and parts, I pay for the reliability of having something shipped the next day or at least within 48 hrs. I know there are tons of guys out there nickel and diming but unfortunately that's just consumers for you now I don't think its right for vendors to say, we don't reply because we're profiling your email or contact as bluff or bs. As a side note neither of the two vendors discussing here have offered negligent communication so this isn't routed towards you. Like I said, good product and actual availability of stocked parts and you'll have plenty of people like me willing to pay. Thanks for sharing.

[yomny]

Originally Posted by AznKirby

Giant corporations are making it hard on vendors, so the paying customers have to suffer?

If prices are cheaper on Amazon, but service and communication is upheld at a particular "mom and pop" vendor, I'm definitely going to buy from said vendor.

But if it's cheaper on eBay, and the "mom and pop" vendor doesn't even want to give me the time of day because it isn't profitable, there's no reason why I shouldn't buy it from eBay.

There's no way you can win the prices war, but you can separate from the masses by being a source of information, or a reputable shop with good customer service.
Mike from CSG, for example, has largely contributed to the pool of knowledge on these forums, and I'm sure many people appreciate it and have bought from them because of it.

Just my .02

Couldn't have said it better. That's exactly my point, it isn't about cost or profit unless your prices are retareed out of line. It's about the service, communication and faith that if you treat me well I'll come back. At the end of the day I k ow there aren't many loyal people out there but there are still a few consumers that are just as there are few shops that need to charge but do provide their service and support.