Curt:
I have read with interest, and a significant degree of disgust, the remarks
aimed at the vendors who help us to restore, maintain and enjoy our
Sunbeams. Over the years I have done some business with you, as well as
with SS, VB and others. In no instance have I been cheated, taken advantage
of or deliberately "screwed over". On the other hand, I have been helped,
guided towards others who might have a part or parts I needed, encouraged,
informed, and supported. I am very grateful for the service you and other
vendors provide for us - yes, even the oft-maligned VB. Your help, that of
Tom Weincek, Rick at SS and others with whom I have communicated is greatly
appreciated. Thanks! Our hobby and enjoyment would be greatly challenged
without you.
sincerely,
Paul #14649 Series V
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-alpines@autox.team.net
[mailto:owner-alpines@autox.team.net]On Behalf Of CMeinel464@aol.com
Sent: Thursday, April 19, 2001 6:19 PM
To: oaxacarob@aol.com
Cc: alpines@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: (no subject) open reply
Rob (last name)?
I tried to figure out just who you are, but since we have about 45+ Robs and
Roberts in our data base I'm sorry to say I can't place all of your
comments.
In regard to being a captive customer, I disagree. Five Sunbeam vendors in
the United States along with at least five more in England is not bad.
Consider that Sunbeam Alpines & Tigers have about 1/50 of the production of
say MGB's and Midgets. Also consider that the last of our marque was made
over 30 years ago and we have no factory support whatsoever.
No, I'm not Moss Motors with a 100,000 square foot warehouse, hundreds of
employees and a 10-20 million dollar inventory. Frankly I'm not even
Victoria
British which sells MG, Triumph, Austin, Truck as well as Sunbeam.
I'm not making excuses, just stating the fact that I as one person can never
compete on that level. What I and my wife do is do the best possible job
with
a very limited customer base and funding. Neither of us take a salary and
all profits after expenses is put into reproducing more needed Sunbeam
parts.
In regard to your specific comments:
1: Shipping partial orders: Yes on occasions I have both shipped the
majority
of an order rather that wait for one or two items to complete the order.
Yes, I have left parts out of any order in error, but have then shipped the
parts without addition shipping charges once I was notified of the error.
2: "It's hard to use wheels without lug nuts". I don't sell wheels! Never
did, sorry!
3: "Parts not as described", please be more specific. I never intentionally
mislead anyone in regard to NOS, Repro or the description of an item.
4: "Parts that are nonreturnable", again name it. My policy for the last 30
years is if it's your fault or ours, a full refund, without a restocking
charge is made. The only exception is on special order items such as green
seat kits with purple piping.
Have I made mistakes, yes, have I had long delays in shipping items, yes if
they are not in stock and yes I do apologize personally to you for these
problems.
Sincerely,
Curt
Classic Sunbeam
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