With much interest I have been reading the recent postings
regarding parts purchases. Some advocate buying direct from the UK,
another suggested calling her favorite Moss guy, a third indicated
that this distributor guy in Maine could save a bundle and so on.
I happen to be a teacher, 29 years in the sixth grade and
little hope of advancement, and I like to purchase my parts as
reasonably as possible. I also should add up front that I am the
distributor guy from Maine but please hear me out. ;-)
Oldtimers and newcomers alike would do well to establish
a pattern when researching/purchasing parts. Some of the following
suggestions are steps that you might want to follow to ensure that
you are getting good quality parts at prices that are reasonable:
1. Join your local/national club and use this list as
well to communicate with likeminded folks. I find club members
to be open and honest with each other and a great help in
locating needed parts.
2. Go to event/shows...take your car if you can but go.
Talk to others about where they buy their parts, what problems they
have had and what kind of prices they are paying. Often parts
sales, autojumbles and the like are connected with these events
and can be good places to find what you need. Many times the big
parts companies hand out discount coupons as well to attendees.
3. Get catalogs from as many mail order houses as you can.
Compare prices but also learn about quality. Call and ask...do you
have it? Will it fit? Can I have a color sample? Be a pest!! Is
the person you talk with familiar with british cars?
4. The companies all have sales. Know what and when and
take advantage. Ask what is planned.
5. Try to buy in large enough orders to gain free
shipping. Gather some friends together to help get the needed amount.
6. Check local suppliers...many items are available over
the counter at reasonable prices. Ignition pieces, water pumps and
the like may even be less and you get to immediately check the quality
and fit of the item.
7. Develop a relationship with a local specialist/dealer.
you may not save great amounts but the advice could be priceless.
You may find them willing to let you take advantage of their buying
power as well.
8. Now for the promo... there are authorized distributors/
dealers for the big companies that do little more than broker parts.
We happen to do just that and have customers in 16 states, some by the
way are on this list. This becomes a good option when the above steps
are not filling your needs. Usually a fax or call will get you a quote
and if you wish to go ahead, the parts are drop shipped to you from the
supplier. I also have read positive things about a fellow in Vt. who may
be doing the same thing. Because of our volume and low overhead we are
able to pass on substabntial discounts to you.
Please forgive my long post, I have been lurking here for quite some
time and finally got up enough courage to send a post. :-)
I know most of this is obvious but there certainly are numerous
options short of overseas purchasing.
Dick Burger
Ph 207 945 6823
Fx 207 945 3518
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