I was delighted to see Richard Sharp's recent response to an earlier post which
presumably
was critical of the service offered by Rimmers.
My association with the firm is only as an entirely satisfied customer - but
this thread
of parts supplier 'bashing' seems to come up with all too much frequency. I
find it hard
to believe the list does not have subscribers (in 'lurk' mode) who work for
parts
suppliers themselves. Equally, I feel there are some listers who are very
'close' to such
individuals and who would relay to them the complaints that are periodically
aired.
Surely, the majority of listers are broadly happy with parts supply and I for
one would be
delighted to see these companies (whichever one is in for the bash of the week)
to break
cover and put their viewpoint. This can be done without any risk of breaking
customer/supplier confidences and showing some teeth does no harm at all. The
TRF saga of
a few weeks ago, seemed to rumble on for ever and why no-one from TRF took the
bull by the
horns and responded seemed odd to say the least. Perhaps there was a response
and I missed
it?
The bottom line would appear to be that the majority of us are glad these firms
are there
to support us. Sadly, there is a minority whose assessment of service supply
rates from
these marque dedicated specialists suggests they have an order fill expectation
not too
far removed from standing at a counter and asking for three Big Macs and double
fries all
round. The parts business for a current production car is a little more complex
than that,
while catering for vehicles that have been out of production for thirty years
or more
while still turning a profit and meeting current financial returns is even more
demanding.
The term, "Get Real" is not too misplaced. So, for the future, when someone
starts
slagging off Rimmers, TRF, Moss, VB or whoever - a reply from them to the list
would have
the refreshing charm of novelty and I would e delighted to see what it is.
Jonmac
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