I suspect many of us have been to their "offcie"...those who attend
the summer party are encouraged to tour the entire facility, which is
remarkably clean and orderly. Can't speak for the level of computer
technology, but TRF does much of its own desk top publishing...
The parts storage area (which is really large) is neatly arranged with
parts organized sort of by frequency of turnover...(which was
interesting because identical parts for different sides of a car might
not be located together in the warehouse). Parts which are one of a
kind are tagged in a "threatening" way (something like, "sell this
part and you die!") to preserve an example for possible reproduction
at some future date/time.
All in all, the whole place is an impressive visit which evokes all
sorts of nostalgia (seeing 50 or more new TR-6 blocks in preservative,
like numbers of new factory orginal crankshafts, and other rare pieces
neatly stored). TRF is a big operation...teamed in an almost family
way by people who seem to be as enthusiastic about our hobby as we
are...I think many of the employees have LBC...not to mention rumours
of Charles' off site collection. (Want to give me a tour next summer
party, Charles????)
Pete McHugh
Annandale, VA
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: TRF
Author: peterz@merak.com at Internet
Date: 6/30/97 5:18 PM
Just finished placing an order at TRF to get the stuff I wanted from
their Summer Companion Flyer (which I received only last week). As usual
a bunch of stuff I wanted was not available. That's ok, but here is the
amusing/intersting part.
When I asked what my total was part way through the order, the sales
person I was speaking with informed me that he would not be able to give
me that info. What! I said? Surely your computer must have the running
total in front of you? No he said the total won't be available until the
order is input by data processing! Visions of some midnight shift
operator with a stack of computer punch cards came to my mind at this
point.
And we wonder why they don't have a web site!
Has anyone actually been to their office? I wonder what it looks like? I
was quite surprised that the order person was unable to provide me with
a running total of my order that's for sure.
BTW, before anyone proceeds to shred me for dissing TRF, that is not how
I meant this observation to come accross. I like their parts (for the
most part). My beefs with them are:
1. Constantly out of stock
2. Reluctance to enter the modern age (ie live order system, web site)
Just MHO...
Peter Zaborski
76 TR6 (CF58310 UO)
Calgary AB Canada
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