Survey: Best NSX Parts Supplier

[zoomnsx]

There have been instances of vendor bashing and bashing of vendor victims in this forum. In most instances it was very subjective and emotional. As members of this classy forum, it will be excellent information to know how we all objectively rate our vendors / suppliers.
Using the following criteria: quality, price, and service; tell us your best vendor / supplier.
My vote goes to Chris Wilson from SOS.
Disclaimer: I have no interest in SOS and never met this person.

 

[Hrant]

I think all the main vendors on this forum are reputable and honorable people. They all offer different niche products, services, prices, etc. ....... the best overall will always be a subjective one as a vendor will never be able to please all, it all depends on what you are shopping for. So I don't see what purpose such a survey will accomplish ....

Also if such a survey albeit subjective is to be taken semi-seriously for whatever bragging rights - it should include a rating of unbiased technical knoweldge of the pros and cons of the products being sold for the customer's specific application and/or needs. This is different from service and at least in my book is as equal to if not more than any other parameter.


PS: I do have a vested interest in/with all vendors as I will be hammering them hard with schmoozing for goodies before NSXPO 2003 .....

 

[zoomnsx]

Originally posted by Hrant:
I think all the main vendors on this forum are reputable and honorable people.

....................................................
You are missing the point! If you look at the criteria, it has nothing to do with being reputable and honorable, both of which are subjective, and both of which the survey is trying to avoid. All 3 criteria is fair to all and favors no one except the best performer.
Some people will be hesitant to participate in this survey for fear of pissing off other vendors. That's fine, this is a free country. But in this country, the consumer rules. Ratings exist to benefit the consumer and improve the supplier / vendor.

 

[Hrant]

Well, I hate to get into a debate over this but since you opened the door let me make a few points - but I will not belabor with additional posts, I think my comments were pretty relevant. And I do appreciate what you are trying to accomplish.

But, the terms you have selected are not well defined and they do not lend to a more objective or fair evaluation than what has been posted so far by many - subjective and personal comments.

Quality: the quality of the products manufactured by the vendor/supplier (would apply to the likes of a few such as Comptech, Dali, RM, Zublin, Basch, Carbotech, KHrant .....) or quality of products retailed as a third party front store (and there are quite a few of those ....)? In the latter case the "quality" is less relevant IMO as you are shopping for a product most likely available in many other retail stores.

Price: If technical expertise is included in the pricing does that count or are you shopping for the lowest price? Check Andie Lin's comments on this forum re this issue when he was semi jokingly challenged on his pricing of brake related products. [By the way I agree with Andie's post since that is is his livelihood ...... ]

Service: Put a realistic parameter such as, are your e-mails or phone calls returned within say 48 hours, do the shipments arrive on time, are you kept apprised of the status of your order, waht is the return or refund policy, ....... otherwise what might be acceptable to one would be cause for another to post a flaming complaint ........

And finally, what is the use of having a quick e-mail or phone call response time, great price, good quality (whichever definiton or criteria is used), and I will toss in overnight free shipping for ...... if the product sold to you does not: (a) meet your needs because the vendor just wanted to sell the item for revenue rather than advise you what might and might not work for your application; (b) the product does not work as purported ..... but the workmanship and finish is top notch!!

All three of your criteria would have been met yet you would surely rate this vendor/supplier as poor unless you accept and abide by the principle of caveat emptor, a priori.

And finally, would you care to identify yourself or include your e-mail .....

 

[docjohn]

PEP boys! they are everywhere and you can harrass them in person!Plus they sponsor a great enthusiast TV show "high rev tuners" Which should not be shown to anyone prone to siezures!On a serious note ,overall our usual cast of vendors are all reputable,and most untword events are not premeditated,there are always two sides,plus if I use a cc and don't get my product the cc comp. deals with it not me.Life is too short to masterbate about overdue polished coolant bottles.

 

[zoomnsx]

Originally posted by Hrant:
Well, I hate to get into a debate over this but since you opened the door let me
.....................................................................
You missed the point again! The intention was never to debate. Acura ranks it's dealerships, consumer report ranks different cars, and JD Power ranks car manufacturers. Why can't NSX owners rank it's vendor's and suppliers? This is valuable information. After you identified yourself as a vendor / supplier, I can see why you are having a heartburn with this.
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But, the terms you have selected are not well defined and they do not lend to a more objective
...............................................................
I agree with you that the criteria is very vague. I'm not sure if this is good enough, but will attempt to make it clearer.

Quality:
Does this vendor carry only good quality products( i.e. CF products that fit well, intake system that works, metal hub centric rings instead of plastic, etc.)

Price:
Let's keep this very simple, the lowest out the door price for the same item (brand and model no). No other variables such as technical advice will be included.

Service: The standard practice, nothing special.
Uses reliable carrier
Adequate packing methods
Acknowledges order within 24 hours
Provides order status within 48 hours
Informs customer of any delay
Adequate RMA process
Follows email protocol (internet business)
*******************************************************************

And finally, would you care to identify yourself or include your e-mail .....

.............................................................................................
I have changed my profile to show my email. Also, you responded to my email last May and introduced me to Al Terpak. Excellent product!

 

[zoomnsx]

Originally posted by docjohn:
Life is too short to masterbate about overdue polished coolant bottles.[/B]

........................................................................................
Vulgarities and exotic cars is a contradiction. And I hope you are not a real doctor.

 

[docjohn]

Actualy the vulgarity is your interpretation,not my intention and yes I'm a board cert. real live doc,but I don't partake in the often ridiculous and useless arguments on this site or any other.The web is too big to speak freely and not offend someone.Besides you need to keep those parts shinny somehow!

 

[MiamieNeSeX]

Nice one Doc

 

[Soichiro]

My vote goes to Mark Johnson at Dali Racing. Great advice, fast service including shipping, easy to deal with, has a sense of humour too. I've also had excellent support from Shad at Comptech.

 

[Markbert]

I think we have been blessed with a variety of 3rd party suppliers to the NSX community, and I am thankful for all of them. That being said, the majority of my experiences with online parts have been with Dali Racing. I have had nothing but positive experiences with Mark Johnson, his service, and the quality of the incoming parts.

 

[cobalt]

PS: I do have a vested interest in/with all vendors as I will be hammering them hard with schmoozing for goodies before NSXPO 2003 .....

[/B]

Don't schmooze too hard...I'm a pushover anyhow.

-Andie

 

[Hrant]

Yes Andie, you were a push over ..... LOL!

I should restate that, Andie was very genrous with his donation of raffle items to our [NSXCA Sacramento Chapter] track event on 9/3. His raffle items, coupled with our other sponosors, ensured every attendee to win a raffle item .....

As we keep noting, we will promote and advertise any sponsor of our events and activities unabashedly .... so if you are out there, hello!!, we are here, let us know .....