Re: Alfa parts issues...long winded

[Alfa Romeo Search and Rescue Society <alfabill@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Brian Shorey wrote:
> 

> however true this may be, there is a flaw in your marketing research.  you
> started by soliciting input, then switched to trying to educate your market.

Thanks for the reply, I have to accept that I am no genius...but I
somehow hope that if folks understand why something happens, they will
be a bit more patient. i am learning as I go on this.
> 
> the average alfa consumer may not completely understand how ardona works, or
> even care.  the average alfa consumer knows what he wants, or needs.  the
> person that can offer that will succeed.  when no one can offer consistent
> parts availability, then alfa's will no longer be used for daily
> transportation (in this country).

Makes sense....
> 
> if you think it's economically unfeasible for a dealer to try to support
> alfa's now, wait until they're only being used as once-a-month cars.  i see
> cars like george foggs tz1 or tz2 over at glynns shop.,snip. 

Absolutely...It is a "matter of time" issue. The market is getting
smaller with every totaled car...

> personally, i agree with you regarding price.  unless you're way out of line
> with everybody else, price doesn't matter to me.  however, if i'm placing a
> large parts order and there's a significant savings to be had, i just might
> go looking for it.

I just won't be a price whore , key word, competitive. Volume can talk
though. I agree.
> 
> i'd like to see a really good web presence.  i can't count the number of
> times i've tried to find time during a busy workday to place a phone call
> for a parts order, only to find that it's after 5:00 by the time i get
> around to it.  give me a comprehensive on-line catalog with useful links to
> related technical information.  cover as much of the oem stuff as you can,
> fill in the rest with the best you can find, and offer some useful
> performance stuff as well.

Again, makes sense, I have to look at everything as an economic
decision. 
One thing I might offer is a e-mail back service, to give both parties
time.[what do you need? When do you need it? E-mail prices and
availability back same day.]
 In the list of parts offered and what is on hand can change daily. I
first have to establish what really is wanted, versus "mufflers bearings
fo a TZ" which may be desired but won't sell for 2 years. 
> 
> i'd like a single source for everything.  if you offer only maintenance
> items, i've got sources for those.  are you going to cover the early stuff?
> will i be able to buy alfetta parts?  (does your dealer *really* want to
> invest in supporting alfas, or just the milano/spider/164 crowd?  i'm not
> going one place for my alfetta parts and another for my milano parts, i'd
> just as soon keep the guy that's supporting my alfetta in business.)

	Brian, I totally agree here, my chem customers wanted the same. It is a
trend in the US.Makes sense, Look at Home Depot...
	What I want to do is simple. No, it's not in stock, but I can get it in
2-3 days, through a parts supplier network, Maybe Joel for
something,Re-Originals for soft parts, and Caribou for tops, Int'l for
others. Nobody can have it all, but if someone knows where to get it and
can fill the order, I think it would get a positive response. Most Alfa
owners are not on the digest, many not on the web. They need a source as
well. We digesters already have a huge advantage because we have access
to this media.
> 
> i also appreciate it when a parts guy offers information, and/or recommends
> stuff that should be purchased along with what i'm buying.  for example, cv
> joint grease and clamps with cv joint boots.  i'd like the comprehensive web
> software to handle that as well, or the supplier to offer things like that
> as kits.

	Great idea, That is just common sense ticket building but it is rarely
done. It's a good thing for the customer. IE; Brad Anesi with his hoses.
Clamps included. I didn't shop the clamp price, they were good clamps
and I didn't have to go looking for them on a Sunday. CONVENIENCE,
> 
>with all that, unless you can go outside your local community i don't see
> how you can make a real profit.,snip.  

You are correct,It cannot be self supporting. This dealer has a busy
Japanese line to pay the rent. Alfa would be gravy and I have the
enthusiasm to push it. 
> 
> hope this helps,

All the feedback helps. I am learning and that's a bonus in itself.

Thursday is the truth day...meeting the owners... Here goes
nothing~~!!!!
LOL maybe this is all in vain, but at least it was attempted, right?
> 
> bs

- -- 

Bill Harkell--Tampa Florida
"Pity those who don't know the redline cry of an Alfa V-6" -Anon.
"Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom" -AmiSue1
Homepage: http://pw2.netcom.com/~alfabill/welcome.htm

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