Date:         Wed, 13 Feb 2002 12:50:06 EST
Reply-To:     KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         KENWILFY@AOL.COM
Subject:      Re: parts supplier
Comments: To: vanagon@busdepot.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

The other thing that needs to be pointed out here is that these folks are
basically running these web stores to do volume.  That means that you may get
a better deal on some things because they are trying to undercut everyone
else, but your order, in the grand scheme of things doesn't really matter.
There is probably no customer support as far as the parts they are selling.
That means that if you call to ask, "How do I install this part?"  the people
on the other end of the phone line are going to have less of an idea than you
do.  Customer service counts for a lot and that is how we have grown our
business here at Van-Again.  I could sell parts for every car under the sun
too, but specializing in the Vanagon allows me to have some specialized
knowledge which I can pass on to my customers.  If it saves you from buying
$1000 worth of parts that you really didn't need to solve your high throttle
problem, bucking problem, etc. then who is actually cheaper?

The big companies (including VW for that matter) have basically sold the
Vanagon community down the river.  They are only interested in the bottom
line, not in providing a service.  I think that is the main difference
between these "turn-key" websites and the more personal customer service of
our List Vendors.  I would encourage you to continue to be there for your
List Vendors (I am not just talking about me, but also Bus Depot, AA
Transaxle, Boston Engine, etc) and we will in turn continue to be here for
you.

Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Phone: (856)-765-1583
Fax: (856)-327-2242