What ever happened to......

[GMCPaul]

This post was emailed to me and since I don't get here as often as I would like to I appreciate the email because otherwise I might not have seen it.
c10crazy lack of interest by board members caused the monthly vendor discount program to fall apart.
We spend over 1/3 of our advertising budget donating to 67-72chevytrucks.com, in the past this got us a thank you from Josh and helped to make sure the board was available to others, in the last couple of years he has added the banner ads to the board and because of our continually donating and our continued donations to the board we received a banner ad for our contributions, this banner ad and our presence here nets us approx. about 10-15% of our customers. I purchase additional business cards with this boards web site address printed on them that we send to new customers & pass out at swap meets to expand the knowledge base of this web site.
I've sponsored board meets, spent hundreds of hours in the past offering advice to members & help to board members in the past.
We offer free shipping on orders over $500 except for bulk heavyweight/oversized items, and always have a sale page online with special discount pricing.
When I started my business I used to be able to spend a few hours on the board everyday, as the business grew I saw my time for enjoyment of the board stripped from me by the increasingly time consuming task of keeping business financial books, product development, inventory control, shipping, etc....etc.... to the point that my free time is almost non-existent and I'm lucky to make in on here to post.
So we will keep on trying to do our best on getting you the highest quality parts we can at the very best prices we can offer and a big thank you to our customers here on this board I do appreciate those that have purchased from us in the past and in the future that originate from this board. Those that haven't purchased from us or never will that come to the board I still appreciate the insight and knowledge learned from them on these trucks by this board being available to post on.
If anyone feels that they can gain the same knowledge gleaned from 10 years of collecting truck magazines at subscription prices of $10-$25per magazine a year as they can gain from the free use of this board then great, I'm happy for you, You might want to write all their advertisers in the magazines to send you special discounts because you bought the magazine they advertised in, but most folks find that they can get more info on there truck of interest in a few hours on this board than they gain from years of magazine subscriptions.
GMCPaul

[70c10]

That was a great post Paul. Thanks for all you do here!

[byrd]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

mabey they should save there banner money and give more discounts. besides that word of mouth is the best way to sell... if you're the best/cheapest/nice everyone will go to them.......... mabey this thread should be renamed to "venders read me".....mabey a little insite from them would go a long way here..

also what fantacy world are ya living in?

Well you can always order from LMC and they will gie you a discount, will that make you feel better Of course they mark their itmes up 70-80% then give you 10% off and you think you got a deal when GMC pauls, Atheys, Ed @ Mother truckers prices were cheaper to begin with.

They ARE and the rest of the PAYING members of this board are paying your way and WE DO NOT appreciate you badgering the vendors who spend THEIR MONEY to advertise here so that YOU can PISS and MOAN about their prices, do you badger the vendors on the other site you described in one of your posts?

[71swb4x4]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

please give me a break.... id gladly pay to receive at least some kinda discount for members........no one is paying my way for anything...
if they are how? by letting me type to other truck owners? or by shearing pics and ideas?

Yes, and yes to both those questions. The servers to run the board aren't free. The last I heard Josh was renting servers that were large enough to keep this board going. So yes, because of their ads, Josh can pay to keep the servers, and you can type, and share pictures and ideas with all of the people that are on this truck board.
I do not mean any of the rudely, just trying to answer your question.

[ClemsonChevy]

I haven't been on THIS board for long, but have on others. Why do people always complain about vendors. Its one thing if they are WAY overpriced, won't help if you call them for service or a jerks. But when they are competitively priced, great to help you on the phone with service, have great selection and offer tremendous support to a forum such as this, then what can you gripe about? They are there because they like working in the area of there product, but also for the money. They have bills to pay as a company that most people don't realize. If they want to offer a discount because they can afford it, then great. If not, they will continue to do business well if they are great at what they do.

[shifty]

I think somoene(s) may have misinterpreted my post.

First, Mark (FuelCellGuy) gave me a killer price on my tank. He's not in question. I'm just saying, some kind of acknowledgement would be great - give me a 1% discount for all I care if I let ya know I'm a board member. I appreciate all the advertising and whatnot, all the money that goes into the board, but does that let me know that a vendor APPRECIATES the fact that I'm taking the time to validate HOW I found out about their store and that I'm part of the same community that they are? Would they rather just not know what advertising is most effective for them and where they should beef it up? Likewise, if you offer community members discounts, you must surely recognize that when word gets around, this is going to encourage more people to buy from you as they realize you really DO care about netting their business. If your quality of business and service match a good price, this is how you become a household name.

Giving a discount to board members isn't like tossing dollars to charity and giving away your profit margin. Have any of the people bashing on the people speaking up in this post ever owned, ran your own business, worked in advertising or all of the above? Do you not understand the value of targetted advertising and direct response? (direct response is basically what I'm describing - using promo codes and whatnot to find out if your adverts are effective).

With the logic exhibited above, if I were, say, JYJ, I guess he would just totally spend all of his money on advertising and just never care what is effective. Just throw away all of your dollars into advertising that may or may not be working for you. Wouldn't want a "JERK" to "DISRESPECT" anyone.

I'm just simply trying to say - if you know you have a 8% profit margin on some product you sell and you know you can cut someone a deal and they let you know where you heard about them so you can better run your business, cut them a freakin deal...knock off 4% or something. They're doing you a favor, so do them a favor. Then, when you get enough response from that area and you find you're getting little or no response from other communities and forums, cut down on the advertising there. Word catches on, give it some time, tweak it, just like you'd tweak any other toy you own. It doesn't matter if you're $5 more than the big boys, people are going to come to you because they hear SALE or DISCOUNT and they hear, from others, that you actually care about the community (in this case).

That's just my 2¢ from my online marketing experience working with several vendors at my previous job. I helped advertise and do web design for everyone from www.canesandsuch.com to a big name we all know - www.nationalpartsdepot.com

Of course, some people (JYJ - no surprise there) feel comfortable bashing me and other people for being greedy little sh*ts? That's a real standup way to live, bud.

[biglou55]

When I log on I thank each and every one here for thier insight and time. Especially the vendors. I have only dealt with a couple of them but they took thier time and expertise to help me. Would i love a discount ? HELL yes who woludn.t. Do they have to give one (NO) I look at all thier sights and then choose. I do run ( part time )a small engine repair business besides my regular job. People come to me because i am fair and competive and up front. If I think a vendor is to high or is ripping us off I will be the first to get on the soap box. vendors keep up the good work. I for one am appreciative. And if josh has to up the ante at any time for this service we receive my money will be there. ( all done ranting )

[CPNE]

Originally Posted by shifty

I think somoene(s) may have misinterpreted my post.

First, Mark (FuelCellGuy) gave me a killer price on my tank. He's not in question. I'm just saying, some kind of acknowledgement would be great - give me a 1% discount for all I care if I let ya know I'm a board member. I appreciate all the advertising and whatnot, all the money that goes into the board, but does that let me know that a vendor APPRECIATES the fact that I'm taking the time to validate HOW I found out about their store and that I'm part of the same community that they are? Would they rather just not know what advertising is most effective for them and where they should beef it up? Likewise, if you offer community members discounts, you must surely recognize that when word gets around, this is going to encourage more people to buy from you as they realize you really DO care about netting their business. If your quality of business and service match a good price, this is how you become a household name.

Giving a discount to board members isn't like tossing dollars to charity and giving away your profit margin. Have any of the people bashing on the people speaking up in this post ever owned, ran your own business, worked in advertising or all of the above? Do you not understand the value of targetted advertising and direct response? (direct response is basically what I'm describing - using promo codes and whatnot to find out if your adverts are effective).

With the logic exhibited above, if I were, say, JYJ, I guess he would just totally spend all of his money on advertising and just never care what is effective. Just throw away all of your dollars into advertising that may or may not be working for you. Wouldn't want a "JERK" to "DISRESPECT" anyone.

I'm just simply trying to say - if you know you have a 8% profit margin on some product you sell and you know you can cut someone a deal and they let you know where you heard about them so you can better run your business, cut them a freakin deal...knock off 4% or something. They're doing you a favor, so do them a favor. Then, when you get enough response from that area and you find you're getting little or no response from other communities and forums, cut down on the advertising there. Word catches on, give it some time, tweak it, just like you'd tweak any other toy you own. It doesn't matter if you're $5 more than the big boys, people are going to come to you because they hear SALE or DISCOUNT and they hear, from others, that you actually care about the community (in this case).

That's just my 2¢ from my online marketing experience working with several vendors at my previous job. I helped advertise and do web design for everyone from www.canesandsuch.com to a big name we all know - www.nationalpartsdepot.com

Of course, some people (JYJ - no surprise there) feel comfortable bashing me and other people for being greedy little sh*ts? That's a real standup way to live, bud.

The problem I see with your logic is that you are making assumptions that:
1: The vendors don't already know their customer base and marketing response rates and you're somehow "enlightening" them
2: The vendors get a large percentage of their business from this board and this board alone, therefore they owe us (or you in this case)

I'd bet neither is true.


I can't speak for JYJ and others, but what hacks me off is the arrogant manner in which you feel you are owed. I know you help a lot of people on this board, especially with computer related issues, but it seems to me (based upon this post and others) that you don't do it just to be a nice guy. It seems to me your agenda is to build up a "good will" bank, and then try and leverage that for your own gain. If you are doing people favors, leave it at that and don't expect it in return. If it happens then wonderful, good for you. If you are doing it in anticipation of something, be up front and just charge for your advise, and spare us the drama.

[67ChevyRedneck]

I placed an order with GMCPauls about 2 months ago. I was in no hurry to get the stuff, but after two weeks I replied to an email that was sent to me as an order confirmation becuase I hadn't gotten my stuff yet. A nice feller named Les emailed me back within an hour or so to notify me that FedEX has lost my order. A replacement order was sent out the next day. Now THAT's customer service.

I check the vendor's websites for the "deals" and compare the prices to others. They may not "advertise" it here, but the deals are there.

Truth is, if you want a "real" deal on something you have to pick it up in person or go to a swap meet the vendors are at and "haggle" a bit with 'em, that's when you save the real money.

[boundstaffpress]

I'm glad that the board vendors pay to help host this site.

I'd like to say THANK YOU. You help make this the best truck site I've found.

I shop for bargins on high quality products. I would gladly buy from a vendor if I can justify the price. Bought from GMC Paul this month. Maybe heavier gauge metal, correct material etc. On some products, I can't justify spending extra money. Same reason I shop online instead of locally sometimes. I want to give my money to the little guy, but I only have so much money. Service will sway me to buy a higher priced item to a point.

examples: I bought defrost ducting from chevy duty for $12 instead of any of the board vendors because they were $10-12 dollars more.
I bought a turn signal switch from chevy duty for $26 instead of the $45-60 I could get it locally.

I wish Chevy Duty were a board vendor so I could feel even better about buying from them.

[HOTFUN]

The way I see it if more people would pay the small $25 membership fee and post some parts or parts wanted ads, then more activity would be present. I personally have gotten some sweet deals or great information from members posts and it appears there are less parts ads than before the changes last fall. More memberships could shift the operational costs off charging the vendors and share it among the users. I for one, enjoy the opportunities of Teeitup and some of the others like justascratch, when they post their used stuff for us to get a chance at instead of it going to eBay. So maybe the guys sponging the board for info and jumping in ahead of paid members to buy posted parts should pay their membership dues. Let the occasional used parts sellers who part out a complete truck back off paying the vendor fees. And give the new parts vendors a break. Mark

[Liz]

shifty darlin.. im not even reading all that, i got bored half way through but

#1 i agree with what JYJ said on many levels, guess thats typical tho
#2 vendors HAVE given discounts and offers and group buys, forum members didnt bother being involved, not once but many times
#3 reread GMCPauls post, it puts alot into perspective


Im sure youll rip this apart, if you do make it short n simple, my attention span is low today


now quit startin crap pointing fingers, I luv ya n all but your stirring sh!t up in the post and it will be closed soon...

[Josh]

Originally Posted by HOTFUN

The way I see it if more people would pay the small $25 membership fee and post some parts or parts wanted ads, then more activity would be present. I personally have gotten some sweet deals or great information from members posts and it appears there are less parts ads than before the changes last fall. More memberships could shift the operational costs off charging the vendors and share it among the users. I for one, enjoy the opportunities of Teeitup and some of the others like justascratch, when they post their used stuff for us to get a chance at instead of it going to eBay. So maybe the guys sponging the board for info and jumping in ahead of paid members to buy posted parts should pay their membership dues. Let the occasional used parts sellers who part out a complete truck back off paying the vendor fees. And give the new parts vendors a break. Mark

I give as many breaks as I can. Imagine this scenario, you work full time, go to school full time, and was paying out of pocket for a website so others could buy and sell their businesses/side businesses. Meanwhile your can barely afford to fix your daily driver because your paying to support a site that gives you hardly any thanks and mostly just headaches. Now would you not hope some of the members, and those parting vehicles etc. as profit to step up and help pay for the resource their using? An ad in a news paper is what, $10? $15? for a few days of local non-targeted advertising. Here for $25 you get targeted advertising for a year unlimited ads. If your a vendor its a small $25 fee a month to list your entire catalog if you want to take the time to, thats cheaper than web hosting or advertising anywhere else. Call me greedy if you wish, but I was tired of working my ass off for nothing while everyone else was profiting off my lil project and I got stuck with the tab....

Josh

[71swb4x4]

I think this thread is great. I hope it shows a lot of newer people how the board actually works.

Josh, I read Mark's thread differently, but maybe I am misinterpretting it. I thought he was saying more people should pay the $25 to subscribe, which would in turn take pressure off the vendors and what they pay, so they could in turn provide a discount.

[HotRod71]

x2

[67ChevyRedneck]

If you're always expecting something for nothing, that is exactly what you're going to get How's that for summing it up

[shifty]

Originally Posted by CPNE

I can't speak for JYJ and others, but what hacks me off is the arrogant manner in which you feel you are owed.

You using the word "owed" is a bit of a stretch in my mind. I don't think anyone owes me anything. I am simply trying to convey that it would be nice to see some kind of anything coming from anyone. Most places I shop for computer parts with give me discounts if i:

- i refer several people
- i am part of a group or club that makes regular purchases
- i am a frequent customer
- i provide free advertising out of my own time and resources that gains business

Now, I see this gratitude in the tech business. I see it with my mortgage broker. I see it with my realtor. When I was really into snowboarding, I saw it with most of the merchants i shopped with for boots, bindings, lift tickets, etc. I don't feel the truck parts industry OWES it to me, I am bitter that I haven't seen this same gratitude in this industry, at least, it has not been apparent to me. That is not to say it does not exist.

If you want to confuse my bitterness and lack of understanding to "arrogance", I find that offensive, but think what you will.

I generally get no perks at all ordering from a vendor other than knowing in some roundabout way I am helping them stay alive so they can pay for advertising (in turn gets hosting) at the forum. I do get one benefit - from today, the benefit of spending an hour of my time cancelling my credit cards because one of the board vendors can't keep card information confidential, have bad accounting practices or they're crooked - and I have seen two other similar posts here at the forum in the past 6 months.

Originally Posted by CPNE

I know you help a lot of people on this board, especially with computer related issues, but it seems to me (based upon this post and others) that you don't do it just to be a nice guy.

You're right. I do it because I have immense knowledge on the topic, just like the hundreds of other guys around here that have helped me with their immense knowledge of our trucks -- and I *love* to help others learn. It is an altruistic action on my part, I have no desire for reimbursement, I do it out of love and general desire on my part. Hell, just the other day I sent a forum member $100 in computer parts for free (charged em shipping and helped them understand how to install it). I don't want reimbursement. I am currently in the process of fixing another forum member's computer that was shipped to me this week for free, then shipping it back. I don't want reimbursement for that either. I damn sure don't publicize it (except now for an example) like some people would because I'm not trying to gain any brownie points or increase my public image. I could care less. I want to help people in a community that helps me - BOTTOM LINE. What goes around comes around. I'd love to see others around here do the same. Kindness begets kindness begts kindness begets kindness.

And, for the record, if you think you're seeing half of what I do for people around here just in the computer forum posts, you're quite mistaken. I don't LIKE to talk about this kind of thing in public because it's not important. I don't want "God-like" status around here, I have turned down invites to moderate some stuff in the past, I don't want that - I just want to help because everyone needs it and I am able.

Originally Posted by CPNE

It seems to me your agenda is to build up a "good will" bank, and then try and leverage that for your own gain.

If you really believe that, I am sorry. I wish you had taken the time to really get to know me rather than taking it upon yourself to make assumptions about my character.

I talk how I am. I hold back here, but only enough to clear the rules of hte forum. I am obnoxious to many and I accept that. My friends accept me because this is how I am. If you meet me in person I am not always this way. Some forum members have met me in person and tell me I'm nothing like how I am on the forum (give me more time ).

I am a vibrant, knowledgable person and I HAVE AN OPINION. My opinion is usually based on something, I do not listen to anyone much, I usually pave my own way instead of blindly accept. I contribute in posts like this and voice my opinion because that's how I learn other people's perspectives.

I don't mind expressing my mind and you're seeing it in this post. I don't *****foot around (I have immense respect for JYJ because he's the same way - and it irritates the hell out of me most of the time ). Don't let that cluod your judgement about what I'm trying to get across.

Don't fool yourself. Unless you consider the reputation squares over there to the left a bit, I get no benefit from this at all. In fact, often times, I take a financial or time investment hit on every person I help around here - whether it's sending them free software, helping them recover from something major or otherwise...

Originally Posted by CPNE

If you are doing people favors, leave it at that and don't expect it in return.

I don't.

And - Liz - I hear ya. Sorry I can't keep this one short. You know me better. Theres some good content up there. Hope ya read it.

[CPNE]

I don't believe it. Case in point, you say you respect JYJ, then what the hell is this?

Originally Posted by shifty

Of course, some people (JYJ - no surprise there) feel comfortable bashing me and other people for being greedy little sh*ts? That's a real standup way to live, bud.

Doesn't sound respectful to me.

Reread your response to me. You are full of yourself.

I've got some advise for you. Re-read your posts before submitting them. Think about your "tone'" and choice of wording. Try to limit them to a few simple sentences. Meaning to or not, you come off as an arrogant know-it-all alot of the time. FYI, I had several PM's regarding my post here and those people had similar sentiments.

[Tynee]

And we have now degenerated into a pissing match (actually it probably happened soomewhere back on the first page, the fact the thread is still open is a testament to Liz's and Josh's patience). Here's hoping the thread gets closed, because I've never seen anything but good service from the vendors on this board, and because I don't think complaining about the vendors was the original intent of the thread.

[shifty]

Originally Posted by CPNE

I don't believe it. Case in point, you say you respect JYJ, then what the hell is this?

I gotta pick back. "He who taketh, disheth". Someone punches you in the arm, you're not oging to punch back?

Originally Posted by CPNE

Reread your response to me. You are full of yourself.

Sooooo full of myself. If you gotta read that far into what I'm saying and completely ignore what I'm trying to get at, put me on ignore now and save yourself some typing.

Originally Posted by CPNE

I've got some advise for you. Re-read your posts before submitting them. Think about your "tone'" and choice of wording. Try to limit them to a few simple sentences. Meaning to or not, you come off as an arrogant know-it-all alot of the time. FYI, I had several PM's regarding my post here and those people had similar sentiments.

That's just not the way I live. I do go back and read my posts. In fact, I went back and edited that one about ten times to try and clarify what I'm saying.

I guess I'm just a prick. So be it. If people don't get me, they don't get me. I've been doing the forum thing long enough. I've heard praise and criticism from all kinds of people. I accept me for what I am. Maybe some day people who have a problem with me, the way I post or whatever will come around and see where I'm coming from.

PS- Last time I checked, this post was about board vendors - not me

Edit: I see Tynee is on the same page. I'm done talking. I said what I want to say. Take it how ya want it. No need for a mod to close the thread.

[justascatch]

I am not a VENDOR.
I paid my $ 25. yearly subscription to be a MEMBER.
I have sold two parts (TOTAL) to anyone even remotely associated with this site. (I told Josh it was one part, but have since had help with my clogged artery mind)
I am asked to pay $ 25. per month so I can continue to sell 2 parts every three years.
I do not, nor ever had a business license.
I have e-mailed Josh twice and never received a response.
I left the corporate world in March of 2003 because of a QUADRUPLE bypass, not to revolutionize the 67-72 Chevy truck world.
I do this for fun.
I'm a VENDOR ???
Scratch

[68 short step]

just got off work and ....... wow...... orignal question what happened to the discounts venders had????? im disappointed that only one vender steped in. people dont owe me anything, and according to the bible all i owe to anyone is love..... yes most places i deal with regularly give a discount due to the money i spend with them..... i understand they need to make a profit, and they do, they get the parts for x amount and mark them up x amount...... if i spend 1...2...3 thousand dollars with ya on a monthly base, do ya wanna keep me as a customer? and MOST places realize that and do give me a discount......
this thread is getting to be "boo whooo" wheres my discount? not what im trying to do (moan and whine so much they lower the price to shut me up), what im wanting to do is make a perk to both the board and venders. members get somesort of discount ( josh get money to help support the board) and venders get more orders ( even if they dont there is no money out of there pockets and still $$ to help josh)
CPNE you are out there.....i (and guys i work with) think you make little to no sence at all, but i enjoy it (keeps me entertained).....

[HOTFUN]

Josh
My first line was meant as "if everyone would pay the small $25 membership to help support this site versus collecting most of it from the vendors. Maybe the vendors could give additional discounts but I for one believe in vendors that know and use the 67-72 parts themselves. You can ask a question directly to any of the vendors here and probably have the response in less than a day here. Yes I totally agree that large vendors that their main line new parts business is nos and repo parts should pay a vendor fee as they would any other adverstising media. That's all I said and and I did not insinuate that you were ever greedy so please don't take it that way and if you have than I appologize for that misunderstanding. This is America and we all have the freedom of speech but sometimes the way it was interpeted is not always what was originally the speakers intent. Your doing a good job running a great site. Enough said. Mark

[D.PASSMORE]

You know. I'm one of the original members of this board (still around) and usually log into this site at least twice a day for quite a few years to see whats happening in a hobby that I enjoy. But, this post has gone no where fast and has put a few members reputations in questions to some others. There is no need to let this thing live any futher, Josh, Liz - strike this from the site and lets move on. This site was "invented" as fun and conversation. So, lets keep it that way. Nobody owes anyone anything. Good deals or bad deals, so what! Everyone gets screwed at sometime, right Josh? Live and learn / buy what you can afford... Hey! Lets have a BBQ at Randys (Teeitup)house, he said he was cooking steaks $$$$. Road trip!

[CG]

ive been trying to figure out a way to add a tip cup to my helpful posts..lol