MAR-K rant

[68 short step]

after looking at aftermarket beds (shortbed stepside) i found it to be MAR-K had to be IMO the best out there, and only, with the cool smooth tailgate with the handle on the inside.... so i ordered a complete bed minus the fenders for a total of 1603.95 $$ they wanted over 200$$ for shipping to outside of dallas, so i desided i would just go pick it up....we'll after calling to ask if they were open on saterdays (cause most of us work too, M-F) so i can pick it up, the machine said there "normal" hours of operation was M-F
8-5..... well i thought i'd like to talk to a real person to see if mabey they could unlock the doors so i could pick it up on saterday.....one would think if they spend 1600$$ they could, take 10min of there time to let me load it up and be on my way.... but the answer i got was "no"
so i hope the quaility is good

[weav1]

do have complete fleetsides

[Billla]

So...if I understand your "rant" it's about them not opening the shop for you on the weekend?

Umm...I suggest that you [delete] this thread.

"It's not all about you, Princess"
- Lone Star, Spaceballs

[larry may]

Nice try 68 short step. The ole mom and pop stores are all gone for customer satisfaction.....The good ole days when ask for a part the owner would just go get it off the shelf even if calLed on him at home 8 oclock at night, did'nt matter what day it was. Them were the days. when a set of wheel bearings cost $2.49.......... LOL

[jugernot]

I purchased a complete bed with step fenders minus the tail gate from Mar-K. The quality is great and so was the packing. They also have great tech support and often read and respond to threads on this forum.

[CMars45000]

I dunno, I don't get it I guess. Many times, the employees of such places do not necessarily live that close to the facility. And I hate to say it, but they have lives too. I have been asked multiple times to go unlock the store on Sundays (when I used to have keys to the Napa Store). I never did it unless it was a dire emergency. I constantly went out of my way for "customer satisfaction", but my weekends were for me. I am not trying to belittle your situation, by any means. Just as a case in point, I currently work at a shop that specializes in the accessorizing and repair of 4x4's. My boss lives 45 min away, 3 other guys live 30 min away. I am the only employee within 15 min drive of the place. Then there are certain other things to consider like reconciling credit card machines, etc...

Maybe I am jaded from being on the service/supplier end of the stick for a while; I dunno. Just me $.02

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

after looking at aftermarket beds (shortbed stepside) i found it to be MAR-K had to be IMO the best out there, and only, with the cool smooth tailgate with the handle on the inside.... so i ordered a complete bed minus the fenders for a total of 1603.95 $$ they wanted over 200$$ for shipping to outside of dallas, so i desided i would just go pick it up....we'll after calling to ask if they were open on saterdays (cause most of us work too, M-F) so i can pick it up, the machine said there "normal" hours of operation was M-F
8-5..... well i thought i'd like to talk to a real person to see if mabey they could unlock the doors so i could pick it up on saterday.....one would think if they spend 1600$$ they could, take 10min of there time to let me load it up and be on my way.... but the answer i got was "no"
so i hope the quaility is good

What hours do you work?Do you think someone lives there?How could it take 10 minutes on Saturday to open the shop and help you unless someone lived there?And,maybe they`d want to work on their own truck or spend time with their family on their day of.It would more than likely eat up a 1/2 day for your 10 minute load-up.How long would it take you,door to door?Just because you came off of some coin doesn`t make the world owe you anything more than what you bought.You`re trying to save shipping costs by asking them to do something beyond their terms.Did you offer to pay someone overtime to accomodate you?Shipping requires crating and the parts are large.Save $200 and go there during business hours and pick it up.Spend money on gas and use your truck and time.Lose pay from your job to do it.Or...you could spend $200 for the service.It`s just the way the world works.I know I`ve aggrevated you with this,not my intention.Just seems you needed some perspective here,like it or not.You ranted,I responded.

[vfrdude]

Originally Posted by special-K

What hours do you work?Do you think someone lives there?How could it take 10 minutes on Saturday to open the shop and help you unless someone lived there?And,maybe they`d want to work on their own truck or spend time with their family on their day of.It would more than likely eat up a 1/2 day for your 10 minute load-up.How long would it take you,door to door?Just because you came off of some coin doesn`t make the world owe you anything more than what you bought.You`re trying to save shipping costs by asking them to do something beyond their terms.Did you offer to pay someone overtime to accomodate you?Shipping requires crating and the parts are large.Save $200 and go there during business hours and pick it up.Spend money on gas and use your truck and time.Lose pay from your job to do it.Or...you could spend $200 for the service.It`s just the way the world works.I know I`ve aggrevated you with this,not my intention.Just seems you needed some perspective here,like it or not.You ranted,I responded.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

What hours do you work?Do you think someone lives there?How could it take 10 minutes on Saturday to open the shop and help you unless someone lived there?And,maybe they`d want to work on their own truck or spend time with their family on their day of.It would more than likely eat up a 1/2 day for your 10 minute load-up.How long would it take you,door to door?Just because you came off of some coin doesn`t make the world owe you anything more than what you bought.You`re trying to save shipping costs by asking them to do something beyond their terms.Did you offer to pay someone overtime to accomodate you?Shipping requires crating and the parts are large.Save $200 and go there during business hours and pick it up.Spend money on gas and use your truck and time.Lose pay from your job to do it.Or...you could spend $200 for the service.It`s just the way the world works.I know I`ve aggrevated you with this,not my intention.Just seems you needed some perspective here,like it or not.You ranted,I responded.

no i dont think they live there, nor do i expect them to.... if it took someone half a day (4hrs) to load a bed, either they are retarted or crippled or both!!
it will take me about 3 hrs one way....im just saying they dont owe me, just it would be a nice thing to do if they would let me come on saterday....

[RicksTrucks]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

no i dont think they live there, nor do i expect them to.... if it took someone half a day (4hrs) to load a bed, either they are retarted or crippled or both!!
it will take me about 3 hrs one way....im just saying they dont owe me, just it would be a nice thing to do if they would let me come on saterday....

My offer is still on the table if you want me to pick it up and deliver it to you.

[special-K]

Originally Posted by 68 short step

no i dont think they live there, nor do i expect them to.... if it took someone half a day (4hrs) to load a bed, either they are retarted or crippled or both!!
it will take me about 3 hrs one way....im just saying they dont owe me, just it would be a nice thing to do if they would let me come on saterday....

Who`s retarded?If they don`t live at the shop,it takes more time to load your almighty bed than the actual time.They will lose 1/2 of their day off by the time it`s all said and done.Even if it takes less than 4hrs(your number)overall.It adds up to 1/2,or so,of their day off.In simpler terms,they won`t have a whole day off.I can see you`ll never get it.Mom & Pop need time off,too.You have Saturday off,right?You expect them to bend for you for what you want.But,you won`t bend for what you want.They offer an alternative for those that can`t(or won`t)take a day off for their own needs.It`s called shipping.What would your expenses be to run those 6 hours?Can you put overtime in on Saturday?What if you worked 8 hours at time and a half,saved the wear & tear,and fuel cost?Take your fuel savings and add that to your overtime pay.Anywhere close to $200?

[cst350]

I have been working on my truck for a long time. I never seem to be satisfied with it enough to call it finished. Before the truck there were other muscle cars I worked on since the mid seventies. To me the most important thing is the quality of the product. Our hobby has seen a huge disintigration of quality and an influx of "get rich off the gear heads" suit and ties in rescent years. Mar-k did nothing but help me out each time I called. They questioned me when my facts were wrong and guided me to the right choices. I cannot say enough about the quality of the parts (wood bed conversion and all the SS trim for my '69 SWB). As far as not extending thier bisiness hours, have you ever had a boss that asked you to work weekends doing something that you knew could have been done during the week? Have you ever missed your kids baseball game or dance recital because of work? I say if you want to take your project seriousely, take some time off or pay for the shipping. Don't put it on someone else's much deserved free time. Oh, and dont take it so personally that they actually make a profit. People this talented could be making alot more money in other industries and the only ones who would be out of luck would be us.

[piecesparts]

Originally Posted by special-K

Who`s retarded?If they don`t live at the shop,it takes more time to load your almighty bed than the actual time.They will lose 1/2 of their day off by the time it`s all said and done.Even if it takes less than 4hrs(your number)overall.It adds up to 1/2,or so,of their day off.In simpler terms,they won`t have a whole day off.I can see you`ll never get it.Mom & Pop need time off,too.You have Saturday off,right?You expect them to bend for you for what you want.But,you won`t bend for what you want.They offer an alternative for those that can`t(or won`t)take a day off for their own needs.It`s called shipping.What would your expenses be to run those 6 hours?Can you put overtime in on Saturday?What if you worked 8 hours at time and a half,saved the wear & tear,and fuel cost?Take your fuel savings and add that to your overtime pay.Anywhere close to $200?

Sheesh!!!!!!!! and they call me pissy. Take a chill pill guys---YES it is too dang bad that the working stiffs have to do the work week and then squeeze a life into a weekend. I used to work rotating shifts and had a lot of time off during the weeks and it was great--because ALL of you guys were working and I could do just about anything I wanted to without the phones and long lines of people. BUT good things come to an end. NOW; I just plan a trip and go there on a vacation day or COMP TIME day.

Go get the stuff and let it go, guys....

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by special-K

Who`s retarded?If they don`t live at the shop,it takes more time to load your almighty bed than the actual time.They will lose 1/2 of their day off by the time it`s all said and done.Even if it takes less than 4hrs(your number)overall.It adds up to 1/2,or so,of their day off.In simpler terms,they won`t have a whole day off.I can see you`ll never get it.

you actually thought before you typed that? and it made sence? .....i would hardly say a self-employed, and self-proclaimed carpenter to be running a major busniess or even minor.....
i know (for the second time) they dont owe me, nor do i expect them to alter there entire existance (what most you are tring to make it sound like), i asked and they said "no", so i schudeled to get it during the week.....
im sure if you changed your attitude and think more of what you're saying/typeing you too could become as good as MAR-K.... but like i said, i sure it wont take anyone 4hrs to load a bed in a truck in 4hrs, unless you're crippled or special----------------------------k.

[68 short step]

yea i know the quality is top notch (thats why i chose them) i understand if they live 30min or more away, but im not talking about a 75$ alternater or 50$ set of brake pads NAPA sells....

[RicksTrucks]

I may be going to OKC then Dallas next week. I could pick up and deliver for less than that.

[Schralper]

Hope this isn't a hijack, now.
Speaking of wood. I'm looking for wood for my 68 fleet/long but want USED/ not new wood. New wood would look wrong in my truck.
Any ideas?
I've done some searching not much luck.
Thanks

[piecesparts]

Think about it, the one guy that would be willing to come to the shop to load you is the guy that has the least amount of knowledge in your stuff.

It would be outstanding to have the shop manager there to load you, but if the shop is worth anything at all, it will treat it's people like a real person, that means weekends off. I agree, I hate the fact that the working stiff has to deal with the shops being closed on the days he has off, but that is the way it goes.

I used to work weekends at the store that I ran and it had a term of SUX tied to it.

[High Speed low Drag]

#1 - They aren't making $1600 profit on your purchase. The dollar amount you spend with them is relevent here.

#2 - If you want them to come in on a day when they are closed, why don't you re-arrange YOUR schedule to fit the hours of operation. That or pony up the shipping money.

#3 - It's spelled Saturday.

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by High Speed low Drag

#1 - They aren't making $1600 profit on your purchase. The dollar amount you spend with them is relevent here.

#2 - If you want them to come in on a day when they are closed, why don't you re-arrange YOUR schedule to fit the hours of operation. That or pony up the shipping money.

#3 - It's spelled Saturday.

#1 really! did you figure that out yourself??


#2 i am arranging my schedule to pick it up..... im sure that they are makeing $$ on shipping too.... its not a $ issue, its the principle!!!


#3 thanks

[kbs71]

Here's something else to mull over. How much of that $200.00 do you think MAR-K keeps in profit? When you pick up those parts they will be boxed up the same way they are shipped via the freight lines/UPS whatever. They aint making money off shipping.

I use to live 5 mins from where I worked and every time the boss needed someone to come in during closed hours it was usually me. He thought I could jut "pop in" in a couple of mins. When I wouldn't get there for 15 to 20 mins he got mad and wanted to know why. I tried explaining that I was in the middle of eating, working on my car, almost sex etc. It aint that easy to open up a business on a normal day off. If he did it for you why not someone else or another guy or that dude that lives the next town over. Next thing you know, your open on that 6th day of the week and paying someone OT for it. Or having to hire more help, then you gotta increase the cost of your product to compensate. Now everybodys *****n' cause you just raised your prices.

See sometime what you think is a small or insignificant thing can in fact lead to a lot more than what you could imagine.

[PanelDeland]

OK. My take on this may be a bit different.I think that a company that sells something used "mostly"for hobby reasons should realize that their customers work.So if they choose to be in that business they should be aware of that and set up hours to be available.Can you imagine a hobby store only open 8:00-5:00 M-F.Do you think it would sell many remote controlled planes,cars or electric train acessories?Customers are the only reason a business can exist.If you're in business you have to meet the customers needs and sometimes that means being open when they can come to do business with you.To run a sucessful business you need to know about your customer base.Obviously their customers are hobbyist's and pro shops.I doubt pro shops do enough business with them to make the tooling for the bed profitable unless the hobbyists also buy from them.Having worked in companies that did need to serve customers on weekends I understand wanting to be off but it's not worth it if it causes the company to go under.

Just my thought on it.There may be a hundred or so customers that haven't bought a new bed since they couldn't afford it and the shipping.
I have also had to work every other Saturday or one a month to work for a business because of this.

[68 short step]

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

OK. My take on this may be a bit different.I think that a company that sells something used "mostly"for hobby reasons should realize that their customers work.So if they choose to be in that business they should be aware of that and set up hours to be available.Can you imagine a hobby store only open 8:00-5:00 M-F.Do you think it would sell many remote controlled planes,cars or electric train acessories?Customers are the only reason a business can exist.If you're in business you have to meet the customers needs and sometimes that means being open when they can come to do business with you.To run a sucessful business you need to know about your customer base.Obviously their customers are hobbyist's and pro shops.I doubt pro shops do enough business with them to make the tooling for the bed profitable unless the hobbyists also buy from them.Having worked in companies that did need to serve customers on weekends I understand wanting to be off but it's not worth it if it causes the company to go under.

Just my thought on it.There may be a hundred or so customers that haven't bought a new bed since they couldn't afford it and the shipping.
I have also had to work every other Saturday or one a month to work for a business because of this.

those are my thoughts too

[70cst]

I wonder if those parts were purchased from some of the mom and pop vendors (and they are still around) if they would be willing to open up on Saturday. My guess is yes. I also understand that most people who have Saturdays off do not want to come in and do a "Good Deed". That is what separates those who are in the business because they love what they do and those who are in the business just because it's a business for profit and have no emotional ties to the business. As mentioned I have purchased from GMCPauls, Christians Classics, and Classic Heartbeat and I bet you a cup of coffee that if I wanted to pick something up on a Saturday they would do their best to accommodate me. You also have the offer of RicksTrucks which symbolizes most of the people and vendors in this hobby. And that is going the extra mile! Does MAR-K have the sole access to those parts or were they the best deal? I can see both sides and both side have valid points...but it still comes down to the mom and pop vendors and as I said we still have vendors willing to offer a helping hand.

[nyncompute]

Similar thing happened to me. I wanted to go down to L.A. to pick up some parts at the Pomona swap meet. I called ahead of my trip and ask if they (The Truck Shop), would take a credit card. They said they would if it was a purchase of at least $100.00 dollars. I was planning on spending $1000.00 MINIMUM!
I travel the 4 hours, get a room, spend the gas money.. the whole bit. When I gathered up the parts the doofis parts guy says they don't take credit cards. I nicely ask for a supervisor and he says they do take them but someone left the credit card swiper doobie at the store.
I ask is there anything that we can do (such as swap meet prices online, free shipping or at least be willing to give me the goodguy price if I stayed an extra day and visited the store. Nothing..zilch nada. all I heard were crickets.
They said nothing we can do
What D**Ks.. or is it me? sorry for the hijack rant