An open letter to parts Vendors

[JointTech]

So I'm about to make another $500 order to LMC. I would prefer to use a board sponsor but here are the reasons I don't.
1. Your websites are terrible. This is 2013. get with it. nobody wants to call and talk to Gramps about the good old days.
2. Your parts cost as much or more than every other crappy website vendor.
3. You charge shipping. Amazon Prime gets me free shipping. Or I just go to walmart(LMC) where I can at least get it all in one place instead of 8 shipping charges.
4. you dont stock enough stuff. (example, want to purchase all new lights. Lots of you have this LED and that lense. Only LMC has all the LEDs, All the lenses, the headlight relay kits and the bulbs.)

All that said I'm not really sure what you can do about it. Its kind of like telling the local mom and pop why you go to Walmart now. Yea some stuff is crappier but they have everything in one place and its clean and air conditioned...

hope i didnt offend anyone.

[BigRed76]

I also find that LMC's catalog style is very customer friendly, and informative. I'm sure that is responsible for a big portion of their sales...

[JointTech]

yep its really nice. I dont expect every vendor to have that. But come on. There are 100 FREE open source shopping cart software suites that would be 1000x better than the 1995 style sites/carts they all seem to use.
I guess since its mainly old timers fixing on these trucks and running these companies they havent found a need to get with the times.

I mean a simple search function that actually works would be a good start on most of these sites.

[Ol Blue K20]

I don't know but I'm a little old fashioned but I prefer to talk to a person with the same interests I have (they will answer a tech question). I kinda like customer service, I guess thats why I still buy paint at a paint store, Hardware at a hardware store.

[JointTech]

unfortunatly the world is changing and if these guys want to stay in business they should probably start catering to GenX and GenY. We dont call and talk to people. Good or bad it is what it is.
Like I said I'm not trying to bad mouth or berate, just some friendly ideas from someone who would PREFER to shop with a board vendor.

[RenoKeene]

LMC has a lot of stuff ..... but if it doesn't fit or you have questions you are out of luck, they have ZERO tech support. Thats when you will need to talk to 'Gramps'. Fortunatly he is a member here

[weever82]

Originally Posted by Ol Blue K20

I don't know but I'm a little old fashioned but I prefer to talk to a person with the same interests I have (they will answer a tech question). I kinda like customer service, I guess thats why I still buy paint at a paint store, Hardware at a hardware store.

+1000

I completely agree! I must be old school as well.

Weev-
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[So.Cal.Super]

First off I want to say JointTech, I'm not trying to offend you.

I have order parts from LMC when I first got my truck, the catalog is easy to use and read. what frustrated me was the quality of the parts, especially gaskets not fitting well. and Customer service reading from a script when you have a problem frustrates me. I am from gen X (born in 79) and I use the internet to order a lot of things, I do thousands of dollars a month with amazon for the free 2 day shipping or 1.99 next day. when it comes to my truck I prefer the old method. Wes At Classic Heartbeat has been an unending supply of information. weather its a #8 screw with a #10 head or the correct gas tank grommet because he took a NOS and sent it off to get copied in the USA.

He even called me at home on a Sunday while he was pulling parts for my order to explain the box said made in Mexico instead of the USA like he thought and asked if I still wanted it. That to me is customer service. And when I ask him why he doesn't carry something, he is straight forward with telling me I can't get any better quality then LMC so he won't waste his time.

Yes I will agree the websites are dated. and they don't do the volume for free shipping, but when these mom and pops shops are gone. so is there knowledge. I've worked for a big box retailer, and when you have a kid who doesn't know the difference between a Torque wrench and a pipe wrench telling someone how to install a ceiling fan it scares me.

Hope I didn't offend you or anyone, just wanted to share my experience and .02

I'll take calling Gramps over cussing at crappy parts any day.

[6772KEVIN]

I went to LMC about 15 years ago or so as I was new in the hobby and they were somewhat close. I walk in and ask the kid at the counter if they had a particular part. His exact words were as he tosses a catalog on the counter..." I don’t know, look in here" I walked out and have never, nor will I ever do business with them. If they don’t know what they are selling, then they don’t care about the customer. I am not bashing you; I am just letting you know my experience with them. From there I went to at the time Chevy Duty, Jim Carters, and Manes truck parts. I found Manes to be the most knowledgeable, helpful, and best prices. To me service, knowledge of our hobby and knowing what is crap and what is quality is key to me. I agree that LMC has a great catalog and its very helpful.

[Andy4639]

I agree most of the vendor's are behind times on the websites as far as how they work. Most of them will be a little higher price as well but in the long run it will pay off.
1. The LMC website and catalog are great no doubt about it. Hands down the best for pictures of the part. This cost money and lots of it to begin with.
2. The vendor's on here most are small places that don't have that kind of money are resources. They do have owner's who will talk with you about your truck and what works and doesn't. They will also be there if there is a problem with the part.

[dfwright]

nobody wants to call and talk to Gramps about the good old days.

You might not, others of us do. Especially when there's any hiccup with the parts, or you need some technically challenging questions answered before or after ordering the parts. I appreciate gramps experience and insight, and recommendations, things you don't get with the big box store.

Having personal service, a proprietor who takes pride in doing a good job, who will listen and offer advice and guidance, and will work with you to do what is right is worth dealing with all the other minor quibbles mentioned.

I don't mind paying extra for good service.

I understand that a real "car guy" may not be an excellent web designer or graphics artist, or be able to afford to hire one.

I appreciate that they may not be able to give away shipping because they don't do multi-millions in sales each day, and have special arrangements with shipping companies.

I still prefer to do business with them because they have things that are important to me that a big box can't provide.

To each his own, as they say.

[JointTech]

no offense taken.
I like getting the right parts and getting quality as well. I guess I'm just frustrated that I cant have everything. Walmart prices, mom and pop service, and Free shipping LOL.

as to the websites, like i said nobody is going to beat LMCs catalog without a huge investment and upkeep.

But oscommerce, zencart, magneto; ad nauseum are free and just as easy if not easier to keep updated than the crap carts/shopping carts they use now.

I know for a fact there are at least 3 active members that do web design. I used to but focus more on infrustructure now. That said a post asking for help in exchange for a discount could probably get all of them working carts and a design refresh on the sites.

I have heard lots of stories about LMC stuff being crappy but havent come across it myself. Maybe when that happens my tune will change.

Coming from a computer background I NEVER call for support unless I cant figure it out some other way. Tech support is always a kid getting min wage that doesnt give a **** so why bother calling? I suppose thats why that part of ordering from a mom and pop is not a big feature for me. I can see how it would be useful for some though.

[Tomahawk30]

While I agree that some of the vendor sites are pretty spartan to say the least, I still think its worth putting in the extra time to navigate more than one site. I do use LMC's site and catalogs to put together my list of parts because it is laid out so well visually. Some of the smaller pieces and hardware would be really tough to order without a visual confirmation that it is what I think it is. I then spend an extra couple of hours at night pricing everything out from two or three different vendors and put everything into a spreadsheet for comparison. Its extra work, but I usually find that some things are cheaper from vendor A, and others from vendor B. Sometimes the extra shipping makes ordering from one site cheaper even if some of the parts cost more, and other times (usually on big orders) its worth placing two separate orders. I will say that GMCPaul's service and shipping is terrific even though the site is pretty basic. They are easy to reach and quick to answer questions, and a lot of times that is worth a few extra bucks and some extra time navigating their site... And I like that I get an actual message from a person and not just an automated update on orders.

I have no particular allegiance to any one vendor, as I've never really had issues with any vendor (other than one guy that sold me some junky door handles on ebay once). But if I feel I've received good service and communication is prompt, I'll be back again.

[Mister-B]

Start going to your local junk yard. You're in California. There should be an abundance. The parts are often times less expensive than just shipping charges on a small part, and they are original vintage parts.
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[1972BackInBlackC10]

also keep in mind alot of these guys are one or two person shows, ordering stock, taking orders, shipping, recieving, stocking and organizing parts, taking calls or making calls, answering or sending emails, sourcing good quality new arts etc etc is time consuming for one or two people whick may not leave enough or any time to update their site

[Tom Vogel]

[QUOTE= I would prefer to use a board sponsor but here are the reasons I don't.
1. Your websites are terrible. This is 2013. get with it. nobody wants to call and talk to Gramps about the good old days.

hope i didnt offend anyone.[/QUOTE]

No offense taken...
But you might just learn a few things from 'Gramps".....

[Lemield]

I have had great luck with LMC. They do not have tech support but they have either refunded my money or replaced defective parts without a problem. I do like the fact that you can place one big order with LMC (because they carry a LOT of stuff) and their website is EASY to use.

I have also used board vendors and had good luck with them.

Good luck with your project.

[67gmcclassic]

I personally am not impressed with LMC one bit. I called to order parts for my 67 gmc, and the lady on the other end of the phone said sorry, we dont sell parts for the 67-72 year body style???????? i had to give her the catalog # just so she could find the parts i was trying to order. If you have a tech question, forget about asking them, if its not in the catalog they have no idea what your talking about. just my .02

[Gene]

I have used LMC a bunch but I prefer Classic Truck Parts http://www.classicparts.com/

Thier website is pretty good and on alot of stuff they beat LMC's prices. Never had an issue with anything I have purchased there.

[LockDoc]

-
If you think LMC's catalog is so great try putting your horn parts in the steering wheel the way they show in their catalog. I bet you a $100 it won't honk, or it will honk all the time... That isn't the only error either.

They "have" to replace your part or refund your money because they don't have a clue whether they sent you the correct part for your truck or not. What a joke...

Just my 2¢ worth!

LockDoc

[Lee H]

I also used LMC when I first got into old trucks. It only took a few deliveries to find out most parts, IMHO, are way, way down on the quality scale. Even more evident once I started to get Gramps' parts. I'll go out of my way and spend the extra $$ for a quality parts and the expertise that's just a phone call away. I do use LMC, but only for a part nobody else has, and that's not very often.
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[sduckworth13]

I think this thread would have been very helpful for our board vendors here on the forum to let them know what they could improve on, but since the term " gramps" was used in a negative way, it has detracted all attention from what the thread was actually started for. The "gramps" on this forum is why this forum is the most visited Chevy/ GMC Truck website on the planet. I appreciate the "gramps" on this forum and want to thank them all for the input and advice I have recieved, especially now since some folks don't seem to appreciate you guys.
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[1971_402]

Originally Posted by Gene

I have used LMC a bunch but I prefer Classic Truck Parts http://www.classicparts.com/

Thier website is pretty good and on alot of stuff they beat LMC's prices. Never had an issue with anything I have purchased there.

Same here..

[JointTech]

ok ok. Ill take a step back and think more about it.
This IS a hobby. I should be more inclined to talk with other people (gramps) about parts. But I'm a hermit
Junk yards dont do it for me. I hate snakes, dirty **** and long lines. Oh and the heat. God those dirt lots are hot and dusty. Also my time is worth more than the savings in most cases. Every once in a while I go with a buddy to help him find something and check out whats there.

Anyway, good points all. Maybe ill give the other guys another chance next time. Hopefully they will come around on the websites.

As to the cost/time of keeping a website up to date. yea thats part of doing business. at least thats the way I see it. These arent hobbyists like for example the guy who sells brake booster mounts or the guy that redoes sun visors, they are businesses.

[69GWC]

Guess I have been lucky have not had any issue with LMC and was just in there today and I am going to stop back in tomorrow. Have not ordered over the phone since I live so close so I cant say anything about that end.

I would say it would be pretty hard for the guys behind the counter to know everything about the stuff they sell since they sell for Chevy/GMC/Ford/Dodge and a huge span of years.
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