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NOT HAPPY! The cost/variation in mini parts suppliers
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Author:  MiNi MuLiShA [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 1:30 am ]
Post subject:  NOT HAPPY! The cost/variation in mini parts suppliers
I was cruizing the net tonight (edit.. thismorning) looking up prices for the mechanical birthday i was going to give my mini.... as i look into it further I find the following..

rear side window rubbers.........approx$60 PER SIDE!! delivered
wheres the value in those??

whats more, one ebay store has chrome oil filler caps for $33... another one has them for $20...

how come hi-lo's are so expencive? $270 versus $160 (sarting price)theres quite a price difference when you buy off ebay!

people selling thermostats... $17 delivered, there $4.45 or well under $10 at autobarn :?

tie rod ends.. $60 or $32....a pair!

this kinda stuff really shits me... some people just want to rip you off...these guys are meant to be experts in the game.. and aim to "service you..." all the bastards are doing is ripping us off.

Its this kind of cash that we can save.. that can halve our friggin restoration bill... If you think youve found a cheap/good/decent price for a part, email me the supplier and the part/part number, and I will make a page dedicated to cheap mini suplys, or perhaps poee could help us out with another area in the forum... I'm sick of being ripped off!

-(B_V_73) :twisted:
Author:  Spaceboy [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 1:39 am ]
Post subject: 
i agree, i always call at least two places to get a price before i purchase.
There are some places i dont bother to call anymore because their prices are ridiculous..
i mean, how much can nuts and bolts cost anyway???!
Author:  awdmoke [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 2:35 am ]
Post subject: 
Spaceboy wrote:
i mean, how much can nuts and bolts cost anyway???!

A lot.
Because my company buys decent qtys of structural bolts,
we get 80% off the list price :D
Author:  Angusdog [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 5:55 am ]
Post subject: 
I guess everyone has different budgets, so what seems unreasonable profiteering to one guy might be okay to the next. Plus, there may well be a huge variation in quality. I've seen bullet mirrors for NZ$90 each, but I paid $50 for a pair. The difference? Possibly the fact that after three months of sitting in my driveway (not driven), the mirrors looked like this:
Image

But some guys are just trying it on and in their defence, you're not obliged to buy from them. Someone might, and fair play to them.

I tend to do a little research on the net and find out a little more about costly items before committing.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:37 am ]
Post subject: 
There are mirrors and there are mirrors.. some good some bad.
I got one from Karcraft, it was chrome plated brass.. :)
I'd suggest try a fridge magnet on, before buying any.
Author:  h0nk [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 6:42 am ]
Post subject: 
Ahh damnit! I just went and bought a $50 dollar one just like that :twisted: if only this was posted 2 days ago.
Author:  JC [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: NOT HAPPY! The cost/variation in mini parts suppliers
Black_Van_73 wrote:
-(B_V_73)


I see where you are coming from but there are a number of factors that determine cost and eventual sale price.

One bloke may be able to supply you part no. XX at a certain cost because he has very few overheads or the 'quality' of the part may be questionable. Another bloke may have to pay rent, turn the lights on, pay insurance, pay staff wages and feed the dog all adding to his 'base' cost pf part no. XX. The scond guy may buy more so that may bring his cost down which enable him to compete with bloke no. 1. It's a tangled web. Unfortunately, you won't know who is the cheapest until you investigate all options. Or as Angusfog said, they could be just trying it on.
Author:  manofaus [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 8:40 am ]
Post subject: 
i just bought a tex classic mirror.. stainless... well supposed to be stainless... its stamped onto it.. I paid 65 bucks. looks like those bullet ones you have..... tell me its not going to rust soon.
Author:  cush [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: NOT HAPPY! The cost/variation in mini parts suppliers
Black_Van_73 wrote:
this kinda stuff really shits me... some people just want to rip you off...these guys are meant to be experts in the game.. and aim to "service you..." all the bastards are doing is ripping us off.


looking at the glass from another perspective...


the ones that cost more may be the right retail price and the ones are cheaper might just be a genuine discounted price from a supplier with great service... :idea:
Author:  Angusdog [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:06 am ]
Post subject: 
Brand name stuff, like Tex, have a history that you can check. I think the mirrors I bought are chinese or somwthing. But they did look nice & shiney when I bought 'em.

Mini parts (i.e. not generic accessories) should all be about the same price, unless someone's on a rip-off binge, or think they've got something special which isn't, eg "rare" mini-lites or 'Cooper' seats and so on.

But as always, buyer beware. Not always easy over the interweb, so I don't complain too much of my expectations aren't met. It's just the way it is sometimes...
Author:  GT1360 [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:07 am ]
Post subject: 
Yeah. I think some times the price difference is also factored to how much stock the company imports at a time. the more they get the cheeper it is so the price can be better..

When I was shopping for my 7.5 disks there was a $450 difference from what I got them for and what other places wanted.

Most of you know where I shop all the time now :lol: And I stick to them cause of the quality of service and help and product.

and yes I still shop around and compair costs :roll:
Author:  brickworx [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:20 am ]
Post subject: 
I find that as a supplier the costs to me vary u huge ammount.
Example... one of the major wheel companies that supply to us. One day they love us and we get good deals... put my bit on and everyone is happy. Next time wheels are more expensive.... and i look stupid, after quoting one price and ripping myself off... it all depends on the guy in charge that day as to the price.
Do i put my prices up to compensate every deal. or do a quote on every individual wheel set sold?

Same with parts from england, the price variation is huge.transport, customs etc.
Author:  Wolfman [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 9:22 am ]
Post subject: 
Shop around and get the best price then take that price and go to where you really want to buy it from and ask if they can beat or match the price, you'd be suprised how much most places can drop their price while making a profit. :twisted:
Author:  feralsprint [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 10:01 am ]
Post subject: 
people you do not realise how lucky you are to be able to buy parts for your cars, let alone be able to ring several places and compare prices, all car parts are dear, go down to your local tojo or gm or fraud dealer and get a price on a part for a new model, after you pick yourself up of the floor then ask for a part for one of there 20 something yearold models, they won't even carry it. I have respect for the people running the shops selling mini bit, they are enthusiasts themselves and have a love of the vehicles ( well most are ) and I can tell you from experience ( started bringing stuff in from MiniSport in the late 70s ) and its not easy, freight companies who really screw you and then customs and quaranteen do a number on you as well. Its always best to deal with the importers direct if you can and it seems theses days that the eastern states and SA are pretty well looked after, next time you ring for a quote and the parts guy is maybe a little cranky give thought about how there day has been, they probably just screwed by a customs agent or freight company on the new parts they just got and have had to explain why part X which was $50 last week is now costing $75 and had to explain it 50 times today. Having known most of these people for the last 20 odd years off and on they are all good people doing the best they can, well all except for that *

[poeee edit]
Author:  DJG-14U [ Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:17 am ]
Post subject:  Re: NOT HAPPY! The cost/variation in mini parts suppliers
Black_Van_73 wrote:
rear side window rubbers.........approx$60 PER SIDE!! delivered
wheres the value in those??


I can get those rear side window rubbers for $29.00 a side from a Mini parts supplier 15 mins away from me.. So I dont know how someone can sell them for $60.00 a side.

Which reminds me I have to get two of these myself :)..
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