Tough Economy-I wish parts would be on sale.

I'm venting here-
In this tough economy we find prices lowered or on sale for--houses,cars, clothing,vacations,electronics,computers ,,,,,

* WHY is it - I'm building a hot rod and have not seen prices lowered or broadly advertised on sale for: Gauges, Shifters, Suspension Kits, Wheel Covers, Wiring, disc brake conversions, Swap kits for motors and trans install,
the list goes on and on

If you are a vendor/dealer -please list what you do have or are going to have on sale for all easily to see / Spring is here and lots of guys are looking to get on the road and save some bucks

 

So, you're venting because you're not cashing in and getting a scream'n deal on that new shifter you want for that hot rod project (a perfect example of disposable income and the luxury of free time) you're working on? Awww...

Want some cheese with that whine?

 

Maybe it means there are still guys out there that are paying full retail even in this economy? Supply and demand, whether it be apples or carburetors, is irrefutable. The rest of us, like you and me, are networking with buddies, swapping or whatever to finish our rides with "gently" used parts.

 

There is a summit store an hour from me.Everytime I have been there(mostly on the weekend)I have had to wait in line at the parts counter.Supply and demand rules!

 

because of the crappy margin of profit dealers are hoping you buy to keep them afloat, we don't make 99% profit on every item as many suspect.

 

Sign on a swap meet dealer's booth in Moultry,GA-

"We screw the other guy and pass the savings on to YOU"

 

the aussie dollar's really strong against the greenback right now so its cheap for us at the moment to buy parts from the states but the prices at the local shops arent reflecting that. infact alot of places are putting their prices up due to increased demand

 

Just got a e-mail from MACS auto parts, they currently have a 5% discount off orders over $200. so fill your boots.

 

Some places you can find great deals like "Rock Auto".. who not only have a good supply of parts for everything, but if you're a regular customer they send you a code to enter for your next purchase and get an additional 5% off. For stuff like shifters, and other "performance/aftermarket stuff" sometimes my local hole-in-the wall parts store will be cheaper than buying it online. And remember the swap meets! Man, we have several throughout the year and you can usually find all sorts of stuff at great prices.. although some of the ol' furts out there with there crusty pieces think their stuff is gold ... but those are the guys who are usually taking there parts back home with them after a 2-day swap meet. Last but not least.. and I know it's not real ideal is craigslist and Ebay.. have found great deals there too if you're willing to work around the dink-wallys. Takes time and patience...if you don't find the deal you're looking for.. try another avenue. Good luck.. I know where you're coming from.

 

Maybe there's no deals because the manufacturers, dealers, transporters, etc are all facing increases, too. Ever heat of the 'supply chain'? Stop bitchin' and either step up or step away.........................................

 

I work for an on-line performance parts retailer similar to Summit and Jegs. Many of you would probably be surprised at how small the margin is on most of that sort of stuff. There really isn't room for much of a discount.

Also we never really saw a slow down in sales during the worst of the recent recession and in fact, our sales this year are growing.

But, right now there are lots of manufacturers rebates out there and you can save some money. For example Painless is paying back $100 on many of their harnesses.

Do a little searching and you can find some deals.

 

says the guy in the health care industry.... sheesh.

 

I'm in an OT business and our cost of materials are increasing about every 3-4 months. We can't lower prices if the cost of materials to produce the product keeps increasing.

 

I'll agree with that.

 

We take our show on the road in the summer this season sounds rewarding with the low profit margins and the high fuel prices...And now I should discount even more... jeeeez we do this for a living I have bills to pay just like everyone else. p.s. we do run monthly specials here on the H.A.M.B. and I have not had you contact me about anything. In the future place your large orders with us I will discount you even more . You will be helping to finance the education of a great new school teacher and her upcoming wedding!! thanks Father of the bride

 

Yes, there are some deals to be had now. Houses, real estate, etc included. But the fact is, if one goes to the gas station, grocery store or the grain elevator, prices are up. And as long as fuel is up, everything else down the line has an increased cost. Almost every product is trucked, transported, or hauled.

 

Sometimes it pays to do some serious price shopping on parts and hunt for the best price. Still a guy needs to know he is dealing with a reliable outfit and that may be worth a nickel or two more right there.

You can Google any part sold for a hotrod and in five seconds have a list of more vendors and prices for that item than you you would ever need. But the best price might not be the best deal as some companies with great prices make it up with shipping costs. Where Kelley's might charge a tad more for the part they might stick the part in one of those USPS priority mail one price boxes and ship it off for exact shipping costs. The other outfit might give you a ten dollar better price on the item but hit you with a stiff shipping cost that is set on the price of the item.

 

I've noticed with the internet, immediate gratification syndrome is worse today than it was ten years ago. All I do is watch people throw money at cars, fabricate parts, I even get to see guys use hundreds of thousands dollars worth of equipment. All these cars show a lot of progress in the matter of a few pages. It's really motivating and disturbing at the same time.
It gets me jacked up to get my car done, yet I have no money to do so.

 

If everybody knew the slim margins on these parts they would sometimes wonder how the smaller guys even stay in business. These guys arent yachting on the weekends thats for sure. Guys like Kellys are in the business because they love it, not because they are getting rich.

 

Even in a tough economy, hot rod parts are luxury goods, not necessities.

 

Economy is fine here, some of you live in the wrong places!

 

you get richer when you spend your money. money is just paper backed by faith. Invest in precious metals.

 

Notice there's no rebutle from the original poster yet? You guys must have smacked some sense into him

 

Just become and Alliance member and save money EVERY day?

 

I was selling air ride parts for extremely low prices better than any other websites out there but other dealers cried about it so my costs jacked up so I had to raise my prices..still cheap but nothing like it was months ago..we are in this because we love cars & to pay the bills..usually living pay check to pay check and always worrying if you'll have enough to cover

 

Actually its all of the above + the fact my wife Jeanne that runs Kellys has a brain tumor and is on disability and this is a real spirit lifter for her.Although its hard to compete with the likes of speedway,jegs or summit some people want the personalized service you get from dealing with a companys owner directly...Thanks H.A.M.B members for your support..........

 

this is still open?

 

This has to be one of the lamest threads ever....

 

Be glad you have a fucking job, and can afford toys.

 

A Classic George Carlin video

There's a reason.........be happy with what you've got.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acLW1vFO-2Q

For a good laugh on current affairs

-90% Jimmy