We've been complaining a lot about delays and orders put on hold, having to know all the right things to ask when you order, etc.. The point is, would you consider using a knowledgeable surrogate who would handle those things for you? I mentioned this to Trish on another thread, and considering her reputation as someone people liked to deal with, I thought it might be a good idea for her to persue. She could catalog all the smaller manufacturers along with the larger, be up to date on who makes what, compare prices for us, etc. It would eliminate a day's worth of inquiries on the forum to find out the name of the guys who are making thingamagigs for the whatsits. If you refuse to buy from someone who did not give satisfaction before, she could make note of your preferences, and handle the orders with one phone call from you.
I know that some are always more comfortable handling details like this themselves, but I would consider paying a little extra not to have the headaches and know it was done right. What do you think? I have no monetary interest in this enterprise, but know that if there is a market for something, it needs to be identified.
To take it a little further, I think many of the vendors would benefit from a central ordering system and might be willing to discount products ordered through the process. The "little extra" or commission would be the difference between retail and the customary discount for volume buyers. That way the buyer sees the catalog price and that's what he/she pays. The vendor saves labor that would ordinarily be spent answering an order line.
It would have to be seamless, of course, and no doubt orders would have to be transmitted to the vendors electronically to save time and labor. It would still allow buyers to use online ordering systems if they wished and vendors could still make use of their "information" lines.
There would have to be some details worked out and possibly the cost of a toll-free number. But I could see the idea working if enough of the vendors got on board. It would also open up a new venue for some sellers that specialize in unique services or products that don't have websites or store fronts. If Trish could carve-out a niche service like that and provide an "answered phone", it could benefit a lot of folks all the way around.
Well, appearantly this didn't go over so well.
Dolores,
I think it is admirable to admit one's limitations. So my answer is yes, a "personal shopper" is frequently a very good idea. Even if you are an expert in a subject field you might have a time limitation that keeps you from being able to do a certain thing. In that case you would have to employ a surrogate. It is a matter of delegating authority, and responsibility.
Dolores,
Nothing personal, I just adhere to the old adage, if you want something done right do it yourself. JMHO
I like your suggestions, Ken.
Also, I believe as you do Royce, if something is getting to be a difficulty, as in time spent or the headache of it, I would rather have someone who knows a better way to get it done. We'll see if others may agree.
I think if your looking at T parts or A parts, having a personal shopper, just puts one more person in the line, to find out weather your getting your parts or not. and if u have someone order your parts , and they dont come or are wrong, who do u blame, cause most people are gonna be mad if they dont get it or its wrong or OMG..... backordered!!!!
Part of the fun in owning a T is trying to figure out what to buy and where to get it.
I have been buying from Lang's for a long time and have never had a problem getting parts or service from them. I remember 1 order that was fouled up by their staff. That is one order out of many hundreds. Wish I could make as few screw-up's as that. I find that the only issues with my orders are shipping over which Lang's has no control. While UPS costs a bit more, they are usually over-nite for me from MA to ME. But, the USPS service is really bad. I often wait more that a week. I enjoy talking to the vendor and frequently ask for help and advice. I agree with Fred, part of the fun is figuring it all out.
The standard parts for a T has not been a problem for years, the extreme odd-ball parts made in someones back garage can be a problem. I do mean odd-ball, that is the only problem I have. Most of the odd-ball are accessories or the 1909,10,11 parts.
I don't mind placing a phone call to order my own parts. But..... if there is a problem with a manufacturing glitch so that parts are not available to the usual vendors, then it might take several calls to find out who still has some of those parts in stock. Sometimes I have made many calls to find a part that is back ordered to the major vendors, often finding some on the shelf of a smaller one. That is only one instance where a "pro" shopper could save us a lot of time.
If anyone can make this work, it would be Trish. She knows about T parts and knows most of the suppliers to the vendors. She is very professional and personable; I've never heard anyone say anything bad about her. And she knows most of us. If she can get this set up, the only thing she'll need to change is her long visits with me and Uncle Jack and all the others who enjoy talking with her so much. I expect she'll be so busy she won't have much time for lengthy visits!
One thing is for sure,if you want interaction,she'll give it to you!
She could be busy 24/7 or 366 days and not have time for her "feller". bOY THAT IS BAD!
BILL D
WOW! It would be like having a Model T Santa Claus. Trish could come to your house and you sit on her knee and tell her what you want to order!....But remember she likes chocolate. So tips could be Hershey bars.