You local motor factor - Use them or lose them:
Discussion
A lot of local motor-factors had already disappeared before the internet boom took off due to charging higher prices than places such as Halfords for the exact same product.
Then the likes of ECP and GSF started up (still not properly set up on the internet), and more motor-factors went out of business as they couldn't compete on pricing.
Then the internet took off, ECP, GSF and many others jumped on-board, ebay hit the scene, and suddenly, a lot more local motor-factors were in trouble.
Some motor-factors adapted and incorporated the internet into their business.
Some motor-factors worked out that it was a lot cheaper to change the business into an internet only business.
And some motor-factors point blankly refused to make any changes, and most of those have now closed down.
The OP makes a good argument for the case to use a local motor-factor, but as others have said, if they're charging more for the same parts, if their opening times are not convenient (ours didn't open at all on Sundays, and only opened up for Saturday morning until 12 mid-day so the owner could go shopping! - And with Halfords open all day Saturday and Sunday, he wondered why he went out of business!
), and if they're either ignorant, or simply rude to customers, then you're not going to be inclined to use them.
Yes there are pitfalls when it comes to buying from the internet: Errors get made, parts are not as described, parts delivered are not for the particular model required despite the part number being the same, some parts are just cheap Chinese copies, if a part is wrong it can be a major faff trying to get it sorted out (and often impossible!), but there are major advantages too!
For a start off, rather than relying solely on Joe Bloggs in his local motor-factors that he's run since 1964, you have the whole World to trade with, as and when it suits you.
And, in many cases, you can find out that that "bargain" you've been getting from Joe Bloggs, isn't the bargain you thought it was after all, as the exact item, from the exact same manufacturer, can be bought on-line for a lot less!
And shopping on-line gives you a much better chance of finding rare/obsolete items that your local motor-factor simply isn't going to have (I'm sure plenty though will offer to find a rare part for you, then go on the internet, find the part, buy it and then sell it on to you for what they paid + a decent profit!)
One of the weirdest things I've ever come across was a part that was for sale in a motor-factors shop for whatever price it was - I can't remember the exact price or what it was now. Whatever it was, I thought about buying it, and then thought I'd have a look on-line to see if it was cheaper elsewhere.
As I "surfed the 'net", I happened upon the website for the shop that I had been in, so looked up the part on there. The price quoted was for 2/3rds the cost in the shop!
I rang up the shops enquiry line, confirmed the on-line price was correct and then mentioned that the in-store price was higher, to which I was told it was cheaper to sell the part on-line so the price could be reduced to the customer.
"Ah, so the on-line part is despatched from a warehouse then?" I asked, only to be told: "No, we just take one off the shelf in the shop and post it!"
Slightly baffled I asked: "If it's the same part on the shelf in the shop, and could either be sold over the counter or via the internet, why is it more expensive if I turn up to buy it in person, in the shop?"
"Because it's cheaper to sell parts on the internet!" was the reply once more.
I gave up and ordered the part on-line (and probably received the same part I'd held in their shop when pondering whether to buy it or not!).
TBH, most of the motor-factors who do disappear, tend to because they simply failed to adapt to modern times and modern ways of doing business.
The OP sates:
To all those posters on here who are extolling the virtues of their local/favourite independent motor-factors: Next time you're there, ask them if they do sales on the internet.
If they say "yes", ask them if it's the internet sales that actually keeps the shop from closing.
If they say no, ask them if they realise just how much business they're loosing out on, not just locally but Worldwide, by burying their heads in the sand.
As I say, the smart motor-factors (and other businesses!), quickly realised that you can't survive these days without selling on-line. And in many cases, the on-line sales can actually support the shop quite nicely.
It's simple, basic, business evolution! - "Survival of the fittest!".
If you're too dumb to adapt - Chances are, you wont survive!
Then the likes of ECP and GSF started up (still not properly set up on the internet), and more motor-factors went out of business as they couldn't compete on pricing.
Then the internet took off, ECP, GSF and many others jumped on-board, ebay hit the scene, and suddenly, a lot more local motor-factors were in trouble.
Some motor-factors adapted and incorporated the internet into their business.
Some motor-factors worked out that it was a lot cheaper to change the business into an internet only business.
And some motor-factors point blankly refused to make any changes, and most of those have now closed down.
The OP makes a good argument for the case to use a local motor-factor, but as others have said, if they're charging more for the same parts, if their opening times are not convenient (ours didn't open at all on Sundays, and only opened up for Saturday morning until 12 mid-day so the owner could go shopping! - And with Halfords open all day Saturday and Sunday, he wondered why he went out of business!
), and if they're either ignorant, or simply rude to customers, then you're not going to be inclined to use them.Yes there are pitfalls when it comes to buying from the internet: Errors get made, parts are not as described, parts delivered are not for the particular model required despite the part number being the same, some parts are just cheap Chinese copies, if a part is wrong it can be a major faff trying to get it sorted out (and often impossible!), but there are major advantages too!
For a start off, rather than relying solely on Joe Bloggs in his local motor-factors that he's run since 1964, you have the whole World to trade with, as and when it suits you.
And, in many cases, you can find out that that "bargain" you've been getting from Joe Bloggs, isn't the bargain you thought it was after all, as the exact item, from the exact same manufacturer, can be bought on-line for a lot less!
And shopping on-line gives you a much better chance of finding rare/obsolete items that your local motor-factor simply isn't going to have (I'm sure plenty though will offer to find a rare part for you, then go on the internet, find the part, buy it and then sell it on to you for what they paid + a decent profit!)
One of the weirdest things I've ever come across was a part that was for sale in a motor-factors shop for whatever price it was - I can't remember the exact price or what it was now. Whatever it was, I thought about buying it, and then thought I'd have a look on-line to see if it was cheaper elsewhere.
As I "surfed the 'net", I happened upon the website for the shop that I had been in, so looked up the part on there. The price quoted was for 2/3rds the cost in the shop!
I rang up the shops enquiry line, confirmed the on-line price was correct and then mentioned that the in-store price was higher, to which I was told it was cheaper to sell the part on-line so the price could be reduced to the customer.
"Ah, so the on-line part is despatched from a warehouse then?" I asked, only to be told: "No, we just take one off the shelf in the shop and post it!"
Slightly baffled I asked: "If it's the same part on the shelf in the shop, and could either be sold over the counter or via the internet, why is it more expensive if I turn up to buy it in person, in the shop?"
"Because it's cheaper to sell parts on the internet!" was the reply once more.
I gave up and ordered the part on-line (and probably received the same part I'd held in their shop when pondering whether to buy it or not!).
TBH, most of the motor-factors who do disappear, tend to because they simply failed to adapt to modern times and modern ways of doing business.
The OP sates:
Oldred_V8S said:
......The proprietor was telling me the effect internet sales are having on his business....
That should be telling the proprietor something about what he needs to do with his business! - If he buries his head in the sand, fails to take the hint and adapt the business, then is it really the customers fault if his business goes under?To all those posters on here who are extolling the virtues of their local/favourite independent motor-factors: Next time you're there, ask them if they do sales on the internet.
If they say "yes", ask them if it's the internet sales that actually keeps the shop from closing.
If they say no, ask them if they realise just how much business they're loosing out on, not just locally but Worldwide, by burying their heads in the sand.
As I say, the smart motor-factors (and other businesses!), quickly realised that you can't survive these days without selling on-line. And in many cases, the on-line sales can actually support the shop quite nicely.
It's simple, basic, business evolution! - "Survival of the fittest!".
If you're too dumb to adapt - Chances are, you wont survive!
The way I see it is these online parts firms are mainly used by DIY guys.Why they do beets me? waiting days for delivery,if its wrong post it back,old units have be returned to get the surcharge.Some people are just obsessed with Ebay etc.
Small independent motor factors and large firms like GSF and ECP get most of their business from the motor trade.
When I was in business it was a quick phone call to my local factor and the parts were delivered in an hour or so.Plenty of firms still doing it around me. (Thames Valley).
Small independent motor factors and large firms like GSF and ECP get most of their business from the motor trade.
When I was in business it was a quick phone call to my local factor and the parts were delivered in an hour or so.Plenty of firms still doing it around me. (Thames Valley).
Old Merc said:
The way I see it is these online parts firms are mainly used by DIY guys.Why they do beets me? waiting days for delivery,if its wrong post it back,old units have be returned to get the surcharge.Some people are just obsessed with Ebay etc.
So what else are they supposed to do?Where else are they supposed to get their parts from? - Especially if they have rare or older cars?
Old Merc said:
Small independent motor factors and large firms like GSF and ECP get most of their business from the motor trade.
I suspect a fair old chunk of their business is to the general public in reality.Old Merc said:
When I was in business it was a quick phone call to my local factor and the parts were delivered in an hour or so.Plenty of firms still doing it around me. (Thames Valley).
Really? - So if I want a clutch slave cylinder for a FIAT X1/9 they would have one in stock, and at the cheapest price possible?If I need a pair of front brake discs for a Ferrari 328, they'll be on the shelf?
How about a drivers side tail light for a 1981 BMW E12 5 series? - They'll just happen to have one underneath the counter?
How about a HVAC fan speed resistor for an Alfa Romeo 155? (I'll help you out here, I can guarantee that they wont have one in stock [they're rarer than rocking horse s
t!], but they do crop up [incredibly rarely] on ebay though!)There are some things that local motor-factors simply cannot get "within a hour or so", if at all!
Really? - So if I want a clutch slave cylinder for a FIAT X1/9 they would have one in stock, and at the cheapest price possible?
If I need a pair of front brake discs for a Ferrari 328, they'll be on the shelf?
How about a drivers side tail light for a 1981 BMW E12 5 series? - They'll just happen to have one underneath the counter?
How about a HVAC fan speed resistor for an Alfa Romeo 155? (I'll help you out here, I can guarantee that they wont have one in stock [they're rarer than rocking horse s
t!], but they do crop up [incredibly rarely] on ebay though!)There are some things that local motor-factors simply cannot get "within a hour or so", if at all!
You dont get it do you? nobody wants slave cylinders for ancient Fiats or tail lights for 1981 BMWs, Motor factors are in business to make money and that is mainly through the local motor trade who want current parts quickly so they can repair customers cars. They are not going to fart around dealing with internet sales they need stuff pronto. They have the added bonus that they can also get parts for older cars quite quickly and a bloody sight cheaper than Halfords, ECP GSF and a lot of the other online rip off merchants. [quote=4rephill]]
I used to love the old style motor factors ,racks full of bits ,a grubby counter ,a dozen well thumbed thick tomes of parts lists ,you asked for a part and then faced a quiz !
If you took the old knackered part to them this seemed to make their day as two minutes later a nice new shiny part was next to it followed by a smug "anything else"
If you took the old knackered part to them this seemed to make their day as two minutes later a nice new shiny part was next to it followed by a smug "anything else"
4rephill said:
Old Merc said:
Small independent motor factors and large firms like GSF and ECP get most of their business from the motor trade.
I suspect a fair old chunk of their business is to the general public in reality.Old Merc said:
When I was in business it was a quick phone call to my local factor and the parts were delivered in an hour or so.Plenty of firms still doing it around me. (Thames Valley).
Really? - So if I want a clutch slave cylinder for a FIAT X1/9 they would have one in stock, and at the cheapest price possible?If I need a pair of front brake discs for a Ferrari 328, they'll be on the shelf?
How about a drivers side tail light for a 1981 BMW E12 5 series? - They'll just happen to have one underneath the counter?
How about a HVAC fan speed resistor for an Alfa Romeo 155? (I'll help you out here, I can guarantee that they wont have one in stock [they're rarer than rocking horse s
t!], but they do crop up [incredibly rarely] on ebay though!)_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Come on 4rephill,I was talking about normal parts for everyday cars,I'm sure other posters could see this.All this talk about X1/9,Ferrari 328,1981 BMW etc is irrelevant and makes you sound pompous.
The OP started this topic in support of local motor factors who trade in parts for normal everyday cars.The main problem for small independent factors is that they are losing DIY business to online firms.
As "MERCKY" correctly points out garages can't waist time online they rely on factors,large or small,to deliver parts quickly so their customers cars are ready for collection the same day.
As for GSF & ECP,yes they do a fair bit with DIY but their main customers are the motor trade,all depot`s have a fleet of vans for their trade delivery service.
I`ve worked in the motor trade for over 50 years(now retired),apprentice to service manager then 24 years with my own small independant garage.I have seen so much change in the motor trade and I have to agree,going online is so convenient.Just look at Yellow Pages,when I started my garage it was a huge heavy book,massive.Now its smaller than a Sunday paper magazine because every business has a website and customers just Google.As for finding classic parts,going online has transformed the task,the only place to do it.
After saying all this a face to face or telephone conversation with an experienced partsman at a motor factors with the correct part being supplied immediately is far better than anything online can offer.
before I moved to Glasgow my local motor factor (wd factors for the Fifers) were absolutely fantastic never had a problem and used them for everything.
now my local Motor factor is utter tosh, punts cheap nasty parts alongside blingy wheels and mountainbikes.
source all my parts from Arnold Clark of all places, really do look after trade customers, I can phone up for any make and 90% of stuff is at my workshop or my house inside 2 hours.
does help that I've got a great guy that looks after me and goes to the ends of the earth at times to find those obscure parts (mk1 Focus RS stuff etc)
prices are fantastic genuine parts come in cheaper than euro cheap stuff and I always get offered a choice of Genuine or aftermarket.
in reply to the post above, regarding mk1 escort parts they even have a stock of those
now my local Motor factor is utter tosh, punts cheap nasty parts alongside blingy wheels and mountainbikes.
source all my parts from Arnold Clark of all places, really do look after trade customers, I can phone up for any make and 90% of stuff is at my workshop or my house inside 2 hours.
does help that I've got a great guy that looks after me and goes to the ends of the earth at times to find those obscure parts (mk1 Focus RS stuff etc)
prices are fantastic genuine parts come in cheaper than euro cheap stuff and I always get offered a choice of Genuine or aftermarket.
in reply to the post above, regarding mk1 escort parts they even have a stock of those
Edited by Glasgowrob on Sunday 1st May 12:01
Unfortunately most of the motor factors near me are fairly useless.
I needed a cam belt kit for my ST170(neither rare nor exotic). I went to the trouble of getting the gates part no. From the Internet, rang them, told them what it was for and the part no. According to them it didn't exist. They could get all the parts which worked out £30 dearer than buying from the Internet. I ordered the kit off eBay and was here the next day. Because it wasn't on their computer screen they didn't want to know.
Again, I needed a rubber rocker cover gasket for my Xflow engined kit car(again, not exactly uncommon). A visit to them showed they haven't got a clue. Gave them the benefit of the doubt and let them get on with it. Next day a phone call from them saying it was there. Go to get it and it was for a pinto. Give them another chance, next day another call to say the correct one was there, turn up and it's a cork gasket.
I then ordered a cometic gasket from burton power which was the same price as from the motor factors, delivered the correct part the next day.
This is just a couple of examples of many unfortunately. So is there really any wonder people just order the correct parts themselves from the likes of eBay? The problem isn't the Internet, it's the button pushers behind the parts counter.
I personally would love to just be able to go to a shop and buy the parts I need but with service like that why would I bother?
I needed a cam belt kit for my ST170(neither rare nor exotic). I went to the trouble of getting the gates part no. From the Internet, rang them, told them what it was for and the part no. According to them it didn't exist. They could get all the parts which worked out £30 dearer than buying from the Internet. I ordered the kit off eBay and was here the next day. Because it wasn't on their computer screen they didn't want to know.
Again, I needed a rubber rocker cover gasket for my Xflow engined kit car(again, not exactly uncommon). A visit to them showed they haven't got a clue. Gave them the benefit of the doubt and let them get on with it. Next day a phone call from them saying it was there. Go to get it and it was for a pinto. Give them another chance, next day another call to say the correct one was there, turn up and it's a cork gasket.
I then ordered a cometic gasket from burton power which was the same price as from the motor factors, delivered the correct part the next day.
This is just a couple of examples of many unfortunately. So is there really any wonder people just order the correct parts themselves from the likes of eBay? The problem isn't the Internet, it's the button pushers behind the parts counter.
I personally would love to just be able to go to a shop and buy the parts I need but with service like that why would I bother?
Mercky said:
Really? - So if I want a clutch slave cylinder for a FIAT X1/9 they would have one in stock, and at the cheapest price possible?
If I need a pair of front brake discs for a Ferrari 328, they'll be on the shelf?
How about a drivers side tail light for a 1981 BMW E12 5 series? - They'll just happen to have one underneath the counter?
How about a HVAC fan speed resistor for an Alfa Romeo 155? (I'll help you out here, I can guarantee that they wont have one in stock [they're rarer than rocking horse st!], but they do crop up [incredibly rarely] on ebay though!)
There are some things that local motor-factors simply cannot get "within a hour or so", if at all!
You dont get it do you? nobody wants slave cylinders for ancient Fiats or tail lights for 1981 BMWs, Motor factors are in business to make money and that is mainly through the local motor trade who want current parts quickly so they can repair customers cars. They are not going to fart around dealing with internet sales they need stuff pronto. They have the added bonus that they can also get parts for older cars quite quickly and a bloody sight cheaper than Halfords, ECP GSF and a lot of the other online rip off merchants. That's still rubbish business. That is effectively operating as a storage depot for random stock that someone might just need in a hurry. To be service competitive you need enormous stock and enormous space and then you're not going to get the sales revenue to even begin to finance such a farcical outlay.
The simple truth is that the motor factor is alive and kicking but has changed the face of its business to survive. Those who haven't changed will shut down because they are attempting to sell a service which the market is telling them everyday it doesn't want or need any more.
Still running a business that is based on walk in customers is just clinging on in the hopes that someone each day is desperate enough to chance going into your shop on the off chance that you have something.
Trying to accommodate the requirements of local businesses is just going to see you as financing their stock requirements at your own expense. Centralised behemoths can hold more stock, deliver quicker and be more efficient so profitable.
Cars don't need fixing like they used to and customers have no desire to get involved in the blue collar activity of checking oil or changing a wiper now that they are important, white collar people.
The original style of Indy motor factors will still work in a few places across the UK but as others have suggested, moving online, setting up more as a phone business etc are all key requirements to complimenting a physical shop front.
If I need a pair of front brake discs for a Ferrari 328, they'll be on the shelf?
How about a drivers side tail light for a 1981 BMW E12 5 series? - They'll just happen to have one underneath the counter?
How about a HVAC fan speed resistor for an Alfa Romeo 155? (I'll help you out here, I can guarantee that they wont have one in stock [they're rarer than rocking horse s
t!], but they do crop up [incredibly rarely] on ebay though!)There are some things that local motor-factors simply cannot get "within a hour or so", if at all!
You dont get it do you? nobody wants slave cylinders for ancient Fiats or tail lights for 1981 BMWs, Motor factors are in business to make money and that is mainly through the local motor trade who want current parts quickly so they can repair customers cars. They are not going to fart around dealing with internet sales they need stuff pronto. They have the added bonus that they can also get parts for older cars quite quickly and a bloody sight cheaper than Halfords, ECP GSF and a lot of the other online rip off merchants.
4rephill] said:
The simple truth is that the motor factor is alive and kicking but has changed the face of its business to survive. Those who haven't changed will shut down because they are attempting to sell a service which the market is telling them everyday it doesn't want or need any more.
Still running a business that is based on walk in customers is just clinging on in the hopes that someone each day is desperate enough to chance going into your shop on the off chance that you have something.
Trying to accommodate the requirements of local businesses is just going to see you as financing their stock requirements at your own expense. Centralised behemoths can hold more stock, deliver quicker and be more efficient so profitable.
Cars don't need fixing like they used to and customers have no desire to get involved in the blue collar activity of checking oil or changing a wiper now that they are important, white collar people.
The original style of Indy motor factors will still work in a few places across the UK but as others have suggested, moving online, setting up more as a phone business etc are all key requirements to complimenting a physical shop front.
I've really gone off using local shops. In my experience the prices are never competitive and quite often the parts are the same cheap crap you buy on the internet but at OEM prices.
Went into local motorspares place recently to get wipers for the MRS's car. Initial price was over 60 quid for the three wipers, after coughs,spluttering and threats to leave and get them somewhere else, the price came down to under thirty quid, which was still dearer than online, but I didn't feel like I was being ripped off!
I understand all the usual arguments about overheads etc, but the last few times I've needed stuff from local shops at short notice for my car or washing machine, I've come away spending many multiples of the price of the online item, only to get the same after market stuff.
Went into local motorspares place recently to get wipers for the MRS's car. Initial price was over 60 quid for the three wipers, after coughs,spluttering and threats to leave and get them somewhere else, the price came down to under thirty quid, which was still dearer than online, but I didn't feel like I was being ripped off!
I understand all the usual arguments about overheads etc, but the last few times I've needed stuff from local shops at short notice for my car or washing machine, I've come away spending many multiples of the price of the online item, only to get the same after market stuff.
MarshPhantom said:
I used to use New Cross Auto Spares until a few months ago, looks like they've gone recently.
Yep, used to be my local good factors too but do seem to have gone. I've always had trouble with fan belts on my Spitfire - with the correct size the altinator body stops you getting a spark plug socket on the #1 plug so you have to faff taking the belt off and moving the alt. Walked in to NCAS with the 'proper' one and asked "Have you got one like this but about 2" longer?" and walked out 2min later with a suitable belt. Can't imagine that working at my local ECP.Back in the 90s the JDC had a spares day at Farnham every year. Loads of sellers and buyers it was always a great social occasion too. But slowly, as the internet and EBay took off the dealer's stopped coming. As one explained it, "why get out of bed on a Sunday morning when people can buy from me at the click of a mouse?" So our spares day died.
lowdrag said:
Back in the 90s the JDC had a spares day at Farnham every year. Loads of sellers and buyers it was always a great social occasion too. But slowly, as the internet and EBay took off the dealer's stopped coming. As one explained it, "why get out of bed on a Sunday morning when people can buy from me at the click of a mouse?" So our spares day died.
Even though I haven't had a Jaguar for many years, I still go with a Jag owning mate to the one at Stoneleigh (JEC?). I first went in 1990 with my newly restored XJS and whilst I didn't buy much, it was an excellent day out looking at old crap, interesting cars and just chatting. An excellent day out.Old Merc said:
Come on 4rephill,I was talking about normal parts for everyday cars,I'm sure other posters could see this.All this talk about X1/9,Ferrari 328,1981 BMW etc is irrelevant and makes you sound pompous......
You're right! -What the Hell was I thinking?, talking about X1/9's,Ferrari 328's,1981 BMW's etc, in the Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes" section of PistonHeads? Saying that, If you and the OP are talking about "Everyday" cars, why is this being posting in the Classic Cars and Yesterday's Heroes section?
Mercky said:
You dont get it do you? nobody wants slave cylinders for ancient Fiats or tail lights for 1981 BMWs,
Err.... Owners of these "ancient" cars might just want them! (It seems a bit strange to disparagingly describe the cars that I have mentioned as being "ancient" when you're in a classic car section of a website BTW!)
Old Merc said:
As "MERCKY" correctly points out garages can't waist time online they rely on factors,large or small,to deliver parts quickly so their customers cars are ready for collection the same day.
Oh right, because garages always fix cars the same day and never tell customers that they're going to have to order a part, which could take a few days to turn up do they? - Pull the other one, it plays Jingle Bells!Mercky said:
Motor factors are in business to make money and that is mainly through the local motor trade who want current parts quickly so they can repair customers cars. They are not going to fart around dealing with internet sales they need stuff pronto. They have the added bonus that they can also get parts for older cars quite quickly and a bloody sight cheaper than Halfords, ECP GSF and a lot of the other online rip off merchants.
So if garages are all using their local motor-factors rather than going on-line, as you and MERCKY are suggesting, then why are they so under threat from the on-line sites selling parts? - Especially as the on-line delivery service is apparently so poor? I think you'll find that garages use a combination of phoning around and using the internet to find required parts, especially when it comes to older and classic cars with harder to find parts.
Based on the evidence from both yourself and MERCKY, concerning garages and local motor-factors, it seems that this entire thread is completely pointless as they're not under threat from on-line businesses at all!
As I have already posted, if it's modern day machinery you're talking about - You really should post it in the right section!
4rephill said:
One of the weirdest things I've ever come across was a part that was for sale in a motor-factors shop for whatever price it was - I can't remember the exact price or what it was now. Whatever it was, I thought about buying it, and then thought I'd have a look on-line to see if it was cheaper elsewhere.
As I "surfed the 'net", I happened upon the website for the shop that I had been in, so looked up the part on there. The price quoted was for 2/3rds the cost in the shop!
... snipped ...
That's not uncommon though - the new tyres for my daily driver were £84 each all-in online, or £110 each all-in visiting the tyre depot. The same company took the money, delivered the tyres to the same depot where the same people fitted them to my car, just for £26 each less. And the same is true for ECP - looked up a part online, £4.49-odd, went into the local one as I happened to be passing and there was a query on the suitability, quoted me £7.90 for the same part. At least they agreed to sell it at the web price, though, without making me go home and order it online.As I "surfed the 'net", I happened upon the website for the shop that I had been in, so looked up the part on there. The price quoted was for 2/3rds the cost in the shop!
... snipped ...
I despair at businesses that put "use us or lose us" in the window, like a local bike shop did a few years back. If people aren't using the shop, sticking a grumpy notice in the window isn't going to help, it's more likely to put people off. Give us a reason to use the shop, we'll use it and carry on using it.
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