TPS. Finally trade only

[paultownsend]

I have been shopping at Derby TPS for years. Rebuilt my mk2 Golf there, rebuilt the engine etc. It's the reason I have always stayed with VW, as the service is excellent. My partner has my old mk4 Golf 1.8t, again always ran on TPS parts, genuine fluids and Quantum oils. I have a Passat TDi company car and still purchase all service parts from them. Until today.
Needed a new indicator unit for the Passat wing mirror. Is this a trade order sir? No, public? I'm afraid I have to forward you to Parkway VW sir.......
30 minutes later I have my part on order, that's 30 minutes to get through on the phone. While I'm there I may as well pick up 5 litres of Synta Platinum for the Golfs 5k service. Sorry sir, no longer available as we need to order it in bulk. Iv used that bl00dy oil for over 10 years.

Now I have to deal with the arrogance of the dealer, and yes they live up to the rep. Oh the joys.

I should have expected it. The clues in the name....

[PositronicRay]

Main dealer parts depts generally offer crap service. Phones and email unanswered, unless you're a favoured person. I hate having to deal with them (not just VAG btw)

If you can get to know one of the parts counter guys, get a personal email, and cherish them. Far from perfect but it helps me to retain my sanity.

I far prefer to use a factors where possible.

[Adrian E]

My local TPS is still happy to deal with me direct. I often walk in though rather than ringing which may help. Might be worth popping in and asking if there's an account number you can quote when ringing ahead

[paultownsend]

I was going to see what the criteria is for a trade account.
We used to get a superb discount with Club GTI many moons a go.

[va1o]

Yeah I'm guessing this is only certain TPS outlets. I don't think there is a lot in the price these days between them and the dealers.

[Ray Luxury-Yacht]

Bizarre, I walked into my TPS on the South Coast last week as a private buyer to get a MAF and there was no problem at all, as there's never been.

The only thing that HAS changed a couple of years ago is that public counter sales do not receive the trade discount any longer. However even at their full price it's still cheaper than Main dealer, and can't be beaten for convenience - they've never not had the part I need on the shelf.

Might be worth trying a different branch?

[Jay_87]

My local TPS is ok with public sales.

[Sheepshanks]

They've always varied - there's a list on one of the Skoda forums.

I guess it varies by branch and even by the person you deal with.

[KungFuPanda]

I've always been fine ordering as a member of the public at Trafford, Stockport and Oldham. Try and sound like you know what you're on about and when they ask for account details, just say you'll pick it up.

[Sheepshanks]

Ray Luxury-Yacht said:

The only thing that HAS changed a couple of years ago is that public counter sales do not receive the trade discount any longer.

I recently bought AdBlue and the filler hose and they (Chester) slightly discounted those without me asking. Was a tiny amount though - 4% on one item and 8% on the other - and I was a bit baffled why they even bothered.

[Bungleaio]

My local dealer has leaflets advertising TPS in their service area. I tend to drop them an email then call in to collect when the parts are in.

[paultownsend]

I can see how Joe public pi$$es them off. There is always a long que of taxi drivers asking for 'that clip under there'.
I was a gent and always went in with part numbers from ETKA.

Ah well. What's done is done. Silly how different branches have different policies.