<VV> Clutch Cable for FC

[Dave Keillor]

What David is doing is trying to run the retail side of his business like
you would a wholesale business.  I run a business and understand the process
of setting up an account with the vendor as the first step.  However, none
of the vendors we do business with require that they maintain our credit
card number in their files.  I try to minimize the number of people who have
my credit card information -- especially small companies.

The second problem I have with his business method is I can't find out if
he's got what I need/want without providing my credit card information.  At
one time he was working on a website, but that seems to have died.  I
understand that his time is valuable, but other than his ads in Corsa, I
don't know how to discover whether he has what I want.  Would he rather
answer my inquiries about parts availability every time I'm looking for a
part?  That doesn't seem like a way to conserve time.

The third problem is that he's missing the person (like me) who develops
needs on impulse.  Should I just call him up (after establishing an account)
and ask him to run down the list of neat stuff he sells?  Not an efficient
method for either of us.  About the only visibility to his products is his
limited ads in Corsa.

An example of a small business that doesn't hide his products from his
potential customers is Ray Sedman.  Ray has a website that describes his
goods and services, and responds promptly to emails.  David probably has
some things I want or need, but I don't know how to discover what those
might be without a credit card number.

Dave Keillor

-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Elliott [mailto:Corvair@fnader.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2004 4:37 PM
To: virtualvairs@corvair.org
Subject: Re: <VV> Clutch Cable for FC

Ever dealt with a high-end 1-2 person business? They don't have a large
staff to provide customer 
service, so their time is money... and they cater to only a small percentage
of real customers and have 
lots and lots of window shoppers.

I consider David to be in this category. He's very clear and upfront about
his expectations.  If you've ever 
ordered something from him ONCE, then you have an account. He has been
extremely generous with 
his time and expertise with me... and every product of his I've used has
been above reproach. 

In many cases he is the only vendor to have a similar product (so you can't
buy elsewhere)... or has the 
best of a particular product (my opinion). And I sincerely appreciate his
honesty... even when it costs him 
sales. When he cannot get a particular product that meets his standards, he
simply quits carrying the 
item rather than replacing it with something less than optimal.

I recognize a large percentage of the Corvair world has "written him off"
(due to this policy and his...um... 
less than friendly public exchanges with other vendors), but how many of
those would buy his specialized 
stuff anyway? Those of us who are his customers value him highly.

If you are in the market for some of the specialty items that he provides,
you're only hurting yourself by 
refusing to do business with him.

Just my $.02 as a very satisfied customer.

Bill Elliott
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