Greetings everyone,
In response to my efforts with the Trasco company and a proposal for some
compensation for our translation and perhaps group buying efforts I received
the following reply whick I pass on to you all for your consideration.
Personally I ahve already ordered one oil filter unit and a replacement
filter for my own use and testing. I may later install another unit on my
Mercedes. The Trasco reply follows my signature.

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE

> Brian Atkins
> Martinsburg, WV
>
> &
>
> William Polowniak
> Cardiff, CA
>
> Dear Mr. Atkins and Mr. Polwniak:
>
> I appreciate your interest in Trasko Oil Filters. And thank you very much
for your email. As mentioned earlier we have mailed a copy of the tests
results conducted in Japan to Mr. William Polowniak from CA, Jim Arnott from
OR and another copy to Japan as per address given by Mr. Polowniak.
>
> Our opinion is that test results may be a plus to our company or may not
do a thing. All aspects vary from customer to customer and sometimes a bias
develops on one property of the filter and contradicts another.
> We have shared testing expenses with Trasko-Japan initially ( We paid for
the Relief Valve Test only- The copy of the results are in the package).
And secondly we do not have any extra funds at this moment to dedicate to
testing as suggested.  I do not mean to be negative, but want to admit that
it is tough trying to break in a tradition ( i.e convince individuals to
adopt using reusable filters with a new design).
>
> We understand the fact (I mean, we really do understand) in this day and
economy; people are quite skeptical and are make buying decisions very
carefully.  We are a very small company (2 men and a dog) and work on a very
little margin. Our customers are enthusiasts just like you.  Our prices are
very competitive. And we have not let inflation still affect it. I hope we
are able to keep it that way.
>
> All we can offer is that we can afford to bear the shipping charges for
the Vanagon members. Which is 8% of the total amount, (i.e. 8% discount)
that's the best we can do.
>
> I appreciate your offer and on Mr. Polowniak's offer, and thank you and
him all the other members for the interest shown.  We hope that you turn out
to be a customer someday and help us keep our vision alive.
>
> Let me know if the members are interested in-group buying at 8% discount.
>
> Malik
> LOFMR
> http://www.trasko-usa.com