Perhaps somewhere in-between is the correct attitude.  We do live in a
county that loves to sue over every perceived transgression so a disclaimer
is probably necessary for any manufacturer, however, I personally find it
prudent not to prejudge my customers.  They usually will show their true
colours eventually, and at that time I can decide if their business is worth
the trouble.

Just my humble opinion as the owner & operator of several automotive related
businesses.

Cheers,

Jeff
www.vanagonparts.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Bruce Nadig
Sent: Sunday, July 11, 2004 6:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: "whiney ass customers that expect the moon for $.25"

I've had to deal with the general pubic in both automotive and motorcycle
dealerships. Most of the customers were great folks. It was the few,
however, that ruined the fun for everyone.

It has been my experience that most folks that work in automotive/motorcycle
parts or service departments do so because they love the cars and/or
motorcycles. Generally, they all enjoy their jobs and working with other
folks that have the same interests. Most days are good ones. However, it
only takes a single whiney, cheap customers to ruin your whole day, or even
your whole week. On those days, you spend about 90% of your time dealing
with some inconsequential, or worse yet, imagined, problem. It really takes
the fun out of the business.

I have found that the vast majority of customers to be pretty good folks. In
fact, I still miss interacting with a number of them on a regular basis.
However, there are the few out there that make me swear that I will never
work at a particular place again as long as I know that I might have to deal
with a particular customer and keep a smile on my face.

Usually those folks are the know-it-alls that are cheap and want to get the
sky and the moon, and they want their money back while keeping the product.

Anywhere you go, there will be good folks and bad. Fortunately, most folks I
have found to be good. I completely understand the comments made by John. He
has to include disclaimers and specific instructions to cover his behind. It
probably only takes one returned bumper (that may or may not have also been
damaged by the customer) for him to loose all the profit he makes on all of
his bumpers in a single year.

Some customers whine. It is a fact of life. It is usually those same people
that want the moon for 25�. They burn you out and take the fun out of work
(yes, work can and should be fun). I'm in tune with John completely.

By the way, I have never met John, done business with him, or have any
interest in his business, other than hoping that he continues to serve the
Vanagon community.

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce

P.S. I have sold a few Vanagon parts myself from what I have around here. I
try to give people a good deal (usually I sell to list members), but, all in
all, I have found Vanagon owners in general (not necessarily everyone on the
list) to be a pretty cheap bunch.

>From: Rico Dagastino <Dagbear@AOL.COM>
>Reply-To: Dagbear@AOL.COM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: "whiney ass customers that expect the moon for $.25"
>Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 19:52:09 EDT
>
>   I would like to thank John at Aircooled.net for his description of come
>of
>his customers.  I am not aware of the situation which led to this colorful
>description nor of other events which may have influenced this choice of
>words.
>I am, however, a consumer and I have expectations regarding how I wish to
>be
>treated.  One of those expectations is not to be referred to in an
>unflattering
>way either before or after business is conducted. As a long time Volkswagen
>owner and purchaser of parts for both air cooled and water cooled models my
>desire is for business to be conducted in a cordial, helpful and
>cooperative
>manner.  I conduct business with those vendors who keep this in mind and
>build
>their business practices on such models.  Those who do not are not first
>among my
>choices.  I would hope this lack of decorum with reference to customers is
>an
>isolated anomaly.
>
>
>Rico Dagastino
>Memphis, TN