In a message dated 9/24/04 8:25:02 PM, m.s.nichols@COMCAST.NET writes:

<< Busdepot apparently does not

check the  specs on the aftermarket items they sell---if you followed the

"exhaust not fitting" thread last week, you can sense the frustration of

customers who buy in good faith, only to find that the "it fits just like

the original VW part" mantra of volume discount parts sellers is mostly a

volume merchandising  myth.

The last thing that I want to read on this list is how the vendor was

assured by the importer that the part fit fine, and it is a bad importer

that is to blame. >>

Mike,

Since you are aware of the exhaust thread, you must know that I agree with
your sentiments exactly.  It is an insult and disrespectful of the customer,
especially the one who may have his van apart in the drive awaiting some vital
component which turns out to be substandard.  These fellows are no better than a
resturant owner who has a dirty restroom and I give neither my money.

The distant vendors are all too ready to utter the requisite "Sorry" and take
back the shoddy merchandise, but they cannot return the wasted time and
dashed hopes.  "Buy locally" has become my mantra for many reasons.

At one time on this list there were more than a few stories about shipping
damage caused by the poor packaging of goods from the busdepot.  As usual,
Salmon expended many words regarding the reasons for shipping damage in his
merchandise.  Untrained staff; recycling boxes to save the earth; UPS using trained
orangutans as shipping agents, etc.  In my opinion he forgot the most likely
explanation -- he just didn't care.  Consider this, if a shipment is damaged,
the vendor still makes his money and the cost of shipping is refunded.  So, the
customer gets back his money fully and the vendor is paid for the item by the
insurer.  It seems like a perverse form of financial float with little
incentive, other than respect for the customer, to package things properly.

George