Quote:
Originally Posted by Karl Wescott
Drake and Vintique both sell seconds and may have a favored vendor who will take them to various swap meets (before Bob's dad passed away he got the seconds to sell). Usually these guys are honest about what they sell. However... there are less than honest vendors who will purchase the seconds and resell them at "retail" OR there are dishonest customers who will exchange or swap or something to a vendor who then thinks the parts are good. Anyone will be reluctant to exchange a discounted second for a good part. Just a caveat emptor.
The second issue is that when we sell thru a dealer (and I assume Bob feels similar) we expect the dealer to be the point for any customer service issues. Hint... if you buy from a dealer keep a receipt and try them first. If they get real "hinkey" about a receipt maybe pass, if a deal smells wrong it likely is wrong.
The third issue I have is relationships. When you buy direct from Bob, or indirect from us, C&G, Dennis, etc you establish a relationship. We all value these relationships and will do what we feel is reasonable to keep them positive. When you buy from an unknown vendor at a swap meet or epay you hopefully are getting a discount in exchange for the lack of a relationship or any effort at customer service.
To resolve your issue I would try again at Bob's (ask for a supervisor if needed) and ask them to bring a replacement (if they have one) then do a hand to hand with Bob or his staff at Portland... Then begin building a relationship.
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Thanks Karl. I do see this point, honestly I thought I was buying from Bob Drake themselves. The vendor had probably 6 stalls, a box van, and tables and boxes full of Drake parts...much like they do in Portland. Even a Drake banner if I remember...and this swap meet was probably 4-5 hours North of Grants Pass OR where drake is located. I had no reason to feel the need to open and inspect the product. All pieces were still in the wrapper, in the styraphome, and appeared new. I don't see how this would be a "second" as clearly all you would have to do is swap the L trim piece for the R and close the lid and it's ready to sell. But I don't make those calls nor run a manufacturing business. I truley think this is just an honest mistake or error, and just waned to see if someone wanted to make it right.
Like I said above, I'm not mad or pointing fingers or trying to pull a fast one on anyone. I was just hoping that maybe someone there would actually listen to me and see if they could help (which has happened, but no guarantee). I have done a lot of business with Drake, and while never 100% smooth most all transactions have been pleasant and I do like the quality of most of his stuff. Plus, he is somewhat "local" to me being a state away, and I do see value in putting money into my local economy.
Having said that, I can choose to buy from whoever I want to. If I feel I got "burned" over this, then maybe I will start shopping other suppliers.