PhilM said:
Thanks, that is why
I am jumping ship; here comes the Supra. You know, sometimes vendors do have feelings too. At some point you really do get sick of all the BS and go somewhere else and make parts. U want vendors, figure out why they go bye-bye. And here's a tip, it's not entirely because these cars are rare... Heck, even the OWNERS want to run away.
And my gf wonders why I don't wanna go out to see a comedy show...
I've had several buick vendors tell me what a pita buick guys are to deal with. But the main reason vendors are leaving is because theres just not enough business to keep them afloat. As a business owner I understand the overhead and other obstacles they face, and thats why many vendors switch their focus from buicks to mustangs, imports, etc. Take Kenne Bell for example: They used to be heavy into the buick stuff. But buicks alone will not support their expenses. So they got into other makes and models to support their sales, and once they realize the potential in these other markets they focus more time in them vs. buick stuff. I truly believe (and ask a buick specific vendor if you think I'm wrong) that the TR specific shops and vendors do it out of love for the hobby. They know they could make more money and have an easier time with something more mainstream with a stronger future. I think they really love buicks and enjoy what they do.
I've spoken with a couple vendors who have jumped ship and thats the jist of it, its not worth the headaches. Customers with unrealistic expectations, poor parts availability, slow periods, etc. have caused them to get into other parts of the business, and while I haven't spoken with them again, I'm thinking they must not regret it.
From a business standpoint, it just makes too much sense: Do you build your business around a fading future, a market that can only shrink and never really grow? Or do you find something that is not only popular but still in production with a growing customer base? Take shops like MTI in texas, which is a GM specific shop focusing on late model vettes, f bodies, trucks, and other GM vehicles, most of which are still being sold daily at dealerships nationwide. They have grown to a huge business with customers all over and as long as they operate their business accordingly can only grow with time.
Like I said, common sense. I think there will always be people to do buick work and sell parts, but it will be a small section of their business, so don't expect them to be chomping at the bit to do buick stuff. Rather, be grateful they even do it, because trust me, they could be making money elsewhere, and more of it. Yes, you're going to wait a long time for parts, yes, stuff will get back ordered or out of stock, and yes, other things will be priority over your buick parts. Thats one of the downsides of owning an older, rare automobile. You think you got it bad? My grandfather had to spend hundreds of dollars for a part for his model T ford and on top of that it took him months to find it.
It isn't going to get better folks, get used to it.
