I am trying to understand this whole situation, so please correct me if I am wrong here...
Terry has been working on getting DMD's from Europe, as has BAT. Correct?
Terry has now gotten them in for sale, as has BAT. Correct?
Terry's price vs BAT's price, not much of a difference.(Like 25 bucks right?) Correct?
If I am correct in assuming that the above statements are all true, then what is the big deal. People as consumers should be allowed to CHOOSE where they buy their parts. Regardless of if it is chepaer or more expensive, they have that choice. If they so choose to buy from someone who is not as big of a supporter of the Contour community as Terry, that is their CHOICE. If other people on the boards want to point out a place other than Terry's that carries the same part for a similar price, fine. It may be deemed bad etiquite, but it is gonna happen. There is nothing you can really do to stop it. All you can do is let your customers endorse your product and make people believe in you.
I understand that if were not for Terry showing the need for the DMD, that BAT would have prolly never gotten into the market. But getting mad because others point out another place to buy someting is pointless. I can understand your frustration Terry, but what is calling people assclowns gonna acomplish? Like most business ventures, competition watches the market, and sees what is in demand. They saw a demand for the DMD (thanks to Terry) and rolled with it.
Yes, Terry has contributed greatly to the Contour community, in parts supply AND service, where as BAT has been helping us longer, only with parts though, no service. Terry helps the CEG in both the service AND parts aspect. He contributes to the boards and is a respected member (by most
) BAT is soley a parts source. Chalk one up for Terry. If it were ME, and I needed a part, more than likely I would order from TH, not BAT. But, on the other hand, I kind of find it childish to moan and complain and name call when someonecuts into your business. It is gonna happen regarldess, so all the whining is pretty much in vain.
And on a final note: How many CEG'ers actually drive to Michigan to have work done on their cars? Not me. Sure, If I want it done by a reputable source, I would have to send it there but that does not make too much sense now does it? Why would I drive or ship my car there when I can get it done here (maybe not as good, maybe as good) for the same price, or cheaper without driving or shipping costs. Plus I get peice of mind that if something goes wrong, I have a LOCAL outlet for it to be repaired. If I drive to Michigan to have my car worked on, and it fails on me 2 weeks later, are you gonna pay for it to come back up for it to be repaired? Not likely, and I don't blame you. But, if you do pay for the shipping back to Michigan, are you ganna pay for my rental to drive while I am out of a car? I know what you did with Cris A's car,(driving it to him when it was not done on time) and I applaud you for that, but are you willing to do that all the time?
I sure as hell would not...
All that is going on is standard issue in the business world, and it is not gonna change. It is a shame, but it is also a reality....
