Honestly, if I'd known that a member was selling the product I'd definatly have checked there first. I sent a PM to him about TRG sways after I found out he handled them and was regarded well for service.

 

Thanks for the advice I was long waiting for,

Should we specify being a RL member ?
There is a part I need that members have purchased for $1050 shipped to the US.
its $1530 on the site. I will purchase it right now for $1050 . . .

 

There was a thread not too long ago where ViperBob was not responding to PM's and emails and it was stated he did not provide parts as a business. I understand he has provided assistance for many people on this board but I felt better going with someone who was doing this as a business. And as I understand it Gert / Carnwell has provided many on this board with excellant service and support.

I don't see choosing one site sponsor over another has any comparison to going to the local "stealer" and even if I want to spend my money at the dealer that's my business. I don't think telling other site sponsors we're only going to buy from Viper Bob is a very good way to keep them as sponsors.

You are happy with ViperBob, I'm glad for you, but don't tell me where I have to spend my money too.

Edit: the previous thread I mentioned is called "Calling ViperBob - anyone have his number?" and this is an edited part of his response:
To VB, best of luck in all your issues. I've had to put down 2 German Shepherds, the first was only 5 yrs. old at the time. She was a fantastic dog, I still miss her. Good luck w/ your move too.

 

I love democracy

 

H&R Springs arrived today, 1 day ahead of schedule. I'm a little mystified that the shocks did not arrive at the same time... hm.. I now all the parts were on the same order. Good part is that I in fact got the 965 'red' springs I wanted insted of the greens. So far.. so good from shox.com.

EDIT: Quick question.. who is the great big dummy. (hint: me).

Shocks are on schedule to arrive Monday. I was all confused forgetting that they *told me* that the springs would drop-ship from WA and the shocks from them in SoCal. Duh.. so.. all is again well in my world.

I too hope VB's situation stabilizes. I dont' know what he's got going on but having just survived a divorce (we have small kids) I know what sort of fecal storms life can toss without notice...

Now, if only I was not working at 23:20 hours on a Friday night...

 

It's an interesting business model: guru -> vendor.

There's a guy on the Subaru forums who built a business that way. Smart guy, background in racing (Porsches actually) came along and started giving good tech advice about track prep. He made himself not just available but omnipresent. Total strangers would e-mail him or call him for advice and he was unfailingly polite and helpful. Then he worked a deal with an existing shop to do what amounted to outside sales, and he could then supply the parts he had recommended for so long. He built that business up at a tremendous rate and now moves a huge amount of inventory. If you're contemplating spending a few $k on suspension--which is a BIG deal for a Subaru--he's the guy who'll talk you through it, reassure you and help with setup. Naturally, people give him the sale.

The key factor in the above is personality. Want to be a car forum guru? Return PMs, e-mails and calls, don't ever pick fights (even when some ******* tries to draw you in) and stick to what you know. Be everyone's virtual car-guy best buddy. You effectively book a future sale when you do someone a favor today. **** someone off for any reason, real or imagined, and you just lost all their future business, when you never knew you had it in the first place.

 

Ok motonut, its possible that me liking for the way ViperBob treated me may have come across too strong to you, if that is the case ...my apologies.
It was no my intent in ordering anyone where to buyn nor do I believe that anyone sponsor should get preferential treatment, as for my self I will order from the company that provides the best value and best terms and conditions, if that is a site sponsor and a nice guy like Viper Bob it makes my decision a lot easier.

I will definelly take you sensitivity under advisement and consideration, however, the view of a member that recomends another member with 5457 posts of highlly technical value VS someone with 40 posts is to be jujged by this Porsche community.

 

I'd be patient and wait for Bob to sort out his personal issues and resurface. His costumer service and follow through is second to none.

 

Yeah, I went a little hyper there for a moment and for that I apologize. As to what my post count has to do w/ the Gert Carnewal vs. ViperBob issue I'm at a loss, but I'll be glad to let it drop. I suspect it will be a good day for the community (and especially VB) when his situation stabilizes.

 

viper bob ~

please do let us know when things have settled & you're up & runnin' smoothly again.

imo it's well understood that personal things do have to take a back seat to selling p-guys mod stuff....

allthebest to you vb

 

Apology fully accepted, have a great day.

 

My shocks/springs arrived from Gert this AM via FedEx. In my opinion the parts were packaged poorly and the pkg. took a beating. All the parts were there but even the shock boxes inside were torn up, I'll have to check each of the individual shocks for damage asap.

F.V., did your shocks from Shox.com arrive and did they thve the thread extensions?

 

[QUOTE=993BillW] In my opinion the parts were packaged poorly and the pkg. took a beating. All the parts were there but even the shock boxes inside were torn up, I'll have to check each of the individual shocks for damage asap./QUOTE]

This is common. I have received shocks (all Bilstein) from Gert, ViperBob via Devek, Steve Weiner and even Bilstein direct with all of them arriving beat-up. Seems as though Bilstein products travel many miles from anywhere they are ordered from. My observation

 

Funny the same thing happened to me when I ordered my Bilstein for my 540i from Shox.com. The boxes came all torn up and one box was busted open... the shocks were fine.

 

Mine arrived today. Well packed. Imange in that. One box had a hole in it but the other three we just about perfect. They were packed in a box full of packing peanuts. The outside box was in find shape and totally in tact. Maybe I was just lucky and UPS did not play football with the 35 lb. package.

At any rate.. I give shox.com a thumbs up for fast shipping, delivery, communication and above all getting the parts I requested (even though the years did not match).