Business Must Be Good

[Pat H.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

I've dealt with Paragon for many years and was able to resolve any issues that arose. True some of the parts are not up to snuff, but they are probably buying them from some one else. As mentioned in a previous thread the vinegar and honey theory.

[Paul H.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

After many years of no problems and many purchases with Paragon I had a rather unpleasant experience with them on Monday. I called about a used 68 rally wheel center cap they advertise in their catalog. I asked about the condition of the item and the woman told me she didn't know?? My reply was "well can you find out for me?" Her response: I can do a photo of what I find for a fee and if you purchase it after viewing the photo and then decide you don't like it after receiving it you will pay a restocking fee. So, I get to pay a photo fee and a re-stocking fee if the part is lousy
Then I inquired about their repro center caps and how authentic they looked. She seemed irritated and said that she would have to go dig them out. I told her: "Well I guess we are not going to be able to do business today" and ended the call. I then called Rik's Corvette supply and spoke with a helpful woman, familiar with the products they sell and was able to get an accurate repro without any BS.

Too bad, I've been in this hobby for close to 40 years and bought LOTS of parts from Paragon. That horse left the barn on Monday. Too many choices and many suppliers that really appreciate your business.

[Robert C.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

If all repro parts were "as Original", We wouldn't have to judge the left side of the judging sheets.

[Dick W.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

I then called Rik's Corvette supply and spoke with a helpful woman, familiar with the products they sell and was able to get an accurate repro without any BS.

Laurie is good, unfortunately there are few that care as much as she does. It is her livelyhood. Most vendors sell the same parts from the same sources and the competition sets the pricing. The only thing that a vendor really has to sell is service. Too bad that most cannot figure that out.

I will speak from a former vendor's view. It is very hard to be pleasant all day when all the people that call are rude, demanding, or just want information on a part that they purchased from XYZ Corvette Parts. There are days like that, far and few thank goodness. I will admit that I broke two phones after telling the person on the line thanks for calling and have a good day. Phones only have so many bounces off the wall in them before they break

[Paul H.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

If all repro parts were "as Original", We wouldn't have to judge the left side of the judging sheets.

Robert, I was not looking for exact, as original The car is a driver. I don't think a description of the product they sell was too much to ask. I was very pleasant and not in the least bit demanding. It was obvious that asking how they looked was too much for her. Why would I buy from them if they can't even describe the part. All she had to tell me was that they look as good as any repro or tell me how the used original looked. I've spent thousands there over the years and I've never been a whiner. Poor attitudes and service will just not get my business.

[Louis R.]

Re: Business Must Be Good

Try dealing with some of these suppliers if you are overseas. I agree with you Michael If they are going to do it then do it right! The Corvette restoration hobby has been around long enough and there has been adequate time for these companies to get it right or at least be more informative with their product descriptions. I spent a small fortune on having parts reordered during the restoration of my 54 because they were either incorrect based on the information offered in the catalogue descriptions or badly manufactured. And as for customer service I can only say that there was only one supplier who showed any interest when I contacted them with my concerns, they only sell C1 parts, I need say no more.