I'm sure this will piss someone off but it's time somebody says it. Flame me if you want. And if another mod wants to delete my post, that's fine too.. I completely understand. I am also writing this on behalf a few others that have spoken to me about the subject I won't say their names, they can chime in if they feel like it.
So.
I'm sick and tired of people being misinformed about the stuff prothe is selling. I'm tired of the ambiguity (lack of brand). Newbie engine builders are making the assumption that your parts as equally high quality as the big brands...
Prothe, are you saying your parts are of the same high quality as the real name brands we all know (Mahle, Kolbenschmidt, Elring, Reinz, etc)?
I'm ready to see full disclosure of brand and origin on your many parts sites.. I sell and buy known good brands for a real reason, because the companies invest the money in buying high quality components to make them. They have a reputation to protect. The product has a track record.
The fact that prothe's retail prices are lower than my cost is just damn disturbing. What is being left out?
Are Malaysian children in factories making these things for pennies a day?
So, How can your parts be so cheap? Are you just that good of a negotiator? Do you have no overhead? I don't think so.. Something doesn't add up here.
I'm a good negotiator and have NO overhead, that takes two variables away.. what's left? Where is the savings occurring?
Just one example:
This turbo on prothe's site ---299 bucks... new....
http://www.volkswaparts.com/K03Turbo.htmReally? How the hell is that? My cost on a new borg kkk k03 is twice that and then some.
MY COST is 632.82 - That's from an importer.. Like, first stop off the boat from Europe as in they had an order in with the factory to get the stuff.
If I mark it up 20% (standard for the industry on most parts) I end up having to charge $758
Lets reverse the equation..
Suppose prothe is marking up 20% on his 299 dollar turbo
That means he's only paying 240 bucks for it..
How could there be nearly a 400 dollar difference in cost on the same part?
Because it's not the same part... that's why..
Now I'm sure folks are going to say "myke_w is tooting his own horn" about parts quality. Trust me, I don't make a living selling parts.. I have a day job as a systems admin and I run a vw audi shop after hours.. I make a good living and the parts this is more for fun.
I like selling parts to people here because I enjoy the process, I like talking to them on the phone, helping them do they job right etc.. I know a ***load about the topic and love to help people build their dreams.
I don't earn much from it AND I contribute a percentage of sales made to people here back to the GTD forum.. So it's my way of contributing to the future of the forum.
I'm not going to cry if someone doesn't buy parts from me. I would just encourage scrutiny from any parts source.
Anyway.. I'm interested in hearing from prothe on the topic.
Enlighten us please..