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Post by Scott on Feb 2, 2006 19:45:33 GMT -5
OK, The Tax Refund is almost in the bank ;D ;D ;D So, What on-line vendor has the best service? I know Prices vary a little, some offer free shipping and other offers but sometimes price isn't everything if the service sucks  Is there any I should steer clear from? Should I just go to Domenic's? |
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Post by jrcabbral on Feb 2, 2006 20:24:39 GMT -5
I like redrock 4x4 and Dave northbridge is good also.
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Post by Kevin W. on Feb 2, 2006 20:33:49 GMT -5
I agree with the above, plus I'd like to add: www.jeepinoutfitters.comwww.jeepersandcreepers.com James's website sucks, but he is really cool. I have had the BEST service from him out of anyone in the jeep industry. I bought an arb bumper from him at an amazing price. He went out of his way with shipping.... I bought a throttle body from him, which went amaziningly smoothly. (getting his, sending mine back, returning mine to me). www.quadratec.comThis huge place has its pros/cons. They'll meet any advertized price, and often have the best shipping rates, as they base it on cost, not weight. So if you're shipping a 200 buck skid plate, they are often the cheapest in the end. Great customer service... just send it back, no issues at all. The bad, yes, its not local and its not little.... Alot of people will chime in here and tell you to support the little guy... with the exception of quadratec, these are all one-man or two-man shows, where they are focused on customer care and good prices. The key benefit to me, is that I'm not paying taxes. KEV |
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Post by ddewar53 on Feb 3, 2006 8:00:35 GMT -5
I think you should always support your local shops when you can. For $20 or $30 on a purchase of $500 or more, to have somebody local that you can call if you have a problem makes a huge difference. These guys also wheel with us, and know us and the problems we face. Also, the local guys will surprise you with some of their prices sometimes. Shop around to get the best deal, but don't forget that the transaction is not finished when the package arrives at your door.
My own experience, any time I've had a problem with anything I've bought from Lou, he's been right there to help. I've had a couple of problems with the biggest mail order house, and some were resolved to my satisfaction, some were not.
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Post by Kevin W. on Feb 3, 2006 16:52:59 GMT -5
They may "know" the terrain, but are not nearly as familiar with the products. Sorry! In my experience, the local guys like a handfull of products that they get the best deals on and push those. Sorry, but they aren't always the best options. Also, lots of the mods on my Rubi are from small shops that do custom things, that the local 4x4 place can't even get.
For example, I bought a bored out throttle body from James at Jeepers and Creepers. My engine/tranny skidplate was purchased from Medic Fabrication. This is a guy who makes these skids on the weekend (or was at the time I bought it).
As a product comparision. The medic skid is a better version of the skid row skid (for argument sake, lets say my opinion is true). However, the local 4x4 guy only sells skid row.... so again, your options are limited.
I'm cheap... I'll give ya that. If guy A sells the same product for 20 bucks less then B, I'll go with A. Now, if guy A is a jerk, then I'll go to guy B and pay the extra 20 bucks. If guy A is really nice, very knowledgable about the product and runs a small internet company dedicated to providing jeep products, then I will always choose guy A.
One more thing... the argument for selecting the local guy, is that he may be giving back to the local 4x4 community. This is probably true. Domenics is an amazing example of giving back to the community. Deepwoods guys basically live there and use it almost as there home base. (I think they use it to have monthly meetings). BUT, alot of the aformentioned "online" guys sponsor the websites where many of us learn about Jeep stuff. All of the big jeep forums like jeepsunlimited, jeepforum, rubiconownersforum are sponsored by these guys. These places provide me with a million times more information then I could ever get from a local vendor....
KEV
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Post by Scott on Feb 3, 2006 17:22:16 GMT -5
Deep Kevin, Deep ;D
Thanks...
Scott
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Post by max on Feb 3, 2006 17:45:11 GMT -5
Good posts by Kev and Don above.
However, remember that an informed consumer makes better decisions when making purchases. Research what you need in order to find out what you want and then compare local vs online. Regardless of where you buy, you will be supporting the vendor. When and if you find a product, it doesn't hurt to ask the local about it too. They may be able to offer you the same price or better and give you info you won't find elsewhere.
I have found that both Dom and Lou are very good sources to bounce ideas off of. If you have found a better price online - tell them. They might be able to do you better. Don't forget to add shipping charges too; they can be substantial.
/rant
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Post by extremeex1 on Feb 3, 2006 17:49:13 GMT -5
4x4rockshop.com. mike there is awesome and easy to work with. knows all his products really well and is an avid wheeler. and his prices are some of the best around.
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Post by jrcabbral on Feb 3, 2006 18:02:19 GMT -5
Dave at Northbridge is very good. He helped my wife thru the purchase of my rear axles. I called him one day on his cell phone, at his house, while he was having breakfast, with his family and he made time for me right there and then. Often offers free shipping. In fact I do not think that I have ever heard anything bad. Then again I have purchased from Lou and no complaints there.
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Post by Stoney on Feb 3, 2006 22:02:12 GMT -5
Ive had great luck with TrailQuest.com.. stephan helped me out with the Purchase of the Skid plates.. all 5/16 steering box and gas tank, 1/4 tube steel bumpers, tire carrier (Swing out Model), 3 inch suspension lift consisting of 4 new springs and 4 new shocks..... and A Richmond Lock-Rite and the Super 35 Shafts... Im so happy the shipping was 100.00 and that my wife never saw my Credit Card Bill..... Did I mention the BFG 33X10.50 Mud Terrains
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