Group buy is not needed?

[kruzo]

Just to give you heads up -- I am working out a deal with
some Honda retailer to provide to the members of honda-pilot
the rates on Pilot accessories that are consistently better then
Honda-Acura World by about 10% or more. I am still in the process on confirming
the details which will take a coupe more days, but if this works out
(and I am hopeful), there will be no more need create groups of
10 --- our whole community of Pilot owners (and wannabees like
myself) will represent a group and get the discount we deserve.
Stand by for updates.

[MDXlite]

Take into account other discounted resources available such as:

handaparts.com
hondapartsforyou.com
collegehillshonda.com
hondaautomotiveparts.com
hparts.com
4hondaparts.com

[03pilot]

.

[hondacuraplanet]

Originally posted by kruzo
if this works out
(and I am hopeful), there will be no more need create groups of
10 --- our whole community of Pilot owners (and wannabees like
myself) will represent a group and get the discount we deserve.

I always offered the specials as a "thank you" to the members of the site for their continued support of Hondacuraworld, through the good times and the rough. That's another reason I'm here helping wherever and whenever I can, posting every day and helping to support this site financially.

I had no idea that group buys and monthly specials were perceived as an insult.

[SoapPlant]

Originally posted by hondacuraworld


I always offered the specials as a "thank you" to the members of the site for their continued support of Hondacuraworld, through the good times and the rough. That's another reason I'm here helping wherever and whenever I can, posting every day and helping to support this site financially.

I had no idea that group buys and monthly specials were perceived as an insult.

I'm not insulted! I'm grateful! Even without group buys or monthly specials, you're still offering this stuff up at WELL below the dealer's "cost". I consider it a bonus.



I think you ended up saving me well over $500 on my rather sizable order, over the dealer "cost" installed. Ended up saving enough to cover 1/2 of my sunroof! If you're ever in town again, I'll treat you to a nice big juicy steak on the grill!

[kruzo]

I have not looked at EVERY one of them,
but I did look at a couple, and the prices
seem about %10 lower. I still don't have
all the details. Once I do -- I will post
the prices, and anyone can make a decision
he/she think works.

Originally posted by MDXlite
Take into account other discounted resources available such as:

handaparts.com
hondapartsforyou.com
collegehillshonda.com
hondaautomotiveparts.com
hparts.com
4hondaparts.com

[kruzo]

I can not speak for others, but I don't think
I mentioned anything about being insulted
I mean I am insulted by how my dealer treats
me with my $35K purchase, but that's about
it Anything you or others can offer to us,
the customers I consider a bonus. Very grateful
indeed

All I was saying is that I came a cross another
supplier who is willing to treat all the members
of this board as one large buying group, so
that we don't have to look for 9 others or wait
for a special when one of us needs a set of wheel locks.
I think this makes sense Obviously
everyone is free to continue to order from whomever.

Just good old Capitalism in action

Hope nobody is insulted here

Originally posted by hondacuraworld

I had no idea that group buys and monthly specials were perceived as an insult.

[chinalfr]

Hi Tim,

Don't fell bad. It's just nature for most member to search for vendors that will help us to save $$$.

I think you did a great job to all the member. Keep it up, man.

[SoapPlant]

Originally posted by kruzo
...I mean I am insulted by how my dealer treats
me with my $35K purchase...

I was just saying the same exact thing to my wife the other day!

[TheWorm]

Wow. I didn't bother even checking this thread before, since I figured it'd be the usual "we don't need group buys since Tim's prices and service are unparalleled." I'm surprised, and kinda saddened.

I've known + dealt with Tim for close to 2 years now. In addition to being a totally straight-up and honest guy providing an incredible level of service, he's been supportive of both the MDX and Pilot sites with specials, group buys, contests, "test drives" of new gear, and other events. He's been an asset to the MDX owners well beyond just giving us deals on gear.

I obviously can't speak for Honda accessories, but I can tell you with certainty that on the MDX gear, Tim is and always has been the lowest price. On rare occassion we've seen a piece of equipment for a couple of bucks less, but taking into account Tim's free shipping, he's come out lower every time. Add in the superlative service pre- and post-sale, and he's unbeatable in my book.

I suppose if you're gonna just do a one-shot deal from a vendor and don't care about the long-term relationship for parts, accessories, advice, and general assistance, then it makes little difference from whom you purchase.

IMO Tim's support of the sites, and even moreso the owners through his participation, has earned some measure of loyalty. Somehow going elsewhere to save a few bucks just doesn't seem right. But then, my relationship and experience w/Tim is longer than most Pilot owners have @ this point.

I'm not suggesting anyone throw money away (if that's how you look at it), but even if Tim were a few bucks more than other dealers, he'd still be getting my business. Every day of the week.

[justacar]

good point Worm

[sagepilot]

Let me say, I think most would agree that HAW provides terrific service at a great price.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of some people (Kruzo specifically) that invest a great deal of time and effort for the benefit of all.

I recently installed the Michelin CT upgrade that Kruzo put together
after getting nothing for trade-in on my own.

I believe Kruzo is simply trying to provide owners with another buying option when searching for accessories at a good price.

Keep up the good work - EVERYONE.

[srpbep]

Wow ... can't believe that anyone would say anything less than "Tim at Hondacuraworld walks on water":

** Tim's NORMAL prices seem to be 20+% below Honda's MSRP on everything.

** Tim runs specials periodically, providing increased savings.

** Tim lets owners "pick specials" if there is enough interest in a given accessory [called Group Buys].

** Tim's prices INCLUDE shipping.

** Tim has always been there when I have had a question. From what I can tell, he has been there when others have had questions.

Maybe you want to spend your day looking for the best price on each and every accessory. Me, no way!! I would rather pick up the phone, call Tim, and KNOW that I am getting a good price on EVERYTHING THAT I BUYING.

Out of curiosity ... how many of you paid below MSRP for your Pilots and I will bet that you spent a lot of time looking!! Better yet, what kind of "deal" did the dealer offer on accessories ... geesh ...

[kruzo]

Originally posted by srpbep
Wow ... can't believe that anyone would say anything less than "Tim at Hondacuraworld walks on water":

Look, I am not prepared to debate wheather Tim walks on water or not.
In fact I believe you if you say he does.

My motivation is very simple to illustrate w/o going too far:
There is a parallel thread that has been running for a while now
-- group buy on Fog Lights:

If we can get 15 people, I will drop the price down to $259.00 shipped

The regular price is $299, vs. $389 MSRP. How can it get any better?

If we can pull it off (this deal I am negotiating), the price
will be $245 including shipping. No specials. No "15 people party, your table's ready".
Every day. Same price, as long as you are a Honda Pilot.org member.
I thought this is GOOD

If this is all about loyalty and not free
enterprise, why do we have a Fog Light Buyer's Group running
since June -- doesn't it hurt Tim's margins

[hondacuraplanet]

Let me state that I have no problem with what you're doing....I was however a bit put off by the tone of your post. If somebody can beat my group buy on the foglights, make it an everyday special, and manage to stay in business on the internet, God bless them. If they can undercut me and be profitable and helpful to the members here as well, and find time to provide the owners with information and support and handling issues without question I will tip my hat to them and acknowledge them as being able to do something I cannot.

What has been proven to those that have doubted my belief is that internet sales are driven purely on price alone in the vast majority of cases, a fact that I have come to realize a long time ago. I've never at any time quieted talk about other parts sites, nor will I....what I have always said is that there are many websites on the internet offering factory accessories, and that my only hope was to be considered among them in purchase decisions. If you call my number, and ask for me (in the rare case I don't answer myself), I'm always there. I take pride in that.

May the best vendor prevail.