usa parts supply observations

[Renato]

G'day

I checked the http://www.usapartssupply.com. They have many useful parts. It's not cheap. Rockauto much more cheaper...

Do you have any observations? Are they selling good quality items? Sy have ever problem with them? Thank you

[The Tassie Devil(le)]

I have used Rockauto many times, and very happy with their service.

Bruce.

[Renato]

Yes they are not bad, buy usaparts have much more for old Caddys

[76eldo]

Rock Auto has a great website and they have great prices and service.

However, unfortunately for them, lately I have been taking the AC Delco part numbers I find there, and go to Amazon.com and search these number there and find pricing about 25% less!

I just ordered an idle speed sensor and throttle position sensor for a 99 Eldo from Amazon, new Delco parts, for the best prices anywhere.

Brian

[Jeff Wilk]

I agdee with Dave here.   I dont get why we cant rate our vendor experiences though. No trash talk, no people names, just a satisfaction score and review.  All sites have reviews.

Here for example id say on a 1-10 scale with 10 being the best service and best quality parts with knowledgeable staff id give USA a 7.   In comparison id give OPGI a 4.   Id give mcVeys a 10. Id give rubber the right way a 9. And i could go on.......

What do others think of this approach?

[Guidematic]

Is it an issue about potential litigation? I can't see why. If a person has a bad experience wioth a vendor, they should be able to let the world know. Some vendors I have heard about have a very poor reputation, yet no one here is allowed to post it.

It just allows other unwitting folk to fall right into the same experience.

However it seem we have found a way around it here.

Mike

[Davidinhartford]

I'm not sure Mike, but you could be right.   

It does suck that we can't name the vendors who give terrible service.

I have a lengthy restoration thread on this board that goes into great detail about me troubles with an unnamed vendor.  Delayed shipping,  wrong parts sent, rude employees on the phone.  etc.  Anyone who wants to read it and ask me privately can get the vendors name.

The downside is that we can't get some of these parts from just anywhere.

["Cadillac Kid" Greg Surfas 15364]

Just to add a hint or reality here.  Specialty companies like USA Parts are exactly that.  They specialize in collecting an inventory of some of the most esoteric items imaginable.  They are NOT nor do they ever claim to be  "the Pep Boys of the automotive world" (my words).  I ran a specialty business (in a previous life) and had a large inventory (read that lot of money) tied up in items for a niche group of consumers.  I HAD to charge enough money to stay in business.
This is not a "paid" endorsement for USA parts, but a reminder that the manufacture of most of the specialty parts that go into any of our cars older than the 70's have long since stopped.  There are several vendors that have invested large sums of money in obtaining NOS inventories or manufacturing reproduction items.  They have and do serve our "hobby" well.
I personally have done business with USA parts for about 20 years.  I visited their latest location in Martinsburg WV last year when I was in Virginia, met the people there, got a tour of their (seemingly) acres of warehouse and was impressed with their efficiency and businesslike manner.
There have been (over the 20 years) a couple of occasions where there have been issues with merchandise, but never a moment's hesitation on their part top make things right.
Sorry for the "rant'
Greg Surfas

[Chris Conklin]

I'll side with Mr. Surfas on this one, never had any problems with USA Parts. The items have always arrived sooner than expected.

[Series75]

I agree with Mr. Surfas.  I recall receiving a 62 water pump that lasted 2 days and no issues getting full refund.   "Happy" is subjective.   Everyone sees it differently.  But i am having difficulty comparing a specialty shop with high volume retailers.  Right Church, different pew.   Tom CLC#6866

[Davidinhartford]

How does being a specialty shop any different than a big retailer?     Customer service should be even more important if you are a small specialty shop.

Are you saying you should be less upset if a specialty shop ships you the wrong part several times?   Or if their staff is rude when you call asking to speak to the owner?

The only difference I see is the lack of competition.    If I get terrible service at my local Dunkin Donuts I can go to another one.  But if I need a car part that is old left over stock, I should kiss their arse and hope it fits?    No thanks.   

We need forums like this to help eachother.  Even if it means posting : " No comment due to forum rules".   Everyone here knows what that means.

     

[Renato]

What kind of popular question It seems they are not bad.

[Renato]

What was the problem?

[Roger Zimmermann]

What was the problem?

I'm sending you a PM.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

Tom's experience countered mine in regards to a water pump. Mine also lasted two days when it failed and was told the pump was not returnable because it had been installed on a car. They offered an exchange but I didn't want to chance being out another $125 in labor so I didn't want another pump from them. They also balked because I painted the pump blue. A call to my credit card company took care of the problem.

On another occasion we had to return a heat riser for a '58 Cadillac which was bad. My mechanic was real thrilled about that too. They exchanged it but it was more labor wasted.

[Renato]

Sirs, Guys,

Our (who are not Americans) situation much more difficult. Not so easy to communicate and send back thing from Europe. Good to know which service good and which bad.

[quadfins]

The moderators understand your concerns.

We request that any replies that might be construed to be derogatory remarks, and therefore in violation of the rules, be communicated via personal messages or email.

We trust that you understand our concerns.

Jim

[Bentley]

I have used USA Parts Supply many times in the past and my experience might be at odds with some of the comments here. If you would like to communicate privately, I would be glad to tell you about my experiences with them. Here is my personal email address: wesleybentley@sbcglobal.net.

[bigdave]

Hi guys, I'm new here. I ordered a set of 1/4 extensions and rear bumper fillers from USA parts today for my 81 Coupe deVille. Has anyone purchased these fillers. I'm not expecting them to fit very well without some work, but hoping they are atleast of decent quality. I will post my experience when they arrive.

[R Schroeder]

Dave, it can be a shot in the dark.
I didn't order from them, but the first set I got from a different company didn't fit at all. I sent them back ,and the second set I got were made completely different. Looked like a totally different company made them.
The first set was a 1/2 short on the bottom too.
Check them out real good before you change any holes on them. I had to enlarge the holes on one of them to get them to fit ,but it worked out OK. You also may have to modify the steel mounting bracket inside .
I'm happy with the fit on mine now.
Roy