[Incompatible]

I do not like to complain but I’m not very happy that one of the biggest Alfa sponsors is ripping us off.
INTERNATIONAL AUTO PARTS:
According to their latest catalog, the window regulator for my 87 Spider cost $198.00
When I ordered the part “they” told me the actual price was $398.00

THAT IS DOUBLE THE PRICE as advertised in their catalog.
According to the sales representative, “the less stock we have, the higher the price” “you see it is a question of demand”, “also the Euro went up” …
THIS IS CALLED PRICE GOUGING (a.k.a. legal theft)
According to their catalog price disclaimer, prices might change according to exchange rate fluctuations.

Well the Dollar –Euro rate changed about 10% ….

I got so mad; I called the competitor Centerline Alfa.
The friendly staff explained that their catalogue prices were increased due to the exchange rate. The window regulator would cost me about $220.00
WOW at least there is still some honest business people around.
He also informed me that there was a newer version on the market. This regulator does not use the brake prone cable and comes with the motor. Cost: the same price!!!

It is sad that International Auto parts has to prey on us, Alfa enthusiasts.
We are not millionaires, and maybe International Auto Parts does not realize that without us, they would not have a business!

 

[ghnl]

And without IAP you might not be able to keep a car last sold 20+ years ago 'on the road'.

I wouldn't call it Price Gouging. It's called supply & demand. How many Spider window regulators do you suppose they sell per year (economy of scale)? What is the supply vs demand like?

Yeah, thank the Gods of Alfadom that we have competition and a choice of suppliers.

Anyway, do you feel better after the vent?

 

[Incompatible]

your quote:
I wouldn't call it Price Gouging. It's called supply & demand. How many Spider window regulators do you suppose they sell per year (economy of scale)? What is the supply vs demand like?

I understand your position but I don't fully agree.
A) Your explanation would work for almost any product in any market; in that case nobody should no longer have to publish prices. Just order or buy the item and you’ll find out at the register what the price will be.
B) I think there should be a FAIR price …, doubling the price on an item a couple of weeks after they publish their catalog doesn’t seem right especially if other suppliers still can provide the exact same part for the “old” fair price.
C) Legally a company is bound by their disclaimer (that is why some companies do not advertise their price and put “Please call for pricing” in their advertisement)

Your quote”
And without IAP you might not be able to keep a car last sold 20+ years ago 'on the road'.
True, but before I bought my Alfa I double-checked that supplies were available and parts prices were “kinda sorta affordable”

By the way, do you want to buy my Alfa?
I’ll advertise it for about 7K, but depending on “demand” I might double the price without warning when you come and pick it up. LOL …

Now I feel better ….

 

[Tifosi]

You don't like the price at X supplier, don't buy the part there. :shrug:

 

[dwc]

And without IAP you might not be able to keep a car last sold 20+ years ago 'on the road'.

I do just fine without IAP, and will continue to do so. Too many other choices, and they're all better: parts quality, staff, prices, etc.

 

[Zunige]

The best way to communicate with a vendor is to speak with them directly... Over many years IAP has been just as helpful as Centerline, and the other reputable suppliers. On some items, prices do vary quite a bit between outfits, so I always double check prices. Supply and demand is a critical factor, and I'm sure IAP understands where their business comes from. Today for example, I bought a full set of Spider lug nuts from IAP at the regular price of $4.55 each. They could have easily raised the price on these, since these have been discontinued and have been unobtainable for a while, yet they did not...

Best regards,

 

[ghnl]

doubling the price on an item a couple of weeks after they publish their catalog doesn’t seem right especially if other suppliers still can provide the exact same part for the “old” fair price.

What do you suppose is the lead time for the catalog? I'd assume it is at least a few months - maybe many months.

By the way, do you want to buy my Alfa?
I’ll advertise it for about 7K, but depending on “demand” I might double the price without warning when you come and pick it up. LOL …

Well, of course I wouldn't be happy. But it is a free country so, unless we had a signed contract for the original price, you are free to do as you wish. The flip side is I would probably not be eager to buy anything from you again - thus exercising MY free choice.

Now I feel better ….

Good! Glad it helped!

 

[john.harrill]

It's the market at work.

If you don't like the price, vote with your feet. That's how it works.
If IAP is grossly higher than everyone else, no one will buy from them and they will go out of business. Competition keeps everyone honest.

I always check several sources. IAP may not be the cheapest, but if they have it in stock the brown truck usually has it on my doorstep in 2 business days. If I can wait and someone else has it cheaper, then I buy from them.

It's that simple.

 

[GTV4EVR]

The brown truck is the reason I don't order from IAP. They refuse to ship any other way, and if you live in Canada UPS is a rip off. The fees they charge are often more than the value of the item ordered. Other vendors (Centerline and others) will ship USPS.

 

[Greg Gordon]

Sometimes IAP does have the lowest price, it just depends on what you are ordering and when. Overall I have been very happy with IAP, Centerline, and Vick. All three are top notch.
Greg,
www.hiperformancestore.com

 

[silverspider]

The steep drop in the purchasing power of the dollar has made some parts bought in Europe much more expensive for US vendors. That probably explains some of the difference.

 

[144]

According to the sales representative, “the less stock we have, the higher the price” “you see it is a question of demand”, “also the Euro went up” …

That's a pretty interesting quote from a sales representative. In IAP's catalog, the caveat reads:

"International Auto Parts Corporation cannot be responsible for typographical errors in specifications or pricing, or for price changes due to currency exchange rate fluctuations."

That's a pretty standard, and reasonable, caveat. But, to my reading, it does not indicate a sliding price scale based upon customer demand. If that were the case, then it should read something like "Pricing based upon demand. Call for current price." Like an auctioning off a lobster at a restaurant, or like airline ticket pricing.

With regards to using the terms "price gouging," that's probably not appropriate. That term is generally considered with regards to essential services and commodities during or after a disaster in which the a high demand is created for a scare resource.

"Many provide scarce guidance for discerning which prices are “unconscionable” (as laws in Florida, Virginia and Massachusetts define gouging) or represent a “gross disparity” from normal prices (as the laws prohibit in Louisiana, South Carolina and Michigan)."

In this instance, I would describe IAP as "highly uncompetitive." In a relatively small community like IAP conducts business in, reputation is everything. I find it hard to believe that the sales guy would say such a thing to a customer. I could understand if he said . . . "Hey, were really sorry, but our supplier's price went up sharply along with the exchange rate, and that's what's driven the price up so steeply."

I think a letter to Mr. Opiela, the owner would be in order for him to confirm or deny the sales clerk's rather broad statement of IAP's pricing policy. Maybe we have some IAP people on the BB here that can also clear this up.

 

[lowmileage]

I do not like to complain ....

Well don't then. They've been satisfactory in everything I've bought from them. I'm just glad I can get the stuff.

 

[john.harrill]

The brown truck is the reason I don't order from IAP. They refuse to ship any other way, and if you live in Canada UPS is a rip off. The fees they charge are often more than the value of the item ordered. Other vendors (Centerline and others) will ship USPS.

IAP does use USPS for some items, to some areas. Usually small things. Got a wiper switch this way last week.

 

[silverspider]

"With regards to using the terms "price gouging," that's probably not appropriate. That term is generally considered with regards to essential services and commodities during or after a disaster in which the a high demand is created for a scare resource. "

More accurately "profiteering."

 

[lowmileage]

And/or Cavet Emptor. We're all big boys & smart intelligent ladies here I persume ( well, except for Mr. Douglas and the Russian )

 

[VELOCEMAG]

Well said lowmileage. When Alfa discontinues a part suppliers have to buy them from one another sometimes also. I need a regulator for my passenger side but I can't afford the 3 plus bills for one.

Has anyone installed the aftermarket kit that does not use the cables?

 

[brownie93]

And/or Cavet Emptor. We're all big boys here I persume ( well, except for Mr. Douglas and the Russian )

don't forget *and girls* I order from them too

 

[lowmileage]

post edited

 

[Dolce86]

I wouldn't call it Price Gouging. It's called supply & demand. How many Spider window regulators do you suppose they sell per year (economy of scale)? What is the supply vs demand like?

That is the way of the world. I am close to re-painting my Quad and after months of searching, found a supplier near Trento who can get me the Quadrifoglio badges I need for the fenders and rear spoiler.

At $75 a pop it took me by surprise but he is the only one I found who can get me them. $225 + shipping for three pieces of plastic that probably cost $1each to make. Sort of makes me feel as though I'm working at the Pentagon.....