Parts Bin

[Russ Maki]

>
> Message: 17
> From: JanDebL at aol.com
> Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 20:37:24 EST
> Subject: Re: Parts Bin
> To: vag at bavarianparts.com, randrews at sbcglobal.net
> CC: quattro at audifans.com
>
> --
> I know what you mean, I've always suspected the Tire Rack & Discount Tire
are
> owned by the same person - same concept, same format, nearly identical
prices
> etc.
> Jan Lahtonen

I think it's more the phenomenon of the corner gas station -- funny how
every filling station within a radius of about 5 miles has set a pretty
consistent price for fuel.

I've priced Zygmunt and Parts Bin for comparable items, and their prices do
differ slightly on many parts. If you put together an order of several
items, though, I think they'll probably average out.

I spotted a post on rec.autos.tech that suggested that WorldPac charged
parts jobbers something like $40K to use their parts database. It's a pretty
handy resource, and I've ordered from both aforementioned sources.

At this point I like Zygmunt better, because they haven't sent me an
incorrect part yet. Can't say that about the Parts Bin -- they gave me an
unbeatable price on a Nissens radiator for my 4000q but sent me a
non-quattro unit. I called it to their attention and they quickly sent the
correct product -- but failed to pick up the original part despite several
emails from me (anybody need a brand new 4k radiator??)

Since then I've heard less encouraging tales. I recommended the Parts Bin to
a co-worker who needed brake rotors and he got non-vented discs. This time,
the customer service guy who made my order right was nowhere to be found. I
think I recall a lister complaining recently that he got incorrect rotors
from the Parts Bin as well.

Seems to me as though their staff is having trouble keeping up with customer
traffic. Just my opinion...but, caveat emptor.

 I've searched out sources east of the Mississippi that can provide me with
parts in a day or two, but when time isn't an issue I stick with Rod at The
Parts Connection. There's something reassuring about ordering parts from a
guy who obviously knows the Audi parts book.

Russ Maki
Ixonia, Wis.