Repco Ripoff!
Pat Sproule
Tuesday, 14 October 2003
To : Repco Retail Enquiries
362 Wellington Road
Mulgrave Vic 3170
From: Patrick Sproule
To Whom It May Concern,
Recently the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) in my EL Ford Falcon failed and
I was advised by my mechanic to source an aftermarket replacement. I visited
the nearest aftermarket retailer - Repco, where they indeed stocked a sensor
for this model. Upon being told the price of $154.44 I mentioned that I
thought that this was a little expensive, remembering that I had recently
bought one for an EA from Ford Spares for $74. The salesperson replied that
I was already getting a trade discount even though I was a retail customer.
The retail price (as listed on the enclosed invoice) was $183.99.
I considered the fact that the Repco part appeared to be a re-packaged Ford
original (stamped with the Ford logo and part numbers), and that Repco would
probably sell this part at a similar price to Ford Spares. Thus I purchased
the sensor at Repco and installed it.
Yesterday I was in Ford spares purchasing other parts and out of interest
enquired as to their price for a TPS to suit an EL. Their retail quote was
$96 including GST! Nearly half the retail price from Repco and $58 cheaper
than the trade price I was charged.
One can imagine my disappointment.
What has happened to Repco? It used to be a viable aftermarket alternative
but at 100% mark-up on factory spares prices you can be assured I will be
shopping elsewhere in the future.
Should you wish to discuss this matter further I can be contacted at the
above address or on 0407951656.
Yours Sincerely,
Patrick Sproule.
Satyr
Stick it to the man! :)
Satyr
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
Zigmund Zigbert
small one off independent local car parts supplier, get to know them on
first name basis = great price.
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
Ron McGrice
Used to be, Pat, used to be!
REPCO are now no better than the others as far as quality and prices are
concerned.
These days it's best to ring a round first.
Ron
st3ph3nm
>
> Recently the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) in my EL Ford Falcon failed and
> I was advised by my mechanic to source an aftermarket replacement. I visited
> the nearest aftermarket retailer - Repco, where they indeed stocked a sensor
> for this model. Upon being told the price of $154.44 I mentioned that I
> thought that this was a little expensive, remembering that I had recently
> bought one for an EA from Ford Spares for $74.
Why didn't you just go down to a Ford dealership, then?
Cheers,
Steve
>
Zigmund Zigbert
Never assume, it makes an ASS out of U and ME.
"st3ph3nm" <sg...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:221fa157.0310...@posting.google.com...
Brenden Will
Installed it and it never worked. The said it was warranty. Never every got
a call and they conviently forgot about it. Called they told me warranty was
voided due to contaminated fuel!
$110 later for the same pump off it went. Didn't drain the tank or anything.
10,000k's later still working as it should.
My thoughts REPCO (Rip Every Poor C**t Off) will never see another $ from
me.
Brenden
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
Jon Hedge
"Zigmund Zigbert" <Zi...@telstra.com> wrote in message
news:3f8b7901$0$23597$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
> he assumed.
>
> Never assume, it makes an ASS out of U and ME.
>
An EMU ASS? wait wait...I can get this.
--
Jon Hedge
"A wild boar is not domesticated" - Denver and William M (Official grade 2
classmates)
John Harvey
>
>What has happened to Repco? It used to be a viable aftermarket alternative
>but at 100% mark-up on factory spares prices you can be assured I will be
>shopping elsewhere in the future.
It's never been unusual for aftermarket parts to be far dearer than
genuine, even when they're exactly the same part. Only the spare
parts trade and mechanics with a single source supplier would have you
believe otherwise.
The moral is to always check the price of genuine parts first.
--
John H
Hotmail is a spam trap, wbuau...@ovtcbaq.pbz will reach me if you apply ROT13.
Gor
as for ur letter wot a load of sproule hahaha
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
Jason James
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
> Patrick Sproule.
REPCO have changed over the years. They used to be a little dear, but always
fair.
Jason
William J. Wolfe
> large chain stores = rip-off
>
> small one off independent local car parts supplier, get to know them on
> first name basis = great price.
Sometims it helps to get to know the nearest independent
mechanic/servo/lolly shop. When I was a young bloke in a country town
in Queensland. There was a very good mechanic who worked his arse off
working on everything from HR holdens to MAck trucks. Those of us with
a mechanical knack bought parts from him at trade price plus a bit,
borrowed a piece of workshop and did the job.
A bit of the bit was spent a few days befor Christmas buying liquid
and solid refreshments for the loyal customers. Unfortunately
tradesmen like him are almost an extinct species now.
Patrick Saunders
I have noticed the same thing, prices are not very competitive, plus
the knowledge and manners exhibited by the staff (Fawkner, Melbourne)
though not rude, was certainly not encouraging. Even to be greeted
with a smile by shop seems to be difficult these days..
I have learn I only go there as last resort..
Pat.
Jon Hedge
"Gor" <g...@gor.gor> wrote in message
news:bmg2t4$f4f$1...@otis.netspace.net.au...
> only a complete sukker doesnt get price of genuine parts first
> as for ur letter wot a load of sproule hahaha
>
Honestly, if you can't master even the simplest words in the English
language, move to a non-English newsgroup.
Dene Oehme
Every mechanic knows that REPCO stands for
Rip Every Poor Cunt Off.
Regards
Dene Oehme
"The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist"
Ron McGrice
news:3f8b9cd7$0$23608$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au:
>
> "Gor" <g...@gor.gor> wrote in message
> news:bmg2t4$f4f$1...@otis.netspace.net.au...
>> only a complete sukker doesnt get price of genuine parts first
>> as for ur letter wot a load of sproule hahaha
>>
>
> Honestly, if you can't master even the simplest words in the English
> language, move to a non-English newsgroup.
> --
> Jon Hedge
Jon, He is a small "owner operator" who over uses his "junket pump" :-)
Ron
Toby Ponsenby
Bloody years since I've heard that one...the junket bit - it seems it never
really went outa fashion at all.
Ripper!
--
Toby
quidquid latine dictum
sit, altum viditur
Not Very
teK--
$40/5L. I mmmed and arred then thought I'd try elsewhere. Realised
there was a Mitsubishi and bought genuine fluid for $25/4L.
Gor
"Jon Hedge" <dope...@ihug.com.au> wrote in message
news:3f8b9cd7$0$23608$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
Stephen
"Jon Hedge" <dope...@ihug.com.au> wrote in message
news:3f8b7ab0$0$23592$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
Ron McGrice
The owner-operator with his worn out junket pump from SE Melbourne with the
adolescent complexion dribbled,
> honestly, go fuk urself dikwit
Lad, if your Mum catches you using her computer and writing rude words like
that, she will wash your mouth out with soap!
> "Jon Hedge" <dope...@ihug.com.au> wrote in message
> news:3f8b9cd7$0$23608$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
>>
Clockmeister
"Toby Ponsenby" <lord_p...@operamail.com> wrote in message
news:1o9zc1xy78fo5.1b5n5cpr7ohw0$.dlg@40tude.net...
Just the people using it did :-)
Regards,
Clockmeister.
Clockmeister
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
You made an incorrect assumption and that is somehow Repco's fault?
You should have rung a Ford dealer for a price first, and never assume
anything.
Regards,
Clockmeister.
Noddy
> large chain stores = rip-off
>
> small one off independent local car parts supplier, get to know them on
> first name basis = great price.
This is largely untrue.
*Certain* large stores are excellent, and Burson is one I can highly
recommend. They carry a vast range, have excellent customer service and
their prices are extremely competitive.
Smaller independent stores, while being able to offer good old fashioned
customer service, don't have anywhere near the buying clout of larger
chains. Consequently, there is nowhere near as much margin in their prices,
and they can't afford the luxury of giving you a "special price" if they
want to eat.
The short answer is *shop around*.
Repco used to be one of the best sources for automotive parts and machine
work in the country, but now, sadly, the company has been fucked around with
more than an eight year old at Michael Jackson's mansion, and it's lost any
credibility it had in former years.
Their acronym of "Ripping Every Poor Cunt Off" has never rang truer than it
does today...
Regards,
Noddy.
Ron McGrice
news:3f8c7fda$0$95042$c30e...@lon-reader.news.telstra.net:
>> >
>> > Jon, He is a small "owner operator" who over uses his "junket
>> > pump" :-)
>> >
>> > Ron
>>
>> Bloody years since I've heard that one...the junket bit - it seems it
> never
>> really went outa fashion at all.
>> Ripper!
>> --
>
> Just the people using it did :-)
>
> Regards,
>
> Clockmeister.
Hey, I don't mind being "old fashioned".
Ron
Fraser Johnston
"Pat Sproule" <patsp...@ozemail.com.au> wrote in message
news:7zFib.289$4w2....@nnrp1.ozemail.com.au...
> This is a copy of a letter I just sent to Repco....
>
> Tuesday, 14 October 2003
Repco are only good for selling ricey accessories to Honda drivers. It is a
disgrace.
Fraser
The Raven
news:3f8c8693$1...@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
>
> "Zigmund Zigbert" <Zi...@telstra.com> wrote in message
> news:3f8b3691$0$23611$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
> > large chain stores = rip-off
> >
> > small one off independent local car parts supplier, get to know them on
> > first name basis = great price.
>
> This is largely untrue.
>
> *Certain* large stores are excellent, and Burson is one I can highly
> recommend. They carry a vast range, have excellent customer service and
> their prices are extremely competitive.
While I can't proclaim the wonders of Burson I was quite surprised to find
that of 6 major auto-parts outlets I visited they were the only one to
correctly identify and stock the plugs I asked for (and at a surprisingly
good price). Other stores who were phoned claimed to have the right plugs
but never did, other outlets had computers telling them had stock that
no-one could find (2 stores, same mob).
> Smaller independent stores, while being able to offer good old fashioned
> customer service, don't have anywhere near the buying clout of larger
> chains.
Exactly, big chains buy in bulk and squeeze the price down. Small guys don't
get those prices so less margin and often a mark up just to remain
profittable.
> Consequently, there is nowhere near as much margin in their prices,
> and they can't afford the luxury of giving you a "special price" if they
> want to eat.
Very few can do it.
>
> The short answer is *shop around*.
>
Exactly.
> Repco used to be one of the best sources for automotive parts and machine
> work in the country, but now, sadly, the company has been fucked around
with
> more than an eight year old at Michael Jackson's mansion, and it's lost
any
> credibility it had in former years.
Heaven help you if you have a modified car and want a specific part from
another make/model/year. Some chains just can't grasp the concept that the
part listed for the vehicle may no longer be suitable or that you're asking
for a "foreign" part you know it will fit and be better than the original
part.
Had to argue with a REPCO dude to be given the part I wanted. I knew it
existed, I knew they sold it, I knew it was listed but because I was asking
for a part that didn't match the exact year/model of car I was fitting it to
they were unwilling to sell it.
In the end I asked them to look up the part for my car, guess what "Heavy
Duty" part was listed? The very one I was asking for that they claimed
wouldn't be suitable!
> Their acronym of "Ripping Every Poor Cunt Off" has never rang truer than
it
> does today...
I wouldn't paint them that bad but you do need to know what you're after and
not come in with some unidentifiable, greasy mangled part saying "Me car
broke, need one of these" and when asked about make/model/year stare blankly
at going "but me want this bit, you look and find". These are the same
people who'll then whinge that the part they needlessly mangled costs $12
yet they think it should only cost $2.50.
It never ceases to amaze me how many people expect to get a spare part for a
vehicle they can't even identify the make of.
--
The Raven
http://www.80scartoons.co.uk/batfinkquote.mp3
** President of the ozemail.* and uunet.* NG's
** since August 15th 2000.
The Raven
Here's a hint for those who drive models under either Ford or Mazda badges.
Mazda parts are usually more expensive but some are heaps cheaper than the
Ford versions (same part numbers.....). Some parts for Ford badged Mazdas
are 400% of what the local Mazda dealer will sell them to you. Of course, it
works both ways so always check prices for the correct part number.
Oh, for OEM parts (any make), always check the part numbers against the
pricing. The same part can be different prices depending on the model car
you want it for...............strange but true.
The Raven
news:3f8bb7a...@news.internode.on.net...
>
>
> Every mechanic knows that REPCO stands for
> Rip Every Poor Cunt Off.
Not always true, I once bought a bunch of stuff when redoing the CV boots,
struts etc, and general tune up and they gave me trade prices on the struts.
I had already checked the pricing and their retail was about the same as
elsewhere but the trade price saved me a good $50.
I won't mention the other time they gave me good service by inadvertantly
charging me $100 less than the discounted price for a compressor. Didn't
realise until later, decided they already had my details so they'd chase me
down if they wanted (which they never did).
Pat Sproule
"Clockmeister" <no-...@nowhere.com> wrote in message
news:3f8c807b$0$95051$c30e...@lon-reader.news.telstra.net...
> You made an incorrect assumption and that is somehow Repco's fault?
>
> You should have rung a Ford dealer for a price first, and never assume
> anything.
>
Yes, I fully admit that I should have called Ford and not made an
assumption. Ford was even only one block away. I tossed around the thought
of doing it bus as explained in the original letter I reasoned that at trade
price it would probably be a similar price to Ford but I didn't expect
nearly double. Another factor was that I was already 20 mins late for work.
Them's the breaks.
Should I instead applaud Repco for pricing themselves out of the market?
Pat.
Pat Sproule
> *Certain* large stores are excellent, and Burson is one I can highly
> recommend. They carry a vast range, have excellent customer service and
> their prices are extremely competitive.
I have found Burson to be excellent at times but the price I get quoted
seems to teeter between trade and retail depending on who happens to be
behind the counter. eg - One day I got a price on Bendix Ultimate pads -
$74.00. The next day I go to pick them up and they try to charge me $157 at
the counter. Or the day I needed 20lt of TQ95. The 20lt burson branded drum
was $20 more than buying 5 x 4lt of Castrol from them. I usually just hassle
them a bit and end up getting trade. I understand that they have to look
after there trade customers but the retail prices are such a huge mark-up.
Auto One seem to be in the same league as Repco, quoting me $420 for a
harmonic balancer for a small block Chev (powerbond race series). You can
buy them elsewhere for under $200.
Buyer beware is the moral of the story but there must be a lot of unaware
buyers out there for some of these companies to charge what they do and get
away with it.
Pat.
Pat Sproule
> > news:3f8b3691$0$23611$5a62...@freenews.iinet.net.au...
> that of 6 major auto-parts outlets I visited they were the only one to
> correctly identify and stock the plugs I asked for (and at a surprisingly
> good price). Other stores who were phoned claimed to have the right plugs
> but never did, other outlets had computers telling them had stock that
> no-one could find (2 stores, same mob).
Actually I have a similar story of success with Burson. I was looking around
for a carby rebuild kit for a Carter AFB (relation to a Thermoquad but all
steel and the original of what is now an Edlebrock performance carby). This
is fitted to the Chev in our boat and performs well so I have been resisting
the "swap it with a Holley" chants from all and sundry. Anyway - I wander
down to Auto One on a weekend (when Bursons is shut) and ask them. They pull
out the Fuel Miser cataloge and have a brief look and proclaim that none
exists. Next stop is Autobarn or Autopro or whatever name they use this
week. They pull out the same book and make the same proclimation. So I give
up and start thinking about Holleys. Next week I happen to be in Bursons for
some plugs for the Chev and I ask them if they have ever heard of an AFB.
They pull out the same Fuel Miser catalogue and go straight to a picture of
one and ask if I mean this. The next day I have the kit. They even had the
marine version. At all three stores I spoke to older gents who had been
there for years but it goes to show that we somtimes shouldnt take no for an
answer.
I guess the turnover that Bursons are doing to trade customers (probably all
of repco's old customers) gives them the experience with a wider variety of
vehicles than the supermarket chains that cater for VB's and XD's. They even
knew the difference between a VZV21R Camry and a VZ21.
Pat.
Clockmeister
"Ron McGrice" <Newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:Xns94155F4CB8...@129.250.170.97...
Doesn't bother me either, I'll use that word all week now ;-)
Regards,
Clockmeister.
Clockmeister
Applaud the dealer instead for being more then competitive in pricing ;-)
Regards,
Clockmeister.