I think since this thread has become so long there needs to be some clarifications, while I also respond to inquiries I get regarding what I do:
1. If you want instant gratification, I am not going to be the person that you call for parts. That's the business model I have adopted.
I aim for customer service; I aim to translate knowledge; I aim to impart knowledge; but as we know knowledge is earned. Knowledge also has costs attached to it.
You have an issue or problem with your part order that is directly related to me, the information I gave you, or your experience with me, I WILL TAKE CARE OF IT: NO COST TO YOU.
2. I do other things than just sit in front of the computer with an EPC 24 hrs a day. I wrench on client vehicles; I deliver parts; I pick up parts; I interact with clients and customers; I get stuck in ATL traffic; I talk on the phone a lot; I travel for work; I drive a very slow BJ70 which means 30 minute tasks take 1 hour (I'm ok with that; I am happy to trade more time and a slower life style for me in exchange for riches. There are some things money cannot buy)...
Basically what I am saying is that 24hr turn around for a parts quote is NORMAL.
I only have access to Toyota parts resources during business hours.
I am packing all of my own parts, counting them, reconciling them, taking them to Fedex or sometimes to the PO.
There are hundreds of online places that are open 24-7 for stuff you need right away.
I am not one of them unfortunately.
3. Shipping: There is a reason the line item on my invoices says "Shipping and handling": The "shipping" part is the actual postage/fee to get it from the location it leaves from (Covington, GA) to your doorstep. That's it. Nothing else. That includes residential delivery fees in the case of Fedex, pick up fees, surcharges placed upon me by the folks I use to ship things.
The "handling" portion is indeed different: this includes the fact that I am buying $400-500 worth of shipping supplies every month. Bubble wrap, boxes in different shapes and sizes to accommodate different parts (ever ship a 16400-66040 1FZ-FE radiator before? Give it a shot and see what the fee is), peanuts, tape, and then fuel/time it takes for me to get boxes to Fedex for shipment.
None of this is cheap. Unfortunately massive companies like Amazon/Wal-Mart/eBay have gotten us used to free shipping etc. They can support an infrastructure like that because they have 500,000 sales a day; I have maybe 10-20.
Economies of scale will always push down the actual cost of doing business in relationship to both the cost of the good as well as the infrastructure needed to support that sale. That's just plain old school economics.
If you see this thread, I am literally being very clear about how to do business with me and why. If that model fits your worldview then we will do great together; If it doesn't, then getting into a relationship with me will be detrimental to you. It will not satisfice whatever your need is--be it parts or technical knowledge.
That's not being a jerk or anything.
I am merely being honest and straight-forward.
And in all reality, there is enough BS in the LC world. Buying parts should not be one of them. Or talking about LC's should not be one of them.
Hope that clarifies things for folks.
