Thanks U/D and Omar, As I'm certain most of you know, with energy costs on the rise comes increased cost at the "wholesale" level too. As retail sales wane in a slower economy, the competition for the $$ in any given market becomes a mite more fierce ('cept for gas
). What really matters to us (Josh, Rhonda and myself) and hopefully to you is solid Customer service! This to me is not just getting your part to you on the brown truck in time, but informed, friendly service both during and after the sale, non combative returns, honesty, integrity and treating you like a friend, not a "mark", not "just another customer", and certainly not an inconvenience or an unwelcome interuption! The best deal is truly not always the lowest price. This is still a place where you can call and talk to the owner.
I personally find a bit of frustration, for example, in the new E-Commerce merchants who have very little (or almost no overhead), and do the majority their of B'ness by the "no touch drop ship" method and thus are able to work at a very small profit margin and get by. Also there are the people that frequent sites and forums who have little interest in what's really going on (not participating in general discussions, etc.) but post simply to make sales and advertize with only profit for motive, no real contribution, no commradery, just in it for the buck.
We (JBP) feel like we are a truly a part of this socaljetboats web site. Do we glean sales as result of our presence and support here ? Absolutley, but the help, information, advice and friendship comes with "No strings". We regularly offer help where we know the parts came from "elsewhere",or no purchase was made at all and ask nothing in return.
15 years ago I set out to create a business dedicated to Jets and V-drive boats. The goal was to have fun, enjoy what I was doing, and provide parts and service at realistic prices. That commitment remains today and won't change!
As always, Thanks Socal (and thanks Brad) for the continued support. Tom
