| Twinkie |
NOTE: The other thread from Admin was closed so it would accept no replies so I started a new thread.
My question for Tim and/or Daniel: Although the Group Buys were 'loosely organized', what exactly were the issues you are trying to address by replacing them with Featured Buys?
I always thought that the Group Buys were a fun 'community' building event. I think the interest and excitement will be missed. They were certainly less 'corporate' which is why I enjoyed watching them.
The new Featured Buys may not solve whatever the problems are with the Group Buys. New debates, polls, etc. will be started about what should be the next Featured Buy.
Sorry to see the Group Buys go, but alas, maybe this is progress. |
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| kemosabe |
Is the acuramdx.org board going to implement the same "Featured Buy" policy? Or are they staying status quo? How are GBs handled over on that board? Is it less of a free for all? :confused:
And since I'm asking about the MDX board, what about the other boards that have current group buys @hondacurawworld:
- www.hondaelement.org
- www.acuraworld.com
- www.hondacr-v.org
- www.driveaccord.net
Is it just honda-pilot.org that is having confusion with the GB "system"??? :8:
I can see how trying to keep up with SIX group buys from SIX different boards can be confusing... :17: |
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| jayhnsy |
| Am I to assume that this applies retroactively to those of us who just signed up for the running board group buy. If so I am not a fan of the bait and switch approach. Hopefully, Tim will reconcile this in the spirit of maintaining this very loyal consumer base. |
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| admin |
I'm all for group buys (hey, I even programmed a special group buy feature), but it looks like hondacuraworld is having hard time coping with so many group buys at the same time. I hope that this switch is temporary.
There is no change in the group buy policy for acuramdx.org, since there aren't any group buys on the go. I bet that if mdx site was doing as many group buys as this site does, this policy would apply as well. |
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| kemosabe |
quote:
Originally posted by admin
I'm all for group buys (hey, I even programmed a special group buy feature), but it looks like hondacuraworld is having hard time coping with so many group buys at the same time. I hope that this switch is temporary.
There is no change in the group buy policy for acuramdx.org, since there aren't any group buys on the go. I bet that if mdx site was doing as many group buys as this site does, this policy would apply as well.
It's kind of a catch-22, right admin? Many here are excited about the group buys and it helps out Tim and company, but too much enthusiasm here causes confusion at Ray Laks Honda!!! I guess we needed to find a balance...!!! :cool: |
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| hondacuraworld |
quote:
Originally posted by jayhnsy
Am I to assume that this applies retroactively to those of us who just signed up for the running board group buy. If so I am not a fan of the bait and switch approach. Hopefully, Tim will reconcile this in the spirit of maintaining this very loyal consumer base.
Let's clarify things here a bit.
1. First off, I'm pretty offended by the above comment. Since when have I ever employed any dishonest dealings? Bait and switch? No. If I recall correctly, nobody consulted me before posting the current boards GB. I was away on vacation, and down with computer problems, and people just ran with it.
2. I get a lot of emails regarding the GB process, what's on GB, and people complaining that I don't put all group buys up as they happen. Hell, I can't even keep them straight.
Basically, here is a situation where I'd rather put up one item per month as we started to do way back when. Basically, I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't.....either way while trying to improve the system, I come out looking like the bad guy here. I don't get it...... |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Basically, here is a situation where I'd rather put up one item per month as we started to do way back when. Basically, I'm damned if I do, and damned if I don't.....either way while trying to improve the system, I come out looking like the bad guy here. I don't get it......
I can understand what you mean..
but how do you plan do decide on what to have on a feature buy each month. Does'nt really make sence if you have something which no one wants....
do you want to do a poll for that each month...:p |
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| hondacuraworld |
The idea as it's worked for over 2 and a half years on www.acuramdx.org is that generally everything's taken its turn. Since I can see what's popular by my sales reports, I can use those as a guide to judge what's good and what's a "dog". For example, you won't see me putting fender flares for the Pilot on special anytime soon, because they just don't sell.
Folks, all I want to do is put a system in place that will work well for you and me. It works best when we can work together. Can you guys work with me? |
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| kemosabe |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
The idea as it's worked for over 2 and a half years on www.acuramdx.org is that generally everything's taken its turn. Since I can see what's popular by my sales reports, I can use those as a guide to judge what's good and what's a "dog". For example, you won't see me putting fender flares for the Pilot on special anytime soon, because they just don't sell.
Folks, all I want to do is put a system in place that will work well for you and me. It works best when we can work together.
Sounds like a man with a mission!!! :) Let's roll with this plan -- if it works well on acuramdx.org, then it should work just fine here on honda-pilot.org, too!!! :29: |
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| lovemypilot |
| Tim, just a suggestion... Since there're already over 10 people signed up for running boards, which seems to be the most popular wanted sofar, why not make it the 'Featured Buy' in May or June? |
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| PaulV7 |
sounds like a good idea to me. It makes it less confusing for Tim. Since in the group buys you have people jumping in and out of them daily. Why should anyone have to base a profit margin on something that is so erratic? This way we still get a deal on an accessory each month and it's a lot simpler for Tim.
Keep up the good work Tim. And thanks for all the deals you give us!! |
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| Qbrozen |
Hell, I give tim and his company a great deal of credit for doing all they have. I don't see any other dealers hanging around here and putting up with all this BS. Frankly, being the type of vindictive person that I am, jayhnsy would be getting nothing at a discount. :mad:
They really do offer some of the best prices around, regardless, especially with the free shipping. So I'm for whatever system they want to go with. If I need something, I'll be buying from them, period.
Just my .02 |
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| kompers |
I'd have to agree with you about hondacuraworld, Qbrozen. They have been nothing but professional and courteous with my orders. Like you said, they monitor this site as well as others and contribute to our issues, problems, etc. I'd give 'em a break!
Just MY .02! :D
Tim, if you keep giving us the quality service that you do, you'll always have me as a customer! |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
The idea as it's worked for over 2 and a half years on www.acuramdx.org is that generally everything's taken its turn. Since I can see what's popular by my sales reports, I can use those as a guide to judge what's good and what's a "dog". For example, you won't see me putting fender flares for the Pilot on special anytime soon, because they just don't sell.
Folks, all I want to do is put a system in place that will work well for you and me. It works best when we can work together. Can you guys work with me?
sounds good..lets go for it...I am sure if it works there..will work here too..:D :D :D |
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| Crazy J~ |
| In fairness to everyone (especially Tim) I did notice yesterday on this home page that there were no group buys currently running on this board. Confused, I called Tim to inquire about process and procedure with his folks. Tim was very frustrated and I can now appreciate why. Be that as it may, Tim stated he would be updating the specials area of his website as soon as he possibly can. I am definately interested in the running boards and selfishly would like to see those be run for the rest of May as I posted interest in the now closed thread. I think if we can all follow the rules (which I'm sure will be clearly posted on both sites, hint, hint, hint, we will all be better off... nuf said -- and no I'm not soliciting business for Tim. I just remember wearing those shoes upon one of my past lives in the Dealership environment... :2: |
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| ncelk |
Tim,
I for one and many others out here on the board appreciate all you have done. No system is perfect, and as everyone knows, you can't please everyone all the time.
My suggestion is to either go with a poll for the featured buy, or if you ever go back to group buys, before someone can start one, you must post a reply oking the buy before it is started.
I don't know how you keep up with this board alone, much less the other ones. I think featured buys will work, but I get the feeling that if a lot of people want a particular accessory, the ability to relay to you to so we can get that featured sooner would be great.
Thanks for all your efforts.
ncelk |
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| tonyrwc |
Hello Tim, I am a pretty new member who currently is participating in my first group buy, the sidesteps. I actually I got some enjoyment (I must need to get a life) out of joining in with other members and trying to get to 10 to "qualify" for the group buy. It really isnt the 10 percent that I'm saving although I do like to save where ever possible but it was more of participating in the group buy that I enjoyed.
Personsally, I dont think I would want to wait each month to see what is going to be the group special, for instance if I am interested in crossbars, how am I going to know when they will come up in the featured special, for a 10% savings and perhaps a prolonged wait for the item to "come up" I think most will just buy it and get them when they want rather than wait for the special.
I'm sorry to hear about your frustation with our group buys, I hope this change is not caused by a few of our members because I think I can speak for the majority (this is from every thing that I have read about you throughout this forum) is that you are well respected and appreciated for all that you have done for us! |
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| HondaFan |
Tim -
I appreciate your specials and your high level of service and free shipping. If you implement an easier way of doing the specials, we all need to support that. No other Honda dealer in the USA is doing what you are doing for us. I have bought three accessories from Hondacuraworld.com (two were group buys) and am VERY happy with the price and outstanding service.
Keep up the good work and please know that most of us on honda-pilot.org appreciate you and the specials that you run.:2: |
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| glodino |
Personally, 1 months is too long for an item to be the featured buy. How about two weeks.
How about a rule that you can't have the same item consecutively. |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by glodino
Personally, 1 months is too long for an item to be the featured buy. How about two weeks.
How about a rule that you can't have the same item consecutively.
Ditto that |
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| Ziploc |
quote:
Originally posted by HondaFan
Tim -
I appreciate your specials and your high level of service and free shipping. If you implement an easier way of doing the specials, we all need to support that. No other Honda dealer in the USA is doing what you are doing for us. I have bought three accessories from Hondacuraworld.com (two were group buys) and am VERY happy with the price and outstanding service.
Keep up the good work and please know that most of us on honda-pilot.org appreciate you and the specials that you run.:2:
I completely agree with everything said by HondaFan above.
Tim, you provide outstanding service in a world where that's getting very hard to find. Pilot.org members, you should know that when--several weeks after we received it--we discovered a hook was missing on one of the hold-down straps of the Cargo Organizer, Tim responded to my emailed request right away and sent me a new strap. He went out of his way to fulfill my request even though he was still recovering from food poisoning and had a million other things to get caught up on.
Just one reason why I'll continue to give my business to Tim and Hondacuraworld.com. :2: |
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| 74PILOTMOM |
Tim- I think this new featured item idea is great...I look forward to accessorizing my Pilot through you. This seems like a much more organized way to do things, and we can jump on the featured items when we see them. Good luck with the new system.
Aimee:) |
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| my3kids |
| Even if we won't get the 10%, just compare the prices with buying from your local dealer. When I order from hondacuraworld.com, the merchandise arrives in about 2 days, which is incredible. The prices, even with no special discount, just can't be beat. I've ordered 3 items, and only one was the group buy. When I need something, I just order it. I ordered the cargo tray about a week after the group buy. Even without the $7.00 discount, it was a great deal. Tim has been very helpful with my questions. I'll be a loyal customer with or without group buys. |
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| killrbeez |
Every Honda accessory on my Pilot was ordered from Tim and his band of merry men (& women?) and I am completely satisfied with the speed in which the parts were received and the prices were great (but being that we're both in NY, the whole sales tax thing kinda blows.. oh well)
Tim, the deal o' the month is a great idea. I'm all for it.
Who knows.. I just may get my cargo cover gb after all! :2: |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by glodino
Personally, 1 months is too long for an item to be the featured buy. How about two weeks.
How about a rule that you can't have the same item consecutively.
Or how about having one interior and exterior "featured buy" running at the same time, this could double the volume of sales for you if you want and would allow us accessory junkies to accumulate our goodies even faster. |
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| ramirami |
| hummmmm.....hey tim whats happening with this thing...are you planning any specials ..??:confused: :1: |
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| hondacuraworld |
| Yes, but on Tuesday I found out about a special package buy Honda is offering me for Pilots, CRVs, and Odys, I just have to figure out if it will work out in the quantity I have to buy in, to be able to offer additional savings over and above what I can normally do, it's a numbers and logistics thing, which I'll hopefully get settled in this afternoon if the numbers fit. |
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| ramirami |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
Yes, but on Tuesday I found out about a special package buy Honda is offering me for Pilots, CRVs, and Odys, I just have to figure out if it will work out in the quantity I have to buy in, to be able to offer additional savings over and above what I can normally do, it's a numbers and logistics thing, which I'll hopefully get settled in this afternoon if the numbers fit.
cool....will wait for the surprise on Tuesday to find if its something I want :D or not :confused:
:2: :2: :2: |
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| HondaFan |
I am also looking forward to a group buy!!! I love everything I have gotten from Hondacuraworld so far. What is next?
:2: :2: :2: |
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| gumbyx4 |
Hi
I only had my Pilot for a week, but have been reading this website for a while. :) Does Hondacuraworld give discounts to members who identify themselves. I was looking for the rear mudflaps and rubber floor mats?
Thanks
Gumbyx4- Pilot EX, 2" receiver and Bauer Swingaway 4 bike rack, Yakima lowrider with Thule box. |
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| tim.s |
gumbyx4,
The "old" method involved getting 10 or more members to post an intention to by an item and then hondacuraworld would post it at a 10% off price for one week. This method was a bit hard to track and sometime confusing.
The new method sounds like it will involve hondacuraworld simply posting an item for a special price. Each item will get a turn, but the popular items will appear more often.
Haven't found any other site matching hondacuraworlds pricing and the 10% discount makes them worth waiting for. Of course if you want or need a item now, the standard prices (which include shipping by the way) are still lower than what you'll find elsewhere. |
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| timchen |
| yeah. Now they decide what they want to push and sell instead of you decide what you want to get for cheaper. |
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| kemosabe |
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
yeah. Now they decide what they want to push and sell instead of you decide what you want to get for cheaper.
...and that's a problem because...??? :confused: |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
yeah. Now they decide what they want to push and sell instead of you decide what you want to get for cheaper.
True, but you dont have to buy from them! |
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| ramirami |
maybe I should let Tim announce this.... naaa.....
so this months special seems to be Day night mirror (on the hondacuraworld website) :D :D :D :D :D |
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| timchen |
quote:
Originally posted by kemosabe
...and that's a problem because...??? :confused:
I only sated a fact, didn't say that's a problem. There are more than one way to do business. I don't know if you like to browse around to find something you like and ask for discount or prefer salesman walk on you and tell you something is really worth to buy. It's all personal preference.
But can someone explain this is not a problem to those members who were waiting for running board group buy. |
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| admin |
Hondacuraworld made a business decision that we, as their customers, either agree or not. But you know what? It's not up to us! While we here are a community and we make a lot of decisions together, Hondacuraworld isn't.
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
I only sated a fact, didn't say that's a problem. There are more than one way to do business. I don't know if you like to browse around to find something you like and ask for discount or prefer salesman walk on you and tell you something is really worth to buy. It's all personal preference.
But can someone explain this is not a problem to those members who were waiting for running board group buy.
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
But can someone explain this is not a problem to those members who were waiting for running board group buy.
The only "problem" is for you guys that wanted the running boards is not knowing when they will come up on the month special, it could be next month or it could be 10 months. You have decide if its worth waiting potentially up to year to save 10%. |
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| tim.s |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
The idea as it's worked for over 2 and a half years on www.acuramdx.org is that generally everything's taken its turn. Since I can see what's popular by my sales reports, I can use those as a guide to judge what's good and what's a "dog". For example, you won't see me putting fender flares for the Pilot on special anytime soon, because they just don't sell.
Folks, all I want to do is put a system in place that will work well for you and me. It works best when we can work together. Can you guys work with me?
I suspect that the more popular items (like running boards) will show up more frequently. |
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| timchen |
Who can blame business go after where money is. Group buy serve customer better but can be a nightmare for seller. Customers may ask group buy on items with already low profile margin and seller has to give another 10% off. That doesn't make too much sense if I am selling. Another thing is, sometime deal even came from part vendor. They can put parts from more agressive vender into special section.
Yet again, as a customer, I would like group buys rather than special. For a selling party, group buys take more commitment and if hondacuraworld can't do it, I fully understand. |
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| terrier |
| Don't know if it's been mentioned, but I noticed that Hondaacuraworld has Day/Night Mirrors on sale for June under their old Honda-Pilot.org sale page. |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
I would like group buys rather than special. For a selling party, group buys take more commitment and if hondacuraworld can't do it, I fully understand.
OUCH..................I have a feeling its going to get a little warm for you in this thread.
:4: |
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| timchen |
quote:
Originally posted by tonyrwc
OUCH..................I have a feeling its going to get a little warm for you in this thread.
:4:
still cool:o |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by timchen
still cool:o
Seems that way, either no ones noticed or everyone is getting soft. :confused: |
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| kemosabe |
quote:
Originally posted by tonyrwc
Seems that way, either no ones noticed or everyone is getting soft. :confused:
Hey, who ya callin' gettin' soft, huh??? :3:
:D :D :D |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by kemosabe
Hey, who ya callin' gettin' soft, huh??? :3:
:D :D :D
Of course I didnt mean you big fella.:2: |
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| kemosabe |
Hate to bring up an old thread after nearly 7 weeks of inactivity, but why in the world does the honda-pilot.org web site still advertise this... :8:
If GB's are indeed over, then this ad should be taken down, n'est-ce pas? :confused: |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by kemosabe
Hate to bring up an old thread after nearly 7 weeks of inactivity, but why in the world does the honda-pilot.org web site still advertise this... :8:
If GB's are indeed over, then this ad should be taken down, n'est-ce pas? :confused:
Good point Kemo.
I'm sure Hondacura World has a good reason for stopping the group buys, but I can't figure it out. Why in the world would you want to lose potential future sales, even at a 10% reduction in sales price, they still have to be making pretty good money. Each group buy has at least 10 people participating, that has to translate into fairly decent volume and money.
I think Tim just got burned out on monitoring "our" group buy thread and all of its activity that was taking place. It seems like it would have been easier to not monitor the group buy thread at all, but instead just wait for an e-mail stating what item/items we were interested in for the group buy.
Out of every 10 potential buyers of a particular item now, how many are actually buying from Hondacuraworld, my guess would be less than 50%, thats a lot of lost revenue now and in the future. |
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| tonyrwc |
| Wow, what happened to my text size in that last post? |
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| hondacuraworld |
The comments that I made earlier in this thread are the reasons that we went to a monthly special.
When we did group buys, many people called or emailed, and complained that it was difficult to follow, and it was hard for me as well. People complained that I would only do one group buy at a time. People complained that they wanted all of the group buy prices at once. People complained that they wanted group buy pricing on things that I hadn't yet okayed even though 10 people signed up in a thread.
So then people had a debate here to decide how Hondacuraworld should do business. Some questioned my commitment to this site and its members. I stayed away from adding comment here mainly because in situations like this, I can't win because I'll never please everyone.
I am one man attempting to do the best I can for the business and my customers, many of which I consider friends. I think that I've been able to strike a good balance with my situation, even though a lot of people don't feel that I have.
Folks, I always try my best. I do pay a pretty decent amount of advertising dollars to this site, I offer monthly specials to the members here, and if anyone needs me (barring anything cataclysmic), I'm by the phone. Every day. Whether you want to order a part, ask questions about your vehicle and your dealer, talk about any concern with ownership, it doesn't matter. It doesn't seem that there are many online accessories e-tailers that even try to go this far, which I do pride myself on. I want my customers to be my customers for a long time by the way I do things here. This isn't a big corporation with anonymous employees, it's myself and Shawn. Call us, we'll answer.
If this group buy situation causes us to lose favor with the members of this site and for them to shop elsewhere, I will take this opportunity to apologize for not living up to your expectations, and even move aside if I am asked to if there is someone that can better fill the role. |
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| kemosabe |
Actually, in response to my post from last night, perhaps the "Group Buy" section of the main honda-pilot.org home page can be updated (and changed to "Monthly Special") on a monthly basis by admin to "advertise" what that month's special is over at Tim's hondacuraworld...??? :)
I tried to add this thread in the Group Buys forum about the July special a few weeks ago to inform folks!!! ;)
P.S. Thanks, Tim, for your thoughts and comments! :4: :17: :29: |
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| tim.s |
quote:
Originally posted by kemosabe
Actually, in response to my post from last night, perhaps the "Group Buy" section of the main honda-pilot.org home page can be updated (and changed to "Monthly Special") on a monthly basis by admin to "advertise" what that month's special is over at Tim's hondacuraworld...??? :)
...
That sounds like the best idea - list the monthly sale item on the home page. I'd just like a reminder of what's on sale each month (since I never remember to check) in case it's something I'm interested in.
After all, who goes into Target and demands a sale price on a stereo because they missed the last sale two months ago? |
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| tonyrwc |
quote:
Originally posted by hondacuraworld
The comments that I made earlier in this thread are the reasons that we went to a monthly special.
When we did group buys, many people called or emailed, and complained that it was difficult to follow, and it was hard for me as well. People complained that I would only do one group buy at a time. People complained that they wanted all of the group buy prices at once. People complained that they wanted group buy pricing on things that I hadn't yet okayed even though 10 people signed up in a thread.
So then people had a debate here to decide how Hondacuraworld should do business. Some questioned my commitment to this site and its members. I stayed away from adding comment here mainly because in situations like this, I can't win because I'll never please everyone.
I am one man attempting to do the best I can for the business and my customers, many of which I consider friends. I think that I've been able to strike a good balance with my situation, even though a lot of people don't feel that I have.
Folks, I always try my best. I do pay a pretty decent amount of advertising dollars to this site, I offer monthly specials to the members here, and if anyone needs me (barring anything cataclysmic), I'm by the phone. Every day. Whether you want to order a part, ask questions about your vehicle and your dealer, talk about any concern with ownership, it doesn't matter. It doesn't seem that there are many online accessories e-tailers that even try to go this far, which I do pride myself on. I want my customers to be my customers for a long time by the way I do things here. This isn't a big corporation with anonymous employees, it's myself and Shawn. Call us, we'll answer.
If this group buy situation causes us to lose favor with the members of this site and for them to shop elsewhere, I will take this opportunity to apologize for not living up to your expectations, and even move aside if I am asked to if there is someone that can better fill the role.
Now you're making me feel bad here, I never said you didn't do a great job or did I mean to imply that I was ever unhappy with your service, I only stated that it was too bad that the group buys were gone. I am only talking about myself, this is only my opinion, I am not speaking for anyone else here. From all of the posts that I have read, it seems most everyone is very happy with you and Hondacuraworld!
Don't take it so personal, this was not an attack on your loyalty or customer service, this was only my thoughts on the subject. I think your comment about "moving aside if someone can better fill the role was inappropiate considering what my comments were before. I don't think anyone wants that to happen and that goes for myself. |
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| hondacuraworld |
I'm sorry if it seemed that I took your comment the wrong way, I have learned to be a bit defensive in this thread.....even though it may have appeared that I took your comments personally, my response comes from the fact that I've been the one in charge of making all of the business decisions for Hondacuraworld. Before I came to this dealership in June of 2000, Hondacuraworld didn't exist. I created this entity beginning with an AOL homepage and a toll call phone number, three years later, and here we are.
What it boils down to is the fact that I just needed to clarify and justify this business decision with you, my customers, to whom I do owe the explanation. |
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