quote Originally posted by IMSA GT: I crap on the Fiero Store due to their lack of quality control on the reproduction or custom parts.

Since IMSA rarely likes to offer specific examples, and loves speaking in vague generalities, please allow us to guess what he might be talking about. This is only a guess, but since we've been criticized for this by others, it seems like a good example. Back in 2007, GM was discontinuing Fiero dew wipes and no aftermarket alternatives existed. We invested north of $20K to have the first reproductions made from scratch. We will be the first to admit that our first iteration was not the greatest quality, but they fit and were far better than broken originals. Since 2007, we have taken every opportunity to make improvements along the way. Today, our dew wipes are as good or better than GM quality. Would we prefer to always get it right on the first shot? Absolutely, but when the Fiero market won't tolerate higher prices, sacrifices have to be made. As the old saying goes, you can have it cheap, good, or fast.....pick two. For better and for worse, the Fiero market has spoken loud and clear. We simply respond accordingly.

The problem with trolls like IMSA and ogre is they don't understand that their rage could be channeled so much more productively. Instead of screaming from the rooftops about how horrible we are, they could open a dialogue and be part of the solution rather than the problem. Here's how that might look:

quote Originally posted by theogre: Still selling....illegal lights hidden behind "Check your local ordinances for legality." and other crap items most can't detect

A better way to articulate ogre's concern might be to ask us directly, "Why don't you sell DOT approved lights?"

quote Originally posted by theogre: TFS and Friends/Family at GM Dealer near them is why many GM parts only available thru them w/ very high makeup. A Current one is 87-88 Headlamp Module for $674.95. 87-88 belt tensioner pushed over $300-400 too a few years ago w/ most sold w/o gasket stuck in the back.

Here, rather than slinging around baseless accusations (we have no friends or family who work for GM), ogre could have simply asked, "Why is the price of 87-88 Headlamp Modules so high?" Or maybe, "Why did the belt tensioner stop coming with the gasket?"

With this approach, IMSA and ogre might learn that questions can be far more powerful than statements. Questions can provide them with information they didn't previously have. Questions can also bring to light issues that they could help resolve. Worst case, questions can reinforce their previously uneducated opinion.

IMSA and Ogre's combative venting does nothing but hurt the Fiero community. If they put half of their energy into constructive dialogue, they may find that they'll have less to be angry about over the long term.

[This message has been edited by FieroStore (edited 02-12-2020).]

Okay... I'll jump into this, since lots of others are.
I've never had a problem with TFS shipping charges. They are what they are. The only bad part I've ever gotten was a coolant hose that was too short. (I'm sure that particular part is well known by now, so I'll spare everyone.)
To contrast, I've bought a bunch of really useful / cool stuff from TFS. Actually, I wish they still carried some stuff that was cancelled. (Like the glove box?)

Rodney? I will buy from him without question. Every time. He beats all comers, hands down. I hope whoever buys him out is as good.

Regarding US VS Canadian shipping... What nails you is the brokerage charges. I bought a set of wheels and tires from a Canadian entity. It was really because they had what I wanted, but the exchange rate seemed to make it advantageous to me. Right up until I received that bill from UPS for "brokerage". I started to tell them to go and pound sand, because it sounded like bullshit.
But I figured that I might want to receive something from UPS at some time in the future.
It seems that shipping through the Post Office (on either side of the border) will help to eliminate the brokerage fees. I can't say that with authority, however, since I don't do it frequently.

With all of that said, I hope that all of our vendors keep on keepin' on. We need you.

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Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550

Praise the Lowered!

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-18-2020).]

[This message has been edited by Oregon88 (edited 02-12-2020).]