I'm not sure if you can still call the fiero store a small business. After all they've made yahoo's "10 businesses that make over $1 mil/year you've never heard of" list.

So I'd say they're a large and very profitable business..

It's good to know that Fieros still make lots of people money.

I won't miss it. Mostly because on the bits I order it's the freight that's killing me, and I'd lose any monetary gain supplied by the 10% discount on the cost of the phone call! Still, it does disgust me a bit that people would abuse the discount system. I'm half expecting to discover when they had the discount weekend people were still calling 10% club discount...

Still, discount and mad freight aside, it still works out cheaper to order some Eibach lowering springs from TFS than the local Eibach distributor. Go figure.

The Fiero Store is stating that the 10% discount is being abused. That does NOT mean it's new or minimal contributing PFF members, But rather folks who might happen upon PFF and see that if they mention PFF they could get a discount without actually joining. Just do a search in google for "fiero store discount" and you get a few PFF threads discussing that PFF members get the 10% discount. So the "abusers" don't even need to look at PFF. All the info is provided on a search engines page.

Now with that being said, How many folks on PFF have searched for the Rock Auto Discount code or posted one? I know folks have posted threads about them. Or what about CarFax codes to get a free CarFax?

My point is discount abuse happens all the time. It's not just a problem for a small business but rather all businesses that offer one. Many folks will will take advantage of discount programs offered and use them correctly, But there are those who would abuse it as well. From a business point of view, The only way to slow it down or stop it is to do one of two things, Add a complex verification system that may actually have a negative effect due to the time involved in verifying a person or remove the discount. While the Fiero Store has opted for the latter, They do in fact have parts you cannot get elsewhere and they do have parts made when OEM supplies run out. They are a great asset to our hobby. I have used them in the past and will continue to use them in the future.

Just so everyone knows, While the Fiero Store is dropping the 10% discount, from what I understand their monthly sales ad's and their occassional 10-15% discount days are not going away. So if you need a part from TFS right away you won't get the 10% like you use to, But if there are a lot of parts you plan on buying, Just wait for one of the discount days.

Maybe Cliff can work out a deal where they offer specials only to PFF members as well? An example would be Cliff could make a section that you have to log in on PFF and have XX time or posts to see it and he could post a monthly special with a special code to get the discount.

buying anything from the fiero store, with or without a 10% discount, still feels like a giant rip off to me.

The bottom line is this, folks.

If you want to keep this vendor around so that we have access to parts for our cars, then we need to buy from them.

They are doing the best they can in a hard economy, and on top of that, dealing with us - cheap-azz Fiero owners.

It's a small. niche market, not like selling SBC or Mustang parts.

If you want the convenience of being able to go to one place to get what you need, you have to support them.

If that means a higher price, well, that's the way it is.

Agreed.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: The bottom line is this, folks. If you want to keep this vendor around so that we have access to parts for our cars, then we need to buy from them. They are doing the best they can in a hard economy, and on top of that, dealing with us - cheap-azz Fiero owners. It's a small. niche market, not like selling SBC or Mustang parts. If you want the convenience of being able to go to one place to get what you need, you have to support them. If that means a higher price, well, that's the way it is.

Discount or not I still buy from TFS and the other Fiero Venders. Sometimes I ask for the discount and sometimes I don’t. I didn’t think you had to be in the special secret handshake membership part of PFF to use the discount. We have new and old timers in PFF and why shame the new owners coming into the Fiero community. As far as the old timers some just use PFF for info not everyone wants to post or get into drama. If you’re a small business using the discount for resell most venders in the automotive world give a discount anyway.

How can you abuse a % discount, overall it can’t be done. It's like making to much income on commission.. If I get 10% of my gross be it 10k or 100k I still only get 10%.

The flip side is a business has to make a profit and the only bad that will come out of it is the parts will increase 10% to offset the discount loss.

It’s an easy fix just change the password for the discount monthly, be it from PFF or TSF.

What ever the outcome I will still use the Fiero venders as I always have seeking the best parts I can install on my rides.

As far as Fiero part prices you don’t get a more affordable specialty car to buy parts for…. Think not try a vette, cobra, camaro or most other collectible.

Vince

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Hop Till You Drop!!
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"Uniting Fiero Owners Worldwide"
Add Your VIN's to the Worldwide Fieros Registry!!
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quote Originally posted by hyperv6: I would think the economy has more to do with this than anything. Times are hard for small buisness and while 10% is not a big deal to me it could mean a lot to a small company like this. A discount is nice but I think as they already know if you need a Fiero part you will pay what you have to in getting the part. Exspecially the ones that no one else sells.

Yep, regardless of all the smoke and mirrors, TFS is a business and business is business. That 10% is significant when considered in the whole picture. The economy has slowed, although I haven't seen TFS's balance sheet, I would bet it's down. We, as a whole are not buying as much. Ask any of the Fiero suppliers, everyone is slower. That doesn't only apply to Fiero Suppliers, it applies across the board. Heck, you don't have to ask them, look at yourselves, folks are trying to pay off debt, save, setting priorites finally. Folks don't have as much extra cash to spend on things I'd like to have. We're more focused on things we need to have.

I don't buy the idea that TFS is changing policies because someone is abusing the system. The last time I called and ordered something from Fiero Store, they asked me if I was a member that qualified for the discount. I hadn't even thought of it. The bottom line on the balance sheet is the reason for this change.

Ron

quote Originally posted by Hulki U. My-BFF: Well that is complete and utter BS right there. I like to think that I have contributed plenty here without a monetary donation. When I can afford to, I will buy Cliff a beer, because he deserves it; NOT so I can get a shiny little badge to throw in people's faces.

Whoah amigo!... that was not the point of my post at all!... I thank Fierofreak00 for more eloquently stating what I was trying to say... and I apologize for any angst it caused you, HUMBFF.

I use Cliff's forum for much of my local clubs announcements... I use his calendar to post club activities... I blow off steam (or create steam ) in OT... giving him a monthly 'donation' I felt like was the least I could do.
Your contributions sir, cannot have a monetary value assigned. T'aint no way...

The sig was not to throw in people's faces... I put it there so maybe the casual poster would see it and associate it with Cliff's almost camouflaged link to donate. I blatantly copied CoolBlue's sig (with his permission) to just kinda spread the word and following forum rules, try to only include it once per thread.

both PFF and TFS are institutions that if lost... would severly cripple my ability to enjoy our little cars.
I just say support them both as you are able.

quote Originally posted by blackrams: I don't buy the idea that TFS is changing policies because someone is abusing the system. The last time I called and ordered something from Fiero Store, they asked me if I was a member that qualified for the discount. I hadn't even thought of it. The bottom line on the balance sheet is the reason for this change. Ron

I agree 100% I don't buy the abuse notion. I had always heard that it was a Fiero Club discount. Not a PFF discount.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it doesn't matter. The discount is gone and I believe it has more to do with the bottom line than any type of "abuse"

As posted earlier there are websites devoted to posting discount codes, that's just the way it is. If you put a discount out there, you better expect that it will get used, a lot.

I have been ordering MIC odds and ends things from the fiero store the past couple of weeks for my 87 and they have told me every time i have called in that there soon to stop the discount on it. Personaly i dont buy much from the fiero store unless its a fiero spicific thing that i cant get elseware. I cant say I agree or disagree with it. It is a business and they will run it how they see fit.

[This message has been edited by pontiackid86 (edited 03-23-2010).]

Bought several items and never taken the discount. I for one am glad to have them a source for parts and know that specializing comes with a premimum. (with in reason)

I spoke on the phone to the fiero store a couple months back. I asked for and received the discount. At that time they told me the 10% discount was going away. There was never any mention of abuse or any particular reason stated why it was going. I specifically asked and the question was dodged. I don't know when it was decided that this was going to be the stated reason.

I do not believe the reason why this discount is going has anything to do with the members here regardless of if they are contributing, non-contributing, active, non-active, ect. I believe the reasons are more simple then that. Money is tight for everyone and every company must do what it required to keep themselves in business. Discounts are disappearing everywhere, not just TFS.

I was also told at that same time there will be a new discount structure setup before the old discount goes away. No details were given to me about it at that time. Either way when I need something they are just a click or phone call away. I'd estimate that over the last 10 years we have spent ~10k dollars with them. 95% of which were without the discount. When I did request the discount my user name was asked for everytime.

Its all BS. You can't abuse a discount that is given freely to anyone who asks for it. It that was a problem TFS should have verified better or just plain denied the discount when they felt it was unwarrented. Business is business and the burden of proof lies with the company not the individual.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 03-23-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Fierofreak00: I don't think he was rubbing it in your face...

you are just like Blakey... you have a shiney sign in my face too... whaaaa whaaaa... Grow up BFF...

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SMTHGT.....

I would much prefer, they just raise their prices 10% and still honour the PFF discount. I would feel like I'm still getting a discount that way.

Or you can just offer a discount for purchases over a certain amount. say 1000$. Than it may get someone to buy that more expensive piece new rather than go search for it at the wreckers. after all, as a few people have stated, its business, and the best way to make more money is to sell more volume. Or less volume at higher prices. So in that respect I agree with rourke, raise the price 10% and continue giving the discount so that people still feel loved.

quote Originally posted by pontiackid86: I have been ordering MIC odds and ends things from the fiero store the past couple of weeks for my 87 and they have told me every time i have called in that there soon to stop the discount on it. Personaly i dont buy much from the fiero store unless its a fiero spicific thing that i cant get elseware. I cant say I agree or disagree with it. It is a business and they will run it how they see fit.

Are my old eyes playing tricks on me or did PK type something ledgible with punctuation?

He must be stoned or drunk. LOL J/K PK

quote Originally posted by blakeinspace: Whoah amigo!... that was not the point of my post at all!... I thank Fierofreak00 for more eloquently stating what I was trying to say... and I apologize for any angst it caused you, HUMBFF. I use Cliff's forum for much of my local clubs announcements... I use his calendar to post club activities... I blow off steam (or create steam ) in OT... giving him a monthly 'donation' I felt like was the least I could do. Your contributions sir, cannot have a monetary value assigned. T'aint no way... The sig was not to throw in people's faces... I put it there so maybe the casual poster would see it and associate it with Cliff's almost camouflaged link to donate. I blatantly copied CoolBlue's sig (with his permission) to just kinda spread the word and following forum rules, try to only include it once per thread. both PFF and TFS are institutions that if lost... would severly cripple my ability to enjoy our little cars. I just say support them both as you are able.

My bad Blake! I apologize. Sometimes I really know how to jump the gun.

quote Originally posted by Hulki U. My-BFF: My bad Blake! I apologize. Sometimes I really know how to jump the gun.

np!... consider you and I golden.

I was surprised that TFS sill had the discount in the first place. I agree that they are a HUGE supporter of our community and cars. Period.

I will continue to buy from them and I believe that everyone should support them as they have us.

quote Originally posted by Cheever3000: I thought the discount was for members of ANY Fiero club, and they consider PFF a club. So go join a Fiero club. Many are free.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: How do you abuse a 10% discount? At first I didn't know about the discount and I ordered on-line. Then when I discovered the discount I ordered by phone and asked for the discount. The people don't bite and are really pleasant to talk to. But not ONCE did they ask me what club or forum I belonged to to get the discount. Not ONCE. So I ask again, how do you abuse a 10% discount when they will give it to anyone who asks?

This is VERY true, it is a "club" discount, they just count PFF as a club. So it never was a "PFF discount"
And I too, I straight up asked them if they wanted to know what club I was part of and they said "no"
You can't get the discount more than once, so it really can't be abused. The only way they may think PFF abused it is by everyone saying "hey you can get a discount by sayiong you are from pff" I think the orignal intent was to be passed around clubs, not the internet.


And should I just stop posting since I "do not contribute" with cash? sounds like a church. (BTW I have donated to Cliff, long before the buy cliff a beer)

And the solution is easy, get off the computer, go outside, and go join a club, and meet Fiero people in real life. It is so much more being part of a club than the discount is worth.


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"DRIVE IT LIKE A FIERO"
'84 Fiero, engine to be determined
'87Blue GT 3.4L Swap Completed!!!!!!!! Boosted!!!!!!!
^^^^ Now in the Construction Zone^^^^
Las Vegas Fiero Club Parts/Sales/Service/Club
Fiero Road Club Of Northern Nevada

[This message has been edited by sardonyx247 (edited 03-24-2010).]

quote Originally posted by madcurl: StarBucks is offering free pasteries on Tuesday to all who have a coupon. If you're a Gold Card member- you'll get the 10% off your coffee. This info should calm your nerves (if you frequent the place).

Haha! FYI, the Gold Card works on a point system now, where every time you use it (or any other registered Starbucks card) you get a 'star', and once you get enough stars you earn things like free syrups, free drinks, etc. The 10% discount changed to this system in the new year. (I've worked at Starbucks for 5 years now.)

Back on topic, I think it's a shame when people mess it up for everyone else, but I don't see the validity in TFS' argument. I will still frequent them and any other specialty Fiero parts store. I never knew there was a discount for being a PFF member until now, honestly.

Well, that explains why I received the silence from the phone when I said I was a member of Pennock's forum.

Ordered anyway, will order again, The Fiero Store has been nothing but great, IMHO.

Russ

There was a discount? lol.

Iv been buying from them for years.. Never heard about any discount..

quote Originally posted by Brocephus:C'mon folks, I didn't post this to start drama...

I completely disagree with the original post and if there is any drama in this thread the stage was set by the tone of the original post. I don't find the loss of the discount all that troubling, they are a business and have to make decisions based on that. The economy probably has more to do with the discount going away.

Their club discount has to my knowledge never required any proof of membership so there really could never be any real "abuse" of the privilege. No one was counterfeiting PFF membership cards, and TFS offered the discount knowing that they had no way of verifying a club member status anyway.

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RickN
White 88GT 5spd (<10K miles)
White 85GT (SC3800 Series II w/ AOD)
White 99 F250SD 7.3PSD 6spd
1956 Ford 860 Tractor w/ Freeman Loader
20Ft H&H Tilt Bed Trailer

quote Originally posted by Jonesy: There was a discount? lol. Iv been buying from them for years.. Never heard about any discount..

I've never known about a discount at The Fiero Store either and I've been on the forum since 2000.

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88 Coupe: Modded 4.9L V8 5 speed

As I said before, the discount really doesn't help at all when they rape you on the shipping. The larger the order, the more you appear to save but the higher the shipping charges. From my office via UPS, I can send a 1 pound item from California to ANYWHERE on the east coast for a flat rate of $4.72. The Fiero Store will ship a t-shirt (under 1 pound) to my house for $10.00 via UPS ground so they tacked on an extra $6.00 for nothing.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 04-18-2010).]

quote Originally posted by RickN: I completely disagree with the original post and if there is any drama in this thread the stage was set by the tone of the original post. I don't find the loss of the discount all that troubling, they are a business and have to make decisions based on that. The economy probably has more to do with the discount going away. Their club discount has to my knowledge never required any proof of membership so there really could never be any real "abuse" of the privilege. No one was counterfeiting PFF membership cards, and TFS offered the discount knowing that they had no way of verifying a club member status anyway.

Rick, if I said I didn't post this to start any drama, then it is as I said. Your perception of the original post isn't my problem. I have always been under the impression that The Fiero Store checked some kind of username list since the first time I ever placed an order with them because I was specifically asked for my PFF username. Also, if you'd read the entire thread, you would see where I too, stated that it wasn't the loss of the discount that bothered me so much as it was losing it due to the abuse claimed by The Fiero Store. The only thing I seem to have been mistaken about, is taking The Fiero Store's claim of abuse at face value. And for this I get flamed repeatedly?

Rather than flaming me for not being intimately knowledgeable of all the ugly Fiero details of the past, this would have been a golden opportunity to share what you've learned about the way a vendor does business. But now I feel the need to defend myself for bringing to light, what I felt to be a wrong against the PFF community. And this is the thanks I get?

Rest assured that in the future, I'll be substantially more guarded with my words. I'd certainly hate to piss somebody off by trying to do what I thought to be a favor.

I have ordered alot of parts from the FS and spend
a significant amount of money there. I do use the discount
and tell them I post on the Pennock board. I have never told
them I was a contributing member, without any problems.
So the abuse excuse sounds like a way to justify discontinuing
the 10% discount that could be going to the bottom line
of the company. I would be sad to loose it as I always think
of it as saving the shipping costs. I guess the FS has to
buget for the health car reform that's coming. See how it's
saving us money? (haha). I too will continue to support
them as they are good for us Fiero owner's, but it is a
relationship that should go both ways.

I have used the 10% discount in the past, until I called and was told there was no discount on the part I was ordering. It appears any part they bought from GM is not discounted. I now just order online as I don't need the aggravation of whether the part has a discount or not. Shipping has always been a sore spot for me. They, like countless other businesses, make a profit on shipping. There's nothing wrong with that, but I would prefer that the price would be higher and the shipping would reflect actual costs. The abuse claim is nonsense. The company makes a lot of profit, partly by selling parts that were acquired from GM with a healthy if not over-the top mark-up. TFS is just fitting into America's corporate mold. Every business has to make more profit than the year before to be deemed successful. The ideology is very short sided and contributes to price inflation by making profit the number one goal. I normally try to acquire the parts I need through other avenues other than TFS. If they are the only vendor that has a specific part I need, I'll buy from them.

quote Originally posted by IMSA GT: As I said before, the discount really doesn't help at all when they rape you on the shipping. The larger the order, the more you appear to save but the higher the shipping charges. From my office via UPS, I can send a 1 pound item from California to ANYWHERE on the east coast for a flat rate of $4.72. The Fiero Store will ship a t-shirt (under 1 pound) to my house for $10.00 via UPS ground so they tacked on an extra $6.00 for nothing.

The Fiero Store apparently likes to make big money on the shipping. This is a standard ploy used by many mail order companies to help them make a larger profit at the expense of their customers. If they are so concerned about the 10% discount then don't give it or just give it to those customers ordering via the link here. .

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 04-19-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: The Fiero Store apparently likes to make big money on the shipping. This is a standard ploy used by many mail order companies to help them make a larger profit at the expense of their customers. If they are so concerned about the 10% discount then don't give it or just give it to those customers ordering via the link here. .

. It's called "shipping and handling". you are not just paying for the costs to ship the item, you are paying for the box, the tape, and the person to put the part in the package, and get it mailed. I would only charge actual shipping on an item as a business if I was able to send everything in the flat rate boxes, and I only sold one item. When you purchase anything from a store, any store, you pay for the item to be shipped to that store. It's called business.

Brad

I agree that the shipping costs are high, but handling for a business isn't cheap. You are not only paying for the shipping clerks actual wages, but FICA, health care. I must admit, it is hard for me to swallow the costs sometimes BUT if they sold me a bumper for $1.00 but shipping was $399.00 is the same as $400 with "FREE" shipping.
Just about to call and order a part and yes I will use the 10% discount. The clerk taking orders over the phone may want to start looking for a job because without the 10% discount, why order on the phone? (yet another cost savings). May get rid of the toll-free number. Call direct for questions about items.
Like a bottle of water in the desert, where else ya gunna go?

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Life is just SO much better when you own AND drive a Fiero!

I have purchased from many fiero vendors, and PFF members, but never from TFS (no reason, just haven't needed to). I can't say I blame them for eliminating, or revising the discount though. Based on shear increase of members..... If I'm offering a discount to a forum that holds 100 members and 10 years later there are 10,000 members... maybe the discount just no longer is feasible. ....not to imply that is there motive, just my opinion.

Regardless... based on this thread, most of us "don't use the discount" anyway. ....so no big deal.

I've ordered from TFS several times and shopped their prices many times. If the prices that they publish are inflated to cover a 10% discount that is there for everyone but many forget to use, they may be shooting themselves in the foot. If I can get a part today, locally, for the same price or less, guess what?

They can do what they have to and we can say "that's business" and it's OK. Really, that's fine. But I have a family and a budget, too. I have to make descisions on how my dollar can best be spent. If TFS would put their best price on the website, they may compete better against my next click, which will be onto the Advance, AutoZone, or O'Reilly websites.

I have only used the discount once. In that example, I had originally placed an on-line order but I needed to add an item. I called them up and they added the item and applied the discount to the whole order. Instead of making me pay the difference for the added item, they just gave it to me as my "discount".

Jonathan

quote Originally posted by Oreif: Now with that being said, How many folks on PFF have searched for the Rock Auto Discount code or posted one?

I used to think, "why are people posting that? Rock auto might get upset." Then I bought something from them, and they emailed me a code and actually asked that it be shared. I think it is a form of market research for them, as well as free advertising. I have to admit, I don't think I knew of rock auto until heard of them on here, and I go to Madison WI every day! (They are based there).

quote Originally posted by Frizlefrak: I agree Brocephus, it's a shame a few folks abused the privilege.

Isn't that how it always works in life?

Oh, and i have ordered several items and never asked for it.

[This message has been edited by User00013170 (edited 04-19-2010).]

When I looked at getting a Fiero last October, I had my choice of buying done, or buying and doing. I bought and am doing. I have not posted on here much as I too use the search to find what I need most times. No different than on the other forum I belong to for one of my other cars (there i would be considered a "contributing member" by the standards you are talking about on here). The reason that they cite for discontinuing the discount is the same reason I have to look out for my family's bottom line. Times are hard, shops are closing....as they say. I did not know about this discount either. Given that, how about a $3400 order? NOPE! They didn't ask me about any car clubs or what not (IMHO, $3400 order should not have to beg for a discount)! It got me an avg of 4.85% discount and free ship (after I asked them to re-look at the discount). So yeah its gonna hurt 'em, already is...parts are on the way from other vendors/suppliers as I type. There are some items i will get from them, but it will not be $3400 worth. Bottom Line: In today's economic times you gotta bend over backwards sometimes to make the sale. It's a buyers market not a sellers....

[This message has been edited by Ks86gt (edited 04-22-2010).]

I've gotten the discount a few times over the years i'm had fiero's. but i usually don't bother unless it's something i really can't afford at the time and i really need it at the time. like the clutch line. even though i found their supplier and could have ordered it through the business i work at for cheaper. I drove there to get it. the drive would have been shorter too.

I know they have an account here so it wouldn't be hard for them to check on the name. heck i'm sure cliff could easily send them an excel sheet with every name w/ post numbers.

IMO, they should of never of given the 10% discount. Maybe if they knew the customer very well from previous sales. Not just an 80$ order once in a blue moon.

I've bought over 5000$ from them in the last 3 years and maybe more since 1999. They have good parts and prices. But think, some people just wanna buy new parts for nothing because their fiero (personally too them) isn't worth much. Well for those folks...buy another car. I find the prices resonable. Yes, some re-produced parts aren't the best of quality. (like the dew wipes, and felt pads) Some have mentioned that their anything they sell is a rip-off. I seen alot of people just don't wanna pay for anything. I got a message for those people..."try maintaining a C6 Corvette", what will be the answer?? Probably, none will ever be able to buy one. There are alot more expensive cars out there to maintain than the fiero. The fiero is just the "tip of the iceberg".

Even some (actually seen from past threads) will donate money like 50-100$ to someone they don't even know, and complain that some fiero parts listed in the mall are too pricey. C'mon, you can dish out 100$, but you can't spend 60$ for your own car. That's rediculos.

I support The Fiero Store 100% for their dedication and interest in the fiero. If they weren't around, how many fiero owners wouldn't be fiero owners today without them?? Makes you think...

Yes, maybe not all their parts aren't "top-notch",(and I agree) but at least the effort is there.

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fierogt28

88 GT, loaded, 5-speed