I am so disappointed by this news.

Apparently, there have been a few people that have requested the 10% discount that "contributing members of the PFF community" have rightfully earned. My definition of contributing is not restricted to only those that have "bought Cliff a beer", but those that have taken the time to explain something to someone, participated in a forum-wide event or cause, created a how-to, or taken a loss on a part that could have sold for much more just because some guy was in a bind and needed it bad. Creating an account and posting twice a year in the Trash Can does not make you a contributing member and should not qualify you for any discount.

It's really not the loss of the discount itself that has me all wrapped around the axles. Truthfully, the 10% discount just takes the edge off the price and makes you feel like you're being given a break. What chaps my *%@ so bad is what caused the Fiero Store to axe it. Starting June 1st, 2010, the 10% discount will no longer be available to anyone because of those who have abused it by claiming to have a PFF account or those who may have an account but only to receive the discount. So once again, here is another fine example of the few screwing it up for the many.

From what I was told by TFS, TFS is talking to Cliff in an effort to come up with a way to ensure that only contributing members of PFF receive a discount at TFS. Again, I lived just fine and purchased just as much from TFS before I knew of the discount as I did after; the loss of the discount is not the issue. If TFS makes a few more bucks and is able to use that cash to make more quality parts for us, then PFF'ers and Fiero owners worldwide still come out on top. It's just the self-entitled, lowlife bastards that continuously ruin it for everyone, every chance they get.

The question is how do you define a "contributing member"?

That's not necessarily easy to do in a fair manner...

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.

Most of us have gotten off cheap on the Fiero since many of the parts were available used but some of these items are hard to find in good condition if at all. So we will have to pay the price in the future.

They have to do what they have to do for a living and to remain viable. I would rather pay the price vs not have anyone make the parts available.

I know at least one way to define 'Contributing Member'...

see below.

------------------
<---- did you buy Cliff a beer?

Hell I have bought most everything from them WITHOUT my deserved discount. Cause I went on line, avoided talking to a "person" . no problems!
Sure I knew I have to call to get the discount, but if I figure out I don't need anything till they are closed for the night, then I email, so what!
I get the part, they make their money without having to lower their profit margin just to give out a little 10% to me.
10% ain't much, BUT thank you for offering it FieroStore!

Un-bunch your panties Brocephus Just look ahead and get everything you need before they close the discount deal!

p.s. I hope you feel better after getting the rant out

I usually have forgotten to request that discount when ordering from them too, and I have ordered a LOT of stuff from them!

How about a TFS loyalty discount?

I order from TFS when I need stuff because I want them to stay in business and keep doing what they do to keep parts available. If that means no 10% discount, so be it. I could get a lot of the stuff a little cheaper somewhere else anyway if I wanted to shop around.

If they can work out a better system with Cliff, that would be cool. If not, thats fine too.

PS, I am not even upset at folks who might have taken advantage by signing up here and making a couple posts. There was no real policy expressing how active anyone really had to be.

I haven't used the discount, and I probably never will. Even though 10% of my next order would buy me 2 tanks of gas and lunch. So don't blame me!

quote Originally posted by revin: Hell I have bought most everything from them WITHOUT my deserved discount. Cause I went on line, avoided talking to a "person" . no problems! Sure I knew I have to call to get the discount....

LOL That's how I do it too; I just find it easier to order online. I suppose if the discount was greater then I'd go through the extra effort to order by phone.

Come to think of it, the one time I DID order by phone they messed up the order.

quote Originally posted by Fformula88: If they can work out a better system with Cliff, that would be cool. If not, thats fine too.

I agree completely with this and again, it isn't so much the loss of the discount that has me bent out of shape. It's just the fact that it was abuse that brought its demise.

My britches aren't really bunched up as bad as it sounds. As I said before, I'm all for paying full price if that means TFS keeps its doors open and keeps offering hard/impossible to find parts. The discount itself didn't really do much more than make me feel like I was a part of something special. To lose that element of symbiosis between PFF and TFS just stings a little. To lose it due to abuse feels like a real smack on the bottomside.

I always order on line and don't take the discount as well.
My last order I could have saved 20 bucks or so.
If there were a system in place for a discount coupon on line in connection with PFF that would fit the bill but setting all that sort of stuff takes time and money to accomplish.

Thats ok....a 10% discount saves you a little money but they steal it right back with their absurd shipping fees.

quote Originally posted by blakeinspace: I know at least one way to define 'Contributing Member'... see below.

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.

I didn't even know their was a discount but I always order online anyway.
Korey

I would suggest they do this:

Create a Fiero Store account on PFF. When someone requests the discount, they must PM the PFF Fiero Store account. Then all they have to do is check the post count on the people that PMed them. If it is over say 100, then they are a contributing member.

They could probably work something out with Cliff that will allow the FS to see post counts directly from their PM box.

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).

[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 03-22-2010).]

I've never taken the discount. Its also been a number of years since I last placed an order with them. After a situation that happened a number of years ago between TFS and Rodney Dickman, I support Rodney and haven't ordered from the Fiero Store since.

I even found the thread about it: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...020319-1-012561.html

[This message has been edited by Rainman (edited 03-22-2010).]

I am new to the forum, and to fieros and only found out about the discount through this site. I did use the discount, even though I wouldn't be considered a "contributing member". Its not that I don't want to be, and I probably will eventually buy him a beer, its just that I'm still new and don't know enough to answer many questions or even to feel comfortable giving my 2 cents. And anytime I need to ask a question usually people tell me to use the search, even though it is faster and easier to just ask, and sometimes it brings up new info or brings it to the attention of someone who didn't think to ask. So I'm just saying that I didn't mean to take advantage of the deal in a negative way, but I find this website very helpful and that seemed like another benefit. it is too bad and if I have to donate a bit to cliff to say a lot on parts than I will absolutely do so. I just didn't know.

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 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.

x2, I also thought it was any Fiero club. I don't understand how a 10% discount can be "abused".

It seems the only way you'd even know about the discount is if you frequented this forum, which you'd only do if you were a member....?

[

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.

I think you might have taken what Blake said out of context. I don't think he was rubbing it in your face just a way to show TFS a way to prove you are an active or supporting member.

quote Originally posted by blakeinspace: I know at least one way to define 'Contributing Member'... see below.

I have to say I've been defining that as well for quite a while now. But I don't generally buy from TFS, but it's nice to know it's there if I need it.

------------------
A coward dies a thousand deaths..................A soldier dies but once.

[This message has been edited by Fierofreak00 (edited 03-22-2010).]

this will probably hurt them more than help them.

I agree Brocephus, it's a shame a few folks abused the privilege. But the truth is, I will gladly pay full price to patronize a company like the Fiero Store that caters to our group of hobbyists, and offers us parts we might not otherwise be able to find. Plus every time I order, the parts arrive in less than a week.....I will pay more for service of this caliber. I shop convenience, not price, in nearly everything I do.

TFS has my business either way.

Damn wish I woulda known before plunking down 200$ for some lights

C'mon folks, I didn't post this to start drama and I refuse to let this turn into a Fiero vendor "bash-session". Please keep the past where it belongs. It matters not whether you do, or don't, patronize TFS. I was simply posting information I received while placing an order. I've never had any issue with TFS and will continue doing business with them until they give me a reason not to. As a matter of fact, I placed my order with them at around 2:30 today and only remembered the PFF discount at 4:30 or so. I called them back, asked if they'd be willing to apply it to my order and they did so happily. They did not have to do that.

As for what happened between TFS and Mr. Dickman, I have no dog in that hunt and wish to remain blissfully ignorant of the occurrence. I ordered what I needed from TFS and immediately called Mr. Dickman for one of his highly-regarded slave cylinders. If there's one thing I've heard about Mr. Dickman's products, it is that they are of the finest quality yet, reasonably priced and he stands behind his products 100%. The one thing I know about TFS is that they are the only vendor authorized by GM to display the GM logo on their website and sell products with the Official Fiero logo. They're also striving to keep up with the demands of Fiero enthusiasts worldwide and all the while, trying to come up with new parts for us. For US.

It is not mine to put a definition to the words, "contributing member". I gave an abridged description of what I thought a contributing member was, not thinking for a second that it would start the "I'm-a-better-member-than-you-are" arguement. Most of the names I see on this page are the exact people I spoke of earlier when I referenced the folks that have "bought Cliff a beer" or "taken the time to explain something to someone, participated in a forum-wide event or cause, created a how-to, or taken a loss on a part that could have sold for much more just because some guy was in a bind and needed it bad." In my opinion a contributing member contributes in whatever way they can, when they can, whether through their Paypal or their knowledge or resources. And new members today are the contributing members of tomorrow.

One idea I came up with was along the same lines as Doug85GT's idea. The difference would be that one could PM Fiero Store's PFF account and once they verified your status, they could PM you back with a discount code to be entered in on their website. This could help ease daytime phone traffic and speed the sales process - not that it needs much help. I get most of my parts in two days and have even received parts in less than 24 hours (which I thought was positively crazy.) Whatever the result, I'm certain that the head cheeses will sort out the details and let us mice know when the time is right.

Personally, I am glad TFS is still open and serving the Fiero community. Discount or no, that line of business is a rare commodity.

Not everyone is selling new engineered parts for a 2 seater that didnt live past the 1980s.

That is annoying not that i ever used the discount, i hate it when people abuse a privilege. I have and will continue to use tfs they make owning a fiero easier, and prices will be what they will be. I have always found their shipping to be fair. Its better to have place to get parts the just wishing you had the place that had the parts. Its better to keep the devil you know then one you don't.

[This message has been edited by Macs86GT (edited 03-22-2010).]

I'm a little confused here. I have used the discount and never once has anyone asked me what my username on PFF is. So what confuses me is... How does TFS know if someone is abusing the discount without ever verifying what their username is here?

------------------

Click here for all your Fiberglass part needs

quote Originally posted by JimmyS: So what confuses me is... How does TFS know if someone is abusing the discount without ever verifying what their username is here?

No way for them to know.....think about it. How do you abuse a discount that you can only know about by being a member of a Fiero organization? It's not like the Civic guys are buying Fiero parts at a discount for their Hondas. I see it as just an excuse to not offer the discount. With the coming economy I don't blame them for removing the discount, but at least be honest about it.

Wow for several years when I had the funds, I was sending money to Cliff every month and never got one of those things at the bottom. Interesting.

quote Originally posted by Chump: I see it as just an excuse to not offer the discount. With the coming economy I don't blame them for removing the discount, but at least be honest about it.

This thread is not going to end up in the trash can because someone tried to toss a political slant into it. Check your politics at the door.

[This message has been edited by Brocephus (edited 03-22-2010).]

quote Originally posted by nosaint: this will probably hurt them more than help them.

^^^ x 2.

I've not actually ordered from them. Though, usually I don't bother with discounts... never really crosses my mind.

10% isn't really enough (for me) to warrant breaching the issue. I can pay it, so... why not?

i have only ordered from TFS a couple of times, and can' t even remember if i got PFF discount, but i don't get this abuse thing ??

I never ever heard about having to do anything other than be a member of PFF to get the 10% discount.

How the heck would they even know ??

Seems kind of odd to me ? Even with all that i still think they give great service and provide great products.

Well I hope I am considered a "contributing member". I have used the discount a few times but I was never aware that there was ANY conditions to getting the discount other than being a member.
I have never been asked for my user name. Mine would translate fairly easily to my real name but what would stop someone from saying they are a username that is a highly contributing member.
I like the Fiero Store and have ordered many times without discount but the "abuse" does sound fishy for a reason to discontinue it. I just find it hard to believe that there are that many people "abusing" it and even fewer if you factor in the people who didn't realize it was a condition to get the discount.
Maybe their customer pool is getting smaller and the percentage of their customers that are members is growing to a larger part of their sales.

quote Originally posted by Brocephus: This thread is not going to end up in the trash can because someone tried to toss a political slant into it. Check your politics at the door.

It sounds like the removal of the discount is political, but I don't get into politics on car forums..


I never have and never would use the discount anyway, but it seems those forum members that have used it have not have to verify anything about membership..So where is his evidence of abuse coming from? Why would he care anyway? I agree with the other members above that this action "against" the PFF community will only hurt his business and this thread you started definately will not help his business either..

This thread was created from fail.. And continues.. Nice job..

------------------

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?

quote Originally posted by fieromullet: And anytime I need to ask a question usually people tell me to use the search, even though it is faster and easier to just ask, and sometimes it brings up new info or brings it to the attention of someone who didn't think to ask. So I'm just saying that I didn't mean to take advantage of the deal in a negative way, but I find this website very helpful and that seemed like another benefit. it is too bad and if I have to donate a bit to cliff to say a lot on parts than I will absolutely do so. I just didn't know.

I am sorry people have been that way, I always hate it when people could just answer a question in two seconds instead of being hateful, and telling you to use search.

quote Originally posted by Brocephus: " Originally posted by Chump: I see it as just an excuse to not offer the discount. With the coming economy I don't blame them for removing the discount, but at least be honest about it." This thread is not going to end up in the trash can because someone tried to toss a political slant into it. Check your politics at the door.

Mentioning the Economy is not Political, it's economics. The Economy is the reason I have not opened a business yet. I don't think Chumps post had nothing to do with Politics.


You know, this "Contributing member" thing is a joke. How do we judge that? A certain amount given to Cliff each month? A certain amount of posts in a certain Area of the Forum? We are all contributing members. It's the non-contributors that are booted off. Be it talking to a member who is depressed, or talking a member through rebuilding a complete 2.8. Contributing is contributing.

I've purchased a lot from The Fiero Store in the past, sometimes I remember to ask for the discount, and other times (usually the high dollar stuff) I forget to ask for it. This is the first time I have heard that you were supposed to be a "supporting member" to get the discount. I won't stop using them because of this, I Love the place, and 10% won't keep me out. We need places like The Fiero Store.

I don't think this is the real reason for ending the discount, but in the end it won't matter.

Brad

[This message has been edited by twofatguys (edited 03-22-2010).]

So what. Make it so only contributing members get a discount if that makes a difference.
Personally I have never asked for the discount.

They make stuff you can't get elsewhere.
I am willing to pay a bit for what I need and they can stay in business a little longer. At some point it won't be worth it for them to keep selling fiero stuff.

If you still have a Fiero on this sad day that they are not around you won't be crying about the price anymore. You will be crying about the water falling on your head from the leaky sunroof.

IF this is true and the FS has removed their discount to PFF members because of
what happened than my suggestion to them is:

Give discounts based purely on the amount of money a customer spends each year.
The more you spend the bigger the discount.
This way, it wont matter what forum or club you belong to.

Kit