Time Has Come By rapidjim (Read 1,272 times)

[rapidjim]

I had to make a very difficult decision this week. As of the first of the year I will stop using MRP as my parts supplier for my website www.rapidrepairpowersports.com. This decision was made mostly to the fact that a lot of the common parts that folks need were continually out of stock and I was loosing sales. So they went elsewhere and I do not blame them, I would. No sales no money, it is that plain and simple. Credit Card fees and high shipping rates contributed to the decision. Shipping rates were controlled from the MRP warehouse. In most cases they use Fed Ex, the customer didn't have an option for who they wanted their parts shipped through and that costs the customer more money for his part.

MRP seems to have changed where their priorities lie and it is not with common low profit Chinese parts. They seem to be more interested in high end, high profit parts and that is not what we are about here. I am still retaining my dealer status with them at this time so if/when I need this type of part I can get it.

This only applies to my parts website and NOT my trikes, trike parts or my retail store. I will be expanding my trike site and adding more to that . I am also looking into setting up another parts site with a different distributor but, that won't happen right away. There are good online folks to buy parts from, just look at the banner ads above.

We are not going out of business just getting rid of what is costing us money and not providing a return. I will still be providing tech support and sales to those that want it and will still be able to get MRP parts.

If I can be of service just drop me a line or give me a call.

Jim/Owner
Rapid Repair

[Bashan]

Well Jim I think that was a good decision. Since you pretty much already said it I feel free to say most people are sick of MRP's prices and not having things they need in stock. Everybody knows you're a honest, dedicated guy who's not afraid to answer the phone and give somebody some help. When you get a new parts site going you can bet folks will use it and I'll get you a link up on Scooter Doc. And don't worry, everybody knows you're the Trike guy. Rich

[rapidjim]

Thanks Rich

[Alleyoop]

Hi Jim,
Good decision on your part, and your right about them not having the parts. I think they have 1 or 2 and then wait until someone orders then they in turn order to fill the orders. And their prices are out of sight if you ask me, a lot of the scooter folks cannot afford such high prices when they can get them somewhere else for a lot less.
Alleyoop

[niedzwiedz]

Most important I want to say I am sorry about that situation, I really do care about people and hope for their best! But, as Bashan and Alleyoop say it a good decision. That will most likely work for the best!

Your Retail Store looks nice and spiffy and I did browse your on-line store before you disabled it.
I feel you a good man and hope to one day patronize your dreams by buying something from you. Even if it a locally sold six pack of beer.

I like to talk (people say I should have been a Politician or Preacher) and this thread is a good spot to say what I probably will mention to you one day away. May as well make it interesting for everyone here'
I never just jump to do and by the story below people should understand I start planing things well in advance.

One of my Dreams, of which there are many, is to do the Great American Loop in a canoe.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_loop
Heck, join up with these people
www.greatloop.org/
for Life and I get a FREE Burgee ;D
www.greatloop.org/mod/ecs/product/249/lifetime-new-with-free-burgee
Whatever that is

Now I want, want, want an Old Town Tripper XL which is 20 feet long with a 41 inch beam at it's beer belly!
Has a weight capacity of about 1,600 pounds +/-
Now my problem;
On the website it is listed @ $2,139.99 ($2,247 with tax if I correct it 5%).
www.oldtowncanoe.com/canoes/expedition/tripper_xl.html
Shipping BIG things to me costs BIG Buckaroos!
Many times I can get a bus ticket or a friend drives a big truck and it one of those whatever I can get there things. It is fun. Many stories about that!
My friends and me be brainstorming and Gander Mountain does carry this Brand, but I not sure it the Tripper XL or how much it will cost and shipping to me. So, we kinda looking at me just going to Maine and buy the canoe there. I can just buy most of my equipment there too.
Start my Loop in Maine and save some money if possible. Which means later I have to go back to complete the Loop and get my money back,
Just joking, I hoping it be an investment that last me all my life.

Whew! I think that my longest story on here so far Jim. Let me catch my breath.

But, as Mr. Ronco says; Wait that not all!

When I do this I going to visit friends on the East side of Michigan (Huron Lake). Then Loop around the North and will come down the Wisconsin/Illinois side as I need to enter the The Des Plaines River (I think) at Chicago and then I finally be on my Down River run to the Mississippi and Gulf of Mexico, Weeeee!

Here comes the fun part;
Looks like your a little NE of Minneapolis?
Green Bay is a deadened trip for me! But, I should be going right by Manitowoc (OR some other place) ?
If, I can make this dream happen and I have my money straight I want one of those 50cc Three-Wheelers! Whoooooooooooo! I never even seen one till I joined here!
But, we will need to work out some you get it to me plan?

This all far down the road maybe 2 years I hope that my maximum go time. I have all my NOAA electronic charts and computers to run them, GPS, Radios etc.
Been buying this all over time as I prepare.

You can even make two signs for each side of the scooter; "I got this souvenir @ Rapid Repair 96 East Main Street, Milltown, WI ***Phone number goes here*** www.rapidrepair.webs.com

Just needed to use this opportunity to run this wild idea.

OK, I tried to keep this short, Muuuuhahahaha!

Now here is my question;
How much one of those 3 wheeled domaflachies weigh?

This will be a Hoot Jim ;D

Thanks;
Sam I am

[Bashan]

Um......I'll have whatever Niedzwiedz is having. Rich

[Alleyoop]

Niedzwiedz,
What are you asking JIM for? A free 50cc Trike and have his advertizement on both sides of the Trike? Or did I miss something or asking for a Lay-Away Plan since it is a couple years away?
Alleyoop

[rapidjim]

And people say I Talk alot!!!!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!

[niedzwiedz]

;D Yea I know it sounds crazy so did flying when man first proposed it.


NO, I saying I buy the scooter when I get there, but, I can not drive to where he is I be in a canoe , he will have to bring the Scooter to me, the advertisement is for his benefit not mine, LOL! I just thought it help him maybe not. Maybe I think too different as many people think how to make a dollar, I just trying to save on shipping! But, I also, rode my Harley under a moving 18 wheeler's trailer. I just live it different and respect how ours live theirs.
I assume it should be cheaper for me to get it there if he not have to ship it to me in Arkansas, guess I kinda thought he may will wiling to bring it that far. I never expect it for free, how the man going to stay in business if he keeps giving everything away??
I still have to get the dang canoe, that way I tried to explain all this. That why I try to explain why I go to Maine to get the canoe?? Shipping costs! I already planing the trip, why not make it save me a few dollars in shipping? Just thought it be fun.

But, I need to know what the scooters weigh, or at least a general ballpark idea?

[Alleyoop]

Well that is cool because the way you put it sounded like you wanted a freebee and you would advertize his business. But as far as the weights of the trikes the 50cc trikes come in around 300lbs, the 150s at around 350lbs.
Alleyoop

[niedzwiedz]

Dec 23, 2011 16:13:24 GMT -6 Alleyoop said:

Well that is cool because the way you put it sounded like you wanted a freebee and you would advertize his business. But as far as the weights of the trikes the 50cc trikes come in around 300lbs, the 150s at around 350lbs.
Alleyoop

OK, that not bad on the weight then manage some gear, the canoe says 1,600 pound limit that why I give the links, may been better to just have said it. We going to stabilize with pontoons, kinda be like a Catamaran without sails or mast. I was going to do that even before the idea of getting the scooter. I just try to help people when I can and thought the signs not be any extra weight and may make for interesting advertising; "people even come by canoe to buy our scoots" or whatever leave that up to him as also the signs. Like I say it a ways down the road, had thought about this Spring, and may still be able, it just I need up North in summer , NOT winter, Then be South in winter, if that makes sense.
But, this just food for thought now and as it unfolds I start getting more detailed.

Oh, How wide is it on the back wheels Outside to outside ------

[niedzwiedz]

Dec 23, 2011 17:51:22 GMT -6 Random Hero said:

I think you might be the solution i was looking for Niedzwiedz. After you build the canoe and get you trike back home pick one up for me and canoe you way to Puerto Rico. I cannot find anyone to ship me one here.

Darn, I just sold my sailboat and spent the money on a used motorhome, if the deal not fall through, will know more on that tomorrow (Saturday 12/24). It would have carried a scooter easy on the ocean. I not too sure about the canoe being seaworthy, when I do the Loop I plan on staying in what call the intercoastal waterway, it was built mainly for commercial use, but, serves the public well and keeps us out of the ocean, especially the Atlantic this time of year.

[Alleyoop]

The width is right around 40inch's

You can see the Specs on whichever one your interested in here IB is the Importer they do not sell to the public.
Alleyoop
www.icebearatv.com/50CC-Trike16.htm

[rapidjim]

Sounds Like an Idea. Logistics may be fun

Jim

[jct842]

lt might be nice to be able to obtain several ways to do parts, though splitting up orders and shipping might be a problem in that case. john