Cool local parts shop

I know exactly how you feel Paul. 

I moved to Cincinnati about 6 years ago...and when I needed parts, I would just order over the internet like I always have.  Then one day I passed by a local auto parts store, saw they had some air-cooled VW parts displayed in the window, so I stopped in.

Just like you mentioned...my local store had all sorts of air-cooled VW parts...from common wear parts like gaskets & brake shoes, to dress up chrome parts.  Talked with one of the parts guys...turns out they've had air-cooled VW parts for years & years.

So I thought...hey great, if I need something in a hurry, I could shop locally...even if the prices turn out to be a bit higher, sometimes speed is more important.

Then about 12 months after I "discovered" the place...was driving by, and they were closed...out of business!!! 

Kinda sad...found the place, never got to purchase any parts, then they closed!  Now I'm back to parts over the internet like always...with no local option that I'm aware of.

Guess that's how it goes,

- Nick

Sorry but I have to chime in here. Gee I buy all my parts over the internet because the local guy is to expensive. But if I need something in a hurry, he is there. But alas he closed his doors. I wonder why? I did stop by and ask him questions so I am baffled as to why he closed his door.
                 
                                                                      burrhead

Burrhead,

Not sure if your agreeing with me, or giving me a hard time.  ; )

I never implied that I purchase my parts over the internet because the local guy is too expensive.  The fact is...for a long time I didn't even know that a local parts place existed in my area.  Remember...this parts store's main business was Ford, Chevy, Mopar, and Asian Imports...not air-cooled VW's from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.

I also own a Jeep, a Dodge Van, a BMW, and two motorcycles...and guess where I get 90% of my parts...at the local parts store.

My main point was...it was a shame this store I "discovered" closed before I needed any parts for my Beetle.  Now (as before)...my only parts option for my air-cooled VW is the Internet.

- Nick

Last edited by Bug In My Nose (2009-07-11 15:43:53)

It's a shame they're gone. I do see Burhead's perspective though; if your local shops don't care about reasonable prices or customer service, they should bite the dust. On the other hand, sometimes small shops can't really compete with online stores and still pay their staff unless they have other income to help their bottom line. The shop I found builds engines and does other work, so they can still survive if they only make a buck or two on small parts. And the way this one is run, I can see people bypassing major chains just because of the service. I was missing a small part of my engine tin, and the guy at the desk took me into the shop where they had a customer's engine that was just finished. I showed him where the missing piece went (right side heat riser), and went out back and got one for me. Can't beat service like that!

Paul

Just loitering.  Seems that I am being more opinionated as I get older, so I just read and refrain from posting~ most of the time.
  But seriously. It is hard for a local shop to stay in business as people try to get them to adjust their prices to the internet.  And as the price of commodities go up so does the price of the shop keeping it's doors open each day,so local shops are to "expensive" to go to. The consumer thinks nothing of paying the shipping if they order it over the internet but sure complain if the shop has to charge them extra for it. Case in point I just ordered a some seat cushions from my supplier. I didn't even think to ask about shipping as most the time it is as reasonable~10-15%~ as can be expected. But this time on a $200. order the shipping was $49.00~ 25%! So who pays for that? Sure I can write off some of it as the cost of doing business but 25%? I wish my profit margin was enough to cover it but it is no way near that much.This happened on Friday so I have not had the chance to talk with them about it. Seat cushions are not heavy or hard to ship.  But that is in the fine print ~ + shipping and handling LOL

                                                                  burrhead

Other than that I have been enjoying the summer cruising around. Camping, fishing, harassing, the working folk.

  "But I did stop in and talk to them and ask questions but did not buy anything"
  Why did they close down?

   2 to two too deux tomatoe tomato potatoe potata for you SIR Yancey

Last edited by burrhead (2009-07-12 06:01:59)

PEEP,PEEP
a 426 HP  RS package 6SP?    I like