No doubt you are well aware of my efforts with the exhortations for my fellow Autopians to buy their detailing products from the Autopian Store to provide them (Palm Beach Motoring Group and its affiliates) with the profits made from those sales to invest back into this forum to keep it up and running.
I honestly can say that those sentiments and exhortations are beginning to wane. Don`t get me wrong, I STILL want this forum to keep going!! I have repeatedly thanked all my fellow Autopians for their input and detailing-elated help over the many years I have been a member here. That certainly has NOT changed, either!!
What has "changed" is the Autopia Store. No doubt for those of you who have looked at the Autopia Store website can attest that it is NOT a user-friendly website and its programming and organization are abysmal, to say the least, compared to"other" detailing product internet resellers and distributors.
And, yes, I have made that known to them in no small way.
What gets me most is the reduction in detailing product inventory and items offered for sale. I know that"Poorboy" has stated that a number of internet resellers are moving to "fulfillment centers" (IE, centralized or third-party distribution centers) along with a reduced inventory to reduce overhead margins in an effort to cut cost and just plain economically survive in their business. I "get" that! Half a loaf is better than none.
But with that, I am now more likely to buy my feeble detailing products online from ONE SOURCE in an effort to have a large enough monetary order to get free shipping from some place other than the Autopia Store because they do not have in stock or no longer carry what I need to order. THAT is what makes me a HYPOCRITE.
I am stuck between a rock and and hard place. I know I "should not bite the hand that feed me", but when there is less-and-less to feed on, well, I bite!! (OH you "Bite", Captain Obvious, for saying this)
I am curious if other Autopians share in this sentiment and if, indeed, you are buying your needed detailing products from other places because of what I mentioned above. You do not have to mention where (A business courtesy to the Autopia Store not to mention its competitors) ; just that you are. After reading other thread topic posts about continuance of this forum, some of you have stated you are doing so.
I also know that some detailing products that many of you choose (and prefer) to use are ONLY available directly from the manufacturer, like McKey`s 37 and Adam`s Polishes. That simple cannot be avoided; It is what it is.
As stated , I am NOT trying to be the bad guy here. I only am speaking the truth for myself and I am sure for others as well. Hopefully SOMEONE from the Autopia Store or its affiliate, Palm Beach Motoring Group, will read this post and respond accordingly.
I honestly can say that those sentiments and exhortations are beginning to wane. Don`t get me wrong, I STILL want this forum to keep going!! I have repeatedly thanked all my fellow Autopians for their input and detailing-elated help over the many years I have been a member here. That certainly has NOT changed, either!!
What has "changed" is the Autopia Store. No doubt for those of you who have looked at the Autopia Store website can attest that it is NOT a user-friendly website and its programming and organization are abysmal, to say the least, compared to"other" detailing product internet resellers and distributors.
And, yes, I have made that known to them in no small way.
What gets me most is the reduction in detailing product inventory and items offered for sale. I know that"Poorboy" has stated that a number of internet resellers are moving to "fulfillment centers" (IE, centralized or third-party distribution centers) along with a reduced inventory to reduce overhead margins in an effort to cut cost and just plain economically survive in their business. I "get" that! Half a loaf is better than none.
But with that, I am now more likely to buy my feeble detailing products online from ONE SOURCE in an effort to have a large enough monetary order to get free shipping from some place other than the Autopia Store because they do not have in stock or no longer carry what I need to order. THAT is what makes me a HYPOCRITE.
I am stuck between a rock and and hard place. I know I "should not bite the hand that feed me", but when there is less-and-less to feed on, well, I bite!! (OH you "Bite", Captain Obvious, for saying this)
I am curious if other Autopians share in this sentiment and if, indeed, you are buying your needed detailing products from other places because of what I mentioned above. You do not have to mention where (A business courtesy to the Autopia Store not to mention its competitors) ; just that you are. After reading other thread topic posts about continuance of this forum, some of you have stated you are doing so.
I also know that some detailing products that many of you choose (and prefer) to use are ONLY available directly from the manufacturer, like McKey`s 37 and Adam`s Polishes. That simple cannot be avoided; It is what it is.
As stated , I am NOT trying to be the bad guy here. I only am speaking the truth for myself and I am sure for others as well. Hopefully SOMEONE from the Autopia Store or its affiliate, Palm Beach Motoring Group, will read this post and respond accordingly.