Contacts

[Bikergrandad]

 Hi to all. Have you thought about having a section on USEFUL LINKS & CONTACTS for all around the World.
               For parts for your bike like NUTS/ BOLTS,OLD SPEEDOS, GOOD SUPPLIERS, BAD SUPPLIERS,EX.
                Than you can send in your Contacts. Bob.

[Greybeard]

It has been suggested and may exist somewhere on this site.
 
The problem I see is how to deal with negative experiences. I don't think we would be allowed to publish critical comments on this forum.
While restoring my plunger A10 I had a financially painful experience with a supplier of stainless motorcycle components. I'm sure that other people are very happy with the same company but I would not recommend them and will never use them again!  I've had nothing but good experiences from Draganfly  but others may hate them.

[terryg]

Perhaps something allied to the 'likes' flag could help, only in a positive sense of course. For example, let's say I am particularly impressed by the service provided by Supplier A. I post a commendation, which is subsequently read by several people who press the 'like' button because they have been similarly impressed. As the number of 'likes' grows so Supplier A gains a stronger reputation.
Not a foolproof 'system' but let's hear alternative proposals.

[muskrat]

I like your idea Terry, it could work and of course only be open to members. It would be a fairly long list.
Bob, it has been mentioned a few times so we'll have a good look at it. In the meantime have a look here
http://www.a7a10.net/forum/index.php?topic=4442.msg29793#msg29793  and the search button under your avatar is quite useful.
Cheers

[de Viking]

I also like your idea Terry 

[Greybeard]

I've had two private messages, (so far) asking about my bad experience with a UK stainless motorbike parts supplier; two different companies were mentioned. It's a shame that we can't publish our experiences, both good and bad. I'd like to see something like Amazons reviews, with a star system.

[Bikergrandad]

 Hi to all. Why I Suggested the idea as where I live in a 4 mile radius I can get a Seat made as new,
               nuts & bolts, wheel lined, bike sprayed, tank welded, rake for the bike having done now,
                magneto. A bite further away very good exhaust/ silencers,+ brit/bits for all other BSA bits.
                But other members my not know about them.  Bob.

[duTch]

 I remember this from a previous lap(circuit), and have had similar and opposing experiences to Gray-B. It's an idea worth addressing, but maybe more involved than we think......if we think..

  BikerGramps, I thought" geez I need to live where you are', and just noticed you're in Hampshire, which is interesting , as I'm having a minor online postage issue with a supplier in Havant- nothing to do with bikes, but is that near you..?

  I could ramble (on) for a while, but friday eve, so......more later

[muskrat]

The closest brit bike parts shop is 150 miles (Sydney) from me. Pipes for the A7/10 are 900 miles (South Australia) away. I can get 5/16 and 3/8 cycle thread nuts and rod (axles) from the local pushbike shop.
You lucky buggas living on that little island with all those goodies.
Cheers

[BSARGS650]

Interesting topic....!

Twenty(?) years ago, I wrote to a classic bike magazine complaining of more shoddy than good items I seem to be experiencing from suppliers.  The editor's response to my published letter, in not so many words, replied basically that it was unheard of...!

What, with freedom of speech, democracy and all that, the good, bad and ugly should be named and accounted for.  Tripadvisor style of reporting have been accurate in my many travel experiences, it also provides opportunity for a seller to respond........only positive reporting is namby pamby, say it as it is!

Best regards...... 

[terryg]

To clarify- when I posted '...only in a positive sense...' above, I was referring to the limitation of using a simple indicator such as the 'likes' flag and not to the desirability of posting negative comments.

The moderators will no doubt be considering the potential workload of a free-for-all, no holds barred approach to supplier rating.  I can also see the need for a disclaimer, in an attempt to protect the site as a whole from actions in response to any defamatory material. 

At the same time, I should like to benefit from the experience of others and perhaps also pass on some experience of my own.

[Greybeard]

...The editor's response to my published letter, in not so many words, replied basically that it was unheard of...!

He didn't want to upset his advertisers.