Pelican Parts, Capitalism, and this BBS...

[Wayne 962]

I just wanted to take a moment to respond to some of the comments that have been floating around here regarding our new pop-under windows for DriveWerks.

Tom and I have worked very hard to make Pelican Parts a success, all the while, trying to 'keep it real.' Tom and I are both Porsche enthusiasts and owners, and are in attendance at almost all the Porsche events (including Pomona) because we enjoy the atmosphere, and also enjoy talking to our customers. Anyone who has ever been to Pomona at 5AM in the morning must thing we're insane for making the effort (my wife does). We must enjoy it - there's no other real explanation. I know for a fact that the owners of Performance Products / Automotion do not own Porsches. The owner of Tweeks only bought one after he bought Tweeks (he's a Corvette guy). I just don't think that these guys 'get it.'

However, while trying to 'keep it real' we also have to stay in business, and support our families. Up until now, Pelican has, of course, stayed in business. This year is probably going to be the first year that we are going to turn a profit though. Needless to say, the Brinks truck is not rolling up to our door everyday.

People ask, "if you're growing, then why aren't you making a profti?" Tom and I have agreed on the long-term outlook for Pelican, and are committed to it. We're not in this for the quick buck, but would like to grow the business into something that we're proud of. So far, we've built a great reputation worldwide, and we would like to keep expanding on that. Competitive pressures require us to 'differentiate or die' and to constantly adapt to competitive pressures. Hence, the expansion of our site into our new areas: DriveWerks (accessories), Pelican Parts Express (quick, easy-to-find Import parts for cars & trucks), Pelican Parts BMW (continuing expansion of the site), and Compeitzone (Racing and Performance site).

I for one understand that there is a fine line between promoting yourself, and being 'in your face.' I'm sure there's at least one person out there who is sick of hearing about 101 or the new engine book. I would feel more abashed in promotion if I didn't think that these two books were the best thing out there - heck I'm a perfectionist, and I worked very hard to make sure that these books are a 9.5/10 on all scales. There's no money there either, over the life of 101, I'll probably make a total of $30K (after taxes, etc. it's about $1 per book). Of course if I was Tom Clancy, and it sold 5 million copies, that would be a different story.

We're working hard to improve ALL aspects of Pelican. We just recently installed a new dedicated BBS server, and last night I finally worked out the webserver software bugs on it (should be much, much faster - I noticed it already). We're working on bringing you new products (through Pelican, Express, and the DriveWerks channels). We're also working to expand the Pelican Parts Technical content sections.

So what is my message here? It's silly to think that things will stay the same. There will be new changes all the time. My goal is to work with the people of this BBS in a method that we can support the company and keep the site and BBS running in top form. It is ironic, some of the people who have complained about the pop-under windows have never bought ANYTHING from Pelican (I cross-referenced their email addresses in our database). That kindof bothers me, but it is a fact-of-life in the Internet age. We will listen to your suggestions and feedback, and do what is best to continue our forward momentum!

Okay, I'll stop rambling, and get back to editing Chapter 5 (assembly)...

-Wayne

[rstoll]

Server has perked up!!

[nostatic]

The internet has created interesting times for both business and those that study social phenomenon. You guys are to be commended for engaging the problem, and seeing the power and benefit inherent in the medium. The social/psychological issues are beyond anyone's control. I think much like hallucinogenic drugs, the internet serves to amplify people's personality, and brings out aspects that normally remain buried. The ability to take largely anonymous potshots with no fear of reprisal is a temptation many can't resist. Also, the perception that people "deserve" things for free, and "if its free it must not cost anything" puts content providers like you in a bind. I'm sensitive to it, probably because my work directly relates to communications in general and the web in particular, and I'm also a content producer. That's why I've bought stuff from Pelican even though I don't yet have a p-car. I can get these things (books, mats, etc) elsewhere, but I feel like the service you provide in the BBS is worth the money. Some people focus only on price, and think the BBS is a right not a privilege. I think you'll always see some of that until the day that there are no free services available on the web.

enough apparent butt-kissing for the day. Thanks Wayne.

[Moses]

Wayne,

There is absolutely no need to apologize for advertising. I seriously doubt many BBS members are bothered by it. They would be bothered however, if Pelican Parts failed and the board disappeared.

I look at it as a trade. You provide this forum for my education and amusement. You also provide exceptional service in parts sales. In return, I buy my parts from Pelican and look elsewhere only if you don't carry the item. I would guess most BBS members do the same thing.

This forum has been a tremendous resource for me in restoring and maintaining my 911. If you want to bombard me with a few pop up ads now and then, thats fine.

[Wayne 962]

Originally posted by Moses
In return, I buy my parts from Pelican and look elsewhere only if you don't carry the item.

One of my BIG problems is that we carry just about EVERYTHING under the sun, and are adding more stuff everyday. Heck, my sales guys can't even keep up, and are sometimes confused when someone calls to order something in the catalog that the sales guy hasn't heard of (hmmm, that's not really a *good* thing).

Anyways, I'm just trying to let more people know what we carry. Some people stick their head in this BBS and never exit (hence all of the 'where do I get this part, or that accessory' questions that sometimes appear on the BBS).

Thanks guys...

-Wayne

[makaio]

Wayne,

I think you guys are doing a wonderfull job! If it wasn't for this BBS, I could not affoard to own my Porsche.

Thanks to this board I have been able to do all the maintenance and repairs on my car except setting the mixture ( because I don't have the gas anaylizer). If I had to pay a mechanic everytime something went wrong, I simply could not affoard the car.

I welcome the changes and additions. I look foward to purchasing and watching Pelican/Driveworks grow into the future.

[Kurt B]

This is tough for you wayne because technology has moved from small town stores where the patrons are well known to big business, and then back to small towns where the patrons all well known because of the immediacy of the 'net at a place like Pelican.
You sort of know us and you sort of don't. It's a brand new thing here.

You can't run a business like this by democracy because as users, we want everything for free, and you need a profit. We're pulling different directions.

In any case, when I ordered my Mintex pads, it said if I had already ordered from here, I didn't need to give my credit card number. You guys out of Mintex pads? 'cause I haven't heard anything about the matter since my email confirmation on 6/27. The order has not been shipped!

So,...I want my pads and cool collar to get shipped. Let me know what's up!

[LeeH]

Just a suggestion... How about adding a bigger link or button from the 911 BB page back to Pelican Parts. It's possible to surf in to the bulletin board area via a Yahoo search to a specific post in the archives.

Once in the BB area there's only a single line of text at the bottom to help nudge people back to Pelican Parts.

[Wayne 962]

My computer seems to hint that everyone in SoCal is out of Mintex brake pads! When I get back from Europe (and after I finish up the book), we're going to be installing new technology in our warehouse so that we can keep better track of backordered and delayed items like these.

Everyone in our warehouse is going to have one of these:



http://www.symbol.com/products/mobile_computers/mobile_ppc_ppt2800.html

And items will be scanned as they are assembled, so that we and *you* can see exactly what is missing from the order, and why there is a delay (most of the time there isn't).

The system is already finished - we just need to test and implement...

I might have a set of pads in my garage, I'll check in a minute, and if I do, I'll bring them in when I go in on Sunday...

-Wayne

[derek murray]

You guys have done an incredible job and your efforts should be rewarded.

Growth and advertising are necessary parts of business. As long as the growth is "managed" and your existing client base (the people who buy from you) receive the same or hopefully better service you have nothing (except money) to lose... nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Good luck in your expansion.

[wolfturbo]

Wayne,

Some people in life simply enjoy being complainers. If they find a $20 bill on the sidewalk, they complain that it wasn't a $50 bill.

Don't let them get you down. This is an awesome website that provides excellent services to all serious users. I will continue to do all that I can to support the site. Keep up the good work!

Rob

[speeder]

I really appreciate the board and try to be respectful of the people who provide it. I am one who hasn't bought anything yet, (haven't bought elsewhere either for a while now), but when the projects come up soon, you will be getting to know me better.

I am also sensitive to the "need to stay in business" angle, obviously effective advertising is key. In advertising there is a fine line between getting people's attention and annoying them to the point of resentment. Unfortunately, pop-up windows usually do the latter, hence the negative response you've gotten even though the windows might be informing us of something useful. (A first in the history of pop-ups).

That said, I support your efforts to expand your business, the more I use this board the more I like and respect you guys.

[feelyx]

Wayne
How about sending me a few more of the pp cd with my next order they make great coasters for my coffee table
Tim in Sac

[willyw]

Wayne, I think you have a great site. I too am one who hasn't bought anything from you but that is only because I am new to this site and fairly new to Porsches. I must confess that I bought my 1st parts needed from a competitor but that is because the pervious owner of my car gave me their catalog and again I didn't know about Pelican so advertise as much as possible! Do you have mail catalogs as I am paranoid about ordering on line? Again a great site and you will have my business next time I need something (probably soon)----Bill

[Porsche911NYC]

Wayne,

Keep up the good work. Just remember, there are 2 kinds of people in this world: Marines, and those that wish they were.

Ooops, wrong board.

Just remember, there are 3 kinds of people in this world:
Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonder what happened.

[TedSlick]

An occasional pop-up ad I can handle. What I don't like so much is shipping costs and the subsequent wait Usually, I try to find the product locally and go pick it up.

Anyway, to add a little confirmation that your business strategy is working: my PP 'To Buy' list is growing as I read various posts in this BBS, '101', etc. My engine drop project got postponed in anticipation of the new book. Should be one huge bill and shipping package when I finally do hit the 'Submit Order' button (several more months from now, I guess).

BTW, does Pelican have a walk-in store where I can just go pick up my order???

[Rot 911]

[i]
I might have a set of pads in my garage, I'll check in a minute, and if I do, I'll bring them in when I go in on Sunday...
-Wayne [/B]

I doubt that you would get this kind of personal service from Tweeks or Performance. I hate pop up ads and usually close them without even looking at them. However you just had to go and throw in pictures of parts and tools that now I just can't live without. You sneaky SOB!

[Kurt B]

Actually, don't bust a nut on those pads. I just wanna make sure my order wasn't lost in the shuffle. I just put OEM pads on like 2 months ago so I'm fine brakewise.
I just wanna quit with the dust.

Interesting that the dust sticks exactly to all the new body panels only. I don't think it's because the surface is rough. It can't be at this point, instead I think it is because it is soft.
I guess the two-stage paint with super-hardener is the main reason for using pro-paint. I just didn't realize the dust would stick to the resprayed stuff so much.

[Wayne 962]

Well, we try to do EVERYTHING a little bit different here. Of course you don't need another WebCam popup (have they dominated that market, man I see that all the time). But popping up pictures of cool wrenchs, Swepco, and Models, heck that's almost unfair!

Anyways,

- Yes we do have a location where you can pick up parts. Call and place your order firsthand, otherwise you might have to wait several hours for a delivery.

- I wasn't ragging on people who haven't spent anything, just people who were complaining who haven't purchased anything from Pelican. I can't realistically expect to capture everyone's business. I'm not Microsoft. Even they don't have 100%...

- The CDs are cheap, and it's much cheaper to toss them in with each order (give one to your friends) than it is to figure out who's got one and which version they have, etc... CDs are cheap compared to paper catalogs...

- We have a toll-free number just like everyone else (1-888-280-7799) for everyone who is scared of ordering on the Internet...

Wait until you guys see the next thing I'm working on - 'Smart Tags' for the BBS. If you enter a question about Carrera Chain tensioners, it will automatically display it as a link that will zap to our tech article or catalog!

-Wayne

[JeffW]

Well I've bought a few hundred worth of stuff from you and I usually deal with Darren. Always very helpful and gets me exactly what I need. I have even asked to have orders next dayed pretty late in the morning and I still get it right on time. Things look ok to me...