PLEASE READ - REGARDING THIS BBS AND WEBSITE

[Wayne 962]

Hi there everyone. As you already may know, Pelican Parts has been in business and growing for the past three years. We have been self-financed up until this point.

Now we are beginning to look for outside venture capital so that we can expand our business model and this wonderful website. I'm working on a company profile right now, and I would like to solicit user 'testimonials' as to the usefulness of this BBS and this website.

If you like the website & BBS, your comments and feedback would be much appreciated by replying to this BBS topic.

Many thanks in advance!!!

-Wayne & Tom

[HMeeder]

Wayne and Tom:

I would like to take a moment to thank you for Pelican Parts, the website and in particular the BBS. I have only been involved with my Porsches (I have 2) for a relatively short time. I am rather fortunate in that I haven't run into any major problems with the cars however, any 30 year old car can have an unlimited host of small, irritating and niggling problems. This site in particular has been of invaluable aid to me in repairing all those little things.

I haven't had to purchase too much yet, but every time I have had to buy anything from Pelican, I have received professional, courteous and thorough service. If they weren't able to answer my questions they have pointed me in the right direction. My experiences thus far have been positive ones.

I have gotten some excellent technical information from the tech articles portion of this site. They are well written and provide insight and tips into the care of our infuriating and endearing cars. I have even written a guest technical article in order to share my experience with others in the same situation.

My overwhelmingly favorite part of the site is the BBS. I have gotten so much support and advice from the many other users of the site that I strongly feel that my cars wouldn't be running as well without it. I have made parts contacts, vented my own frustrations and formed some new friendships through the BBS.

Thank you again, Tom and Wayne. Keep up the excellent work!

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Herb

[This message has been edited by HMeeder (edited 01-28-2001).]

[bigboremike]

Dear Wayne and Tom,

I am with Herb on my feelings for Pelican Parts, i work for a Porsche dealership while i am attending school here in Chicago, so consequently i dont always have enough money to build my dream 914 (yet) but the prices through Pelican are really the best that i have found, (even with my parts discount at Porsche) and the advice from the tech articles and the BBS is second to none. I feel as though those of us who are on the BBS are really a big, happy if not sometimes unpractical (obsession with 30 year old cars!) family, its great seeing member names on the BBS everyday and knowing who they are by their profiles and knowing their cars and that they have given me so much great advice, i usually check my "Porsche mail" before i check my e-mail, all in all, keep up the great work and i promise to keep telling every Porsche owner/customer that i deal with that Pelican Parts is the best web-site/company that you will have the pleasure of dealing with.
we're all behind you 100%
Mike Dziadus (Bigboremike)

[Howard H]

Wayne and Tom:

I purchased my '74 914 just about the same time that the Pelican website came on-line, and I can tell you very candidly that this site is my single best tool for troubleshooting and restoring my car. The site attracts knowledgeable, friendly 914 owners, who willingly share their ideas and experiences with other owners. While there are certainly other sites on the web that 914 owners can visit, I come to the Pelican website and BBS because of the quantity AND the quality of the technical articles, parts diagrams, photos and BBS postings that are available here.

Now, from the business perspective ------- The pelican website gives me the information (and in many cases, the motivation) that I need to keep improving my 914. In straight forward terms, that means I need the PARTS to do it. So, when I buy those parts, where do I go? I support the people who provide support to me ---- Pelican. So far, that has resulted in well over $1,000 worth of parts purchases from Pelican that might otherwise have gone elsewhere.

Finally, I believe that the quality of this website presents an accurate reflection of the quality of parts/service that I have recieved from your company. It's one of those "value added" services that keeps me coming back. (Note to self: Remember to order brake pads and caliper rebuild kits before spring.)

Thanks for everything.

Howard Henneman

[DDS]

I am currently restoring a 1973 Porsche 914, a rare car here in Toronto. I'm new to Porsches and haven't tinkered with vehicles at all for nearly 20 years.
I have relied heavily on Pelican Parts' expertise and the expertise of the community that exists within the space of the Pelican BBS. The site itself is extremely comprehensive and wll organized. It makes available vast amounts of knowledge and expertise to potential customers. It is recognized for its excellence and customers are often referred from other places on the internet.
In my work life, I've watched the changing fortunes of .com companies and have been pondering E-commerce and web-based sales strategies for my situation. I think Pelican's business model is innovative and appropriate for its market. Pelican has created a niche for itself by providing an internet-based community that serves the internet savvy DIY porsche enthusiast. No other business comes close to Pelican in serving this segment.
The members have a sense of fraternity. Often the discussion on the BBS refers to products sold by Pelican it is BBS members -fellow enthusiasts- not paid employees who make those referrals. This low-key, low-cost sales approach is a good fit with internet culture and is understood and appreciated by the BBS members who reciprocate by placing orders.
Pelican's combination of virtual mail-order (without horrific catalog costs) and volunteer owner's group (without geographic limitations) is a winner for the market it serves and a godsend for people like me. I'd be happy to discuss my experience as a customer with any prospective partners.
Thanks and good luck.
Dave

[Rleog]

The Pelican Parts technical articles, and the
BBS in particular, have been an invaluable
source for maintenance/restoration of my
Porsches. I can't thank everyone enough for
the efforts they've put into this site to
it the success that it is.

Bob Goulet
87 911 Targa
70 914

[Chris S]

After being introduced to 914's about 1-1/2 years ago by a friend, I purchased a 914 and have been in the process of rebuilding it since. Along the way I discovered a lot more problems than I orginally anticipated (always the way I guess). I'm working through them, either due to stubbornness or stupidity. The information contained within this website, especially the Tech Articles and the BBS, are just outstanding and have been a huge help. All that combined with an excellant web-catelogue with great prices makes for an unbeatable combination. You can bet that when I get out from behind the welding machine and start putting some of the knowledge that I've learned from this site to use that my purchases will reflect it.

Keep up the great work.

Chris Sickler
Houston, TX

[Scott S]

Dear Tom And Wayne -
Here is the bottom line.Without this site and the unbeleivable member knowledge and the personal service pelican provides on the internet, on the phone and in person I would have thrown in the towel on this project. There is no greater resource in the restoration and preservation of the 914 Porsche in existance.
A heartfelt thanks for creating this community.

Scott Schroeder
Denver, CO

[rich]

There are other web sites with Porsche parts for sale. But very few true web based businesses catering to not only an occasional part sale, "BUT TO PEOPLE." Wayne and Tom have built and maintained a community of enthusiast. I feel connected to the collective and and enjoy stopping by for a visit. I like checking on my World Wide Web Friends. I think we all realize that without Pelican Parts it wouldn't be the same. Anyone can pop up a Web Site today with a list of parts for sale. That's impressive.(big deal) The key to success is to support and maintain the site. And treat your customers like friends. Wayne and Tom have found that balance.

Rick Ollah
Duluth MN
1972 Porsche 914 (918-S) Powered by a 928 V8


[This message has been edited by rich (edited 01-28-2001).]

[7391417]

Tom & Wayne-

I first came across your website about 2.5 years agao when I was looking to buy my first 914. The first time I needed a maintanance item for my car I called you guys and was overwhelmed by your customer service which is above and beyond anything else. The Pelican Parts website is the first bookmark in my list and the first website I usually check when I am browsing online. The BBS is great, I have gathered so much invaluable information that I otherwise would not have learned. The way I see it is that the the 914 is now becoming less and less the misguided porsche amd more and more a car wich enthuiasts want to restore or take excellent care of as the cars are becoming seemingly more and more popular and more valuable every year. I think that Pelican Parts plays a huge part in the newfound popularity of the car!

One Dedicated Happy Customer!

-Brent Fallis

[JmuRiz]

Tom & Wayne,

Simply put this website and BBS is the best resource for 914 tech data and advice that I have found! The member's advice and suggestions have made it possible for me to buy my 914 with confidence. I have been a browser for a year and participated ever since I decided on buying and needed help finding "the right one". I look forward to many more years of Pelican's advice and part selection via the web. Thanks.

Nathan

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'73 2.0 914

[kevinseven]

Eight years ago I sold my 914 so I could get a more "reliable" car. By that I mean a new car that me and my questionable mechanical skills wouldn't be working on.

Just last year, after finding the wealth of online 914 resources available I felt comfortable enough to return to the world of 914 ownership.The Internet and this site specifically removes that feeling of isolation and uncertainty for the shade tree mechanic like myself. I tackle all sorts of maintenence and troubleshooting jobs knowing that if I get stuck I can simply pull up the Pelican site and access their tech notes, sales staff or my favorite, this BBS. The site is well maintained and well managed.

In fact, I check the BBS everyday to read responses to other people's questions even when they don't directly relate to any of my issues. Subsequently, I often find myself in Pelican's great online catalog browsing or buying. What can I say, the site builds loyalty.

The true testemant to Pelican's service value is that I live in Atlanta, GA, the home of the 914 World Headquarters, and I choose to send my business to Pelican, 3,000 miles away instead of a short 15 min. drive to AA.

kevin taylor
1975 914 1.8L
atlanta ga

[Rouser]

Pelican Parts (and their excellent website and BBS) have been an invaluable source of information for my Porsche 914, as well as a reliable source for competitively priced parts.

Their website is easily navigable, phone support is outstanding, and parts ordering is about as painless as it gets. There may be other parts sources available (by catalog or website), but none of them go the "extra mile" that Pelican Parts does.

[roadtrp204]

This web site has become the standard to which I compare others. The navigation is complete and easy to follow. Online ordering features such as e-mail verification and links to UPS tracking give me a sense of security that ensure future transactions. The customer service I received while finding a nonstocked item was extremely positive. I am also a daily 914 BBS follower who enjoys giving and receiving help to and from my fellow 914 owners, in addition to increasing my overall knowledge about the car.

Thanks to all,
Chris Edwards

[bowlsby]

As now and then customer for over 2 years, there is nothing else I could say that hasn't already been said previously on this thread. Tom, Wayne and the gang at Pelican Parts are among the best at everything Porsche 914, service, communication, trust, responsiveness and....

The Pelican Parts presence in person, on the phone and of course on the internet, as it applies to the Porsche 914, is second to none. Thats NONE. PERIOD.

Their 'customer satisfaction meter' is firmly pegged at the highest level possible.

[MCLEODRE]

Wayne and Tom
Just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate and enjoy the Pelican Parts BBS and website.
I currently own a '73 914 2.0L that I use as a daily driver. The information on this site, the BBS and your excellent service have been invaluable to me in my restoration and keeping my 914 on the road.
Although I am a regular reader of the material on the site and Pelican is my primary supplier of parts, I had not replied to any posts on the BBS. I registered today so that I could say thanks and keep up the good work

Richard McLeod

[farleyd]

Dear Wayne, Tom and Dave,

This is my second 914. My first one got lost because i didnt know nothing about it. Back in the pre-internet days, circa 1987, i had little if no infos at all.

Today, we have Pelican. And to thank you, i say that you just got yourself a faithfull customer. Sure i wont be alone saying that you won my business. Your help is invaluable to customers like us.

On the behalf of some Eastern Canadians, thanks and long life to Pelican. Good luck in your venture.

[jhs914]

Wayne & Tom

Before I bought my first 914 a year ago I did extensive research at the Pelican web site and this BBS. The information gleaned from Pelican was invaluable. I have ordered over several hundred dollars in parts from Pelican and will order more this year. I use Pelican when possible, even if they are a little higher, because I value the service they provide.

[scg]

Wayne & Tom (and everyone else at PP):

I have owned a 914 since 1979 and am now on my second (the first one was sold to someone as a project after hidden tin worms were discovered around both rear suspension pick-up points ). In that time, I have never found a better place to shop/talk 914s (and Porsches).

BEFORE PP
In the years before PP, I was aware of only four places to get parts and, rarely, advice: three were mail-order and one was the dealer. I shopped, but there were problems with parts of variable quality, usually helpless advice, often useless phone people, parts departments with attitudes about 914 owners, etc. I usually ended up paying the dealer and Haynes and Clymers were my guides. But all that's changed now . . .

PP: THE PEOPLE
The phone people at PP -- all of them -- are simply the best. They're willing to chat, help diagnose problems,and just plain look for parts without making you feel like your just another VISA number: they're very personable.

PP: THE PARTS
Great quality: I've never been burned. Not only can you order parts over the phone, but you can order on-line. Many times the phone is better because you have a human there who will offer parts advice ("Gee, those almost never fail. Have you looked at . . ."). The price may be higher than the other guys, but I'll pay up because this company/site needs to be supported!

PP: THE BBS & TECH ARTICLES
Have you ever wished that there was a shade-tree (with a 914 under it, of course) with a bunch of guys sitting around it, ready to talk 914s? 24/7? The PP BBS is that place! Ask a technical question: get many helpful replies (often with many different solutions). The people who hang out here, like me, like to get their hands dirty and have lots of experience in fixing things and trouble-shooting problems (and just chatting). All past topics are archived and searchable. The tech articles, written by fellow enthusiasts, are very well done and as helpful as the BBS (take that Haynes and Clymers ). If it weren't for these two resources, my -six conversion would be going much slower (I've got to get a digital camera)!

In short, I have to agree with all of the others above me: PP is the *best*
I wish I had capital to venture!

Scott Guthrie
75 914 1.8 -- passed on to rustoration after 250k+ miles of fun with me
74 914 1.8 -- growing into a 2.7 this winter

[This message has been edited by scg (edited 02-01-2001).]

[MidMike]

WHAT....only 18 posts....there should be 1000.......One word gentelmen....FANTASTIC....If I lived 1 mile from Auto Alanta....I would still deal with you guys...Many thanks for all the help............74 1.8

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