Larry,
As you know I was responding to your question as to whether Tech-Del
was in business when you asked " as I've read that Tech Del is back in
business?". My comments were verifying that they were in business and that
they now were making two styles of Minilites and relaying other info they
told me that was news to me. I did not know that they had two styles until a
few months ago when I saw a set of the style that Rick does not sell on
another Tiger. I totally support and encourage using Rick on the parts that
he sells. I have used Rick as my primary supplier in multiple restorations
over the last twenty years. I have stuck with Rick for so long because of
the quality of his parts and his quick service. I would also buy the
Minilites from Rick if he sold the style I needed.
I have not had direct experience with Tech-Del except by telephone
and would not even consider buying factory direct unless that was the only
way I could get the wheels I needed. I can verify that the total cost of a
small quantity of Minilites purchased factory direct would be much more than
buying them here in the states primarily because of shipping and the other
extra costs. It is helpful to know others experiences even if it was 3
years ago. I wonder if anyone has had a more recent experience. If so could
you let me know. Thanks.
Dave McDermott
>To Larry and anyone else who's considering buying Minilites
>factory direct:
>
>I bought a large quantity of Minilites from Tech-Del (UK) about 3
>years ago. Tech-Del was an absolute nightmare to deal with. Lots
>of broken promises and BS I could have done without. Delivery
>took 6+ months(!) - only after numerous phone calls and threats to
>cancel the payment I made on my credit card. Maybe they've
>gotten their act together since then, but I tend to doubt it.
>
>On the positive side, these wheels are very high quality and I'm
>quite pleased with them. Unlike Panasports, you don't see real
>Minilites very often.
>
>Unless you're prepared to purchase 6+ sets of 4, you're probably
>not going to save anything by going factory direct. On small
>quantities, any savings on the cost of the wheels will be eaten up
>by shipping, customs duties, taxes, documentation fees, etc. - and
>don't forget the value of your time and trouble. If you still want to
>go factory direct, get the deal from Tech-Del (shipping date, price,
>packing fees, etc.) in writing and only pay by credit card (not by a
>debit card) to protect yourself. Your credit card company will go to
>bat for you if there's a problem. With a debit card you're S.O.L.
>once the money leaves your bank account.
>
>My advice is buy your genuine Minilites from Rick at Sunbeam
>Specialties. His price is fair (around $185 or so each, depending
>on size) and you know he'll stand behind them if there's a problem.
>Besides, we should support Rick because he's done so much on
>behalf of the marque. And let's not forget Tiger Tom's and Classic
>Sunbeam too.
>
>Gary Schotland
>
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