I agree that the semi annual TRF bashing is in poor taste. I don't think
that there are many business that would stock parts like out vintage car
suppliers do without having a prospec of turning their stock over rapidly.
I'm sure that many have parts that have been on the shelf 20 years or more.
Try that with NAPA, Pep Boys, Advance or many of the other suppliers.
I don't think that many of you would care to run a business like that. As
Ralph Janelli said if TRF goes out there won't be any availability of some
parts as Charles has many of them manufactured from scratch and tries to
maintain quality in the part. Try to get some technical advice from many
of the other vendors. British Victoria only knows how to sell what they
can order.
As for the back orders I have ALWAYS been told by TRF that a part is out of
stock and will be put on backorder. On some occasions they have told me up
front that they don't know when it will be available but they will try to
find it. When you order it's your responsibility to try to find out the
availability of the part if it's put on backorder and go to another vendor
if you don't like the answer.
The Coventry Inn is a dream Charles had and has brought it to life. I
don't know if it makes money or not. I also don't care and it doesn't
affect my doing business with TRF. Hopefully Charles will continue to make
of go of all his business adventures and remain as faithful supplies to us.
Support the business whether you like the owner or not, he has provided us
with much to be grateful for and also has some flaws. Flogging the
business over the internet won't improve on what you are complaining about
if you don't let him know too. It's pretty simple to sent TRF or any
vendor your complaint and then post it to the list if you don't see
improvement.
Joe Worsley
80 TR8
Advance, NC
>
>Reading all these emails about TRF and "world class" customer service is a
>hoot! I realize that some of us are young and the rest of us are older with
>fading memories, but it's funny to expect a hobby that is based 1960's
>technology to be handled like Amazon.com!!! If I buy a Mazda I expect that
>and more from the manufacturer and parts supplier but my love affair with my
>GT6+ isn't based on any of that. So if I have to wait for a part or call
>around to several suppliers, search the boneyards, beg and borrow that's
>what I'll do. As far as TRF and Charles Runyon go I've had good luck with
>everything I've bought from them, I like their style and the Inn was an
>ambitious project but he pulled it off. We can argue business practices and
>marketing until the cows come home but there are examples of entrepeneurs
and
>corporate types who succeed and fail with thinking inside and outside the
>box. Charles is Charles and seems to be a dreamer and a likeable fellow. He
>pours his heart out but he has put heart and soul into his business. Plenty
>of businesses and people have lost their focus from time to time, but I'm
not
>one to "jump ship" when the going gets tough. I prefer people who vote with
>their hearts and not with their wallets. I surely didn't buy "Ian" for it's
>outstanding investment potential. Triumphs are a hobby and a passion not a
>case study for MBA's. The Triumph company wasn't financially sound, why
>should anyone expect a supplier of parts for a 30 year old marque to be any
>different? This is an affair of the heart and Charles has his heart in
>it......cut the guy some slack.
>
>Greg Wolf
>1970 GT6+ "Ian"
>KC79746L
>Bridgewater, Michigan
>
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