Vendors must be fat.

[boatdoc]

For the past month and half I have contacted couple of Airstream Vendors about purchasing some needed parts in order to proceed with my restoration of my 1973 26" Argosy. Till this day no reply was made. Is the Airstream business that good that no one needs to be bothered with few hundred dollars of parts? Is there any vendors interesting in making more money? I have been in business forty one years and always answered all inquiries, have I been doing it all wrong? Very puzzled "Boatdoc"

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by boatdoc

For the past month and half I have contacted couple of Airstream Vendors about purchasing some needed parts in order to proceed with my restoration of my 1973 26" Argosy. Till this day no reply was made. Is the Airstream business that good that no one needs to be bothered with few hundred dollars of parts? Is there any vendors interesting in making more money? I have been in business forty one years and always answered all inquiries, have I been doing it all wrong? Very puzzled "Boatdoc"

How did you contact them, ie., by phone or email? I find the best way to get to the root of something is to pick up the phone and call to talk directly with someone. Don't leave a message or an email if their past history is to not respond to this. I agree it is rude to not reply to messages...but...you can try to call.

[Goin camping]

I agree. Pick up the phone and call. Some Vendors (Andy comes to mind) want you to call so through discussion they can make sure you get the right part. I would also call as I want the person at the parts counter to know me. So if something goes wrong they are more apt to reconcile it. Just MHO.

[Kevbo10]

Originally Posted by Goin camping

I agree. Pick up the phone and call. Some Vendors (Andy comes to mind) want you to call so through discussion they can make sure you get the right part. I would also call as I want the person at the parts counter to know me. So if something goes wrong they are more apt to reconcile it. Just MHO.

some vendors while maintaining websites, don't monitor the email. i'd call. if no one answers, there not there. call someone else.

kevbo

[Silverhobby]

Boatdoc,
I have very good luck with Out of Doors Mart in Kernersville, NC. Ben, who is a great man in the parts department, has always been helpful to me. I always ask for him by name and if he is not there, I will call back. He takes my credit card number and ships to me speedily. Contact him at 1-866-636-2267. Of course, have your VIN number, and year and model of the trailer handy if necessary.

[thecatsandi]

contact AS of spokane. They are quite helpful. They will help if they can.
Sorry don't have the number handy. out-of-doors mart is another choice. I bought my trailer from them. nice competent people.

[LI Pets]

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

Boatdoc,
I have very good luck with Out of Doors Mart in Kernersville, NC. Ben, who is a great man in the parts department, has always been helpful to me. I always ask for him by name and if he is not there, I will call back. He takes my credit card number and ships to me speedily. Contact him at 1-866-636-2267. Of course, have your VIN number, and year and model of the trailer handy if necessary.

Yeh, what he said

[tslanier]

I would also give Out of Doors Mart in Kernersville, N.C. a call. Ben and Paul both are very good and always friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.
Out-of-Doors Mart
Stewart in Greensboro

[wahoonc]

I will third the motion on Ben and Paul at Out of Doors Mart. I get a lot of my parts there. The last two times I needed something they were able to pull it off the shelf for me

Aaron

[Silvertwinkie]

Yea, give 'em a call. It's not just Airstream dealers that do this.....

[Fyrzowt]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Yea, give 'em a call. It's not just Airstream dealers that do this.....

It's also politicians....

[boatdoc]

Originally Posted by Silverhobby

Boatdoc,
I have very good luck with Out of Doors Mart in Kernersville, NC. Ben, who is a great man in the parts department, has always been helpful to me. I always ask for him by name and if he is not there, I will call back. He takes my credit card number and ships to me speedily. Contact him at 1-866-636-2267. Of course, have your VIN number, and year and model of the trailer handy if necessary.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to all of you who responded to my frustrating experience and offered help. I will phone Out of Doors Mart, since many of you had good dealings with this dealer. Thank you ever so much again. "Boatdoc"

[CanoeStream]

Double ditto -- I'd only handle a parts order over the phone. A lot of dealers haven't fully incorporated email or electronic ordering into their parts businesses -- it's probably not cost effective for such a specialized market where personal communication will go further to fill the order effectively and limit returns. I've been surprised & gratified by past reports on Out of Doors Mart; I still have to try them. From my location I find that Tucson's Oasis RV is very responsive and an order arrives within about 3-4 days. Their prices are good and their well stocked, knowledgeable parts department deals very well by phone -- 1-800-658-5863. They manage to keep shipping costs very low also.