Question: Corvette tax . . . .

[killain]

I bought 4 of the carpet hooks that hold the two floor mats in place in your C5. The box that came from Mid-America was 11"x14"x6" and the hooks measure 3"x3" and weight about 1/8 oz. so all four of the weight a little under 1/2 oz. I was charged $7.99 shipping and handling, BUT they include a fresh edition catalog. I'm not questioning the catalog, but the box was about 15 times too big, and I never asked for a new catalog.

I realize that it costs a company to box and ship items, but these four carpet hooks together weigh less than a half an ounce. The four Hooks cost 19.95, and the shipping and handling cost $7.99. But I have to question the addition of the catalog which weighs close to a pound and a box that you could put 50 of the hooks in, not including all the air puffs stuffing.

I know that everyone is going to say, "Well you don't want your purchase damaged do you ?" and the answer is No! But I'm talking about four carpet hooks that could of been put in a small 5"X8" padded envelope and shipped for five bucks less. I mean all four of the hooks could of been sent for a $0.44 cent stamp. I just always have to wonder why whenever you buy something corvette related it always cost 50% of the purchased price in S/H. The hooks are made out of black plastic? How much safe guarding do they need ? :ugh

 

[Dad]

I don't think that's a Corvette tax, it's a, "it's your dollar so I'll spend it like I want to", attitude for most businesses now. Box sizes and inventory are minimized so the consumer pays for their poor planning but better profits. So naturally you get an oversized box to include the advertising that we alway pay for anyhow. Many things are going that way, like options (?) on cars, "here's the option packages, take them all to get one item or you don't get the one you want".

Ever notice that is what the government is doing? If not you're in for a big surprise when you are fit into their "box". Hint, it won't be too big.
:confused

 

[jrose7004]

Shipping and handling has become a hugh profit generator for these businesses too. It's just crazy what it cost to ship just about anything.

 

[VETTEX2]

Shipping and handling has become a hugh profit generator for these businesses too. It's just crazy what it cost to ship just about anything.

so true !

 

[fixvet]

Throw away their catalog.....it's the worst in the industry, regardless of their pricing. They jumble all the different year cars together, instead of separating items. I want to see only the C5 stuff without pawing thru every page of products to see if there are any C5 items or new items there. Maybe it's easier for them to publish, but they won't get my $$$! I've told them several times to stop mailing me one twice a year, but they don't listen...or don't care....so I just throw it away. And I wonder why parts are so expensive, eh? I like the catalogs from Corvette Central, Corvette America, West Coast Corvettes, ZIP and Ecklers...and get them all. They are so much better organized that MAM. Oh well......that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!!

 

[Mac]

This kind of thing isn't restricted to Corvette parts.

My daughter is a competitive athlete. I've ordered equipment for her which came in a box which was big enough to hold 100 pieces when I ordered 6 pieces. I don't know whether it's a matter of convenience for the company or what. :confused

-Mac

 

[hotmtrsports]

I was doing alot of stuff with ebay. I stopped completely. If I don't get hit from ebay fees to buy or sell, I get shippiing and handling fees as well...then I get hammered for using paypal. It's rediculous!!!

Get real CEO's!!

Chuck M

 

[O Vette]

You could have ordered the silly things from your local Corvette dealer.

 

[killain]

Ebay is dead to me.

I was doing alot of stuff with ebay. I stopped completely. If I don't get hit from ebay fees to buy or sell, I get shippiing and handling fees as well...then I get hammered for using paypal. It's rediculous!!!

Get real CEO's!!

Chuck M

Your so right. I've finished selling anything on Ebay. I just sold a K&R air cleaner and a refill supply for $70.00. Shipping cost me $12.60, Ebay charged me $16.95, so in the end, after all the collecting a good box and the packing material (Which I save whenever I buy something I ended up with $40.45 and I'm the one who drove to the post office and that takes time and effort. I originally paid $75.00 for the filter in the first place, so for me it's just loss compounded ! No more. ad

 

[killain]

No way at dealerships !

You could have ordered the silly things from your local Corvette dealer.

If you haven't been to your local Chevrolet dealership or any dealership, as for Chevrolet, THEY ONLY STOCK PARTS FOR FOUR YEARS. I know it sounds crazy, but I saw the notice, a legal notice on the wall at the dealership, the manufacturers are only required to stock pats for a model year for one year. I know it's crazy. Last year 2009, I went into Rothrock Chevrolet for a part for my DD and its a 2002 Cavalier and the parts guy told me no go, and then he showed me the legal notice. He said a lot of the parts that were made by GM or Delphi or Bose or oils or grease or anything is only reproduced by a company name 'Vintage Parts' and he gave me their phone number. When i called the guy said to hold on a minute and then came back online and said he had a few in tan but none in black. but that if in the future they find a need for some of these parts they go ahead a produce a lot of them ? Hell of a way to run a company. Ten years ago I could go into a major Chevrolet dealership and if they didn't have the part for my 79 Corvette on hand, they could tell me who did have that perticular part and if I wanted to go get it or they would have it dropped off in a week or so. The whole automobile Industry is a shame to this country.