Thread: You Gotta Love REPCO

Originally Posted by 101RRS

I am going to put some electric fans on the radiator on my 101. So today I did the rounds of the auto suppliers for a controller. The ones I initially checked did not have any in stock so I went to Repco.

I explained to the 18 something young lady what I was looking for (after I prised her away from a conversation with her boyfriend) and looking somewhat confused she took off out the back to ask for assistance.

She came back and asked for my rego number - I explained that would not be much use as it is an aftermarket fit and anyway my vehicle would not be in their system but she insisted that she needed the rego number.

Hmmmm ok - have it your way so I gave it too her. Straight away she came back asking for the make and model of vehicle - ok it won't be in your system - she was persistent - so a Land Rover Forward Control (FC) 101. She responds with a Discovery? - Hmmm no a Land Rover Forward Control (FC) 101 - it will not be in your system - she then showed what she was typing in - Ford 101.

Inside I was getting a bit angry but outside remained composed and said no it is a Land Rover Forward Control (FC) 101 - at that point she gave up in frustration and then she said she did not have any controllers in stock but the Fyshwich store had what I wanted.

FFS if she actually knew what I was after why did she not just say that at the start .

Unbeknown to me, the boyfriend had been watching and listening to the whole interaction and as I was leaving he had a big understanding grin on his face and said - good luck with that .

I then went to Bursons who had what I wanted, was able to answer my questions without having to give a rego number and gave me a 25% discount.

You gotta love Rip Every Poor Customer Off.

Garry

Their slogan used to be "We know what it is and we know where it goes." Tipping in that girl's case they weren't referring to auto parts.

I buy oil from them sometimes as I get a discount for RACV. Otherwise it's Bursons for me as well. Except for LR parts, when I choose Mario.

I get a significant discount at all the regional ones around here (helps to know the managers), and have another contact at another parts chain.

It’s a great world when you build these relationships up

Yes, the Repco here is on the same level as super crap, but a lot more expensive. I get good pricing at Bursons as I use my mates account then just pay him. He does 10's of 1000's a month with them so he gets treated well by them.

As an example, a few years back I needed a trailer master cylinder - easy enough to get - Repco was next to a place I'd just gone into, so I dropped in - they had one - some Chinese copy as they all are - $83. I left and went to supercheap as that was next closets - same brand - $53. Went to my Engineering supplies who do custom trailer builds and who I do plenty of business with - same brand - $18. He said they pay around $12 for them - shows what sort of mark ups they run.

And yes, I have had your frustrations with trying to explain a 101 to someone. Even had a guy at Bunnings tell me I'd been ripped off as Land Rover never made anything like that and was adamant I'd stuck a badge onto another vehicle.

I asked him if he'd take a wager on that but he clammed up and buggered off before I could get my phone out to show him.

Originally Posted by Tombie

It’s a great world when you build these relationships up

Worked for me back in the day. But I move, or they do, and I'm well out of the game these days. Got one bloke at a bearing mob who remembers. I get his staff prices.

Originally Posted by Homestar

- shows what sort of mark ups they run.

40 years ago i was working for a Nissan ( actually Datsun back then ) dealer. A brake m/cyl for an Aussie build 180B was over $100. I figured, these things were made by Girling in East Bentleigh or thereabouts. Local brake service could do them for $35. Only difference was the box. Nice to know nothing has changed.

Originally Posted by Tins

I buy oil from them sometimes as I get a discount for RACV.

Yes I sometimes buy oil (particularly LG6) when the specials and auto club discounts are on. But on discount days don't try to buy a battery at Repco and ask for your NRMA discount, because you will get no where - dont know about the RACv etc but NRMA have a battery business and are competitors to NRMA for batteries so forget your usual 10% discount on Repco batteries, let alone any extra discount on discount days.

Garry

Originally Posted by 101RRS

NRMA for batteries so forget your usual 10% discount on Repco batteries, let alone any extra discount on discount days.

Garry

Oh yes. RACV have a battery business as well. I can usually get batteries for half their price. But I guess the Auto Club boys did for "Holler for a Marshall". Or are they still around?

I use Repco a bit after doing compares on line with Supercheap and Autobarn. Click and collect means you don't have to talk to the staff. I keep driving past Bursons in Mitchell thinking I should go in there one day.....

Regards,
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