Dealers

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RGM are as big as Fair Spares, Bigger than Hemmings and normally a bit cheaper (although their prices did go up in January) Good to deal with and my first stop for spares normally :D
 
illf8ed said:
Hi Dave,

If you deal with the north American souces you will get a break on shipping costs from England. The dealers consolidate shipments where you would be paying for small individual orders. On the west coast most brick and morter dealers have closed. Rabers (Bob and son Mike) survives in San Jose which is where Phil Radford (Fair Spares America) is located. Phil is a mail order operation only. As was mentioned Phil got his start with Les Em and Fair Spares, hence the name of his company. Local guys stand behind their parts and that makes them a valuable source compared to one 6,000 miles away in another country. You can tell Bob and Phil are old friends :)
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Here, let me give you an example.

Norvil muffler brackets.

From Fair Spares (do they update their prices regularly?) $110.

From Norvil (Les) they are £44 which is... $68. I'm really damn sure I can get those parts shipped from England for $42, heck, maybe even overnited.

Unless Phil is listing the SS versions in which case it's a wash, prior to shipping.
 
In defence of American dealers, a large proportion of the British bike parts they carry are slow moving items, they have probably had to purchases these from the UK at the disadvantageous exchange rates of a year or two ago. If they now offer these same parts at the current British prices and current exchange rate they will be selling at a loss and go out of business. If there is an honest dealer in your locale, give them your patronage where possible. The good ones offer a wonderful resource above and beyond simple parts sales.
 
dave M said:
In defence of American dealers, a large proportion of the British bike parts they carry are slow moving items, they have probably had to purchases these from the UK at the disadvantageous exchange rates of a year or two ago. If they now offer these same parts at the current British prices and current exchange rate they will be selling at a loss and go out of business. If there is an honest dealer in your locale, give them your patronage where possible. The good ones offer a wonderful resource above and beyond simple parts sales.
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It could easily be the SS version.

Norvil Headsteady

Fair Spares $349
Norvil $125 Regular $235 SS

Belt Drive 30mm Road
Fair Spares $699
Norvil $377

I understand that the dollar vs. pound fluctuates, I understand the factors which could influence the prices. But I also understand that "ease to do business" is what can separate a competitive business. I would assume that since Fair Spares is mail order only that their website is crucial to keep up to date. And not just survive on some annoying cursor...
 
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