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Post by ronnie on Oct 19, 2011 17:16:50 GMT 2
Hi Des Spikes and All
Myself and Marius try not to delete any post if at all possible and try to remain neutral, and still say what we think, which at times is not easy. As far as I am concerned the posts under this thread will remain for all to read and say their bit. Shortly, I will delete the complete thread, and hope this then puts the matter to bed and common sense will prevail.
Ronnie
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Post by jaco1978 on Oct 19, 2011 18:16:42 GMT 2
Hi there most distinguished Ladies and Gentleman, I just thought that I want to mention a thing or two from my point of view. I strongly feel that people can charge whatever they want to for something. It is their product and therefore theirs to add whatever "value" they want to, to it. It is up to each person to decide what he or she is willing to pay for said product. I once watched a program on DSTV Discovery where two female entrepreneurs started to sell "Rolbos" at $100 per piece. I thought it a rip off, but many people did not think so as they have had a very lucrative business for many years. My boss has a saying: Put a price on it and people will buy it. People join this forum, or at least look around on here, for one reason and that is to find help. Ok, there might be other reasons, but I will argue that this is the main reason why. People stay around because they really feel for the cause (our beloved Lada's), the banter, and the whatever else. So, when people come around here and ask for recommendations as to what to do and how to get what they need to fix, we can only give them our opinions or recommendations. And I like to think we do so happily. ;D There might be times when we (in a personal capacity) might not want to recommend someone. As this is an open forum I think it fair that the "accused" can defend him- or herself. Point-in-case, I recall Fanus (?) was not happy with Mike (Lada Doctor) taking too long on responding to him. His gripes was aired publicly and Mike responded with an apology which, in turn, was accepted by Fanus (?). To me, this is a step in the right direction. ;D Ok, getting to the pricing of parts. I think it is important to remember that in the position of a supplier/agent we need to consider a couple of things. They need to lay down capital to buy (and import), then store, maintain, keep stock and whatever, which in turn takes time and in turn costs money. So turnover (moving the product) is very important. So if I can get a part directly from Russia I would always get it cheaper than even Autozone can get it for. Unless Autozone gets an extra "dealer discount" and a bulk shipping discount. Again...turnover! That is probably why Autozone is taking their time to decide if they will import and stock parts for our beloved Lada. They need to see if there will be turnover of their stock so they can still make a lil profit/part and beat the folks buying from Pavel and the sort. I'm not here to defend the "agents" as I'm sure they can do it themselves, but before we throw stones we need to consider some things (as mentioned above). And with "agents" I am speaking of Mike (Lada Doctor) and Ventz. Maybe they do not even want to be seen as "agents". I understand Vents does not primarily sell parts. I know Mike does and he has come up with, and proposed, his intentions (some very good ones in my book). ;D In the past I have bought some much needed parts, at a higher price, from Ventz without any trouble (read very swift delivery and help) and with a lot of assistance (for free). ;D I have not had any dealings with Mike apart from seeing what he is up to on the forum and he really looks like he wants to bring prices down, and then make it even cheaper for LOCSA members! ;D Danie got Autozone interested! ;D In my mind the competition looks healthy!!! ;D ;D ;D @ Ventz - I know you love your Lada Niva's but lets not call other peoples Lada a "scarecrow". I'm also re-building one and it might also fall into that category. ;D ;D ;D I have appreciated our dealings on the phone and on here and I hope to so in the future. You have really helped me so much. @ Danie - I have seen that you are passionate about your efforts to bring prices down for us. You efforts is much appreciated. ;D I wish you well with your dealing with Autozone. And Pavel is a gem! Let's move forward, our Lada's want's to! Happy Lada day to all!!! ;D ;D ;D
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spikes
Moderator
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Post by spikes on Oct 19, 2011 18:38:09 GMT 2
Hi Ronnie,
I think you have collected all the posts into this thread. Thanks! I agree with Jaco about keeping this thread on site, but if the Committee decides to delete, so be it. I would suggest that the committee takes a decision on that. As for Pavel's services and bringing it to LOCSA's attention, I seem to recall that Charles was the first to make use of Pavel. That was still in Pavel's eBay only days.
regards all
Spikes
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Post by ronnie on Oct 19, 2011 18:46:49 GMT 2
Hi Spikes
If the members want the thread to remain I have no problem with that. As one of the moderators I will always respect what the members want. Without members we are nothing. Charles was the first to introduce us to Pavel as far as I remember. Thanks to Charles for that as Pavel seems to be very popular.
Ronnie
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smuller
New Niva Petrol Head
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Post by smuller on Oct 19, 2011 19:28:13 GMT 2
Hi All
Although I am new here, I would just like to say well done everyone on the best forum ever.
This Lada group is still by far the best group of people.
Thanks for all the input and passion for the Lada.
Regards Smuller
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Post by marius on Oct 19, 2011 19:45:01 GMT 2
Thanks Sheldon Marius
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Post by ronnie on Oct 19, 2011 20:01:46 GMT 2
Hi Smuller I am glad you enjoy this Forum. Thanks a lot it is nice to know we at least do something right. Ronnie
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Post by danie on Oct 19, 2011 20:02:48 GMT 2
Danie This forum is NOT for your personal vendetta! I find your comments and and avitar offensive and not conducive to the positive growth of this forum. To be quite frank, I am surprised that it hasn't been removed by the Moderator. Please stop behaving like your avitar. Des Hi Des I am very surprised about your comments ! Believe me, that avatar has got nothing to do with any "personal vendetta" at all ! I just find the fact that I have been "blacklisted" (probably initiated by Ventz - therefore his name) very, very funny ! The reason - I do not buy any parts from them - so the "blacklisting" does not have any effect on me at all ! So maybe I do have to apologize about my "weird" sense of humor ? Anyway, I will make some adjustments - hope that will keep you happy. Regards Danie
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Ladaniva
Full Niva Petrol Head
A Lada Niva for a new lease of life
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Post by Ladaniva on Oct 19, 2011 22:09:24 GMT 2
Hi Danie, I am glad you responded positively. I agree with other comments regarding the war of words that we witnessed here which even had our LOCSA diplomat (Marius) uttered a reserved word of reprimand! I more and more get the feeling that the LOCSA crowd is like the mafia, we stand together even when the bullets fly - to keep together the family! Sterk soos Rusland. I am sure even ventz will bury his ax, fierce warrior he is (he, he his English is better the more the bliks&% he is in). Ventz, if Danie do not need you, we need you! Just think of the female Lada owners in SA (I recall, one recently being ripped off badly, very badly). Sure they do not need modified Ladas and dirt cheap spares - they just need reliable Ladas, being properly serviced, to make beautiful sunny (unsafe) SA even better. Enter the cavalry,ta ra ta taa, and who is ahead of the pack (on his Niva with +- zero offset wheels) Ventz! Oh, look there is Danie too, but oh my goodness, the 1600 cc supercharged Fianiva stripped the front diff just when he lifted his pen to slay a rip-off artist. No problem, he will live to fight another day. Never forget to enjoy it mates - life is short! Regards, Fanus
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Post by danie on Oct 20, 2011 5:33:36 GMT 2
Hi All
Maybe the time has arrived for me to air my views about my own effort to ensure the availability of more affordable spare parts in future.
Firstly, it would be very sad to see anyone selling his / her Lada about my so called "personal vendettas" , or the so called 'politics" at the Forum. Yes - I also believe that life is too short to get involved in "vendettas" or "politics" - I am not interesting in wasting time on things like that !
Since I have bought my Lada about six years ago, I am constantly aware of owners who got rid of their Ladas - simply because the price of local parts were unacceptable high .I also realized that the Suppliers simply carried on charging these prices - because there will always be Ladas which get dumped on the market, as well as new owners with high hopes who are completely unaware of the high prices !
It is no secret that there are many Ladas out there which need serious attention - and to get those Ladas in a reliable condition with overpriced spare parts simply does not make sense . After all - times are tough out there , and some owners - who might have a family and children to support , simply would not be able to keep their Ladas going with these overpriced Spare Parts !
So yes - I do feel sorry for people who might find themselves in that position, and yes, I think the local Suppliers needs a serious wake up call ! They also need to think about owners who might be working for very low salaries, have families to support, and are struggling out there .After all - it is no secret that many people out there do work for "peanuts" - because almost no employer seem to be prepared to pay a proper salary !
I think we all need to think about the "bigger picture" out there, and about what is really going on. To my mind private imports have brought new hope for many owners out there - in fact , my own Lada would have been dumped on the market long ago - if I did not know about the availability of much cheaper parts from Russia !
Again, I do not have any "vendettas" - and I am not involved in any "politics" either. Life is hard though, and to achieve anything in life, unfortunately some very weird tactics need to be carried out, in order to change people' minds...
Maybe those tactics can indeed be seen as "vendettas" - I don't know.
Anyway, thats all - I hope everyone will understand.
Danie
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Post by marius on Oct 20, 2011 7:38:10 GMT 2
Hi all
First I would like to thank everyone for their positive contributions to this thread.
I think we should understand that all of us have the freedom to air our views and criticisms, but we should ALWAYS refrain from making personal attacks on individuals and ALWAYS stick to the facts.
I think we have come a long way in relieving our plight with regard to overpriced spare parts in South Africa. We now have the luxury of a number of choices. I think that this already has led to some changes in our local market. I have noticed that in recent times in certain areas, prices already dropped by some margin and it would seem that service has improved in these areas.
The important thing to remember is that we are not alone - and our actions may affect others who may be in a less fortunate position.
So please rant and rave, but do it in a sensible manner!
Regards Marius
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Des
Junior Niva Petrol Head
Bruce All Mighty
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Post by Des on Oct 20, 2011 7:43:04 GMT 2
Thank you, Danie Peace in the home........ Passionate......shoe! What do they feed you there in Durbs.....? chuckle.... chuckle. Ons het jou lief, Broer. Des
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Nikki Lada
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Nikki Lada on Oct 21, 2011 0:09:49 GMT 2
Hi Everyone My thoughts on this are that ranting and raving is healthy but shouldn’t develop into a personal slanging match – something that both parties were guilty of here. It’s simply a way of expressing dissatisfaction and putting pressure on those with the power to change things. Sadly, our rants - raised many times previously - have consistently fallen upon deaf ears. However, persistence usually pays off and from Mike’s comments it would appear that someone has finally realized that a golden opportunity exists in the local spares market!! Good for you Mike – if you do things right you can’t really go wrong!!! Unfortunately, this type of discussion can (and usually does) lead to some form of conflict, which people don’t like and tend to shy away from, but sitting back and keeping quiet achieves nothing. Fortunately, Danie never sits back ;D and I really appreciate his selfless and tireless efforts in trying to do something about the ridiculous prices being charged for spares locally. A good example is the R7000 I was quoted locally for a starter a few months ago which I eventually imported from Russia for under R2000 including all duties and transport costs. Local Suppliers maybe free to charge as they please but we are free to chose who we use and I agree with Marius that increased competition will eventually force some changes locally. Fanus, as a female Lada owner for the past 5 years I must disagree with your comment that ladies don’t need cheap spares. Unlike you guys, as I have no mechanical expertise I have to pay for repairs and spares and would have been bankrupt long ago if I hadn’t discovered how cheap and easy it is to import direct from Russia. ;D ;D ;D NIKKI
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Post by danie on Oct 21, 2011 5:53:09 GMT 2
Just a final word from me about this subject: We are all very small fish, who find ourselves in a very large ocean. That includes myself, as well as the local suppliers. It really saddens me to do things this way - there are so many better things to do in life ! Anyway, many thanks for the kind words and support - I do not want to spend the rest of my life fighting ! Regards Danie
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fangsingh
Full Niva Petrol Head
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Post by fangsingh on Oct 21, 2011 22:14:46 GMT 2
I would like to thank all of the people that have been involved in trying to get cheaper spares. Especially Danie, for his efforts and his forthrightness, even in the face of harsh criticism.
I would think that we should all every now and again, state what we were quoted for spares, weather imported or domestic, so that forum members are aware of price diffrences.
Kind Regards
Dheer Singh
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fangsingh
Full Niva Petrol Head
Fiat Berlinetta 8V 1954
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Post by fangsingh on Oct 21, 2011 22:52:16 GMT 2
btw Danie while I was driving in town I saw this beatiful Lada. So I stopped the driver to compliment on his great looking beauty, and we got talking. I eventually found out that his name is Bill, and he is a friend of yours Danie!!!
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Nikki Lada
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Nikki Lada on Oct 21, 2011 23:50:29 GMT 2
I would like to thank all of the people that have been involved in trying to get cheaper spares. Especially Danie, for his efforts and his forthrightness, even in the face of harsh criticism. I would think that we should all every now and again, state what we were quoted for spares, weather imported or domestic, so that forum members are aware of price diffrences. Kind Regards Dheer Singh This is an excellent idea Fansingh and I hope that members will do this. NIKKI
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Post by danie on Oct 22, 2011 6:07:24 GMT 2
btw Danie while I was driving in town I saw this beatiful Lada. So I stopped the driver to compliment on his great looking beauty, and we got talking. I eventually found out that his name is Bill, and he is a friend of yours Danie!!! Yea - Bill is a great guy with unbelievable integrity. It would be an absolute honor to have him as member of this Forum . Danie
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vincentc
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
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Post by vincentc on Oct 22, 2011 17:35:13 GMT 2
Good Grief A few days off the forum while traveling and did not realise how heated the discussion had become. Additional thoughts to consider that has not somehow made it into the discussion - Freight, duties & Vat. The spares that I ordered from Pavel were cheap - No argument on that. My freight cost almost as much as the spares, and I still have an additional 14% to pay on arrival. No where in the $110 dollar pricing does it indicate that freight ($85) is also included. My cheap spares went from $110 to $210 without the scalping I will get as a result of the poor forex rate on the credit card transaction. In my case (Head gasket, Gear box bearings and brake pads) the local retailer would have to mark up the base cost by 2.5 or 250% to walk away with a 30% gross margin. If it is a slow moving or bulky item the costs would be greater. Regards Vincent
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Ladaniva
Full Niva Petrol Head
A Lada Niva for a new lease of life
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Post by Ladaniva on Oct 23, 2011 3:19:20 GMT 2
Hi Nikki,
Just to clear a misunderstanding about what I said about woman not needing cheap(er) spares. What I am not saying is that we should pay too much for spares (men and woman). What I do say is that we should be willing to pay a premium for getting spares. I used the example of woman that need spares to keep their Ladas going reliably. I rather see a woman pay R7000.00 for a starter and the car is on the road again (for many years to come) than having problems with a car that does not start (reliably) and she get raped or robbed. R7000.00 is a lot for a Lada starter, but chicken feed for a Merc starter (I should know). If I had to buy a starter @ R7000.00 to ensure my wife is safe I will do it with a smile. Will I buy it for less if I can? Obviously.
Danie import parts from Russia. I also do it. In fact, I order spares from all over the world for years, and not only spares - even perfume!
What I unfortunately can not import is a Niva mechanic. I do not have the money but can afford to do so if there are enough Ladas to warrant it. There are not. We are fortunate enough to have a few in SA and I cherish them, because I know what they are worth. Will I pull my sword If I am ripped off by one? No, I will not (I am even dealing with Jan from Centurion). Will I tell him I am being ripped of? You bet! I do it everyday of my life - it is my daily job for years. What I also do everyday of my life is I tell any one that want to listen, and even those that do not want to listen, when I am being ripped off. I believe in building people and business. That's me. (I even today told the census flappie that the government is crap compared to the apartheid government when it comes to service delivery, because it is a fact).
I also think that when we encounter rip-offs (like R7000.00 for a Niva starter) we should do something about it in a proper manner. I do it for a living for an international company now, and decades for an even bigger company earlier. The success I had with this is remarkable. I for one, will not mind doing it for LOCSA, (I am passionate about Nivas) and I am convinced that it is a much better way than the slander and frustration I saw on this forum. And we are a nice lot, compared to other forums!
The long and short (for me) if you bought a Niva to save money, you made a huge mistake. If you bought your Niva when they were still sold in SA, and it is a problem to keep it on the road now, sell it. There are really very reliable cars available that are dirt cheap (my fathers Toyota 1600 had done more than a million kilometers without the engine being opened once).
If you do not mind, please send me the details of the business/individual that quoted you R7000.00 for a Niva starter and I will investigate and report back on this forum what the circumstances was. Surely it will be beneficial to all and if it was a serious/unscrupulous effort to rip you off, even beneficial for the relevant company (if serious to stay in business).
Regards,
Fanus
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Post by marius on Oct 23, 2011 7:08:09 GMT 2
Hi Fanus For the first time I do not agree with you - well at least with some of the stuff you say. If an individual like Nikki can import a brand new starter for less than R2000 ALL included, then surely a dealer that gets a dealer discount (normally 50%) and other tax benefits can do a bit better than quoting R7000 for a starter?! That does not exactly equal being raped (but not too far off I must say) but definitely very close to armed robbery with aggravating circumstances in my book!! We do not drive Mercs (very nice cars!) we drive Lada Nivas (very nice cars too!) with dirt cheap spares available in Russia and throughout most of Europe. Unlike most petrol heads I do not like to spend huge amounts of money on a car. I rather spend it elsewhere. We bought our simple basic Niva exactly for that reason - to save money. Our Niva did not come trouble free, but over a period of 10 years DIY service and repair costs did not exceed R10 000. Try and do that with a Merc or anything else for that matter ;D A lady friend who drives an Opel Corsa (diesel) was quoted R5000 for a basic service very recently. According to her manual such a service should take no more than one and a half hour to complete!!!! Also I think the starter issue is done and dusted - no need to investigate it any further. Marius
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Ladaniva
Full Niva Petrol Head
A Lada Niva for a new lease of life
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Post by Ladaniva on Oct 25, 2011 0:56:33 GMT 2
Hi Marius, He, He, indeed "aggravating circumstances" to charge R7000.00 for a Niva starter is putting it mildly, very mildly. I paid R200.00 for a brand new starter for my fathers Toyota 1600 two years ago here in Springs. If it was not that a mechanic bought one for his own car (and many more for the cars of his clients cars) I would of course not have touched it; I did and it lasted for more than a year - My father passed away and the car was sold with the starter still working perfectly. I actually agree 100% with what you said in your reply so I am not sure we actually disagree on anything! ;D All I can think a few people may not agree with me is that I am willing to pay a healthy premium for the luxury to have Niva parts readily available and (a few) skilled and experienced people to work on Nivas. This takes nothing away from your view that we should not be ripped off. This is actually also my view. The same dealer that charge the "healthy premium" can now not cry when some people order their own spares from overseas (or make another plan). The sun shines over all of us then! They buy their fancy houses and I drive my Niva with the knowledge that Nivas will still be around for many years to come. Keep in mind that I bought a Niva at the time when Nivas were not yet represented in South Africa. I had to drive my Lada 1200 km's just to have it serviced. It was fantastic news when Nivas were later sold in thousands (and the internet became available). I also bought my Niva because it was cheap and could pay cash for it (I wanted a 4 x 4 that I could really use off road - real off-road). Untill this day I do not mind to pay a healthy premium to get Niva spares in SA, because I own a Niva for no logical reason - other than that I love my Niva for what it is and what my family and I can do with it. For me it is like having a fat ugly wife that stutters, and all the other guys got these models (and everything in between). I feel sorry for these guys because they do not have my wife - she is an angel and do everything with me and I love her. Another guy will maybe not buy her (or his wife) a R7000.00 starter (or ring), but I gladly will if she needs it urgently and badly. Does it matter that I have been ripped off in the process? yes it does - I am only normal and human, but it is for somebody very special. If I just needed a wife to have a wife I would have married a Toyota and also had all the luxuries. Just think about it - then I can buy starters for her around every corner at max R400.00! Regards, Fanus
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Post by marius on Oct 25, 2011 7:58:38 GMT 2
Hi Fanus
It is now clear that we do not disagree on anything! ;D
Marius
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vincentc
Veteran Niva Petrol Head
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Post by vincentc on Oct 25, 2011 20:23:58 GMT 2
My sentiments Fanus.
Though my wife does not stutter ;D
Regards Vincent
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Ventzel
Senior Niva Petrol Head
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Post by Ventzel on Nov 2, 2011 3:46:16 GMT 2
Hi all,
No any wish to read or write the last 2 weeks but let me see can I find a time to view my point and find an answer to all troubled questions - of course according to my view. Anyway I don't like to keep the ball in my field.
First I would like to thank to all forum members who were on my side in this ..... hmmm ..... argument, here on the forum, with their e-mails and phone calls. Re - Danie's letter 18 Oct.
Danie, you are very rude, no any doubt but I'm not surprised. On top of previous silly accusations I have to deal now with brand new ones - like a blatant liar and manipulator of fools. Even you admitted yourself your comments probably will be erased by the moderators. Perhaps next time I'll be promoted from ripper to rapist or even to Rip Van Winkle...
I believe sometimes, somewhere, somehow, somebody will discover a medicine for AIDS and for cancer. But unfortunately for slandering there is no antidote - now and in future.
We have a proverb - if there is a rumor your sister is prostitute it is impossible for you to prove you don't have a sister at all.
At the first moment I decided finally to rip you once and forever and put you in court for all slanders where you have to proof all of them one by one. For me it is easy to win there and clear my name - I don't need any witnesses, evidences, proofs - everything is written and signed by you - peace of cake. My turn to attack, your turn to to defend; lovely. And it will cost you a fortune. More or less it is also a virtual bullying in your comments. Later I abandoned this idea as humiliating for me and waste of time and nerves. Another reason - what I could get from you as compensation - according your letters you have nothing, struggling in hard times. To strip you naked - thanks, I don't need anything and this is not my nature. Another reason - imagine the huge negative impact over LOCSA.
Let's concentrate now at what we have today for homework - step by step to answer to Danie's comments:
@ Spare part supplier - that's true.
But was true in the past, not at present days. How many times I must write that I'm not a spare part supplier any more. I import parts in small quantities only if necessary just to run my workshop and restore the few remaining Nivas at my place. Few years ago I imported on regular basis but decided to stop. The reasons are very clear - no import of new vehicles and no chance for import soon, clients with no budget for proper maintenance of these Ladas already heavy abused and some of them re-sold 3-4 times, attitudes like Danie. But if anyone need any part which I have at the moment I do not hesitate to sell it, not so much for profit but to keep as many as possible Ladas no the road, that is one of my goals. Later I'll order the same part again. And I still have plenty unwanted spares since my dealership but even they are unwanted it doesn't mean I'm gonna throw them away or give them as present. They are purchased with money and still have value despite stay on shelves more than decade. The storage also cost money, the sleeping money for years.
For the peace of mind for some forum members as Danie and to avoid any further confusion I don't mind my name to be removed from the list of suppliers. Danie will be very happy but I can't see who else will be happy.
@ I'm misusing this website for my own personal financial gain - that's also true.
Selling spares straight on the website is multi million business. How many millions I earned since I re-joined LOCSA in August last year I still can't say - they are countless - I made them mainly from sales of bearings, oil seals and few other small items to some clients with old Ladas, the youngest car is 10 years old. Actually if I remember correctly I never indicated any price or willingness for sale on the website except for the aircons (after request) and for 4 Ladas for sale. The aircons are still here, the cars are sold to non forum members or forum visitors. The majority of my sales are also to non forum members. From the other hand I believe the advices I wrote here saved some money to the members and made their life easier. These remarks are not so many because I'm not very often on the forum, mainly I work with e-mails. Probably is possible by the program to extract them in separate threat, of course if anybody does care.
For the peace of mind for some forum members as Danie and to avoid any further confusion and presumptions that I cash my advices I'll stop any comments about the Lada on the forum. My average writing here is 2-3 times per month but obviously it's too much and definitely for financial gain. But ready Ladas for sale and accessories for sale I'll advertise again. Just I'm wondering why Jan Pretorius or Chris Swale are not on the web despite their computers are all day on line. They are missing huge financial gain.
@ I'm trying to fool our members - that's also true.
I have tremendous success in this matter. As a foreigner with English far from perfect and even sometimes not understandable I'm very proud I transmuted more than 200 people into zombies. Thank you very much Danie for this superb compliment. If you think the forum members are fools I don't think so. I have a contrary opinion - they are great just for the fact they have decided to drive Niva. I met personally few of them and they have wide technical skills and they do not look as persons to be trifled with.
@ It is more difficult to import their own spares than to buy locally - that's also true.
Buying a product from the shop next door is easier than to buy it couple of streets away, or to order it from the other side of the world. Not necessary to explain more - that is all about your blatant lie Danie. I even didn't know what it means "blatant" and had to look in the dictionary. Found what I expected, typically for you. Of course if the purchaser is looking for specific shape, colour, quality and price of the item he/she will walk these couple of streets away to check the stock over there. It is a personal choice, where is the lie here?
@ Moe expensive then Chris Swale - that's also true.
Sometimes not, sometimes yes, but more often yes. It depends. How Chris import and sell his parts is not my business and it is none of you business Danie as well - please remember it. You love to meddle with other people affairs and this is abominable behavior. My spares I import from central and western Europe in small quantities. Retail for cash - for Euros, from the shelve of the shop on the street in Paris, Sofia, Milan, etc... Not from warehouse in Ukraine. They already been transported from the factory and priced and taxed by the European rates. The average VAT there is 20%, I can't claim it back. No any dealer's discount for 2-3 units max, Marius explains something about 50% discount, I never ever seen 50% discount in my life, not only in motor business but anywhere. In Europe discounts are for very big quantities and vary 10-12-15%. The spares must be properly packed by EU standards. They must stay at airport warehouse 24 hours for security reasons. An affidavit must be signed the spares don't have so called "double purpose" - i.e. they are not for military needs (big restrictions there) and inspected. All that cost money. The spares travel to Africa and are taxed here once again and I can't claim the fees and duties back, I de-registered myself for VAT three years ago. I must go to the custom office to clear the consignment which is headache. I issue invoices and pay my taxes later here in SA. The private importer skips most of these troubles but I use my business name. The French or Italian middle man is more expensive than the Ukrainian middle man - that's logical. I'll never buy online from the former USSR. The scam about credit cards and overseas transactions is one of the highest in the world. On the other hand Ukraine is a kingdom of the pirate Lada spares - for all models. I want to see and touch it before to purchase it from there. Buying from Europe I am sure everything is genuine. I found also some match spares mainly from Fiat and Seat with much better quality but more expensive. Once I found better quality I'm not interesting more in the previous product - get the best possible quality - my motto - for customer's peace of mind and for my piece of mind as well. After all the spares come with heavier price. But this is my system and I'm not gonna change it and I'm not gonna throw my Italian, French, Spanish, British, even American spare parts in the rubbish bin for Danie's pleasure and later to concentrate on Ukrainian ones. Nobody is obliged to buy them, if the price is unacceptable - look elsewhere. I've got market for them. All my customers prefer better quality, the car is a vital tool for their business, for transporting children to school and back, for safe driving to work and vacations. It is not hobby car. Breakdowns are nightmare - ruined schedules, dangerous collisions, car and property damages, casualties, robberies on the road. In my long practice I haven't met somebody who desires some bullshit in his/her car or pirate spares, scrap yard spares, or parts from bicycles and vacuum cleaners.
@ You are blacklisted - that's also true.
Blacklisted by me long time ago, not since yesterday. As you realized I'm more expensive than Chris Swale long ago, I also realized long time ago you are a...... (self censured) with megalomania and obsession with publicity, acknowledgment and admiration. I stay away of such a people and I decided long ago there will be no any communications and deals with you. You want to be famous, you want to be on the top of the wave - nothing wrong, but do it in style - unfortunately the Lada forum is the only one you can have. Or you participate in some others? You want to be a leader - OK, but the chill pills recommended by Fanus don't help here. You want followers - you can find them only here. The strategy used by you is simple and works since the stone age to present days - find a cause, find a target, make a promise, create anger and hate, point the enemy - GO! At the beginning I was wondering why the suppliers (the people who keep the cars alive) are chosen as enemies, but - whom else? OK - be a leader, I don't mind but do it with something positive, you way is .....
The top of everything was when you suggested the suppliers are buying cheap aftermarket water pumps from Autozone and later resale them in higher price as originals. Few month ago you visited Autozone and demanded print out of all sales for the last ten years - where, to whom, how many. Just to nail the evil suppliers. Obviously you have connections there; if I ask them for such information they will kick me out. What kind of brain is able to create such a nonsense?? This insane operation failed; the majority of the new members don't know it. A new appeal came afterwards - "yes. it's not true, nobody of them used pirate pumps, but now they are aware and they will do it tomorrow; let's buy all available pumps countrywide and they will be overboard!!" How many pumps you bought Danie - 1,2,..5? You bought 0 - zero. Of course you are commander in chief, a general; the dirty job must be done by the crowd. Same story about Consumer Protection Act - your favorite weapon - you wave like a flag and threat the suppliers and mechanics in all sections on the forum from A to Z and urge the ordinary members to fight. But you know very well you personally do not have any chance to use the Act and to nail your enemies by the simple fact you do not have any deals with them. Again the others must do the dirty job; you will be observer and jury.
All that is clear case of HATE, despite your explanations... Right of admission reserved - this sign appears at the entrance of many businesses, I also as everyone have right of admission reserved.
@ Investments overseas - that's also true
This is nasty Danie, really nasty. What the hell is the common factor with LOCSA??? You want to provoke more hate among the forum members using such a dirty tricks to raise envy. To talk about someone finances in public is one of few taboos remaining. Such a bad taste! Same if I raise discussion about your sexual life tomorrow and I can do it, moreover somebody complained the forum is not hot enough. Yes I did some investments before but in present crisis days they don't mean anything secure. It is like a gamble, today is OK, tomorrow is KO. One day I'll move back to northern hemisphere and I'm thinking for this day - as Ronnie now > I'm sure he has also some investments, at least pension fund and account (sorry Ronnie to get you involved here). But once again - this is very personal, the decisions are entirely mine and the responsibility is also mine; there is nothing common with the Ladas and you Danie keep you long nose away of my private affairs. I forgot when and why I mentioned my plans but just the fact that you remember it well proves you keep close eye on me, definitely not for good.
@ Travels worldwide - that's also true.
Same as above - attempts to provoke nasty envy and silly jealousy on the forum for matter not linked with the essence of LOCSA at all. Yes I travel a lot and I will continue to do it. I enjoy it and this is my hobby. Somebody enjoys drinking, hunting, fishing, watching rugby, gambling, chasing women, somebody here enjoys splashing black paint on the web; I like to travel worldwide. Another my hobby is restoring old Nivas. Just for matter of curiosity I arrange all my expenses over there with funds over there. The foreign exchange in RSA is under strong restriction from the Reserve Bank. There is a prohibition SA resident to keep foreign currency in the bank. It is illegal to keep also cash at home - it must be exchanged for Rands. As a tourist the traveler has limited sum to exchange annually and not before 6 weeks to the start of the trip. A valid air ticket must be presented to the foreign exchange, also passport, visas, proof of address, bank statements, and the paperwork is huge. It's killing exchange rate, the margin is wide open and on top of that there is good commission for the change bureau. To discuss the policy of Reserve bank is pointless, I believe it has good reason to keep the hard currency at home. But inmost countries overseas the traveler does not need ID or any paper to exchange whatever he/she wants, the margin is only 2-3 cents, the commission is 0, the banks open deposits in whatever you have. I prefer to pick out the easier and cheaper way. But this is also very personal and I believe nobody is interested. So the forum members do not pay my vacations, whatever I earn here I spend here, relax. Moreover I'm back in LOCSA from 15 months but i regularly travel from 25 years
By the way, sometimes I'm also jealous. Now I'm jealous of Brad Pitt about Angelina Jolie but unfortunately I can't do anything and I know nobody can help me.....except only Jolie herself.
@ Don't call me Sir - I don't like it and i don't want to be something special like you - general or Lord or Lada Prophet. The rank of corporal is enough for me, nobody calls corporals Sir. And my recommendation to you is to stop your private war or vendetta as it was determined above with people you never seen in your life. What do you think you gonna win? No one is a winner. The last time somebody has to apologize and it wasn't me. Now your position is again unfavorable. A lot of your comments are provocative, even innocent discussions you turn in fury attacks - the current discussion was opened by Dimitris about his car, very enthusiastic chap with unique car. After that he was long time quiet wondering what's going on. What about the ruined image of the web for all other foreign and local visitors??
My recommendation to moderators is to sack any form of slander and hate on the forum. It is very easy to stay neutral but is that the best for the spirit of the community? From my side I'll reduce my participation drastically; I'm tired to stay away of unexpected bites and to protect again and again my sister the prostitute, actually I really don't have a sister, I have two brothers.
Wow, this letter took me a few hours, I didn't expect it so much but I do not regret. Unfortunately I have sleeplessness and plenty of time at night. I hope it will be my last letter in that matter.
V.
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Post by danie on Nov 2, 2011 5:57:00 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
Without being negative - I have only read the first few paragraphs of your post, then I decided not to read any further.
Point is - I also received PM's and an e.mail from members who expressed their appreciation about the fact that I am prepared to do something, and speak my mind about these unacceptable local Spare Part prices !
You can just read the "Good news from Autozone" thread to see more comments in this regard !
To my mind there is only one way to make Lada Nivas more popular in South Africa- and that way is to make sure that Lada spare part prices are more affordable locally.
So be assured - I will make sure that all prospective buyers, as well as current Lada owners are aware of cheaper ways to keep their Ladas going.
And without being negative, I do not care what you, or any other Supplier thinks about me, or have to say about me. Please feel free to pass as many comments possible about my character at this Forum - it does not bother me at all !
Regards
Danie
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Post by marius on Nov 2, 2011 8:12:31 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
I was wondering why you suddenly gone quite on the forum! Thanks for this lengthy, but very necessary post and I think you made you point very clear. I myself have criticized you and the other local dealers in the past from being very expensive with certain parts and I believe we have a right to complain. I have also made it clear that the dealers are free to charge whatever price they deem fit for any of their spares. However to make remarks about one’s personal life is completely unacceptable and I urge all members to refrain from making personal attacks on any one. I do not wish to ban any member or delete any posts from the forum, but we should realize as LOCSA members, that we have a responsibility towards LOCSA and our fellow members.
We have freedom of expression, but we should use it wisely and without vindictive intent. We have freedom of choice. We now have the luxury of being able to choose whom we want to support. The more suppliers we have, the better for all of us.
My advice to everyone: Don’t burn a bridge you just passed, you may well need it on the way back to planet Earth!
Marius
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Post by ronnie on Nov 2, 2011 8:52:22 GMT 2
Hi Ventz
I will not say much, but like other people I like to know the prices others charge, having said that we are all free to buy from whatever source we wish. I have only bought from you on one occasion (I don`t need many spares ) and I was given good prices, good service with a smile, so what else is there to ask for?. The price of your A/C units are a bargain, and if I did not have one I would have been first at your door. Yes I have investments abroad and am returning to the UK to take full advantage of them. After all, I have been paying between 5 and 7 pounds per week for each of us to the British National Insurance for many years, so it is now pay back time. I look forward to your posts as much as I look forward to posts from all the members of LOCSA. Without them the Forum would not exist. When I leave for the UK my parting wish will be for all at LOCSA to remain friends so the Forum will continue to flourish and prosper. I hope all the members will learn to respect each others point of view even if you do not agree with it.
Regards Ronnie
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Ladaniva
Full Niva Petrol Head
A Lada Niva for a new lease of life
Posts: 240
Registered: Apr 1, 2011 21:33:06 GMT 2
Karma: Exalt | Smite
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Post by Ladaniva on Nov 4, 2011 1:35:11 GMT 2
Hi Ventz, We appreciate very much that you defended yourself in such an open way. It just prove to me what I thought from the outset; you are a straight dealing man with a passion for the Niva. What more can any one in SA want (especially if you own a Niva 1600) ;D You may have noticed that I defended people like you on the forum (suppliers that charge a reasonable price for their spares and knowing exactly what the spares are supposed to do and do it well. The cherry on the top is that you can also help people with technical and complicated problems they may have with Nivas). That is Niva heaven - you drive and use your Niva every day knowing that there is hope after a breakdown (even woman - non technical people). That even allow guys like me that modify good vehicles (because it is a hobby and real off-road/exploring is a passion). Advice I want to give to you and Danie, if I may (only because I like and appreciate peace much more than unhappiness). You are both people that live your dream to the full and passionately, but just accept that two people may both be right in reality and at the same time. Our dear Creator decided to give us the brainpower to shape the same reality differently for each person. Just accept that and you will realise that the other guy is not necessarily a bad man; he is just not you (and he do not have to be - to you or others). We are privileged to have both your guys on the forum and I am now convinced that you two actually appreciate each other much more now (men are strange beings) . There is a lot of sun available for all of us; lets enjoy it - in our under our Nivas! Regards, Fanus
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