There has been over the years a growth of dedicated trade and non trade supply of used zed parts been sold in the main by ebay traders.

 

As is often the case the actual success of ebay has also seen the thinning out of trade there as more and more vie for the decreasing number of buyers for zed parts, the decreasing numbers has many reasons and in no small way due to the many zeds been broken, supplying the market with an almost glut of parts.

 

We have been in this market for over 10 years, as a business we did not use ebay as a portal for our parts sales, in part because we did not need to and partly because we have our own trader section here at the very heart of the zed community.

 

But,the past 12 months or so has seen a steady rise in parts sales here from what we shall call domestic parts suppliers, now in as far as someone breaking their own zed or for a mate that`s cool but if a club member is buying breakers for the reason of breaking that`s trading, simple no arguement it`s trading, again nothing wrong with that provided its declared and forum fees paid.

 

This is exactly what auction sites like Ebay excell at and providing the seller is honest and registers as a business all should be fine. What does happen though is many do not, but seem to be able to openly trade as a business with non business accounts?

 

I have asked this more than once of ebay why this is allowed to continue as its against their own rules, their reply is always the same, they cannot monitior the vast amount of accounts looking for trading stats... yes right they can monitor it enough to send sellers fee`s??

 

So back to the forum, whilst we are happy to not only pay our traders fees but to adhere to the forums rules on selling it has become increasing clear of late that some of the ebay traders and traders from other zed sites have surreptitiously began trading here.

 

Now you will understand why over the past year or so most of our own parts trading is mainly done off the forum. Prices are another contentious subject, I am surprised to see that often "domestic breakers" are selling parts at higher prices than ourselves, which is frankly just nuts, no warranties, no come back as they are not declared traders and as is often the case very slow deliveries and sometimes no shows.

 

In all I am disapointed, I spend a great deal of my "not at work time" here in the past this was a mixture of banter, answering tech questions and of course promoting parts sales, supplying a good quality service along with a good quality part is key to our business and should be the focus any seller has, but if that seller has another full time job then its to be expected the service may not always be exact, but this is where the actual value for money for members is lost, bad service can be just as bad as bad parts.

 

No offence to anyone who is suppling parts in this manner but business investment goes a lot further than buying a breaker off ebay, a tape gun some brown paper and an occasional walk to the post office, it takes time, dedication and hard cash to build, insure and pay tax on, which of course I am sure your all doing.......right?

 

Is there likely to be a committe review at any time on trading in the near future? I honestly think it needs a revue if the current situation does not change.

 

Jeff TT

Edited January 15, 201213 yr by JeffTT

Just as an idea (please forgive my naivety) But why is it that the Traders have to pay an extra fee? Why not just reduce the fee to a minimum, and then include everyone that sells anything on the forum, weather it be a breaker they've bought, or some leftover parts from an upgrade they made.

 

I've bought a lot of parts from here over the years, and if i'm completely honest, i have no idea who i'm buying from half the time, I just see the "for sale" signs and just have a look if there's anything I need.

 

I understand i'm in no position to say anything about paying subs, as I'm still only a registered user and have been for the best part of 2 years (But I will be subscribing on payday). But if it was just a case of putting £5 on top of the subs to allow you to get rid of an old bumper you've got taking up space in your garage, then I'm pretty sure people would be prepared to pay it.

 

I understand where Jeff and Lynda are coming from, it is wrong that they have to pay more to allow them to sell, when others can get away with it. And then having to pay income tax on it on top must be a right kicker. so why not just drop the fee altogether.

This thread has made me think quite a bit more about the whole issues highlighted here

 

I can see the justification (and reasoning) behind having a single paid up 'Trader' who specialises in a specific type of item (ie. chrome bits, fibreglass bits etc) but I'll be honest, I'm struggling to see how a single 'Trader' can claim the right to be the sole supplier of secondhand OEM parts

 

this isn't a dig at Zedworld at all, so don't take it as such, but the more I think about it the more I feel that it's pretty bloody daft

 

accepting the fact that subscribed members are well within their rights to sell secondhand parts on the forum, be it that the parts originate from their old cars/projects, breakers or otherwise

 

 

Zedworld is a garage (one of just a few) that specialises in the zed and is held in high regard within the zed community

 

 

the simple solution here, I feel, is to eleviate the issue of 'who's allowed to sell what' by simply doing away with the sole 'Trader' rights to selling secondhand OEM parts altogether

 

 

otherwise we're talking about monopolising the secondhand market, and forcing people to go to a sole supplier, which is morally wrong

 

at the end of the day, the vast majority of people I feel will continue to use Zedworld as their preferred supplier of used parts and will continue to entrust their zeds into their capable hands

oh and hat's off to jeff for helping out big time when the other trader from another site totally fooked up and ripped member's off, that really was a very kind gesture and i along with many more applaud and admire that

I very rarley come on here but after reading Jeffs post just thought that I would stick my nose in.

I am in total & full aggreement with everything he has said.

If it wasn't for people like him & his company many of you would not have learnt a lot of what you know now.

His customer service & knowledge of these cars is second to none.

If other traders took a leaf out of his book what a better place this would be.

Thankyou Jeff & family for looking after my other halfs car & the friendly & professional advice you have given.

Good post Jeff. It's good to know you felt you can air your concerns openly on the forum (please don't take that as a 'dig' guys, it's not intended to be). I think what you have said is all fair enough and well in your right to defend your livelyhood and seems to me it has been well received. I understand where you are coming from and you are clearly highly valued around here so it would be great to see 'subscribed member' back under your name.:)

I understand where Jeff is coming from and I cant avoid the fact that I'm the one that the finger is pointing towards.

 

I am a 300zx enthusiast through and through, I own two myself and love them, my dream car from when I was 8 years old and am proud to be able to own such a car.

 

I have had a couple of breakers but mostly been change of plans, the first one I bought was a jigsaw puzzle and I wanted a project to sink my teeth into, after working on it for 6 months I decided to cut my losses and buy a complete UK TT which I used and spent a lot of money on until it failed MOT on rust. Whilst working on this one I bought a car for the manual gearbox and to have a spare engine to work on for future use. Back to the rusty one, both sills were absolutely knackered so that was game over for that car. Desperate to get back into a Z I found a nice NA one that I used for quite a while before deciding to convert it into a TT using my old TT as a donor. Again I spent aaaaages getting everything swapped over but a local Z (my current black one) turned up at a price that literally couldnt be turned down. I bought that Z but unfortunately had the NA on the drive all in bits, but needed the TT lump to fit in the new Z (the reason I got it for a good price). Me and a colleague went halves on a NA Auto a month or so back, I needed the engine and interior for my white one, he needed the rear diff & brakes, so it was the obvious thing to do. This is obviously the car that had caused this thread to arise. All tracable on the forum, not necessarily a secret-breaker of zeds, more poor decision making amongst other issues.

 

I dont mean to tread on Jeff's toes... and for your information I have already requested to become a trader on the forum but there is no room for another parts seller. This isn't because I am a trader, but I appreciate that I sell quite a few parts on here and prepared to pay my way and offer a good service to the Z community.

 

So lets look at the facts, I have dealt with plenty of forum members on here and I know I provide a good service. Quick response, usually sent out same day/next day, prepared to send bits whatever their size (within reason), I bend over backwards to help people, never messed anyone around, never ignored any messages, and all parts tried and tested. One exception was I sold the first breaker's manual gearbox to a member on here (I'll leave him un-named) which he knew it was untested, the box was noisy in 2nd and 4th so I bought him a replacement box straight away. I sold my spare engine to another member not knowing its history only what I had been told (I was literally forced into selling it lol) I sold this for a very cheap price and the buyer was made aware of everything I knew, the engine turned out to be fine and is running a decent BHP figure in a current members car.

 

I am honest and transparent and I'm sure reading this you will make your own mind up, I recommend Zedworld at every opportunity and EVERYONE knows it is 'the place' for 300zx's in the UK, offering all their services and I know they keep a good stock of parts in for repairs etc, but I guess dont really advertise their parts (or at least as well as they could).

 

I am prepared to listen to any feedback to this, would be interested to hear comments either against me or in my defence... and sorry if I have offended anyone with my actions I'm not set out to annoy or upset.

 

And finally... it goes without saying really but selling left over bits helps to make ends meet, the money goes into general living costs and trying to pay off living debts, we cant get a mortgage and I'm 3rd year into retraining for a different job for a better future for myself and my family. I dont want to sell my cars but you'd lose a loyal member if I did. Dont think I'm typing this from my yacht off the coast of Tuscany, I'm poor, and thats all there is to it :lol:

I will just add,

I have a very busy forum, there is no charge for joining nor any charge for people who trade.

EVERYONE are more than welcome to voice opinions & ''have a dig'' (without foul language)

I do have sponsered members, they are soley to advertise their buisness. They pay a annual fee of £25.

Our forum is a happy & very well run forum with a close knit of members.

I always get the feeling of a cold & unwelcoming feeling on here!

So why not drop the traders charge, keep it the same for everyone.

IMHO £100 is just way to greedy.

I understand where Jeff is coming from and I cant avoid the fact that I'm the one that the finger is pointing towards.

 

I am a 300zx enthusiast through and through, I own two myself and love them, my dream car from when I was 8 years old and am proud to be able to own such a car.

 

I have had a couple of breakers but mostly been change of plans, the first one I bought was a jigsaw puzzle and I wanted a project to sink my teeth into, after working on it for 6 months I decided to cut my losses and buy a complete UK TT which I used and spent a lot of money on until it failed MOT on rust. Whilst working on this one I bought a car for the manual gearbox and to have a spare engine to work on for future use. Back to the rusty one, both sills were absolutely knackered so that was game over for that car. Desperate to get back into a Z I found a nice NA one that I used for quite a while before deciding to convert it into a TT using my old TT as a donor. Again I spent aaaaages getting everything swapped over but a local Z (my current black one) turned up at a price that literally couldnt be turned down. I bought that Z but unfortunately had the NA on the drive all in bits, but needed the TT lump to fit in the new Z (the reason I got it for a good price). Me and a colleague went halves on a NA Auto a month or so back, I needed the engine and interior for my white one, he needed the rear diff & brakes, so it was the obvious thing to do. This is obviously the car that had caused this thread to arise. All tracable on the forum, not necessarily a secret-breaker of zeds, more poor decision making amongst other issues.

 

I dont mean to tread on Jeff's toes... and for your information I have already requested to become a trader on the forum but there is no room for another parts seller. This isn't because I am a trader, but I appreciate that I sell quite a few parts on here and prepared to pay my way and offer a good service to the Z community.

 

So lets look at the facts, I have dealt with plenty of forum members on here and I know I provide a good service. Quick response, usually sent out same day/next day, prepared to send bits whatever their size (within reason), I bend over backwards to help people, never messed anyone around, never ignored any messages, and all parts tried and tested. One exception was I sold the first breaker's manual gearbox to a member on here (I'll leave him un-named) which he knew it was untested, the box was noisy in 2nd and 4th so I bought him a replacement box straight away. I sold my spare engine to another member not knowing its history only what I had been told (I was literally forced into selling it lol) I sold this for a very cheap price and the buyer was made aware of everything I knew, the engine turned out to be fine and is running a decent BHP figure in a current members car.

 

I am honest and transparent and I'm sure reading this you will make your own mind up, I recommend Zedworld at every opportunity and EVERYONE knows it is 'the place' for 300zx's in the UK, offering all their services and I know they keep a good stock of parts in for repairs etc, but I guess dont really advertise their parts (or at least as well as they could).

 

I am prepared to listen to any feedback to this, would be interested to hear comments either against me or in my defence... and sorry if I have offended anyone with my actions I'm not set out to annoy or upset.

 

And finally... it goes without saying really but selling left over bits helps to make ends meet, the money goes into general living costs and trying to pay off living debts, we cant get a mortgage and I'm 3rd year into retraining for a different job for a better future for myself and my family. I dont want to sell my cars but you'd lose a loyal member if I did. Dont think I'm typing this from my yacht off the coast of Tuscany, I'm poor, and thats all there is to it :lol:

 

 

 

 

^^^^^^ he sounds really dodgy to me :tongue_smilie:

 

 

no but seriously, Baz' explaination seems more than reasonable to me and he's clearly a very trustworthy guy (which is more than can be said for a select few on here, lets be honest)

 

 

Is there no room for flexibility with regards to number of 'Traders' in this regard?

Baz, i was as you are, and could be labled a secret breaker too really, but i totally understand how it happens that ends up with it being broke for spares.

Look at the Red zed i had. It went to zedworld after i spent the winter working on it to not be able to start it. Zedworld got it running, but even then it wasn't worth fixing as the "new" engine was knackered.

Vodkashots then bought it from me as he didn't want to see it broke.

Even he gave in in the end and broke it..

 

The zed, with its low value, is always going to to get to a point where its not worth fixing.

 

You, like I, just found out with a few the hard way!!

There are lots with genuine reasons for breaking their cars Baz. Take my yellow one for example, cost £3,300, £500 of fuel to go get it, and about 500-1k to try to fix it, plus tax etc. It cost me over £4k for the privilege of having to break it and now still be tripping over the doors in my laundry and wardrobes stuffed full of Z bits still :)

I understand where Jeff is coming from and I cant avoid the fact that I'm the one that the finger is pointing towards.

 

Not that he's told me, but i very much doubt any finger was being pointed at you Baz.

As you say, your a zed enthusiast and generally a secret breaker really isn't.

 

Having looked back at a few threads and post history in the for sale and wanted section, it really isn't that hard to see whats going on.

 

Just 1 point i'd like to make as someone who's known Jeff and family for many years, echoes a point Lynda made, some previous members breaking cars have really left a trail of destruction behind them with faulty parts, no parts at all and running off with money, Zedworld stepped up to the mark and sourced/supplied parts to all those who suffered and he done so for no reward of any kind.

Now after doing that great gesture for many members, it appears he is seeing someone else now being under hand in dealing with second hand parts.

In short the one area where he helped out massively, is again being abused in his eyes and so he's letting us know his "feelings" disheartend no doubt being one of them.

 

Only thing am pissed about is that Lynda comes on here to post and doesn't offer her infamous tea and toast specials to peeps, now thats just not good at all :surrender:

 

smithy

Edited January 16, 201213 yr by Smithy

Baz, I would never have thought of you as a trader.. honestly.

 

As a newbie I might see things differently, but no you would not have sprung into my mind at all...

Not that he's told me, but i very much doubt any finger was being pointed at you Baz.

As you say, your a zed enthusiast and generally a secret breaker really isn't.

 

Having looked back at a few threads and post history in the for sale and wanted section, it really isn't that hard to see whats going on.

 

Just 1 point i'd like to make as someone who's known Jeff and family for many years, echoes a point Lynda made, some previous members breaking cars have really left a trail of destruction behind them with faulty parts, no parts at all and running off with money, Zedworld stepped up to the mark and sourced/supplied parts to all those who suffered and he done so for no reward of any kind.

Now after doing that great gesture for many members, it appears he is seeing someone else now being under hand in dealing with second hand parts.

In short the one area where he helped out massively, is again being abused in his eyes and so he's letting us know his "feelings"

 

Only thing am pissed about is that Lynda comes on here to post and doesn't offer her infamous tea and toast specials to peeps, now thats just not good at all :surrender:

 

smithy

 

so why if there is such concern wasnt an moderator, comittee member contacted, he and you obviousely have someone in mind so why not just come out and say it

 

lynda has said she is a very straight person, so why all the cryptic post's

 

and also the forum has done very well out of jeff and his knowledge and generosity and im sure jeff has done very well out of the forum, im not sure if im reading it wrong but it's as if you's are all saying that jeff is giving it all and getting nothing in return?

1) it's not my place to say who i belive it is, like i said it's not rocket science.

Am sure Jeff will am only assuming to be on the same wave length.

 

2) I would expect he is getting something in return, not that i work for him so couldn't say 100% either way.

As i CLEARLY stated that imo it's in relation to just 1 aspect of things, which has some history with him, potentially again being abused and if i was in the same shoes, be pretty frustrated with!.

hth

smithy

This thread has made me think quite a bit more about the whole issues highlighted here

 

I can see the justification (and reasoning) behind having a single paid up 'Trader' who specialises in a specific type of item (ie. chrome bits, fibreglass bits etc) but I'll be honest, I'm struggling to see how a single 'Trader' can claim the right to be the sole supplier of secondhand OEM parts

 

this isn't a dig at Zedworld at all, so don't take it as such, but the more I think about it the more I feel that it's pretty bloody daft

 

accepting the fact that subscribed members are well within their rights to sell secondhand parts on the forum, be it that the parts originate from their old cars/projects, breakers or otherwise

 

 

Zedworld is a garage (one of just a few) that specialises in the zed and is held in high regard within the zed community

 

 

the simple solution here, I feel, is to alleviate the issue of 'who's allowed to sell what' by simply doing away with the sole 'Trader' rights to selling secondhand OEM parts altogether

 

 

otherwise we're talking about monopolising the secondhand market, and forcing people to go to a sole supplier, which is morally wrong

 

at the end of the day, the vast majority of people I feel will continue to use Zedworld as their preferred supplier of used parts and will continue to entrust their zeds into their capable hands

 

+1 to this.

 

I agree, i think second hand market should always be in favour of everyone. i understand jeff needs to run a business, people turn to jeff for not only second hand OEM parts but also brand new OEM parts as well as his garage services.

 

Jeff not selling on ebay i think you are really shooting your self in the foot there matey.

 

I still have a unanswered post regarding a relay, ok not a large part or item, might not even be that expensive, but i did inquire about it, but have had no reply. my only option then would be to find someone else willing to supply the part.

 

i think the second hand market can not be dominated by one person or business, if i had my way id buy OEM new all the time, but truth is with today's current climate with everything costing so much, people really are feeling the pinch, so i think there is a bit more to the lack of sales in the parts department than someone else trading on the forum.

 

(this post is in no way meant to offend anyone)

Isn't this something for the TLO to pick up (Sorry but im not sure who it is).

 

Just thought i would add my 2 cents...

I see where Jeff is coming from, from a business perspective. My understanding of the trader rules was always if one trader is trading in a specific area then another trader could not come on board to trade in the same thing. Now I might be being thick here but I always thought Jeff was primarily a Garage Services trader and not a parts trader -I know it shows as Zedworld Prrts so maybe im just being silly here, but thats what I know zedworld as. If they are a parts trader does that mean there is an opening for a garage trader or are they both?

 

I guess if someone is buying breakers specifically to sell the bits and be a breaker then they should be classed as a trader. For example South West Zeds. Im not sure if they were on here at the same time as other traders in the past thought.

 

I think an email should be sent to the TLO advising the case and him him/her pick it up with the individuals involved. Unless the person has there own say there may be an honest explanation behind the selling of bits similar to BAZ's case.

 

Regarding the website, I never go on to it to look for parts (as per the above I've never looked at Zedworld as a parts trader like I thought of Z1, Smithy's place, DTA Motorsports etc). If definately needs bringing to life a little. Some people may not have the time and know how to do this but could be a worth while investment, I know once bitten twice shy comes to mind but maybe go through a company rather than a forum member to ensure there's come back etc.

 

Would it be worth you's looking at the wanted section when your on to see what people are after as i'm sure you could supply most parts from all the breakers you've had in the past etc. Or maybe having a sticky in your Trade section letting everyone know what is there for sale and things.

 

I love what Jeff, Jamie and Lynda do for all of us. Definately trustworthy and a great help to everyone whenever they need it.

 

hope the above is okay and doesn't come across in a poor light as it isn't meant too. Cos I love you all lol

The forum doesnt allow garages to advertise garage services due the potential legal implications if the forum is seen to be recommending someone and the customer has issues etc, This is why Zedworld has been known as Zedworld parts I believe? (please correct me if I am wrong) If someone is buying breakers as a business (and I think everyone has looked at the forsale section and figured out who this refers too by now) I agree as a business the should pay traders fees!! with regards to the only one trader in each area e.g. parts or body styling or polishing or whatever, I believe its bad business to allow such monopolies. Heathy competition is a good thing for both traders and customers and this is what promotes business growth and having to think out of the box, and also promotes better pricing, service and product variety! We all know Zedworld is the most talked about Zed Specific service centre in the UK and they whole heartedly deserve that title as without them many of our cars would have been breakers by now!! However I do think Zedworld could benefit from a website revamp as tbh I dont even bother looking there now for parts its out dated and difficult to navigate, Ebay is another way of taking advantage of a new customer base not yet tapped, free listing days could be adventagous for saving on listing fee's!! As for the forums current policies on Traders, I personally think a bit of healthy competition should be allowed (Obviously with correctly paid up traders)

I don't know who he means lol

You can't really see now because loads of threads have gone, there is only 4 pages of sale threads now.

Isn't this something for the TLO to pick up (Sorry but im not sure who it is).

 

Just thought i would add my 2 cents...

I see where Jeff is coming from, from a business perspective. My understanding of the trader rules was always if one trader is trading in a specific area then another trader could not come on board to trade in the same thing. Now I might be being thick here but I always thought Jeff was primarily a Garage Services trader and not a parts trader -I know it shows as Zedworld Prrts so maybe im just being silly here, but thats what I know zedworld as. If they are a parts trader does that mean there is an opening for a garage trader or are they both?

 

I guess if someone is buying breakers specifically to sell the bits and be a breaker then they should be classed as a trader. For example South West Zeds. Im not sure if they were on here at the same time as other traders in the past thought.

 

I think an email should be sent to the TLO advising the case and him him/her pick it up with the individuals involved. Unless the person has there own say there may be an honest explanation behind the selling of bits similar to BAZ's case.

 

Regarding the website, I never go on to it to look for parts (as per the above I've never looked at Zedworld as a parts trader like I thought of Z1, Smithy's place, DTA Motorsports etc). If definately needs bringing to life a little. Some people may not have the time and know how to do this but could be a worth while investment, I know once bitten twice shy comes to mind but maybe go through a company rather than a forum member to ensure there's come back etc.

 

Would it be worth you's looking at the wanted section when your on to see what people are after as i'm sure you could supply most parts from all the breakers you've had in the past etc. Or maybe having a sticky in your Trade section letting everyone know what is there for sale and things.

 

I love what Jeff, Jamie and Lynda do for all of us. Definately trustworthy and a great help to everyone whenever they need it.

 

hope the above is okay and doesn't come across in a poor light as it isn't meant too. Cos I love you all lol

 

The forum doesnt allow garages to advertise garage services due the potential legal implications if the forum is seen to be recommending someone and the customer has issues etc, This is why Zedworld has been known as Zedworld parts I believe? (please correct me if I am wrong) If someone is buying breakers as a business (and I think everyone has looked at the forsale section and figured out who this refers too by now) I agree as a business the should pay traders fees!! with regards to the only one trader in each area e.g. parts or body styling or polishing or whatever, I believe its bad business to allow such monopolies. Heathy competition is a good thing for both traders and customers and this is what promotes business growth and having to think out of the box, and also promotes better pricing, service and product variety! We all know Zedworld is the most talked about Zed Specific service centre in the UK and they whole heartedly deserve that title as without them many of our cars would have been breakers by now!! However I do think Zedworld could benefit from a website revamp as tbh I dont even bother looking there now for parts its out dated and difficult to navigate, Ebay is another way of taking advantage of a new customer base not yet tapped, free listing days could be advantageous for saving on listing fee's!! As for the forums current policies on Traders, I personally think a bit of healthy competition should be allowed (Obviously with correctly paid up traders)

 

groover is the TLO, but hes been away from the forum for personal reasons, the trading section was getting looked into as we are aware its out of date and needs to be addressed, but these things do no happen over night as we need to discuss any changes to see if they work out and are at least viable before implementation.

 

Groover is well aware of this thread, there was also a reply put up by groover about the trading situation and possible changes that were going to be put forward for committee discussion.

Again I'm not intending to cause offence and not meaning to comment on the way that Zedworld go about their business (ie. advertising and selling parts) but just throwing some ideas about here. I agree that maybe it's worth reconsidering the 'selling on ebay' option

 

Z32 parts (brakes/AFMs etc) have always been on the 'want' list of many drifting 'S' body owners and it makes sense to me that Zedworld could tap into that market as well, and even offer up Zedworld's services to that particular community

 

it's only a matter of time before the zed breaks into the drift market and is seen as a viable alternate to their regular skid chariots and with so many Zed TT's going so cheap these days it makes sense

 

198bhp 'S' body or 300bhp Z32 TT from the factory (hmnn, let me think?)

 

and it's already been highlighted on DW that the zed's chassis is comparable to that of the R33 GTS-t, so another possible avenue to explore in the future

Wimp lol :whistling::whistling::whistling:

 

ime retired:tongue::cool3:

ime retarded:tongue::cool3:

 

:lol::lol::lol:

:lol::lol::lol:

 

:lol::lol: