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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Please tell me what we (GPR) are doing wrong
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 04:01 PM
This is not a sales pitch. I'm sincerely asking for feedback on what we could do, or do better, in order to earn your business.
Even if it's not something I can fix, it would still be good to know. For instance, I realize a lot of people have a loyalty to certain vendor as a result of a long standing personal or business relationship.
I go out of my way not to spam this forum with commercial posts so I hope this isn't viewed as objectionable.
Brian
Posted by: bdstone914 Nov 25 2014, 04:18 PM
Brian,
I am not sure you are doing anything wrong. I suggest GPR to many 914 owners and they ask "Who is GPR ? I think many owners do not know you exist.
Bruce
Posted by: biosurfer1 Nov 25 2014, 04:18 PM
It may not be what you're doing wrong, just that other vendors aren't either. Pelican gets me the parts I need, at a competitive price, usually within 2-3 days. Hard to ask for me than that.
Posted by: trojanhorsepower Nov 25 2014, 04:27 PM
I think this is a great question.
I can only speak for myself, but I have not shopped here (even though I had a gift certificate) because I spend all my money on sheet metal. Of the stuff you carry I am not even sure what I need yet. Later in my build I will be in your market and will definitely consider you. Even though my gift cert. expired, you sponsor Octeenerfest, so that moves you to the top of the non specialized vendor list.
Posted by: rhodyguy Nov 25 2014, 04:29 PM
timely…called this am to order something (spreading the money around a bit), left a message w/my #, no return call. i'll wait a bit before i shop elsewhere.
Posted by: Java2570 Nov 25 2014, 04:29 PM
I'm not nuts about the online parts catalog on the website....but it doesn't stop me from shopping with GPR and I do recommend GPR to others also. Other than that minor quibble, I'm happy....carry on!
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 25 2014, 04:37 PM
One of the things that puts me off from the website is the flow of the catalog where i have to chose a year for my car first before i can look at parts.
While my car is a '70, it has parts from all years and other makes and models and it is hard to fiddle through the interface to find the right parts.
This is amplified by the fact that the site remembers my choice and then simply assumes that all i'm interested in is for that particular year and model.
Of course, it doesn't help either that i'm currently not in the market for any parts.
But as we all know, that can (and will) change ...
Posted by: rjames Nov 25 2014, 04:46 PM
I'd look to GPR more often if you removed the 'minimum order quantity' restrictions.
Posted by: stugray Nov 25 2014, 04:46 PM
Here is a simple answer:
I have not heard of you because when searching google for "914 parts" your site did not show up in the first 40 results
Maybe it is time to payoff Google.
Posted by: wndsnd Nov 25 2014, 04:50 PM
I agree that the website as it is is not particually user friendly.
I am doing a six conversion and am buying parts, maybe you could issue build discounts, and and give guys that are restoring cars, or doing builds discounts for the life of the project.
I have been using a lot more Amazon because of the freight policies. I know a lot of us buy parts on budgets and the freight is killing us.
Or, how about an East Coast Warehouse!
John
Posted by: era vulgaris Nov 25 2014, 05:04 PM
One of the things that puts me off from the website is the flow of the catalog where i have to chose a year for my car first before i can look at parts.
While my car is a '70, it has parts from all years and other makes and models and it is hard to fiddle through the interface to find the right parts.
This is amplified by the fact that the site remembers my choice and then simply assumes that all i'm interested in is for that particular year and model.
I have to agree with a couple other posters, that honestly I'd never heard of GPR. I've only been a 914 owner for a year, but when I got my first 914 a google search for '914 parts' turned up AA, Pelican, and a couple others. I opened this thread and thought, "Who is GPR?".
But I have to agree with Andy above. That shit is super annoying. I have the same issue with the Pelican website. My old 914 had parts from several 914 years, and parts from various 911 model years. When the website locks you into one model/one year it's a real pain in the ass to find what you're looking for.
Posted by: rhodyguy Nov 25 2014, 05:06 PM
As Andy stated. Also, I prefer NOT to order online...ANYWHERE! If I can avoid it.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 05:13 PM
One of the things that puts me off from the website is the flow of the catalog where i have to chose a year for my car first before i can look at parts.
While my car is a '70, it has parts from all years and other makes and models and it is hard to fiddle through the interface to find the right parts.
This is amplified by the fact that the site remembers my choice and then simply assumes that all i'm interested in is for that particular year and model.
I'm not particularly happy with the catalog myself. In case you are interested, here is the "readers digest" explanation of why it is the way it is. If you want to have a web site selling car parts, you have two basic options.
1) You code the whole thing yourself and supply all the part application data yourself. This option is $$$. Just getting the application data is more money than we spend on technology annually. Pelican is in this bucket.
2) You have a website that is tied to a major distributor. The application data (via the YMME lookup) is provided by the distributor's servers in real time, as is pricing. The literally thousands of hastily branded Worldpac sites are the most common example of this. It is also how our site works, just a little more sophisticated. We can do a lot more than the ubiquitous Worldpac shells but we are locked into the YYME lookup model.
Probably more than you wanted to know, but bottom line I don't know how to fix it within my financial means.
Of course, it doesn't help either that i'm currently not in the market for any parts.
But as we all know, that can (and will) change ...
You better knock on wood or something. Whenever I say something like that, my oil pressure light comes on 5 minutes later. Sort of of like telling your buddies how reliable your car/bike/computer/phone is - instant jinx.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 05:18 PM
I have been using a lot more Amazon because of the freight policies. I know a lot of us buy parts on budgets and the freight is killing us.
Or, how about an East Coast Warehouse!
John
Free freight if you order $70.
One of our distributors has a warehouse in PA and we drop ship a lot of East coast orders. UPS ground is one day to a lot of PA, NY, MA, etc.
One idea I was kicking around, would you pay a membership fee (ala Amazon Prime) for free ship on everything??
Posted by: wndsnd Nov 25 2014, 05:28 PM
Yes depending on the fee and if your prices were otherwise competitive.
I also thought you were out of CA.
John
Posted by: patssle Nov 25 2014, 05:29 PM
I'll put another mark for website user-friendliness. I've looked for parts before on your site and just got frustrated and went to Pelican instead.
I run a website for a multi-million dollar company. Up until last year it looked like a site from the '90s - terrible colors, tabled/blocky look, pure Web 1.0. But the information was up to date, it was relevant, and it was easily the most user-friendly website in our industry. We made tens of millions off of it.
Posted by: bandjoey Nov 25 2014, 05:38 PM
I purchased a few items from you when serious price shopping for big items.
Pelican has been my go to for everyday items. My toolbox is plastered with pelican magnets.
Sorta.. Out of sight out of mind for GPR?
Pelican and the Bird are easy to remember. Is it Grp? Gpn? I've had to search World a time or two to remember your name.
I just did a google search for GPR and quite looking after 5 pages too
Work on branding is a suggestion.
Posted by: Larmo63 Nov 25 2014, 05:42 PM
When I get to the point where Speedy is getting all the rust repair done, I will be looking you up.
Posted by: RobW Nov 25 2014, 05:48 PM
I buy parts at competitive prices first, people I like second.
I'm a buyer for parts for the ABM if you want to PM me for a list.
Thx
Posted by: Old Yella Nov 25 2014, 05:56 PM
Hi
Never heard of you either but I just checked out your site. I also agree with others. The page is usable but doesn't flow very well. I prefer headings and the parts listed down the page with a picture and associated parts so you don't forget other items that you might have forgotten but you need.
Example. Rocker cover gaskets---screen gaskets----oil filter---oil
Some additional comments, cheap is good, free shipping is good, members specials are good, hard to get is good, wish list is good, customer loyalty is good, price matching is good. Listing things you don't have in stock and back ordering which takes weeks or months is bad. Also having the exorbitant prices and then listing the savings is nonsense when you can buy the same parts from someone else competitively.
Example Transmission gear teeth , List $279.50, your price $112.46---you save 167.04.
I checked several sites and you were competitive but all that bollocks does you no favours.
The bird stuffed their web site up with the stupid pull down menu which you have to list the year and model of your car, too many annoying complications but I still shop there as they are fast and efficient.
I buy from AA because they have things that others seem not to have. PMB because, well they are nice people. 914 rubber because , well who else. SM have been exy and slow but also have a few hard to get pieces not listed elsewhere.
Also helps if you are attached to a web forum which serves certain makes of car,-- maybe you need to sponsor some sites so they allow legitimate advertising which is not considered spam.
I did see you have swepco gear oil so I might put in an order after a bit of cost comparison
Hope the comments are useful.
Cheers
Posted by: r_towle Nov 25 2014, 05:58 PM
When I use you, I call you and you are super helpful and knowledgable.
pelican lost that edge a few years ago and now it feels like any other part pusher with no knowledge of my car.
I will stick with you for my porsche parts, and anything else really.
Here, try this.
Mini Cooper, 2003
Super clutch kit from PP.....if you can beat it, send me a PM and its your deal....no rush shipping needed.
Please see the list of parts on PP...I need all of them sadly.
Rich
Posted by: rhodyguy Nov 25 2014, 06:04 PM
ahhhh…the beauty of ordering from a live body. ordered the item i need and had a nice chat with brian. i'll be cookin' with gas in no time. SUPPORT YOUR VENDORS!!!!
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 06:09 PM
I'd look to GPR more often if you removed the 'minimum order quantity' restrictions.
This was tough to read but not unexpected. It's a bug in the site that I reported months ago. It displays the quantity per car as required when it not really required.
I know you should not have to do this but you can add the "required qty" to your cart then adjust it down to whatever you need at checkout.
Posted by: r_towle Nov 25 2014, 06:10 PM
Sounds like you need to get the word out and do marketing.
Posted by: Krieger Nov 25 2014, 06:13 PM
I used GPR a ton years ago on my 75. Dave was the man! I finished the car and stopped ordering parts. I knew Dave passed away and never kept up with what was going on with GPR
Posted by: earossi Nov 25 2014, 06:31 PM
Brian,
You have to be commended for sticking your neck out in asking for feedback on your company. Good move.
I just did purchase a set of /6 Bursch headers from you. The purchase was easy to do and your pricing offered about a 10% discount over the normal pricing for this part. The parts arrived promptly and were as represented. So, I can truthfully say that I am a satisfied customer.
Having said that, I gave a little thought to your request for feedback. And, I read all of the comments offered in this thread. I think that all the comments offered can be rolled up into two areas: Publicity/advertising and customer service. Of the two areas, I think that the one that is your biggest barrier is the first: publicity/advertising.
Quite frankly, before buying my headers, I did not know who or what you were. I had seen your logo on various posts......but, there was no chatter on the forums about your company. Aggressive advertising might provide the publicity for folks to know who you are.
A vendor who exemplifies positive customer satisfaction is Pelican. I've been a customer of Pelican for over 20 years. When I call them, I get a live body,without delay, who is not only personable, but who usually owns a Porsche and can "talk" about our cars. Secondly, their website is super slick. Very easy to move around on......holds a tremendous amount of product information......has its own forums......etc. And, their email communications always tell me where my parts are and when I'll get them. In short.......they bond with the customer at all levels. At least once a month I get an email prompting me to provide feedback as you have done with your posting today. Occasionally, I get an email offering me a small discount because I am a "loyal" long time customer. I have never taken them up on one of those discount letters......but, it is the thought that counts.
In short, Pelican goes overboard. And, their prices are not discount. But, they are dependable, prompt, and never forget that the customer is "always right". On the several occasions when I returned items, there was never a delay in refunding my money. In summary, they leave the customer feeling that he is always being treated right.
There is no reason you can't be like Pelican. But, it takes constant and frequent communication.
Posted by: Elliot Cannon Nov 25 2014, 06:31 PM
As it happens, I am at this moment wearing my GPR "T" shirt. 
If I need something, I'll check GPR first just cause I live near by, would rather spend locally and I know Jonathan. Calling and talking to a person who knows something about the car is nice. The GPR website has always been a little hard to follow.
Posted by: tornik550 Nov 25 2014, 06:49 PM
I have been buying a fairly massive amount of parts for my 914 for a while now. I have not used GPR often mainly because the website was a pain. I have always heard great things about GPR but if I can't find it, I'm not gonna buy it. I often shop on eBay. I realize that there is a lot of crap there but the reason I do is because it is easy to browse for things I just have to have. I have been buying more from PP because it is easy to browse through their selection. I would much rather buy from GPR because of their close connection with 914world.
Also- I really respect you for starting this thread and reaching out for feedback.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 06:54 PM
I used GPR a ton years ago on my 75. Dave was the man! I finished the car and stopped ordering parts. I new Dave passed away and never kept up with what was going on with GPR
This made me smile despite the fact we have (hopefully temporarily) lost you.
Dave was "the man". Even though I never met him face to face, despite numerous invites, I considered him a good friend. One of the Troutmans gave me his name when we met at the Pomona Fairgrounds swap meet when I lived in CA. Don't remember the year but it certainly pre-dated "e-commerce" by a decade or more. Anyway when I needed parts, I always called from the office around 6:30 Dallas time when thing were more "relaxed" at GPR and put in Dave's "secret" extension. It was usually 5 minutes of part numbers and then 20 minutes of BSing about cars, work, exes, etc. Very good times.
Brian
P.S. I have on my desk a battered, dog-eared distributor catalog (you know those paper things we had before the internet) with Dave's notes all over it.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 06:58 PM
Sounds like you need to get the word out and do marketing.
Not disagreeing but this, along with others' comments, suggests that my banner here isn't too effective. Is my banner creative just crap, or have people learned to ignore them??
I will be bumping getting a Google Adwords campaign going to the top of my "to-do" list.
Thanks for the feedback.
Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 25 2014, 07:09 PM
Hard to use website. To be fair though, I hardly need parts at this point so...
Posted by: earossi Nov 25 2014, 07:14 PM
Sounds like you need to get the word out and do marketing.
Not disagreeing but this, along with others' comments, suggests that my banner here isn't too effective. Is my banner creative just crap, or have people learned to ignore them??
I will be bumping getting a Google Adwords campaign going to the top of my "to-do" list.
Thanks for the feedback.
Brian,
I think that you are missing the point. Advertising requires way more than just a banner. There is nothing wrong with the banner......but, what you need to do is begin advertising. Put a group of parts on sale.....tout the sale. Send out fliers. In short.....over communicate to the buyer what you have to offer.
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 25 2014, 07:21 PM
Actually, you have more than two options.
There are plenty of other (free) eCommerce frameworks out there that you can use to built your parts store.
The downside of them is that they won't hook into WorldPac (unless WorldPac has a generic API you can use) and you'll have to fill in the products and prices yourself initially and then maintain that database.
However, the upside to that is that you can customize those system to look and feel and flow exactly as you want them to.
Posted by: SirAndy Nov 25 2014, 07:24 PM
The banners here are less intrusive then on some of the other sites, including Pelican. IMHO that's a good thing but they are easy to miss.
Maybe we should have a vendors showcase page that is more static but allows each vendor to add a bit more info about them.
Also, i really liked the old black GPR T-Shirts and people would always come up and ask about GPR when i was wearing it.
Posted by: ConeDodger Nov 25 2014, 07:57 PM
You could be more proactive. Bruce Stone trolls the Classifieds and when someone says I Need - He says I've got. By changing the behavior of some, you create a wave of change. They recommend you and so on...
You're trying to change a culture. We have all kind of grown up 914 wise with the Bird. Other than Dave Darling, they aren't really proactive here. They rest on their laurels.
Be present. Be more vocal. Mark Whitesell doesn't just sell great product, he promotes it. If someone says I need - he says I've got... GPR needs to develop a 'personality' by being a part of the community.
Posted by: r_towle Nov 25 2014, 07:58 PM
Sounds like you need to get the word out and do marketing.
Not disagreeing but this, along with others' comments, suggests that my banner here isn't too effective. Is my banner creative just crap, or have people learned to ignore them??
I will be bumping getting a Google Adwords campaign going to the top of my "to-do" list.
Thanks for the feedback.
I would suggest you do a few things, in no particular order.
1) participate in more threads and make yourself more widely known to new owners
2) Google adwords for sure
3) consider a paper catalog. While the Internet did impact marketing efforts, the power of the catalog remains, and is back in full swing. It's a bedtime read, and bathroom companion, and a dream wish list.
I have five or six vendors that still send me paper catalogs and when I need something, I immediately go to their site.
It's not cheap, but it's super effective, track able (catalog rebates)
4) direct email marketing. It works, then most of us have learned to ignore it, thus the return of the catalog.
Posted by: Bleyseng Nov 25 2014, 08:05 PM
Yep, I used call Dave first as he always could get me parts fast and at a fair price. I hate the online catalog so when I do order from you its a pain but I do it even for my other cars...
So yeah, post more on the board so we get to know you better....
Posted by: McMark Nov 25 2014, 08:32 PM
Is my banner creative just crap, or have people learned to ignore them??
Banner ads have a 'visual life' of a month or so. After that it's just background noise to viewers. Changing the layout/style/colors of banner ads makes them new and visually catching. As a side benefit, changing the banner ad frequently means you can try something daring or different, and if it works you can keep doing more like that, if it doesn't you can try something else.
But I'm an online-only shopper. Most of my parts orders happen after business hours. I realize the technical difficulties of the WorldPac tie-in and most shopping cart systems available. But I regularly go to Pelican just to look up part numbers because it's fast and easy. I realize it's a huge undertaking and a huge cost. But IMHO, in this day and age if you don't have an easy to use web site, you lose. The most innovative and successful sites find a way to do two things:
1. Make a complex system seem simple.
2. Present information clearly.
In regards to the second point, I went to your site just now, and I should be able to see where I want to click in a few seconds. I looked for more than a few seconds, saw ads for things I don't need and lots of buttons. Forget 'ads' for your parts on your own site. Just make the parts quick and easy to get to.
Posted by: roblav1 Nov 25 2014, 08:33 PM
If GPR = hwgunner, then I just purchased a pair of front torsion bars.
I didn't realize at the time that the two are the same. That should be fixed: Name Recognition is needed. It needs to be consistent too.
Agree with the comments about looking for parts and being stuck inputting a year/model. For my 993 conversion, I'm buying all sorts of odds and ends, some not made for Porsche. It is cumbersome trying to navigate the parts "network" to find what I need (including GPR, Pelican, and AA). Parts House AZ has the same problem. But they (and partsgeek) seem to be consistently cheaper than most sites for the common hard parts. The problem with those guys is that you have to know exactly what you are looking for. And this is where Pelican shines... with drawings and descriptions and pictures.
IMO, there is a niche market gap. More and more people are converting the 914's to 911/964/993 sixes. Patrick Motorsport does this fairly well with their specific 914 conversion page, but they are consistently expensive and seem to cater to that higher end. What is missing from the parts stores are all the necessary details of the different flat 6 conversion pieces depending on performance level and engine. For instance, a 964/993 conversion should have stiffer springs, they require different oil systems and adapters, require different flywheels, etc. If you list the likely pieces sorted through a few different desired performance levels, then list the parts for sale, you might get somewhere.
It might be helpful if you set up a network "tree" diagram for the parts searches. The first level might look something like this:
914 chassis early parts
914 chassis late parts
914-4 specific parts (just the parts applicable to only the 4 cylinder versions)
914-6 specific parts (just the parts applicable to only the 6 cylinder version)
911 based conversion parts
Sub-treed to:
- 2.0-2.4 recommended conversion parts
- 2.7S recommended conversion parts
- 3.0-3.2 recommended conversion parts
- 3.6 recommended conversion parts
All aftermarket parts can be located within each main heading (duplicated within the tree if necessary - like sway-away, etc) and sub-heading.
As a final thought, a one-stop shopping website could be made by providing the ability to order parts at the top level, but the parts would come from other vendors (not out of the norm anyway!). For instance, you want to order rubber? Order it through the top level site, but the part comes from either 914 Rubber or AA and you take a cut of the purchase.
It seems I rambled on a bit too much! But my experience in building my conversion would suggest that this sort of thing might work pretty well.
Posted by: McMark Nov 25 2014, 08:37 PM
Here's a graphic. You have WAY too much garbage. You're important to irrelevant ratio is skewed way in the wrong direction. The stuff in grey should be smaller, the stuff in white should be bigger.
Attached image(s)
Posted by: PanelBilly Nov 25 2014, 08:51 PM
Frankly I would mine if you replied to questions about replacement parts with a link to where it could be purchased on your site. If it's ok with Andy that is. I like answers and I like supporting the membership vendors.
Posted by: colingreene Nov 25 2014, 08:52 PM
i must be the only one whos not a pelican fan.
If you have a 914 throttle cable, engine tin grommet for it and the air tubes from the exchangers to the car in stock consider me a customer.
Posted by: hot_shoe914 Nov 25 2014, 09:35 PM
I haven't bought many 914 parts as I am lucky in that I drive mine more than I work on them.(Not lately, haven't worked or driven). However of the few parts I have purchased, I have bought more from you than anyone else. I have never purchased from Pelican. When I have ordered, I have talked to Jonathan and he has always taken great care of me. Also, you guys have always been more than generous when support the events I have hosted or attended and I will always shop GPR first.
Shoe
p.s. Your crappy website doesn't bother me as I am too lazy to use it and just always call when I need parts.
Posted by: 76-914 Nov 25 2014, 10:17 PM
I'm like a good many others here. I bought a ton of stuff from you guys for both of my 914's and haven't needed weekly deliveries (although I do miss the box's ) for a while. I concur that your internet store is a PITA.
So I'm going to step out here and suggest something different. I hear you when you say that the internet set up cost are prohibitive. And your phone sales i.e person to person are stellar and always have been. Why not combine your strength and weakness. Easy to advertise on the internet "Old Time Phone Sales Only" Answered by Experienced Professionals. Just as everyone has computers these days everyone also has a cell phone. So no long distance. Lots of people want to talk to experienced personnel but Big companies can't afford to hire them. You already have that in place. Accentuate what you do and advertise it. Your strength is the service you guys give, not the products you offer.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 10:24 PM
Actually, you have more than two options.
There are plenty of other (free) eCommerce frameworks out there that you can use to built your parts store.
The downside of them is that they won't hook into WorldPac (unless WorldPac has a generic API you can use) and you'll have to fill in the products and prices yourself initially and then maintain that database.
However, the upside to that is that you can customize those system to look and feel and flow exactly as you want them to.
I was grossly oversimplifying. You are absolutely correct that one could use one of the many turn-key platforms (as opposed to actually coding the site from scratch).
Unfortunately, that doesn't solve the core problem. All the big distributors are super paranoid about their application data. At least with my primary suppliers, there is no API. You have to use one of their approved vendors and, even if you could circumvent this, the catalog and pricing data is an xml request/response that is YMME driven. So, to create the kind of static catalog that lays everything out for you without the YMME lookup would require purchasing a subscription to an application catalog (into five figures per year) or generating that data internally using PET or some other resource. Then there is maintaining pricing on 10,000+ sku's that can change daily. Unfortunately, I just don't have the resources to do all that.
I have considered a staged transition to that sort of catalog (e.g. start with just 914).
I do appreciate your input - I'm sure you've forgotten more about e-com than I'll ever know.
Brian
P.S. We do buy from Worldpac but only as a last resort. They are more oriented toward repair shops and their pricing structure does not lend itself to serious resellers, IMHO.
Posted by: mepstein Nov 25 2014, 10:38 PM
My first choice is to buy from the people who are part of the 914 community. Their exposure is not based just in advertising. They are not just a parts catalog. They help, they advise, they criticize, they innovate, they inspire, they volunteer. They have solutions for my wants, problems and needs. They are passionate and help me feed my passion. Tall order but it's true. That's who I buy from.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 10:39 PM
Here's a graphic. You have WAY too much garbage. You're important to irrelevant ratio is skewed way in the wrong direction. The stuff in grey should be smaller, the stuff in white should be bigger.
Thanks for the specific input. You would really love some of the templates the vendor offers (entire screen irrelevant).
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 25 2014, 10:47 PM
Thanks so much to everyone who has replied, even if I didn't respond specifically to your post. I really appreciate all the input. I was very nervous about posting this. I half expected to get "because you suck" as response.
Posted by: Cuda911 Nov 25 2014, 10:57 PM
You could be more proactive. Bruce Stone trolls the Classifieds and when someone says I Need - He says I've got. By changing the behavior of some, you create a wave of change. They recommend you and so on...
You're trying to change a culture. We have all kind of grown up 914 wise with the Bird. Other than Dave Darling, they aren't really proactive here. They rest on their laurels.
Be present. Be more vocal. Mark Whitesell doesn't just sell great product, he promotes it. If someone says I need - he says I've got... GPR needs to develop a 'personality' by being a part of the community.
Great answer!! Actually, although I had seen some members here mention GPR in some posts, I had no idea who they meant. Those generic three-letter company names are not very rememberable (is that a real word?).
I've bought stuff from 914Rubber because everyone here knows Mark and everyone has great things to say about him. As stated above, he's a "part of the community," not just a vendor.
That being said, I just checked out your web site and you seem to carry a lot of parts. I spot-checked prices for a few parts I recently purchased from other vendors. Some were higher and some were lower.
Is there a mailing list I can get on? I'd probably buy parts from you. I just added your web site to my browser list.
Oh, regarding your comment about the banner ads... never even noticed them!!
Guess I've learned to block banner ads from my field of view.
Posted by: r_towle Nov 25 2014, 10:59 PM
Thanks so much to everyone who has replied, even if I didn't respond specifically to your post. I really appreciate all the input. I was very nervous about posting this. I half expected to get "because you suck" as response.
We can do that to if you like abuse, but it is far more functional in the sandbox.
Posted by: KELTY360 Nov 25 2014, 11:00 PM
I haven't bought many 914 parts as I am lucky in that I drive mine more than I work on them.(Not lately, haven't worked or driven). However of the few parts I have purchased, I have bought more from you than anyone else. I have never purchased from Pelican. When I have ordered, I have talked to Jonathan and he has always taken great care of me. Also, you guys have always been more than generous when support the events I have hosted or attended and I will always shop GPR first.
Shoe
p.s. Your crappy website doesn't bother me as I am too lazy to use it and just always call when I need parts.
Posted by: mapguy Nov 25 2014, 11:36 PM
I joined 914world almost a year ago and have ordered tons of parts for the 2.0 I picked up in Feb. This is the first I've heard of your site, so... there's that.
I just browsed a bit, and I'm very glad to know you are there! I will likely be picking parts up from you in the future.
Posted by: funk Nov 26 2014, 12:32 AM
actually this is a question and a suggestion first I've been needing pistons and jugs and when I found your site you offer a set of 1976 914 p and cs for 250$ that are euro spec Mahles a great price but you don't say if they are forged or cast a particularly huge description mistake and I thought well a set for 250 must be cast but then I went to look at vw transporters (some parts are interchangeable)and found them with a set of mahle for 330 plus or minus except they do say forged and they say for a full set but they are dished pistons no interest for most Porsche engine builders so suggestion make certain description is complete and is this a full set or just one piston and one cylinder??I was uncertain when clicking on that parts section of exactly what I was clicking on. maybe update your products a bit to boot really most people who are rebuilding their motors from home at least are going with 96 mm pistons and cylinders just because you can still use stock fi ect... that that would be a trending issue.you have some great stock parts and good buys but not necessarily up to date on some of the latest mods although I do see the front sway bar set up some 914-4 headers would be nice to see at your prices hell if I was just saving 20 bucks. most of us guys are doing 914 because of course its the poor mans Porsche or so some people say and to save a few bucks hear and there on the solid updating mods is key at least imho,Jo P.S.I know my picture is abit jaded for you have to goto whole new sources ect.. ect.. 
Posted by: Chris914n6 Nov 26 2014, 02:25 AM
I don't think it's you, it's 914s in general. They don't get driven enough for the wear items to wear out. Plus, if my ac unit poll is a good sample, half of the drivers are water pumpers now with the local parts place likely having FI parts for the newer engines on shelf. So what's left? 914 specific hard parts like door handles or ignition switches or rubber or sheet metal.
Then there is the restoration angle if you could provide rebuilt NLA parts, aftermarket NLA parts like 914rubber does, OEM parts at discount.
Performance parts is a tough sell if you don't have a fan base to sell for you.
Package deals might be a bonus. Say the bronze pedal bushing kit with the 2 pads and a gas pedal shipped for $$.
And since you asked, the rockauto catalog works really well for me. Thou I found a hydraulic clutch setup searching for clutch master n slave on amazon and looking at the pics.
Posted by: Racer Chris Nov 26 2014, 07:58 AM
Or, how about an East Coast Warehouse!
Buy my business!
Seriously though, I've been thinking about how to query the 914 community with the same question you just asked.
Posted by: tornik550 Nov 26 2014, 08:03 AM
Or, how about an East Coast Warehouse!
Buy my business!
Seriously though, I've been thinking about how to query the 914 community with the same question you just asked.
This applies to both Chris and GPR-
I try to buy things late at night when I am playing on my iphone however I cannot get the Tangerine or GPR websites to work properly on the iphone. I would much rather but from either of you because of your support of 914world however I usually simply go for the easiest and quickest purchase (not necessarily the cheapest). For example- last night I made a purchase from Chris' website. I had been trying for a few days however I was never in front of a computer when I had the urge to buy. I had to make a specific trip to the computer to make the purchase.
Posted by: fixer34 Nov 26 2014, 08:22 AM
actually this is a question and a suggestion first I've been needing pistons and jugs and when I found your site you offer a set of 1976 914 p and cs for 250$ that are euro spec Mahles a great price but you don't say if they are forged or cast a particularly huge description mistake and I thought well a set for 250 must be cast but then I went to look at vw transporters (some parts are interchangeable)and found them with a set of mahle for 330 plus or minus except they do say forged and they say for a full set but they are dished pistons no interest for most Porsche engine builders so suggestion make certain description is complete and is this a full set or just one piston and one cylinder??I was uncertain when clicking on that parts section of exactly what I was clicking on. maybe update your products a bit to boot really most people who are rebuilding their motors from home at least are going with 96 mm pistons and cylinders just because you can still use stock fi ect... that that would be a trending issue.you have some great stock parts and good buys but not necessarily up to date on some of the latest mods although I do see the front sway bar set up some 914-4 headers would be nice to see at your prices hell if I was just saving 20 bucks. most of us guys are doing 914 because of course its the poor mans Porsche or so some people say and to save a few bucks hear and there on the solid updating mods is key at least imho,Jo P.S.I know my picture is abit jaded for you have to goto whole new sources ect.. ect..
Somewhere in here, I 'think' you have something to say, but the lack of punctuation and sentence structure makes it virtually incomprehensible.
Posted by: Steve Snyder Nov 26 2014, 09:11 AM
I have a nice gray GPR T-shirt that I got at Okteenerfest last year (good sponsorship there - I don't even see banner ads anymore), so was aware of your company and checked out the website a few times when looking for parts. I buy lots of stuff online and have four German cars, so it would follow that your site would be a good fit, but my experience with the site functionality is similar to what others have expressed.
For example, I need a set of 911 valve adjusters ("elephant feet") for my current Teener rebuild. I go to your site and navigate through "Porsche - 1969 - 911" and click on "V" in the parts section... and there is nothing about valves. There is also no word search for parts, only part number and VIN searches. It does not take too long to figure out that I need to be in the "E" section ("Engine valve adjustment screw"), but it is longer than I would spend looking on Pelican or other sites... and your price is 25% higher.
As others have said, the best way to overcome an inferior E-tail presence is by becoming an active member of the 914 community - innovating, answering forum questions, sponsoring Teener events, running 914World specials, etc. like Mark (914 Rubber), Chris (Tangerine) and Bruce regularly do. You may have great customer service, but I will never find that out if I don't have a good reason to call you in the first place.
This thread is a really good start.
Posted by: Mike Bellis Nov 26 2014, 09:26 AM
I have a mostly non stock 914, let's call it modified. In my case, inputting my car as a 1973 Porsche 914 on your site gets me to parts I cannot use. Not completely true but since I have parts from various vehicles grafted into a 914 chassis, only your suspension stuff will be relevant to me.
I have bought from GPR, years ago and the parts shipped from Santa Maria (maybe). It does not bother me you are in Dallas but GPR is not my "go to" site for parts. Honestly, Summit Racing is my go to website since they ship from Reno, I get my parts in 2 days using UPS ground.
I do want to support the 914 community vendors and I will make an effort to look at GPR first. I do agree with the crowd that your site is not "fun" to navigate. Last time I ordered from GPR I called on the phone because I couldn't find what I needed.
Since there is a mass society trend toward anti-socializing and non personal contact, I think you need to invest in better website infrastructure to survive.
Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 26 2014, 09:26 AM
I would have to agree on the website construction. While mine is pretty ghetto and I know can use improvement. The navigation is an issue, I know I don't want to enter a bunch of info in to shop, before I'm ready to buy. That may be the biggest hurdle that I can see.
Posted by: bandjoey Nov 26 2014, 10:14 AM
Ok wow. Just found out you're in Dallas. Where? Do u have a warehouse with normal stocked parts we can pick up? All along I thought u were another California supplier. Moving up on my list 
U should look at Al Zims site. It covers the basic daily need stuff just enough to keep use up and a really good phone sales guy for everything else.
Posted by: biosurfer1 Nov 26 2014, 10:53 AM
The banners here are less intrusive then on some of the other sites, including Pelican. IMHO that's a good thing but they are easy to miss.
Andy, is there still a link to all the vendor banner ad's on the same page? You've posted it before but I can't find it.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 26 2014, 12:25 PM
Let me clear up the location thing. I'm in Dallas, Jonathan is in Santa Maria, CA. Our office/warehouse is currently in CA but moving to Dallas.
However, almost all the basic OEM stuff (brake rotors, ball joints, etc) is drop shipped from our distributors. We keep some things in inventory. These are typically from suppliers who don't drop ship (or are slow/unreliable), small items that people order alone (hood buffers, FI seals, etc), and things we actually make.
We have distributor warehouses on both coasts and in TX. A lot of people get there free UPS ground orders in one or two days.
Some companies will give you some BS about "our" massive inventory, but if you order a brake rotor from us (or Pelican, RockAuto or wherever) it is going to drop ship from a distributor. I just never saw any reason not to be upfront about it.
Posted by: Garold Shaffer Nov 26 2014, 02:26 PM
Advertising here and on the web is good, but what about in magazines? Being a member of PCA and SCCA I get a ton of different magazines. Most Porsche ones have Pelican, Aase Bros, Stoddard, 914LTD and a few more. Pelican has one page ads while the others are usually smaller. I know it cost $$ to do this, but you need to get the word out that you are a player in the biz.
I won't 
about the website. I have always had great service when I purchased from GPR.
Do you ebay???? There is always the crowed that just buys off ebay also.
Posted by: Steve Pratel Nov 26 2014, 02:26 PM
I've owned old Saab's & BMW for 20 years and buy 99% of my parts online, pelican, eeuro, bavauto, ecklers, sierra madre, autoatlanta, parts geek, autopartsking, etc etc. I always cross shop to find best price. Am also in the middle of a full restoration on a 76 912E, and have been part searching for ust about everything at one time or another, and often do my first search for parts by name NOT at a bookmarked site. NEVER heard of you. Happy to look though.
Posted by: Porschef Nov 27 2014, 08:57 AM
I've purchased a couple of small items in the past, via eBay I believe.
So, just for kicks, I went to your site to price out and determine availability of rotors for my 2002 Golf diesel.
I counted 15 options for the front, 9 for the rear. While I figured that they were listed by price, (eventually) that's not how I look for a part. I'm interested in brand (which you do) and OEM listing. I did not see that. It's my daily driver, I just want an option to purchase OEM. I'm not passionate about my Golf, I just want to replace my rotors.
Brembo is a name I recognize, sure. Why do you have two listed that would fit? Ahh, I see, one is solid, the other vented. Let me scroll back up to the solid rotor. Oops, no, thats a front, where was that solid rotor...here it is, no, wait, that's a different brand, ok, now I found it...
IMHO, I'd like them to be separated by front and rear. Then by brand, if it's OEM, then it's particular design (solid/vented) and then price. If I'm gonna buy from you, making the selection process more streamlined would help greatly. Not to mention, I went first to Brakes (not there) then to Rotors (not there) then found it by looking at the pictures 
...ahh, here they are, under Disc Brake Rotors...I didn't think there was another option 
Now off to the Birdie to find out who made the rotors for the car...they're original, and still work well. I'd like to get another set...
Happy Thanksgiving All
Posted by: mr2by4 Nov 27 2014, 09:43 AM
I needed a part that I knew Pelican had, looked on your site and could not find it, or you do not carry it (it is OEM Porsche so I bet you would dell it to me if I could find it). Stopped by Zims while running some errands and picked it up for $2.50 less than Pelican and had a pleasant FTF transaction with a flesh and blood person in a brick and mortar shop. I also had the part in my hand instantly.
I do not imagine that this is particularly useful feedback, but after reading this thread, I gave it a shot and wanted to tell you what happened. The part BTW is a horn plunger for a 71 914. Zims had more than one on hand...
I wish you well and will look again in the future.
Good luck!
Posted by: 02loftsmoor Nov 27 2014, 03:53 PM
This is not a sales pitch. I'm sincerely asking for feedback on what we could do, or do better, in order to earn your business.
Even if it's not something I can fix, it would still be good to know. For instance, I realize a lot of people have a loyalty to certain vendor as a result of a long standing personal or business relationship.
I go out of my way not to spam this forum with commercial posts so I hope this isn't viewed as objectionable.
Brian
WOW. I just never thought about it, just looked at your website, easy to use, I'll have to keep you in mind. I do try and buy from the genders from this site.
Happy thanks Giving 
Posted by: Harpo Nov 27 2014, 04:35 PM
I had purchased a few parts from you in the past with no complaints other than the web site that has been covered previously. Most of my recent purchases other than with Bruce stone have been with 914rubbber on group buys. Many of the parts I probably didn't need but because of the group buys I bought them anyways
I'm not suggesting his products are not great but I don't need them at that moment. Kind of get caught up in the moment while following all of the lemmings
Group buys?
Posted by: Madswede Nov 27 2014, 05:50 PM
Also, i really liked the old black GPR T-Shirts and people would always come up and ask about GPR when i was wearing it.
I'll back this up. They really are cool-looking shirts! I have a black GPR tee also, which I won as a door prize at one of the Rt66 Classics. Might I suggest making another run of those and sending some to the events as give-away door prizes? But I'm no businessman, so I wouldn't necessarily take my advice without that grain of salt.
I think you've got logo recognition down pat - it's a very catching logo, but it is a little hard to make out the letters GPR. The T-shirt solves that issue by being bigger and being warn by a human being who might know something about the company. I've found with the shirts, people have their eye drawn to it and so they ask me, at which point I point to the website on the shirt.
As a customer, I plan to shop with you for maintenance items and some other tidbits (maybe an O2 sensor for a 3.2 but I'm not the builder and would need to check what is compatible with my PLX wideband sensor and the Megasquirt system). As might be guessed by my saying all that, I also have the issue of a 1973 chassis with an 1987 3.2L engine (mostly) and 2013 engine management.
In any event, I'm looking over oil selections now, in fact. 
- Jon
Posted by: Mike Bellis Nov 27 2014, 07:49 PM
I forgot to mention...
If you are relying on 914 owners to sustain your business...
That's what your doing wrong. We're a bunch of CSOB's.
Posted by: r_towle Nov 27 2014, 08:00 PM
Let me clear up the location thing. I'm in Dallas, Jonathan is in Santa Maria, CA. Our office/warehouse is currently in CA but moving to Dallas.
However, almost all the basic OEM stuff (brake rotors, ball joints, etc) is drop shipped from our distributors. We keep some things in inventory. These are typically from suppliers who don't drop ship (or are slow/unreliable), small items that people order alone (hood buffers, FI seals, etc), and things we actually make.
We have distributor warehouses on both coasts and in TX. A lot of people get there free UPS ground orders in one or two days.
Some companies will give you some BS about "our" massive inventory, but if you order a brake rotor from us (or Pelican, RockAuto or wherever) it is going to drop ship from a distributor. I just never saw any reason not to be upfront about it.
So,
You asked.
If your business is mainly selling other manufacturers products that you do not keep in inventory and you drop ship from distributors, then your core business is sales and marketing, service and support.
The asset value of your business, aside from a discounted inventory you may have, is your customer list.
You must see that you are a sales and marketing firm first and foremost.
Your methods will either work or will not.
Your business will succeed based upon how well you do your marketing.
Fix your site based upon what you have heard.
Figure it out, take a class, learn to build a site, or pay someone to build it.
Then you have another asset....
If you continue to make excuses about your own efforts in marketing your firm, usability of your site, and not being able to expand your main asset of yr customer base, then you may be controlling your destiny, but not in a great way.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 27 2014, 09:43 PM
I forgot to mention...
If you are relying on 914 owners to sustain your business...
That's what your doing wrong. We're a bunch of CSOB's.
LOL. As a 25+ year 914 owner, I hope I can say without offending anyone that I am acutely aware that 914 owners are, to put it kindly, among the most cost conscious of any group out there. I posted this here because this community tends to be willing to give honest feedback.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Nov 27 2014, 09:47 PM
Also, i really liked the old black GPR T-Shirts and people would always come up and ask about GPR when i was wearing it.
I'll back this up. They really are cool-looking shirts! I have a black GPR tee also, which I won as a door prize at one of the Rt66 Classics. Might I suggest making another run of those and sending some to the events as give-away door prizes? But I'm no businessman, so I wouldn't necessarily take my advice without that grain of salt.
I think you've got logo recognition down pat - it's a very catching logo, but it is a little hard to make out the letters GPR. The T-shirt solves that issue by being bigger and being warn by a human being who might know something about the company. I've found with the shirts, people have their eye drawn to it and so they ask me, at which point I point to the website on the shirt.
As a customer, I plan to shop with you for maintenance items and some other tidbits (maybe an O2 sensor for a 3.2 but I'm not the builder and would need to check what is compatible with my PLX wideband sensor and the Megasquirt system). As might be guessed by my saying all that, I also have the issue of a 1973 chassis with an 1987 3.2L engine (mostly) and 2013 engine management.
In any event, I'm looking over oil selections now, in fact. - Jon
Thanks for the input.
I am going to do some more shirts soon.
Posted by: Mikey914 Nov 27 2014, 10:22 PM
I would agree, 914 owners, myself included are let's say, cost conscious. If I didn't have a day job, my business would not exist.
Posted by: funk Nov 27 2014, 10:25 PM
actually this is a question and a suggestion first I've been needing pistons and jugs and when I found your site you offer a set of 1976 914 p and cs for 250$ that are euro spec Mahles a great price but you don't say if they are forged or cast a particularly huge description mistake and I thought well a set for 250 must be cast but then I went to look at vw transporters (some parts are interchangeable)and found them with a set of mahle for 330 plus or minus except they do say forged and they say for a full set but they are dished pistons no interest for most Porsche engine builders so suggestion make certain description is complete and is this a full set or just one piston and one cylinder??I was uncertain when clicking on that parts section of exactly what I was clicking on. maybe update your products a bit to boot really most people who are rebuilding their motors from home at least are going with 96 mm pistons and cylinders just because you can still use stock fi ect... that that would be a trending issue.you have some great stock parts and good buys but not necessarily up to date on some of the latest mods although I do see the front sway bar set up some 914-4 headers would be nice to see at your prices hell if I was just saving 20 bucks. most of us guys are doing 914 because of course its the poor mans Porsche or so some people say and to save a few bucks hear and there on the solid updating mods is key at least imho,Jo P.S.I know my picture is abit jaded for you have to goto whole new sources ect.. ect..
Somewhere in here, I 'think' you have something to say, but the lack of punctuation and sentence structure makes it virtually incomprehensible.
really its more poetic prose than a statements in essay form thanks though
Posted by: shoguneagle Nov 28 2014, 06:26 AM
I think you have handled the question very nicely and have received great answers with logical reasoning. Evaluate and set you busness course by your "new" compass trying things along the way. Adjust and keep it moving until you have reached a point where you are receiving business performance according to your ideas, feedback, and evaluation.
Nothing should remain static so you should be adjusting with new ideas, changes, and other small details which you discover along the small business path. These paths are always changing and you must be on top of them to make the timely changes you see and continually needed to run your small business.
Dependability is a main idea which has been floated here. It was mentioned that Pelican no longer gives practical information and are riding on their laurels. Probably some merit to this view, but they have a large audience of customers.
Drop shipping seems to be very important to your business and this does establish merit to your ideas of an east coast warehouse and west cost warehouse. At some time if you have growth you will probably have do something along these lines.
It has been mentioned that 914 owners are cheap, some are not buying anymore since their cars appear to be done, etc. I am probably one of these types. EXCEPTION: major events come up where suddenly we are back in the market. In my case, I lost all my new car parts which I had purchased over the years but had not put on the car since painting was needed. All these parts went "south" while my recovered car moved "north". I am back in the market to replace these parts. Parts do wear out or maybe for some reason need replacing.
You should handle the car diversity each at the highest level to your client/customer needs. This mean each one has some level of importance and leads to profit return. Each has its own level of importance and is the hedge called "diversification". These must be evaluated each just as you are looking at the 914 people.
What I am I going to do? I like my 914 group members, suppliers, board, and whatever reason I have for these cars. I am a "sicko"!. I believe at this stage I will buy whatever I can from our suppliers. These people have proven themselves time and again. You should be this crowd. The business name certainly meets this criteria. What you are asking certainly a first step in achieving your business needs.
My allegiance is to the 914 members and suppliers. I will buy from you.
These are my thoughts and comments; hopefully, they will help you and do not mean anything negative. All positive thoughts.
Steve Hurt
Posted by: mepstein Nov 28 2014, 10:34 AM
What is your USP? Unique Selling Position. Why should we buy from you vs. anyone else? Until you get that figured out, and learn how to convey it to your target customer, you are just chasing your tail.
Posted by: Johny Blackstain Nov 28 2014, 10:45 AM
Outside of 914world, I'd never heard of GPR before. Really a shame, because my pm's with you were both extremely helpful & informative. King George you are not Brian, thank god.
Posted by: Joe Bob Nov 28 2014, 10:48 AM
Every place I go, they ask make, model and year. Like Ahndy....fuck dat.....this is what I want. Here's the part number.
I knew GPR when Dave was alive and well. Then with Jonathan.....my ride has been doing well the last six years. Kinda parked and a weekend driver now. Honda, Econo box gets me the long distances.
Posted by: PancakePorsche Dec 2 2014, 02:27 AM
I have nothing but the best service from GPR. Jonathan has jumped through hoops for me in the past, especially getting most of the parts together and to me for my six conversion. Thank you for that.
I know there is a lot of competition out there, but don't forget GPR. They are one of the originals
This is not a sales pitch. I'm sincerely asking for feedback on what we could do, or do better, in order to earn your business.
Even if it's not something I can fix, it would still be good to know. For instance, I realize a lot of people have a loyalty to certain vendor as a result of a long standing personal or business relationship.
I go out of my way not to spam this forum with commercial posts so I hope this isn't viewed as objectionable.
Brian
Posted by: emoze Dec 2 2014, 06:27 PM
good discussion
I knew GPR when Dave was alive and well. Then with Jonathan.....
X2 -
b'ot lots from Dave - pre-dated Pelican i think
when GPR began enlisting "sales associates" to sell the GPR stuff on eBay but not under GPR name, it got goofy
b'ot once from hwgunner (maybe via eBay) - a set of Tarett monoballs
went almost exclusively to Pelican after that
- never from "new GPR"
as others above have said, kinda got out of 914s as a primary hobby, & just never tho't of GPR for anything else
these days, when i need old repro stuff or even many "common" parts - neither Pelican, PP nor y'all have it listed, whether for my carerra or my 914
- not fast moving profitable inventory nor worth time to catalog & picture
so i find it elsewhere via the 914world classifieds or the specialty guys as noted above
.
Posted by: colingreene Dec 2 2014, 06:58 PM
I ordered my parts sunday, got them today.
Fast service and you actually had parts pelican did not.
I got a email from them this morning that they still did not have my parts even though i ordered them 11/15
Thanks guys, ill be looking to you more often in the future for parts.
Posted by: abes914 Dec 6 2014, 02:04 AM
Hi. I would also suggest to have apparels listed on your website. i like wearing t-shirts and would love to get some GPR shirts with different design?
You should also have suggestions when a customer selects a part. For example, if I am viewing brake pads, maybe suggest for a replacement brake host or brake fluid?
I really try to buy from 914 vendor first, but sadly, I am having a hard time remembering yours.
I do promise to try very hard to check your site before ordering from pelican.
BTW, do you also have license frames? I would love to put GPRparts.com license frames rather than-----
Posted by: JStroud Dec 6 2014, 10:26 AM
I've seen the banner ads but to be honest I thought it said GR, didn't know who that was, just yesterday I really looked at it and realized its a GPR ad, people that have been around may know your logo, but to look at it not knowing who you are to me looks like GR. So I had heard of your company, not a lot though, but didn't relate the ad to you, been here three years.
So I would say, put your full name in your ads along with your logo, PUT your name out there on a regular bases, like posting specials every now and then. Up your presence on searches, google, bing etc. Post more in threads, and have your business link in your signature so people know who you are. Be helpful, get involved, the more people know you and like you the more they will want to use you. Bottom line is you need to be the first place people think of.....the only way to do that is to up your presence and provide great service.
People will talk about bad experiences for years, only really exceptional service gets as much attention and talk, do what others don't to be the best.
Now that I know who you are, I'll give you a try....it will be up to you if you keep my business.
I looked at your website, not any harder to use than most, while it could use some improvement I don't think it would make a difference in ordering from you, at least not for me. A good selection, fair pricing, and good service are more important.
Hope this helps,
Jeff
Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 6 2014, 11:08 AM
My $.02 echos the previous. I have met Jonathan and been to GPR. I like both very much and sported my GPR shirt everywhere until it wore out and always tell my students to go to GPR for all of their parts and seal kits. I have had many complain that the site was so frustrating that they just went to Pelican. Pelicans site is starting to be more of a PITA, too. Harder to find, if they even still have, the PET parts look up. I can not find the odd pieces that I know they will sell me. Pelican fails in that shipping is often exorbitant and I have often found things listed as in stock that took a month to arrive.
So many people reporting that the site sucks and is hard to navigate, and that you dont show up on searches. Losing money due to both, so you see where to address change.
PS: I just searched you in Google and you are the third on the list after the advertised ones. However, in the past I would get very similar sites that had nothing to do with you. Searching "914 parts" yields all the major folks we use, a few obscure ones, and then a bunch of unrelated garbage with no listing of your site.
Posted by: Dr Evil Dec 6 2014, 11:26 AM
Just went to GPR to order/search 99903800100. Not found. Pelican has them for $3.90. Not sure if this helps, this is a little obscure part.
Posted by: Vacca Rabite Dec 7 2014, 12:13 AM
Couple things that have turned me off to GPR in the past.
1) search feature does not always find what you are looking for. See Mikes example above.
2) (and this goes to Chris as well) the site is hard to use from my phone. I buy a lot of stuff from my phone.
3) I forget about you. When I was buying a lot of stuff, I bought from faces I knew from the forum. Dave darling worked for Pelican. Jake had T4 store. Etc. They posted often and I trusted them. So I bought from them. Post more. Offer stuff to forum folks to get them in the door. Group buys, etc.
4) pelican puts a magnet of sticker in each order. I have them stuck all over the place. I see them all the time and it stuck in my mind.
Make basic essentials really easy to find. It should not be hard to find spark plugs. And yet, it is.
If you are not in the top 5 Google hits (or at least on the first page) you NEED to tidy that up.
Good luck!!
Zach
Posted by: euro911 Dec 7 2014, 04:37 AM
I've never been to the GPR site that I can think of 
I've dealt directly with Jonathan via phone, or via PMs here though.
I recently bought a powder-coated front cross member - but that may have just been something Jonathan had laying around (?) I've been buying a lot of refurbished hard parts from the classifieds here, but not many replacement consumables.
On another note, I've also been buying parts for my Vanagon recently ... and a nice thing that one vendor (Van Cafe) does, they put a free tasty chocolate-chip, or oatmeal-raisin cookie in with the shipment 
- just sayin' 
Posted by: The Cabinetmaker Dec 7 2014, 08:04 AM
I have only had one transaction with GPR. I bought what was advertised as ssi 2L heat exchangers. I knew from the pic that it was for a 1.7 but bought it anyway. When I received it, it was indeed for a 1.7. The mount flanges had been replaced with ss, but the holes were drilled for a 2.0. wtf? I had the holes welded and redrilled for the 1.7. I also discovered they were not ssi's. Just factory steel. Whoever was in charge of this sale obviously had no clue of what he was selling. I also ordered a 1.7 hanger to go with it. The hanger came in a priority mail envelope. The envelope was empty.
Will I use GPR again? Probably not.
Posted by: Brian_Boss Dec 8 2014, 07:03 PM
I have only had one transaction with GPR. I bought what was advertised as ssi 2L heat exchangers. I knew from the pic that it was for a 1.7 but bought it anyway. When I received it, it was indeed for a 1.7. The mount flanges had been replaced with ss, but the holes were drilled for a 2.0. wtf? I had the holes welded and redrilled for the 1.7. I also discovered they were not ssi's. Just factory steel. Whoever was in charge of this sale obviously had no clue of what he was selling. I also ordered a 1.7 hanger to go with it. The hanger came in a priority mail envelope. The envelope was empty.
Will I use GPR again? Probably not.
When did this happen? Unless this was over 2 years ago, this was not a GPR transaction. We are pretty much out of the used parts business. I checked our system and you have not purchased anything from GPR since I became involved. Both Jonathan and I sell our personal items from time to time so this may have been something of his. If it was more than two years ago, then that person is no longer around.
That being said, if you pm me more details, I will do what I can to resolve this to your satisfaction.
Brian
Posted by: Cfletch Dec 8 2014, 10:21 PM
This post earned my respect for you (GPR) as a vendor. I have seen your sales sales online on certain items and as I am in the middle of a conversion to a /6 I will eventually need these parts. I also like that you guys are fairly local to me as I am in Santa Barbara and its not too far from my house.
Posted by: John Jan 15 2015, 09:58 PM
My main gripe (if I really had one) is searching/ordering from your website.
When I go to make a big purchase, I will often PM you right on this board and ask you what your best price on item X is.
More often than not, I do order from you. Sometimes I do find a better deal, and buy someplace else, but I usually send you a PM first.
My latest thing was redoing my suspension. I did buy new torsion bars and a sway bar from you. Ironically, I bought the sway bar from you and I bought poly bronze trailing arm bushing/bearings from a company that I figured sold sway bars. (go figure)
Oops! My bad. I need to start sending YOU my parts requests. I have only been sending them to HWGUNNER (Jonathan), since he is who I have been used to sending parts requests to.
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