First, let me say that I have NO connection with Randy, financial or otherwise. I'm the owner of a '05 MCS of which I don't even have possession. I live two states away from his business.

I did a lot of research on the web checking out parts, vendors and prices. Also, in checking out forums and the intriguing concept of a "group buy". I noticed on MINI2 that there was a group buy arranged of Miltek mufflers, for UK residents only, at a substantial discount. I knew that Randy sold them (at a reasonable price) and called him to see if he'd be interested in giving us a group discount. He said that he would and would try to get the distributor and the manufacturer to give him a break in his cost which he'd pass on to us. Neither of them was willing to do so. He did not carry, in stock, 15 units.

I don't know his costs but he figured that it was worth his while to sell the mufflers at a $99.00 +/- discount, if he could sell 15 of them. There might be some saving in shipping that many at one time, I suppose. I don't know what he pays for these but let's assume $400.00 for the sake of an example and round numbers, if he pays more, then take into account he realizes less than shown in this illustration. So, he has to spend $6000.00 to buy them and he will make $1500 gross profit from the sale (i.e., not counting other costs of his operation known as overhead). He was willing to do this based on the commitment by the people on this forum who committed to buying them. Remember, I asked you all to have your name removed from this list if you weren't committed based on the initial $75 - 100 discount pricing information that he gave us. Nineteen (20?) people put their names on the list so Randy placed his order based on that commitment.

Now only 11 people have put their money where their mouths are. So, Randy has spent $1600 to purchase four units that are not going to sell right away and he will get $1100 from the sales. He will be out of pocket $500.00 (although he will have the 4 units that he can sell and make $800 somewhere down the road) instead of making the $1500 that he expected . If he thought he could sell the extra 4 units he would have ordered them by himself, without the incentive of our group. Even if he sells the 11 to us for a $75.00 discount, as he initially told us that he would for five or more, up to 15 units (when he assumed that he would have a commited number of people to order for) he will only make $275.00 more and will still be out of pocket $225.00.

So, yes, I'm ticked off, not for me, I'd probably have spent the time on the computer or reading (since I have no MINI to drive) but for a really nice guy who went out of his way to make a reduced profit and generate goodwill for his business in order to allow 15 people to save $99 +/-. Anyone who was really interested in buying a Miltek would probably have wound up buying one, eventually, and, probably, from him. All that the individuals in the group had to do was decide that they really wanted to buy a Miltek and save $100 +/-, let us know, and then FAX Randy their information. How hard is that?

It shows what a truly good guy he is to live up to his part of the bargain when he has no obligation to do so as we did not live up to our part.

For those of you who still intend to buy the mufflers from Randy, I'd ask you to contact any fellow MINI owners to see if you can convince them to join in the buy to make up the missing four units so Randy isn't out of pocket. Thanks

 

Randy and Lefty-

I had a guy ask me if there was still space last weekend, so I will see if he is still interested.

Thanks again for all the work. I am already making a list of additional things to get from Randy.

 

Thanks, Venti.

I just posted the group buy on Roadfly and MINI2 so, perhaps, there's a different membership base and we'll get some additional interest.

 

One of my Club members, Glenn, is going to FAX Randy his information for the exhaust system. Also, let me know if you need more info from Frodo. I can get ahold of him (I did not see him on the list of people who had already sent information.)


Run..AMOK!

 

FYI, Venti Due and I are stationed overseas hense the APO. There is no Kinkos or any other place to FAX. That is why I have send an email. I will call when I get a break from work (very busy). I am still in and I will call. I plan on spending a lot of $$ on other parts as well.

 

Hello. I will go for the group buy. How much more for a header? I have emailed Randy with my info except for CC info. I have been trying to call but all I get is his machine. As Frodo said it's hard to come by a fax machine around here. I will have mine shipped to a friends house in Phoenix. I could send my CC info cut up in two emails?

 

Ok...I'm on. I talked to Randy and all is squared away.

 

Great! Thanks!

 

How about at a BX/PX or at a base library?

From a prior post it appears that Randy will accomodate you APO people by taking the info by phone.

Thanks.

 

Randy, I found a friend with a fax and when we tried just now it wouldn't go through. I'm not sure what the problem was but I'll give it another try tomorrow during the day.

 

I think your best bet is to phone in. He is hard to get, I guess he runs around a lot, but just keep trying.

By the way if you want headers it will be an extra $899. He cannot afford to give dicounts on the headers.

The BX will fax stuff for you! Of course for a minimal fee.

 

Any updates? Am I too late, do you already have 15?

 

FAX Randy with your information. If there's still a spot, you'll get it. If not, he will keep you on the back up list if someone should cancel. Or, you can call him directly to find out if there is an opening. From this list it looks like there is one spot left but I posted to Roadfly and MINI2 and won't know their responses.

 

Just last week I installed a Miltek on my 05 MCS. I got it from Randy. It's worth every penny at full price and if you people don't take advantage of the group buy you're crazy. Perfect fit and sound is . Can tell a difference in power and torque.

 

Played phone tag with Randy for a few days...okay weeks Got my order in...look out Joe we will be taken a lift at the shop for a day...or two!

Thanks Lefty!

 

Finally got my fax through! Can't wait to hear it

 

Is the list full yet? I may be interested

 

FAX Randy w/your info as per the thread. If it's not full you're on, if is you're on a waiting list if anyone drops off.

 

Is there a date they will be sent?

 

I think the ETA for the boat was about 3 weeks. Then they'll have to ship out from there, so probably another week or two, if everything goes well.

 

If I understood everything correctly, they should all be making it to Webb Motorsports this week. You have to allow for a few days turnaround time (it is in everyone's interest to let Randy take his time and do what he needs to do). So I would also guess that we should see them no later than the end of the month.

 

I saw a charge on my account, but since it just took place it does not say where it was from yet. Does this mean the new exhausts are on the way???

 

My card is not charged yet !! So ... what is the order of the process supposed to go? Is it supposed to be 1>2>3>4>5 or 2>1>3>4>5 or 2>3>4>1>5 ?

1) We get charged on the card
2) Randy place the order
3) ship to Randy
4) Randy receive the shipment
5) Randy ship to us

Anyway, thanks Randy for all these works.

 

23415


He should have recieved the shipment this week. My card was charged on thrusday.

 

My card was charged on Friday, so I am guessing that means it is on the way!