IAP pricing vs. everyone else

[Joe Clemente]

Denise,

I know IAP has a minimum order policy and I asked for a clarification on the charge. The sales rep didn't tell me to make a $25 total minimum order.
He actually explained to me that $25 was what I would be charged specifically to ship that one part. This is why I bought $50 worth of other shiny new stuff I really did not require. Additionally, it was all sent UPS as opposed to surface mail which I originally asked about for just the seals. This underlines my contention. If as in my case all one needs is $8 or $9 worth of parts is it reasonable to have to pay so much more in order to receive them?

[So Cal Mark]

the minimum order is just another example of a vendor that only wants the gravy. Too much work to sell inexpensive parts and not make much money, so make the customer pay. This situation is only possible since there aren't many sources for Fiat/Alfa parts. It really smacks of arrogance on the part of the vendor.

I recently bought a part from Summitt Racing, and they offered free shipping. When I received the order, there was a $10 charge for handling, but FREE shipping.

[mdrburchette]

That doesn't make sense, Joe. I think I'd be a bit upset too, especially since IAP hasn't cornered the market. I deal with several vendors in my line of work where the minimum charge is up to $300. I can buy one piece of material for that amount or 10 pieces. I can't comprehend exactly why they feel a need to do this.
Mark, getting charged $10 for handling must have felt like a slap in the face. I thought the markup on parts was imposed to absorb handling, but what do I know. I still run my business to make my customers happy...probably the reason my wallet isn't fat.

[kristoj]

Denise,

I know IAP has a minimum order policy and I asked for a clarification on the charge. The sales rep didn't tell me to make a $25 total minimum order.
He actually explained to me that $25 was what I would be charged specifically to ship that one part. This is why I bought $50 worth of other shiny new stuff I really did not require. Additionally, it was all sent UPS as opposed to surface mail which I originally asked about for just the seals. This underlines my contention. If as in my case all one needs is $8 or $9 worth of parts is it reasonable to have to pay so much more in order to receive them?

Per the IAP web site:

What are your shipping rates?
In most cases, our shipping rates to the Lower 48 States in the U.S. are based on the dollar amount of your order*:

Order Amount Shipping Amount
$0.01 to $30.00 $6.75
$30.01 to $60.00 $9.95
$60.01 to $100.00 $13.95
$100.01 to $150.00 $16.95
$150.01 to $200.00 $19.95
$200.01 to $300.00 $21.95
$300.01 to $400.00 $24.95
$400.01 and up $27.95


* A few of our bulkier items have additional shipping charges. Any additional charges for these items will be listed along with the item in the shopping cart.

[Joe Clemente]

Thanks for the shipping info Kristo. But it didn't apply and I'm not making any of this up for the sake of sterling conversation either. I'm relating to you my own experience. It was exactly what I was told, in no uncertain terms when I asked how much to ship that one part.

And you're right Denise. It doesn't make any sense. The only possible thing I could figure is that I was being charged for their courrier to clear the part through Canada Customs at the border. But that wasn't explained to me either. I have had similar expenses in the past when having parts courriered across the line. My Tilton pedals cost $150 to buy and $74 to cross the border thanks to those ever so nice people in the big brown trucks. That is why now I maintain a P.O. box in Washington state, have my orders shipped there, take a 15 minute drive over the line and clear everything myself.

Anyway, as I said, I am not trying to bash IAP or any other vendor for that matter. In fact I have continued to purchase things from them. But this was a particularly bad experience that left me more than a little bit disgruntled.