Should be no mystery to anyone why firms such as Costco, Nordstrom, Summit Racing, Amazon(usually), Cross Pens, etc are successful and profitable. Unfortunately there are far more numerous firms that have yet to understand this basic fundamental of success,,,and likely never will,,,as they wonder why others are so "lucky" as they see their businesses grow and prosper and they themselves slowly wind themselves to the ashcan of history.
We've all had our share of bad experiences,,,,,and are likely to share them, just as we will our excellent ones.
Today I ordered some 250.00 worth of parts for my 70 E Body from a well known Mopar supplier. Likely total weight was less than 5 pounds. Was hit with a shipping charge of 25 bucks to ship 400 miles to my home,,,will take 1 week or longer to arrive,,,plus Calyfornua sales tax,,,,plus 2.50 for handling.
Last week had to return an oil pan(unused and unopened as decided to upgrade to Road Race pan instead) which with packaging weighed in at 14 pounds. Shipped to address some 300 miles away by UPS ground at a charge to me of 10.13 dollars. This oil pan when shipped to me was delivered within 24 hours after order at no shipping charge, no sales tax(granted that Calyfornua vendors are sucked dry by competition from out of state competition and this states usury tax system) and given 90 days to return if needed,,,,with no debate as to why being returned. I admit that this is quite excessive customer accommodation,,,,,but folks this is the new real world out there. And if you hope to succeed you got to understand your customers( we all are at times and live and buy using pretty much the same criteria; price, quality, reputation, service, value) and these rules.