Warning, ask ,search, call and go see if possible

[Keithc8]

Just wanted to post about some of the things that have come up in the market in the last few years. With the economy slow we have talked with more people that have had problems getting their products as well as the people that they dealt with being still in business when they call back with a question.
Make sure that the people you deal with have the finances to make it thrugh these times and stil be around in the future. You all know that several hve not made it through these last few years and several people have tried to save a few bucks dealing with fly by night businesses. I have several customers here and over seas that lost thousands dealing with people that have not been in business very long or are just plain liers. Do your research, talk with other owners and go see what the business looks like if you can.
Does the company have the capacity to replace your car or engine completely if need be. Do they take your money and finish some one elses car or engine and then have to waite on money from some one else to do yours.
The best companies rise to the top in tough times and when you do your checking you will find them. Hard times also weeds out the weak and should make everyone do a better job.
So be careful and do not get scammed or cheated out of your hard earned money. I see it quite a bit and end up helping a lot of these people get what the deserved the first time. Good service, good product, timely delivery, fair price and last but not least being there in three, five or ten years when they need help.


Good luck, Keith Craft
There is a reason we have been building some of the best Ford engines for 25 plus years and still going.

[HI Cobra]

I will say an Amen to that!

[blykins]

Very good thoughts Keith...

That's why I give a list of references to any potential engine customer. I also have my cell phone on me 7 days a week.

There are builders here, even within about a 50 mile range of me that are being constantly called out for lawsuits.

Good advice for anyone, do your homework...

[joyridin']

Definitely do the "call and go see" if possible.

I work for a manufacturer of carbide tooling. Before the recession on this one cul de sac, there were 4 machine shops. One was an ancient dump and hadn't bought a new tool or machine in 30 years. The other 3 had new machines, up-to-date tooling, and good software. All 3 made top notch items. The 4th place was in the hammer and chisel age.

Unfortunately, as of now, the only place left is the crap hole. When I stopped in there about 5 months ago, he was laughing that he was the only one left. Why? Because he had no debt. He hadn't put a freaking dime into anything in 20-30 years. The other 3 places bought new machines, and were competing on a real basis, but when the economy falls off the planet in a matter of weeks, and every order you have gets canceled, you have no choice but to shut the doors.

So be careful of those places that are still standing after this last economic mess. They might be standing for a reason...and it isn't a good one.