Repco or Super Cheap?

[White trash]

Well here's an exciting poll for a Sunday.

Where do you prefer to shop of the above establishments?

I've never been fussed which one I went to but this weekend I've been looking for a few bits and pieces for my car. One of these items was rear stereo speakers. Now on having a look around, I've found that Repco Takanini as a poor selection overall compaered with their competitors accross the road, although their car audio range is far better. The flipside was that Super Cheap were 25% cheaper on the particular speakers I was looking at!!


So who's your fav?

[HDTboy]

I prefer supercheap. If I'm going to get shit service at both places, then why would I pay more for it?

[The Pastor]

I shop at both, I go to super cheap first, because its closer, aint got what i need off to repco.

[Forest]

They're both shit. I won't shop at either.

[Mumbles]

Super Cheap
Repco always stood for ....
Rip
Every
Poor
Cunt
Off

Great now they got some comp.... but back in the day they kinda had a monopoly and they new it :angry2:

[rachprice]

Depends if you want someone who knows what they are on about, I used to work for super cheap and they dont give you any training on anything to do with cars. You could be the dumbest bitch ever on the subject of cars and they would still hire you! luckily enough i knew a bit here and there.

[NZsarge]

Bit of both really but mainly Supercheap.

[westie]

Ha ha paying too much!
I find that building a friendship with the guys and girls at repco makes for great service and really good discounts ie staff prices.
How ever some of the girls want more:devil2:

[ajturbo]

the super cheep have the best looking staff... i go there to perv....:devil2:

[TKDSKIP]

I shop at Repco every time. I am yet to find anyone at Supercheap that has half a clue. I have a Repco cash card which gives a reasonable discount and they seem to get it right most of the time. Supercheap does not appear to be much cheaper except on the crap they import.

[sAsLEX]

They're both shit. I won't shop at either.


Super Cheap
Repco always stood for ....
Rip
Every
Poor
Cunt
Off

Great now they got some comp.... but back in the day they kinda had a monopoly and they new it :angry2:

Oh yes I see your point.

I would much rather avoid getting ripped off and go to my local Honda dealer to buy the NGK plugs I need at 6 weeks ex Japan and 55 dollars each rather than all four there the next day and 12.50 each from Repco.

Yes sir, your point is very good and I bow to your cunning Acronym.

[Slingshot]

Why the hell are we talking about gay cage places on this queer site?

Super Cheap sell oil filters for motorbikes now.

In fact, I brought one today.

[McDuck]

Well i shop at BNT.

They know their stuff and give good advice.

[sAsLEX]

Super Cheap sell oil filters for motorbikes now.

In fact, I brought one today.

They also sell Castrol R4 oil cheaper than any bike places.

[sAsLEX]

Well i shop at BNT.

They know their stuff and give good advice.

Maybe but their hours are shit compared to REPCO etc

[McDuck]

Maybe but their hours are shit compared to REPCO etc

Yes but they know what they are talking about and ofton remeber a person. I like that.

[ynot slow]

Either of them,if one has 30% off I go there if needing oil or parts,usually supersheep cause it's closer.

Mind you repco was open on easter sunday tut tut in Hawera.

[Robert Taylor]

Super Cheap sell oil filters for motorbikes now.

In fact, I brought one today.

What was the brand name? Do you know if it has the same percentage of paper area as genuine? Do you know if its filtration capacity in microns is the same as genuine? Is the relief valve opening pressure the same?

If its anything like a lot of the other dodgy stuff sold there you are not doing the engine in that bike a favour, youre not doing yourself a favour and you are certainly not doing the subsequent owners a favour. Cheap costs....

[riffer]

As a rule I would avoid both as they don't have much quality stuff.

However, when it comes to fuses, bulbs, oils etc they both have okay prices.

Our local Supercheap though has young girls with nice boobs and the Repco is full of spotty boy racers, so Supercheap wins hands down.

Thanks for the heads up on the oil filters John. I have a cheap and nasty Suzuki that appears to be pretty bulletproof so I should be okay.

[Robert Taylor]

Oh yes I see your point.

I would much rather avoid getting ripped off and go to my local Honda dealer to buy the NGK plugs I need at 6 weeks ex Japan and 55 dollars each rather than all four there the next day and 12.50 each from Repco.

Yes sir, your point is very good and I bow to your cunning Acronym.

Its as well to remember that it is not your Honda dealer actually ripping you off. Big multinational resellers such as Repco and Supercheap buy at bulk discounts.

Out of interest are the plugs EXACTLY the same in EVERY respect?

In general terms I strongly disagree that such companies are able to sell motorcycle related expendables as they have no expertise in this field.

[riffer]

Are you suggesting that the plugs in the NKG boxes at the dealer are different from the ones in the identical boxes at Repco Robert ?:mellow:

[325rocket]

ill shop at repco for tools as i have an account there and the quality is better. but i get all my (crap) paint thinners and primer etc from super cheap.

i do agree super cheap staff are pretty average but if you know what your after it really doesnt matter.

[Robert Taylor]

They also sell Castrol R4 oil cheaper than any bike places.

I say this tongue in cheek....Castrol sponsored the recent Road Race champs and youd think that would benefit the motorcycle trade. Clearly not when they offer much more favourable bulk buying terms to non motorcycle companys. That clearly sucks and little wonder that they have steadily lost a lot of ground in the motorcycle industry.

[speights_bud]

I prefer Super cheap, Although i went in there on Friday to get some battery extension cable for the Derby Car and The chick spent about5 minutes trying to cut it with scizzors!!!
during the process she cut herself and all because she couldn't be bothered walking over to the other counter and getting the pair of proper side/wire cutters... :doh:

She was however a little embarrassed about the whole thing to say the least...

[Robert Taylor]

Are you suggesting that the plugs in the NKG boxes at the dealer are different from the ones in the identical boxes at Repco Robert ?:mellow:

I really dont know and am curious.....

[Slingshot]

What was the brand name? Do you know if it has the same percentage of paper area as genuine? Do you know if its filtration capacity in microns is the same as genuine? Is the relief valve opening pressure the same?

If its anything like a lot of the other dodgy stuff sold there you are not doing the engine in that bike a favour, youre not doing yourself a favour and you are certainly not doing the subsequent owners a favour. Cheap costs....

Brand name is Hiflo FIltro. No, I don't know if it's got the same paper area or it's filtration capacity in microns.

What I do know is that Super Cheap were open today which makes it's easier for me to get the filter. The weather was crap so I had some time to kill and the price was alright ($20).

Chances are that if I'd gone to a bike shop they would have suggested an aftermarket brand too.

So...long story short, the oil has been changed in my bike today because I had access to the parts. If I didn't have access to the parts it might have been another 10,000Kms before I got around to it.

[Robert Taylor]

ill shop at repco for tools as i have an account there and the quality is better. but i get all my (crap) paint thinners and primer etc from super cheap.

i do agree super cheap staff are pretty average but if you know what your after it really doesnt matter.

Imagine though a less than well informed customer asking the less than well informed ''till jockey'' for a reccommendation on oil and being sold something totally unsuitable that ends up destroying the engine. That is my gripe with how a lot of things are retailed.

[sAsLEX]

Out of interest are the plugs EXACTLY the same in EVERY respect?


Y e s.

[speights_bud]

ill shop at repco for tools

Speaking of which.. Who here buys their tools at a general store like Super cheap? and Who Buys their tools from a specific tooling shop? (Blackwoods &Paykels, Trade Tools etc) I get all my tools through Blackwoods and Paykels, service is Utter SHIT* but with 40% off and an account there its almost worth it

[Robert Taylor]

Brand name is Hiflo FIltro. No, I don't know if it's got the same paper area or it's filtration capacity in microns.

What I do know is that Super Cheap were open today which makes it's easier for me to get the filter. The weather was crap so I had some time to kill and the price was alright ($20).

Chances are that if I'd gone to a bike shop they would have suggested an aftermarket brand too.

So...long story short, the oil has been changed in my bike today because I had access to the parts. If I didn't have access to the parts it might have been another 10,000Kms before I got around to it.

Yes bike shops can be just as guilty but you really should insist on genuine. Some filters that I had tested a few years back had only 65% of the paper area of genuine and poor filtration capacity. You know the sad thing is our children are going to have little or no conception of quality.

[sAsLEX]

Yes bike shops can be just as guilty but you really should insist on genuine. Some filters that I had tested a few years back had only 65% of the paper area of genuine and poor filtration capacity. You know the sad thing is our children are going to have little or no conception of quality.

But are "Genuine" always this way?


Should we always use "Genuine" shock absorbers for example?


There is nothing stopping an aftermarket company meeting or exceeding the manufacturers parts.

[Robert Taylor]

Speaking of which.. Who here buys their tools at a general store like Super cheap? and Who Buys their tools from a specific tooling shop? (Blackwoods &Paykels, Trade Tools etc) I get all my tools through Blackwoods and Paykels, service is Utter SHIT* but with 40% off and an account there its almost worth it

If you are a proffessinal using hand tools day in day out it is important that they are finished smoothly so they are not hard on your hands. Many of the allen key / torx bits you buy of Chinese origin also have the torsional twist resistance of butter

[jonbuoy]

Yes bike shops can be just as guilty but you really should insist on genuine. Some filters that I had tested a few years back had only 65% of the paper area of genuine and poor filtration capacity. You know the sad thing is our children are going to have little or no conception of quality.

Thats sad but true - if you make it cheap enough no one cares if it works or not. I bought some cheap carb rebuild kits off ebay, after having various intermittent flooding and overflow problems I've chucked the 30 year old Honda float valves back in - no hassles since.

[Robert Taylor]

But are "Genuine" always this way?


Should we always use "Genuine" shock absorbers for example?


There is nothing stopping an aftermarket company meeting or exceeding the manufacturers parts.

You know the answer, there are many aftermarket accessories that are just plain dodgy and others that do improve performance markedly You know how to differentiate.

Sadly, when it comes to expendable such as oil filters, batteries, bulbs etc there is a lot of dodgy stuff out there. And probably a lot more to come now that we have a free trade deal.

[McDuck]

If you are a proffessinal using hand tools day in day out it is important that they are finished smoothly so they are not hard on your hands. Many of the allen key / torx bits you buy of Chinese origin also have the torsional twist resistance of butter

I went into a shop, cant remember what it was, got a spanner. Fully recommended. i said 'if i bend it do i get a new one' he said yes (people who know me will know that i have the potential to bend stuff), bent it, took it back, ungraded it, he said 'you will not bent this bitch'

bent that one and the dude gave me a powerbuilt one which is still going.:cool:

[speights_bud]

If you are a proffessinal using hand tools day in day out it is important that they are finished smoothly so they are not hard on your hands. Many of the allen key / torx bits you buy of Chinese origin also have the torsional twist resistance of butter

Agreed, Im A Toolie and prefer Quality Gear as its got to last me for a long time, Yet some of the Gear from general shops isn't half bad. I use cheap tools at home for a few things but bring my good ones from work when it comes to any decent job (stripping engines and the likes)

[McDuck]

You know the answer, there are many aftermarket accessories that are just plain dodgy and others that do improve performance markedly You know how to differentiate.

Sadly, when it comes to expendable such as oil filters, batteries, bulbs etc there is a lot of dodgy stuff out there. And probably a lot more to come now that we have a free trade deal.

Do you really think it will make a differance? If kiwis want to buy cheep crap they will buy cheep crap.

[Duke girl]

Is that why your eyes r always bloodshot AJ?. And hears me thinking it was all the late nights u have.

[Robert Taylor]

Do you really think it will make a differance? If kiwis want to buy cheep crap they will buy cheep crap.

Of course, but it seems like its almost a crime to advocate doing things properly with parts of appropriate rather than dismal quality! Cheap comes at a price.

[FROSTY]

Robert comeon you are kidding right?
An NGK bpr8es is a NGK bpr8es no matter where it comes from. A lucas bulb is a lucas bulb.
Im not arguing re oil filters
But general consumables are identical -same source even

[McDuck]

Of course, but it seems like its almost a crime to advocate doing things properly with parts of appropriate rather than dismal quality! Cheap comes at a price.

Well i am welcoming the free trade deal with open arms. Why? I am in the kiwifruit industry which will export high grade fruit to the top end consumers in china.


We all have a choice as to what quality level we buy, just a lot of people are to stupid to use it.

[Robert Taylor]

Robert comeon you are kidding right?
An NGK bpr8es is a NGK bpr8es no matter where it comes from. A lucas bulb is a lucas bulb.
Im not arguing re oil filters
But general consumables are identical -same source even

No thats actually not what I was intimating. NGK spark plugs are a well proven and trusted brand.

There are bulbs out there from different manufacturers that fail more readily and that is in part because they are often less resistant to high frequency vibration, more common in motorcycles.

Batteries, there are some dreadful Chinese batteries out there.

Etc....

[Robert Taylor]

Well i am welcoming the free trade deal with open arms. Why? I am in the kiwifruit industry which will export high grade fruit to the top end consumers in china.


We all have a choice as to what quality level we buy, just a lot of people are to stupid to use it.

I agree with you on that point, abundantly so. Also point 2 but probably would have been a little more diplomatic!

Anything that helps our exports is great as we are disproptionately importing too much, especially useless rubbish. It is the very flipside to exporting that we should all be a little worried about. Time will tell....

[ynot slow]

Unfortunately supercheap and repco are open 7 days,most bike shops open sat mornings or till 1.30 ish,that is in Taranaki anyway.Add to that closing around 5pm weekdays as well leaves little time outside lunch break to pick up bike parts from bike shops.

And no I don't expect bike shops to be open all hours,just means to get items needed for weekend I need to be organised to pickup items say thurs or friday,so check out bike shop monday for filters etc,so can be in shop later in the week.

I picked up my oil and filter from a bike shop in Stratford during my lunch break,they had to get filter in,but was next day and was able to do on weekend.

Interestingly the filter was uniflo?and when getting oil for cars to change saw supersheep had the same make of bike filters for sale,not sure if my bikes' one was available though.Also they had the same battery I bought from an auto sparky,mind you same price as mine was cash price from sparky and fully charged as well,something supersheep don't do.

I would use supercheap or repco if they are a lot cheaper than a bike shop,but if say $1 or 3 cheaper for a 4ltr oil pack use the bike shop,spark plugs as said if a few $$ dearer for 4,but if plugs are $20 dearer set nope.

[FROSTY]

No thats actually not what I was intimating. NGK spark plugs are a well proven and trusted brand.

There are bulbs out there from different manufacturers that fail more readily and that is in part because they are often less resistant to high frequency vibration, more common in motorcycles.

Batteries, there are some dreadful Chinese batteries out there.

Etc....
yea and said batteries/bulbs are available from bike shops as well as car accessory shops.
The issue isn't who's selling the battery/bulb the issue is the source.

[mynameis]

Hi Flo filter is what most bike shops sell and is common.

Bike shops $15-$20

Supercheap/Repco $7-10

NGK CR9E

Bike shops $25-30

Supercheap/Repco $10-$15

I can keep listing but I can't really be bothered with it because I know where the price is cheaper. And yes it's the same brand as they sell in bike shops.

Good to see Repco has expanded their range and target a much wider market now.

[Swoop]

Repco seems to be staffed with unhelpful retards.

Supercheap... I have had "ok" service there AND absolutely superb service from their staff. One chap had a lot of knowledge on the GMH cooling system and advised what they do in the outback for their vehicles under those extreme conditions. Good bloke.

Appco is the section of Repco, which supplies the trade. They seem to be staffed by older, ex mechanic, staff with decent knowledge.

[McDuck]

Also another interesting point, i was stuck just after xmas, i needed a battery for another bike. Super cheep were open so there i went. Payed 79 bucks for a battery that was 'correct (same amps etc) so got it home and it did not work. I took it back. Got my money back, wasn't going to risk it twice. Went to the local dealer? 71 bucks, with it being acid filled and first charge free.

Part of how a learnt my lesson.

[scumdog]

We don't got neither here in the Riviera...

[ynot slow]

If it is price factor I agree apples with apples for comparing.

Hard to argue if hiflo filter costs less,mine was $13 so will check it out next time,don't mind paying $13 vs $11.50 at bike shop but if half price,makes it hard to justify.I think I paid $52 for oil and filter ($39 oil)suitable for my bike.So if these two outlets can do it for say $40($8 filter and $32 oil) makes it hard to go to bike shop.Ok oil brands can be a factor in cost as most bike shops stock one brand where as repco/supercheap may stock 3 or 4 of similar visco ratings.

[ynot slow]

We don't got neither here in the Riviera...

But you have famous naked cops.Haven't any of them in the Naki,needed a cop in the caketin last night to arrest the aussie ref who stole the victory from us lol.

[sAsLEX]

But you have famous naked cops.Haven't any of them in the Naki,needed a cop in the caketin last night to arrest the aussie ref who stole the victory from us lol.

He would be needing protective custody to say the least.....



And RT did you test Hi-FLo as this seems to be a commonly available after market Filter

[Brett]

Supercheap all the way. Repco held a monopoly for too long, and I know what their mark ups are on products!

[davereid]

If you are buying a "brand" like NGK spark plugs for instance, then the best choice is the cheapest choice retailer. Or Supercheap if its on the firm as they hire chicks with big tits.

But if you are not sure what you need, and advice would be handy, or you need good quality, IMHO your local specialist shop will be the best, then Repco, then the chick with the big hooters.

Here in Levin we have Repco, Supercheap, BNT and HK.

The guys in HK know everything - all hired from the trade, give you lots of helpful info. Got an oil expert, a ford-holden parts guy and an auto-electrician at the counter.

BNT are next best, but don't really have trade staff, just experienced parts guys.

Repco next, a mixture of experienced staff, and younger learners.

And Supercheap, my favorite, I don't know how she almost gets those tits in that T shirt.

P.S. Did I mention the girl at Supercheap with the big hooters ?

[Headbanger]

I avoid both, But if pushed I go to Supercheap. Have been ignored all three times I went into Repco. A policy that must work for them on some level.....

Items for my bike?

Whatever my trusted mechanic wants to use or suggests I use, and I happily pay his premium, I want him to still be in the trade in 10 years time.

[sAsLEX]

HK.


Fuckin TLAs .......

HK is?

[Slingshot]

We all have a choice as to what quality level we buy, just a lot of people are to stupid to use it.

Yes, we can all choose to buy the known quality name brands because they must be better, or even better still, splash out on the genuine part because that must be the best available.

[CookMySock]

repco coz I have a commercial account there and get 30% off.

Really, you would better served to buy some proper component speakers from jaycar 180bux , or better still, some second-hand alpine splits off trademe (cheaper still..)

Cheap, junk speakers are just cheap junk.

DB

[McDuck]

Yes, we can all choose to buy the known quality name brands because they must be better, or even better still, splash out on the genuine part because that must be the best available.

Or

Lets see, which will last longer, the two doller part or the 10 doller one.

Or

I know this guy knows what he is talking about, i will trust him.

[Motu]

Super Cheap
Repco always stood for ....
Rip
Every
Poor
Cunt
Off

Great now they got some comp.... but back in the day they kinda had a monopoly and they new it :angry2:

Back in the day...how far back are you thinking of? Repco have a long history,and go back a long way - walk into any engine reconditioning shop and you might see a large machine,say a surface grinder with the name REPCO on it.In New Zealand they were called Motor Specialties and was where the trade bought their tools,machinery and parts.Later they came under the Repco brand (their Australian owners),but were still a trade based company.During the '80's and early '90's they were the motor trades first stop - they did every thing to do with cars.They had ''the book'',which had every part for every car sold in this country - you looked up make,model and year,and then parts were listed in groups....engine,cooling system,exhaust,brakes etc,each part had a number...all sorted.They also had ''the phone room'',I had a tour of the phone room once,and met some of the people I talked to.Each operator sat at a desk surrounded by parts manuals and a computer,they were well trained and could get you any part you wanted.

Then the blew it - they went retail.The trade shunned them,and very few workshops will now deal with Repco.They are the last ditch attempt to find a part.

[sAsLEX]

Or

Lets see, which will last longer, the two doller part or the 10 doller one.


Well that depends if you are paying 9 bucks for the "name"......

[McDuck]

Well that depends if you are paying 9 bucks for the "name"......

This is where you use a parts guy you trust or know what you are talking about.

[DEATH_INC.]

Well here's an exciting poll for a Sunday.

Where do you prefer to shop of the above establishments?

I've never been fussed which one I went to but this weekend I've been looking for a few bits and pieces for my car. One of these items was rear stereo speakers. Now on having a look around, I've found that Repco Takanini as a poor selection overall compaered with their competitors accross the road, although their car audio range is far better. The flipside was that Super Cheap were 25% cheaper on the particular speakers I was looking at!!


So who's your fav?
Easy, YOU shoulda given me a yell.....we do speakers 'n stuff.....

[Slingshot]

Or

Lets see, which will last longer, the two doller part or the 10 doller one.

Or

I know this guy knows what he is talking about, i will trust him.

That's fine...you can trust him, but keep your sweeping statements about people being stupid to yourself.

[Mumbles]

Back in the day...how far back are you thinking of? Repco have a long history,and go back a long way - walk into any engine reconditioning shop and you might see a large machine,say a surface grinder with the name REPCO on it.In New Zealand they were called Motor Specialties and was where the trade bought their tools,machinery and parts.Later they came under the Repco brand (their Australian owners),but were still a trade based company.During the '80's and early '90's they were the motor trades first stop - they did every thing to do with cars.They had ''the book'',which had every part for every car sold in this country - you looked up make,model and year,and then parts were listed in groups....engine,cooling system,exhaust,brakes etc,each part had a number...all sorted.They also had ''the phone room'',I had a tour of the phone room once,and met some of the people I talked to.Each operator sat at a desk surrounded by parts manuals and a computer,they were well trained and could get you any part you wanted.

Then the blew it - they went retail.The trade shunned them,and very few workshops will now deal with Repco.They are the last ditch attempt to find a part.

More when they went retail, but they did have the monopoly, just wondering if you know the GP they had on their parts back then? (just wondering not being a smart arse):innocent:

Trade wouldn't "shun" someone unless they had a good reason too.... the time and effort to change suppliers and build those relationships would have been hard to do (loyalty i suspect would have been to the phone room guys not necessarily the company)

Not sure how long Repco where "retail" (you generally go retail to make money) before Supercheap came along but... If SuperCheap had not entered the market I wonder what would have happened? How much would we still be paying for things? would we all have started going to K'mart to get our misc tools, spark plugs, oil filters etc...

My first stop is always Supercheap (thanks for entering the market competition is always healthy) Repco if all else fails :shit:

[McDuck]

That's fine...you can trust him, but keep your sweeping statements about people being stupid to yourself.

Truth hurts dude.

BTW i am not calling you stupid, i am calling people people who always take the cheapest way out stupid.

[Robert Taylor]

yea and said batteries/bulbs are available from bike shops as well as car accessory shops.
The issue isn't who's selling the battery/bulb the issue is the source.

Its actually both in my mind. Its dependent on if you care about quality and not having the grief with dodgy product....and if you are prepared to lose a percentage of customers who will only buy the cheapest.

[Dooly]

Then the blew it - they went retail.The trade shunned them,and very few workshops will now deal with Repco.They are the last ditch attempt to find a part.

Too true.
We never use them now, and yes, a very last ditch attempt for a part.

[vifferman]

Every time I go to Super Cheap, I'm disappointed that they either don't have what I want, or it's of very crappy quality. Generally they're cheaper than Repco, but not always: I bought a trolley jack at Repco last year, and not only was it half the price of the ones on sale at SuperCheap, it was also of much better quality.
Some of the stuff at SuperCheap is also overpriced AND shoddy. Recent examples include some intake hoses that were very crappy and split, yet cost $75 each, and a joiner that looked like metal but was actually chromed plastic (and very expensive), and some electrical connectors that were on sale for about 25% dearer than at Dick Smith.
Some things are worth buying at Super Cheap, like their brake cleaners and degreasers, just because they're so cheap.

[Swoop]

Fuckin TLAs .......

HK is?
I'm guessing it is not what we are imagining...(especially if it has an "&" in the middle:blip:)

[disturbed]

repco all the way for me, super cheap aren't alot cheaper at all and the staff at repco have at least a general knowledge of parts etc. they also have all the catalogues to find the part you need. i have had no problem with the quality of stuff at repco where as super cheap everything breaks

[sAsLEX]

the staff at repco have at least a general knowledge of parts etc.

But the staff at Super Cheap are young pretty girls with nice breasts?

[geoffm]

Super cheap for casters and cheap wheels and trolleys. Some stuff is cheap, some stuff is really poor quality. Tools are generally crap.
Car parts - Repco because thus far they actually have a clue about what I am looking for. Super cheap is only good if you cna go to the shelf and pick out what you want. The staff haven't a clue.
Really oddball stuff needs a specialist tho.
I still remember when Supercheap and theyhadn't heard of my (common NisanJap import) car and none of the parts books listed any imports. The ozzie manager blithly stated that we get the same cars in Oz and NZ no problem - I wasn't impressed. I think they got a rude shock as to how different the market really was.

[Motu]

More when they went retail, but they did have the monopoly, just wondering if you know the GP they had on their parts back then? (just wondering not being a smart arse):innocent:

Trade wouldn't "shun" someone unless they had a good reason too....


They didn't have a monopoly before they went retail - they were just the biggest and the best....hard to compete with that.But BNT (Brake and Trans back then) and Autostop must of been happy,and it allowed others like Partmaster in to fill the gap.The others also got to pick up all the well trained staff,who actually knew about cars....Repco trained automotive parts staff back then,for the whole industry.The trade dropped them almost overnight.The only workshops who still use them do so because they have no other option....the place I work at uses Repco because they have a branch in town.But if stuff has to be freighted in,it doesn't come from Repco.I don't think Supercheap supplies the trade,and I've only been to Supercheap a couple of times just for a look around.I still hold a Repco trade account....nice to go in on a weekend and book stuff up.

[ynot slow]

Have you seen both companies general job application forms?Typical bullshit they use in them,funny thing is it has a small area dedicated to knowledge of cars,rest is how have you helped someone today and shit like that,great if your into lovey dovey shit,but nothing about customer service,greeting each customer as they walk into the premises,smiling at customers,simple things which add up to service.

[Slingshot]

They didn't have a monopoly before they went retail - they were just the biggest and the best....hard to compete with that.But BNT (Brake and Trans back then) and Autostop must of been happy,and it allowed others like Partmaster in to fill the gap.The others also got to pick up all the well trained staff,who actually knew about cars....Repco trained automotive parts staff back then,for the whole industry.The trade dropped them almost overnight.The only workshops who still use them do so because they have no other option....the place I work at uses Repco because they have a branch in town.But if stuff has to be freighted in,it doesn't come from Repco.I don't think Supercheap supplies the trade,and I've only been to Supercheap a couple of times just for a look around.I still hold a Repco trade account....nice to go in on a weekend and book stuff up.

My dad's an engineer and as a young fullar I'd go with him to the workshop on Saturday mornings, I remember going into Repco back in those days and most of the shop was shelving behind the counter. Dad knew the staff well, even considered some of them friends.

Then it went retail, I remember him being pissed because joe-public could walk in off the street and buy an oil filter & oil combo for cheaper than he could buy it on the trade account.

Crazy...but they're still in business and with the way the engineering trade has gone they may have been out of business if they hadn't gone down teh retail path.

[Motu]

I'm trying to give you young fullas some kinda of idea how important Repco used to be,before they abandoned the automotive trade for the high money of retail.In my library I have a well used book called the ''Repco Engine Service Manual'',this is a technical manual for engine reconditioning,very comprehensive and up to date for it's time (the '70's).I have reproduce the introduction I scanned,so sorry about quality.As you can see they were engineers,not marketing experts like today.

The Repco-Brabham engine was designed with the help of Phil Irving - I hope I don't have to tell you who he is! And won a couple of World F1 Championships.I just want to impress on you the magnitude of their sell out.

[MaxB]

Super Chimp for fluids and easy stuff. I was on a job on the Shore a few weekends ago and didn't have the tools I needed and my hosts workshop was unexpectedly shut. A quick trip to SCA and $50 later I had what I needed. When finished I left them on the job site because frankly the tools were not worth the space in my tool box.

Repco were always the quality end of retail but my God they are bad now. AFAIK Appco are owned by Repco and they always try to help. Now I go trade whenever I can.

[rachprice]

If you are buying a "brand" like NGK spark plugs for instance, then the best choice is the cheapest choice retailer. Or Supercheap if its on the firm as they hire chicks with big tits.

But if you are not sure what you need, and advice would be handy, or you need good quality, IMHO your local specialist shop will be the best, then Repco, then the chick with the big hooters.

Here in Levin we have Repco, Supercheap, BNT and HK.

The guys in HK know everything - all hired from the trade, give you lots of helpful info. Got an oil expert, a ford-holden parts guy and an auto-electrician at the counter.

BNT are next best, but don't really have trade staff, just experienced parts guys.

Repco next, a mixture of experienced staff, and younger learners.

And Supercheap, my favorite, I don't know how she almost gets those tits in that T shirt.

P.S. Did I mention the girl at Supercheap with the big hooters ?

Hey I used to work in the Levin one, was a while ago though so thats not me.


But the staff at Super Cheap are young pretty girls with nice breasts?

Yeah they hire young people because they are cheaper generally and I have to admit that there are quite a few girls and I would say most are attractive. Guess it brings in the guys.
Maybe its like Lone Star where they have an unwritten rule that they hire hot people. Seriously, everyone who works there is attractive!

[sAsLEX]

Seriously, everyone who works there is attractive!

And the ribs are fantastic and the portions large........ the problem is?

[Ixion]

I go to to Supacrap for crap stuff. Partmaster or BNT or such like if I need something serious for a cage (not common). Neither Ripco nor Supacrap stock much in the way of bike bits. I buy spark plugs from Repco cos they have a better range . i buy a LOT of spark plugs.

I've observed that Repco seem to be abandoning the parts trade , moving into being bling merchants for boi-racers. Place is full of stereos and car seats and such like crap nowdays.

I've also observed that every Ripco branch seems to ahve one, and ONLY one older dude who actually knows his stuff. And a bunch of pimply Waynes who know nothing. Trick is to grab the guy who knows. The old Indian guy with the beard at Mt Wellington is the full deal, he's good.

Yeah, I remember when Motor Specs was the real deal, used to cadge MTA order forms so I could buy from them.

When I worked in the auto trade Repco were the opposition , that was after they went retail and they were pretty much despised for it.

[Ixion]

And the ribs are fantastic and the portions large........ the problem is?

They're not topless!

[Robert Taylor]

I'm trying to give you young fullas some kinda of idea how important Repco used to be,before they abandoned the automotive trade for the high money of retail.In my library I have a well used book called the ''Repco Engine Service Manual'',this is a technical manual for engine reconditioning,very comprehensive and up to date for it's time (the '70's).I have reproduce the introduction I scanned,so sorry about quality.As you can see they were engineers,not marketing experts like today.

The Repco-Brabham engine was designed with the help of Phil Irving - I hope I don't have to tell you who he is! And won a couple of World F1 Championships.I just want to impress on you the magnitude of their sell out.

And of course the Repco built engines that Frank Matich used in his F5000 cars, the only guy who could drive at the same pace as Graham McRae.

[Deano]

Supa Cheap - they have much hotter staff.

[jonbuoy]

You can't blame them for "selling out", its moving with the times. How often do people bother doing head gaskets/lapping valves/de-cokes these days? When a motor drops it guts most people go get a second one and chuck it in or scrap the car. You don't need engineers to sell spark plugs and oil filters.

[rachprice]

And the ribs are fantastic and the portions large........ the problem is?

Haha nothing just an observation, in fact plenty of observing :)