How hard can it be?

[Hodsonpe]

Yesterday I wanted a thermostat for my Zetec. I toddled along to Halfords armed with the Quinton Hazel reference number for them to either use, or to cross reference from. It's a simple, normal thermostat model such as used on Escorts, Mini and dozens of things for decades now.

 

Halfords said "don't do thermostats now" I said why not and he said "we don't sell enough of them so we are not carrying them anymore" I shook my head and trundled along to Invicta Motors the Kent Ford dealer.

 

He said, "I can't help you without number plate" and so I explained that it wouldn't help him as it was a Caterham but I explained it was the same unit fitted to Escorts, Cortina etc. but he said "can't match it up without a number plate mate". By now I was decidedly grumpy but he was adamant he could not help me.

 

In the end I went to a local factor who cross ref'd the QH number and it will be here on Monday afternoon. But what a way to carry on, any old time storeman would turn in his grave! Heaven help any tourist pitching up with a non UK Ford wanting help eh?

 

Paul.

[Mark Durrant]

I only ever use Halfords or a main agent as a last resort and will always use companies like Redline Components or the local motorfactors

[Jonathan Kay]

What a mess. I'm surprised by what Halfords did. What's the reference number?

 

Jonathan

[Hodsonpe]

It was QTH578K which the factor quickly found a match for. I suppose it serves me right going to Halfords and should have gone direct to the factor. I'll know better next time

 

Paul.

[Jonathan Kay]

Can you beat the system at Halfords by doing the cross-referencing yourself and reserving one online for collection?

 

Jonathan

[Nigel Fox]

Burton in Ilford are very good for Ford parts. Ordered a crown wheel and pinion from them today.

[Phil]

Due to the fact that customers screw us down on price we no longer keep thermostates.

Originaly they came a as a kit with the gaskets, someone started selling them without the the gaskets and seals, the customer purchased these as they were cheaper so we lost the sales, we started to do the same to compete, those that needed a gasket did not always order a new gasket but instead demand a refund, all this was costing money, over time stock has diminished down to zero. We have also noticed the quality of these parts has gone down hill over time.

 

So most customers buy on price and not quality not realising it is false econemy but still use the I can buy it cheaper to steal any profit the retailer needs to survive on the highstreet.

 

I understand why Halfrauds no longer stock this sort of product and why they are changing and chasing profit with cycles and tents etc.

 

Paul, all you wanted was a thermostate and the price was not questioned but it did cost you three trips and a lot of hasslel for a simple job.

When you found one did they offer you a gasket, sealant, flush, coolant or jubilee clips?

[Jonathan Kay]

Halfords are still offering thermostats on the web site... and say that some are in my local store... ?

 

Jonathan