[PonchoV8]

Brother, if you don't like seeing the fruit of his reputation, don't look here anymore.
Don't whine about otherwise.

Like I and others said, I've heard he buys without dickering on price. But he likes to renegotiate UP on his parts as the deal unfolds was my experinece. He raised his voice to me on the phone snapping that he knew this or that. If he would've been in my reach I'd have explained what I thought of that. I'll add 20% to anything he wants to buy from me in the future.

[Ron Landis]

as he is usually MY best customer at nearly every major meet. After all the "tire kickers" jack me around on prices...he buys it with the appreciation of what it takes to find, hoard and carry parts around for these jokers who are too lazy to do it themselves. Also...this IS his occupation...not a hobby. Like was said earlier...don't call him if you don't want to pay for his services and don't whine about what folks charge if you don't have a clue as to how hard it is to do what they do. Everyone wants something for nothing. I've done this for over 20 years and I know what's involved. I've sold parts here and am at present time sitting on parts that someone has committed to buying but hasn't come thru. Now...I have to contact folks that I already told that the items were sold. They'll most certainly think I'm playing games when, in fact, I'm merely caught in the middle of someone elses game. It's not as easy as it would seem and these headaches are worth something! JMHO Ron

[PonchoV8]

Ron, I'm glad for you that you have a good working relationship with him. You seem very fair and upfront too.
I can't say the same for my deal with him. Maybe I made too much of it. And it wasn't his initial price either. I've paid top dollar and above for many many parts over the decade and a half and didn't complain about it. It comes out in the wash.
So it's his job? It's his choice to do what he does. I have no sympathy for him gambling on parts--that's his choice. If he doesn't like holding onto parts, don't do it. I don't begrudge him doing what he likes either. So all I can say is 'same to you'---if you can't understand another opinion, don't read it. It's just what it is--a differing opinion? :confused:
I fully understand that some of you like selling to him--not as many like buying from him. So let it go. You aren't going to change minds. Please and thank you. :)

Those that haven't yet delt with Barry's COMPANY SONIC MOTORS (which is a business to make money) should be in understanding of what to expect. How does that hurt Barry if they know he's going to ask for the Moon? It doesn't. We just pre-qualified his buyer for him. People in business understand that.

[Andre]

Not suprisingly most parts can usually be found by placing want ads on both this board or the Classical board.
If the part is that rare that it can't be found here, then you know you are going to have to pay top $$. It is going to be either to Barry, GTOgoodies, or someone else.

[lockec]

Originally Posted by Jerry H.

Remember his 'partner in crime'. charles? LOL!!!!! She was pricing his parts higher than him!

She was quite the salesperson in Greenville!!

[poncho-mike]

Barry has been one of my better customers at Charlotte Autofair when I sat up as a vendor several years back. I estimate Barry Martin and Ron Johnson bought about 75% of what I sold at those shows, and at the same prices I asked for the average guy.

[jjscerbo]

Originally Posted by jegstek

as he is usually MY best customer at nearly every major meet. After all the "tire kickers" jack me around on prices...he buys it with the appreciation of what it takes to find, hoard and carry parts around for these jokers who are too lazy to do it themselves. Also...this IS his occupation...not a hobby. Like was said earlier...don't call him if you don't want to pay for his services and don't whine about what folks charge if you don't have a clue as to how hard it is to do what they do. Everyone wants something for nothing. I've done this for over 20 years and I know what's involved. I've sold parts here and am at present time sitting on parts that someone has committed to buying but hasn't come thru. Now...I have to contact folks that I already told that the items were sold. They'll most certainly think I'm playing games when, in fact, I'm merely caught in the middle of someone elses game. It's not as easy as it would seem and these headaches are worth something! JMHO Ron

I think you are missing or ignoring the point here. I agree that everyone has the right to be in business and price their goods based upon supply and demand. No arguement here.. What I have a problem with is vendors that you unsuspectingly assume that are good in nature and accountable for their word. Barry Matin is neither. He is a crook and a thief. Plain and simple and if this venue saves other unsuspecting purchasers from also being ripped off, then it was worth it..No matter how much money you take from him. Besides you have been the only person out of many sellers that I have stated anything positive about Barry..

[feb69judge]

These GTO etc. muscle car part flippers make the Hobby more expensive for the average guy trying to restore his poncho who can't make it to many regional parts swap meets to find a decent car part for his restoration. They(high priced sellers) serve a purpose in the marketplace, it depends on if they are selling quality items or misrepresenting condition or completeness. I missed a "Buy it Now" on Ebay back in Feb. this year on a pair of NOS 69 GTO rocker panel moldings and connecting hardware priced at $299 by 5 minutes only to see the rocker moldings resold(flipped) 3 months later on Ebay for $649.00 by that same buyer. What torques me off is that I needed those for my legit 69 Judge resto. and the 1st buyer never had any intention to use them on a GTO project. I guess that is what happens to some part prices that may eventually go on a Ram Air 4 GTO that fetches $100K+ @ Barrett Jackson in January. There are good people out there and for the others hopefully their reputation will catch up with them. Oh and I have never dealt With Sonic Motors before although I have seen the ad in Hemmings many times.

[Mark Simiele]

dealt with him twice and no problems. Yes, expensive but no more bargains out there anyway these days and he does have what you need.

[Firedup6975]

You wanna play? you gotta pay! Barry is more expensive than some, but he's got EVERYTHING and I mean everything that I've ever been looking for. I've bought many things from him and will continue to do so. He's up front, and a pleasure to deal with. You tell him what your expectations are and he will have it. Show part or a simple used replacement part he'll tell you or ask what you want, and the price is what it is, you don't like it... DON'T BUY IT! I had something that needed returned, and it was not an issue Barry was happy to oblige.:thumbup:

[jjscerbo]

Originally Posted by FIREDup6975

You wanna play? you gotta pay! Barry is more expensive than some, but he's got EVERYTHING and I mean everything that I've ever been looking for. I've bought many things from him and will continue to do so. He's up front, and a pleasure to deal with. You tell him what your expectations are and he will have it. Show part or a simple used replacement part he'll tell you or ask what you want, and the price is what it is, you don't like it... DON'T BUY IT! I had something that needed returned, and it was not an issue Barry was happy to oblige.:thumbup:

There is always an exception to the rule..I'm sure there are many that still think that Bruce Fulper is a knowledgable and pleasent person to deal with too.:doh:

[Tim john]

I know Barry and have been to his shop, the man has EVERYTHING imaginable for our cars, he has been at this game a long time with a tremendous amount of initial money invested. When I am looking for something price is always a concern but when I know the rarity of something and the difficulty to locate it Barry comes to mind and at $ 3.00 plus dollars a gallon today it all comes out in the wash. I appriciate his time searching and hoarding these parts. A comment about Ron Johnson was made earlier and he is a fantastic guy to deal with in my opinion, more parts available then one could ever imagine. Good quality parts equal top dollar in most cases and the sources to locate them are limited. You get what you pay for in most items we purchase from tools to parts to groceries. Quality costs $$$

Tim john---

[Firedup6975]

Originally Posted by jjscerbo

There is always an exception to the rule..I'm sure there are many that still think that Bruce Fulper is a knowledgable and pleasent person to deal with too.:doh:

I don't know Bruce, and have heard and read mixed feelings towards the man. I try and not judge someone until I find out for myself. Every situation is different, everyone gets one chance with me, sometimes two. LOL But anything race related, I will use Paul Spotts for. And ONLY Paul I know and trust him completely. Plus he lives around the corner from me, as does Cass.

But Barry has always come through for those rare hard to find little things, brackets, fittings, clips, bezels, in the dash clock, option items that are near impossible to locate. a correct inflator bottle to finish off my 69's resto, seat belts. He's GOT IT ALL!!!!:cool:

[SWEETJUDGE]

BOY DID I START A FIRE!!!!!!

i have to check my messages to see if he found what i was looking for.......

[RA1John]

I've known Barry since the early 80s through the Swap Meet circle.
Back in the day, I was doing the swap meet thing to generate cash for my projects.
Sold alot of stuff to Barry... and he always wanted a "package deal" (try getting that from him). As it was, the stuff I sold him was very cheap so he made a nice little profit
(still, he wanted a 'package deal').

Anyhow... I knew he was expensive on parts and only went there when I couldn't find it elsewhere. Saw him at a swap one time with a small stack of NOS 68 Firebird 4Bbl Throttle Cables (as he advertised them). Not having my part numbers handy, I asked him if these were correct.. "Sure are". Plus he assured me I could return it if not. Well, I get home and discover I just paid him $75 for a readily available 2Bbl Throttle Cable. Call him, leave messages... no returned calls. Finally see him at another show as I'm leaving. Have the Throttle Cable w/me. He's in a hurry and doesn't have $75 on him (yeah right) so he takes the Cable and assures me I can swing by his shop to get another or the refund. Again, more un-returned phone calls. Time goes by. See him again at a show... Remind him of the transaction and suddenly, he forgets everything... Doesn't remember selling me the wrong part, doesn't remember taking the part back and doesn't remember still owing me $75.

Moral to story. End of my dealings with him.
Every part I've needed has been and can be found elsewhere cheaper and better.

As for the comments about him paying high dollar for the parts he sells... Sure ;)
I've seen him in action at swap meets.

Let's just say he makes a nice little profit and then some. I do not feel sorry for him in the slightest. He does this for a living. Chasing parts, traveling, buying/selling, storage, shipping are all the cost of doing business. Being fair & honest should go along with that but... Some of these Parts Flippers have this attitude like we're bothering them to pay their crazy prices. Then again, many of the high-dollar parts sellers usually sell to the wealthy car investors who could care less what it costs. The average joe is an annoyance to the big time swap guy.

Last time this subject came up, I was basically reminded to be nice.
Apparently those who run this Forum are very tight w/Barry.:rolleyes:

[jjscerbo]

Originally Posted by FIREDup6975

I don't know Bruce, and have heard and read mixed feelings towards the man. I try and not judge someone until I find out for myself. Every situation is different, everyone gets one chance with me, sometimes two. LOL But anything race related, I will use Paul Spotts for. And ONLY Paul I know and trust him completely. Plus he lives around the corner from me, as does Cass.

But Barry has always come through for those rare hard to find little things, brackets, fittings, clips, bezels, in the dash clock, option items that are near impossible to locate. a correct inflator bottle to finish off my 69's resto, seat belts. He's GOT IT ALL!!!!:cool:

Not knowing or dealing with Bruce is a good thing, However I place him and Barry in the same catagory..No question that Barry strives to keep good inventory and prices accordingly. Price is not the issue with him, as he is the last resort to find what you need.

If you read prior posts, including this one, again the issue is not price as it is expected. The issue is his business tactics in gougeing his customers by changing the deal after the sale. What you get is not what you ordered. This has been his pattern for years. Again..check the prior posts!

On second thought, I would place Bruce in a higher catagory..

[Banshee]

Originally Posted by feb69judge

These GTO etc. muscle car part flippers make the Hobby more expensive for the average guy trying to restore his poncho who can't make it to many regional parts swap meets to find a decent car part for his restoration. They(high priced sellers) serve a purpose in the marketplace, it depends on if they are selling quality items or misrepresenting condition or completeness. I missed a "Buy it Now" on Ebay back in Feb. this year on a pair of NOS 69 GTO rocker panel moldings and connecting hardware priced at $299 by 5 minutes only to see the rocker moldings resold(flipped) 3 months later on Ebay for $649.00 by that same buyer. What torques me off is that I needed those for my legit 69 Judge resto. and the 1st buyer never had any intention to use them on a GTO project. I guess that is what happens to some part prices that may eventually go on a Ram Air 4 GTO that fetches $100K+ @ Barrett Jackson in January. There are good people out there and for the others hopefully their reputation will catch up with them. Oh and I have never dealt With Sonic Motors before although I have seen the ad in Hemmings many times.

Amen to that!

Barry spends his time and money locating parts and reselling with a huge markup. Jeff Dennison (Pontiac Enthusiast) was telling me a tale of Barry 3-4 years ago. Jeff sold Barry some old parts and within a few weeks, maybe a month, Jeff incidentally needed his throttle cable back because he accidentally sold him the wrong one. The price doubled within that timeframe. And this is a true story.

I tried to buy a carb from him back in 2001. Price was $250, when I got there, same carb? $475. And I only lived 5 minutes away from him on Davisburg and Milford Rd.

BAD BAD BAD!

He will die with all those parts.

Yes we can all "whine" about Barry..or not deal with him....I like whining...

[TAQuest]

I've dealt with Barry and he has been to my house. Good guy. Whining just shows that Barry is a superior businessman compared to those who are whining. Really. You can expect him to buy as low as he can and sell as high as he can. He's an American entrepreneur. Makes no bones about it, he's in it for the money. You will not find him reading this because he spends little or no time on the Net. He does business the old fashion way, face to face.

[Ron Landis]

so much for me being the only one with positive input...but that is neither here nor there. I merely relayed my own personal experience in the interest of fairness...as you all did. I'm not condemning nor defending anyone and your right to draw your own conclusion is just that.I have contempt for some folks in the hobby that others consider heroes only because I had personal experiences with them that others simply cannot believe when I tell them, but I know the truth about the "other side" of those milking the hobbyist for all it's worth, so I do respect other's opinions. Anyway... sorry about your dealings, but I saw Bruce actually try to strip an engine he offered up as a prize at tbe T/A Nat's because he didn't get as many entrants as he had hoped. New meaning to "Indian giver." ! lol Take care. Ron

[jjscerbo]

Originally Posted by TAQuest

I've dealt with Barry and he has been to my house. Good guy. Whining just shows that Barry is a superior businessman compared to those who are whining. Really. You can expect him to buy as low as he can and sell as high as he can. He's an American entrepreneur. Makes no bones about it, he's in it for the money. You will not find him reading this because he spends little or no time on the Net. He does business the old fashion way, face to face.

Hey McFly????

Try re-reading the posts again. The general consensus admits that Barry has the right to charge whatever the market will bear. The point that you are failing to get, is HIS BUSINESS PRACTICES...again... IT"S HIS BUSINESS PRACTICES...Clear enough?

In any case...If your interpretation of negative feedback about Barry is considered "Whining", then you need help, my friend!