Partsource (ferrariparts.com)

A question for those who have done business with Partsource. They are requesting that I send a check to order/purchase a $1500 part. Is this form of payment what everybody else experiences? I'd prefer a credit card in case of disputes.

 

I tried to 'visit' Partsource up in Maine once....

The guy has no store or shop, per-se. Its a business based out of his home - the address listed is in a residential area. He doesn't like visitors. Thus, he has no means to support credit cards, unless both of you are using Paypal. Those I know who have done business with Partsource have eccentric results - YMMV.

 

Geoffrey Ohland has been running Partsource from the early 1970's. He used to be part of the parts department for Chinetti Motors. He seems to always be able to find even some of the most difficult parts to find for Ferraris. He may not be a big outfit and like to keep to himself, but he has been a valuable resource over many years. While it may take time, Geoff, will likely find whatever it is that you are searching for.

 

I've dealt with him before, the guy is a flake (and has a bad attitude most of the time), IMO. Usually, he only wants to sell to shops, not private individuals. And, no, I would not ever do business with any retail consumer "business" that won't accept a credit card ---- bad sign. Plus, his prices are much higher than everyone else, assuming you can find it elsewhere ---- as he does get his hands on some hard-to-find items.

BTW, this "business" is / has been for sale recently --- advertised as such in Forza.

 

Sounds like something Edsel Ford likely would have said.

 

I have had no problems in mt dealing with him

 

I purchased a set of 328 rims from him a few years and I am sure I payed with a credit card since I was out of the country when he located them. BTW, no problems with the transaction and he was very nice to talk to on the phone.

 

Pretty harsh statement. Perhaps he just doesn't want to share his money with a credit card company. I don't take plastic either and it's never been a problem yet. I suspect that his business is pretty low-volume and obviously not dependent on walk-in traffic. The "convenience factor" just isn't there for me, likely not for him either.

I'm still waiting for him to find me a pair of 275 front turn signal lenses that I asked about last year. He said he had them "somewhere".

 

Perhaps, but for someone who operates a business via email and over-the-phone ONLY, and obviously cannot support in-person/over-the-counter payment, it makes any remaining payment options a considerable inconvenience to the customer. Some of us have entered the 21st century....

 

+1

Also, the rest of us have to pay taxes........ shouldn't everyone else

In my experience, "cash only" businesses are often doing so to avoid an income trail. I'm sure that is not the case with you, Tim (2NA), and that you run an honest business.........But, many small business owners are guilty of this practice. So, I tend to avoid them simply on principle.

 

I never mentioned "cash only", a check deposited in the bank has the same "paper trail" as a credit card. It's hard to avoid declaring that as income.

I'll agree that a "mail-order" business is a lot easier with plastic.

 

I've been buying parts from Geoff for 15 years, he has forgotten more about Ferrari parts than most in the business, especially with vintage Ferraris. He may work out of his house but you'd be amazed at what he really has in inventory.

Being in Maine his credit card fees are 6 to 7%. For those of you in business that have credit card machines you know what that means. It's why so may businesses don't accept American Express.

I don't trust anyone else when it comes to Ferrari Parts

 

I have been doing business with Geoff for most of the 29+ years we have been in business and never had a problem dealing with him. We have visited his place and it is a neat 2 story garage.

 

I have done business with Parts Source . Never a problem. Mike

 

I have been dealing with this company, directly and through two independent repair facilities for almost 20 years and I have never had a negative experience. As a matter of fact, he has gone out of his way to find oddball stuff for me and also accepted the return of parts which I have ordered in error. He knows what he is talking about and has been very helpful. I trust this supplier and recommend him on my website. Hell of a guy.

 

An ORIGINAL Chinetti International guy...from the golden era...

He is INCREDIBLY well connected, with some of the biggest cars and collectors of all time as a result....he must deal with the personalities, AND financial clout, which comes with operating in this particular arena...(credit cards-are you serious? For 50 year old comp parts?-really?)
Additionally, he is , essentially, the parts department for a select few of the more well known and established shops
As a one man band, it must be pointed out that retail counter services at the dealership is just what it is...he is neither, in truth

What JO is, well think of it like this: a standing order for mag timing chest for a 168, with mag sump and scavenge pump and authentic 38DCN or 38DCN/1s with mag manifolds...you put your hand up at any cost(GENUINE period carbs alone with manifolds are easy 150-250K USD), and sometime, perhaps it takes 5 or more years, but you get a call with wire instructions and either an appt. for inspection or a destination city to fly to to inspect
that sort of thing....more likely than not, he will get offered the stuff by longtime oldtimers...
That said, there are others who can do this as well,
But he IS on the short list of purveyors of: "UNOBTAINIUM" comp parts, always has been...

Mundane stuff too, but as stated above, hes NOT REALLY the retail parts dealer counter, thus discounts are not a considertion going in-as stated above-in unobtainium, its the availability and seldom the cost(excepting the truly ridiculous), which happens to all from time to time.
All one has to do then is say: pass....
As far as sending a check, think of me as old fashioned, but he IS from Greenwich, after all...that used to count....in my generation anyway....FWIW...

 

I am the restorer of early series, Enzo era cars and have dealt with Geoff since 1983. He is a small, focused operation. Geoff is a stand up guy with vast experience and resources for Ferrari parts. He has always wanted to make sure that what he sells is correct and of excellent quality. You get what you pay for! Spencer