FJR/V-strom trooper
04-18-2007, 06:56 PM
[From other lists...]
> I am copying below a letter from Klaus Huenecke of Wilbers USA:
>
> ----------------------------------------------------
>
> Wilbers USA
> April 16, 2007
>
> Ref.: Wilbers line of products, manufactured in Germany
>
> Dear Customer:
>
> I am sorry to say that as of 4-16-07 we will not be offering the Wilbers
> products out of Germany. Orders for Wilbers shocks or springs out of
> Germany, that have been placed with us after March 1 - 07 up to April 13
> - 07, can not be delivered, because the manufacturer decided not to ship
> our orders, despite acknowledging them in writing.
>
> What has happened???
>
> I decided some time ago to expand my business by adding a line of high
> quality, but more economically priced twin-shocks for the vintage
> market, the YSS product. Please understand that I started marketing the
> Wilbers products back in 2001 without an exclusive contract from the
> manufacturer, and still do not have one today.
>
> Mr. Wilbers came to know about my interest in the YSS products a few
> weeks ago, and as a reprimand, told me that I am not part of their
> "preferred" vendor group any longer. As such, the delivery commitment of
> 14 working days would not apply to Wilbers USA any longer. I would have
> to wait for the product to be delivered when they are ready to ship it.
> I swallowed, waited, and told my customers that there is a delivery
> crunch due to high order volume in Germany, hoping that Germany would
> ship the pending orders a bit later. Asking for the delivery time again
> after about 10 days, I was told that as long as I would invest money
> with a competitor, I would not be supplied outstanding orders. I asked
> him to discuss the issue so we could arrive at a solution that would be
> satisfactory to both of us. He declined, demanding that I would state
> and commit in writing to be an exclusive Wilbers supplier, not carrying
> any competitive product, without offering me an exclusive contract. I
> declined respectfully and again expressed my interest in continuing with
> Wilbers, but the need to discuss the issue. I suggested to continue the
> supply of product to the US market and not to "penalize" the customer
> base because of our differences. I offered to turn the business over to
> a successor if we would not arrive at an agreeable solution, but to
> continue serving the market until that point of time. Mr. Wilbers
> strongly declined, telling me that I would not understand the
> seriousness of the situation and told me that my orders - all of which
> had been confirmed - would not be shipped to us.
>
> I am sorry that it came to this, but my business ethics do not allow me
> to continue dealing with a person or business under those threats.
> Disagreements happen every day, and can be resolved by discussing them,
> but they should not be carried out on the back of the people we both
> need most - our customers.
>
> I have contacted another supplier of High Quality shocks in the
> Netherlands - HYPERPRO, explained the situation and asked if they would
> work with me. I am glad to say that they agreed, and as of today April
> 17, I am proud to offer the HYPERPRO line of shock absorbers. All
> current orders will be contacted over the next few days, informed of the
> situation, and asked whether they want to accept the Hyperpro product,
> or cancel the order and receive a refund of their down-payment.
>
> We continue doing business under the registered name of Wilbers USA. We
> continue serving the Wilbers products we sold in the past with warranty
> claims, regular service, modifications etc. We will honor the 5 year
> warranty extended to you at time of purchase to the fullest.
>
> I know it will be difficult in the next few months promoting a new
> product, and basically starting from scratch, but I am committed to do
> so. Please contact us with your suspension questions and needs, and say
> hello when you see us at the next rally, show or meeting. It is a long
> explanation, but I felt you needed to get the full story to understand
> the situation. Thank you for your time in reading this letter. I am
> looking forward doing business with you in the future.
>
> Sincerely
>
> Klaus Huene
> I am copying below a letter from Klaus Huenecke of Wilbers USA:
>
> ----------------------------------------------------
>
> Wilbers USA
> April 16, 2007
>
> Ref.: Wilbers line of products, manufactured in Germany
>
> Dear Customer:
>
> I am sorry to say that as of 4-16-07 we will not be offering the Wilbers
> products out of Germany. Orders for Wilbers shocks or springs out of
> Germany, that have been placed with us after March 1 - 07 up to April 13
> - 07, can not be delivered, because the manufacturer decided not to ship
> our orders, despite acknowledging them in writing.
>
> What has happened???
>
> I decided some time ago to expand my business by adding a line of high
> quality, but more economically priced twin-shocks for the vintage
> market, the YSS product. Please understand that I started marketing the
> Wilbers products back in 2001 without an exclusive contract from the
> manufacturer, and still do not have one today.
>
> Mr. Wilbers came to know about my interest in the YSS products a few
> weeks ago, and as a reprimand, told me that I am not part of their
> "preferred" vendor group any longer. As such, the delivery commitment of
> 14 working days would not apply to Wilbers USA any longer. I would have
> to wait for the product to be delivered when they are ready to ship it.
> I swallowed, waited, and told my customers that there is a delivery
> crunch due to high order volume in Germany, hoping that Germany would
> ship the pending orders a bit later. Asking for the delivery time again
> after about 10 days, I was told that as long as I would invest money
> with a competitor, I would not be supplied outstanding orders. I asked
> him to discuss the issue so we could arrive at a solution that would be
> satisfactory to both of us. He declined, demanding that I would state
> and commit in writing to be an exclusive Wilbers supplier, not carrying
> any competitive product, without offering me an exclusive contract. I
> declined respectfully and again expressed my interest in continuing with
> Wilbers, but the need to discuss the issue. I suggested to continue the
> supply of product to the US market and not to "penalize" the customer
> base because of our differences. I offered to turn the business over to
> a successor if we would not arrive at an agreeable solution, but to
> continue serving the market until that point of time. Mr. Wilbers
> strongly declined, telling me that I would not understand the
> seriousness of the situation and told me that my orders - all of which
> had been confirmed - would not be shipped to us.
>
> I am sorry that it came to this, but my business ethics do not allow me
> to continue dealing with a person or business under those threats.
> Disagreements happen every day, and can be resolved by discussing them,
> but they should not be carried out on the back of the people we both
> need most - our customers.
>
> I have contacted another supplier of High Quality shocks in the
> Netherlands - HYPERPRO, explained the situation and asked if they would
> work with me. I am glad to say that they agreed, and as of today April
> 17, I am proud to offer the HYPERPRO line of shock absorbers. All
> current orders will be contacted over the next few days, informed of the
> situation, and asked whether they want to accept the Hyperpro product,
> or cancel the order and receive a refund of their down-payment.
>
> We continue doing business under the registered name of Wilbers USA. We
> continue serving the Wilbers products we sold in the past with warranty
> claims, regular service, modifications etc. We will honor the 5 year
> warranty extended to you at time of purchase to the fullest.
>
> I know it will be difficult in the next few months promoting a new
> product, and basically starting from scratch, but I am committed to do
> so. Please contact us with your suspension questions and needs, and say
> hello when you see us at the next rally, show or meeting. It is a long
> explanation, but I felt you needed to get the full story to understand
> the situation. Thank you for your time in reading this letter. I am
> looking forward doing business with you in the future.
>
> Sincerely
>
> Klaus Huene