when will the world forget - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

lutzTD · #1 12-19-2008, 04:39 PM

dayum, I have been trying to source some parts from Germany and all I get is a bunch of rude replies and really stupid humor as to how they will not help me. Is this a new European thing toward Americans, is it a new or old thing or are German parts dealers just naturally rude? jeesh, I didnt support this whole load of crap going on and I am not personally responsible for world affairs. All I want is at least a polite reply once in a while, Im not asking them to sell their sister to me. I try to help people out whenever I can, I just expect a little courtesy.

Larry Delor · #2 12-19-2008, 04:58 PM

Any samples of their replies?
Just wondering....do you make requests in English, or German?
What kind of parts are you looking for anyway?

lutzTD · #3 12-19-2008, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

Any samples of their replies?
Just wondering....do you make requests in English, or German?
What kind of parts are you looking for anyway?

I am trying to get a 300D flywheel and a shifter for a w123 5 speed. I have been deleting the replies becuase they were pretty bad. I made the requests in english and with a babelfish translation in German. I took German in high school so I was able to correct the babelfish translation where it was incorrect or used the wrong word translation but its been pretty good translations and it is faster than dictionary lookups for each word.

I offered one guy this. He has a complete engine for sale with a flywheel on it. It is at 56 euros right now. I asked if the flywheel was included with the auction and he replied he has no flywheel with a rather rude joke, even though it is clearly pictured in the ad. I replied with a photoshopped picture pointing to the flywheel in case the english translation was confusing even though I used the German "Schwungrad". I asked if a buy the engine if he would remove only the flywheel and ship it to me, then he could relist the engine and resell it. He made another crude references about yankees and said "sure for 700 euros" he would sell me the flywheel. what gives. is it me?

aklim · #4 12-19-2008, 05:08 PM

Maybe you are small potatoes and not local so "Screw you" is the attitude of the day.

lutzTD · #5 12-19-2008, 05:09 PM

I have heard German humor is different, but I never imagined it would be rude. I work with a lot of Europeans and they are anything but rude. But I have never worked with anyone from Germany

lutzTD · #6 12-19-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

Maybe you are small potatoes and not local so "Screw you" is the attitude of the day.

Is it difficult to ship from Germany to the US? I can send a package to Europe from my local post office. Just wondering if US regs are tighter coming in and thats why they are reluctant to do it, but it still doesnt explain the rude comments. ALso it has been more than 1, 3 to be exact. The first and even the second person I thought maybe were having a bad day, but at 3 I have to wonder if I am missing something or if there is real animosity

aklim · #7 12-19-2008, 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lutzTD

Is it difficult to ship from Germany to the US? I can send a package to Europe from my local post office. Just wondering if US regs are tighter coming in and thats why they are reluctant to do it, but it still doesnt explain the rude comments. ALso it has been more than 1, 3 to be exact. The first and even the second person I thought maybe were having a bad day, but at 3 I have to wonder if I am missing something or if there is real animosity

I never have done it myself but according to someone who sold me something in europe, it wasn't that difficult. Maybe they just don't like dealing with someone with poor German. Not sure. Maybe they are just the way they are. I went to the French areas of Canada and you could tell they weren't as hospitable as many of the US tourist sites.

Larry Delor · #8 12-19-2008, 05:23 PM

700 Euros....soll das ein Witz sein? Ich fand ihn nicht sehr komisch.
Ich wollte eigentlich nochmals ganz ernst fragen wieviel für das Teil.... aber wissen Sie was? Sie können das Teil sich in den Arsch stecken.

Jorn · #9 12-19-2008, 05:27 PM

Germans (Europeans in general) are rude, just came back from a visit and was stunned.

And the last eight years have done "some" damage to USA's PR, but with a new Sheriff in town it will hopefully change. At least I don't have to defend the US anymore when I'm back, got a little tired of it

SirNik84 · #10 12-19-2008, 05:28 PM

I've always been happy to buy German products, they are generally the best products you can buy.

I will not buy French products, not even wine and cheese, the only things I can say they make well. I don't like buying French because they historically have a bad altitude toward Americans.

I hate the idea that the Germans are going the way of the French. If they are I may have to change my buying habits.

lutzTD · #11 12-19-2008, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Larry Delor

700 Euros....soll das ein Witz sein? Ich fand ihn nicht sehr komisch.
Ich wollte eigentlich nochmals ganz ernst fragen wieviel für das Teil.... aber wissen Sie was? Sie können das Teil sich in den Arsch stecken.

I replied thank you for your kind offer but no, and hopefully you will meet someone as helpful to you someday

the part was 500euros from MB new but they no longer make them. as it is a used part and fairly common in Europe I think no more than 200 euros plus shipping is fair. maybe I am wrong, but I dont think im so wrong that 700 Euros is not meant to be rude

MTI · #12 12-19-2008, 05:39 PM

I've made a dozen or so purchases from Germany, Shipping from Germany, or pretty much anywhere from Europe is pretty expensive. It's particularly true of bulky or heavy items. The worst may be the UK.

lutzTD · #13 12-19-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jorn

Germans (Europeans in general) are rude, just came back from a visit and was stunned.

I will try to thicken my skin I guess, why cant they be more like the Austrian and Belgian guys I work with. One of those guys would carry it on a plane if I asked. As would I for them.

Larry Delor · #14 12-19-2008, 05:50 PM

I think 700 Euros for a used autopart is rude (unless it is a genuine antique).
How much rudeness you are willing to put up with, depends on the make and model, and of course the owner and his bank account.

t walgamuth · #15 12-19-2008, 06:35 PM

I think you probably got an oddball german. I have run into some real oddballs here from time to time trying to buy things.