supplier boycott

[Mary Smith]

Thanks, Fred, for voicing some support for the people who support us. 
I couldn't agree more...

>I'm going to weigh in here on behalf of suppliers. I am very grateful
>to have the quality and variety of parts that is available to me today.
>Thinking back twenty years, the increase in quality and variety is
>amazing. Yes, I have quarrels with quality on many occasions. But look
>at price versus finish. Usually a few minutes with a file or grinder
>will turn the offending tool into something useful. Or I could spend
>another $50 for a truly "finished" tool. Some times I prefer to finish
>my own, some times I prefer to pay the price. I like to have the cheaper
>one available. Similarly with parts.
>	I do agree with the notion of seeking other suppliers when quality
>products aren't available. Would love to see more reliable damper felt
>myself, for instance. But the notion of boycotting and getting angry
>when a supplier chooses not to attend a seminar conference - well, I
>just don't find that kind of thing very useful. Our suppliers are pretty
>responsive - give them a call and talk to them if you don't like what
>they offer. I think you'd be pleasantly surprised. And it costs a lot of
>money to send personnel and merchandise across the country - and put the
>personnel up in hotel rooms and feed them. Which translates into higher
>prices.
>	Just my 2 cents worth.
>Regards,
>Fred Sturm
>University of New Mexico