SuperCheap not so Cheap???

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Has anyone found that Supercheap Auto is not really super cheap, or even cheap, but rather expensive??

I went to buy some coil spring compressors today and they were $67.99 marked down from $79.99 (part of their Easter Promo), and they looked rather dare I say it 'cheap'.

So I thought I see our local tool store and Ag supply shop, they had Trades Quality Ones same style but with a lifetime warranty for $34.99.

This prompted me to do a bit more of a price comparison and found that even with the Easter discounts their prices were way higher for inferior quality tools and parts.

LED trailer lights were about half the price and were brand names at the independent local store, where Supercheap(??) sold their own branded ones, Jockey wheels were about half the price also.

[josh1990]

Not all the SCA branded stuff is cheap and nasty, a lot of the stuff is like home brand in Woolies, name brand in plain packaging. Electrical stuff, some globes etc are Narva items. The Anderson style plugs still have Narva a stamping on them. The Calibre fuel additive is Nulon, the Wash n Wax is Chemtech. Calibre belts are Gates items. There were hundreds of price drops (some not so big but drops nonetheless) a few months a go. Some other prices are not so awesome and it's cheaper to just eBay it and wait. Other parts stores are the same. EBay is just so much more convenient if you can wait (and if it's that much cheaper).

[.:4:.]

Supercheap are just convenient. It's the bunnings of the car world. Everything costs more then what you want to pay and you do it anyway even though it isn't entirely the thing you are after, but it's there and you don't have days to shop around.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

I am not talking about eBay I am talking about shops, the tool store.

Even if their tools are as you say, they are still more than twice the price of what they sell in a proper tool store.

Better quality spring compressors with better warranty for $34.99 vs SuperCheap $67.99 or their regular price of $79.99.

Even if they were the same quality still a massive price difference.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by .:4:.

Supercheap are just convenient. It's the bunnings of the car world. Everything costs more then what you want to pay and you do it anyway even though it isn't entirely the thing you are after, but it's there and you don't have days to shop around.

Intersting thought, but I never buy stuff any more that I am not 100% happy with, hence me walking out today as I though the spring compressors looked cheap and nasty and seemed very expensive, I remember buying them years ago for about $20, but I realise things have gone up but did not think $67.99 seemed right.

That's not saying that I have not been guilty of doing this in the past.

[josh1990]

Yes, I realise you were talking about shops. I was talking in general automotive products. Like the clutch kit I got off eBay at a fraction of the price quoted by Bursons/Repco/Autobarn/SCA. If I wanted a specific tool I look online before I go so I have a benchmark. Usually Gasweld works out the cheapest and definitely the most convenient. Total Tools is always the last place I look. Trailer parts? Murray Fab or EBay.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by josh1990

Yes, I realise you were talking about shops. I was talking in general automotive products. Like the clutch kit I got off eBay at a fraction of the price quoted by Bursons/Repco/Autobarn/SCA. If I wanted a specific tool I look online before I go so I have a benchmark. Usually Gasweld works out the cheapest and definitely the most convenient. Total Tools is always the last place I look. Trailer parts? Murray Fab or EBay.

I do use eBay but for certain things, like these spring compressors I wanted them today as I want to use them on the week end.

I only like buying brand named tools on eBay as you know what you are getting, not a fan of buying generic stuff on eBay as sure as **** it will break or be of poor quality.

At least if these spring compressor break on Saturday I will be taking them back for a refund or replacement on Tuesday morning.

[josh1990]

What car are you using them on mate?

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by josh1990

What car are you using them on mate?

I want to swap the springs out in my XB ute over the week end, got brand new ones at a different spring rate to the ones in there.

[.:4:.]

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Intersting thought, but I never buy stuff any more that I am not 100% happy with, hence me walking out today as I though the spring compressors looked cheap and nasty and seemed very expensive, I remember buying them years ago for about $20, but I realise things have gone up but did not think $67.99 seemed right.

That's not saying that I have not been guilty of doing this in the past.

Spring compressors aren't something you want to question the quality. Also an item you probably won't be too comfortable with if they break. The cheap more expensive questionable items may have to wait.

[Itsme]

I usually will look online at most auto stores or ring up before I go to purchase, saves time & gives you an idea on prices before you go & purchase.
Only time I don't worry about prices if I need something straight away if I'm in emergency situation of must have it now scenario.

Cheers.

[X-AHH]

Lesson learned, don't go back there.
A store that sells chemical camping toilets isn't going to be the same as a professional automotive parts/tools store. They do however provide what most people need most weekends for their car maintenance and repairs and open at times other stores are closed so perhaps those higher prices help to keep people employed.
In my experience, they carry a huge range of good and bad value products, you just have to choose carefully or take a hit to the wallet for the convenience.

[FG50T]

I have a toolbox full of Supercheap products that I now use regularly when my original intention was just to purchase it for one specialty jobs or when I needed something on the day. My local Repco has become a total let down for me in terms of tools and I find Autobarn to be semi-useful, slightly better brands but much more expensive. I don't find Supercheap to be that expensive and I always make up for it when tyre shine is on sale for a $1 a can

[snap0964]

It's always a case of shopping around - I usually have a wishlist of stuff to get if it's not urgent with reference prices.
I generally only buy stuff from SCA when it's on special or 20% off - I'm guessing Easter coming up Saturday might be a possibility?
Good time to get consumables like fluids and filters.

[Lunch]

I've found Supercheap to be cheaper than the exact same product from REPCO

[You Yangs]

"SuperCheap not so Cheap"
And you're only working this out now? Been that way for a long time

[Mont5.0]

I wanted a garage jack that was advertised for $350 ish.
Joined their Club for $5- (this included $10- credit) Jack cost me $244.

Maybe becoming a club member maybe what people need to do.
Just checked my account, have a $20- credit in there after buying the Jack.

[Tassie f100]

Originally Posted by XB GS 351 Coupe

Has anyone found that Supercheap Auto is not really super cheap, or even cheap, but rather expensive??

I went to buy some coil spring compressors today and they were $67.99 marked down from $79.99 (part of their Easter Promo), and they looked rather dare I say it 'cheap'.

So I thought I see our local tool store and Ag supply shop, they had Trades Quality Ones same style but with a lifetime warranty for $34.99.

This prompted me to do a bit more of a price comparison and found that even with the Easter discounts their prices were way higher for inferior quality tools and parts.

LED trailer lights were about half the price and were brand names at the independent local store, where Supercheap(??) sold their own branded ones, Jockey wheels were about half the price also.

For what it's worth,you don't use that type of spring compressoe with early Falcons.The Falcon compressor is basically a steel plate and a long bolt which fits inside the spring.The plate fits in about the second botom ring of the spring and the long bolt through a plate on top of the shock tower.You remove the shock, fit the plates,then wind up the nut on the bolt.2 pieces of 75 x12 flat steel would do for the plates and a piece of 16mm all thread and a couple of nut and away you go

[paulie]

Try page 2. Exact same thread.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by paulie

Try page 2. Exact same thread.

Correct & the OP responded to that same thread....

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11460643

[pottery beige]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

For what it's worth,you don't use that type of spring compressoe with early Falcons.The Falcon compressor is basically a steel plate and a long bolt which fits inside the spring.The plate fits in about the second botom ring of the spring and the long bolt through a plate on top of the shock tower.You remove the shock, fit the plates,then wind up the nut on the bolt.2 pieces of 75 x12 flat steel would do for the plates and a piece of 16mm all thread and a couple of nut and away you go

yup

decent bit of all thread, bit of plate, bits of flat bar and thrust bearing for easy spins up top fo yo nuts

mucho safer and mucho easier

Originally Posted by trublu

Correct & the OP responded to that same thread....

https://fordforums.com.au/showthread.php?t=11460643

easier start a new thread

[Doreturnonfoot]

Any business promoting itself to be cheap,warehouse, wholesale or a discounter and in substance really isn't should be fined. I mean how many businesses are there that call themselves as such and they charge retail price to individual customers.

[OzriderXR8]

My experience is their everyday stuff is reasonable quality and prices are good, they have some great specials. Some of their stuff is cheap to buy because it is cheap - like their compressors and tools. Good compressor (i.e. Fine once fittings are replaced.), cheap fittings and tools etc.

Were they are not cheap is the 'oh crap I need one of these now' type things, wheel pullers, trailer lights, stuff you need in a hurry.

They obviously know what is needed when your car is in bits and you have no choice.

Staff make a huge difference to a store as well, I go to North Geelong store and the young girl in there knows her stuff. Very helpful and will always jump on the computer if she's not sure.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by You Yangs

"SuperCheap not so Cheap"
And you're only working this out now? Been that way for a long time

I don't go there often, and not really much to compare it to where I live.

[XB GS 351 Coupe]

Originally Posted by Tassie f100

For what it's worth,you don't use that type of spring compressoe with early Falcons.

Well I did today and took less than 10 minutes per spring and worked perfectly, would have taken me more that 10 minutes to make the one you are talking about after spending three hours sourcing the parts to make it.

And I still have the spring compressors in my tool box for next time, so IMO $34.99 well spend.

[Stefan]

Those POS spring compressors are fine on lowered cars where the spring almost falls out when the car is jacked up.

Pulling standard heigh springs out of a falcon like I did a few months ago in my XY, they are a PIA and dangerous as the spring requires some serious compression to get out and even more to get back in...once the spring was compressed it was like handling a hand grenade.

I threw my spring compressors in the bin after that.

Better option or make one up like below...but for 150 I'll buy one, when I need them next.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Ford-Spri...YAAOSwImRYeEUz

[the_scotsman]

FYI 25% off storewide at Supercheap tomorrow ;)

[GO FURTHER]

While Supercheap may not be as cheap as they used to be, if you are a club member, and factor in the club member specials plus store credits you get on your card, they do work out cheaper than buying from Autobarn, Repco, or Bursons over the long term.

I think in the last 12 months alone, I've received close to $200 in loyalty credits to spend in store.

Also they gaurantee that as a club member, if you buy a product from their store, and within so many weeks afterwards, it goes on special or on sale.... They will credit the difference automatically to your club card, since everything you buy is logged to your card.

I've had this happen a few times buying oil from them .... A few weeks later its on special, and I get an email notifying me of the difference credited to my club card.

[the_scotsman]

Yea, about 50% of the time I buy something in Supercheap, within a week or two, it's gone on sale, and I get store credit. It's a great system and does work out well.

[.:4:.]

The supercheap member system is a surprising thing to see these days from a big business. It's quite honerable.