Mesage From Paula at Finish Line

Enzo Alibrandi · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 09:42 AM

Hi Guys,

Its been awhile since I was on the forums. Many of you knew Enzo and know that I lost him last August. His illness and losing him took alot out of me and I'm just coming out of it and excited about work and stuff again.

For Finish Line the economy slow down and the loss of Enzo has effected us alot. This company was Enzo's baby though and his vision and I owe it to him to give it my best at this time and try to generate more business and more interaction with the customers.

I'm letting you know what we're doing and asking for input and suggestions from you guys as well.

The website is being done over as many are having log in problems and stuff. 15 years or so ago when we first got it up we were the only one and it was great then. But just like everything it is so outdated and I haven't had time to focus on it until now. Please feel free if you're having any trouble with it to email or call toll free at 888 436-9113 for immediate help.

I want to try and run more specials now and move the merchandise with perks for the customers which in turn will be more sales for us.

I'm also looking into some new merchandise to carry and bringing back the t-shirts and stuff that everyone liked a few years back.

Specials: We are going to run a lot of specials and would like feedback on those as well. I know we have one on the front page of our site for this month and this week I started putting coupons with out going orders for discounts, free shipping depending on the size of the order and things like that.

I also found one of our specials from a few years ago that is for 10% to 15% off certain packages.... for example visors and windwings - 10% off order - switches that include 5 different ones get 10%, bumper assemblies that include the overriders, the grommets, the nudge bars get 15% off and many more like that.

I will try and match prices if anyone wants to inquire. Many items are not marked up that much so I don't have a lot of wiggle room but some we make and we can be flexible.

We will now be open for extended hours. I'll try to answer any weekend call backs and emails before Monday that need immediate help.

Remember you can always call toll free at 888 436-9113 or email us at e.alibrandi@att.net

God Bless You All and we look forward to your feedback.
Paula

Jim Kellogg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 11:27 AM

Glad to see you are moving forward, and praying for the Lord's blessing on all that you do!
God Bless,
Jim Kellogg

LMH · #3 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 12:47 PM

Thanks for the update Paula! Glad to see Finishline carrying on and updating.
Can't imagine our hobby without you guys!
Larry

Dangerous Doug · #4 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 02:09 PM

Hello, Paula.

I just took delivery of a few remote oil filter components for my new Cobra engine. The parts look great and it is always a pleasure doing business with Finishline.

On a personal note, caring for someone through a prolonged illness and then their passing can really leave you feeling like you have nothing left. I was in need of a kidney transplant when my then 5-year old son was diagnosed with Leukemia. I delayed treatment for my kidneys while I focused on getting him through 2 years of chemotherapy. Six months after he finished his treatment I went into kidney failure and was fortunate to receive a kidney 3 months later.

My son is doing great, and is in fabulous health. I, too, have recovered and am back in the saddle, feeling great and taking my son out for plenty of adventurous activities.

My point in all of this is that there is light at the end of the tunnel for you. You may not see it now, and you may feel drained or depressed or both. Do what you can, and don't give yourself a hard time for it may take a little time to recover. You will feel much better soon.

Hang in there, for this, too, shall pass.

Kind regards,
Doug

52chevyred · #5 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 02:41 PM

I bought a lot of items from Finish Line and they are always top quality and speedy service. I would use them again for anything I need.

Wishing you the best as you carry on.

Ozgur_Tan · #6 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 02:44 PM

A+ for great operation
i'm always use your parts for my scratch builds
peace,
ozgur
ozgurtan.com

BMK · #7 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 02:59 PM

Paula

Good luck with your new direction and growth.

Like others I have purchased from Finishline and have been very happy with everything that I have received.

In particular the packaging and freight choices have made Finishline a good option for overseas customers.

Again good luck

Bernie

Dwight · #8 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 05:50 PM

thanks Paula

I received a small box of parts today. As always great products and service.

Dwight

twobjshelbys · #9 (**permalink**) 10-25-2012, 06:15 PM

This is awesome. Someone with a business plan!!!!

It's been a while but I think I did buy a few things from you and if I still had a Cobra there would be no doubt that I would continue doing so.

Enzo Alibrandi · #10 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 08:27 AM

Honestly guys, thank you so much for the encouragement and the welcome back. It really touches me.

Doug, I'm so glad you received your kidney and that your precious son is doing well. My 9 year old grandson had lymphoma stage 3 and the protocol is the same for leukemia so I know the two years you went through with that little guy. I had CJ and Enzo having chemmo on the same day and that was pretty scary. My grandson is 13, in complete remission and the National Hundai Pediatric Ambassador and the Florida Panthers Pediatric Ambassador and is flying all over the country speaking and helping other kids. He addressed Congress last month.

Again, everyone thank you.

Paula Alibrandi

Snowsnake · #11 (**permalink**) 10-26-2012, 04:59 PM

Glad to know your back on your feet. Prayers were always with you !
I'll be ordering soon. Good to know Finishline will be there.
Always Darryl

mdross1 · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2012, 02:43 PM

Hello Paula,
Sorry for you loss but like the tone when reading your post.We have to carry on we only have on chance at this life.Our car has been done of a lot years and did use Finishline during the build.These cars always need tweeking or renewing look forward to browsing your parts catalog.
Mike Ross

Hburrito · #13 (**permalink**) 10-27-2012, 05:55 PM

I only had my cobra for a year now and have placed 13 orders with you guys. The last order was placed just yesterday. You always have fair prices and always send out the items quickly as possible. Keep up the great work. Enzo would be proud.
Manuel Garcia

Enzo Alibrandi · #14 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 08:04 AM

Between now and the holidays every two weeks besides the regular specials that are going on we will pick 2 or 3 items that are available for forum members only if they used the code JW-39. Sale is good from now until the 16th 0f November.

Louvers - $65.00
Stainless steel polished bumper jack pads - set of 4 for $110.00
bumper jack pads, black - set of 4 $65.00

Thank you.
Paula
cobra, nardi, moto-lita, mini cooper, ferrari, shifter carts, parts and accessories from Finish Line

CobraDan · #15 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 10:52 AM

Paula,
Thanks for the donated door prizes for our annual gathering of the Reptile Roundup of the Deep South Cobra Club which was held this past weekend.

Fritz · #16 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 01:56 PM

I'm not sure how possible this is, but typically sites will calculate shipping costs prior to completion of the transaction online. I got the impression that Finishline did try to provide the least expensive option for all my orders, but it was a little bothersome to not know if I'd have an extra $5 or $30 for shipping. Maybe I missed it somewhere...I apologize if that's the case. If not, please look into this for the site overhaul?

Otherwise, I've basically started ordering all the small kit pieces from your store. The products are better than other places I've tried, and your prices are very reasonable.

Thank you!

rpatton3 · #17 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 03:28 PM

One of our candidates for sheriff in Craighead County, Arkansas. was patient # 17 at St. Judes in Memphis, TN. He retired from Arkansas State Police after 37 years!

Good health and friends are too precious to take for granted.
God bless all of you.

mickmate · #18 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 06:39 PM

Hey Paula, great to see you back on here. We're all glad the family biz and the fam continue the legacy and more importantly continue. Enzo smiles down on us, god bless.

Bernica · #19 (**permalink**) 11-01-2012, 08:29 PM

Paula,

Thank you for keeping Enzo's dream alive. God Bless you. You folks have been their to bail me out several times and it's good to know you still have out backs! I'm sure I will be back soon.

Regards.

Michael

YerDugliness · #20 (**permalink**) 11-06-2012, 07:17 PM

Good to hear from you, Paula. Like many others, I've bought all my appearance accessories from Finish Line...actually, now that I think of it, with the exception of polyurethane bushings for the suspension, every online purchase that went on the Cobra was purchased from Finish Line. Your parts are quality and service is quick.

If you are taking suggestions from customers, IMHO the free shipping offer would probably attract more business than discounts on the products. I ordered $150 worth of over-riders (2 VERY heavy items), the shipping was $17. I ordered $30 worth of emblems (2 VERY light items), the shipping was $10. It's just too hard to get a good grip on the way Finish Line manages shipping, so with that unknown factor eliminated it would be much more likely that this Cobra owner would continue to order from you.

Just my $.02 worth.....hope it helps!

Thanks, again, for having supported the Cobra community for so long!

Dugly