Australian Business Model???
Not sure if this is the correct forum or not, so Mods move if required.
I have a panel saw that was purchased from another member here, several years ago. I won't name the original supplier/importer but it is not Carbatec.
Recently the saw blade belt started to slip, and whilst I could tighten it, decided to get a new replacement belt. Consequently, I contacted the original supplier to seek if they had the belt in stock. The belt in question is a standard 680mm v-belt that is used, really quite common, I assume that it is in many table/panel saws including current models.
Well the upshot is they did not have a replacement, and suggested that I go to a bearing supplier for the new belt. Being somewhat adventurous I decided to push the point, and noted that it is a requirement that spares be kept for a few years to cover this type of thing. ACCC requirement IIRC.
The response was that they could freight one in for me, if I paid the $88 delivery fee, plus the $12 belt cost, or go elsewhere. The response was very unperturbed as if I, the customer, was a nuisance.
It looks as if the local bearing place will get my business, and the new bandsaw and combination thicknesser/planer that I was considering, will be purchased elsewhere. The last thing I need is to have problems which won't be resolved on any new machinery from this establishment.
Welcome to Australian retail!
Just my rant.