There's something I need to tell you all

[chrisryder]

Hi,

I've got a mild confession to make. Although not my full time job, as I'm a student by trade, I find myself working during holidays for a Minor parts supplier. Whilst I haven't made this common knowledge, I have never denied it either.

I shall be working for them all summer, and may even end up on a stall at the national. So it's only a matter of time before many of you meet me anyway, it's best that I tell you all, rather than have some people know, and some not.

I won't divulge which trader I work for, I don't want to advertise, or affect anyones views of them. I attend this forum as a member of the owners club, a minor owner and enthusiast, and do not use this as a means of advertising. Infact the particular company's turnover and profitability does not concern me, as I myself am not the proprietor.

I try to act on here, and in person, as I would if i were not affiliated with any company. Any advice I give, or ask for, and any parts or cars I may buy or sell, are purely as an individual, and are in no means related to any traders/suppliers.

If it's ok, I'd wish to stay here and contribute as much as I learn from you all in return. And I hope that I'm not treated any differently knowing that I have certain connections.

[MarkyB]

No career in politics for you then, far too honest!
Being a student isn't much of a trade either, but thanks for sharing anyway.

[chrisryder]

it's not a trade. but money gets paid into my bank account every term because of it

and yes, i'm far too honest! i just didn't want to cause any bad blood somewhere down the line when someone calls me on it!

[Dean]

Damn... and I told you my secret way of fitting rear seat belts... poo bum..

[chrisryder]

hehe, i'd have asked anyway, no matter what my job.

you never know. when someone orders them, i can pass on your pearls of wisdom, and help many more owners struggling to work out where to fit them!

[irmscher]

Chris i think i can guess who you are working for due to your location a student needs to survive good on you

[Fingolfin]

I actually think the reverse -- that this is a GOOD thing. I feel like we ought to have people from the suppliers here, to keep them advised of best practices, panel and part problems, that sort of thing, though I do agree with the T&Cs that we shouldn't be overtly critical of any one supplier. Also, awesome job, brother!

[chrisryder]

most of the people in my branch now, as they come in regularly! and it does get annoying sometimes when people see me and the first thing they say is 'have you got this in stock?' or 'i bought this and it doesn't fit' etc. i wish people would see me as an individual, and take any queries directly to the company! that's half the reason i kept quiet on here for so long!

i see it as a 'double life', i like to keep my work separate from my social life if i can. at work i'm a trader. at home and online, i'm an owner and enthusiast!

and yes. it's a great job. every day is just like being on this forum. talking to people all day about problems they've got, and help them on the way to fixing it! i just can't believe i get paid to do it!

[MarkyB]

A job like that is what you need to aim for when you finish studying.
Money is a poor compensation for being unhappy 8 hours a day.

[millerman]

Chris you will be named on Twitter

You may as well say whom you are working for I'm sure the adults on here will take it in their stride

I look forward to having a beer with you on MOT. I've not started tweeting yet!

[chrisryder]

To put any suspicion to rest then, it is the Birmingham Morris Minor Centre.

i do emplore each and every one of you to treat me no differently, and take any orders, enquiries, or complaints straight to them! ok, in 3 weeks it could be me answering the phone to you, but i still want to keep things separate!

[MColes]

What a dirty, dirty secret... I'm shocked, hurt and damn right distraught!

[les]

You celebrities are all the same, crave the limelight, then expect privicy

[Neil MG]

Infact the particular company's turnover and profitability does not concern me, as I myself am not the proprietor.

That's real 'employee of the month' stuff

Seriously though, no need to distance yourself from your job or your Minor buddies! You just use appropriate discretion on which information you share. Obey the forum rules and remember who pays your wages!

[Matt]

Yup no problems staying - just don't say things like "oooh you can get this widget 10p cheaper at brum minor center"

[simmitc]

But I'm happt to say that I have always received excellent service from Mike, and Chris was a star last year delivering a couple of items to the rally for me. My only interest in the company is as a customer, so I can say that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them

[les]

Yup no problems staying - just don't say things like "oooh you can get this widget 10p cheaper at brum minor center"

No, but if you can,--- pm us!

[Dean]

I'll probably see you next week then Chris when I pop over!

[chrisryder]

well i wont see you. i'll be MOTing!

i start my summer stint on June 7th.

i probably wont be pm-ing prices. i can never remember how much stuff is! part numbers though... encylopaedic knowledge!

just remembered why i didnt want to say who i work for. it could get awkward people ringing them saying 'hello there, i'd like to speak to that guy off the messageboard...'

[dp]

Yeah, the guy off the message board said I could have it half price