Originally Posted By: Spector
Like you I have been an Amsoil dealer for twenty years now. Still am but only use a couple of specific products, the PI and transmission oil and that is about it. As you noted, the rest is just overpriced and too hard to get. Even when I lived in richmond (warehouse by the airport) it was still a hassle and then one can no longer just drop in and pick up product, one has to pre order it, not like I ever saw those employees killing themselves to fill orders and busting butt, but anyway.
Now with shipping just a killer to buy the product and so many good oils that do the job as well as huge price differences, always a rebate from Mobil, Pennzoil etc.
The other thing I hate is that they are trying to be everything to every possible market out there, from lawn equip to cycles to boating and lines that are too confusing, OE, XL, Signature. just produce the one line, signature but then no one wants to pay the price and no one goes 25,000 between changes.
Tough market and Amsoil is just overpriced.
My two cents
My dad lived a couple miles away from that Richmond warehouse as well. Back in the day you could just walk in and get what you wanted while paying cash just like an auto parts store. You can not do that now. I have often wondered what Amsoil actually makes and what is made by someone else but to their specs. What use to upset me about the MLM business model like you mention above is that Amsoil was/is trying to be all things to all people. So they add NGK spark plugs, a failed attempt at carrying Mothers products, Trico wiper blades, etc. The problem was is even at the dealer wholesale prices, most of those "add on" items were more expensive than they were at retail from an auto parts store. I can still go to Napa and buy a Napa branded Wix air filter for our car cheaper than I can buy it from Amsoil at dealer cost....forget the added shipping. LOL Again good oils and lubes but outdated MLM business model. I feel that the MLM business model has really hurt the company from getting the products out there where the people are. Amsoil has a quick lube program but I have never seen it. You know how you can find a Valvoline or Havoline, etc branded quick oil change place? Amsoil offers those as well to anyone who is rich enough to afford such a business. I have never seen one.