I want to buy [something] from [a DSM vendor], but I can't seem to find them! Where are they?

[Note: the information discussed below defines a 'DSM vendor' as an established legal business that sells parts or services for DSM cars, and not private individuals selling parts or services.]

Most speciality vendors are very busy and are often difficult to contact owing to a large backlog of previous messages. In some cases there are only one or two people working in the shop, so when they are absent or busy there is no one to answer the phones or e-mail. Some shops keep restricted office hours to have time to work on parts. Finally, some vendors go out of business for various reasons, often when the principals involved move on to other things.

If you are looking for a vendor and cannot seem to find a current phone/fax number or e-mail address, it is possible the vendor is no longer in business or has moved. Check the vendors page for contact information. Also try phoning diectory assistance for the city where the vendor is/was located, to see if they are still listed. You can also write to the Digest for information, but please do not do so until all other avenues of investigation are exhausted.

If you know a vendor exists and cannot get a response from them, you have three choices - wait for a response, persist in trying to contact them, or contact a different vendor. If you choose to wait and do not get a response, don't get annoyed, as technical problems may have prevented the vendor from getting your message. If you feel this is not the case, don't bother getting mad, just go to another vendor.