Why I quit AOCA

[8flyer]

After I read the price thread in General Discussion I Emailed AOCA (Automotive Oil Change Assosiation) and asked why they won't allow price discussion's on thier forum? (which is why I quit being a member) Attached is the exchange.
What say you? Opinions?

Here is my Email:

Hello,
Attached is a link to the Auto car care forum that clearly discusses price's of car washes around the country. What makes discussing oil change pricing discussion any different? AOCA's forum policies are why I'm no longer a member of your organization. -Kevin
http://forum.autocareforum.com/showthread.php?t=8572

Thanks -Kevin

Here is thier reply:

Kevin,

Thank you for your question and I can answer it with one word . . . none.
There is absolutely no difference between discussing the price of a car wash or the price of an oil change among industry professionals. They both have the potential to be considered as price fixing.

Legally, price fixing may involve sharing price information with competitors with the intent to set prices. According to the United States Department of Justice, price fixing does not necessarily involve setting the exact same price for a product or service, nor does it require the participation of every business in an industry. In the US, price fixing is considered a criminal felony under the Sherman Antitrust Act and for that reason AOCA will not tolerate the sharing of price information on AOCA Talk.

Personally, I think it's ridiculous that we have to be that way. But, I have been in the car wash and fast lube industry for over 20 years and love the people in this industry; and as long as there is a chance of one of them being destroyed because of a money-grubbing lawyer getting a hold of some innocent price-chatter on AOCA Talk, I will not allow it on my watch. Plus, the first target would be the AOCA itself and now that I work here, I quite like having Saturdays off after 20+ years.

Granted, the chances of one us making the wrong person mad, that has the resources to initiate a price fixing lawsuit, are very slim. But, price discussions on a forum hosted by the only Association representing the fast-lube industry would be all the evidence a lawyer would need for a conviction. Making the risks not worth the rewards. I will do everything possible to protect this industry, this Association and our members from the laws that are in place to take money from those of us who work for it!

Regards, (and I will be sleeping late this Saturday)


Gordon W. Taylor
Automotive Oil Change Association
(800) 331-0329 toll-free
(972) 212-6374 direct
www.aoca.org

 

[pitzerwm]

The reason that I allow it, as I have been warned too, is the word "intent" It would take a real government idiot, to try to read into any of these post "intent". Of course, there are no shortages of "idiots" in the government, but hopefully they are too busy screwing the secretaries, to screw us.

 

[8flyer]

The reason that I allow it, as I have been warned too, is the word "intent" It would take a real government idiot, to try to read into any of these post "intent". Of course, there are no shortages of "idiots" in the government, but hopefully they are too busy screwing the secretaries, to screw us.

That's why I like this forum! Thanks

 

[Whale of a Wash]

The oil change business has alot more national chains which could change things nationally , as car washes have very few chains . Between both businesses it would be hard to show price fixing as i can change my oil cheaper now than 15 yrs ago, and washing cars is also underpriced .
They can't even find price fixing on our oil speculators that are ruining our economy, and hurting every business in the country.

 

[robert roman]

“Legally, price fixing may involve sharing price information with competitors with the intent to set prices. According to the United States Department of Justice, price fixing does not necessarily involve setting the exact same price for a product or service, nor does it require the participation of every business in an industry. In the US, price fixing is considered a criminal felony under the Sherman Antitrust Act and for that reason AOCA will not tolerate the sharing of price information on AOCA Talk.”

Arguably, Mr. Taylor assumes the abstract concept of “intent” alone is enough to interject his personal bias to set policy on an industry forum.

Mr. Taylor can certainly do what he considers fit. However, would this not be a violation of someone’s right to freedom of speech?

In this day and age, a person would have to be galactically stupid to believe they could get away with attempting price collusion out in the clear and openness of the www for anyone to see.

Using an industry forum as the basis to dominate a particular trade area or region, certainly not nationwide, for a carwash or quick lube is probably as threatening to consumers as UFO conspiracies.

Has the Fed busted the fast food industry for having dollar menus? Of course not.

Consequently, it seems Mr. Taylor’s policy is slightly draconian.

 

[jfmoran]

"galactically stupid"

Steve,

Have you been watching "A Few Good Men?"

 

[jfmoran]

Sorry, Robert not Steve.

 

[robert roman]

LOL, I like that line a lot but publishers don’t.