I'm thinking about starting a niche auto parts business from home, I thought someone on the board did similar. I'm just looking for some pointers really. I need to get some parts made as well, since alot of the niche parts I'm looking at are no longer made, or atleast are now of alot lesser quality.
Andrew
CNC Machines start at a few million I think.
I'm not looking to make parts myself, but you can get cnc machines with a whole lot cheaper then that if you buy used like most machine shops choose to do.
I was selling parts from home online, but for the most part I am done with it. The margins suck.
People rarely care about the quality of a part, they care about the warranty and the price.
I'm working right now on becoming a car dealer rather than selling parts as a main line. better margins, fewer headaches, more fun.
Moving out of the used parts business and heading into auto upholstery.
I got tired of being greasy at work AND at home :)
Shawn
I seriously suggest considering export. There is a very strong car culture in the Caribbean, and supply is a problem there. Don't know what your part is, but if you can sell it here, you can sell it there, for more money. For small shipments, under 2500.00, not much paperwork. And, we have guys here buying from Australia, why not return the favor.
after looking into it a bit more now, I'm thinking non profit. a non-profit automotive mechanic shop, found an interesting article on one in denver, colorado. They offer a standard price, then discount it depending on the persons need and income. I think I could find a grant to start out, it could be a good business model for companies to donate to as well.
digdug18 wrote: after looking into it a bit more now, I'm thinking non profit. a non-profit automotive mechanic shop, found an interesting article on one in denver, colorado. They offer a standard price, then discount it depending on the persons need and income. I think I could find a grant to start out, it could be a good business model for companies to donate to as well.
Remember, it's just the business that is non -profit, not the people who are profiting from it. There were lots of non-profit charities in Detroit that were paying the mayor's family hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. (Allegedly).
agreed, I've looked into government grants for non-profits, found a couple I would qualify for, as well as some corporations grants as well. Biggest thing would be finding the space to set one up, all the grants I've found start at $250k and up, so I'm not as worried about finding labor(other then myself) to work for me. And I'm sure I'll have no problem in the marketing department either.
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