Developing Business plan for shop

[tnord]

The local racing team that i work for on occasion (Donnybrooke Motorsports) that also runs driving schools, open track days and the like, has been looking for a way to start attracting the "import" crowd. seeing an opportunity, i went in to talk to the owner with my idea; start a "typical" import performance shop with a detailing service as a compliment. a somewhat significant percentage of the customers would also be interested in participating in open track days. the owner loved my idea and wants to either 1) invest money into it and become a partner or 2) help me out in any way he can so i send customers his way as well. the next step for me is to develop a formal business plan to show to him in the next few months, this is where you guys come in.

1) what are things you have liked about shops you have visted?
2) what are things you disliked?
3) what are ways of doing business that sets one apart from the other?
4) how much would you be willing to pay to have the product you purchased installed on site?
5) is a detail service something that appeals to you?
6) are you more likely to buy from a local business, or purchase over the internet? what makes you choose one over the other?
7) is a large inventory important? ie; if you have to wait a couple days for the shop to order and receive it.
8) any other comments/suggestions

keep in mind this will not be a 240/nissan only business.

thanks guys.

[ca18guy]

To me a shop is all about the people in it. I hate shops where the employees look down at you or give out that "higher then thou cause I work at a shop" attitude. I would rather buy from a shop cause it gets me out and talking with people of similar interest and it's always good to be friends with the people you buy expensive stuff from. Large inventory would not be important to me cause I have patience, can't speak for the rest of the population &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':0'> &nbsp;Obviously have popular items in store. As for the others i'm undecided.

[adey]

Wow, this sounds like it could really grow and blossom to be a neat/fun/beneficial (mutually) project. Here are my answers:

1)
CLEAN, un-cluttered displays with good product descriptions;
One or two show cars that display the shop's work/tuning prowess;
Friendly, KNOWLEDGABLE, polite, and willing staff;
Good view of the garage (even if customers aren't "allowed" inside) so we can see what's going on.

2)
Ignorant and/or impolite staff;
Next-to-no-displays/descriptions or product list/catalogue;
Overly dirty and unorganized garage that's hidden from all sight;
High prices (duh)...

3)
CUSTOMER SERVICE;
QUALITY of work performed.

4)
Depends on what product, but not the standard 70USD/hour. Try closer to 30 or 40 (realistically) per WORKED hour (i.e. not by-the-book # of hours).

5)
Detail service is NOT something that PARTICULARLY appeals to me.

6)
Brick-and-Mortar will always beat out the internet given a reasonably small price difference. I like to see/touch/feel/talkto the people and products that I buy and buy from. It gives a sense of security and is condusive (generally) of trust.

7)
Large inventory is not THE MOST important, but is desireable. Back-order and special-order items are annoying to wait for. However, when customer service and product (install) quality are really top notch, a week or two may be worth it.
That said, rather than a LARGE inventory, focus on quality products and harder-to-find products.

8)
Give zilvia.net members a discount. ><img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>
have hot models in/around the shop.
Pass out free food and drinks.
Don't take me seriously. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

-AD

[sil80]

I think its cool your thinking about starting a shop. ad and ca had a lot of good imput. A big thing to think about is location in your area. People normally say bla at that but if your shop is in a good location then you will so more people hanging around buying stuff and bsing with others. So you start like a community around your shop then word of mouth spreads and BOOM your microsoft.. hahah j/k.
I think you should look at how enjukuracing.com is run and apply that to a physical location and internet sales. He is upfront no bs, good on prices, and has all the good stuff in stock. If your straight with you clients and keep them informed(like back orders) they will come back.
Now the shop, make it visual to the client. Like big glass(something see through like a car wash) wall so they can see there car or atleast someone elses car getting modified. This has a couple of benifits:
A: People will have more trust in you so they will be more willing to let you work on there car.
B: hell of an reason to keep the shop clean.
C: If something bad happens you will know.. thats if your not the mechanic.
HHMM having the product on site is a major plus but where most people go wrong is they will have a ton of wheels in stock and there normally shit/ugly so they loose money. Maybe a few good set of wheels then like brake/engine/suspension/ and exhaust goodies should make up the rest. Dont limit yourself to one style car.. have shit for nissan, vw, mazda, honda.. yes I just said honda.
Next thing.. Try to find someone in your area that wants to start a stereo shop... that will bring in business for both of you and you can somehow work out bills and shit... Make sure you can tint also.. that will bring in business.
Let me know how it goes and GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[whateverjames]

2) what are things you disliked?

seeing the same people up at the shop every time you go up there, talking and BSing with the owners and workers about nothing at all while the owners totally ignore you after they have answered only one of your questions <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':angry:'> a shop actually went out of business because of that. but i hear they are back and they shaped up.

3) what are ways of doing business that sets one apart from the other?
get to know the customer. keep track of what their plans are so they don't have to tell their story every time they walk in the door.

6) are you more likely to buy from a local business, or purchase over the internet? what makes you choose one over the other?
i've been buying over the internet for the past couple years due to bad customer service in the local shops, and the shop trying to rip me and my friend off. i think the last thing that set us off and made us never buy from a shop again, was the guy trying to sell my friend an apex AVC-R boost controller for $650+shipping. 1 month later, he bought the same one for $399 shipped from titan motorsports.

7) is a large inventory important? ie; if you have to wait a couple days for the shop to order and receive it.
if i had a shop, i wouldn't have too much stuff in the store. the shops will be robbed eventually. besides, nobody stocks nissan parts anyway so i just got used to it <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

8) any other comments/suggestions
hook me up with some good customer service and prices <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[camppain]

good luck travis

1) what are things you have liked about shops you have visted? setup and product quality and availabilty

2) what are things you disliked? poor cust service and no knowledge of products

3) what are ways of doing business that sets one apart from the other? CUSTOMER SERVICE! and best deals

4) how much would you be willing to pay to have the product you purchased installed on site? diy

5) is a detail service something that appeals to you?diy

6) are you more likely to buy from a local business, or purchase over the internet? what makes you choose one over the other? either or. depends on product availabilty,price ,nowledgable staff (not just trying to sell you expensive products)
7) is a large inventory important? ie; if you have to wait a couple days for the shop to order and receive it.
no, not as long as they give me a time frame and deliver in that period or before
8) any other comments/suggestions

[HippoSleek]

I'm the atypical overeducated consumer, so bear w/ me:

1) &nbsp;Service, product knowledge, ability to differentiate one brand from another.
2) &nbsp;Crews of riceboys hanging out watching Option videos and thinking they know more about cars than everyone who walks in the door. &nbsp;
3) &nbsp;Knowledge. &nbsp;Just like around here, you have riceboys who know a lot of names and nothing about actual performance and people that know their stuff.
4) &nbsp;me? &nbsp;HA
5) &nbsp;No - I feel like most "car" people get a sense of satisfaction from cleaning the car and won't trust a stranger (or be willing to pay someone).
6) &nbsp;9/10 internet. &nbsp;I work too much and don't have time to go to a shop unless it keeps unprofitable hours. &nbsp;If it shows up to my door, I just have to install. &nbsp;
7) &nbsp;No. &nbsp;More than anything, honesty and promptness is. &nbsp;If you tell me I've got to wait a week, that's generally okay &nbsp;- if I really need it, I'll go elsewhere and respect you for telling me. &nbsp;But what I HATE is being told it's backordered AFTER I order.

Perfect example of what's wrong w/ shops: &nbsp;I wanted adj. t/c rods. &nbsp;Teins are cheapest and widely available. &nbsp;Three local shops stock Tein products. &nbsp;Called the first for price and availability - "I dunno, I'll have to call Tein and ask... what's your number?" (I called back 24 hours later - no word; I called back 48 hours later - out of stock in US, 4 days to six weeks to deliver). &nbsp;Shop two - "We only stock Rx7 parts" - fair enough. &nbsp;Shop three - no answer or busy signal for three days, no reply to my email for five!! &nbsp;I woundn't buy from #1 b/c they couldn't be bothered to follow up for 48 hours and even then didn't call me as they said they would. &nbsp;Couldn't buy from #2. &nbsp;Wouldn't buy from #3 b/c they were obviously spending the day online and chatting w/ their cr3w, yo. &nbsp;[fwiw, I bought from Wayne at Phase2motortrend. &nbsp;Immediate contact, next day shipping, and he gave me a great deal.] &nbsp;The moral of this story is that if these jackasses would have given me any service, a wait is acceptable. &nbsp;As a paying customer I demand respect and I'll pay or hunt to get it.

Honestly, there's only two shops I really like around here: the local domestic Speed shop b/c they know their stuff, have lots of contacts w/ shops/specialists (i.e., exhaust, head work, what ever you need), and don't treat you like you are a geek b/c you aren't down w/ them (too bad they don't have anything for my car...); and the local racer's place (ogracing) b/c they know their stuff, are helpful, are tuned into local events/races, and don't take themselves so seriously.

Unfortunately, I think to really make money in this game, you've got to be a House-of-Rice. &nbsp;Those are the kids spending all the money for stuff w/ big mark ups. &nbsp;They also seem willing to be treating like crap to get the best deal on some bling rims. &nbsp;

If I were to open a business, I'd follow my local racer's place's model. &nbsp;Safety and racing gear - fluids, seats, helmets, suits, nets, cages, etc. &nbsp;Small operation. &nbsp;Internet presence. &nbsp;Good staff. &nbsp;Racing community involvement.

bah - too much to write...

[240 2NR]

Well for me the big thing is never having anything in stock, and not having any real pricing.

The only ricer shop in town near me carries nothing for nissan and whenever I ask about parts they give me random pricing (usually from some 16yr old kid) based on what the honda part would cost. &nbsp;Than I asked about tire pricing and he looked up the price at the tire rack and he said it would be about that much. &nbsp;Ok, thanks, I'll take my business there.

Personally I prefer race shops and when it comes to things like a harness or a seat I feel the premium cost is justified by actually having a part to handle, test fit, and discuss with a knowledable employee (northstar, that shop is pimp, though hard to find). &nbsp;When I was there both he and his wife were more than happy to answer any question I had, (and there were lots) and help me try as many products as possible. &nbsp;She even opened every package of gloves and insisted I try each style till I found the one that fit best and she then repackaged them and re hung them on the wall. &nbsp;This is after I test fit all the harnesses and he showed me a clients porsche in the back as an example of how everything should fit.

On top of all that the products are all out of the racing line for sparco (I want a series 200 seat so bad), OMP, and recaro among others and most carry an FIA approval. &nbsp;Sure it was all hella expensive but I walked away very satisfied.

As for installs, I'm a big DIY'er and hate bringing my car to anyone else. &nbsp;If I do, I usually want to be able to watch or be there to answer questions with the tech. &nbsp;Though many ricers are not willing to get dirty even for a CAI, so having that service available would be good for them. &nbsp;At the same time some exhaust installs are less straighforward than they should be and to have a low cost install if parts are bought in your store would be a nice service. &nbsp;Then they just tip the installer or something.

Speaking of shops, I really want to buy this really old 4 bay service shop in Champaign/Urbana. &nbsp;I had considered it and once it was all done and full of tools starting RentMyShop.com so people have a place to go and install things on their cars and use a huge toolbox and lift to do work themself with my help for like $20 an hour, or have a weekly rate for something like an engine swap. &nbsp;I think that would be pretty cool. &nbsp;I'd probably do oil changes and tire balances myself and stock some parts too just to keep the cash flow. Maybe some detailing.

[tnord]

here's what i have concluded from what you guys have told me, please tell me if it is accurate.......

1) product knowledge is the most important quality of the people working followed closely by.......
2) old fashioned cust service; basically making every effort possible to make sure the customer walks away happy, even if he didn't buy anything
3) responsiveness; answering phones, returning e-mails, staying in contact with the customer about the status of their product. basically the way enjuku does it.
4) no bullshit; if it's backordered, tell you, know the exact price of products

what surprises me is that inventory doesn't really matter to people. i know when i want something, i want it NOW, but it appears that probably via internet, people have gotten used to waiting. that's great, because then i have to hold less working capital, which of course makes me less vulnerable. i also see that for the most part, people do installs for themselves (at least on this board, which i think is a little skewed to the diy-er compared to most customers). i still think having an install service is profitable, so what about this idea; since you guys don't mind waiting, i could have a tech in like 3 days a week after he's done at his existing job, and the customers could make appt's to have their product installed. that way, i don't have to pay somebody full time and benefits and all that bs. would you guys be comfortable having me do the install? how about some more feedback on this issue?

mark - i'd love to have a "racer's" shop, but i can't. the people that would be investing in me and my shop are already in the business of selling things of this nature. i doubt it would go over well if i was trying to steal their business.

steve - i love that rentmyshop idea....i can't even tell you how many times i couldn't do a repair myself cause i needed a lift. then ended up paying some dill-hole $70/hr.

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (240 2NR @ Aug. 19 2002,10:05)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Speaking of shops, I really want to buy this really old 4 bay service shop in Champaign/Urbana. I had considered it and once it was all done and full of tools starting RentMyShop.com so people have a place to go and install things on their cars and use a huge toolbox and lift to do work themself with my help for like $20 an hour, or have a weekly rate for something like an engine swap. I think that would be pretty cool. I'd probably do oil changes and tire balances myself and stock some parts too just to keep the cash flow. Maybe some detailing.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Dammit Steve! &nbsp;You took my idea. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

I was going to suggest that in addition to having parts, displays and all that, that you could have a "assisted shop". &nbsp;For a small fee, car owners could come and rent the air tools and lifts in the shop. &nbsp;Additionally, as part of the fee, they could as the shop foreman/other mechanics for help in sticky situations. &nbsp;I think this would be a great teaching tool, as more noobs could learn how to properly work on a car. &nbsp;And you also get the satisfaction of being able to do it yourself. &nbsp;I HATE the fact that I have to take my car to the shop and let them do the alignment this week. &nbsp;I just want to be there watching, at least. &nbsp;I like having that option available to me. &nbsp;

I would use your shop, Travis. &nbsp;Especially if you let me work on my car there <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':)'>

Eric

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ Aug. 19 2002,10:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">here's what i have concluded from what you guys have told me, please tell me if it is accurate.......

1) product knowledge is the most important quality of the people working followed closely by.......
2) old fashioned cust service; basically making every effort possible to make sure the customer walks away happy, even if he didn't buy anything
3) responsiveness; answering phones, returning e-mails, staying in contact with the customer about the status of their product. basically the way enjuku does it.
4) no bullshit; if it's backordered, tell you, know the exact price of products

what surprises me is that inventory doesn't really matter to people. i know when i want something, i want it NOW, but it appears that probably via internet, people have gotten used to waiting. that's great, because then i have to hold less working capital, which of course makes me less vulnerable. i also see that for the most part, people do installs for themselves (at least on this board, which i think is a little skewed to the diy-er compared to most customers). i still think having an install service is profitable, so what about this idea; since you guys don't mind waiting, i could have a tech in like 3 days a week after he's done at his existing job, and the customers could make appt's to have their product installed. that way, i don't have to pay somebody full time and benefits and all that bs. would you guys be comfortable having me do the install? how about some more feedback on this issue?

mark - i'd love to have a "racer's" shop, but i can't. the people that would be investing in me and my shop are already in the business of selling things of this nature. i doubt it would go over well if i was trying to steal their business.

steve - i love that rentmyshop idea....i can't even tell you how many times i couldn't do a repair myself cause i needed a lift. then ended up paying some dill-hole $70/hr.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
yeah yeah yeah. &nbsp;good stuff. &nbsp;how about the shop is ALSO a place to hangout on the weekends/evenings (multi-use, multi-profit). &nbsp;you could have maybe a small concession stand (maybe just snacks and sodas...liquor license is a bad idea). &nbsp;then you could have a decent stereo system/jukebox and people could just come over, park their cars and talk shop. &nbsp;i'm not suggesting riceville either. &nbsp;just sit there, with a nice shiny car (or maybe with some Blackhawk dust on it) and shoot the shit. &nbsp;i would LOVE to have a place to go for that. &nbsp;around here, the only people that hang out are bikers or mullets...nobody with an import seems to care enough to organize anything.

[sil80]

I still think have small stereo section and tinting would help a lot, gotta pay the bills you know.
The assisted shop/rent the shop things is cool in concept but a bad idea.
A: your not going to be friends with everybody so you have to find a way to secure your gear.... ya right thats just not possible.. if walmart cannot then you cannot.
B: INSURANCE..... actually I sported this idea at one of my local shops and he said he tried but the insurance was out of this world... I thought was a cool idea also.
Keeping a whole bunch of parts in stock is really not profitable unless you live in a big city and your the only shop, not going to happen. It really comes down to what few items you do keep in your shop. Obviously a few intakes and exhaust setups... But I would try and have rare JDM stuff on the walls and stuff to get peopling craving your shop.
I think have a area to come and hang out would be cool... AGAIN insurance.. You would be better off picking a location for your shop that is in a good consumer location(easy to get to) but also have maybe like huge parking lot next door that is not yours.. or a sonic/gas station/ or any other fast food get up... or race track &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>

[Fuzzy Ewok]

The rent-a-lift kinda thing is really a great idea, and something to seriously think about. &nbsp;I have a friend who was in the Navy, and while he was there he was able to go into one of their garages and use their lifts/tools to work on his car. &nbsp;He absolutely loved it, and we actually had a conversation about how nice it would be if that kinda thing was available where we live.

You could use one of the lifts as a full or part time rent-a-lift (depending on demand). &nbsp;You'd probably want to set up a scheduling deal, where customers would signup ahead of time--perhaps listing make/model/year of the car, what was being done to it, what tools were going to be needed (encourage them to bring their own if possible, of course, hehe), and estimated time needed. &nbsp;Obviously you wouldn't want to schedule blocks of time right up against one another, since things don't always go to plan... &nbsp;If demand on the lift is relatively high, you could always reserve one or two days as "first come, first serve" days for the lift. &nbsp;People could just drop in and do quick work/installs (say no more than one or two estimated hours for the job), that way you wouldn't have to force everyone to make an appointment if they didn't want to. &nbsp;Being flexible to a certain extent is a huge part of any successful business.

I think people have nailed down most of what I like to see in a shop. &nbsp;A really big factor for me is a combination of car/part/application knowledge and how personable the people working are. &nbsp;It's good to remember that people who like their cars, like others to be interested in their cars. &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> &nbsp;The suggestion about getting to know the customers and their cars a bit is a good one.

Having a visible, open garage where one can see work being done to their car is always nice. &nbsp;And a clean, uncluttered showroom is another good thing to see (as well as a car or two on hand that can be showcased, as was suggested). &nbsp;What parts, and how many, to inventory is a tricky thing. &nbsp;Obviously, you'd want a good number of the high demand items in stock as much as possible. &nbsp;People expect to wait on rarer items if they have any brains at all, unless you tout yourself as the shop that "can get you anything in 1 day." &nbsp;Be upfront and honest, tell people if there will be a wait on something and why.

One more idea that just popped into my head. &nbsp;There are times when I would really love to be able to talk in person to the owner of an aftermarket part I'm looking to buy. &nbsp;If you can establish a relatively close working relationship with some people, you might ask if they'd be willing to participate in a gathering once in a while to answer questions about certain parts they have installed, or to even give short rides, etc. &nbsp;If you could get a few people together who were willing to showoff their car and answer questions about parts/peformance, and they had a good variety of popular parts installed, it would help people make up their minds buy from you. &nbsp;Good customer/salesman relations and all that. &nbsp;

Obviously, it's not always the best idea to go around showing a group of complete strangers what high cost parts you have sitting in your car, etc etc...but it's something to think about, anyway. &nbsp;I would participate in something like that once a month (or every couple months...how much ever demand there was) once my car has stuff on it. &nbsp;I figure that there would be at least some people who'd be willing to do that, since people who spend lots on their cars also tend to invest in good security systems, etc etc. &nbsp;And if you have good, close working relationships with some of these people, it will inspire them to come out and showcase their cars/parts. &nbsp;For me, if I could go to a local gathering put on by a shop and scope out a couple different pairs of coilovers on a 240 (especially if I could get a short ride), it'd sure speed up my decision as well as make me buy from the shop that helped me out with my decision (assuming decent prices and no assheads working there).

[Fuzzy Ewok]

Oh yeah, insurance would be a bear for a rent-a-lift kinda thing...you're right. &nbsp;I'd still check it out, though. &nbsp;If you could get them to sign waivers that any injuries incurred or damage to their car was their own responsibility, and not the shop's, you might be able to get reasonable rates. &nbsp;It's worth talking to insurance people in your area to see, I think.

As for tools, a way to secure your stuff would be to limit the rent-a-lifts to just one, and have it in an area that was a bit away from the other lifts. &nbsp;You could not supply any tools at all, or just supply the rare ones (meaning rent or lend them out, again with signups, etc). &nbsp;If you've only got one lift going, and if you don't allow all his/her buddies to come stand around and watch (limit number of people working on it to two, perhaps), and the lift is not pushed right up against all the other gear in the shop, you could keep a much better eye on things. &nbsp;In addition, if I had people working in my shop, I'd take a quick break now and again to hop over there and see how things were going, if they needed a hand, etc etc. &nbsp;Just to be nice and helpful, but also so make sure they knew what they were doing, weren't stealing, etc etc.

[240 2NR]

To those suggesting that people bring their own tools, I'd say that only makes it easier to steal and not even mean to, on top of the added risk of stealing now that you have a box to put them in.

When I did my suspension swap, Eric came up too with his toolbaox and we used my friend's shop. &nbsp;In the end, a few tools got mixed up and Eric is still waiting on a couple hand tools that got packed up incorrectly and were left at the shop. &nbsp;Nothing big, but it just becomes an even bigger organizational nightmare.

[Fuzzy Ewok]

That's a good point. I suppose you could have a complete set or two of tools that were used as "rent-a-tools"? If you're running a clean, organized shop (as much as a shop can get, mind you), you could inventory the tools before they were loaned out and when they were turned in (before the person leaves). To keep things more organized, you could have shop personel only be allowed to operate the lift (thus hopefully lowering insurance risk more as well). Just brainstorming here, hehe. I get excited about ideas like this because I wish so much there was a place to do that here...

[uiuc240]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (240 2NR @ Aug. 19 2002,12:00)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">To those suggesting that people bring their own tools, I'd say that only makes it easier to steal and not even mean to, on top of the added risk of stealing now that you have a box to put them in.

When I did my suspension swap, Eric came up too with his toolbaox and we used my friend's shop. In the end, a few tools got mixed up and Eric is still waiting on a couple hand tools that got packed up incorrectly and were left at the shop. Nothing big, but it just becomes an even bigger organizational nightmare.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
You could just paint all the shop tools or something. &nbsp;But yeah, a good inventory before and after would be a good idea. &nbsp;

But I guess I see this as being much more simple. &nbsp;

Rent the lift (with a WAIVER).
The shop could have a big air tank with a tap at each bay. &nbsp;You could rent out the air hose and air tools on an "as-needed" basis.
All other tools would be brought in by the customer.
And if they don't want to work on the car, that's fine too.

Just a thought.

Eric

[HippoSleek]

I agree that the internet has made us all a lot more willing to wait for things. &nbsp;I'm VERY impatient, but I just accept that if I want something, it will take 3-6 days delivered. &nbsp;The other thing is that it is hard to a shop to keep everything needed for everyone on the shelves. &nbsp;

I like the idea of a stereo and tint shop for money - but not if you want a hardcore base. &nbsp;Again, I think making money and keeping a hardcore base are tough to reconcile.

I also love the rent-a-bayidea. &nbsp;I've thought about this one a bit since I live in an area that is dominated by apts. and townhouses. &nbsp;Around here, a townhouse w/ a garage = $250K+. &nbsp;I have to go over to friends' parents' houses to do stuff. &nbsp;That SUCKS! &nbsp;I'd pay an hourly rate to work on my car. &nbsp;As for doing it, there has to be a way to waive liability (if you can do it at a racetrack, you can do it at a repair shop). &nbsp;As for tools - I think loaners are the way to go. &nbsp;No matter what you do, tools will be lost or stolen. &nbsp;Keeping someone from bringing a box doesn't help much when they could just put them in the car! &nbsp;At least SOME people would need loaners. &nbsp;Just make sure to have loaner boxes or sets that you sign out while holding ID or a credit card. &nbsp;Something comes up missing, they pay!

As for operating an install place - I think that having someone in a couple days a week would be fine. &nbsp;Another thing to keep in mind is that if you have only SIMPLE installs (suspension bits, bolt-ons, etc.) you don't need an ASE certified stud. &nbsp;As long as you keep away from internals, anyone can do the other stuff - at a lower that normal shop rate - and still make a profit. &nbsp;Otherwise, while I'd trust you, I'm also a DIYer for my own reasons. &nbsp;I'd feel confident sending business your way - how's that?

I thought that was the case for a race shop - its just hte best example of a shop I like that I know of. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':('>

[bbp]

tnord,

Great idea! &nbsp;I worked for TC Kline Racing for a number of years, similar setup. link (http://www.tcklineracing.com) &nbsp;We had a parts counter and a service garage where we would get customers cars ready for drivers schools and performance upgrades, it was mostly BMW and Honda.

Remember why you are doing this, to make money. &nbsp;I would not let anyone use the shop space or tools or lift. &nbsp;This is supposed to be a business, not a club. &nbsp;The liability is insane!

If I were to start an import parts business....

Get a couple of high margin lines that you keep in stock. &nbsp;Wheels, steering wheels... &nbsp;not car model specific so you don't need to have a huge inventory. &nbsp;High performance brake pads may be another line to stock. &nbsp;But overall you probably do not want to have a bunch of operating cash tied up in inventory. &nbsp;Most places just drop ship to their customers anyway. &nbsp;Keep some items for display, seats belts etc.

Have reliable, knowledgable people working for you (obviously).

What is your target market? &nbsp;If I were doing it I would try to target a specific niche of people, maybe one marque. &nbsp;I would also try to target people that have disposable income.

Most everything can be purchased on the web now a days so you will have to have impecable customer service to compete. &nbsp;I would also consider doing a web site to move more items. &nbsp;I have purchased everything for my racecar on the web, even from Summitracing which is right down the street.

Advertise at the local tracks, take product with you.


Good luck with it!!

[uiuc240]

you worked with TC Kline? &nbsp;cool, man. &nbsp;i'm jealous.

Something I just thought of. &nbsp;You need UNIQUE PRODUCT. &nbsp;That will get people to come to your shop. &nbsp;Like the hotpipes that HT sells and the install kits they sell. &nbsp;I think you should sell a good adaptor kit to put race seats on the stock sliders. &nbsp;You could prototype them, contract a CNC place to machine them, and they would be a unique product for your shop to sell. &nbsp;THEN, you can have a selection of 5 or so of the most popular seats WITH harnesses setup in the shop for people to try before they buy. &nbsp;I would make the trip.

And you could do cage welding at the shop too...

Eric

[sil80]

Steering wheels are expansive so unless you can sell them close to cost then people are going to go to ebay. But if you do sell them make sure you have hubs available so people wont have a reason not to get it.
Seats.. dont bs hear... Get the good shit and they will buy <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':D'>
But have brackets available also.
I would either have a list of available machinest in your area available or get to know one well enough that does good work and send buisness there way.
Another thing I would have available is front clips... But on the flip side of it when I got them in I would pull the engine, wiring, harness the store shit to save room. I would probably keep a couple engine on stands out in the viewing area also.
If you start a shop then you might as well start a web site also. Twice the possiblity of a sale.... obviouse
Do a ton of advertising local and online. Look at enjuku, he is selling stuff like mad on ebay now. No biding just buy it now option. Almost everyone in our hobbie spends time on ebay but hardly anyone knows every online import shop.. ken at enjuku realized that.
Sorry for the bable.

[tnord]

i know it's been a while since the last post on this thread was up, but as i keep doing research and figuring out new information, i will continue to have new questions, so those of you interested, please bookmark this thread.

anyway, made a few phone calls to companies such as Greddy, AEM, Eibach, H&R, just to get an idea of what kind of requirements i would have to meet to carry their product. basically, it's kinda expensive. you really can't get them factory direct until you become a wholesaler (which eibach said i would be a perfect candidate for given location). so what you have to do is go through a warehouse (middle man). the warehouse i contacted charges $2500 bucks a month to be allowed the priveledges of doing business with them. what i'm asking is.........what BRAND of products would you guys like to see in the store? please put them into categories

1) suspension
3) basic bolt on (intake, exhaust, headers, pulleys, etc)
4) more involved mods (cams, valve springs, pistons, diff's)

keep in mind this WILL NOT be a 240 or even nissan specific shop.

[numatik]

I had a shop going on with the same type objectives. It failed, but I learned alot about how to start a sucessful business.
1) You need twice as much money (at least) as you think you do

2) You need to advertise every way imaginable

To make it work you must do flyers, radio ads (if possible), and most importantly have really BAD A$$ cars. The best way to advertise is to show off what you can do. People will come to you if they think you have the best stuff. Use the internet, like this forum for example and offer discounts for members.

3) Inventory is extremely important

Having stuff available (at least overnight shipping) is really key. I had so many guys with loads of cash walk away because they wanted it right away. If you don't have it someone else will. If they have to wait they will just order it over the internet for less money. Try OBX racing sports for inventory products, good prices and decent products.

Oh yeah one more thing, Detailing Sucks!

[negular]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">yeah yeah yeah. good stuff. how about the shop is ALSO a place to hangout on the weekends/evenings (multi-use, multi-profit). you could have maybe a small concession stand (maybe just snacks and sodas...liquor license is a bad idea). then you could have a decent stereo system/jukebox and people could just come over, park their cars and talk shop. i'm not suggesting riceville either. just sit there, with a nice shiny car (or maybe with some Blackhawk dust on it) and shoot the shit. i would LOVE to have a place to go for that. around here, the only people that hang out are bikers or mullets...nobody with an import seems to care enough to organize anything.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

i love this idea... oh so great it would be for a place to go and hang out w/o having those damn houston cops arresting u for doin shit.... wait... ur not in houston <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'> , oh well, its still a good idea <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

[tnord]

since EVERYBODY seems to agree that it'd be nice to just hang out at the shop.........what are some things that would make you feel welcome and invited to just come by and hang around? my other "business partner" is a little more of a personable, customer friendly, creative type person. which i think is great cause i'm a numbers nerd, so during the day when it't not busy i can work in the shop and crunch numbers, do inventory checks, plan for expansion, and other things that people with degree's do. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

one idea that we came up with is to try and get everybody to meet up at our store before we cruised downtown to the midway (the place in minneapolis where ALL the cars guys hang out) on fri and sat nights.

[XXConvict]

well, if u guys need a website. Holla at me, i'll help out.....peace

[HippoSleek]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ Aug. 28 2002,6:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">since EVERYBODY seems to agree that it'd be nice to just hang out at the shop.........what are some things that would make you feel welcome and invited to just come by and hang around? my other "business partner" is a little more of a personable, customer friendly, creative type person. which i think is great cause i'm a numbers nerd, so during the day when it't not busy i can work in the shop and crunch numbers, do inventory checks, plan for expansion, and other things that people with degree's do. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

one idea that we came up with is to try and get everybody to meet up at our store before we cruised downtown to the midway (the place in minneapolis where ALL the cars guys hang out) on fri and sat nights.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Personally, I hate all the people hanging out at shops. &nbsp;But, realizing that what I want in a shop and what will make money are two totally different things, I have an idea:

Don't hit me but... less attention to the actual cars! &nbsp;Have a small line of adaptable parts (medium rice) and some good distributor contacts to get some other stuff on order. &nbsp;But the real aspect of the business would be... wait for it... a hangout.

There are internet cafes (local names), coffee cafes (XandO, Starbucks), and even techno cafes (e.g., Halcyon in Brooklyn). &nbsp;Why not an import car cafe? &nbsp;Serve overpriced smoothies, bubble tea (very JDM), and funny JDM foods in a little sitting area (a la a coffee bar). &nbsp;Run Option 2 videos on big, cool looking TVs (avoid overpriced plasmas). &nbsp;Products sold to include "lifestyle" items - basic car stuff (wheels, exhausts, intakes, lights, etc.); imported videos and magazines; maybe clothes (visors?) ; some techno and rap CDs; and of course some food stuff. &nbsp;

Decor is futuristic coffee house meets garage. &nbsp;Built in flat screen TVs. &nbsp;Retro couches and chairs. &nbsp;Cement floor w/ rugs. &nbsp;Food service area looks like a bar meets a coffee place (a la XandO). &nbsp;Magazines litter the place. &nbsp;Off the sitting area is the parts area. &nbsp;Displays. &nbsp;Big JDM posters on the walls. &nbsp;Maybe a show/race car in the middle. &nbsp;Parts area to look different than sitting (wait, "chill") area - same cement floors, but harder edged - more like a typical shop. &nbsp;Having "real live" racers involved can only help make all the hanger outers think they are down with the real car people - not like those kids hanging out at the rice shop.

If I had money/time to start a business, I could make this place work around here! &nbsp;YMMV

[240 2NR]

Sounds like it's time to start a franchise. &nbsp;I'll open the Madison and Chicago locations. &nbsp;You think they'll take my baseball card collection as a downpayment? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

[DayeKids]

I've got the Houston branch covered. Just got to keep the cops away...

[SimpleS14]

1) A good clean layout of the store. &nbsp;Rims, exhaust and various items on display. &nbsp;Catalogs right there, so you don't have to nah anyone until you want a price or order.

2) The guy at the counter was a complete ass. &nbsp;Its the first time I walk in this shop, and I'm curious of what they have. &nbsp;So after asking my first question the guy was like "look!!! are you buying anything?!?! you don't talk to me if your not buying anything.....talk to me when you buy something!!!"....I walked out, but before I left I called him an ass...damn he was really pissy. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/hmmm.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':hmmm:'>

3) Your cool, calm and collective. &nbsp;You know your stuff and your honest about the products you sell. &nbsp;Plus you can give some tips and maybe a hook-up if you buy a couple of things at once. &nbsp;For example I can buy tons of Bomex stuff and have it shipped in one box for $100 only.

4) About 1/3 of the product I'm buying, however I can always do it myself or find another place at a better price.

5) Not really, but then again I don't get it. &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/eh.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':eh:'>

6) Online only for the better price and if I have the patience. &nbsp;But sometimes the shop because you can expect the product on spot or in 5 days.

7) A large inventory is only important on hot (popular or ricey) items, I.E. springs (any kind), clear corners, and yes THOSE taillights. &nbsp;Anything else such as exhaust and other mechanical is not important to have in inventory. &nbsp;Mainly because your price may not be the best nor is the product that popular. &nbsp;Also take space in consideration and know that you might lose money instead of gaining it.

8) Have a good color scheme, maybe a project car, a clean logo, some stickers of your logo for free and a website wouldn't hurt.

HERE (http://mason.gmu.edu/~ggaisey/CIP/) is a nice one that I'm making for someone, the shop might open next year.

PM me if you need help on a site &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

[tnord]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (HippoSleek @ Aug. 29 2002,09:58)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (tnord @ Aug. 28 2002,6:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">since EVERYBODY seems to agree that it'd be nice to just hang out at the shop.........what are some things that would make you feel welcome and invited to just come by and hang around? my other "business partner" is a little more of a personable, customer friendly, creative type person. which i think is great cause i'm a numbers nerd, so during the day when it't not busy i can work in the shop and crunch numbers, do inventory checks, plan for expansion, and other things that people with degree's do. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':p'>

one idea that we came up with is to try and get everybody to meet up at our store before we cruised downtown to the midway (the place in minneapolis where ALL the cars guys hang out) on fri and sat nights.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Personally, I hate all the people hanging out at shops. But, realizing that what I want in a shop and what will make money are two totally different things, I have an idea:

Don't hit me but... less attention to the actual cars! Have a small line of adaptable parts (medium rice) and some good distributor contacts to get some other stuff on order. But the real aspect of the business would be... wait for it... a hangout.

There are internet cafes (local names), coffee cafes (XandO, Starbucks), and even techno cafes (e.g., Halcyon in Brooklyn). Why not an import car cafe? Serve overpriced smoothies, bubble tea (very JDM), and funny JDM foods in a little sitting area (a la a coffee bar). Run Option 2 videos on big, cool looking TVs (avoid overpriced plasmas). Products sold to include "lifestyle" items - basic car stuff (wheels, exhausts, intakes, lights, etc.); imported videos and magazines; maybe clothes (visors?) ; some techno and rap CDs; and of course some food stuff.

Decor is futuristic coffee house meets garage. Built in flat screen TVs. Retro couches and chairs. Cement floor w/ rugs. Food service area looks like a bar meets a coffee place (a la XandO). Magazines litter the place. Off the sitting area is the parts area. Displays. Big JDM posters on the walls. Maybe a show/race car in the middle. Parts area to look different than sitting (wait, "chill") area - same cement floors, but harder edged - more like a typical shop. Having "real live" racers involved can only help make all the hanger outers think they are down with the real car people - not like those kids hanging out at the rice shop.

If I had money/time to start a business, I could make this place work around here! YMMV</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
mark -
good idea? maybe........
but have you thought about the startup costs of something like that? it would be rediculous. also, that's a very small niche of the entire market that might work in a location that is already saturated with your basic shop.....but remember, i'm in minneapolis, we really don't have anything (except project D &nbsp; <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/dozingoff.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':zzz:'> &nbsp;<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sleeping.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':zzzz:'> ). also, that business plan does not mesh well with the people who would potentially throw down the money for me to start this. so, in conclusion, it might work, but it wouldn't work for me.

[boosteds14]

tnord-- let me tell you, it aint easy opening a store. i am in the process of opening one but problems and money issues have caused me to put it on hold.


gtr spec is making the website for me. he is a great person and knows his shit. i would recommend him to you definitly

[HippoSleek]

Yeah - hence the YMMV. &nbsp;My business model factors in the local saturation of similar shops which you don't apparently have. &nbsp;Here, we have 20 of the basic walk in shops w/ all the ricey gear and basic bolt-ons. &nbsp;The only way to tell one from another is which local "cr3w" hangs out there. &nbsp;None of these shops are devoted to racing - they're all the streetricer crowd.

Honestly, in the crowded world of DC auto shops, the only ones that are involved w/ racing are drag race shops that make a living off their dragstrip reputations like Inline Pro or CDE and a few specialty shops like Peter Ferrel Supercars that are brand focused.

In this market, I know my idea would make money. &nbsp;If I didn't already have a mortgage payment in my student loans, I might consider it. &nbsp;Start up would be a little steep, but IKEA furniture and some TVs would be cheap. &nbsp;No idea what the cost of a bubble tea machine is. &nbsp;The rest would cost no more than any other shop. &nbsp;I bet renting some local ricequeens on occassion to hang out there could only help. &nbsp;I tell you, for places like DC, NJ, CA, and FL this thing could work... ymmv <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=';)'>

[DayeKids]

Which makes me really wonder if it would work in a place like Houston. There's just SOOOO much rice and street racing here it's ridiculous. The roadrace/autox crowd is a much older demographic that I'm not sure would appreciate the environment described.

It's a dilemma that I face at my R/C store every day. Some new kid comes in after reading R/C Car Action and wants to order some monstrous DuraCrap car or something. Do I compromise my own values and order it for him? Or do I bother beginning the LONG process of trying to convert him from a dreamer to a hobbiest to an enthusiast to a racer? At this point in my mental state, I try to shed some light on the hobby in general. "I've been there, done that". Try to save the kid some time and money in the long run. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. That attitude has built a place where the fastest/most knowledgeable R/C racers in Houston like to hang out and race. Heck, I stay open til midnight on a weeknight sometimes because there's people hanging out in the pits. Is it profitable? Barely. I could be raping people like other local shops, selling high margin cheap crap and making a lot more money. Is it satisfying? Immensely.

Now to apply it to real cars, imagine trying to convince some thu9 cr3w and their APC Civics to appreciate the nuances of suspension tuning and rollcages. Show them how much time, knowledge, effort and money it takes to run 12s, 11s, 10s. To make 500whp. "How much? Man you crazy dog. I go make that sh!t in my garage. What u think I'm a baller? Well I am, but I'm not stupid to spend it on that bullsh!t." At that point I would probably snap, go postal, and call HPD to arrest everyone in sight...

Regardless, it'll probably end up happening anyways. I've already expanded our business to include aftermarket car parts and we've got multiple distributors signed on. When we change our R/C shop/track location in the coming years, we will probably also include some sort of real car shop. What started out as business license abuse to get parts for my S13 hatch grew to hooking up my friends and now almost to a legitimate, self-supporting business. But real financial success demands volume, and that kind of volume often involves compromising your own integrity and values. Quite honestly, I would like to keep my clientele small, informed and dedicated. I just don't know if I could afford to in this market.

[DuffMan]

You gotta have NOS stickers and bottles everywhere so people can come in and be like "Travis, I need to bottles, BIG ones."

No actually I think the best thing you can do is be cool to everyone and respect them, and they will want to come to your shop.

[S13Grl]

Most shops make their money off accessories. The one shop that i know that's in my area has no accessories at all, and everyone I know has extreme respect for them. They also have some really fast cars (always a plus). If you're looking to be an all-performance shop, I'd work on making sure that you firmly express that in your shop. Maybe make your garage/install area visible to your shop customers. Color scheme is a great idea. Show professionalism and be extremely courteous. Resist cockiness. Also, a good, constantly updated website is something you wanna enforce. Shoot for the "real car" market. People who are serious about making their car go fast and serious about buying quality product. I'm sure you knew all this already, but there you go.

Travis, you thinking about opening in Midwest?

[fodive]

well, after reading your posts, ive decided to chime in, i would love to have a store to go to where people ENJOY AND KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING, ive been to a couple of places in the area such as BOZZ Performance and Modacar, and had negatve experiences, i mean the guys at BOZZ were just dicking around, and just ignored us completly even though we were the only ones in the store, and at MODACAR, there wasnt even anyone in there. i know that i would much rather go to a store than buy online, just because its nice to see the product and talk with people about it face to face, when you have questions or are unsure of things. but i also think that if you want to make this a sucsesful (sp) buisness, you have to bend a bit, i suggest somewhere around a $65/hr install rate, something lower than normal, but still expensive, remember, at first your #1 goal has to be to make ends meet, until you can become a dealer for big name products, and you can start getting discount wholesale.now, ive never run a buisness before, but as a consumer i find that advertising isnt too effective, fliers and shit dont work for me, i find most of my stuff through word of mouth. that means your going to have to do things like got to import shows/hangouts, bring you car,(which i really like BTW) and get your name out there in person, because i think that is more effective than a flier which someone will just throw away. but the most important thing is just treating the customer right, because even if they dont buy anything, if you leave a good impression, they will A) come back to buy or B) tell their friends about the shop, or even both. hope this was a help, and i'll keep on this topic and posting ideas, because this is something that im interestied in, and i hope to help you do well

[mbmbmb23]

Hmmm....heres my 2 cents.


</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">1) what are things you have liked about shops you have visted?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-Onsite dyno facility
-Quality brand name parts (no Arospeed, AEM, etc)
-Knowledgeable staff
-Nice color catalogs of available parts (things you can order for them)
-JDM connections (junkyard, importers, etc.)
-Engine swaps offered


</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">2) what are things you disliked?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-Rice
-Dis-information
-"Will those rims clear your Z32 brake conversion?....daaaah...I dunno...but no we wont test fit a rim on your car to see if they will".

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">3) what are ways of doing business that sets one apart from the other?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-Great customer service (friendly phone people, customer friendly "returns & exchange policy")
-Knowledgeable staff who do more than specialize in one or two makes of cars (know something more than just how to tune a B series engine)


</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">4) how much would you be willing to pay to have the product you purchased installed on site?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-Depends on the product. Depending on the difficulty of the install, I'd pay up to 10-15% of the cost of the item.

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">5) is a detail service something that appeals to you?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-No. In my opinion, paying someone to detail YOUR car is for lazy rich guys and housewives. (with the exception of detailing a very dirty engine bay)

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">6) are you more likely to buy from a local business, or purchase over the internet? what makes you choose one over the other?</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>

-Local business for the "high wear" items that seem to break. That way I dont have to pay to get them shipped back to the place I bought it from on the internet (if the internet business is still in business at that point). Also, on the large items, the price I save on shipping (by buying locally) usually equals out with the cheapest online price I can find and shipping it.
-Also...local businesses can offer "one of a kind" used parts (kinda like ebay...but you can browse the items in person).

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">7) is a large inventory important? ie; if you have to wait a couple days for the shop to order and receive it.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
-Large inventory ISNT important to me, but if you're gonna do that, you MUST have onsite demo products (I'm not gonna order an N1 dual exhaust from you if I cant check it out firsthand in person).

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">8) any other comments/suggestions</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
-Get a proposal and pay a lawyer to take a look at it. Make sure you see a lawyer who specializes in small business law or whatever.
-Sell stuff online....advertise on 240sx.org....and in the tuner magazines if you can afford it (track location, brands available, services offered, etc)



-thats my 2 cents. Good luck.

-m