Tra-Kyoto 6666 customs wants to know your thoughts!

[Team Aero-K]

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l6/aerok180sx/1154521_cfc2_625x1000.jpg

A question was brought up from the owners of Rocket Bunny/6666 customs about having their kits available in the U.S of A.

My question to every Zilvian would be;

(a) Yes and why?
(b) No and why?

PS- if possible Mods, please start a Poll.

[Brian]

No.

Not my style at all. Looks too goofy.

[firelizard]

No because it's fun to have things that are nearly impossible to buy.

[ixfxi]

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00gld9Dbb4boD/610x.jpg

i have no idea what this thread is about, i just wish the other half of this rocket bunny picture would look like the above beastie boys album cover.

[Om1kron]

They honestly would be wasting their time importing shit here. Too many people want it but wont rock the real shit, and it will only take one shop to get their hands on it and start to replicate it.

[Brian]

OH I FORGOT.


This is what will probably happen.


They will go through the effort to throw down a big investment to have their stuff here.


Then, the good ol USA kids will demand lower prices for it (AND better fitment of course).

So, the kits WILL be copied and sold for cheaper and Rocet Bunny will be shit out of luck.


DON'T DO IT.

[VROOOM]

Car and truck body kits & parts for mx3, s10, SUV, civic, neon, focus, etc. (http://www.extremedimensions.com) it will be the RB style body kit

[Brian]

haha yes.



Tell them it would be in their best interest to NOT bring things to the USA.


:)

[Team Aero-K]

Good responses guys...keep em coming. One, I don't want any company making knock offs of Rocket Bunny products because of its originality and Im sure most of you don't either because it will probably put them out of business and Two, all of your response will be shared with them to see what actions they should take.

Keep clean comments but you can be creative

[Team Aero-K]

Car and truck body kits & parts for mx3, s10, SUV, civic, neon, focus, etc. (http://www.extremedimensions.com) it will be the RB style body kit

lol Oh god NO!

[Logan]

No because the market of 240sx owners is extremely small

Then take the fraction of people that own 240's that want a 6666 Customs kit

Then take the fraction of people that will BUY a 6666 Customs kit (not to be confused with INTERESTED buyers)

That won't support a U.S operation

And let's not forget that it will most likely be duplicated by someone stateside company

The thing is, even if they don't open a U.S operation then they could have a distributor bring it in and handle it for them. The downside to this is that you'd have to at least bring in a 40 footer container to be cost effective, but you couldn't pay me to deal with the headache of distributing a 40 foot container of speciality / niche market aero

My prediction would be that a few of those kits would sell, but there'd be a large period of time where the aero just collects dust in a warehouse

But then again, I have not sold aero as my main business, so I might be off base

[slider2828]

I'm with Brian, he speaks the troof...

[Team Aero-K]

No because the market of 240sx owners is extremely small

Then take the fraction of people that own 240's that want a 6666 Customs kit

Then take the fraction of people that want the 6666 Customs kit

Then factor in the amount of people who will actually pay retail for the kit to make profit

That won't support a U.S operation

And let's not forget that it will most likely be duplicated by someone stateside company

The thing is, even if they don't open a U.S operation (i.e non overhead bearing) then they could have a distributor bring it in and handle it for them. The downside to this is that you'd have to at least bring in a 40 footer container to be cost effective, but you couldn't pay me to deal with the headache of distributing a 40 foot container of speciality aero

But then again, I have not sold aero as my main business, so I might be off base

Logan, you made complete sense...most likely you are right...they want to see what kind of response they would get from people.

Like you said is the overhead. I have a single 326Power Zenki kit that Im trying to sell for $1400 but looks like Im having no luck because of the cost being a brand name

[landins13]

to this day that is the only kit i would rock on my car, and honestly part of the appeal is the fact that no one here had it for the most part.

id love it if it was available in the USA but at the same time id probly end up hating it because all of the mommy daddy made ricer fanboys would buy them, and youd have a huge issue with shops stealing the designs and making fake versions.

youd see things like the gas station pictures you have of the 180sx but with an all purple background and extreme dimensions waterstamped all over it.

the kits are sick, the cars are sick. but assholes will destroy everything i love about tra kyoto and the four 6 customs

[Teknolust72]

I'm already the authorized distributor for TRA Kyoto in the U.S., and I've already told them not to come to the U.S. market. I've even already posted a thread in the advertiser section months ago, and only 1 person was awesome enough to buy it.

Logan is 100% right!! Everyone just window shops and nobody buys. Plus, there are so many cry babies out there that will complain about the price, and then ask Chaser Aero, Extreme Dimensions, Works Aero, or any other crappy body kit supplier to replicate it.... PATHETIC!!

[Brian]

:)


:)



:)



loving the answers.

[Team Aero-K]

^ me too!!!!!!!!!!!

[Team Aero-K]

I'm already the authorized distributor for TRA Kyoto in the U.S., and I've already told them not to come to the U.S. market. I've even already posted a thread in the advertiser section months ago, and only 1 person was awesome enough to buy it.

Logan is 100% right!! Everyone just window shops and nobody buys. Plus, there are so many cry babies out there that will complain about the price, and then ask Chaser Aero, Extreme Dimensions, Works Aero, or any other crappy body kit supplier to replicate it.... PATHETIC!!

I had no clue their was a distributor for Rocket Bunny here in the US until you spoke. You are based out of Cali right? How are things as far as retail going on that end of the country?

[xs240]

So stupid, just because 240 owners are assholes doesn't mean this shouldn't go through.

We need bad ass kits other than the vertex/whatever generic crap out there. Something different but not ugly.

Plus we need 50mm+ front and 90mm+ rear fenders :D Not all of us are stretch fanboys

[iwishiwas-all*]

im pretty sure there are companies allready importing their shit, which looks like shit, so i think their shit is allready available here, oh shit.

[holemilk00]

They would be wasting their time, the people that want the kit AND can afford it have and will find a way to source it through reputable shops and forum sponsors that are here to support us. For them to actually begin marketing and funding a US venture would just be opening them up to duplication which in turn would hurt the market value of their product. For instance, they bring the four 6 stuff to the states, right now you pay between 2900-3500 for the kit depending on who/where you are. Once they offer the kit here in the states and knock offs are made, those will sell for under a grand, TRA kyoto to be forced to lower their MSRP somewhat to compete. Granted they wouldn't have to come down to the knock off price, but they would probably be looking at lowering their prices around 15-20% to stay competitive. In the end, that 15-20% could be a huge chunk if not all of their profits for US sales. The main draw of the kit right now, is its exclusivity and quality. Tell them to keep it that way.

[holemilk00]

I had no clue their was a distributor for Rocket Bunny here in the US until you spoke. You are based out of Cali right? How are things as far as retail going on that end of the country?


He's not the only one, when I was hunting for mine I found three different places that were "authorized" dealers for them here state side.

[Logan]

So stupid, just because 240 owners are assholes doesn't mean this shouldn't go through.

We need bad ass kits other than the vertex/whatever generic crap out there. Something different but not ugly.

Plus we need 50mm+ front and 90mm+ rear fenders :D Not all of us are stretch fanboys

It's not a matter of 240 owners being assholes

It's a matter of a market not being able to justify bringing in the product

I think these days people have become spoiled, assuming the Japan market should come to them (the US Market)

It's so easy to get parts these days, even ones you would consider "rare"

Before EVERYTHING was rare in the segment, you had to go to a place like G Speed Corp and wait 4 months for something to come in, or refresh JSpec.com to see what Sam had brought in

Now there are so many easily available options or means to getting the options

If you want something different and bad ass, pay the money and shipping to get that one kit sent direct from Japan, or maybe order it through someone who brings in containers routinely (and is legit) for a lesser freight charge

Cause if you wait for something to materialize it aint gonna happen...Teknolust72 already tried it, but all the 6666 customs fans were nowhere to be found

[s13tilldeath*]

I say no, it is a bad idea!
Logan and brian have said enough. lol

there is no need for any other comments there staments are fact.

[Teknolust72]

I had no clue their was a distributor for Rocket Bunny here in the US until you spoke. You are based out of Cali right? How are things as far as retail going on that end of the country?

Retail wise for Rocket Bunny stuff? I would say ok, but i'm being optimistic. Luckily for my customers, which are mostly West Coast natives, they get the benefit of being able to pick up the kit from me so as to save on shipping. I'm content with only selling a few pieces here and there throughout the year because I would want that customer to feel like they bought something special.

Honestly, there are a lot people that say "COOL!! I want that, I'm so down to get it if I could get it in the U.S." Then when they look at the price, the response is "ok, let me go to Coinstar and get some more money".

Personally, I think the number of passionate S-chassis owners that would truly appreciate spending money on quality parts (like how you do with the 326 power kit), are very few. What makes it worse is the massive amounts of people, both S-chassis owners and non S-chassis owners, that would try to knock-off the kit.

[Teknolust72]

He's not the only one, when I was hunting for mine I found three different places that were "authorized" dealers for them here state side.

Out of all those places that are "authorized", they were actually grey-marketers. I am actually the only one authorized for North America; I get emails forwarded from TRA Kyoto almost everyday. Plus, to make it easier for U.S. customers, my prices are the most "affordable" amongst the other guys.

[MadScientist]

So lets use an example of an actuall business that tried this.

I wont use the US companies name (lets call it KMS).

KMS imported a nice overhead of about 15-20 Full Kits of Various models (S13/180SX/S14 Zenki and Kouki/ S15... even some STi /AE86 /etc... all from a well respected and highly in demand company that was looking to establish themself in the US before making the big jump!!

What happened? This sounds so perfect... right? Wrong!! So we have a huge supply in the US and the demand in the US is equal. First Shipment = huge overhead... KMS didn't take pre-orders and actually wasn't established or known in the US industry... This was going to be their opening act (and a good one at that)... basically they were the Official US distributor to a JDM line before the doors opened!!

Prices were Good... not Origin/ V:S cheep... the quality was much better so cost was valid. They had the product in the US and established pricing off the shipping cost, etc... Everything was done right!! Doors opened... Kits flew out... respected reputation was established.

Somewhere... somehow... KMS messed up... they didn't order a new shipment is a timely manner... customers expecting US stock now had to wait weeks or months... sales drop... respect drops... reputation is dwindling... add in the dying economy (which is not nearly as bad as now)... and to add insult to injury... the JDM company increased their prices!!
KMS = Closed

But not before the Knock-off artist got a hold of the Aero... however... as the demand shifts to other designs... so does the knock-offs... and oddly US people forget about the JDM brand, even though in Japan the company is doing well, and now refuses to have a US Distributor!!

^^^
GP-Sport
M-Sports
JUN
URAS
Yashio Factory
Hippo Sleek
J-Blood
G-Corperation
etc...

All of these companies have had some taste of US soil... and each retreated back to Japan, tail between legs and licking their wounds.

Not only is the JDM brand injured but the US business gets the death blow!!

-Drew

[OBEEWON]

I think...they should start another company and knockoff thier own stuff and sell it for the low.

Forgive me but even if I was stoopid rich I wouldn't spend $2500 on a kit Im going to break.

Now if that stuff was poly urethane I would. Space age ultra light and super strong urenthane with a free Rita's Gellatto and a smile.

[ayuaddict]

iirc memory fab already imports their shit here.

[BRAIN_Z33]

Now if that stuff was poly urethane I would. Space age ultra light and super strong urenthane with a free Rita's Gellatto and a smile.

:werd:
..............

[Bumnah]

One would hope as owners they would do research to see if being in the US market is feasible. More importantly profitable.

Potential buyer feedback is 1/10 of the equation on a business decision like this.

Having your product copied is an issue in every country, not just the States. There are plenty of 180sx/Silvia owners in Japan that can't afford the expensive quality parts and purchase the knock offs.

[Teknolust72]

iirc memory fab already imports their shit here.


I actually got a quote from Memory Fab regarding the Rocket Bunny kits, and they were quite expensive. Furthermore, I would have to pay for shipping from the port of Long Beach to their location in Norcal, and then back to me in SoCal. A spoiler from them was $700!!!

[VROOOM]

^^^
GP-Sport
M-Sports
JUN
URAS
Yashio Factory
Hippo Sleek
J-Blood
G-Corperation
etc...

All of these companies have had some taste of US soil... and each retreated back to Japan, tail between legs and licking their wounds.

Not only is the JDM brand injured but the US business gets the death blow!!

-Drew

JUN priced themselves out of competition. they qouted me 14k for a stock SR swap in 1999.

[Zerolift Autolab]

I have always wanted to see a S Chassis NASCAR :D
http://www.tra-kyoto.com/6666/180/180.htm

[drift freaq]

Plain and simple is just not worth it for them. Its not in their best interest. Like Logan has said and he speaks pearls of wisdom. The amount of people who would buy vs the amount who would say they are interested, is very very very small.

I see this constantly in everything these days. Its not just Japanese imported stuff. Basically everyone is being cheap these days and blaming it on the economy.

Fact is, if they were that bad off they would not be buying at all. Oh and the ones that won't spend? Quite often have money but are scared to spend because they are freaked out.

Fact is, yes the knockoff companies in the San Gabriel Valley, Orange County and the Inland Empire would have a field day. Not to say that they have not already have done that.

Fact is, the current automotive aftermarket is in a state of flux. It would not be a wise time for any company to start importing or doing new things. I know it sounds bad but its reality.

Unless something is not taking a large investment to get going, or create or import? Its just the worst time to be doing it.

If TRA had thought about this 6-7 years ago people might feel different, hell the market was different. It would not have discounted the fact, that it would still have been tricky.

What a lot of Japanese aftermarket manufacturers failed to understand, is Japanese automobile companies got a foothold here by selling their cars cheap.

Cheaper than they sold in their own domestic markets. Its technically called dumping in the trade world and the Japanese have been guilty of it for years.

Though even though they were dumping, they started dumping quality shit which allowed them to take off.

Its not like these aftermarket companies can do that and survive they can't, they are not big enough profit or balance wise to play that game. Hence why the Japanese aftermarket parts from Japan are expensive here.

TRA would die if they tried to market all their products in the U.S. they are too small a company.

[landins13]

JUN priced themselves out of competition. they qouted me 14k for a stock SR swap in 1999.

shops still charge about 10-11k to do an sr swap. i wanted a 2jz at one point and it was gonna cost me 17k to put into a car i bought for 500.

ive seen people who could get me the gt rodeo special but all said and done it was gonna be about 4500 for the whole kit, which isnt insane, but considering my car didnt have a motor in it at the time i couldnt justify it.

[OBEEWON]

whut?


you said too much

[VROOOM]

shops still charge about 10-11k to do an sr swap. i wanted a 2jz at one point and it was gonna cost me 17k to put into a car i bought for 500.

ive seen people who could get me the gt rodeo special but all said and done it was gonna be about 4500 for the whole kit, which isnt insane, but considering my car didnt have a motor in it at the time i couldnt justify it.

lets just say i got it done for 6500 and the SR wasnt stock.

[Logan]

I think...they should start another company and knockoff thier own stuff and sell it for the low.

Forgive me but even if I was stoopid rich I wouldn't spend $2500 on a kit Im going to break.

Now if that stuff was poly urethane I would. Space age ultra light and super strong urenthane with a free Rita's Gellatto and a smile.

FRP is easier to fix

And if they made it out of polyurethane it would be WAY more expensive

If people already complain about FRP pricing, good luck seeing what they'll say with PU pricing

"If only ________________, I would be down" is probably the most commonly used phrase here on Zilvia

[Brian]

If only I was 5 lug.....

ARGHHHH

[94_240sx]

Don't do it.

I own four different cars, so I go to several different forums. 240 owners are the coolest and have the best taste, but the cheapest.

[OBEEWON]

FRP is easier to fix

And if they made it out of polyurethane it would be WAY more expensive

If people already complain about FRP pricing, good luck seeing what they'll say with PU pricing

"If only ________________, I would be down" is probably the most commonly used phrase here on Zilvia

I know what you mean but I actually mean it though. I only had Urethane on all my other cars, and it took me 4 years to break down and get FRP. I dont care that FRP is easier to fix cuz you will never have to fix a good PU kit. I was rear ended and my car was totaled. The ONLY thing to survive was my kit.

Stillen needs to get on the good foot and make a kit for the 240. He is a hater.

I actually tried to sell my INGS and go back to OEM plastic for the fact I hate fiberglass and anything like it.

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

don't do it. it's a trap.

[smelly240]

philly people know its a trap... tell them to rocket their bunnies away from usa. if someone wants it - make em pay and wait.

[holemilk00]

iirc memory fab already imports their shit here.

Apparently them and other companies bigger than them are "gray marketeers".

[brndck]

if they made an s14 kouki bumper i would have bernard order it for me.

[95Gstman]

While I agree that it is probably not profitable to bring the kits stateside, some of these people on zilvia are so melodramatic. I mean they are not going to go out of business if they try to bring the kits here. I actually think that the idea of bringing them over under a different name and YES CUTTING CORNERS TO SAVE COST and selling them at a cheaper price is not a bad idea. That is something they probably do no want to do but that is probably the only way that is could possibly be profitable, and even that is a crap shoot.

But like I said before people who think all of the JDM compaines who want to expand to the US are going to get "knocked off" and go out of business and will not be able to compete and then no one will be able to buy good products and the whole "scene" will be ruined and we will all be forced to buy other cars and find new hobbies are STUPID! A company that is run correctly and with some wit will be just fine even in the face of knockoff companies.

[Sonic Motor]

No, becuz there are real nascars in the US.

Theres no Nascar in japan, thats why its so cool.

[brndck]

But like I said before people who think all of the JDM compaines who want to expand to the US are going to get "knocked off" and go out of business and will not be able to compete and then no one will be able to buy good products and the whole "scene" will be ruined and we will all be forced to buy other cars and find new hobbies are STUPID! A company that is run correctly and with some wit will be just fine even in the face of knockoff companies.

the only other company i know of (besides bernard and memory fab) who brought in rocket bunny stuff bought it with the sole intention of making replicas.

so if there are only 2-3 places who are importing a product, and one of them is making knockoffs, how many people do you think are buying the real ones?

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

^^^^ three?

[Team Aero-K]

all of yous have very interesting points....I myself agree with most of you on here. Although bringing them in under a different name and cutting the production cost down and selling them at a much reasonable price could be more profitable. I might have to bring that up to see what they would think.

By the way, I received a phone call from Japan regarding this matter so I wanted to find out if people would be interested to see the name 6666 customs here in the states.

I guess to have everybody want "rare" items from japan should probably stay "rare" just for this reason. If its not available here and some of you have ways or means of getting your hands on a "rare,exclusive" item from Japan....that is probably the entire foundation of most of the japanese brands to be "rare" here in the states. People see, they want them, but can't get them unless if they are willing to pay the prices that come directly from the company overseas

[Logan]

I know what you mean but I actually mean it though. I only had Urethane on all my other cars, and it took me 4 years to break down and get FRP. I dont care that FRP is easier to fix cuz you will never have to fix a good PU kit. I was rear ended and my car was totaled. The ONLY thing to survive was my kit.

Stillen needs to get on the good foot and make a kit for the 240. He is a hater.

I actually tried to sell my INGS and go back to OEM plastic for the fact I hate fiberglass and anything like it.

Oh don't get me wrong, I'd rather run PU than FRP generally speaking on any car, not just 240sx

But if you make a 240sx kit in PU, it's gonna just automatically outprice itself of the market

No kit manufacturer would be down for that, cause the sales won't justify the mold costs and development etc

Customers wouldn't be down for it, cause it would be too expensive

Which is why you don't see very many PU kits except OEM for 240sx at this point

[jspecusa]

here's the funny thing.
we can buy the kit anytime from japan, have it copied locally.
let say we sell it for $600 for front bumper, sideskirts, and rear bumper.
it'll still only sell like 1 to 2 kit a month, can't imagine them trying to sell the real thing for japan retail.

the rare part about any kit is base on your wallet.
logan and brian is right they've been in the community long enough to know.
cheers,

sam

[Brian]

USA is far too

ignorant
poor
stupid

to buy the real thing.

USA does not deserve to modify the 240sx.

[Team Aero-K]

USA is far too

ignorant
poor
stupid

to buy the real thing.

USA does not deserve to modify the 240sx.

then what would all the drivers run in all the series that goes on...its going to escalade to buying a AE86, FC or something else...lol 240sx will be obsolete

[Brian]

Viper
GTO

SCION TC


etc.

[drift freaq]

Viper
GTO

SCION TC


etc.

you forgot 350Z Brian.

[ThatGuy]

...and Mustangs

[Team Aero-K]

ooohh...gotta love mustangs!

but *uck a Scion TC...i just don't see how that car could be good for drifting. Now the new genesis is pretty baller

[ixfxi]

then what would all the drivers run in all the series that goes on...its going to escalade to buying a AE86, FC or something else...lol 240sx will be obsolete

escalate.

jesus..........



anyway, i dont understand why more knockoff companies dont get sued for knocking shit off. we need more legal action against these shitty companies

[OBEEWON]

I swear on Odens raven that I will build a mustang if I ever do another drift car. If only they didnt have fogasey live axle.

Live axel is homo speak for "we are too lazy and redneck to put modern technology on our car."

[OBEEWON]

anyway, i dont understand why more knockoff companies dont get sued for knocking shit off. we need more legal action against these shitty companies


Completely impossible.

Love it or hate it knock offs serve a purpose.

If it wasn't for knockoffs there wouldnt be:

1. Competitive pricing
2. Competition
2. Innovation
7. Hot chix
76. Choices
99. O'Bama

[swayray]

damn i completely forgotten about their front page... i almost got in trouble here at work for that nsfw video...

Link Deleted

[ThatGuy]

damn i completely forgotten about their front page... i almost got in trouble here at work for that nsfw video...

Link Deleted

Wow, good thing you didn't get in trouble at work.

Of course, now you're pinked for posting pornography on Zilvia, so...


GOOD JOB!

[deolio]

they should kept their products hard to get, then people will be willing to pay more to get them. imo, they should bring them to america, but in very limited quantities.

[Logan]

escalate.

jesus..........

anyway, i dont understand why more knockoff companies dont get sued for knocking shit off. we need more legal action against these shitty companies

Legal action costs time and money

Two things which a lot of companies in our industry don't have

And then you factor in international lawsuits, not happening

The sad thing is when the knockoff companies unknowingly to the consumers appear as the originators

What I wish would happen would be for these knockoff companies with their capabilities to make or at least improve a product, rather than just taking X and making X Style

LOL

[holemilk00]

I swear on Odens raven that I will build a mustang if I ever do another drift car. If only they didnt have fogasey live axle.

Live axel is homo speak for "we are too lazy and redneck to put modern technology on our car."

Ummmmm its called the 99-03 cobra's or did you forget they had IRS?

[95Gstman]

the only other company i know of (besides bernard and memory fab) who brought in rocket bunny stuff bought it with the sole intention of making replicas.

so if there are only 2-3 places who are importing a product, and one of them is making knockoffs, how many people do you think are buying the real ones?


I did not mean that they will not get copied, (I am sure they will) I said a company that is ran correctly will survive even if they are faced with that type of competition. That statement was made more for those people who say thing like OMG if they bring their products here xcompany is going to sell them for $5.00 and they are not going to be able to compete and they will go out of business then there will be no good quality products available to us.

I do not understand why people think the US is the only place people buy knock off products. Guess what, people in Japan buy fake crap all the time too. If you don't think so then you are naive.

[Brian]

well, it gets pretty difficult to track down who exactly is producing the fakes.

[greddyguy]

im going to agree with everyone else, for tra-kyoto's sake.......STAY IN JAPAN. dont get me wrong, i effing LOVE the rocketbunny cars, but i think that if they were to come stateside with their products, they would just be exploited and lose the uniqueness of their brand.

i'd rather pay 3k+ for a genuine kit than a knock off at a fraction of the price.

[Brian]

to: TRA-Kyoto
fron: Brian Harte (on behalf of America)


We love you and would love to see your products in America. However, We all understand what happens when a smaller Japanese company opens up shop in the USA from experience. We do not want your hard work to be easily and swiftly ripped off by cheap thieves. There will be some people that will go through the work to get your parts, but we will get them from Japan. We want you to stay based in Japan to protect your company.

Thank You,
Brian Harte

[Baby Zilla S14]

you can already get 6666 in the US im getting the full kit for my s14 soon in hope..... full kit 2.5k

[ROIDMONKEY]

No because it's fun to have things that are nearly impossible to buy.
TOTALLY :fruit:

[brndck]

anyway, i dont understand why more knockoff companies dont get sued for knocking shit off. we need more legal action against these shitty companies
/\/\/\ at first i would totally agree with that statement ixfxi made about legal action, but the more i read up about the cost involved in suing someone for copying a product that you claim to have "invented/created" but don't have a patent on, its completely pointless and UNBELIEVABLY expensive and time consuming to go after a "knockoff" company. the best you could hope for is a cease and desist order to be handed out to them.

and as for patenting a design? upwards of $15-20k, and there is no international patent.
so if you have a u.s. patent, then a chop shop in mexico could be making replicas.

so as long as there is a demand for "replicas" there will be a supply.

i've been reading up on other forums, and both the honda world and mitsu world are having the same issues. specifically rsx and evo owners who are clamoring for "replica" aero and such.

its not just 240sx owners that are cheap as shit.

[LoanShark]

Tell Trust, HKS, Tomei, Apex'i, etc to not come to America either. Someones knocking them off.

OH SHI-

On a serious note, all I want is the Duck Teil and I get it with my own Japan connect for cheaper than any stateside distributor so, its whatever to me.

Should they come to America? No.
Do I give a shit? No.

[brndck]

/\/\ so why are you posting then?

[LoanShark]

Cause op asked if they should come to america and i said ''no''

So you're a premium member huh? Hows that workin out for you?

[Z33dori]

it's funny

not a fan of rocket bunny or sil80's

But i kinda like this car... at certain angles
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3422577720_8846781000_o.jpg

[OBEEWON]

Those flares give me goosebumps.

Screw overs...

You know what...Im personally going to knock off those flares...

Tell Tra-Kyoto to stop importing thier pictures...

[ero714]

a picture is like a thousand words. you cant really explain it
yes

[xs240]

it's funny

not a fan of rocket bunny or sil80's

But i kinda like this car... at certain angles
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3422577720_8846781000_o.jpg

More pictures plz

[Team Aero-K]

^ if you wanna see more pictures of this car go to www.driftworks.com (http://www.driftworks.com) and check out their JDM Allstar bash picture section...you will find what you are looking for!

and guys, Thank you for all of your responses...My thoughts about TRA is to stay in Japan...no US soil will see their light unless if you have the means and the money to order from japan! Rocket Bunny will not fail because of cheap knock offs!

[xs240]

sorry but couldnt find it here :( Drifting Photos | Driftworks (http://www.driftworks.com/gallery/main.php)

[Team Aero-K]

here guys check this out

JDM Allstars HD - Agressive style - on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/4747308)

here is a link with a few EDC Pics which the cars from JDM Allstar are the same pretty much

Edc Rnd2 - Drifting forum - Driftworks (http://www.driftworks.com/forum/media-section/85271-edc-rnd2.html)

[ixfxi]

Completely impossible.

Love it or hate it knock offs serve a purpose.

If it wasn't for knockoffs there wouldnt be:

1. Competitive pricing
2. Competition
2. Innovation
7. Hot chix
76. Choices
99. O'Bama

its too bad the forum doesnt autodetect and autoban idiots

[JVD]

its too bad the forum doesnt autodetect and autoban idiots
It's a shame the forum doesn't provide a sarcasm detector for people like yourself.

[Brian]

It's a shame the forum doesn't provide a sarcasm detector for people like yourself.

It's a shame the forum allows poor people to use it.

[smelly240]

its too bad the forum doesnt autodetect and autoban idiots

Are you like super nice and stuff in real life? i bet you are. You're probably super friendly. I like looking at rocket bunny... do not want. Rocket Bunny is too slick for me. Select few people should be ALLOWED to get rocket bunny.

[OBEEWON]

its too bad the forum doesnt autodetect and autoban idiots

Too bad your mother's ovaries didn't auto detect bad seed.

[ixfxi]

Too bad your mother's ovaries didn't auto detect bad seed.

dude i know!

unfortunately, now i have a mentally retarded brother in philly!


damn mom, why'de you do it with beetlejuice.

[drift freaq]

then what would all the drivers run in all the series that goes on...its going to escalade to buying a AE86, FC or something else...lol 240sx will be obsolete

Wait, the 240sx is already obsolete. Where have you been? Do you see Pro's in FD driving a 240sx? No. Pro Am yes, but anything sponsored? Hell no. Get over it. Our cars are old they are fading. Unless you make them nice again thats it.

Of course there still some Pro's in D1 running 180sx's but even that is starting to fade. Does it mean our cars suck? No. Though they are well past their prime at this point. Just the facts folks.

In the end bad move for TRA 6666 to even think of trying to sell their products here. Our market is probably dying worse than their market in Japan.

[Brian]

i dont want to close my eyessssssss

[OBEEWON]

dude i know!

unfortunately, now i have a mentally retarded brother in philly!


damn mom, why'de you do it with beetlejuice.

lololol (i left that wide open)


Your mother gets around dude. I can look up your brother if you'd like maybe you guys can be pen pals or something...

As far as your father, there is this dude is South Philly who kinda looks like Beetle juice. I don't know if he is your dad though. He has HID's in his stock Carolla lenses.

[ixfxi]

hey obeywon


why... why are you so mean to me, brother.



so rude. my only brother and you treat me like an outkast. such a damn shame, maing.

[Team Aero-K]

haha...i got a good laugh just now! some of you guys are hilarious!

240s are fading out, no doubt about...but i can still go to a junk yard and pull arms, links, doors, and anything involving a 240sx. Its just so easy to get parts for.

I think my next drift race car will be a 4 door luxury VIP status drift mobile

[ThatGuy]

I think my next drift race car will be a 4 door luxury VIP status drift mobile

That's an oxymoron. :keke:

[Team Aero-K]

That's an oxymoron. :keke:

lol yup!!!!!!:bow:

[xs240]

drifting is not racing, it's show *palm face*, does take skill, but it is not timed racing...

Now back to our locally televized TRA 6666 bodykit discusions

[OBEEWON]

hey obeywon


why... why are you so mean to me, brother.



so rude. my only brother and you treat me like an outkast. such a damn shame, maing.


lol

Because you won't make some projectors for my Zenki.

...and I'm ornery cuz I have chronic gas that smells like walnuts and similac...

I farted in the shower this morning and I almost passed out...no one should have to live like this.


drifting is not racing, it's show *palm face*, does take skill, but it is not timed racing...

Now back to our locally televized TRA 6666 bodykit discusions

Don't you dare talk that way about drifting, what did it ever do to you?

[ocn]

who cares if its available or not in the use .. you can buy it from them online if you want it. make those who want the kit order it .. and it doesn't need to be readily available for someone to copy the kit but it does make it harder.. i like the kit and think that shit is dope as f*** but, i dont think there are many people willing to pay those prices for a body kit. i plan on buying one for my 240sx coupe in the states, ( ill be bring it back from japan with my skyline hehe) ya ill drfit the shit out of it too. unique

[xs240]

I'm sorry but I still cant find more pictures of that sil80 with the wide arches... the video has nice shots of it.. but its a video.. totally badass car I love it! I want more high res pictures of it :(

[Matej]

Never buying another authentic part for my car.

What a waste of money.

[xs240]

^I'm never ever again buying garbage knock off products like megan racing, etc... waste of money, having to later buy authentic quality products. Save now, get headache + waste later, or patience, spend smart and save + enjoy longterm.

[Jonnie Fraz]

Ok here is my take...I also think not a good time to do this. Just because the economy is down. If people want it bad enough they can get it, this includes people who want to copy it. The people who build knock off kits have the funds to get the kits if they want, they do not have to wait for an importer, they will just spend the bucks.
Half the allure of Rocket Bunny stuff is it is stupid hard to get.

[Team Aero-K]

ok guys, I just got off the phone with Kyoto-san last night and we were talking about having cheaper knock off kits produced by Rocket Bunny not in Japan but in China for cheaper material. Same style, less money!

The only catch is China's manufacturing plant where the kits are made is a minimal order of 50 kits.

My question is....is their a possible 50 kit sale right here in the states?? meaning do 50 cars want to rock a Rocket bunny kit produced by Rocket Bunny but not produced in Japan but made in China.

I think the normal price for a Rocket Bunny/6666 Customs kit is about $1600-$1900
The Knock off would probably be around the $600-$800 range for the entire kit. He is verying with the plant today to see what it would definitely cost.

If any interest, I can start a pre-order for 50 kits to be made and deliver them once they have been shipped from China. He is also going to fill me in with turn around time to make and produce these kits over in China.

what would be your thoughts?

[OBEEWON]

Mildy interested pending final price.

[OBEEWON]

Wait, what is shipping from China going to be?

Why don't they have a company in the US do it? That way people get jobs and we get cheap Rocket Bunny stuff.

They can call it Misile Rabbitt...

[smelly240]

obee... i love you right... but misile rabitt... cmon.

I like torpedo ferret better

torpedo ferret - by 3333Customs(kinda)

half as much - for those half as likely to get laid.

[Team Aero-K]

Wait, what is shipping from China going to be?

Why don't they have a company in the US do it? That way people get jobs and we get cheap Rocket Bunny stuff.

They can call it Misile Rabbitt...

Kyoto-san said its really cheap to get things manufactured in China, I did mention to him about having a US company produce the kits here but he wasn't to thrilled. He also said the same company in China that makes D-Max knock offs in Japan will be doing these kits.

And as far as the name goes if this does happen:x:, he would be the one to decide what name to use for it here in the US. I tryed to ask but he didn't really respond back as far as what the name would be but:keke: on the torpedo ferrett!!!

[DUFFM4N]

doing this is a waste

[slider2828]

That is what Vertex and Origin does. Most their kits are made in China and fits well. I was totally into getting one of these kits when I first saw it a couple of years back, but when drifting or time attack, I dun think these kits work well. Front openings too smal and the sideskirts and the rear just is too unique to this kit whereas you can mix and match vertex and origin and knockoffs all day and it will look fine.

240sx's are cheap race cars, but the fact is them breaking down all the time, dash cracking, sun roof whistling and hatch rattling, bah..... getting sick of it.

[smelly240]

they only break down all the time if you didnt build it to be a racecar... but still pretend it is one.

if you dont have the money for real rocket bunny tho - you dont deserve the rocket bunny.

you get torpedo ferret... and it comes in that awful teal gelcoat - and they arent paintable.

they actually used paint repelling fiberglass so everyone knows ur not the real deal :)

for serious tho - i cant afford the real stuff and dont want the fake. bad enough i have origin mixed with noname knockoff shit.

[holemilk00]

I think the normal price for a Rocket Bunny/6666 Customs kit is about $1600-$1900


I think if the kit was $1600-$1900 we wouldn't be having this conversation about the cost of the kits. My figure was a bit higher for a state side kit. Maybe that's the price if you walk in the joint in Japan.

110000 yen is $1148 USD and thats just front back and side to side with no transcontinental shipping or front and rear fenders or wing.

If someone can get the real deal kit complete, front, rear, sides, rear overs, front fenders, and wing to the states for this price, please oh please PM me I need one more of them.

[Leo-kun]

I love it how some people on this site complain about 240's yet still own them and spend money on them. Why can't you just take pride in your ride?...if that's too hard for you, then sell it and go buy an eclipse. I hear they have an EVO engines. Just stop wasting 240's...

Tra Kyoto needs to stay in Japan. America cant handle their kits.

[fromxtor]

I would definitly sell my unused origin kit for a missile rabbit kit.

[DUFFM4N]

Tra Kyoto needs to stay in Japan. America cant handle their kits.

no, just americans arent dumb enough to dish out close to $2k on a kit that they're just gonna break at the track (unless they got a trailer queen)

$2k just to say its "real"?

:jerkit: <-this icon needs to be HUGE

[illvialuver]

doing this is a waste


no, just americans arent dumb enough to dish out close to $2k on a kit that they're just gonna break at the track (unless they got a trailer queen)

$2k just to say its "real"?

:jerkit: <-this icon needs to be HUGE



DO NOT BRING THE KITS HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it may be tempting, because the market may be bigger than Japan, but the truth of the matter is, some parasite will buy one of each of your kits and start making knock offs, and selling it to his friends and making a profit off of your design.

I am down to buy the product at full price if it means having the real thing.


I would tell Koguchi the same thing about bringing his badass stuff here, I hope he never brings his stuff here, and it should only be an imported product but not readily available to the public.

I wish I could find the video interview of Oka Chan from Yoshio factory, he said the same thing, about bringing his kits to the U.S. He said he wouldn't import them because he knew they would be copied and knockedoff.

[robtech]

bringing the kits here would be a mistake...

but i want that rear wing for the 180sx soooo bad

[BRAIN_Z33]

+1 ^^^^^^^

[LoanShark]

If they made their own knock and sold it for knock price, they wouldnt have to worry about knocks and they would still make money from their design. But then, only in america, would they knock a knock.

I just want the wing. Tell the chineses to knock the wing.

[robtech]

the wing aint that expensive just buy the real thing

only reason i wont buy a real body kit is cuz i cant afford to trash 2k in aero over and over and over again...but i can trash 600 aero and its ok, still sucks but i can afford it but that only bumpers and skirts...anything else and i'll only roll the real deal

[fromxtor]

^^ +1 I want the wing, and cannot afford to trash that kit going over a ruble strip.

[sincity_sil80]

i think the kits are hella sik. would love to rock it. but what everybody said is true. to many shops would try to replicate it. and thats no bueno for 6666customs. kinda sad

[OBEEWON]

no, just americans arent dumb enough to dish out close to $2k on a kit that they're just gonna break at the track (unless they got a trailer queen)

$2k just to say its "real"?

:jerkit: <-this icon needs to be HUGE

Jeeze! I thought I was the only sane person here.

If I could afford to waste that much I wouldn't be driving a 240.

[ROIDMONKEY]

cause op asked if they should come to america and i said ''no''

so you're a premium member huh? Hows that workin out for you?
a big wtf for u!!!

[240trainee]

Jeeze! I thought I was the only sane person here.

If I could afford to waste that much I wouldn't be driving a 240.

I know right.

I love RB's shit, but straight up, if I end up paying almost $2k for 2 bumpers and side skirts, I'm knocking the shit off in my basement, and making myself spares. Not selling em, but just to have. fucking aye, blowing up a bumper that costs $800 to replace and 3 months to get just from driving like a fucking man would suck.

[robtech]

yea no doubt i would knock replacements for myself in my garage

[240trainee]

Yea, I mean, its cool to think of all this shit preserving originals and shit.

the Jap dudes don't have to ship their shit halfway across the world.

Check YJ. 6666 isn't that expensive in Japan.

And if you are building a show car, its cool. But really, ripping shit up at the track? Unless you are on a huge budget, its just fucking stupid to make $600 bumpers a disposable thing. $100 sure, $600, no fucking way.

Making knock off's through TRA would be sweet, bring the fucking cost down some. I'm not saying they shouldn't get their cut at all.

[Brian]

what is all this "breaking at the track" talk?

Do people even go to the track and race?

give me a break.



I'm really convinced that a majority of the people here and hopeless jackasses.

[Brian]

no, just americans arent dumb enough to dish out close to $2k on a kit that they're just gonna break at the track (unless they got a trailer queen)

$2k just to say its "real"?

:jerkit: <-this icon needs to be HUGE


Wrong. They are just poor kids.

Are all your Nikes fake? Why not just buy the fake ones? They look the same, right? The real ones are more expensive.

[Brian]

ok guys, I just got off the phone with Kyoto-san last night and we were talking about having cheaper knock off kits produced by Rocket Bunny not in Japan but in China for cheaper material. Same style, less money!

The only catch is China's manufacturing plant where the kits are made is a minimal order of 50 kits.

My question is....is their a possible 50 kit sale right here in the states?? meaning do 50 cars want to rock a Rocket bunny kit produced by Rocket Bunny but not produced in Japan but made in China.

I think the normal price for a Rocket Bunny/6666 Customs kit is about $1600-$1900
The Knock off would probably be around the $600-$800 range for the entire kit. He is verying with the plant today to see what it would definitely cost.

If any interest, I can start a pre-order for 50 kits to be made and deliver them once they have been shipped from China. He is also going to fill me in with turn around time to make and produce these kits over in China.

what would be your thoughts?

You have got to be kidding me....
The company is going to "knock off" it's own parts? That doesn't even make sense.

[Brian]

4 post combo.

suck it.

[Skyn]

Rocket bunny should definately not come here lol
! not alot of people can afford it right now
i know instantly people would try to make knock offs
it just needs to stay original its too nice of a kit to me knocked off

[fromxtor]

what is all this "breaking at the track" talk?

Do people even go to the track and race?

give me a break.



I'm really convinced that a majority of the people here and hopeless jackasses.

Yes, some of us don't have people taking pictures of us driving at every event. Believe it or not, not everyone here drifts either.:bigok:

[Brian]

I know that people don't drift.

I didn't mention anything about drifting.

:)

[illvialuver]

Wrong. They are just poor kids.

Are all your Nikes fake? Why not just buy the fake ones? They look the same, right? The real ones are more expensive.


TRUTH!!!!!!!!! I think if I had the skill to copy one or two for myself after I purchased one for myself ,than I would. but I would not trust anyone to make a copy for me because if they know what I have is expensive and in demand they will copy it and mass produce it.

It is just like trusting anyone to copy a pair of koguchi over fenders, anyone who makes you a copy will sell it to everyone else, so why would you spend the money to have a unique item just to give it to someone to whore out? Same shit is happening with the supermade kits.

Nobody needs to say any names because these people know who they are(if you get offended than you have a guilty concience). They are parasites to real business and all they care about is there own " hustle" , they do not care about the industry or anyone else other than themselves.

[Brian]

"it is what it is"


I just wish people these days would have some god damn DECENCY.
Work and make your money. It isn't difficult to NOT be a fucking thief.

[bboyoracle]

TRUTH!!!!!!!!! I think if I had the skill to copy one or two for myself after I purchased one for myself ,than I would. but I would not trust anyone to make a copy for me because if they know what I have is expensive and in demand they will copy it and mass produce it.

It is just like trusting anyone to copy a pair of koguchi over fenders, anyone who makes you a copy will sell it to everyone else, so why would you spend the money to have a unique item just to give it to someone to whore out? Same shit is happening with the supermade kits.

Nobody needs to say any names because these people know who they are(if you get offended than you have a guilty concience). They are parasites to real business and all they care about is there own " hustle" , they do not care about the industry or anyone else other than themselves.

Come on tell us who it was!!!!! I've heard so many accusations but still no name =/

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

4 post combo.

suck it.

combo breaker.

http://www.terminally-incoherent.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/slowpoke.gif

???



on topic, i guarantee there will NOT be 50 cars in the US that want rocket bunny. furthermore, knocking off your own stuff just to break into a market is the worst idea ev4r. all that needs to happen is for one USA knockoff company to buy a cut rate pre knocked off kit at at cheap price and it's game over. $400 buy it now on ebay with JDM D1 fenders.

[slider2828]

what is all this "breaking at the track" talk?

Do people even go to the track and race?

give me a break.



I'm really convinced that a majority of the people here and hopeless jackasses.

Please don't generalize that widely, because there ARE quite a few people who do.... I have money to rock one, but yes I would break and FRP gets brittle overtime no matter what you do.

[fromxtor]

I honestly dont think alot of people would rock it here anyway, its too original (not in a bad way). Most people are scared to be a trend setter, I would rock it till it broke off the car personally.

[Brian]

Oh ok then, show me the "real" kit vs "fake" kit statistic on the USA 240sx scene.

:)

[bboyoracle]

Oh ok then, show me the "real" kit vs "fake" kit statistic on the USA 240sx scene.

:)

I think we should get a poll running to see just what the numbers really are :ughd:

[IHasLongTorso]

Come on tell us who it was!!!!! I've heard so many accusations but still no name =/

I know he has already posted in this thread and its not an accusation. He IS guilty of it. No contest.

[bigOdom1]

if you wouldn't tithe with monopoly money then why run fake aero. i still wear the stock bumpers cause i refuse to drive a clown car thats different colors. when i can afford paint ill put on the oem jdm aero i have or the gracer aero i have in the garage. i will not run knockoff crap mainly because i dont want to pay the body guy to "make it fit", when the initial investment of a quality fitting aero package is usually less after all the cost to fix it when its brand new.


on a side note id be interested in the tra kit if it was real and at a fair price. as of the moment it over my budget and only because i have student loans and need a job. the real deal is always better

[Team Aero-K]

Kyoto TRA 6666 Customs and Stephen from Sky Japan sent me an email and here is what is up! In UK, Rocket Bunny is showing up everywhere with their only 1 sponsored car for the EDC. It has been getting good hits, he is definitely interested in making knock offs for outside sales, meaning UK and US.

Email from Stephen:
"I seem to have misplaced the email from TRA but had a reply and looks like we can do knock-off
Chinese versions at about 60% of regular retail."

What do you guys think?? Should a move be done to knock off for TRA or say NO and forget about th ewhole deal!

-
Raffi

[kalypso123]

so your asking if the demand is here...

I vote no, i wouldnt buy rocket bunny.

[Team Aero-K]

so your asking if the demand is here...

I vote no, i wouldnt buy rocket bunny.

Im just asking to see if people would like to support Rocket Bunny here but the knock off designed by Rocket bunny and made in China!

instead of $1800 for a kit it would be like $800 or something like that!

[Z33dori]

just say no


i don't wanna see rocket bunny get ruined by shitty americans. b/c we all know it will happen. Id rather it just stay where it is so that only certain ppl buy it....

[Team Aero-K]

^ makes sense.

[robtech]

what is all this "breaking at the track" talk?

Do people even go to the track and race?

give me a break.



I'm really convinced that a majority of the people here and hopeless jackasses.

im not worried about breaking kits on the track...i trash kits on the street which is my own fault for running retarded low so i dont cry about it, just cant afford to constantly replace super expensive aero


back to the question:

no rocket bunny shouldnt knock off their own kit...
YES!! i will definately buy one if they do tho

[irax]

rocket bunny stuff would be cheap to begin with if the freight here was not so expensive

[Team Aero-K]

rocket bunny stuff would be cheap to begin with if the freight here was not so expensive

not quite, the kit in japan still cost a pretty penny!

[Soloman]

I want one! and yes i am going to buy one. I personally want the real one. But when i do go to the track i will put another bumper on it so i don't destroy it. Is that the best thing to do, i don't know but that kit is sick. My coupe needs it. Maybe i will get it for her for Christmas.

As for making knock offs, i dont think it is a good idea because when they copy that one, it will fit and look like sh**. I would say, if you can afford the real one get it. Dont ruin a good thing because your cheap.

[smelly240]

anyone else smile like a little kid when that comcast commercial comes on tv?

Comcast Rabbit - Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1744681/comcast_rabbit/)

ROCKET BUNNY!

[Team Aero-K]

anyone else smile like a little kid when that comcast commercial comes on tv?

Comcast Rabbit - Video (http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1744681/comcast_rabbit/)

ROCKET BUNNY!

hAHhahah...lol that was great!

[Soloman]

Nice, i am gunna save for a turbine for my 240.......seriously

[smelly240]

SEE - i knew i wasnt the only person that would laugh at the rocket bunny commercial :D

[Edgar]

every kit or everything is american always gets a replica

hell, dont like china get that before we do though

[KoukiKeith]

Leave Rocket Bunny where it is! The most appealing aspect of it is definately the exclusivity of it .... Id imagine that Im one of the only people in my country who have any Rocket Bunny on their ride :rawk::)

[usajdm]

just say no


i don't wanna see rocket bunny get ruined by shitty americans. b/c we all know it will happen. Id rather it just stay where it is so that only certain ppl buy it....

^^^^^^^^
Wooooooooow.

I say, ship that crap over so someone cant start duplicating that s#!t.
"Exclusive........... certain people", f^(k that.

[irax]

not quite, the kit in japan still cost a pretty penny!

Uhh.... $1,147.56 for a legit kit is actually pretty cheap... unlike the extortion prices that someone was charging for their kit. :trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trog dor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::fawkd::fawkd::fawk d::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd:

I want to get their fender flairs but... SOMEONE wants to charge $1200 for a $650 part and charge for freight AND charge for shipping... and that is bullshit.

[Teknolust72]

Uhh.... $1,147.56 for a legit kit is actually pretty cheap... unlike the extortion prices that someone was charging for their kit. :trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::trog dor::trogdor::trogdor::trogdor::fawkd::fawkd::fawk d::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd::fawkd:

I want to get their fender flairs but... SOMEONE wants to charge $1200 for a $650 part and charge for freight AND charge for shipping... and that is bullshit.

Have you personally imported parts from Japan before?

[irax]

yes i have. how is it any different from getting an authentic Vertex kit? someone is/was supposed to be the sole authorized distributor of their product in the US, and you figure their prices would not be that much different than what it is in japan.

[usajdm]

^^^^^^
Thats why I said, what I said.
The pricing on some of this stuff is insane.
There comes a time when the same old R&R and "quality" sad song doesn't justify the high prices.

[DUFFM4N]

i always get a good laugh when i read this thread

[irax]

^^^^^^
Thats why I said, what I said.
The pricing on some of this stuff is insane.
There comes a time when the same old R&R and "quality" sad song doesn't justify the high prices.

well.. R&D and quality always justifies high prices

BUT NOT WHEN IT IS FUCKING TWICE THE PRICE OF ITS DOMESTIC MARKET!

if your going to do that kind of bull shit... MAKE SURE THEIR WEBSITE DOES NOT HAVE PRICES LISTED AND THEN DON'T TELL PEOPLE TO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE!

I mean if it was like... $750 +shipping.. i can understand because hey he's gotta mark it up a little to cover that portion of freight. but when its 1200 + freight to the US THEN + shipping! that is fucking bullshit!

[drift_limo]

^^^^^^^

ditto

[2Slow40]

just say no


i don't wanna see rocket bunny get ruined by shitty americans. b/c we all know it will happen. Id rather it just stay where it is so that only certain ppl buy it....

You're running fuckin sportmax wheels, why are you worried about Rocketbunny knock off body kits?

[JRex]

I would love you run one of their kits just because it's something different compared to almost all of the other ones out there, not sure about the flairs though. Bringing it to America would totally ruin that aspect. I need to get my hands on one of those 180sx wings though.

[93superHICAS]

just got an email on the 180sx trunk wing
gonna be like 3 or so odd weeks to wait till its at ur door step

[rm12577]

This thread has been ongoing for a while it seems, but I just registered on zilvia to say that if they could make a kit that fits well through a china distributor for less than 1000 dollars shipped, it would sell in the states... I have talked to a couple of other people in this area that would be interested and I think 50 could be sold easily especially if they were spread between here and europe like they were saying they wanted to do for the chinese kits. just gotta make sure the fitment is good or people will talk trash about them....

[ThatGuy]

rm12577, welcome to Zilvia. Allow me to be the first to say...


Fuck you and Fuck Knock-Offs.

[chitownguy]

Don't do it. Knockoff Rocket Bunny would just be stupid. If I ever end up getting an s13 that is definitely one of the kits I want. I have no problem paying the money for anything legit. I'll be getting Hayashis or SSR's for one of my cars when I save the money.

[s13silvia123]

rm12577, welcome to Zilvia. Allow me to be the first to say...


Fuck you and Fuck Knock-Offs.

LMAO my laugh of the day. LOL

[rm12577]

Yea thanks for that.... I too am not one for knockoffs, but if the company that designed something has it outsourced to lower the costs how does that make it a knockoff? HP has all of their computers built outside of the united states, are they knockoff HP computers, same with other brands of many things, does that make them knockoffs, I am just saying a lower priced version would sell like mad, so they could make some money off of it, if that is what they want, eventually I will probably end up buying the "real thing" when I have that much cash to throw down, but if there were a lower priced alternative that another company didnt steal from tra-kyoto then I would probably go for that right now instead of say like 2 years from now when i have 2500 dollars to spend on some stuff that in no way makes my car perform or handle better... just looks, so yea, feel free to say fuck knockoffs, if the original company just lowers the cost of production its not a knockoff its a cost cutting measure to raise profits thanks...

[yokotas13]

i really wish theyd make y33 parts.....really wish

[ThatGuy]

Let me guess, you're taking "Business" classes in college down there in Texass.

TRA-Kyoto, is not the size of Hewlet Packard, who is obviously your topic of discussion this week in Professor Who-Gives-A-Damn's class. If they were to "outsource" their production in the method you are suggesting, it would likely cost them more then they could hope to make.

Stick with those business classes though. Maybe someday you'll be bale to save up and buy the real parts you want. For now, concentrate on studying. Looks like you need it.

Great introduction, BTW. Maybe a class or two in Public Speaking next semester will help you out.

[OBEEWON]

Rocket Bunny is so 2009.

[rm12577]

Business classes would be nice, but no I finished school two years ago sorry, I used HP as an example because they are a company that is making large profits off of their outsourcing that started a few years ago, and now they took the market over. Don't like computer references, well car companies do it too... US car companies as well as european, just letting you know that outsourcing doesnt generally cost more money unless they happen to make a far inferior product.

Volvo Car Corporation Sweden has recently announced that it will outsource components worth $99 million from India this year.

Volvo is joining other international automakers such as General Motors Corporation and DaimlerChrysler AG which both have employed the same outsourcing programmes for components that they used in manufacturing their vehicles.


Unless of course the products that are made in china or india are made with crap materials in which case yea it would be a bad idea, but tra-kyoto wanted to use the same company that makes all of the dmax products, which many reputable online retailers are selling as a good product, at a lower price than OEM of course... So the only real issue would be if they thought they couldn't sell 50 body kits at 800-1000 dollars, and I do believe that if they were to sell them at that here an in the UK, they would easily sell 50 kits...

[Teknolust72]

If you REALLY think its that easy to sell 50 kits, why dont you collect $1000 up front from these 50 people, and if/when you do, let me know and I will tell TRA Kyoto that you should be the U.S. Distributor instead of me

[rm12577]

They had said their outsourced kits would be sold to both the US and the UK so 50 kits mixed between the two could be done, I don't have the throw in any forums to actually get people to give me money based on the assumption that I would be giving them product or I would probably do as you have done and start distributing imported products. have you asked any of the people that were "interested" in the kits when you posted that you could get them to see what they would be able to pay for them? if they are all thinking 400 dollars is fair then maybe the 240 owners have gotten cheaper than I thought but I wouldn't feel bad at all paying 1000 dollars for a well designed body kit... I do think between the US and the UK 50 kits could be sold at that price for sure, just don't have the resources to back that statement up currently....

[SUPERSTAR]

Don't waste your time and money. Rocket Bunny is ugly kit and no one would buy it.

[Sonic Motor]

Don't waste your time and money. Rocket Bunny is ugly kit and no one would buy it.

OIC what you did there!

[SUPERSTAR]

OIC what you did there!

It's true. Try SuperMade or Uras. :keke:

[Teknolust72]

They had said their outsourced kits would be sold to both the US and the UK so 50 kits mixed between the two could be done, I don't have the throw in any forums to actually get people to give me money based on the assumption that I would be giving them product or I would probably do as you have done and start distributing imported products. have you asked any of the people that were "interested" in the kits when you posted that you could get them to see what they would be able to pay for them? if they are all thinking 400 dollars is fair then maybe the 240 owners have gotten cheaper than I thought but I wouldn't feel bad at all paying 1000 dollars for a well designed body kit... I do think between the US and the UK 50 kits could be sold at that price for sure, just don't have the resources to back that statement up currently....

240 owners are cheaper than before, and its because of this stupid mentality of "just outsource to china" which you were just saying. If I were to ask them what they be "willing" to pay, they would just say $400.

regardless, even if you sold 50 kits, you gotta think about brand sustainability. There's a bigger price to pay when exclusivity gives way to making a quick buck.

Don't waste your time and money. Rocket Bunny is ugly kit and no one would buy it.


I wish I was 4-lug

[SUPERSTAR]

I wish I was 4-lug

exactly!! But you can always do a 4 lug swap. You're not down.

[Brian]

Look, guy.

Like stated already, the 240 owners are getting more and more cheap.

It just aint gonna work.

[ChampaignSilviaS14]

Just import some dildo shift knobs and color steering wheels.

Sell them to fanboys, you will make much more profit.

[Teknolust72]

Just import some dildo shift knobs and color steering wheels.

Sell them to fanboys, you will make much more profit.


^^^ this is the sad truth of selling to 240sx owners

[yokotas13]

haha i made so much off steering wheels

[Team Aero-K]

haha i made so much off steering wheels

cause you got the hook up suckkkaaa...haha hook me up Yokota!!

[rm12577]

Yea, I started looking at how much the knockoff crap is selling for on ebay, that is fucking ridiculous.... some of them are like 300 bucks, are they made out of paper mache or something.... So yea, do I think 50 could sell yes, would I want to have to compete with ED for cheapskates money, not really.... I give up on my whole they should do it thing, it just wouldn't be worth it to compete with trash that sells their kits to make a 50 dollar profit... but when the time comes to make my car look the part, I will seek you out tekno.....

[scottie]

Hi

I am the owner/ builder and driver of the black U.K. 6666 rocket bunny S13 sil80 RB30.

More pictures and info can be found on my site skylinepart.com
Build thread here;
6666 S13 SIL80 RB30, 2009 car (I hope!!) - Drifting forum - Driftworks (http://www.driftworks.com/forum/drift-car-projects-builds/68508-6666-s13-sil80-rb30-2009-car-i-hope.html)

Many thanks
Scotty


TWO THUMBS UP to you sir. I love your car. I am envious, I;ll admit. I wish we had access to those aero parts. I would ditch the Origin in a heart beat.

[Ninjabread]

People saying aero is a disposable item PROBABLY don't actually track their cars, or suck at driving. Besides, FG is fixable.

Try owning a car where the ONLY aero you can get is legitimate. You 240sx guys have it so easy you don't know.

That being said, I agree with everyone who says don't bring it in.

Save the company the trouble. If someone REALLY wants this aero let them bring it in themselves, keep exclusivity, etc etc.

The market is so saturated with shit right now that it's refreshing to see a car done up once in a while with quality parts that you can admire, and say " damn, this guy went all out, and cares" instead of " this guy built a complete 240 for 8,000$ off ebay parts".

[OBEEWON]

I'm in school for engineering and my teacher says knockoffs keep the enviornment clean.

mufakky

[kalypso123]

I wish more companies made their aero in urethane... its not that hard to do.

[Brian]

Urethane is NOT good for body kits.

It is heavy and warps in heat.

[ROIDMONKEY]

bring it.. i buy one every month ..lol

[dac2828]

Get a knock off company to sell it under a different DBA name and pay Rocket Bunny royalties. Make the deal happen. Shit, make the DBA name Rocket Bunny USA. haha, that pissed off guy on this thread will hate that name... or will he? One of the top 5 knock off companies like VIS, Seibon, ED etc etc can do it. They can sell 40-50 kits a year no prob if you can convince them. If they want they can make the quality better than Rocket Bunny I'm sure. Hell, if they sell for a decent price they can even use epoxy resin. No one making body kits in the world uses Epoxy Resin. The name and the nestalgia is why they get the high price, make deals and lower the price and increase the quality. FYI, I have no idea how Rocket Bunny makes their aero, it could be fucking a sick lay up using infusion with epoxy resin, then 100 times blocked with putty wet sanded and buffed for all I know. I doubt it as its not necessary at all, however we all know how Americans love to do it "big". If the knock off usa company and rocket bunny can shake hands then maybe more innovation would happen for us consumers. However, in my opinion just make whatever you want yourself... like the Japanese do o so often.

[Teknolust72]

With all due respect, you should just kill your self^^

[ROIDMONKEY]

With all due respect, you should just kill your self^^
or just be in the next SAW movie :)

[Taniguchi_Is_#1]

i will make replicas of it under the name "jet rabbit". PM for details.

[dac2828]

I don't understand, there is a person behind my typing, you know that, right? Your telling me your for suicide? I thought I'd give my opinion, it's just that, an opinion. Is this a joke or are you guys serious? Some one back me up here. This thread asked a question about business and I gave a suggestion. I thought it was relevant. Tecknolust and Roidmonkey, what don't you like about my suggestion? If you don't like it fine, but at the very least say something relevant. I don't think suicide is the answer; don't think like Hitler. That's some dark stuff guys. The problem here is Rocket Bunny wants to make money, grow their business, lets embrace it and help them. If the companies that design products get help on the back end they'll make new designs and cool stuff and be able to lower prices and etc. Or, do you guys prefer rocket bunny makes less money, it's like you two are for knock off companies. I'm very confused at those two extremely negative responses.

[usajdm]

Get a knock off company to sell it under a different DBA name and pay Rocket Bunny royalties. Make the deal happen. Shit, make the DBA name Rocket Bunny USA. haha, that pissed off guy on this thread will hate that name... or will he? One of the top 5 knock off companies like VIS, Seibon, ED etc etc can do it. They can sell 40-50 kits a year no prob if you can convince them. If they want they can make the quality better than Rocket Bunny I'm sure. Hell, if they sell for a decent price they can even use epoxy resin. No one making body kits in the world uses Epoxy Resin. The name and the nestalgia is why they get the high price, make deals and lower the price and increase the quality. FYI, I have no idea how Rocket Bunny makes their aero, it could be fucking a sick lay up using infusion with epoxy resin, then 100 times blocked with putty wet sanded and buffed for all I know. I doubt it as its not necessary at all, however we all know how Americans love to do it "big". If the knock off usa company and rocket bunny can shake hands then maybe more innovation would happen for us consumers. However, in my opinion just make whatever you want yourself... like the Japanese do o so often.

With all due respect, you should just kill your self^^

or just be in the next SAW movie :)

Why, because he makes sense?
Someone needs to challenge the buisness integrity of any genres elite names.
If not, we would all be just throwing away mommy and daddys money on over-priced, inferior parts......

[silviaguy240]

The name and the nestalgia is why they get the high price, make deals and lower the price and increase the quality.

Still dont get why people dont understand. Small companies like koguchi power and rocket bunny and most of other grassroots companies in japan charge so much because they have very little man power. Maybe like 5-10 people working at these places, probably less. They cant put out alot to make profit so they sell high and since its one or two people that do it, the quality control will be insane because this is probably all this person does for the company or that is their expertise and they have a day or more just to make a bumper. Outsource it to china or taiwan and skill and quality control will drop. Some single mother that needs to feed a couple kids doesnt really give a shit about making it perfect, just makes it good enough in an hour or two to send it out.

[dac2828]

Thank you usajdm and silviaguy240. I appreciate your comments.

I just used VIS, Seibon, Ed as references because I know they employ a lot of people at their factories, VIS and Seibon uses the same factory actually. And I know they buy in bulk so they can also make parts cheaper than someone just going to China for the first time. I just think if business open up their minds and work together then the consumers will benefit. Of course, if they work together too close then they can have too much control, however the body kit industry is far at the other end of that, a lot of companies fighting I think.

Silviaguy240, I totally get it. I believe the cost for Koguchi Power, BN Sports, Rocket Bunny or whatever is the prototype cost. I believe it can be up to 4 weeks of labor for one person to prototype a full kit. So, we'll just say $5k usd to prototype the full kit including materials and everything. If they are making it in Japan, and not China, keep in mind China is REALLY close to Japan opposed to how close China is to the US, then they are paying more for labor. I have no idea but I'd guess Koguchi Power is probably one person, or maybe 2 or 3. If its more they do service work too. To make a pair of fenders in frp from a mold is about 2 hours in labor, if you lack skills it can be up to 6 we'll say. Thats obviously not including drying time. Or, maybe you are a perfectionist and you spend 6 hours. Anyway, my point here is companies don't price products based on cost, they price products for market demand. My guess is these small Japanese companies keep it small, don't want big fixed expenses, and don't care if they're variable expenses are high. They have a good gross profit margin because in Japan it's all about respect. They US market is much bigger than Japan and I truely believe a lot of the small tuning shops are just that, small tuning shops that specialize in service work, and really don't want to be manufacturers or distributors.

This is why I think they'd love to work with bigger companies and get paid big royalties and just design.

The copy companies are not going to kill themselves, what they do is totally allowed if the rights owner doesn't have a patent and enforce it. I just think rather than be in denial of the way the body kit industry is, embrace it.

I'm telling you, it is possible to increase quality and lower prices and make Rocket bunny more money. ED probably spends $20k/mo on advertising I'd say in US magazines. They can throw a Rocket Bunny logo in there, make the kits, yes in China, quality control, instructions, directions. I don't understand why people think location has anything to do with quality. It's a generalization, a stereotype. There are bad technicians in China and the US, and there are also good ones in China and the US. It would be up to ED, VIS however to contro their factory, and believe me, they can.

It's all about the money. The reason so many products are made in China especially labor intensive fiberglass work is because labor is cheap. Pay the workers commission on each part they make, and hire someone to monitor the quality, if it doesn't pass, they get no commission and have to make it again. This is simple business, quality control is easy. It's all about the money and shaking hands.

So, Team Aero-K, what do you think?

FYI, I'd buy a Rocket Bunny kit but it would have to be in the $500 price range and I can deal with crappy surface quality not many layers of glass. It'll take me and hour to make it thick and like $30 in material that I already have, and surface quality can be bad since I would putty and block anyway. This is why replica aero is probably a $100MM a year industry here in the US, even the crappiest quality isn't all that expensive to fix, UNLESS the person fixing it doesn't know what they're doing. Unfortunitely, most people don't know what they're doing and the few shops that do charge for it, why, because they can.

I find it funny that so many people believe business' objective are to "help" the consumer, I know this is how business advertise, however and successful business is there to make money, that is the number one concern. And, they only have to help just a little more than the nearest competitor. I'm sure Koguchi Power could sell his fenders for half of what he does and still make a decent gross profit, but why? He doesn't have to, and probably has no interest to.

I would really love to see these great companies that really push the limits and create the products to work with the bigger companies and make it good for everyone. The US market can do a lot of good for these Japanese companies if we work with them, rather than take from them. Someone better work with Rocket Bunny here otherwise they're kits will be on ebay for $500 shipped in 1-2 years and be called RB and be half the quality, I guarantee it.

[boosted98gst]

You have a website full of fucking cheap ass people asking for 1k paint jobs, and can barley afford to do a swap right. This web site is full of low balling people , I am being dead serious I have never seen so many broke ass people in my life (not everyone) If you cant afford to buy or do a car right, dont fucking build one. Back in 1999-2000 I never seen the amount of bullshit 240's running around with fake ass shit. I seriously hate telling people I drive a 240 just because of how bad the wrap is here.

[s13silvia123]

Silviaguy240, I totally get it. I believe the cost for Koguchi Power, BN Sports, Rocket Bunny or whatever is the prototype cost. I believe it can be up to 4 weeks of labor for one person to prototype a full kit. So, we'll just say $5k usd to prototype the full kit including materials and everything. If they are making it in Japan, and not China, keep in mind China is REALLY close to Japan opposed to how close China is to the US, then they are paying more for labor. I have no idea but I'd guess Koguchi Power is probably one person, or maybe 2 or 3. If its more they do service work too. To make a pair of fenders in frp from a mold is about 2 hours in labor, if you lack skills it can be up to 6 we'll say. Thats obviously not including drying time. Or, maybe you are a perfectionist and you spend 6 hours. Anyway, my point here is companies don't price products based on cost, they price products for market demand. My guess is these small Japanese companies keep it small, don't want big fixed expenses, and don't care if they're variable expenses are high. They have a good gross profit margin because in Japan it's all about respect. They US market is much bigger than Japan and I truely believe a lot of the small tuning shops are just that, small tuning shops that specialize in service work, and really don't want to be manufacturers or distributors.



i'm gonna tell you a little truth about the prototyping business.

one thing is that i'm a tech and i've do this kind of work for engineers for a long time now. i've done lots of projects for Harley Davidson, Kohler "makes bathroom products and kitchen stuff etc...", Trek bicycles and many more.

does not take up to 4 weeks to make a prototype of anything unless youre using a machine to make the prototype or its a very large part. large parts like bodykits are divided into sections when being build in a machine using UV laser technology and special resin that hardens with the uv laser or sunlight.

prototype models are done to match the specs of the CAD design exactly and precisely.

cost to make a complete body kit to my estimate to $10k-50k depending on the process of work what the engineers want on the prototype and the size of it if its the actual size to fit any car. includes us correcting the CAD images that the engineers make mistakes when the send us the files.

its not time consuming really to build a prototype it just depends on what the engineer wants when its done.

[usajdm]

You have a website full of fucking cheap ass people asking for 1k paint jobs, and can barley afford to do a swap right. This web site is full of low balling people , I am being dead serious I have never seen so many broke ass people in my life (not everyone) If you cant afford to buy or do a car right, dont fucking build one. Back in 1999-2000 I never seen the amount of bullshit 240's running around with fake ass shit. I seriously hate telling people I drive a 240 just because of how bad the wrap is here.

What does "cheap ass people" have to do with it?
Do you judge the success of a project based on the money spent?

See, thats one of the problems.
We glorify ownership of such parts by calling them exclusive, or other misused terms around here like "baller" and "gangster"......
(Still wondering WTF could ever be baller or gangster about a 240sx)
and your last line there....
I seriously hate telling people I drive a 240 just because of how bad the wrap is here.
Maybe thats where we think differently.
I really dont give 2 shits what people think of me or my cars.
Im not really concerned about impressing anyone either.

Also, try to keep an open mind towards anothers financial situation.
Some people are lucky to have no financial burdens, some must be very careful with their purchases.
Myself, Im very "lucky" to be financially stable, but Im still very choosey on what I spend my money on.
Therefore, I would never ridicule a man for not being "ZILVIA BALLER STATUS" based on his purchases for his ride.

Im just saying that I believe any product should justify the price with more then just a name and "so called" status.

[Brian]

Poor people shouldn't be able to modify cars.

[Edgar]

So much talk for no reason.

[Xbroke_kidX]

8 pages of worthless none sence. this thread should die

[Teknolust72]

this thread should die...its pointless

The only comments that are valid are from the handful of people who have even dealt/worked with Japanese companies in THIS particular industry.

The people that say to "knock it off" are some cheap kids who cant respect the brand and the people that built it. TRA Kyoto has a profound love for modifying cars, and they've helped many other companies in Japan develop products. They SERIOUSLY do not care about growing their market share. And this pointless thread makes them not even want to sell to America.

Thank you to everyone that said "keep it real" - Hopefully the passion you have in building your cars motivates others to "keep it real" and will eventually turn this scene around.

[Matej]

This aero looks terrible.

[Team Aero-K]

to much propaganda in this whole Rocket Bunny kits....I actually don't think it would be succesful to bring it here what so ever. I am actually hurting in business because I invested in RYO products which i am still sitting on. I will have a blow out sale next month for the up coming season for all RYO coilovers in stock, RYO exhausts, manifolds, drift knuckles, 5 pt harnesses, etc.

Please lock this thread mods. I have made my mind up!

[Brian]

Ah, isn't the scene great?
The only products you can sell are actual pieces of shit. Literally.... exhaust manifold made out of shit.

catch tanks hollowed out of shit, etc.

[DUFFM4N]

*sigh* @ this thread

[ThatGuy]

Please lock this thread mods. I have made my mind up!

At your request :lockd: