Quote:
Originally Posted by Jakey
With the volume of parts you all have been moving, I do not see how many non-internet-based businesses are going to be able to compete with MAP, irrelevant of whether it is group buy pricing or not. If you could pick up business from all of the people who buy overpriced parts from SBR, you would definitely take a big leap ahead.
It's all about having an established reputation. Look at Shane & DB. Shane has the reputation of being one of the top import EFI tuners in North America and even though DB's dyno rates sit in the middle between MAP and LSE, I'm sure they could raise their prices and still maintain a constant customer base. I certainly know that he's the only one who will ever touch my car, whenever it gets to the tuning stage.
Does it? Look at how many shops have quality control issues because they try to "do it all." SLS used to market parts very heavily but now all of their advertising indicates that they have shifted their key focus to fabrication. SLS and Shearer are really the only ones in the DSM market who push high-end fabrication.
I have no problem doing business with multiple shops and I would certainly think that there are others who feel the same way too.
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It sounds like you a have a pretty good grasp on how this industry works, and I greatly appreciate your feedback. As far as parts you are correct, our volume has increased ten fold over last year on a monthly basis and judging by the responses we have been getting on a national level we are definitely taking some of that business from SBR, Buschur, Etc. But as you may well know, the margins are not the greatest! Thus our focus on labor at a local level. We now have two lifts and three techs, one of which (Kyle) being what I would consider a "car god." Granted, he still has a lot to learn and we learn new things every day. But after eating, sleeping, and breathing cars for nearly ten years he has proven himself time and time again. I guess we just need to increase the exposure like you said in regards to his work.
We are still very young at nearly ten months old, but we anticipate some pretty big leaps this coming season...
Thanks for the insight guys!
Chris Carey
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