Importing parts direct V local supplier

[alp003]

Thought that I would share my experiences with everyone.

I was slowly importing various parts directly from the states when someone suggested that I could save money on shipping by going through a local parts importer.

Well that may be the case but it is impossible to get an answer from these local guys. I approached four companies, one in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Simple request - provide me with a quote for a Chev quarter panel.

- NSW and VIC companies never responded.
- QLD company after many calls, "I've never heard of your order request", I tell them again what I need, "I'll call you in an hour", Yeah right!
- SA company, "will let you know tomorrow", follow-up call, "We'll ring in the morning", follow-up message on answering machine, no response.

Funnily enough I bought a Chev bonnet last year from an Australian based company that imports MOPAR. Called them and got a price for my Chev quarter in 48 hours. They were more than happy to help. I am very happy with the MOPAR boys and will probably put an order through for my Chev part this week,,,,,sounds strange doesn't it, buying CHEV via a MOPAR supplier!!

But please, is business that good that four Australian companies can not be bothered to quote. I have had nothing but great service from a US based supplier so considering the above experience (excluding the helpful MOPAR boys), why buy local?

[Sfinx]

Bizarre. You would think they would jump at the chance for some extra parts that would be confirmed to be sold.

What were the company names that didn't help you?

[OldIndian]

What did I tell you guys.. Just put them out of business as nobody here really wants any of them to stay in business anyway, unless they give it for free - but they are good punching bags & they deserve it as Alp003 says.. "REALLY" nobody ever talks about buying locally unless it's the business owners themselves.. its all Buy from the USA.. .. or Ebay.. & its cost nothing to import if you do it right. Stuff the locals.. ..it's what everybody is doing really anyway.. so just move on - nobody here ever really has anything good to say about anybody locally.
Alp003. Did you ring or write or phone or what..? Strange nobody out of the 4 different companies couldn't just quote you on the spot, not like you were asking for 50 different parts were you, what Chev year model 1/4 was it?

[6t8]

I try and always buy from the us direct because you get it cheaper and faster.I have had a few good places to buy parts from here in w.a.,but these are guys i know well.I have had the same problems in the past as alp003.
Barry...

[blackoutsteve]

Buying direct from the US cuts out the middle man.
Very rarely, it's cheaper to buy locally on "postable" items which are generally only 7-10 days away. But the local importer has the advantage with oversized products because of shipping expenses.
I often regret that I side step local business, but how many people are going to get a cut everytime I need something? ..and I've needed, and continue to need a lot of stuff!
I've had some outrageous quotes from local suppliers too, and often, the hard to get "fidly bits" that are not an "off the shelf" item, just make you too much bother for them.
I won't slander anyone, so I won't give any examples, but it's almost like some guys want to go out of business. After too many dick-arounds, I buy direct almost exclusively. I get my product faster and cheaper in 9/10 cases.
Also, what local importer is going to source me an arm's length list of OE fasteners from AMK, or 10 different colored spools of wire from Waytek? So, in many cases I have to deal direct.

It costs 10 times more to find a new customer, than to keep one.
Once they pick up the phone, if they don't keep you with decent service (able to supply the product or not), there's a good chance you'll never call them back again, and you'll tell at least 10 friends of your dissatisfaction with them.

The MOPAR store who can supply your Chevy panel is simply a Goodmark dealer. They can supply anything from Goodmark regardless of brand application. Yes, their service is good.:)

[OldIndian]

Agree BlackoutSteve - Even if somebody locally gave us the parts delivered for nothing we would still bitch about them, its just part of the DNA of our hobby education. Should try owning a Corvette here ... more fun operating on your own hemoroids with a wire brush - then get parts service.

[oldschool67]

I try and always buy from the us direct because you get it cheaper and faster.I have had a few good places to buy parts from here in w.a.,but these are guys i know well.I have had the same problems in the past as alp003.
Barry...

Just an update, put my 67 speedo cable in with Flexdrive on Monday, picked it up today and price was as quoted. Not bad and if any problems at least they are local.

Bernie

[blackoutsteve]

Well done. ;)

...and if any problems at least they are local.

Bernie

That's the good bit.

[alp003]

Buying direct from the US cuts out the middle man.
But the local importer has the advantage with oversized products because of shipping expenses.
I often regret that I side step local business, but how many people are going to get a cut everytime I need something? ..and I've needed, and continue to need a lot of stuff!

The MOPAR store who can supply your Chevy panel is simply a Goodmark dealer. They can supply anything from Goodmark regardless of brand application. Yes, their service is good.:)

The locals do have an advantage with the shipping of oversized items and I also feel bad cutting out the Australian business.

What I didn't mention before was that after the lack of local customer service I contacted two US based retailers who responded in 24 hours but as you said Black Out Steve, the shipping cost of the quarter panel was very expense.

Yes, the Mopar store is a Goodmark dealer.

[OldIndian]

Alp003. what Chev year model 1/4 was it that was so hard to get hold of ?

[Malibu67]

I brought a SSBC big brake kit from USA last year anyway noticed some brake fluid on bottem of booster emailed them hoping to get new seals sent out after proving to them I was end user and reciept they sent out complete m/cyl in 6 days ex New york area I waited 7 days to get K&N air filter here from perth.One company I do recomeend here for there service is Power Brakes in South Australia there service is excelent Allstar when John owened it were good to not tryed new bloke yet

[Nev68]

I brought a SSBC big brake kit from USA last year anyway noticed some brake fluid on bottem of booster emailed them hoping to get new seals sent out after proving to them I was end user and reciept they sent out complete m/cyl in 6 days ex New york area I waited 7 days to get K&N air filter here from perth.One company I do recomeend here for there service is Power Brakes in South Australia there service is excelent Allstar when John owened it were good to not tryed new bloke yet

Yes, I can recommend Power Brakes too,
They went through my front calipers, master cylinder etc and had pads/shoes in stock for my '68 Camaro

[alp003]

Thought that I would share my experiences with everyone.

I was slowly importing various parts directly from the states when someone suggested that I could save money on shipping by going through a local parts importer.

Well that may be the case but it is impossible to get an answer from these local guys. I approached four companies, one in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Simple request - provide me with a quote for a Chev quarter panel.

- NSW and VIC companies never responded.
- QLD company after many calls, "I've never heard of your order request", I tell them again what I need, "I'll call you in an hour", Yeah right!
- SA company, "will let you know tomorrow", follow-up call, "We'll ring in the morning", follow-up message on answering machine, no response.

Funnily enough I bought a Chev bonnet last year from an Australian based company that imports MOPAR. Called them and got a price for my Chev quarter in 48 hours. They were more than happy to help. I am very happy with the MOPAR boys and will probably put an order through for my Chev part this week,,,,,sounds strange doesn't it, buying CHEV via a MOPAR supplier!!

But please, is business that good that four Australian companies can not be bothered to quote. I have had nothing but great service from a US based supplier so considering the above experience (excluding the helpful MOPAR boys), why buy local?

Well. 12 days later (they must be really really busy) and I finally got a price for my Chev quarter panel from one of the Aussie based importers, and guess what, MORE THAN DOUBLE THE PRICE OF THE LOCAL MOPAR BOYS and a nine week wait time!!!!!!!!!

I can also get it cheaper and quicker by buying direct from the states and having the quarter sent over by Fedex,,,GO FIGURE!

Oh well, I have certainly learnt some valuable lessons on what to do and what not to do when importing parts. Thank you to all who have provided some good advice in this thread

[OldIndian]

Alp003. what Chev year model 1/4 was it that was so hard to get hold of ?
Who were you dealing with..??

[rs/ss 396]

I used to try and buy local but it usually ends up being to hard, either they dont get back to you or they didnt know what you are talking about. Now we buy from the US, usually Summit and its here in less than a week. Summit will now give you a price for shipping when your doing the order, there prices are pretty good compared to some other companies.

[OldIndian]

Yep.. forget the locals.... just hopeless the lot of them totally - we don't need them or want them in reality - really, its a global world.. be part of it - tell them to move on.

[alp003]

Original Parts Group has been fantastic. I always deal with the same person and after a phone call late one night we have developed a good working relationship. At times I do challenge them with unusual requests but as he said, as you have a sale history with us we can do that for you.

I am also happy to give AMK products a plug. I ordered a master fastener kit and both the quality and delivery time were excellent. Their catalog of fasteners is huge - GM, Ford and Chrysler.

[OldIndian]

Original Parts Group Opening hours for us is 2.30am roughly.. but you can with current time zones ring through till 10am from East Coast Australia. Be careful - don't really have a good reputation with many of the forums in the states.. .
I've used NPD ..they were pretty ok friendly also.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Original-Parts-Group/Auto-Parts/Original-Parts-Group-ripoff-Hu-DB28F.htm

http://www.complaints.com/directory/2005/november/10/2.htm

[blackoutsteve]

I've used many Camaro parts suppliers. All the big names..

Probably the best service, most original parts and fair prices (not the cheapest, but I'm not a scrooge shopping for price) is Classic Muscle.
www.oldmusclecars.com Ask for Mike.

[alp003]

Original Parts Group Opening hours for us is 2.30am roughly.. but you can with current time zones ring through till 10am from East Coast Australia. Be careful - don't really have a good reputation with many of the forums in the states.. .
I've used NPD ..they were pretty ok friendly also.

http://www.ripoffreport.com/Original-Parts-Group/Auto-Parts/Original-Parts-Group-ripoff-Hu-DB28F.htm

http://www.complaints.com/directory/2005/november/10/2.htm

Those two links go back to 2004 and 2005. Original Parts Group do use a lot of internal packaging in their boxes but I would rather pay a little extra for shipping and have the parts arrive free of damage.

On the surface OPG doesn't seem to be the cheapest on some items but they offer a volume discount program (% discount for dollar value ordered), frequent buyer program (loyalty points) and during the last six months, special after special (probably because of the tough economic times in the USA). The quality of their products is also first rate.

[67cammy]

Now we buy from the US, usually Summit and its here in less than a week. Summit will now give you a price for shipping when your doing the order, there prices are pretty good compared to some other companies.

Summit have been really good for me. Their new shipping options are excellent. They quoted $60 for shipping a K&N filter assembly while Jegs gave only one shipping option which was $160. Gotta be careful

[67cammy]

Summit have been really good for me.
Well they've mostly been good to me. They did it again! Ordered a few bits and according to their on line store they expected to have it in two days. Paid for them and now the date has gone to 22nd of December! Very frustrating. Never had trouble on anything that they say "ships today"(obviously coz they have it in stock).

[UIW-814]

Has anybody dealt with Lonestar car parts in the US? and if so how was the service etc?
Cheers,
Clayton.

[Russ]

You don't have to pay taxes & duties if it is under $1000 AUD, so exactly what are they illegally doing? Maybe a skimmed over it, but who here is talking about illegal marking import values and the like? Enlighten us

Local dealers are more often than not getting their parts at dealer prices, and buying things in bulk would give them an overall savings when it comes to shipping costs, rather than what others here pay for individual orders piece by piece - yet some local dealers still manage ridiculous mark-ups. I'm all for making a profit, but there's a line between profit and greed.

Read what alp300 wrote:

Well. 12 days later (they must be really really busy) and I finally got a price for my Chev quarter panel from one of the Aussie based importers, and guess what, MORE THAN DOUBLE THE PRICE OF THE LOCAL MOPAR BOYS and a nine week wait time!!!!!!!!!


2 week response time, MORE than 200% more than ordering it from another Australian store, and to top it all off, they don't have it in stock. All they are doing is what alp300 is doing and having it drop shipped from the US.

Basically they're charging him double the price, to get on the computer and order it for him from the same site. What a racket!

Why the hell would anyone support that? I couldn't care less who is being supported ... that is a horrendous business model.


You want people to support local? Get your **** together and do what any other decent business the world over does - offer a service worth a damn!

[OldIndian]

While we are on the subject.. Classics has just announced another run of 20% off .. use code WS3792, but it does not cover most kits, most performance parts, nor freight which can be sky high or any specials or anything else they say is discount exempt or not applicable and they have jacked up their prices a bit too compared to the 08 catalogue I have here, but still all good news. Maybe Localboy could offer the same thing.

[Nev68]

While we are on the subject.. Classics has just announced another run of 20% off .. use code WS3792, but it does not cover most kits, most performance parts, nor freight which can be sky high or any specials or anything else they say is discount exempt or not applicable and they have jacked up their prices a bit too compared to the 08 catalogue I have here, but still all good news. Maybe Localboy could offer the same thing.


Aaah, good, back on topic.
I have noticed over the years that Classics rarely include kits in the discounts.
Perhaps they already think the kits are a good deal. (?) They are less then the sum of individual parts (in my experience)
Classics do give several shipping options and prices vary accordingly (i.e. you want it quick then you'll pay a premium)
I am going to need some seat cushions later this year, I haven't checked yet but the shipping will probably be a bit due to size, even though they weigh 3/5's of bugger all.

As far as performance parts go I think you'd get a better deal from Summit or Jegs.

[SirGeo]

Thread cleaned.

Sorry guy's, some people just can't seem to be reasoned with. Nothing personal about removing the "regular users" posts.. sorry but for thread continuity had to be done..

[rodent]

Who's the golden haired boy then Nev :eek: ;) :D

[Nev68]

Who's the golden haired boy then Nev :eek: ;) :D

Well my mum thinks I am a little angel:D

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n387/nev68/angel.jpg

....but I really liked my "Serenity now":)

http://i337.photobucket.com/albums/n387/nev68/serenitynow.gif

[69SS]

Has anybody dealt with Lonestar car parts in the US? and if so how was the service etc?
Cheers,
Clayton.

Just trying to bump this for ya mate.. I havent used them myself.

[OldIndian]

Hey Indian, how come you knew localboy was in Melbourne when he first posted? Are you two in cahoots?
Blackout.. re melbourne local boy.. didn't know I did.. but he seemed to target you a bit and figured he knew you.. and if you believe anything he was local to you or something.. I don't know.. ask him.:confused:

[blackoutsteve]

Blackout.. re melbourne local boy.. didn't know I did.. but he seemed to target you a bit and figured he knew you.. and if you believe anything he was local to you or something.. I don't know.. ask him.:confused:

It just seemed strange that your reply to him was mentioning Melbourne as if you knew he was here.. We were both mentioned the same, not me more than you.
Anyway, just asking. There are people on here who know him and (probably) don't know it. I hope they find out and choose their suppliers more wisely. :)

He asked me to say a common courtesy to reveal his ID.. Can you believe the audacity of that **** after what he said? How about an apology, or him edit his post, or the most basic courtesy of revealing himself up front to all of us.

/rant.

[chevguy]

Thread cleaned.

Sorry guy's, some people just can't seem to be reasoned with. Nothing personal about removing the "regular users" posts.. sorry but for thread continuity had to be done..

No offence taken here, well done it needed doing.

[69SS]

yep, good job no need for that type of rubbish on USM..

[usautomotives]

Hi folks,

Just a question and honesty is always the best way to go about it.....

Having been in the restoration parts game, I am wondering if you don't want to buy of local guys due to pricing or?

The way I see it and the way I operate, is I don't see myself as the answer to the restoration industry if I sell it. There are alot of other companies out there, both AUS and USA that have the parts, therefore price and service are the two main factors. My wholesale suppliers in the USA are only too happy to run a shipment for me weekly or fortnightly, and honestly I don't think people would have a problem with waiting if the price is right and the freight can be shared with other customer orders.

I have had really good feedback from customers and one thing I refuse to do and will never do is profit off the shipping. I'm looking at getting back into the game and let's face it, you cannot expect to hold everything in stock and 25% of the time, the suppliers won't have it either....

My 2 cents anyway, but appreciate any honest feedback before I go putting my neck on the line again financially.

Cheers

Jesse Ahrens
U.S.Automotives

[Nev68]

Hi folks,

Just a question and honesty is always the best way to go about it.....

Having been in the restoration parts game, I am wondering if you don't want to buy of local guys due to pricing or?

The way I see it and the way I operate, is I don't see myself as the answer to the restoration industry if I sell it. There are alot of other companies out there, both AUS and USA that have the parts, therefore price and service are the two main factors. My wholesale suppliers in the USA are only too happy to run a shipment for me weekly or fortnightly, and honestly I don't think people would have a problem with waiting if the price is right and the freight can be shared with other customer orders.

I have had really good feedback from customers and one thing I refuse to do and will never do is profit off the shipping. I'm looking at getting back into the game and let's face it, you cannot expect to hold everything in stock and 25% of the time, the suppliers won't have it either....

My 2 cents anyway, but appreciate any honest feedback before I go putting my neck on the line again financially.

Cheers

Jesse Ahrens
U.S.Automotives

Hey Jesse,
Long time no hear. Welcome back.
I have bought the majority of parts from the US because;
- Oz dollar has been relatively strong when parts have been required
- When $Oz is strong the price from the US is usually better, even including shipping
- Delivery time from the US has usually been less than a week (sometimes 4 days)

I have bought some parts from USGM/Pontiworld, but only if the part is in stock and I need the part in less than 2 days.

[cluxford]

I've bought most of my parts from the US due to price for same reason Nev mentioned.

I have probably bought 80% from US and 20% local

A lot of my parts have been reasonably custom after market stuff that a lot of suppliers in Oz don't stock

I bought all my repo camaro stuff (from Classic and Rick's etc) from local suppliers. It's the more billet custom stuff, engine, sub frame etc that I bought direct from the US

Delivery time doesn't bother me, even Summit and Jegs often have many parts on back order

Service is #1 for me
Price #2
Availability #3

[usautomotives]

Yeah not bad Nev....been head down bum up, recovering from the big loss when the US dollar crashed.

Thanks for your honesty mate, we'll see what happens!

Cheers

---------- Post added at 07:26 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:25 PM ----------

Cheers Chris. How is the camaro going anyway?

[Surly]

My thoughts...

If it was local and I could go and see it, feel it, pay for it there and then and walk away with it at a price within cooee of the imported price I probably still would. We mostly lack service and inventory here. People want more than a supplier that picks up the phone and calls the same US Supplier you could of called yourself or worse still...adds your order to a container coming by boat in 2 months time and charges you more than the cost of you airfreighting it yourself.

I have been buying parts for my Harley with some locally and some out of Ohio. As it is a new bike if I feel the parts may come into play with warranty I get them from the dealer I bought the bike through. The dealer has great staff and mechanics but has been hamstrung by Australian distributors and Harley Australia.

I ordered some nice wheels and tyres which took just over 10 weeks to get here with the final wait being on a rear tyre! The local dunlop importer has had issues supplying all manner of tyres apparently and I confirmed this with other sources. Thank god I didnt wait till the rear tyre was rooted to start this process.

Every layer seems to add more time, cost and bull**** to the transaction.

I could of got the lot out of the USA in half the time and saved $1,000 :eek:

cheers
Surly

[EAT-30T]

I'll share a recent experience of mine from the last week...

I wanted to buy some Rock crawler 4 x 4 wheels for our work truck as we're putting a new wheel & tyre combo on it, I see JEGS sells them for around $90 a rim, So I done some searching locally and found an importer who I then found a re-seller for them. after a phone call to them discussing which wheel I was after confirming they had them in stock and obtaining a quote for them the next day I called, placed the order and paid for them in full the price was reasonable in my opinion I sent a follow email right after placing the order to confirm the sizes etc and got no reply. Two days later I get an email saying that this wheel did not exist and I would have to settle for one with a different offset to what I was originally after, funny thing is when I called they told me they had 5 in stock? So obviously I wasn't going to kick up a stick over a 1/4" of offset, I ask when I will receive the wheels as I only really had time on the Friday to get them fitted no reply so I had to chase them up, which they got back to me late friday afternoon saying they have shipped that's great I did want to recieve them that day, so I ask for a tracking number.. no reply.... Monday comes and they turn up still no reply!

My point here is this, I could have easily just ordered these off JEGS and probably received what I was after in the same amount of time and paid the same if not less for them, While I am happy with the wheels I am really not happy with how the deal was handled after they had our money, They should not have told me they had them in stock to begin with and they should have got back to me the moment I ordered them not 2 days later after I chased them up! I'm not an unreasonable person, one follow up email goes along way, I use to work in the industry and I do understand these things happen actually I wouldn't have minded if he called me and said it will be a two week wait on the day I ordered. When people don't respond to you after you've paid for your goods and give you the run around it really offends me and just puts me off supporting local vendors and just encourages me to import my own stuff even more so!

[alp003]

I have posted before on this topic so I won't bore you again by sharing my experiences.

10+ years ago it was much harder to source products direct from overseas suppliers but the Internet has changed everything.

These days it is way too easy to simply order direct from the US. I have ordered multiple times from at least six different US suppliers and too date I haven't had one issue. Pricing, packaging and delivery time have always been as expected.

I have also built up a good relationship with my regular US contacts. They seem impressed by the fact that us Aussies (half way around the world) are going to so much trouble to rebuild an American Muscle Car.

[usautomotives]

Good feedback, thanks. I still believe the local market can do well, provided you aren't going to specialize in the "common" parts.

[OldIndian]

Same old story...like ALP003 & EAT-30T...shows locals are pretty much all hopeless, rude & don''t carry anything and when they do its overpriced reject quality reproduction crap. Ring the US, get it here in a couple of days at 1/2 the price & 10 times as fast & if you do your sums right - if a part is damaged, or you think its damaged ;) or substantially incorrect & pay with paypal, complain & the yanks will abandon it & paypal will refund you. Its Ebay Law.. Paypal Law.. we're in Paradise.:D

[67SS502]

where is LOCAL BOY (aka BORIS) when you need him hey old indian?

[OldIndian]

where is LOCAL BOY (aka BORIS) when you need him hey old indian?




http://we-english.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/week-8.jpg

[RAW454]

Good feedback, thanks. I still believe the local market can do well, provided you aren't going to specialize in the "common" parts.
Hiya Jesse,

Been thinking about this and understand it's a difficult time for guys in your position due to the dollar and global market access. However I also believe there is definitely a market for the local guys. And it involves following a simple formula: "Deliver outstanding service, fair prices and build relationships".

You would know better than me, but I see there's probably three types of customers for US car parts. 1) Those doing a ground-up/long-term rebuild 2) Those adding enhancements/improvements whilst car is drivable, and 3) Those that have broken something on their driver. The first lot will probably go to the States for more choice, better pricing with less concern about immediacy. The latter will most likely want a local guy so they can get fixed & on the road asap. And the middle group (of which I'm one) will dabble both locally & from the States.

If you focus you products & service on the latter two, there is surely a market. Personally I would love to have a local guy that I had a great relationship with, had the stuff I wanted in stock and was proactively trying to help me with my project through parts supply and general support. For that, I would pay a slight premium over US-sourced stuff. But Aussie customers know all too well the landed cost if we order direct from the States, so if a local guy significantly overcharges, they'll lose out big time.

But bottom line, with the aforementioned formula and smart targeted marketing, I certainly believe there is a place for local suppliers and wish you the very best of luck.

[OldIndian]

Just in time AGAIN.. this will kill any local swap meet price too & devalue everything we have brought...... this makes the A$ about A$113 to the US$100 - no local can beat that ever..get in quick and spend up big :) spend every cent your budgeted for and more.

Take Advantage Of Our 20% Off* Sale, Good Until March 31, 2010 At Midnight!

This exclusive offer is our way of saying "thank you" for making Classic Industries® your primary source for restoration parts, performance parts and accessories.
For a limited time, receive 20% Off* on all orders. Please hurry, our 20% Off Sale ends March 31, 2010 at midnight. Use code WS3792 when asked during checkout.

[Nev68]

Just in time AGAIN.. this will kill any local swap meet price too & devalue everything we have brought...... this makes the A$ about A$113 to the US$100 - no local can beat that ever..get in quick and spend up big :) spend every cent your budgeted for and more.

I think they are being hurt by Rick's First gen.

[Russ]

Hiya Jesse,

Been thinking about this and understand it's a difficult time for guys in your position due to the dollar and global market access. However I also believe there is definitely a market for the local guys. And it involves following a simple formula: "Deliver outstanding service, fair prices and build relationships".

You would know better than me, but I see there's probably three types of customers for US car parts. 1) Those doing a ground-up/long-term rebuild 2) Those adding enhancements/improvements whilst car is drivable, and 3) Those that have broken something on their driver. The first lot will probably go to the States for more choice, better pricing with less concern about immediacy. The latter will most likely want a local guy so they can get fixed & on the road asap. And the middle group (of which I'm one) will dabble both locally & from the States.

If you focus you products & service on the latter two, there is surely a market. Personally I would love to have a local guy that I had a great relationship with, had the stuff I wanted in stock and was proactively trying to help me with my project through parts supply and general support. For that, I would pay a slight premium over US-sourced stuff. But Aussie customers know all too well the landed cost if we order direct from the States, so if a local guy significantly overcharges, they'll lose out big time.

But bottom line, with the aforementioned formula and smart targeted marketing, I certainly believe there is a place for local suppliers and wish you the very best of luck.


Spot on!

Echoing the above, it boils down to availability and service. Cost, whilst important, isn't a deal breaker.

You'll find that most people are willing to buy local, even if the final cost is more expensive than an overseas order - IF they can get it right now.

If you have it in stock, can send it off same day, next day at the latest, and the price is within spitting distance - then you should find a nice consistent customer base. There will be times those people will go US direct (the 25% off sale mentioned above for example), but they'd still come back.

The key is immediacy.

Nothing is better than needing something and being able to drive to the shop, pick it up, go straight home and get it sorted. At the very least, jump online or make an interstate phone-call, and have it on your doorstep the next day.

Having it in stock means nothing if it still takes you 2 weeks to send it off. Running a business in such a way will ensure very few repeat customers.

Best way for this is to figure out flat rate shipping. Buy pre-paid Express Post bags & boxes in bulk from Australia Post. Get a set of scales so you can weigh everything immediately, figure out which box/bag to put them in, and just drop them off at the PO. No standing in line: quick & easy.

For bulkier or heavier items that OzPost won't handle, set up an account with a reliable courier mob. You'll have a price sheet to work off, so you know their rates, and all you have to do is box it up and the couriers will come to your door and do the rest. Since you have an account, their rates will be a little cheaper than those using their services as a one time thing.


... and always answer your phone, and return calls and emails - the sooner the better.

[usautomotives]

Hiya Jesse,

Been thinking about this and understand it's a difficult time for guys in your position due to the dollar and global market access. However I also believe there is definitely a market for the local guys. And it involves following a simple formula: "Deliver outstanding service, fair prices and build relationships".

You would know better than me, but I see there's probably three types of customers for US car parts. 1) Those doing a ground-up/long-term rebuild 2) Those adding enhancements/improvements whilst car is drivable, and 3) Those that have broken something on their driver. The first lot will probably go to the States for more choice, better pricing with less concern about immediacy. The latter will most likely want a local guy so they can get fixed & on the road asap. And the middle group (of which I'm one) will dabble both locally & from the States.

If you focus you products & service on the latter two, there is surely a market. Personally I would love to have a local guy that I had a great relationship with, had the stuff I wanted in stock and was proactively trying to help me with my project through parts supply and general support. For that, I would pay a slight premium over US-sourced stuff. But Aussie customers know all too well the landed cost if we order direct from the States, so if a local guy significantly overcharges, they'll lose out big time.

But bottom line, with the aforementioned formula and smart targeted marketing, I certainly believe there is a place for local suppliers and wish you the very best of luck.

Thank you Deano. I, and hopefully other local suppliers have the attitude that customer service, stock and pricing are the three main targets to achieve. In saying that, anyone who thinks there should never be a "nil stock" is just kidding themselves. Many times I have had suppliers in the USA that say this and that are on back order, due in a few days or weeks, sometimes months. Some of these previous suppliers are ones mentioned in this thread that others have used.

I do not expect everyone to purchase local, because even I get excited like a little kid when a box shows up from the USA! :D

A few months of planning ahead and the it's GO TIME!

Cheers

Jesse

[OldIndian]

Now Ricks is back in to the play.. with 10% off in the next 72 hrs.. For anybody dealing with Ricks this is the number.
Use Coupon Code
PST at Checkout
Now Through March 28th

I wonder if they give 10% off the stupid freight charge I was quoted for a door window winder - they were like $70 for the winder and that was like $20 cheaper then Classics but Ricks wanted like $121 for delivery...:-( DR Classics wanted about $75 for the regulator winder and no discount.. But we can get them here already cheaper then that so I don't know what's going on, maybe they have all put their prices up 10% and are playing the game of jack up the price and then give a discount. Think I'll wait for a few more things and get it by sea container.