Trying to test the waters here on a market opportunity. My Japanese father in law has been involved with the importing of Japanese goods (electronics, etc) for years. He calls me on the phone this morning to ask me what car enthusiasts here want in regard to JDM parts because his family has connections in Japan and is curious about starting a side business such as this. And if done correctly, it could be a great thing.

They can be cosmetic parts like wheels and kits, or even working parts that will work for any USDM model.

Basically, I want to know if this has potential and which parts would to want from the JDM in a perfect world. Maybe even full LHD conversions and crate engines if available?

Please be specific for the IMPREZA ONLY. A picture, link, full description and even a part number would be ideal in this case. Make a specific list HERE but do not attempt to order anything now.

Once a decent list is generated i’ll give the list to my Father-in-law and they’ll take it from there as far as getting access to the parts. I'm even considering a making a website with a list of requested parts in an order form and availability-type layout.

-Eric

 

Also, are there any other car models you can think of so I can venture to other forums and ask the same question? Are there any other sites/businesses that offer this (link please so I can compare prices)?

I know there are one or two that offer crate engines and IC spraying units, etc. But there's a reason why everyone asks for shopping lists when someone goes to Japan.

 

So many other vendors already in the subaru community already offer this service.

 

good luck dude.

if there is a will, there is a way.

 

how about some evo parts also,it never hurts to see another source

 

Okay...

Care to link them, please?

 

gruppe-s
they've always have good parts come in off their containers. engines/suspension etc
kingpin
always has a jdm car to part out. gauge clusters/steering wheels etc.

plus so many others but since they aren't vendors here I won't advertise.


If you are planning on getting new stuff and stocking them so there is no wait then I'd say go for it.

 

Nice to know. I've never been to Kingpin's site but it seems like a good operation.

So what is it they do not offer that we could? Although i'm sure they have their connections, my relatives in Japan are working mechanics that speak fluent Japanese. There's got to be something people want that these places do not offer or else there wouldn't be wish lists when people go to Japan.

If I can offer those components and JDM parts others offer but at competitive prices, then it's all in the name of fair market competition.

I hope people don't approach this thread with disdain and hostility. We don't have anything established yet so this is only in the idea/market potential stages, if anything. In fact, it may be worthwhile to work directly with certain established vendors to get these parts as they already have the market on tap? Just an idea.

 

the only thing I can think of off had is JDM wagon spec stuff.
I eventually need a new front bumper on my 04 wagon, and the only wagon spec lips/bumpers I see are in japan.

 

How about cheaper prices. I'd like to get a titanium ARC exhaust for under $3000.

 

I think the key to the success of this type of operation is pricing and stable inventory flow, doing it on a wish list type may not work as you may find it hard to fill a container and if your trying to make the pricing right such that people use your service and not the other established businesses that already offer this type of service you'll need complete containers to keep the cost down. It's a catch 22.

Most of the businesses out there bringing parts in already have Japanese operations with Japanese staff operating them I know we do anyway.

I think bringing in front clips can be profitable but as the cars get older so do the chances of the motors being crap (we have been failing 15% lately) at that point you have to invest a lot of labor into recouping just your initial investment.

Mike

 

^^^
Mike what do you mean by saying you've seen around 15% of the motors failing lately? Are these used or new jdm motors?

 

Deleted to avoid HiJack!

 

gotcha...thanks...yeah sorry for hijack

and now back to regularly scheduled thread

 

www.jdmpartstx.com has some nice stuff and the prices are always ver good.