Gateway to Parts from Japan
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 723
From: Nor Cal
Car Info: 05 WRX Wagon
Originally Posted by mcdrama
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.
I eventually need a new front bumper on my 04 wagon, and the only wagon spec lips/bumpers I see are in japan.
Originally Posted by UK n00b
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
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 brings up some pretty good points. Since you do mortgage and all I'm sure you've got the money matters under control.
People are going to tell you that it's "a crowded market" and "no one will care" but that's nonsense. All in the sales and marketting. So you ought to be looking at what kind of inroads you have or can make into the aftermarket automotive community.
As for connections, everyone has connections. Fewer people have high-up connections though, since you usually don't network with people who aren't the same level as you are. So take that into consideration.
Thread Starter
VIP Member
iTrader: (14)
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,675
From: Wherever Sucks the Most
Car Info: 2003 WRX, 2008 Camry
Originally Posted by UK n00b
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.
I was only bringing up the wish list to test the waters on what people may want, if anything.
How about working directly with the already established vendors instead of starting our own thing? Maybe try and get individual part(s) they’d like to stock or parts people request? Something along the lines of a JDM parts middleman. Is this a possibility?
Registered User
iTrader: (7)
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,029
From: Sacramento CA
Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan
Eric, one item that I've seen sell pretty fast in the Classifieds are JDM Impreza STi seats that are narrower than the USDM pieces. They tend to fit the trimmer butts of a lot of drivers better than what Japan thinks we have.
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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush
Originally Posted by SuperHawk
www.jdmpartstx.com has some nice stuff and the prices are always ver good.
Father Time
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,699
From: You're doing it wrong!
Car Info: This aint a bag. It's a shipment.
OEM Stuff for 04-05 Impreza
JDM Fogs
S203 center console (black finish, with metric AC *****)
Intercooler sprayer auto switch
Rear Fog light switch
Rear window wiper and supporting parts (for sedan)
Larger intercooler water tank
LED Turn Signal Mirrors <--Subaru Customize Lab shows this part.
JDM Fogs
S203 center console (black finish, with metric AC *****)
Intercooler sprayer auto switch
Rear Fog light switch
Rear window wiper and supporting parts (for sedan)
Larger intercooler water tank
LED Turn Signal Mirrors <--Subaru Customize Lab shows this part.
VIP Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,539
From: Farnborough, Hants
Car Info: the blue bucket
Originally Posted by sigma pi
they get thier stuff from japan yahoo auctions
Mike
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