Ok, so most you know that I am a dealer for Amsoil Lubricants, and while that is going ok, I would love to be able to expand into Diesel performance products. I know there are plenty of internet businesses similar to mine already doing this, but for me, its mostly fun, while being able to make a little money. So, I guess my question is, can anyone give me some hints on dealing in Diesel Performance Parts? I've already been in contact with a couple different product manufacturers and distributors, and I have ideas of what I would like to carry. I also already have a taxpayer ID and a sellers permit for california, so that should be good to go. Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Scott

 

After fightin my way through the trailer business for 11 years before I finally said enough is enough, my best advice is don't even try it. I had a god business for some years but then all the sudden the explosion of new dealers hit. They flooded the market with cut rate prices that no little guy could ever match much less beat. I was hearing back from long time customers that wanted to do business with me but I had to match prices, they were finding parts on the market considerably cheaper then I could even buy them for at my wholesale prices.

That's where the diesel performance industry is right. It's saturated with vendors that are clawin at each other for sales. Don't let how the few vendors on this site at torwards each other fool you. On most other sites it's a war zone between vendors. And there isn't much fun in the business when your tryin to appease a pissed of customer because they ordered the wrong 150 pound hitch and expect you to pay for shipping to return it and to get the right one to them, I forgot to mention that you have already cut your profit to $0 on this sale just to make the sale so now all the shipping is out of your personal pocket and then what do you do with this hitch, B&W doesn't want it back. So you have to pay for a second one out of your own pocket and hope you can sell the first one at some cut rate price.

This of course was one of my final moments in the trailer business. Not the normal day but it happened all to often.

So my suggestion "Keep hobbies and business as far apart as possible.Fun hobbies don't make good business.

 

I agree with the above post.
I was going to get into the diesel performance market in 2001 when I bought my truck. Back then there was a huge market share to be tapped into. I could have made a ton of money because the computer controlled trucks were fairly new, and there were not a bunch of companies selling in this market.
Now I couldn't even imagine doing it because there are so many diesel performance companies out there.

 

I agree with the above post. You wont ever get rich in the performance business.
I run a full time auto shop , as well as diesel performance sales. At this point we're in our second year , and from the looks so far, We'll have 1 Million plus income. 90% of it is service, not diesel performance!

Although, If your still interested give me a shout and all of the current vendors will be glad to help!

As far as strategy , Sell to friends...Trust worthy folks you know and your name will grow, Get some stickers made and youll grow!

At first , Dealing with strangers () is a no no ! Things dont always work as planned and problems arise! A come back can cost you big! Also , Folks are funny about there $50,000 Truck! I guess what im saying is, It's easier to say...woops...your truck has problems to a friend!

Make sure you only work with parts that have a MAP program , adhere to the program and you'll do well!!

L