What do you want to see in stock at an offroad/performance shop?

[carwash]

So, we are trying to finish up our retail service/parts counter at the new shop. We have an ocean of nice warehouse space to shelve and put parts in, as well as a ton of wall space etc behind the counter, and a small waiting/showroom.

I am wondering, what you all, the parts buyer/wheeler/diy fabricator expects to be able to walk into a local shop an buy. What do you feel should be stocked parts, and what is acceptable to have to be ordered?

Normal stuff like ujoints for most axles/driveshafts, recovery gear, shocks for popular applications, etc... that kind of stuff makes sense. Do you expect a shop to carry a few winches? popular lift kits? replacement springs? airshocks, coilovers, coils, etc? seats? bumpers ready to bolt on? rod ends, tie rods, etc? wheels, tires, etc?

So let's hear it please. Going to ramp up stock on a bunch of stuff and would love some input on what I should carry. Thanks in advance for taking the time!

[oklahomawelder]

Mike, I like to be able to walk into a shop out here and find a good selection of tabs and brackets....
That way I can put my hands on them and make sure they will work for what I am wanting and usually find some that will work for other things....

[93 Krawler]

I'd say your basic fab items, tabs, rod ends, etc... You can almost expect to order things like shocks and bumpers. If you have the cash to stock the higher priced items, then go for it. There's lots of little items you don't want to order but need right now, like a -6 an fitting... .

[carwash]

yeah, fittings are one thing that I want to be sure to have in stock... it takes some serious cabbage to get into a nice selection of them as well as all the braided lines, etc...

[flatlander757]

What about stuff to be rented? Like TRE reamers and large thread taps?

Charge whatever they cost as a deposit, then get most of that back when returned in good shape? Maybe cost $10 in the end assuming it doesn't get destroyed?

[Tool Man]

yeah, fittings are one thing that I want to be sure to have in stock... it takes some serious cabbage to get into a nice selection of them as well as all the braided lines, etc...

That is a big investment. Winches,tube?seat belts,S.S.braided brake lines,lift blocks,and u bolts

[BIGRAM]

I've had problems locating ss braided brake lines for what I need. Can those be cut and pressed in the shop?

[Muddy 1]

Lift kits, winches, bead locks and a good selection of lockers!!!! There is also something to be said about the instructions that come with a lot of products for the DIY. Also in this day and age dont underestimate the power of great customer service. Dont forget to save some of that $$ to get your name and the word out about your buisness and what you have to offer. A good selection of free stickers is always good too!!!

[gothodgie]

I agree with stickman... Customer service is a big thing, but i think you will be good at that, you like to BS with everybody so i think that will come easy for you.. But when you have to be making the decsion to be on the phone or in the shop, thats when it will get tough. Don't be afraid to hire some one to answer the phone when the time comes.

As far as merchandise and inventory i know the little stuff will be a pain cause the is so much of it. I think if you have just a couple of the higher priced stuff that people can touch and feel, and then might have to order it for them you would be good. I know that is what i always liked, i have never been much of a mail order kinda guy. I like to hold in my hands or physically see what i am buying.

Over the years and even currently i have a couple good friends that own custom car audio shops and the inventory has always been a balancing act for them. I think it will be a little easier for you since all of the car audio stuff changes every 6 months... I was part of one of the shops about 15 years ago and it would drive me crazy trying to decide what we should stock and what we shouldn't...

Lastly... For me it is customer service and Landcruiser stuff ... If you can't get me want i want in a timely manner whether you have to build it or ship it, i wouldn't be back unless i absolutely had too (if i didn't know ya )...

I wish you the best of luck and i want to get down to see the place here soon... And don't let Luke drive you crazy...


Chris

[94Dodge Truggy]

Brass poles, beer and offroad accessories?

[RuffedUpXJ]

Winches, hiems, joints (Johnny or Blasstic), tabs, brackets, DIY bead locks.

Now I don't know how hard it would be to get a stock of grade * hardware for popular things like bolts for hiems, joints, and cage tie-ins. I know you will need to have them to build so If I could come in and get a set of hiems and the right sized bolts, 3" or 3.5" long and 5/8" or 3/4" diameter, that would be great.

If you guys had the equipment to make special lines that would be awesome, brake lines and hydro lines.

Do you guys have a laser or plamsa pallet cutting machine? Be able to cutthe tabs,brackets and what not yourselves? if so offering custom stuff would be sweet if you guys had the time.

[humpy]

Don't be afraid to hire some one to answer the phone when the time comes.



Chris

and make sure she is very hott!!! with a rockin body and wears a bikini to work!!!! AAANNNNDDDD she has to know what your talkin about when your walkin in the door!! ex..i walk in and want advice on which brand locker to buy i want her to explain the difference in them

[humpy]

on a serious note...aftermarket radiators and aluminum fuel cells...and teh capability to make affordable custom hydraulic lines... i dont think you will sell enough winches off the shelf to justify having them in stock...its hard to compete with places like 4 wheel parts that offer killer deals and free shipping and lifetime warranties...i would lean towards thinkin outside the box a lil bit on stuff that nobody in town has...like air shocks and fab stuff.. but who am i?? lol good lluck..you have a killer setup and im glad to see it rollin...if i can help hit me up!!

[yellowjacket]

I think there is too many lift kits out there to pick some to keep in stock. Def spcer and super joints, shafts, heims, tabs.. Def anything that breaks commanly.brackets ans tabs, gussets, tube lof course. Plus gift idea stuf. Like if a chick wants to get something cool for her guy, or if jwends mom wants to reward him for being good. That could be offroad videos to a highlift or winch. I think if you kept a model suspension seat to keep it tangiblefor ordering sets. Like hodge said its nice to touch parts. I like the cnc table idea.too

[ohiozj]

i agree with fab stuff like tabs and brackets.

but also i would like to be able to see and compare tires. differrent sizes, actualy height, etc. tires cost alot of money to drop on and not see them till they are at your door. let alone if they fit or not. maybe have a few sets mounted on wheels for a guy to test fit and flex on a ramp or something.

edit: and the hard to find/expensive tools for rent is a good idea too. alot of guys dont want to spend the money on something they only need once. - (tre reamer)