OYM 0 Posted August 15, 2018 Hello there I just thought I'd say hi having joined up to the forum earlier today. I found this site whilst reading a copy of 'car dealer magazine' and it was great. Just a bit about me... For the last 12 years I have successfully ran a car detailing business after leaving a stressful senior position within an engineering discipline. Over these years I have developed a lot of useful contacts such as owners of very nice cars, a good PDR chap, a good Smart repairer and a reliable and cost effective wheel refurb company. Being a bit of a car enthusiast i've always owned a nice car and have got through quite a few over the years. Over the last couple of years I've developed a knack of buying niche cars (modern classics such as e46 M3's, Z3M Coupes, a few 968 Porsche) and selling them on having got them to my high standards and turned a nice profit each time. As I turn 45 this year I'm finding the physical demand of detailing is leading me to explore other avenues such as selling small volumes of cars that seem to be in demand from the 'enthusiast' I've got to the point that I can't keep winging it and need to go legit and sell them in a professional way ie as a small specialist trader. Ive got my own premises (3000sqft) with a workshop area, detailing washbay, ramp and a large area where I currently offer long term storage to know customers I've done a lot of research of my liabilities/obligations in terms of VAT, tax, warranty and given it will be a supplementary, small volume business to my existing company then I think I can make it work so I'm on the verge of going for it. Obviously I dont know it all and there will be pitfalls and bad experiences along the way, so I'm hoping I can ask for help from you guys and hopefully offer help from my 'car cosmetic' experience. Many thanks for now! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EPV 631 Posted August 15, 2018 I’d kill for your set up. Where are you based? I’ll sharpen my knives Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trade vet 702 Posted August 15, 2018 Modern classics,niche market,good margins.If you can find the right stock you sound like you know what you are doing,worth a go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Arfur Dealy 823 Posted August 15, 2018 35 minutes ago, OYM said: Hello there I just thought I'd say hi having joined up to the forum earlier today. I found this site whilst reading a copy of 'car dealer magazine' and it was great. Just a bit about me... For the last 12 years I have successfully ran a car detailing business after leaving a stressful senior position within an engineering discipline. Over these years I have developed a lot of useful contacts such as owners of very nice cars, a good PDR chap, a good Smart repairer and a reliable and cost effective wheel refurb company. Being a bit of a car enthusiast i've always owned a nice car and have got through quite a few over the years. Over the last couple of years I've developed a knack of buying niche cars (modern classics such as e46 M3's, Z3M Coupes, a few 968 Porsche) and selling them on having got them to my high standards and turned a nice profit each time. As I turn 45 this year I'm finding the physical demand of detailing is leading me to explore other avenues such as selling small volumes of cars that seem to be in demand from the 'enthusiast' I've got to the point that I can't keep winging it and need to go legit and sell them in a professional way ie as a small specialist trader. Ive got my own premises (3000sqft) with a workshop area, detailing washbay, ramp and a large area where I currently offer long term storage to know customers I've done a lot of research of my liabilities/obligations in terms of VAT, tax, warranty and given it will be a supplementary, small volume business to my existing company then I think I can make it work so I'm on the verge of going for it. Obviously I dont know it all and there will be pitfalls and bad experiences along the way, so I'm hoping I can ask for help from you guys and hopefully offer help from my 'car cosmetic' experience. Many thanks for now! Welcome OYM, fantastic introduction Cheers Simon Buy the right stock at the right price, add value, keep costs down, do the job right and you’ll succeed 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
justina3 518 Posted August 15, 2018 Niche is where the money is and prep well i wont teach you to suck eggs on that one, good luck and for the record 45 isnt old Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark101 536 Posted August 15, 2018 45 is old - I turn 45 this year too. Welcome and may I say, what a great introduction, not like the usual Newbie questions. I wish you every bit of luck. Where are you based. Please say Midlands, please say Midlands............... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EPV 631 Posted August 15, 2018 14 minutes ago, Mark101 said: 45 is old - I turn 45 this year too. Welcome and may I say, what a great introduction, not like the usual Newbie questions. I wish you every bit of luck. Where are you based. Please say Midlands, please say Midlands............... Fuck you he’s mine 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OYM 0 Posted August 15, 2018 Thanks for the replies and warm welcome. I live in a village on the outskirts of Warrington The niche/specialist market is pretty competitive as there is a small number of the 'right cars', a lot of competition in buying them and I find a lot of private sellers are led into pricing their car as high or if not higher than a lot of the trade cars. I don't think I could rely solely on selling them but if I can turn over 2 or 3 a month to begin with then I'll be happy Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
