Feedback appreciated

I am from the US and I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK with this.

Bud

ya get your name out there let people know what your selling and what they want

goodluck

Hi - I think you are going to have to identify your market very carefully for this to work in the UK.  

The custom market is not as strong in the UK as it is across the pond and with online stores prolifirating in the US/Canada the exchange rate at the moment means that prices are very attractive even if it means waiting a week or so for delivery.

If you import, even buying low, you are going to have to add your own profit, pass on your costs and add the dreaded 17.5% VAT plus the new higher rate Postal charges - can you be competitive with the US online stockists?  If not - are people going to buy your stock just because you are in the UK?  (it's a small world now).

I don't want to pour cold water on your idea because every new outlet is obviously welcome for us but I think these are questions you should address before shelling out any of your 'hard-earned' on it.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Martin

Hey Snake,

Nice idea, but make sure you look into everything you will be facing. I'm from the States and starting my own hobby shop. Most distributors/wholesalers here require a business license, store front (some even want pictures), minimum first order, credit card info, etc... Then there's setting up accounts with who you want to ship with, example FedEx, now they require credit card and business info.

Then the dealer cost isn't all that great (discount off of MSRP retail) unless you order large (high dollar amount) orders at a time. Some online competition are actually distributors so they can offer items much lower than we, as a retail hobby shop can.

Don't forget if you are going to sell online and except credit cards, now you need a business bank account, a merchant account, gateway, shopping cart, and of course a reliable hosting service, etc... All of which gets a piece of the profit for processing "each" credit card order besides their monthly charge.

My quess, you would have to set some sort of minimum order. It simply wouldn't be worth it to sell a bunch of $2.99 decal sheets if you know what I mean.

Do some research and homework before making any investments.

Good luck and hope things work out for you! 

Hi Snake, I don't want to sound pessimistic, but perhaps there is a better chance to sculpt and create your own resin aftermarket wings, turbo units, engine mods, seats, etc. and sell it from an unique angle such as 'Fine, handmade aftermarket accessories made exclusively from the United Kingdom'.

I own a hobby shop in Vancouver, BC Canada, and its actually pretty tough out here if you want to make it as just a reseller of other companies' products. There is a lot of legalities to take care of, plus some distributors are pretty harsh on you if you own an online shop. Dealer discount is not too much either unless you buy in large volume, something for which in my position, I can't do often.

Whatever your decision is, I wish you the best of luck!

Hey, Modelcrafter ... I was in Richmond BC  a couple times this year for Burton Cummings concerts at ther River Rock Casino.  I should look up your shop next time I'm about.

 

And Snake ... I think he's right that you should consider making a few of your own resin parts to market alongside other products.  You need some kind of a draw to get buyers to look at your offerings instead of cutting out the middle man.  Also, as a Stateside modeler in the green forests of Washington, I notice that offshore folks tend to prefer a different sort of car than most Americans might prefer.  While we're all psyched up over muslecars and drag racing, you folks prefer the more refined chassis like Jaguar, Ferrari and Lamborghini, but especially racing styles like F1 and rally sport.  So ... I know it's obvious to you ... focus on the stuff that will interest your target market.  Also ... there's always a niche market with a vacuum to fill, so find out what everyone is screaming for and not getting and make that your basic line of goods.

 

If you stock it ... they will come. 

Cheers guys,

I am watching this topic and taking on board what everyone is saying.