Changing my business model Options

[mb911]

I have decided once my current inventory is depleted I won’t be restocking. I will only do group buys based on demand. It has become too expensive to warehouse 10s of thousands of dollars of inventory to sit for 6-12 months. It’s a state of the economy no doubt. I will continue to build off of demand only. If you want a good deal I posted pricing in the classifieds. http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=369834

[Superhawk996]

Good call Ben.

I appreciate all the awesome products you’ve created for the community and totally understand not wanting to carry that inventory for such a niche market.

I’ve generally tried to get in at the time of group buys when it’s most economical for you to make parts in quantity.

You’ve been nothing but an asset to the community! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[mb911]

Good call Ben.

I appreciate all the awesome products you’ve created for the community and totally understand not wanting to carry that inventory for such a niche market.

I’ve generally tried to get in at the time of group buys when it’s most economical for you to make parts in quantity.

You’ve been nothing but an asset to the community! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Thanks. It’s not that I am going away but once inventory is gone the big change happens

[fiacra]

Good call Ben.

I appreciate all the awesome products you’ve created for the community and totally understand not wanting to carry that inventory for such a niche market.

I’ve generally tried to get in at the time of group buys when it’s most economical for you to make parts in quantity.

You’ve been nothing but an asset to the community! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Not only that, but your products are literally works of art. I have one of your last (I think) quiet 2.0 mufflers, bought directly from you in September 2020. Still sitting in the box you sent it to me in but slated to go on my BB soon. I keep thinking I should display it on the wall rather than store it in the box.... I guess it is human nature to like shiny things, but this transcends the "shiny object syndrome."

[JeffBowlsby]

Trying to be helpful not critical.

Not sure I understand your plan or how it meets customers needs for these specialized parts. Group buys only on a specific item...say an oil tank. So you make 5, 10 or 20 oil tanks by pre-order. That assumes multiple folks need an oil tank at the same time or they are willing to wait for it. If a customer wants a bumper mod, or an engine tin set, they need to wait until a GB for that? What will be the minimum group sizes to make this work for you?

In my experience most customers want an item right away, they won't wait very long.

[mb911]

Trying to be helpful not critical.

Not sure I understand your plan or how it meets customers needs for these specialized parts. Group buys only on a specific item...say an oil tank. So you make 5, 10 or 20 oil tanks by pre-order. That assumes multiple folks need an oil tank at the same time or they are willing to wait for it. If a customer wants a bumper mod, or an engine tin set, they need to wait until a GB for that? What will be the minimum group sizes to make this work for you?

In my experience most customers want an item right away, they won't wait very long.

Yup you’re right. Bumper mods are done with customer owned bumper typically. The rest of the parts are currently make I have a ton a money just sitting on the shelf and the economy/ possibly the market has changed. I will probably just collect names of interested people and order laser cuts based on that. I have enough inventory to make it through the end of the year or about 20-25 cars worth but after that I will reassess next steps

[JeffBowlsby]

I’m sure it’ll work out for you, your stuff is in high demand.

The main issue seems to be the need to inventory materials? Can you just order materials as needed to build to order, or there must be more involved than that.

[mb911]

I’m sure it’ll work out for you, your stuff is in high demand.

The main issue seems to be the need to inventory materials? Can you just order materials as needed to build to order, or there must be more involved than that.

Might be an option. I don’t think I will ever do filter consoles again though as that requires me to order 150 and they sit for multiple years.

[Chris914n6]

We've been in an unofficial recession for 2 quarters now, due to the rising cost of basic living expenses. Sales of non-essentials is down everywhere.
Can't tell you where we'll be a year from now...

[mb911]

We've been in an unofficial recession for 2 quarters now, due to the rising cost of basic living expenses. Sales of non-essentials is down everywhere.
Can't tell you where we'll be a year from now...

Yup for sure I can see that in translated sales.

[Superhawk996]

In my experience most customers want an item right away, they won't wait very long.

In those cases, money talks, (IMG:style_emoticons/default/bs.gif) walks.

[bkrantz]

Good call Ben.

I appreciate all the awesome products you’ve created for the community and totally understand not wanting to carry that inventory for such a niche market.

I’ve generally tried to get in at the time of group buys when it’s most economical for you to make parts in quantity.

You’ve been nothing but an asset to the community! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Not only that, but your products are literally works of art. I have one of your last (I think) quiet 2.0 mufflers, bought directly from you in September 2020. Still sitting in the box you sent it to me in but slated to go on my BB soon. I keep thinking I should display it on the wall rather than store it in the box.... I guess it is human nature to like shiny things, but this transcends the "shiny object syndrome."

I also got one of the last quiet mufflers, which is indeed a work of engineering art. After admiring it on the floor of my guest room for more than a year, I did finally bolt it into my car. And it works as good as it looks.

[mlindner]

Love you Ben, what works for you and your family. You have great products. Best, Mark

[mzapisek]

Ben you have been doing this long enough to know what products have the longest shelf life. I own a custom mfg business so I only build to order. You products are held in high regard. You would probably be way ahead to just build to order and charge the appropriate premium. Get the money up front so you’re not out of pocket (or at least half down/balance before shipping). That way you’re in control of your cash flow and production cycles. Building to inventory as you have stated is costly. Best of luck.

[mb911]

Ben you have been doing this long enough to know what products have the longest shelf life. I own a custom mfg business so I only build to order. You products are held in high regard. You would probably be way ahead to just build to order and charge the appropriate premium. Get the money up front so you’re not out of pocket (or at least half down/balance before shipping). That way you’re in control of your cash flow and production cycles. Building to inventory as you have stated is costly. Best of luck.

Right on. 20 years in business many ups and downs. Got some great deals on parts right now and will update my website with pricing

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

agree with the change Ben, with your skill it should be build to suit, not stock and hope someone will want the exclusive parts you make.

[930cabman]

maybe inventory less?

What is most profitable?

[930cabman]

Ben you have been doing this long enough to know what products have the longest shelf life. I own a custom mfg business so I only build to order. You products are held in high regard. You would probably be way ahead to just build to order and charge the appropriate premium. Get the money up front so you’re not out of pocket (or at least half down/balance before shipping). That way you’re in control of your cash flow and production cycles. Building to inventory as you have stated is costly. Best of luck.

+1

[mb911]

maybe inventory less?

What is most profitable?

You have to get a decent qty cut or machined to make it even affordable. Like I said oil filter consoles are done period once I run out. I still have inventory from 3 years ago.

[mepstein]

maybe inventory less?

What is most profitable?

You have to get a decent qty cut or machined to make it even affordable. Like I said oil filter consoles are done period once I run out. I still have inventory from 3 years ago.

That’s what I was thinking. Some of our favorite parts might go away since they have to be made 100’s at a time.