Let's talk about the car business - help

[MarkP]

I’m in the fortunate position that my current business (non automotive) runs without my daily involvement. I’ve been trying to figure out a new business to start and am struggling some. Who better to turn to than the collective wisdom of Pelican board?

I’d like the business to be in the automotive related field as this is where my passions are. My skills are sales and marketing with an emphasis on web and database direct marketing. I don’t have any mechanical or technical skills.

I like doing deals (buying and selling) so a niche highline used car/collector car dealership has some appeal. But, from an outsiders prospective, the dealership business has such a bad reputation and it’s impossible to control the quality of the inventory you represent. So maybe more of a headache than it’s worth.

Other ideas I’d consider are e-commerce related stuff - of course never to compete with our host.

Anyone have any experience, expertise or ideas?

Thanks

[widebody911]

I could be me, but the market seems saturated with 'high end' used car salesman, if eBay is any indication.

[jstgermaine]

How about a motorsports marketing/sponsorship/revenue generating gig?

Picture it: You are at the track daily with your clients offering support and readying yourself to fill that open seat when Joe Driver can't shake his hangover, and rubbing elbows with the muckety mucks at dinner over drinks...

I'll sign on as your gopher!!

[Doug Zielke]

Mark,
You might call or drop a line to my friend, Duncan Pierce at the Urban Garage in N. Vancouver. He started his operation from the ground up, and is now doing very well. Be sure to mention my name when you contact him.
http://www.urbangarage.com

[MarkP]

Thanks guys. Doug, I checked out the Urban Garage web site - excellent positioning and marketing. I will contact Duncan after the holidays.

Happy new year,

Mark

[B D]

If you want to get in to car sales business, a big part of the game is financing. If you have the capital you can finance your own clients, you can even install a system that will disable the car until the bill is paid if you are worried about certain customers.

Collector car dealerships make good money matching up buyers and sellers. They can win or loose playing the trade in game, there are so many buyers looking to upgrade and leave you with there problems or hard to sell cars. To be successful you need conections In the collector markets.