Hmm, good food for thought. I don't have good year to year data, because our sales are much higher this year than last year (yes, I know, why am I complaining?). It's just that I just hired three new people to work on expanding our catalog, based on our current sales level as of 5-6 weeks ago. Unfortunately, I might have to let one go if this 'temporary blip' continues. I'd hate to do that though...

-Wayne

Wayne:

Summer vacations and family obligations to some degree I would think, combined with the dismal economy. Projects are Winter fodder and Summer is when you test your work!

I do have the cash, but I am very, very careful about how I spend it nowadays.

The web certificate was a success - would that be something you'd consider to prime sales?

John

its motorcycle season, going to sturgis?

Wayne,

While you can not compare directly to last year - did you sales dip in the summer months? Graph it by month and see if the shapes are comparable.

I, too, would not be surprised that this is a slow time. Vacations and such generally slow down projects.

With all that cash piling up....the bank will be calling and asking me to open another bank account because the first one is starting to overflow....LOL.
As for Sturgis....love to go back....but between the bike and the car...too many projects....too little time.
Bob

Jeb, I should have added what you wrote to my first post.

Wayne, don't worry just yet. It's summer vacation. It would be interesting to know if you had a slight dip or slow down last summer.

I personally thank GWB everyday:)

HEY! I did my part in July with a bunch of suspension parts and tools!

We've noticed a slow down as well. In the used parts area, it seems that if we aren't just about giving it away, then it won't sell. The race parts have slowed down a bunch too. We're busy in the repairs/ high performance area though. (what with the RS / R attitude stuff we do, its a niche market that others choose not to)
Other shop owners we've spoken to are saying the same thing
I think it is the slow part of the summer that is partially to blame- a lot of people are taking vacations
Others are keeping their cash in the bank- waiting to see what happens next?

I’m getting ready to spend a lot in the next month on parts for my 3.6 conversion. I also gave my Dad the bug and I think we found a car for him so that will turn into lots of parts over the next year.

I’m trying to give you all my money Wayne, I really am!

Wayne:

You're probably doing this anyway but...index your 2002 monthly sales against the full year 12 month average. Then measure the percent difference from between each month. Compare that to what's been happening this year and you can directionally see if and how far you're off.

As for me: I'm drving and enjoying the car. It's mostly done with only a few minor items left to do. (You're not planning on selling Sonnenschein batteries anytime soon are you?) I do plan to build an RSR motor sometime in the future.

Don't frett, business will pick up.

Summer lull... Hopefully people are enjoying their cars right now. I'm slowly getting mine put back together, not needing any parts at this time (I ordered them all at once). I'm sure that will change soon. :)

Too hot to drive the P-car.
Too hot to be in the garage working on the P-car.
Shopping for a motorcycle, so conserving funds.

I plan to order some rotors and pads, but have been too lazy (and chicken, car repair newbie).

What's Up with You Guys?!?!? Where are the great sales? Where are the great deals? After blowing 5k with you guys in the last year, this year will be a little slower.

I tried to order a complete set of Bilsteins with Pelican lately, the first time I was cut off, the second time someone was supposed to call me back and didn't. I waited for several days. Sorry but shox.com got the shock business.:(

Recently I tried to order Sway-A-Ways from Pelican and was told by the sales associate that you didn't carry them for an 84 911? I ask him if he was positive and he said yes? So Smart Racing sold me the Sway-A-Ways. :(

Perhaps since you have added staff things will be better.
:rolleyes:

Wayne, for what it's worth, I'm in sales too (albeit a very different product) and revenue is sucking at the moment.

Summer and everything that goes along with it -- heat, vacations, family obligations -- not to mention just dropped 4K on projects around the house.

Here are some positive leading indicators for you, Wayne:

- I am beating the living hell out of my car
- It's just starting to do weird *****
- No matter what, I need new suspension
- Winter is coming

Looks like a good December for you.

Cheers,

Well, I'm just scraping by still recovering from being laid off about 2 years ago and then taking forever to get a job afterwards, and at my current job there are constant rumors of more layoffs.

But here shortly I will be making another purchase.

Wayne,

I own a business too, and my clients are all paying slower than usual. I have a lot who normally pay within 10 days or so, who are now taking over 30 days. And the regular 30-day payers are taking 45-60 days.

I will also have 2 kids in private colleges this fall, and one of them needs a new car too.

Cash is tight and moving slowly.