blackandchrome
Well-Known Member
So here's a question for any of you.
Why is it almost impossible to become a dealer for some of these parts vendors? I've probably worked on atleast 50 bikes in the past two years. Everything from simple head, cam, exhaust install, to bags, fenders, 23" and 26" wheel installs.
So what I did over that time, was have everyone order the parts I told them to get. And they did, would bring their bike to my shop, and I would do the work. Everyone has said to open your own shop. Well, I just did. Filed appropriate paperwork with the state, did the insurance bit, and have the shop. Currently working out of my 40x50 shop. Dynojet dyno will be coming next week, have everything you need. But majority of these places want a picture of your "storefront" and "display" area. WTF? I'm not a Harley dealer! I'm not a sears and Roebuck! It's a shop! On top of that, a 5k initial order? So I'm supposed to order a couple of bag and fender kits that nobody will want, or will sit around here for a couple years? No thanks!
Parts I always recommended to people, that I liked their quality, and how they were built, honestly, I probably won't recommend them again. I know I sure won't install them! And I'm going to try and talk some of my customers into swapping out some of it, and tell them what kind of a joke some of these companies have been to deal with.
Now there are other ones, who want you to fill out an application, send in a copy of your state license, tax id, a credit card for billing, and that's it! Those are the ones I'm going to be happy to promote and push their stuff.
I tell ya, some of these motorcycle parts builders and vendors think they are so high up in the world. Back before I really got into the Harley's, I spent a lot of time tractor pulling, and had my own dyno shop. Dynoed the Diesel engines on a superflow SF902 Dyno. And half of the parts builders had stuff sitting here, on my shelf. No charge to me! And if someone came in, dynoed their tractor, and wanted to try a different injection pump, injectors, head, or turbo, they would. If it worked, they would write the check out to whoever! It was nothing to have 150-250k in parts laying around the shop for guys to try. And yet, it's almost impossible to work with some motorcycle shops. I'm really starting to miss the days of dealing with shops like Columbus diesel, precision turbo, and Harts diesel.
So any suggestions on which companies or vendors are decent to work with? Who wants a shop to actually push their parts, rather than someone else?
Why is it almost impossible to become a dealer for some of these parts vendors? I've probably worked on atleast 50 bikes in the past two years. Everything from simple head, cam, exhaust install, to bags, fenders, 23" and 26" wheel installs.
So what I did over that time, was have everyone order the parts I told them to get. And they did, would bring their bike to my shop, and I would do the work. Everyone has said to open your own shop. Well, I just did. Filed appropriate paperwork with the state, did the insurance bit, and have the shop. Currently working out of my 40x50 shop. Dynojet dyno will be coming next week, have everything you need. But majority of these places want a picture of your "storefront" and "display" area. WTF? I'm not a Harley dealer! I'm not a sears and Roebuck! It's a shop! On top of that, a 5k initial order? So I'm supposed to order a couple of bag and fender kits that nobody will want, or will sit around here for a couple years? No thanks!
Parts I always recommended to people, that I liked their quality, and how they were built, honestly, I probably won't recommend them again. I know I sure won't install them! And I'm going to try and talk some of my customers into swapping out some of it, and tell them what kind of a joke some of these companies have been to deal with.
Now there are other ones, who want you to fill out an application, send in a copy of your state license, tax id, a credit card for billing, and that's it! Those are the ones I'm going to be happy to promote and push their stuff.
I tell ya, some of these motorcycle parts builders and vendors think they are so high up in the world. Back before I really got into the Harley's, I spent a lot of time tractor pulling, and had my own dyno shop. Dynoed the Diesel engines on a superflow SF902 Dyno. And half of the parts builders had stuff sitting here, on my shelf. No charge to me! And if someone came in, dynoed their tractor, and wanted to try a different injection pump, injectors, head, or turbo, they would. If it worked, they would write the check out to whoever! It was nothing to have 150-250k in parts laying around the shop for guys to try. And yet, it's almost impossible to work with some motorcycle shops. I'm really starting to miss the days of dealing with shops like Columbus diesel, precision turbo, and Harts diesel.
So any suggestions on which companies or vendors are decent to work with? Who wants a shop to actually push their parts, rather than someone else?