Aftermarket Auto Parts

**themarketingcard** · 07-16-2006 04:38 PM

Anybody in the biz? The market is booming and I'm looking to start an import/export firm.

Did anyone also think about this? What are the obsticles of this biz? Customs? Taxes? Shipping Costs?

Is anybody interested in this idea?

**goodwood** · 07-17-2006 12:22 PM

What kind of products are you thinking of getting ahold of? Cheaper stuff or good stuff, Skunk2, Apexi, AEM, Greddy, all performance, all show? Body kits?

What are the areas you plan on importing/exporting? Everything from wheels/tires to turbos?

**themarketingcard** · 07-17-2006 05:25 PM

I have been doing extensive research. The import possibilities are mostly high-end japanese brands like Mugen, Spoon, Nismo, Fujitsubo, Top Secret. The export possibilities are the major US brands like AEM.

AEM is very popular in Japan, while Mugen is extremely popular in the US.

There is only one major website in the US that sells Mugen for example. Japanese performance parts cost about 50% more than in Japan. I believe there is still going to be a hefty profit to be made after taxes, shipping and customs.

I'm looking to import mostly things like exhausts, headers, jdm parts, turbo kits, maybe bodykits, different misc japanese auto innovations that did not hit the global market yet.

I'm trying to establish some wholesale contacts in Japan and Russia right now. I still hadn't had a chance to look into customs policies and shipping.

**F360** · 07-17-2006 07:13 PM

I believe the bigger companies will want large orders for there products. I would email the company direct and they will point you in the right direction to purchase wholesale. I would assume they would want comapny name, Tax ID, etc.

These brand names are much harder to get then other non-name items.

**goodwood** · 07-19-2006 04:12 PM

Where are you located? Do you have a big import scene where you are (well every teen is in it now, lol)

**themarketingcard** · 07-19-2006 11:39 PM

I'm located in NJ and there is a big import scene here. There are street races going on every weekend in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York. I've noticed that shows like SEMA and HIN draw a lot of people. Lots of local shows as well. I'm sure there is more in Florida and CA.

**softball8624** · 07-20-2006 03:20 PM

I am getting my automotive parts from bnrdistribution.com and they didnt ask once for a tax id, taxes, or any customs bs. They don't seem to carry any brand name stuff though, so maybe that's why.

It doesn't matter really where the import scene is, if you're on the interent you can sell it from anywhere in the world.

NJ does have a huge scene though, so maybe you can do local sales. Best of luck with that.

-Sam

**goodwood** · 07-20-2006 03:55 PM

I am from Canada and have been in the scene for a few years and am friends with some shop owners up here. If you ever need to expand selling to Canada or want to, let me know and I will help out.

**themarketingcard** · 07-20-2006 10:48 PM

I'm in internet marketing & development right now, so promoting/selling parts over the internet won't be a problem. I'm planning on taking a trip to Japan to find leads and connections. Still looking for advice & tips. Any comments are welcome!

**Turbo Wax** · 01-17-2007 06:43 AM

Any comments are welcome!

OK so here I go..................

The aftermarket business is a 4 Billion a year market and that is in the "Sport Compact Market Alone" impressive if you compare it to the "Drinking Water Business" a 2 Billion a year business.

I been part of the Sport Compact Business for as long as I can remember, you have stated a few company's that work directly with the sport compact market, with that said here's my observations if I may...

Mugen, Spoon, Nismo, Fujitsubo, Top Secret. to those brands you can add, Megan, Tomei,Takata,Tein and many more. all of those brands you can get here in the USA fairly easy. Many of them will require that you make a first order which can be very expensive that is for one product alone.

as an example, Mugen only has one authorized North American distributor for Mugen Co. all others are "Dealers" the authorized distributor has pay premium for that tittle and now the brand is block and secure, all of it is done under contract so is impossible to become another "Authorized North America Distributor" the same goes for some of those brand names.

AEM is very popular in Japan, while Mugen is extremely popular in the US.
AEM is very popular here in USA, and so its Sakura, Motec, Microtech, DTA, Haletech, Electromotive, Autronic, Mugen all do a good brand is not as "HOT" today as was many years ago, with so many choices today.

Japanese auto innovations that did not hit the global market yet.

That is going to be a HUGE task, many of the establish company's are linked directly to Japan, as soon as something new comes out they get first pick, kind off like a monopoly.

Ever wonder how companies like Spearco, toyo and so many others always have decals on all of the fast and furious movies ?

Just my 0.02

**Bizzrick** · 01-17-2007 11:22 PM

Im in philadelphia and it is a big import scene up here on the weekends(when the cops not shuttin it down!!lol) but it's surely money to be made in the field !! if u start importing and u wanna a JV contact me.

**Bizzrick** · 01-17-2007 11:22 PM

Im in philadelphia and it is a big import scene up here on the weekends(when the cops not shuttin it down!!lol) but it's surely money to be made in the field !! if u start importing and u wanna a JV contact me.

**Gator** · 04-02-2008 11:00 AM

Where do you start looking for distributors. I am interested in this kind of venture. I will be importing to Europe. Where do I start looking? I would like to cut as many middle men as possible, but I understand that I can not hit manufacturer directy unless I buy high quantities. I am most interested in brand rims, suspension parts, as well as engine parts and so on...

**bostonbrian** · 04-03-2008 02:05 PM

Hi Gator,

Our company is interested in exporting our Ford Focus MK1 parts to Europe. We plan on expanding to other platforms in the future, but are building up our repertoire of abilities. We have been in contact with Pumaspeed, however they haven't bothered to respond as of yet. We would also be interested in importing some European Focus parts to the US that are in high-demand.

Perhaps we can setup something?

Please PM or email me.

-Brian