Thinking of starting a Product line. Need some feedback

[AngryTaco]

Ok...as some of you guys know, I have been getting REALLY fed up with CERTAIN companies that specialize in the Audi / VW market. I have been in touch with a lot of local companies and started thinking..."you know.....I know a lot of people that are just as fed up as I am over lousy customer service, RUDE sales people, and slow service and poorly developed products". NO, I'm not talking about you Mr. Hank .

I'm going to get right to the point. Here is what I am so far capable of producing. I'm just trying to decide whether or not it will be worth investing some capital into it. I am in no way trying to compete with Hank or Marc. I figure their fabrication and customer service is fine enough and well crafted.

Current Capabilities:
Silicone radiator and intake hoses / tubes form fitted to exact OEM specifications for all makes and models
Motor Mounts for all makes and models. And NO, they will not have separation issues. They will also have increased firmness
Braided brake/clutch lines
Custom intake and exhaust valves for 8mm and 7mm stems + all other motors domestic and foreign

These are what I know I can start off with but I know I can expand the line over time or with demand.

I'm really serious about this because I know SEVERAL people wish they could buy their parts from a company who actually gives a damn about their customers. I have always valued my sales and reputation over money. Anyone who knows how I work understands that I value every customer no matter how small because I want them to come back regardless of how much money is involved.

I appreciate all feedback positive, negative, thoughts, suggestions, etc
I plan to start small and slowly build upon any success.

And for what it is worth, I'm considering calling the business "Odd-Number Performance"

Haven't really decided on this yet as I plan to develop products for the domestic market like Dodge because I'm good with American Vehicles too.

[90quattrocoupe]

I know a lot of people who would like a set of upper strut mounts, that didn't fade in a few months.

Probably, the same with motor and trans mounts.

I would stay away from silicone water hoses, especially the small ones. They are not flexible enough, and don't tighten well.

Greg W.

[loxxrider]

Not that I've got much experience starting up small businesses by myself, but I think there are a few keys to success here. Most of all, don't limit your business to one marquee. That being said, you have to be careful about being spread too thin as well.

There is a nice market for older BMW parts which are fairly simple to make (bushings, etc.). I like the idea of being a player in the domestic market, but there are already so many out there. That said, I think there is some room for quality parts to solve OEM part problems/deficiencies on the newer stuff.

[4v6]

Im with loxxrider.

Keep your product line relatively small and aimed at producing small easy to produce parts initially but also dont restrict yourself to a single marque if at all possible, you need a little diversity to keep you going when one line either fails or slows down.

I used to produce an engine mount solution for the MR2 to transplant a v6 motor into it which evetually faltered due to some nasty underhanded stuff from a competitor, sold them all over but id also made inroads into doing stuff for the Ur, brake shields in stainless and ps cooling loops, stuff like that, thats not too hard to produce but no one seems to supply which keeps you going.

Nowadays im more into headwork and motor builds than parts fab but its still there if needed.

Id vote for the name "5 pot performance".

[AngryTaco]

I appreciate the feedback guys. I'm talking with several vendors next week. I'm gathering up radiator hose donations to bring to the silicone makers and will be discussing the motor mounts as well with another guy. I've got a killer design in mind that will be both cheap to produce and sell as well as perform in the field

[AngryTaco]

WEll looks like I know what direction I'm starting with. I'm going to do a run on the B5 S4 and 2000-2004 dodge Dakota hoses. I've got TONS of interest from my dodge forum and has a lot of potential. The B5 guys seem to be showing lots of interest too

[All_Euro]

Great news - keep us posted

[AngryTaco]

I know a lot of people who would like a set of upper strut mounts, that didn't fade in a few months.

Probably, the same with motor and trans mounts.

I would stay away from silicone water hoses, especially the small ones. They are not flexible enough, and don't tighten well.

Greg W.

I was kinda thinking of developing a conical style solid mount that was is both stiffer but retains some flexibility

And as far as a name goes, I'm pretty much settling on "J-Hersh Performance and Racing Products" or even just "Hersh Performance and Racing". Since I plan to tailor to both domestic and imports, I have to steer away from specialty names

Oh! And wait till you see the motor mounts I'm creating. Just gotta source one more part and these things should be indestructible for a killer price

[loxxrider]

That is the kind of name I'd go for too. Much better than isolating yourself to one market

[AngryTaco]

Update:

Getting prototype mounting plates made this week. Dropping designs off at CNC shop today. Have been in contact with a rubber company to develope the solid mounts. I'm going to have 5 sets made. I have 3 testers ready to go bugging me for the mounts now lol.

Going to start with silicone hoses for my Dodge as there is more interest and it will be cheaper to produce them from the start.

More exciting updates to come

[themagellan]

Hope so man, I might even throw these hockey pucks out if you are planning the design that i'm thinking.

[AngryTaco]

Im thinking of calling these "Epic Motor Mounts".

Rubber company is currently working up a quote for me on the poly/rubber

[SEStone]

Whatever you do, be prepared to have the resources and staff on hand to back you up if your idea takes off. Nothing worse than success that stretches a company thin and degrades the quality of service.

Sam

[AngryTaco]

Agreed 100% Sam. I have several people that have expressed much interest in my venture.

Everyone go check out the thread I made in member products! Much more to be added