Quote: Originally posted by natmort on 02/3/2011
We're in Birmingham and we'd def use your services. If you come accross an Abbey Lancaster wheel spat on your travels drop me a line - I can't get one anywhere - tried every breaker I can find on the net - scumbags nicked mine off the van!! We've done loads of diy on our van and it's all been online as we couldn't find a local breaker
I would agree with the above Birmingham resident. We are in Tamworth and when looking for parts for our old Swift, couldn't find a breakers yard locally at all. There is definitely call round here for a caravan breaker but I'm not sure about selling the vans themselves, as this would seem to have lots of pitfalls. If you are trading as a dealer then you would obviously have certain legal obligations, as explained above. Any sale would not be "sold as seen" as in a private sale and you would have certain legal obligaions to prospective buyers.
Quote: Originally posted by natmort on 02/3/2011
We're in Birmingham and we'd def use your services. If you come accross an Abbey Lancaster wheel spat on your travels drop me a line - I can't get one anywhere - tried every breaker I can find on the net - scumbags nicked mine off the van!! We've done loads of diy on our van and it's all been online as we couldn't find a local breaker
go to www.eeco-ltd.co.uk and they will make you one by doing a copy of the other side.means removing and sending away your wheel spat.price??? ,you can ring for quote.
Have you do any market research or a survey to establish demand. It is all very well peopel saying they woudl sue your services ,but this may only be once a year. Contacts is the name of the game.
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 03/3/2011
Have you do any market research or a survey to establish demand. It is all very well peopel saying they woudl sue your services ,but this may only be once a year. Contacts is the name of the game.
Nige, you are only going to reach a very small and possibly unique segment of the total potential market on here. If you are going to move any appreciable volume (which you will have to to achieve a reasonable profit) you will have to develop good connections within the trade such as repair shops and mobile servicing guys. They will always use someone who provides a fast and reliable service and knows what they have in stock. They are not going to rely on you if you don't have reasonable stock levels or they can't easily check what you have that may meet their requirements. Please go at it professionally and you will have a massive market, but if you go at it half hearted you will be nothing more than one of dozens of guys breaking 'vans on their driveways or back yards.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
Quote: Originally posted by staticupvcglazing on 03/3/2011
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 03/3/2011Have you do any market research or a survey to establish demand. It is all very well peopel saying they woudl sue your services ,but this may only be once a year. Contacts is the name of the game.
No , thats kind of what i was attempting here TBH
thanks nige
Unfortunately although the forum may have thousands of users only a small number post constantly so any results will be extremely flawed.
You need to register on several caravan forums but when doing so advsie it is as a trader. I also suggest that you consider setting up a website so you can supply links to the forums. This will enable to see what sort fo caravans you are breaking. You will also need to start advertising in a magazine like Practical Caravan and also to have links of any caravan related websites like caravan finder preloved etc.
It takes a SME about 2 years to start to break even and develop so you will need to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover yourself for that period of time.
As spares will be only part time, it may be an idea to consider buying late model caravans from about 1998 onwards for re-sell. Buy one at £2000 clean it up and sell it for £3000 with a 3 month warranty. Then buy one at £2500 and do the same. They buy at £3000 and do the same etc. Try and avoid old run down caravans as you want a quick turnaround and don't want a £2500 caravan parked on your lot for weeks on end. Once you get into the £8000 bracket use the money to buy two or three £2500 caravans. Akways keep the seaason in mind. Late year is good to buy and early year is good to sell.
Hopefully you find this useful and I am not telling you something you already know.
I have email most of the big dealers enquiring about buying their trade ins also making them aware that i will be stocking used parts , i also now have a website under construction thanks to my brother , i will be making mobile and sited servicing companies aware of my business , and will be looking through all avenues of getting my name put around,, but if im missing out on other ideas please shout up,,
Quote: Originally posted by staticupvcglazing on 03/3/2011
Quote: Originally posted by Surfer01 on 03/3/2011Have you do any market research or a survey to establish demand. It is all very well peopel saying they woudl sue your services ,but this may only be once a year. Contacts is the name of the game.
No , thats kind of what i was attempting here TBH
thanks nige
Unfortunately although the forum may have thousands of users only a small number post constantly so any results will be extremely flawed.
You need to register on several caravan forums but when doing so advsie it is as a trader. I also suggest that you consider setting up a website so you can supply links to the forums. This will enable to see what sort fo caravans you are breaking. You will also need to start advertising in a magazine like Practical Caravan and also to have links of any caravan related websites like caravan finder preloved etc.
It takes a SME about 2 years to start to break even and develop so you will need to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover yourself for that period of time.
As spares will be only part time, it may be an idea to consider buying late model caravans from about 1998 onwards for re-sell. Buy one at £2000 clean it up and sell it for £3000 with a 3 month warranty. Then buy one at £2500 and do the same. They buy at £3000 and do the same etc. Try and avoid old run down caravans as you want a quick turnaround and don't want a £2500 caravan parked on your lot for weeks on end. Once you get into the £8000 bracket use the money to buy two or three £2500 caravans. Akways keep the seaason in mind. Late year is good to buy and early year is good to sell.
Hopefully you find this useful and I am not telling you something you already know.
Thanks mate, initially i have a budget of £8000 to get this thing off the ground , though i do have a contingency fund(that i only wish to use in desperation)I understand it will be a while before i can start to pull in a wage so im not expecting miracles TBH
I have my eye on measham auctions too as they sell caravans and campers of all years and prices , i also do a bit with commercial vehecles , vans and have done buying and selling of them, so can combine both, also done a bit with old vw campers and beetles so could throw some of that in too in quiet periods.. the main thing is keep paying the rent , Am i just confusing the issue now ?
Quote: Originally posted by staticupvcglazing on 03/3/2011
I have email most of the big dealers enquiring about buying their trade ins also making them aware that i will be stocking used parts , i also now have a website under construction thanks to my brother , i will be making mobile and sited servicing companies aware of my business , and will be looking through all avenues of getting my name put around,, but if im missing out on other ideas please shout up,,
thanks Nige
Forget email biggest waste of time for contacts. More than likely some clerk has read it and binned it. You need to meet the dealers face to face for the best rssults, but before you do this make sure you have business cards with landline number, mobile number address, email and website address.
The dealers that are further afield select those that have a number of branches and go and see them. The rest phone and ask for the name of the service manager and send them a brochure. With all always follow up with a phone call at least once every fortnigt to build up a rapport betweeen you and the service manager.
BTW there is a niche market open in caravanning. I am sure many people would happily pay up to £100 to have their awning cleaned and re-proofed instead of having to buy a new awning.
go to www.eeco-ltd.co.uk and they will make you one by doing a copy of the other side.means removing and sending away your wheel spat.price??? ,you can ring for quote.
Hope the venture is going well. We could do with having a chat as we may be able to help each other out here. Have a look at my website Topaz Auto Services
Hi, What about looking into the local goverment scheme.for starting a small business,should get a lot of info there,and could get some grants,to help with the set up,and running your business( think there was a small weekly wage in the package, but not certain!!!!!) if you have not approched them yet It may be worth while to give them a try. the very best of luck to you.
------------- If everything runs smoothly then I must have done something wrong
If in Doubt Check it Out.
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: establishing a caravan breakers west mids
- I can't get one anywhere - tried every breaker I can find on the net - scumbags nicked mine off the van!! We've done loads of diy on our van and it's all been online as we couldn't find a local breaker
