So, I'm a semester away from graduation and I've been itching for a while now to get involved in something other than the normal 9-5 every day. This search of a career outside of the box has had me thinking, and I wanted to get some opinions from the community here, as well as some other forums.

Personally, I have been bit with the mod bug like you wouldn't believe. I see there are many on this forum that are in the same boat. I have been involved in the car community for a while now, and it seems that there is a group looking for parts and customization for almost any vehicle out there. This brings me to my question...

As of now, it seems that purchasing aftermarket parts for our cars, or any cars for that matter, seems to be something that is done almost exclusively online. Though this is convenient, I feel like some interaction is missing. Personally, I'm not a big fan of purchasing parts online without getting to see them in person. But, its pretty much my only option at the moment.

So, is there any desire out there to have the opportunity to see and feel the parts that we are looking to buy in person instead of having to do it all over the computer? Or is this a lost cause because of the availability and convenience of shopping online?

 

I would rather buy in person. Unfortunately there is no in-store option in my area for MINI specific parts. Just general automotive.

 

I just don't know if you can break the mentality of, "I'll save a few bucks and order it online..."

Brick and mortar stores are having a very hard time competing because of employee costs and other overhead... I mean sure everybody would love to see and feel stuff before they make a buying decision, but then they have to pay for and and WHOE NELLY... You want me to pay HOW MUCH??? I can order it online for $5 less... Yes people do think that way...

 

It's difficult to compete with online for a number of reasons. You asked for input and opinions, I have those.

I'm of the era that had only brick/mortar places to get parts and info. I liked that environment, and still do. When I find a local vendor/service place that rocks, I want to see them stay healthy and will patronize them.

And I've also done a lot of business online.

Without offering installation services and gaining that revenue stream, I think it'd be difficult to be competitive with parts sold online.

Online advantages:
Price, as mentioned. Not an absolute, but very often.

Selection, no one store could stock as many options as are available online from dozens of vendors.

Information, I can live-chat on a number of vendor sites; or email back-forth; or, better yet, search for or ask "what do y'all think about product x" on a number of forums and get a lot of information quickly. Or pick up the phone and call the vendor, several encourage potential customers to do such.

Simplicity, no need to drive / go anywhere, during someone's business hours. I can shop from my PC at any hour, and don't have to call / drive to a bunch of places to find something. "Gee, I'd really like a yellow, die-cast R56 MINI for my desk". Online: just a google/ebay search away, done. Locally? Takes longer.

It's true that if I buy online, I'll have to wait a couple of days to get my stuff. But often, that'll still be quicker than locally. I work typical office hours, so weekdays I won't be able to get to some shop while they're open until Saturday. Online: order Monday, it arrives Weds-Thursday, and I"ll have it to self-install for the weekend. Versus spending part of my Saturday tracking it down somewhere.

 

Honestly, I think it would be an effort in vein. I grew up in the brick and mortar era as well, but I'm probably 80% online purchase now, if not more. I'll research what part I want, then once I figure it out, whomever gets me the best price is where I'm going. Once in a blue moon, it's a brick store that has the best price, but usually not. To me, once I've identified the right part, it doesn't matter all that much which store it comes from. It's mostly about who gives the best price. That said, if two places are within a few bucks I'll go with the one I like/know/trust better.

 

Modern day speed shops do exist. But it's not like the days when there were three US manufacturers and Volkswagen, and all the models used a variation of the same big or small block engine. Or flat 4, in the case of VW. These shops are few, and far between. Galpin Auto sports comes to mind. Even they would probably have to special order a lot of stuff, unless you have a Z car or Acura.

 

Like any other business, it is a simple matter of numbers. There is a limit to the number of prospective after market purchasers at any given time. That number is severely limited when it is restricted to one make of vehicle. It is even more restricted when limited to one geographic area with a physical presence. Even more restricting when limited by inventory on hand within those parameters.

The beauty of the Internet is an anywhere presence with little or no inventory. Most Internet stores are simply a third party collection agency where the goods are ordered and shipped by the manufacturer after being sold on the Internet by a marketer.

If you are going to establish a physical presence in today's world, it better be in a unique product with limited availability and supply or just simply a convenience item that does not lend itself to less than high volume shipping. The day of stick/bricks retailers selling products other than "must have today" items is over. Just ask Best Buy who are rapidly heading to bankruptcy.

 

We actually stock about 90% of what you see on our website here in our building and have it avail for anyone to see. This is our big advantage over our competitors as we can ship it immediately. Also when we go to the MINI's on the Dragon and other events we usually bring as much as we can so people can see and touch the parts, many times just seeing a part and comparing it to another will bust the internet BS that is discussed about a product, or prove it to be right.
The downside is that us stocking the parts is very expensive and time/space killers. That is why many vendors don't stock and only drop ship from the manufacture. It does help that we have a full service shop to install the parts, easying the cost of shelf space.
You will also find that many online retailers of MINI parts that this isn't their full time job, also why they don't stock much. This is our one and only full time+ job.
Just let us know what you want.
WAY

 

I like the personal approach of going to a store. My kids used to laugh at me because I tend to make friendly relationships after a few visits. However the one thing I hate about stores is when the sales person says we don't carry that but we can order it. If I wanted to order it, I could have done it online while you were closed and had it by now. I try to buy local but it's soooo much easier at your computer and delivered to your door.