ANYbody know what happened to them. Website is gone and all contact numbers are invalid....

 

Sure, well it says Its Under Construction....

http://www.minifini.com/

I think they have too much time on their hands---they need to get the products they've promised out rather than improving their website...if that's the case. LOL

Strange that you say the numbers don't work anymore.


Richard

 

Yeah its very strange. I sent an email off to Outmotoring cause it seems they don't list any MINI FINI products any more, and I just called Classic MINI in Ohio and they said they order their products from BMW anyways, so whatever happened to them, you can still order products.

I've been thinking of ordering the bike rack for a long time since I already got the Sport Link---wouldn't be cool if it become unavailable. LOL.

 

I wouldn't be surprised if those folks have gone out of business

Their core business was built around supplying accessories thru exclusive MINI dealership distribution channels, using BMW/MINI part numbers. I think they could not sell their stuff directly to the public, except to people residing outside of the United States.

They began with the CupLink cup holder and the center armrest. Notice that since 2003, MINI has come up with their own OEM Cupholder and armrest designs, totally eliminating the need for the MINIFINI product.

I think their bike rack was pretty neat but expensive.

One of their executives used to live here in Miami and I actually got to meet her in person in late 2003. I think she left the company over a year go.

Too bad.

 

Last month i ordered a sport link from outmotoring.com. The shipment was short some plastic covers for the locks (I know this because they are described on the parts list). Anyway, here is a portion of an email I received from outmotoring.com in regards to their efforts in trying to complete the order and get me the missing parts:


From: Out Motoring Shipping Department <shipping@outmotoring.com>
Date: Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:56:16 PM US/Central
To: feinstei@swbell.net
Subject: MINI Fini bike rack missing parts

HI Steve, we placed an order the missing parts to your bike rack but have not heard from MINI fini and it turns out they decided to shut down for a month and not tell any of their dealers which is extremely frustrating. Did you by chance already recieve the shipment from them?..... WE'll get it ironed out as soon as we can.

best,

Andrea C.
Office Manager

 

Sounds like MINIFINI suddenly went out of business.

 

So MINIFINI is FINI.

 

I stand corrected. Outmotoring IS still listing the MINI FINI bike rack. I somehow missed it during my search.
http://outmotoring.com/mini_fini_spo...bike_rack.html

I also got an email back from Aaron of OutMotoring stating that he spoke with the owner of MINI FINI last night that they are not out of business and the supply of their products will continue without problems.

I'm really glad to hear that. As a Sport Link owner (currently borrowing the bike rack attachment from a friend) it's the best solution out there, especially if you install it yourself and save tons of $$ on labor. Look at this pic--no need to worry about forgetting to drive into my garage with the bikes on the roof or scratching it by hoisting it up after a tiring ride!

 

I got the MiniFini cupholder anyway. OEM holds my drinks, and the MiniFini either sports whatever I need a holding place for, or drinks for my passengers.

I seem to have a lot more passengers in this car, than ever before in my previous 5 years of car ownership.

 

..yes, all is well, or will be well with MINIfini in a few months. They had some hiccups that hurt their business structure (the original owner/originator of the whole MINI fini line had medical issues) which was compounded by some one or two of their key employees (like our main contact) moving on AND combining their moving their production and warehousing...everything is in a mess but they're still manufacturing product and supplying MINI dealers and Out Motoring...

PS, Steve, I got the rubber gaskets out for you yesterday once I finally got through to the new owner. He sent them Priority mail, so they should be there tomorrow. Thanks for your patience on this.

best,

 

Thanks for the update Aaron! That's sure a load off my mind.

 

Aaron, thanks for the info. I'll look for the package.

 

Okay Aaron, got 'em. Thanks.

 

OctaneGuy, I am also glad to hear it because I was planning on getting one and then persuading you into giving me a hand installing it once my health improves!

 

Hey Rick!!

Wooah sorry for the extra late reply--never saw this until today.
Sure, I'll be happy to lend you a hand! Just let me know and we'll get together buddy!!

Richard