Help/ Question for 4X4 parts

[QSDT]

Hi guys,

I'm buying a camping store in Yeppoon Qld has good camping range but I want to also get into 4x4 accessories. So my question is what accessories would you expect to find in a 4x4 accessories shop?

Thanks in advance

[long stroke]

Recovery gear and trip requirements, handy 4wd things;)

[Psimpson7]

I guess it depends on how far you want to go but:

Spotlights
Hi lift jacks
UHF and ariels
Fridges
batteries
other electics (isolators etc)
Wiring kits for lights etc
maxtrax ladders or similar
Recovery gear - straps etc
protection equipment.
Snorkles
Wheels and tyres
Mechanical parts like difflocks
Suspension items (shocks)
roof racks and extras
Winches and accesories
Roof tents

I assume you are thinking of the more basic stuff in that list? the first 10 items maybe?

I guess it may be worth looking round an ARB dealer

Some of them would end up being vehicle specific though so you would need to research the market carefully, some are also expensive. I tried to order my list with the more basic stuff first.

Cheers
Pete.

[crash]

I would recommend snatch straps, winch extension straps, tree trunk protectors, rated bow shackles, recovery points,
I can not rememer the name - I think Max Axe - the handle with the interchangeable heads like Axe, shovel etc.
Just a few things off the top of my head.

[Michael2]

1. recovery gear - try something innovative like importing sand ladders
2. lighting - try something innovative like HID
3. grab kits - tyre repair kits, electrical kits (connectors, tape, fuses...), first aid kits.
4. safety - fire extinguishers, reflective triangles, ...
5. communications - vehicle and hand held UHF & aerials
6. fuel & water - aux tanks, bladders, cans, transfer pumps
7. navigation - maps, GPS, sextants (maybe not),

Are you going to try to be a rep for a larger company (ARB, Ironman, Opposite Lock, etc) then you can access their product range.

Are you going to have an online store with discounts for aulro members?

[Michael2]

have a look at -- EE -- Expedition Exchange Incorporated (http://www.expeditionexchange.com/) there is a good selection of innovative stuff on this site that will broaden your customer base, especially if you're opening an online store.

[mcrover]

Maps.....Good maps
4wd training books
Basic reasonable quality tool kits (just hammer, shifter, set of spanners and some pliers would just about do it for $20 or so)
Basic recovery gear for sure
Tyre Deflators
Good quality 12v air compressors
Tyre repair kits
tubs of grease
Tow balls and hitch pins
CB/UHF radio's (mounted and hand held) and spare Mics for the most common, Uniden/GME etc etc or at least micro switches.
Solder and Gas powered soldering iron/blow torch (great for starting a wet camp fire)
Waeco/Engle power cables or at lease the plugs so you can do a running repair.

I would go about making contacts in the area for good vehicle repairers/Tyre suppliers and fridge repairers etc so that you are a one stop info shop even if they buy nothing, they may just come back while their rig is getting fixed.

Also make sure the locals know that you know where to get just about anything so that people will be sent to see you first.

These are things that freinds and myself have not been able to get easilly when weve been away and most are not very expensive to hold in stock.

[Utemad]

Given that it is in Yeppoon and its proximity to Rockhampton, is there a big enough customer base to support another 4wd accessory shop assuming that Rocky already has ARB, TJM etc stores. I don't know what currently exists in Rocky or Yeppoon for that matter.

I think I would continue with camping gear while adding general 4wd accessories. Such as general recovery gear and other non vehicle specific accessories. Possibly even accessories that are vehicle specific but do not require installation like water bladders.
The store probably already sells fridges but if not then look into that. Everyone wants a fridge.

If it is warranted further down the track then go into whatever other accessories then.

[Xavie]

I think the cheaper fridges like waeco, primus etc..

The only thing is (not knowing you) when I buy something for my landy I want the sales person to know what they are talking about. Definately recovery gear. I have bought a bit of recovery gear from camping stores because tjm and arb etc. are not open.

A good neiche (in my mind) would be selling camping Hammocks. No one in oz sells them and they are getting a good following like landy's. I had to buy mine from overseas and it is very prohibitive ordering like that.

Xav

[QSDT]

Thanks guys some good ideas in there, you know how sometimes you get a mental blank that's what I was having, but now after your thoughts things are now flowing again.:D

[weeds]

i will have to drop in when i'm next visiting my parents in rocky......good luck with the store

[QSDT]

Drop in and say hi that would be good, if the bank pulls it's finger out I should be the owner by the 3rd Nov 2008:D

[Shonky]

I guess you could split 4WD gear into two categories;

- Gear that is vehicle specific and requires proper installation. (eg bullbars, wheels/tyres, snorkels, sidetsteps, winches etc)

- General gear (Spotties, recovery gear, GPS/SatNav, Hi lifts etc)

I suppose it depends on your resources as to wether or not you take on the first category. The second category is all off the shelf stuff so not so risky or expensive to supply/fit etc.

[87County]

don't forget to stock Trangias, (the most convenient fuel cooker since whenever), the real stuff that is, not the Chinese clones (which are hopeless in comparison)

[UncleHo]

G'day QDST :)

First of all, after taking full inventory of what is in the store, and checking the order books, you should have a fair idea of what your stapple lines are and what your customers general requirements are, then introduce, the new lines, most importantly would be a good selection of good quality first aid kits from small to comprehensive, then followed by vehicle safety equipt, reflective triangles, reflective vests, light wands,a selection of LED torches,cycle equipt, then followed by by snatch straps, tree protectors, and basic recovery equipt, all should be Aust standard and rated stamped (shackles), sand ladders maybe a worthwhile addition, but most important of all is a good sales/working knowledge of the products, anybody can sell gear/products, but if you sell service/knowledge, then word will spread quickly.


I would advise caution at this time, as with the current economic outlook the customer numbers may drop as people tighten their belts and holiday less.


cheers

[QSDT]

Yes I've keeping an eye on the world situation :eek: that is just another reason to ask for a wide opinion on stock that would sell and that is looked for. Thanks for all the help guys

[TwoUp]

Hey I must admit i am sales phobic, ie would rather stay away from sales in any form. But..... What to include would be get your beak into all markets. Just browsing here you will find many. Now L/R is a small market,but there are many, go for it! Be known and friendly.

Don't know how much access to the north you can get but would offer (insider) info etc for visitors and combo this with other tourist info and your on your way I reckon.

The "hey come and visit" thingy would pull people from the Highway as well, well it would with me. Not at your place, but in general for the area.

Regards,
PeterW