It took me a year to get the wholesalers to talk to me, You have to get established, sell your dealer bought parts at a 10 percent markup, then when you start buying wholesale, mark up 35%, this will keep your profits in line, than when you get to dealership status, you can mark them up to over 50% mark up, ( i hope i never become one)I like helping my customers, not taking advantage of them, Like I always tell them, "I am in it for the fun"
If you just started, its a good time for you, The economy stinks ,so that means that most dealerships will want to deal with you, just to make the sale, it is alot better now than it was a year ago, when they would thumb there nose at you or purposely try to sabatosh the sale, now they like to have you buy parts, cause its all part of the bottom line, its there job on the line, Competion keeps every one honest, I LOVE IT !
SMH will be your biggest asset, But dont stray away from your dealers,They will be a must for your survival,sometimes you just buy from them to keep the relationship going, sometimes I only break even on a parts sale to keep the customer happy, they are always shopping, so be careful for what you charge, starting out, Its not always in the parts sale where you make the money!
Since you are in Illinois also, if you are looking for reman, contact Charnor Remanufacturing for all your reman parts needs. Engines, Trans, Drive Units, St Axles, St Gears... 800-447-3967.
shoot your supplies some money up front it works
That is pretty much where we are at now. Verbatim. Thank you for your insight.
When I started out, it was all connections.
My first 3-4 accounts were with companies I'd worked for.
Then, I started hitting the wholesalers. People that I'd dealt with, while at other companies, were quite receptive.
Salesmen will move from comapany to company, and will call you up, offering accounts.
There are other dealers that don't care at all, just shop around.
Also, don't expect the lowest prices at first. But, as your volume goes up, the prices will go down.
Hope that helps...