Discussion:
Aquiring a parts account

My partners and I recently started a service company and are having a hard time finding a vendor for parts. Most of them telling me that we need to be open for at least a year before being considered. I was inquiring as to how anyone is able to obtain an account. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
  • Posted 25 Nov 2009 01:34
  • Discussion started by CGMI
  • Illinois, United States
Showing items 1 - 8 of 8 results.
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"
  • Posted 8 Dec 2009 10:32
  • Reply by SirWorkalot
  • Tennessee, United States
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 !
  • Posted 8 Dec 2009 10:27
  • Reply by SirWorkalot
  • Tennessee, United States
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!
  • Posted 8 Dec 2009 10:22
  • Reply by SirWorkalot
  • Tennessee, United States
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.
  • Posted 8 Dec 2009 01:35
  • Reply by amanda_n
  • Illinois, United States
www intellaliftparts com
  • Posted 3 Dec 2009 13:09
  • Reply by M_VANDENTOP
  • Michigan, United States
shoot your supplies some money up front it works
  • Posted 3 Dec 2009 09:21
  • Reply by towmotor
  • Ontario, Canada
That is pretty much where we are at now. Verbatim. Thank you for your insight.
  • Posted 25 Nov 2009 09:23
  • Reply by CGMI
  • Illinois, United States
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...
  • Posted 25 Nov 2009 07:48
  • Reply by mike_n
  • Alberta, Canada

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