Mine should be here soon! Looking forward to installing them.

 

Gretch, it makes you fog/driving lens look like crap by comparison! Hahaha!

 

I had offered him at one time to become a distributor here. He wasn't ready for it then. But it scares me to hear that he does not respond to his exisitng customers and would not want to be caught in the middle.

I agree, though, that it is very hard to build a business for the 928 community. I have spent countless hours locating unique or rare items, dealing with the vendors, getting the products here, photographing them, entering them into the online store, listing them on ebay and paying all the fees for store, ebay, PayPal, Rennlist sponsorship, etc. -- but it's not that 928-related items sell like hotcakes.

For example, I learned the hard way that the market for 928 models is very small, and many owners will only buy, if it is exactly the same type AND color of car they own. At the same time it is impossible for me to find and stock models of every type and color. I have hardly sold any of the purple S4 models (not that I expected them to be a big hit)...

Similar issue with books - in order to pay for the expensive overseas shipping and deal with the weak dollar, I have to sell quite a few of a book to break even. I barely achieved that on the German books, after a few of the initial "wanters" flaked out (and I still have a stack of those books). Of the British 928 Buyers Guide I have sold little over 10 so far and am still in the red as I'm writing this.

The night before an event (while you are sleeping), I spend three hours or so gathering inventory, printing price sheets or displays, and packing the car. I arrive at the event tired and have little time to socialize. In the end I make a few dollars profit that often don't even cover the cost to get there.

So why am I doing this? I think what keeps me going so far is my enthusiasm for the 928, my own drive to collect anything related, and that I get to meet lots of neat people at the events or through the Internet sales. In fact, it really is the interaction with people who have a similar appreciation for the 928 that makes it worth while (thanks to all the Rennlisters, among others!). I can say that I have been in touch with 928 owners from more than 15 countries around the globe, including unusual places like Iceland (owner has an '89 S4 with 25k original kms).

I think us small vendors all share one problem: Our products are luxuries - not necessities like the stuff that makes most of the big three's revenue. We put a lot of time and dedication into the business, and find that there is very little return. Eventually it becomes a passive hobby, we focus on other things in our lives, and eventually the business fades away. Then everybody wonders why there is nothing available for the 928...

 

Ouch.
You're assumptions are incorrect and insulting.
I'm not impatient. I completely understand the small-business model - I have a small business I run on the side as well. I have no staff. I have another "day job". I have a "life". I'm working hard too.
I completely understand that he is not in the states, which requires more shipping time. I also understand the possibility of them being out-of-stock. My point was that he did not respond to my simple e-mail inquiry about the "status" of my order. I was not rushing the point, I just wanted to know when I might expect them. No response....until...this past weekend that the items were shipped; I should get them this week.

 

I was simply remembering Andy Keel's comments about how frustrating it was to have1000 e-mails every week, and no time to answer them, and the phone ringing constantly, as well as having a life... I'm not saying it's unreasonable to expect a response. But I also know that your e-mail is probably not the only one. And some of them may not be too nice. And next thing you know, turnclear will be going away just like the Supermodel kits...

 

The big question is when this event should take place.

Innovators and Inventors are often not the greatest businessmen or salesmen.

Businessmen and salesmen are commonly not the greatest innovators & Inventors.

Ron Popeil may be the exception, but haven't yet seen a 1-800 number to buy an Ronco 928 Superdupercharger kit or to be fair to all, the Ronco 928 Blowtime Turbo kit or the Ronco Stroke it an Forget it set up.

Most people will not think about setting appropriate expectations in advance, whether buyer or seller. The guys selling brand new products should at least make efforts to keep customers aware of delays, etc. Likewise the customer should anticipate delays.

At some point in time, it should become apparent whether a sales partner of some sort should be brought in.

Not many people want to buy an alpha-phase development product. Some don't mind beta. New build ideas of individuals seldom classify in this manner, but to some degree we should recognize that this is what is going on.

I can't imagine bringing in a retailer or distributor for a product that is not ready for the common market, chock full of the expectations and demands of the masses. Before this stage of readiness, what you see is what you get - which is actually the global response to this entire thread & related posts.

If someone were to appoint me referee, I woundn't call a foul on either side.

Thanks for listening or ignoring.

Peace.

 

All these people really need, is one person in charge of answering the phones, and answering e-mails.
Even if the response was that he is busy, or production is delayed, at least the person on the other end,
can know what's up, and can decide to wait, or cancel the order, etc... But at least they would be in the loop...

 

that made me chuckle becasue if my wife ever knew what ive had in the oven or dishwasher...

 

You are amused......good for you..........

 

Damn, I want some for my early car!

 

That's the sad thing about new parts Gretch...

You put on one new shiny part, and next thing you know, you are replacing all the other old parts...
One polished supercharger, and the next thing you know, valve covers are getting powdercoated, etc...

Actually, the first thing I replace, when buying a used car, is all the lenses.
It is one of the primary visual cues of a car's age.
Look at new cars...
Their lenses are glossy and shiny. But on an older car, they have swirls
from car-washes, chips from stones and road debris, and the plastic
fades. Toss on a set of new tail-lights, new turn signals, etc, and you
will be amazed at how much newer any old car looks...

 

We are going to manufacture lenses to the early 928 within a short future.
If you send me an email with your interest, i'll save your address and get back to you when they are ready for delivery and ordering.

Thanks,

Joakim

 

Hey Keith, Just for you man. I'm sure you'll catch it.

 

Now she looks anatomically correct Good job Joe!

 

Keith,
Can't believe you still have those dated orange side markers - whats up !
...plan brewing...?

Hey another topic - those cool looking intake tubes you put on - where did you go to get them & what is the material? Mine are pretty shot and I need to do something new - the factory versions are pretty crap - fall apart in no time flat... think I need to go to your Plan B - any downside/regrets?

Alan