Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 16:40:30 GMT
|
Not sure if this is allowed here, but it is retro car related, if its not mods please lock/move  I'm currently thinking on setting up a small online shop to get some extra money, but want to do some research to see if there is a market for the stuff i intend to sell its going to be selling mainly Japanese made hand tools, screwdrivers ratchets etc, made by the likes of Vessel, Nepros, Deen and Koken, as they are currently hard to find in the UK (Japanese tools are very good quality, and reasonably priced) JIS screwdrivers and screwdriver Bits are going to be some of the first items i will sell, as there near impossible to get here, i'm sure anyone who has worked on a Japanese car knows all about them (there the reason so many crosshead fasteners on Japanese cars are rounded off, as JIS is a bit different from Philips or pozidriv) I would also be selling some European and American made tools, and releasing fluid sprays etc, like Kroil, PB blaster etc (similar to plus-gas) as you can't buy them here at the moment. i have more research to do but wondered if there would actually be a market for these things, enough to warrant me selling them some pics of the type of thing i should be selling if it works out    |
| |
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
|
|
|
|
Japanese ToolsDeleted
@Deleted
|
Aug 30, 2012 16:55:53 GMT
|
|
They look a bit fashionable to me. Those ratchets don't look like they'll appreciate being hit with a club hammer, for example.
|
| |
|
|
Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 17:01:51 GMT
|
They look a bit fashionable to me. Those ratchets don't look like they'll appreciate being hit with a club hammer, for example. true  those aren't there "normal" ones though, I should have posted pics of there plain ones, as there usually just chrome handled  They are fantastic quality though, on par with snap on etc |
| |
Last Edit: Aug 30, 2012 17:02:46 GMT by Ratchet
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,842
Club RR Member Number: 174
|
Japanese Toolsstealthstylz
@stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member 174
|
Aug 30, 2012 17:43:50 GMT
|
|
Unless they're significantly cheaper and have a better warranty I can't see there being a massive demand for them i'm afraid.
Matt
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 17:55:03 GMT
|
You get away with anything because of the TF2 reference in your avatar ETF2L S13 coming soon, can't wait  Anyway, from a business point of view you need to consider what hole in the market these tools are filling, are they hard to get? Is there a demand for tools of Japanses origin? Can you create a demand if there isn't one? Tool using folk tend to be a touch more practical than those of us who are happy to spend sums of money on pointlessly authentic things (like JDM wheels yo!). If a spanner works then it doesn't matter if it is Japanese or English or Czech or whatever, it then comes down to price/quality ratio. |
| |
|
|
Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 18:29:28 GMT
|
Unless they're significantly cheaper and have a better warranty I can't see there being a massive demand for them i'm afraid. Matt not particularly cheap, but they do have a lifetime warranty (well koken and vessel do) You get away with anything because of the TF2 reference in your avatar ETF2L S13 coming soon, can't wait Anyway, from a business point of view you need to consider what hole in the market these tools are filling, are they hard to get? Is there a demand for tools of Japansese origin? Can you create a demand if there isn't one? Tool using folk tend to be a touch more practical than those of us who are happy to spend sums of money on pointlessly authentic things (like JDM wheels yo!). If a spanner works then it doesn't matter if it is Japanese or English or Czech or whatever, it then comes down to price/quality ratio. didn't think anyone on here would get the reference, play it often? havent played for a while but need to again as i want to see what the Mann vs machine thing is like. Very good points, They are hard to get here, but whether there is a demand is yet to be seen. I know JIS screwdrivers and a few other tools that seem to only be made by Japanese companies will sell, but in how big numbers I'm not sure, the likes of these engineer brand screw removal pliers (which are really useful, i bought a pair a while back)  They also have an amusing name "Neji-saurus" and the adverts are, well.. somewhat... Japanese I will admit I'm a bit biased as i use tools daily in my job (technician) and try not to buy "cheap" tools as they have caused me issues in the past, but on the other hand some guys don't care so much and prefer spending less money I may be able to make a little demand for them, will have to work on it though Oh as an aside some Toyota official tools are made by vessel (you can buy them via a Toyota dealership) ![]() i48.tinypic.com/jrwn7k.jpg[/img] I'm not expecting to make a fortune on them really, as nice as that would be, but a little extra coin to fund my vehicular projects |
| |
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 18:53:54 GMT
|
Those ratchets don't look like they'll appreciate being hit with a club hammer, for example. You hit your ratchet with a club hammer?  |
| |
2 X Rover 'Wedge' 400's
Montego 2.0 MDi Countryman
1996 Rover 216 Cabriolet
Rover 75 V6
2002 45 K-14 Impression
*WANTED* - Crypton Cadet System 700 - PM with details.
|
|
stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,842
Club RR Member Number: 174
|
Japanese Toolsstealthstylz
@stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member 174
|
Aug 30, 2012 19:00:52 GMT
|
|
Doesn't everybody?
I definitely think the screwdrivers will sell. Don't think the ratchets would unless they were in some sort of scene bummer type colourscheme so people could take photos of themselves working on their drift y0! JDM car with their drift y0! JDM tools.
|
| |
|
|
Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 19:24:46 GMT
|
Doesn't everybody? I definitely think the screwdrivers will sell. Don't think the ratchets would unless they were in some sort of scene bummer type colourscheme so people could take photos of themselves working on their drift y0! JDM car with their drift y0! JDM tools. Yeah, those ratchets are kinda too pretty to use, (they come in a wooden display box, yeah really) and there aren't many tool polisher types on here id wager could probably sell some to the real fanatical JDM fanboi's though The screwdrivers however definitely have some sort of market, mainly as not many even know the standard exists, i used to blame curse word fasteners, when it was down to me not using the right tool, and I'm sure everyone on here knows how annoying rounded crosshead screws are One of the main reasons I started thinking about selling Japanese tools, was that i was working at a Honda dealer and trying to find the drivers was a nightmare, in the end i imported some from America which cost me an arm and a leg in shipping weirdly there is a european division of vessel tools (who i have been in contact with), but no one sells them in the UK, |
| |
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 19:27:58 GMT
|
|
I'd probably buy screwdrivers. I think there could possibly be a market but it'd be a small one. Personally, I like having really good quality hand tools as it makes the work much more pleasant but I think most people are happy to use stuff from halfords as it's pretty good quality and a reasonable price.
|
| |
1962 Datsun Bluebird Estate - 1971 Datsun 510 SSS - 1976 Datsun 710 SSS - 1981 Dodge van - 1985 Nissan Cherry Europe GTi - 1988 Nissan Prairie - 1990 Hyundai Pony Pickup - 1992 Mazda MX5
|
|
|
|
Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 19:38:11 GMT
|
I'd probably buy screwdrivers. I think there could possibly be a market but it'd be a small one. Personally, I like having really good quality hand tools as it makes the work much more pleasant but I think most people are happy to use stuff from halfords as it's pretty good quality and a reasonable price. That's one issue, a lot of the made in Taiwan stuff is great quality these days, (unlike 95% of made in china tools) and no way could i compete with the likes of halfords (i actually have some of there tools which are great quality and value) so would be aiming mainly towards small volume sales of "specialist" automotive type tools that aren't so well supported over here. |
| |
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 19:50:26 GMT
|
Doesn't everybody? I definitely think the screwdrivers will sell. Don't think the ratchets would unless they were in some sort of scene bummer type colourscheme so people could take photos of themselves working on their drift y0! JDM car with their drift y0! JDM tools. I think that about sums it up. If you can raise awareness of the fact that the standard exists and is commonly used on Japanese cars, and is different enough to Phillips and Pozi make it worthwhile then you are onto a winner. You may be able to piggyback some other specialist tools like those screw extracting pliers whilst you are at it. I'd be looking at targeting japanese car forums to see what reaction you can get. MX5s, Imprezzas, Skylines and all that* *absolute ignorance of modern Japanese cars and their scenes |
| |
Last Edit: Aug 30, 2012 19:51:18 GMT by ben711200
...proper medallion man chest wig motoring. |
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 20:03:21 GMT
|
I would buy a set of the 3 fancy JIS screwdrivers, but as for the ratchets?? J cars are all metric, even in North America...we can get metric spanners with lifetime warranty for cheapppp |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 20:05:56 GMT
|
|
Guy round our way started with a Renault traffic van selling facom tools from a bag going from garage to garage like snap on. He progressed to a smarter sprinter van then ended up with a fleet before he sold the company and made himself enough money to start a new mini dealership. Any things possible if handled correctly though with the tough times were in not sure how much people spend on tools now compared to a little while ago.
|
| |
 Retro VW Service, Restoration and Kustom Bodyworks
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 22:07:37 GMT
|
|
I'd take a set of screwdrivers. And what sort of price for the pretty ratchets?
|
| |
'95 Toyota MR2 Turbo
'72 Toyota Celica TA22
'74 Mercedes 350 SL
'68 Mercedes W108 280SE
'03 Renault Clio 172
|
|
|
|
|
Aug 30, 2012 23:03:51 GMT
|
|
People buy 'grounding kits' magnets for fuel pipes, and even ready mixed screenwash, therefore if you have something thats ACTUALLY GOOD then it should sell no probs at all! I'd be kind of interested in some Japanese tools. The standard tools that come with Datsuns (pliers etc) are astonishingly good. I use these all day everyday and they are as good as fancy shiny top end stuff. See if you can get hold of accessories rather than just tools though, I mean for example what about some Japanese radiator hose clips, its impossible to get the proper wire hoseclips in this country. Maybe even silly things like air fresheners and stickers, if they're very quirky and Japanese they could be a hit.
|
| |
69 Plymouth Fury Convertible
75 Range Rover 2 door
82 Range Rover 4 door
84 Range Rover 4 door
78 Datsun 120Y 2 door
78 Datsun 120Y Coupe
78 Datsun 620 Pickup
81 Datsun Urvan E23
86 Datsun Vanette van
98 Electric Citroen Berlingo
00 Electric Peugeot Partner
02 Electric Citroen Berlingo
76 Honda C50
04 Berlingo Multispace petrol
07 Land Rover 130
15 Nissan E-NV200
15 Fiat Ducato
|
|
Ratchet
Part of things
The user formerly known as Thomas
Posts: 682
|
|
|
|
I'd take a set of screwdrivers. And what sort of price for the pretty ratchets? ironically its very hard to find any info on those particular ones, they sell a similar type though with a leather handle (yup!) which work out at about £56, not cheap (but look at what snap on ones cost, these are of equal quality) if i can get them i will be selling them though the normal metal handle ones come in about £25 which is more likely to sell People buy 'grounding kits' magnets for fuel pipes, and even ready mixed screenwash, therefore if you have something thats ACTUALLY GOOD then it should sell no probs at all! I'd be kind of interested in some Japanese tools. The standard tools that come with Datsuns (pliers etc) are astonishingly good. I use these all day everyday and they are as good as fancy shiny top end stuff. See if you can get hold of accessories rather than just tools though, I mean for example what about some Japanese radiator hose clips, its impossible to get the proper wire hoseclips in this country. Maybe even silly things like air fresheners and stickers, if they're very quirky and Japanese they could be a hit. True, if people buy that kind of curse word, i should e able to sell something.... i just need to market them well enough> I have thought of stuff like that, (didn't think about the hoseclips though) might well be a good idea, particularly with the amount of "japan fans" there are in the uk now, and the growing mainstream interest in classic Japanese cars Quality control in japan tends to be really high, so most stuff is good (i own a lot of the tools i will be selling in the future) I have a possible contact in japan too which will help as my grasp of the language is 'arbitrary" at best (my other half often used to get 'sent' to work in japan, as the company they work for have a plant there) |
| |
Competition is the law of the jungle, but cooperation is the law of civilization.
1971 vw beetle 1200
1978 international loadstar 1700 4x4
1987 landrover 110
1994 Yamaha FZR600r
2010 honda CBF100GT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
didn't think anyone on here would get the reference, play it often? havent played for a while but need to again as I want to see what the Mann vs machine thing is like. Off Topic : Pretty much every day in one form or another,.. despite appearances car stuff isn't my 'main' hobby, TF2 is although not played MvM yet. From the replys here it seems that there is certainly a market for the tools. Hard work and getting the right promotion in the right place could see you on to a winner with it by the looks of thing |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Never even heard of the JIS type before - a quick peek on google gives this very handy image  |
| |
You're like a crazy backyard genius! |
|
alx
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 367
Club RR Member Number: 21
|
Japanese Toolsalx
@alx
Club Retro Rides Member 21
|
|
|
JIS screwdrivers and screwdriver Bits are going to be some of the first items I will sell, as there near impossible to get here, i'm sure anyone who has worked on a Japanese car knows all about them (there the reason so many crosshead fasteners on Japanese cars are rounded off, as JIS is a bit different from Philips or pozidriv) That explains a lot. Always wondered why the phillips 2 heads were just a bit too big or face angle too steep to fit into the screws in my J cars. Good to know, and I would probably be up for a few of the drivers as they look decent and would prevent rounding out the crossheads. AL. |
| |
|
|
|
|
[*]
