Trailer servicing parts 'package' Opinions?..

[Trailer Guy]

Thanks to SPR and treerat - posted the below in the trade section, but didn't realise that replies wouldn't be able to be posted!


Hi all

I appreciate that there's quite a few of you out there that are looking to service your own trailers, due to economic / time / logisitcal reasons.

I was thinking of putting together a trailer service parts 'package'.

i.e. a single and twin axle Alko one and a single and twin axle Knott one.

I think they'd include the normal bits - i.e. brake axle set (shoes and springs), brake cables, breakaway cable etc.

I'd be able to put them together, work out an appealing and average price, so there'd be no confusion about what a customer would need to order.

Ergo, there'd be one price for a single axle Alko, single axle Knott, twin axle Alko, twin axle Knott.

Do you think it's something that's worth doing and advertising on here?

Your wide and varied opinions would be gratefully received....

[Tim M]

I would be interested in that; even more so if you set up a funky site where I can add or remove bits and bobs I do or don't need. Eg. select a fairly generic trailer setup and be able to remove bits from the order that I don't need/are OK.

[Poly]

Trailer Guy,

I guess I would wonder what else SHOULD be getting serviced but often gets neglected - perhalps hitch? rollers etc. Might just need a tube of grease. Put all that together with a set of instructions (clearly written with photos) and perhaps the option to buy any special tools and you might have something.

Clearly the perfect solution is I put in my model (and or serila number) of trailer and you tell me exactly what I need!

[Ian M]

Unfortunately, like most things in todays world, you will need to be price competitive. Having a very good trailer parts supplier, (that you pointed me towards ) I think that you would be struggling to meet their prices. So there is a challenge.
The other approaches to make yours a standout business is to have a USP, or just damn good service. So either a great web site, or a suitably reactive approach to customer enquiries.
Just my thoughts (after a bit too much tasty grape juice).

[spartacus]

Trailerguy - it's a good idea.

As suggested - if you can add trailers onto the webpage with routine service items, then additional items such as hubs, tyres, etc.

This is the site I currently use: Trailer parts to fit all makes of car drawn trailers and caavans

Remember to add a field window to register as Ribnet member for discount!

[Trailer Guy]

Originally Posted by Tim M

I would be interested in that; even more so if you set up a funky site where I can add or remove bits and bobs I do or don't need. Eg. select a fairly generic trailer setup and be able to remove bits from the order that I don't need/are OK.

Like this idea TimM. Will look at that.

Originally Posted by Poly

Trailer Guy,

I guess I would wonder what else SHOULD be getting serviced but often gets neglected - perhalps hitch? rollers etc. Might just need a tube of grease. Put all that together with a set of instructions (clearly written with photos) and perhaps the option to buy any special tools and you might have something.

Clearly the perfect solution is I put in my model (and or serila number) of trailer and you tell me exactly what I need!

Reckon I could do that too Poly. The 'value add' being in the additional information. Unfortunately, as much as the 'input serial number' idea would be wonderful, I know for a fact that a lot of manufacturers don't even electronically record the serial numbers of the trailers they manufacture themselves, so identifying them that was would be nigh on impossible. I like the thinking though.

Originally Posted by Ian M

Unfortunately, like most things in todays world, you will need to be price competitive. Having a very good trailer parts supplier, (that you pointed me towards ) I think that you would be struggling to meet their prices. So there is a challenge.
The other approaches to make yours a standout business is to have a USP, or just damn good service. So either a great web site, or a suitably reactive approach to customer enquiries.
Just my thoughts (after a bit too much tasty grape juice).

Lubrication for the brain. Never a bad thing Well ref the parts pricing, I've now secured accounts with the manufacturers and suppliers who supply the 'big' names (i.e. Indespension etc), so now getting a price match (especially with the company I pointed you towards ) shouldn't now be too much of a stretch. I'm not too switched on with websites tbh - I did my own, which is fairly basic and does the job, but I'm a 'hammer and spanners' man if I'm honest. Is there anyone on here that does websites reasonably? Will also take on your comments reference comm's and enquiries.

Originally Posted by spartacus

Trailerguy - it's a good idea.

As suggested - if you can add trailers onto the webpage with routine service items, then additional items such as hubs, tyres, etc.

This is the site I currently use: Trailer parts to fit all makes of car drawn trailers and caavans

Remember to add a field window to register as Ribnet member for discount!

Cheers Spartacus, good advice. Yes, I'll definitely look at the Ribnet discount thing, though perhaps I'll be competitive enough!



Well thanks all, your input is very much valued and appreciated.

[oracle]

I'd be interested in that too.

Much happier to go to someone I know and trust rather than trawl the internet each time looking to see who's best on price. I think your reputation on here would go a long way to give people confidence that the parts they were getting were the right ones, genuine and reasonably priced if maybe not the absolute rock bottom available at any one time.

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Trailer Guy

I'm not too switched on with websites tbh - I did my own, which is fairly basic and does the job, but I'm a 'hammer and spanners' man if I'm honest. Is there anyone on here that does websites reasonably?

I think spareribs it the guru

What you need is not overly sophisticated but its complicated enough to mean it won't be cheap. You really need to think through the hassle factor and if it is worth it. People expect fast response, low cost, your undying attention to sort the order your courier (or the customer) buggered up which is only making you £10 etc...

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by oracle

I'd be interested in that too.

Much happier to go to someone I know and trust rather than trawl the internet each time looking to see who's best on price. I think your reputation on here would go a long way to give people confidence that the parts they were getting were the right ones, genuine and reasonably priced if maybe not the absolute rock bottom available at any one time.

+1

[Trailer Guy]

Thank you Oracle and IanM, that's very generous of both of you.

Poly, you have it worryingly accurate - I'm concerned now that I've left my webcam on and you've been laughing at my daily working activities...

as long as you didn't see that private dance I did for the gf, then it's all good..

[SimonCh]

I think this is a great idea Ben, but remember that there will always be random douchebags like me who hassle with stupid requests for small parts, and advice. So no matter how simple you make it, you will still be pestered!

[Trailer Guy]

Being pestered by random douchebags, such as yourself, is part of the joys of running a small business, surely? Anyway, info and guidance is always free!

[wavelength]

that private dance I did for the gf

bugga.... I thought that was personal and just for me

I'd be up for parts purchases simply cos the advice service you've given folk on here has been excellent and a trader with proper knowledge of what he's selling and who ya feel you sorta know and trust is always a bonus.

[Rogue Wave]

+1 for sure Your attitude and aspproach to the forum and it's members deserves to earn our trust. Your Knowledge deserves our business.

BTW I have developed a liking for Stoltz rollers can you het them? when I say liking its more of an obsession really